Category: English

Our dragon clan has an ancestral rule. To avoid drawing unwanted attention, no one may reveal their name or identity. Then a dragon woman gives birth to the first true dragon leader who commands the seas and rules all lands. Only then can she be honored as the most noble woman, receiving the love and adoration of all. As the first dragon woman confirmed to be pregnant, I was eager to share the good news with my husband, Kael. To help him restore the wolf clan’s prestige and finally release years of pent-up anger from being oppressed by the bear clan. But when I returned to the familiar wolf den, I saw Kael ingratiatingly presenting a crown to Yuna of the fox clan. The very crown I had been thinking about for three whole years, hoping to wear at our wedding ceremony. Kael’s gaze swept past me indifferently. “Zara, your timing is perfect. I was just about to notify you to dissolve our bond.” I quietly hid the golden dragon pearl that symbolized my pregnancy in my sleeve. My throat choked up painfully. Kael had mentioned to me many times how the fox clan was growing stronger, and that an alliance with them would surely enhance the wolf clan’s reputation. What he didn’t know was that I, whom he considered a useless deer clan partner, came from a family he could never obtain in his entire lifetime. Since he showed no consideration for our marriage, I could only steel my heart and raise the child on my own, leaving the father behind.

Seeing me standing there in a daze, Kael reminded me impatiently. “I see you have nothing urgent. Let’s go dissolve the bond now.” The woman beside him stroked the crown with satisfaction, not forgetting to turn her head and give me a provocative smile. Her eyes seemed to say she got everything I ever wanted without even trying. I didn’t follow Kael. Instead, my gaze fell on a small bundle in the corner. “My things?” Kael looked at me flatly. “Just these. Everything’s packed. Once we complete the ceremony to dissolve our bond, you can go live in that small warehouse on West Street.” “Consider it compensation. At least you won’t be homeless. That’s the last kindness I’ll show you.” That was merely the old warehouse where he used to store worn weapons. Now he spoke of it as some great favor. Yuna put down the crown. “Zara, Kael protected you for three years. Even at our parting, he’s still concerned about you. You should be grateful.” This was my second meeting with her. The first was in Kael’s military tent, where I heard they discussed military secrets for five hours. Looking at it now, all the impropriety had been traceable all along. “Did you win this?” She covered her mouth and laughed shyly. “This crown was the top prize at the Spring Hunt Banquet. I really loved it, so Kael won it for me.” I knew all about this. Half a month before the Spring Hunt Banquet, I had begged Kael no less than three times to compete for the top prize. But he only frowned and scolded me for wanting too much. I never imagined he would personally present my cherished object to another. “It was just a little effort. Your happiness is what matters most.” Kael tenderly placed the crown on Yuna’s head. The two of them looked so affectionate that to outsiders, they truly seemed like a married couple. The dragon pearl in my sleeve burned until my whole body went numb. I was so close to telling Kael we were having a child. He would no longer have to rage about his people being oppressed by the bear clan, no longer have to worry about being unable to revitalize the wolf clan. But the devastating betrayal came one day earlier. I bit my lip, picked up my luggage, and walked out first. Following behind me weren’t just Kael, but Yuna as well. In the hall, he placed his hand under mine for the last time, solemnly and ironically declaring. “I, Kael, willingly dissolve the matrimonial bond with Zara.” Two minutes later, the totems belonging to each other on our chests had completely disappeared, as if they had never existed. I couldn’t snap out of it for a long time. What churned through my mind was how he looked three years ago when he formed the bond with me. To marry me, he withstood pressure from the entire wolf clan council of elders. They said he, the heir to the wolf clan, shouldn’t choose an unknown deer clan woman who offered no help to revitalizing the clan. His father even declared that if Kael insisted, he would strip him of his qualification to inherit the clan leadership. But Kael came anyway, bringing that bond contract, eyes shining as he asked if I was willing. At that time, I didn’t know how much he had sacrificed for this. I simply believed he truly loved me. Looking back now, everything he sacrificed became the reason he could casually discard me today. Because if he could abandon something once, he could abandon it a second time. Yuna swiftly took Kael’s arm and walked toward the bonding platform, tilting her head with an excited smile. “Kael, let’s reserve a bonding appointment. After our wedding ceremony next week, we’ll come immediately to form our bond.” Kael agreed without hesitation. Over the past three years, he never once kept his promise to give me a wedding ceremony. Whenever I brought it up, he always shut me down with excuses. Busy expanding wolf clan influence. Not enough money. No need for ostentation. And so on. Now he agreed to hold a wedding for her more readily than giving me a bouquet of flowers on a holiday. I stared blankly at their intimate backs. My chest throbbed, the pain deepening with each beat.

After Yuna got the appointment card, she called for Kael to quickly prepare the invitations. She raised her eyebrows at me. “Zara, don’t get any funny ideas. Our wedding will be held in the fox clan territory. If you go, you might not come back with all your limbs intact!” I shook my head mockingly. “I won’t go.” Her eyes were full of contempt. “That’s best. Besides, if you went, Kael would be the most unhappy one. You’ve been with him for three years, but you never understood how to be considerate of him.” “Do you know how much pressure he faced just to have a home with you? The council of elders advised him daily to choose another partner. His father publicly scolded him at clan banquets for his short-sightedness. Even the younger clan members privately gossiped that the heir had been bewitched by a woman.” “Every time he couldn’t bear it, he would come find me.” “I always found ways to help him shed all his fatigue. He even personally told me these were things you could never give him.” “He was so exhausted, yet you understood nothing. So if you want to blame him for being heartless, you should blame yourself for being useless.” I lowered my eyes, concealing my resentment. How could I not know about his exhaustion? I just thought what he wanted was to solve the most pressing problems. When the clan lacked food, I secretly contacted old friends to arrange the import of large quantities of grain. When foreign clans frequently invaded, I deployed my private forces to intercept the bear clan’s repeated incursions at the border. When the aging population became increasingly serious, I quietly brought in hundreds of young wolf clan descendants from exiled scattered groups to strengthen his bloodline. Every crisis was handled by me. But what he saw each time was Yuna massaging his shoulders, softly coaxing him with gentle words. While I said nothing, never asking about his worries, just silently cleaning up the problems. He’d worry all night, then wake up to find help had fallen from the sky and think it was good luck. I lowered my eyes, hiding my unwillingness. “Yes, so he chose you as his capable wife. I hope you can satisfy him.” The environment in the West Street warehouse was worse than I imagined. The only clean space was barely enough for me to lie on my side. I held the dragon pearl and couldn’t sleep all night. Before dawn the next day, I endured the pungent dust and cleaned thoroughly. While moving wooden boards, Kael’s cold voice came from behind the stone wall. “Zara, how much longer will you be busy?” When I turned to look, he was covering his nose, having stood there for who knows how long. “Do you need something?” He paused. “I seem to have left a seal here. Yuna says she can’t find it at home.” The object used to summon internal dissidents within the clan was hidden by me in layers at the bottom of the wheat barrel. “In the wheat barrel.” “Where are the training methods for messenger pigeons recorded?” “In my head.” Kael was startled, obviously thinking I had trained the messenger pigeons based on methods I’d obtained. “Then could you write down the methods? Yuna wants to learn.” I took a deep breath and helped him in the end. But there was no ink or paper in the warehouse, so I had to return to the Kael residence with him. Beside the inkstone, more than sixty letters were impossible to ignore. The first letter was a thank-you note from Kael to Yuna, full of admiration and completely inappropriate. I remembered very clearly that day Kael received news that the leopard clan was invading the border. When he arrived, there were already many casualties. The leopard clan had shouted the night before that they would seize a piece of land, but the next day they suddenly retreated in disgrace. And Yuna happened to pass by the border at that moment. Kael didn’t know it was I who secretly called people to expel the leopard clan and issue warnings, securing many days of peace at the border. In his eyes, all he saw was me. A deer with improperly grown antlers. Doing nothing but laundry and cooking every day. No help with internal stability. No help with external pacification. I didn’t explain, enduring everything silently and maintaining this persona. As soon as my pen stopped, Yuna’s crying voice suddenly came from outside. “Where’s my little shawl? The one Mother brought from the fox clan, my favorite!”

Kael rushed forward to comfort her. “Don’t worry, we’ll find it slowly.” Yuna looked around with red-rimmed eyes, then looked up and spotted me about to leave. “Zara, you haven’t finished moving your things? Did you come back to get something?” Seeing that Kael didn’t defend me at all, I said flatly. “Finished moving. Leaving now.” But Yuna suddenly seemed to remember something. “I remember Kael saying you’re good at weaving clothes. Since you’re here, it’s perfect timing. Help me weave a little shawl. I need to wear it at my wedding ceremony.” I shook my head decisively. “I won’t weave it.” Kael walked over, his tone seeming persuasive. “Zara, there’s no need to be so petty. If you help, I’ll give you that biggest pot in the house. I know you love cooking.” My heart immediately stung. I was the youngest princess of the Dragon King. Before marrying Kael, I had never touched any household chores. After marriage, to be a capable wife, I studied culinary arts and changed up dishes for him every day, making delicious meals. I never imagined that in his eyes, this became evidence that I loved cooking. I refused even more firmly. “No need. I won’t weave it.” Kael thought I was asking for more and sighed. “I know you’re upset. Yuna told me yesterday that you want to attend our wedding.” “I thought about it for a long time. If you’re willing to weave this shawl for Yuna, I’ll agree to let you come as the tailor at the wedding.” “In the future, if you want to make a living with your weaving skills, having served as Yuna’s tailor will be an impressive credential.” I narrowed my eyes. “Does Yuna come from a good family?” Kael nodded without elaborating. I felt a chill in my heart, finally seeing through Kael’s purpose. All attachment left me. “I don’t care about being a tailor.” With that, I started to leave. Just as I reached the door, I ran into Yuna’s mother entering. She was covered in jewels, her gaze arrogantly sweeping over me. “Well, isn’t this the deer clan girl?” She deliberately bumped into me sideways and snorted coldly. “Don’t step through this door again. If you upset my Yuna, I’ll beat you severely.” I didn’t want to spare her even an extra glance. Had she beaten me rarely before? That time when Kael was framed for embezzling disaster relief grain, I rushed around overnight to find evidence. For two nights straight, I didn’t return until nine. She accused me of impropriety and made me kneel for three days and nights. My knees swelled so badly I couldn’t walk, yet she never offered me even a bowl of water. The time I accidentally broke one of her teacups. In front of a courtyard full of servants, she slapped me twice and called me an ill-bred bastard. When Kael came back, she tearfully complained that I deliberately smashed her beloved possession. In the end, Kael gave me the cold shoulder for two days before the matter was settled. My lack of response made her even angrier. She pointed at my back and cursed wildly. “No manners! No wonder Kael doesn’t want you. You deserve it! Talking to you dirties my mouth!” Kael, who was cooking, heard her. He blocked my path with his body, his tone unpleasant. “We’ve already dissolved our bond. There’s no need to make things this ugly, is there?” I looked up to meet his eyes, mine full of complexity. “I’m not the unreasonable one. What right do you have to question me?” He sneered lightly. “Because you couldn’t even handle the mother-in-law relationship properly, making me caught in the middle every day. But as soon as Yuna came in, my mother couldn’t stop smiling. Can’t I see who the problem is?” I clenched my fingers, having no more strength to argue, and walked out without looking back.

After quickly leaving the Kael residence, I used the crescent-shaped reverse scale under my throat to verify again. Seeing the pale golden flowing pattern, I finally felt relieved. This was the most reliable way to confirm the dragon offspring’s existence. In three months, once the dragon fetus stabilized, I could return to my family to nurture the first true dragon leader and become the most noble dragon mother of the four seas and eight wildernesses. Before then, the only thing I needed to do was conceal it. After only two peaceful days, a messenger pigeon suddenly arrived at the warehouse window at dawn. The note bore Yuna’s handwriting: “Zara, there are some pregnancy-preserving medicines in the kitchen. Could they be yours?” My breathing tightened, fear welling up from my heart. When I wrote back, my hand trembled: “The medicine has lost its potency. You may discard it all.” After sending off the pigeon, I urgently activated a simple dragon bone transmission array to send a message to my parents Then I cautiously went to the Herb Hall to verify the fetal age. Strangely, there wasn’t a single person in the main hall. “Zara, what are you doing here?” When I turned to look at Yuna, she was closing the hall door tightly. My tone remained calm. “I caught a slight chill last night. I came to get some medicine.” “You’re really not pregnant?” I stared at her. “Since there’s no physician here right now, I’ll come back tomorrow.” Yuna suddenly grabbed my forearm, smiling without warmth. “Don’t rush off. Since you’re here, let’s verify your condition before you leave.” Before I knew it, a pregnancy-detecting mirror appeared in front of me. In an instant, a round shadow appeared in my abdomen in the mirror’s reflection. Fortunately, it was less than a month old and the beast form couldn’t be seen. “You really are pregnant!” I broke free from Yuna’s surging anger. “This has nothing to do with you. You’ve already overstepped by forcibly testing me.” Yuna closed the distance between us. “How is it not related? You’re carrying my husband’s offspring. I have the right to know whether you’ll use it to coerce my husband!” “I won’t endanger your husband or the Kael family.” “Your guarantee means nothing. As long as the child in your belly exists, you hold leverage over my husband.” Detecting the resolution in her tone, I asked. “What do you mean by that?” Her lips curved slightly upward. “Zara, in my opinion, you should abort the fetus. After that, you go your way, we’ll go ours, with no further entanglement.” “And if I refuse?” “If you refuse, I’ll tell my husband everything truthfully. Based on your understanding of him, you surely know he won’t accept the child in your belly.” The certainty in her tone stung me. I asked incredulously. “Did he say that himself?” She pulled out a wedding invitation, as if she’d prepared it long ago. Every word on it was written by Kael using his life-bound wolf hair brush. The life-bound wolf hair brush was specially made from heart’s blood mixed with neck fur burned to ash. It could only be offered once in a lifetime, only to one’s true love. “Look up.” Yuna called back my scattered consciousness, making me focus on the pregnancy mirror. There it clearly showed that in her belly was an offspring larger than the one in mine, with even the outline visible. “I’m pregnant too, about two months along.” “Kael already knows. He’s so happy he wants to tell the whole world. Every day he personally cooks meals for me, never letting anyone else touch them. “He stays by my side constantly, even accompanying me during training.” “So don’t dream about using the child to win his favor. The offspring in your belly means nothing to him but an optional bloodline. It absolutely cannot make him change his mind!” Two months ago, Kael was suppressing dissidents in the wilderness. At that time, his letters to her were full of longing. The timing didn’t match. Looking more carefully, the outline in her belly didn’t look like a wolf, but more like a dog that closely resembled a wolf. Yuna left one sentence and resolutely departed. “While I’m still being reasonable, you might want to reconsider.”

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At dawn, I treated a female patient. Sophia, 22. She had something stuck into her vagina. The girl on the hospital bed looked a bit like me. Her skin was covered with whip marks, love bites, and some dried white fluid. I sighed at how little she valued herself. But when I removed the foreign object, I froze. It was the bracelet I had bought for Ethan last year. The name on it was engraved by my own hand. The girl smiled at me. “Mrs. Parker, your husband says his life needs a little excitement.” Joanna POV Two o’clock in the morning. I treated a female patient. Sophia, 22. She had something stuck inside her. This kind of situation was quite common. The girl on the hospital bed was young and beautiful. Her skin was covered with whip marks, love bites, and other marks I couldn’t identify. She looked directly at me, without a trace of shyness or embarrassment. I sighed to myself. Young people these days really don’t value themselves. I quickly refocused and got back to removing the object. But the moment it landed in the tray, I froze. It was the bracelet I had bought for Ethan last year. It still showed his name, which I had engraved myself. I instinctively glanced at Sophia. The girl was smiling at me. My throat felt blocked by something. Professional discipline forced me to finish the procedure, and then I rushed into the bathroom to dry heave. Walking out of the operating room, I saw my husband, Ethan, who was supposed to be working overtime at the company. The man’s tall figure had lost its usual composure. His eyes were anxious, and he walked briskly past me without a sideways glance. He didn’t spare me even a single look. I stood there, hearing something inside me snap. Back in the duty room, I washed my hands for a full hour, as if punishing myself. I didn’t stop until my fingers were peeling and bleeding. Today wasn’t supposed to be my shift. A colleague who was on duty got sick and switched with me, giving me the chance to witness this scene. Ethan and I were college classmates. Ethan was famous in the finance department, the wealthy heir to Parker Group, handsome, and good-natured too. Yet he only had eyes for me. I studied medicine. The coursework was heavy, and I often stayed in the library until closing. Every night after closing, he would silently escort me back to my dorm without disturbing me. When I was bedridden with a 104-degree fever, he was the one who carried me all the way to the hospital. “Joanna, be with me.” Back then, I thought he must be the kind of person written about in novels. After all, he was so outstanding. After we got together, his family disapproved, thinking we weren’t a good match. Ethan begged his parents, and we finally got married. Three years after graduation, we married. Four years into our marriage, he treated me very well. When I came home from night shifts, there was always a light on at home, and a glass of warm milk on the table. When I had my period, he would take care of me attentively and buy me painkillers. When we made love, he was always gentle, and afterward he would ask if it hurt. Once I quietly asked him if he wanted to try something different. He pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead. “Joanna, I can never be too careful with you.” Four years of marriage, and we’d barely fought. Even these past two years, when Ethan took over the company and became increasingly busy, often not coming home all night, I never complained and supported him wholeheartedly. In others’ eyes, I was the enviable Mrs. Parker. At colleague gatherings, everyone said I was lucky to have a good husband who adored me. Until tonight, I too thought I was the luckiest woman in the world. My phone vibrated. An Ins friend request popped up. The profile picture was a young woman’s silhouette. I recognized Sophia immediately. I clicked accept. She didn’t say a word, just quietly sat in my friend list, waiting for me to come to her. I opened her posts. The earliest post was from two years ago. This account had many posts, but they all shared one theme: Ethan. I scrolled down. How could I not recognize that hand holding a fork? The man’s wrist still wore the watch I gave him when we got married. That sapphire necklace was from the same brand and series as the birthday gift Ethan gave me last year. Except my birthday gift was a pair of earrings, worth less than one-tenth the price of the necklace. Last month my car went in for maintenance. After my night shift, I was caught in a rainstorm. I called Ethan three times. He kept saying the company was busy and told me to catch a ride with a colleague. Yet Sophia’s post showed he was holding her at that trendy boutique hotel. Tears blurred my face. Sophia wrote in her post, “He says his marriage is too boring. He needs some color.” So to him, I was just a boring person. I sat numbly in the duty room chair all night. Just before dawn, I got off work. When I got home, the house looked just as it had when I left yesterday. Ethan hadn’t come home all night. At this moment, he was probably still holding that woman. I stood at the door for a long time, laughing bitterly. Our marriage had already rotted away. Only I still thought he loved me. I pulled out my phone and dialed my good friend’s number. My good friend Elena specialized in divorce cases. “Joanna?” “Elena, help me draft a divorce agreement.”

Joanna POV When I woke up, it was already evening. Ethan hadn’t come back all day. I instinctively dialed Ethan’s number. The phone rang for a long time before being answered. “Joanna.” Ethan’s voice was low and controlled as always. “In a meeting. I’ll be home later.” As soon as he finished speaking, a moan with a nasal quality could faintly be heard through the receiver. “Ethan, gentler please, I can’t take it anymore.” My fingertips instantly turned ice cold. Ethan’s tone showed no hint of panic. “Joanna, I have to get back to the meeting. I’ll make your favorite foie gras tonight.” He hung up the phone. I opened Sophia’s posts. The post was published ten minutes ago: “Ditched work with the boss. Best feeling ever.” The image showed a messy bed, tagged with a location. The hotel next to Ethan’s company. I closed my eyes. My chest felt like it was being pounded by a blunt instrument, over and over, making me feel suffocated and pained. At eight o’clock, Ethan came home. When he saw me in the living room, his eyes immediately lit up with a smile. “Joanna, why didn’t you turn on the lights?” He glanced at the empty dining table, walked over and kissed my forehead. “Didn’t cook today? Tired?” I nodded. Ethan immediately rolled up his sleeves and went into the kitchen. I watched him put the bracelet on his wrist, skillfully washing and cutting vegetables. The bracelet swayed back and forth until I could barely breathe. Half an hour later, Ethan finished cooking. “Joanna, try these dishes.” He placed the foie gras in front of me. “Didn’t you say you wanted foie gras? Eat more, you’ve lost weight recently.” As he spoke, he habitually replaced the glass of water in front of me with warm water. I lowered my head to eat. Every bite was difficult to swallow. When Ethan leaned over, he exposed an ambiguous red mark below his collarbone. I bit down hard on my fork, forcing myself to swallow that bite of foie gras. “Joanna, why so quiet?” Ethan noticed my silence and looked up at me. “A bit tired.” “Then rest early.” He said gently, “I’m not working overtime tonight. I’ll keep you company.” I lowered my eyes, not responding. I don’t know how I managed to finish that meal. After showering, I crawled into bed. Before long, Ethan also finished washing up and came out. He wrapped his arms around me from behind, his hand covering my waist, slowly moving upward. “Joanna.” My whole body stiffened. I saw the bracelet on his wrist again, and nausea instantly surged up my throat. “Too tired today.” I broke free from his embrace, turning my back to him. “I want to sleep early.” Ethan paused, but didn’t force me. A moment later, he sighed, pulled me closer into his arms, and whispered in my ear, “Okay, let’s sleep.” He kissed the top of my head. His breathing quickly became even. I kept my eyes open, staring at the ceiling. I don’t know how much time passed when a slight sound came from beside me. I squinted and saw Ethan quietly walking toward the balcony. The balcony door was ajar. Sounds came intermittently. “Put your hand in. Let me hear.” “Don’t stop.” A woman’s suppressed panting and fragmented moans came through the phone. “What do you call me?” “Sound sluttier.” “Look in the mirror. See clearly what you look like.” Sophia’s voice grew louder and louder, mixed with crying. I curled up under the covers, my whole body ice cold. “The bracelet?” Ethan’s tone suddenly turned cold. “You dare touch my bracelet?” “You want to end up in the ER again? Good thing my wife wasn’t on duty last night, or I’d really punish you.” “Remember your place. Don’t harass her.” I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I rushed into the bathroom and dry heaved. My stomach churned violently. I vomited until tears streamed down my face. The balcony door was pushed open. Ethan quickly walked in, his expression tense. “Joanna, what’s wrong? Where don’t you feel well?” He reached out to help me. I dodged. “Maybe ate too much at dinner.” I wiped the corner of my mouth, trying to keep my voice calm. Ethan frowned, his face full of guilt. “It’s all my fault. Was the foie gras too greasy?” He grabbed his jacket and headed out. “Wait here. I’ll go buy you some lemon water.” The place he mentioned was far from our home. He didn’t hesitate and left directly. I stood in the bathroom, looking at my pale reflection in the mirror. Ethan, if you can still cross half the city in the middle of the night just to buy me a glass of lemon water. Why can’t you keep to the most basic bottom line? You once said you despised men who cheated, said they were brainless animals. But now, you’ve become one of them.

Joanna POV Early the next morning, I got the drafted divorce agreement from Elena and went directly to Ethan’s company. After Ethan became CEO, everyone at the company recognized me as the CEO’s wife. In the past when I came, the receptionist, secretaries, and employees I encountered would all greet me warmly. But today was different. Several employees saw me from afar. Their expressions looked a bit strange. After greeting me, they quickly lowered their heads and walked away. An uneasy feeling arose in my heart. When I reached the top floor, the assistant wasn’t at her desk. The CEO’s office door was ajar. Inside came sounds of suppressed panting, mixed with a man’s low commands. “Take it in. Deeper.” My whole body trembled, as if cold water had been poured over my head. I froze in place. I hadn’t expected that Ethan would dare bring someone to the company. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open directly. Ethan sat behind his desk. His shirt collar was disheveled, and his eyes were reddened. Seeing someone enter without permission, his face first showed annoyance. When he looked up and saw it was me, his expression changed drastically. “Joanna?” His voice was somewhat tense. “Why are you here?” I scanned the room. I didn’t see Sophia. The corner of my mouth twitched. “What, I can’t come to my husband’s company?” “Of course not.” Ethan quickly composed himself, his tone resuming its usual warmth. “If you want to come, tell me in advance. I’ll have the driver pick you up.” I stared at him. He sat up straight, hands resting on the desktop, looking normal. But his expression clearly showed he was enduring something. I suppressed the churning in my stomach and the anger in my heart, placed the document on the desk as if nothing had happened, and said, “Next year’s family insurance needs renewal. Need you to sign.” Ethan took the document. Just as he lowered his head to open the first page, he suddenly groaned and his expression changed. He immediately pressed his lips together tightly. I instantly understood. Sophia was under the desk. My nails dug deep into my palms, almost piercing the skin. A wave of nausea surged up from my throat. I clenched my fists, nails digging deep into my palms, barely suppressing the urge to explode on the spot. But I didn’t. “Sign quickly. I have things to do.” I just pushed the agreement forward. Ethan bit down on his molars. The veins at his temple bulged. He didn’t dare look through it anymore. He flipped directly to the last page and quickly signed his name. I took the agreement and turned to leave. “Joanna.” Ethan called out to me. Since he couldn’t get up conveniently, he could only sit there. “Go wait in the conference room next door. Let me finish this document, and I’ll take you to lunch.” I looked back at him for two seconds. Ethan’s eyes were terribly red, yet he still forced himself to maintain a nonchalant expression. I suddenly smiled. “Okay.” In the conference room next door, I sat on the sofa. Before long, the door was gently pushed open. Sophia walked in carrying a cup of coffee. Her hair was slightly messy, her professional suit somewhat wrinkled, and water stains still remained at the corner of her mouth. Seeing me, Sophia walked straight over, a proper smile on her face. “What would you like to drink?” I looked up, my gaze calmly sizing her up, my tone flat. “And you are?” The smile on Sophia’s face froze for an instant. Soon she softly lowered her eyes. “I’m Mr. Parker’s new secretary. My name is Sophia.” Ethan walked in. He had already tidied his clothes. His suit was immaculate, his hair combed, restored to his composed appearance. Ethan glanced at Sophia with a warning look. Then he walked up to me, his expression gentle. “Joanna, I’m here.” I looked at him deeply. One second ago he had hidden his mistress under his desk, and the next second he could stand in front of me calling my name. “How come I’ve never seen this secretary of yours?” I asked jokingly. Ethan frowned, turned his head to look at Sophia, his tone turning cold. “She just started. Doesn’t know the rules. I’ll punish her.” Sophia immediately lowered her head. “It’s my fault.” I looked at her obedient appearance and sneered inwardly. I didn’t know what method he would use to punish her.

Joanna POV At noon, Ethan took me to the restaurant we frequented most. Ethan ordered several dishes I liked and carefully instructed the waiter about how well-done the steak should be and what foods I couldn’t eat. I had no appetite and didn’t eat much. Seeing I wasn’t happy, Ethan gently coaxed me to eat a few more bites. We had only eaten halfway when the private room door was gently pushed open. A server wearing a mask walked in carrying a steak. The server kept her head lowered, her cap pulled very low, but I recognized her at a glance. It was Sophia. Ethan obviously recognized her too. His expression immediately darkened. He put down his utensils and immediately scolded, “We don’t need you here. Get out.” Sophia stopped in her tracks. Her eyes instantly reddened. She responded and turned to leave. Before leaving, she couldn’t help but steal a glance in Ethan’s direction. Her aggrieved appearance looked quite pitiful. I quietly watched all this, my heart feeling like it was being cut over and over by something. Less than two minutes later, Ethan couldn’t sit still. He put down his knife and fork. “Joanna, I’m going to the restroom.” I acknowledged, watching his figure disappear around the corner. I knew he was going to find Sophia. So Sophia wasn’t just someone in his bed. She had also been arranged into his company as his secretary. So Sophia’s position in Ethan’s heart had long surpassed being just a mistress in bed. I fiercely pushed the tears back into my heart. Ethan was gone for nearly ten minutes before returning, his face showing satisfaction, the corners of his mouth faintly curved upward. After sitting down, Ethan remained absent-minded. He kept lowering his head to use his phone, a smile hanging at the corner of his mouth. Watching his expression, the familiar nausea attacked me again. I didn’t want to lose composure in front of him, so I made an excuse, saying I needed to go out and return Elena’s call. Ethan was still busy fiddling with his phone. Without looking up, he just waved his hand. “Go ahead, Joanna.” I walked into the restroom. As soon as I pushed the door open, I heard a low buzzing sound from the adjacent stall, mixed with a woman’s uncontrollable moaning. I immediately froze in place. A wave of nausea surged up. I hid in the adjacent stall and turned on my phone’s recording function. Soon, a man’s voice came from the phone on speaker in the next stall. It was a voice message from Ethan. The restroom was very quiet. I could hear everything he said clearly. “Did you come?” Ethan’s voice was low and husky. The woman in the stall didn’t dare make much sound. After a long while, she trembled and said “mm.” “Let me hear you. Don’t hold it in. I want to hear.” The buzzing sound suddenly grew louder. The woman’s panting became more rapid, broken moans escaping through her teeth. “Don’t stop. Understand? You can only stop when I tell you to.” “Ethan, I can’t anymore…” Sophia’s voice was already crying. “Please, turn it off…” “Don’t take it out. Who told you to make your own decisions?” “You know the consequences of not being able to hold it.” It continued in the stall. I staggered out of the restroom and leaned against the hallway wall, my whole body weak. So while eating just now, Ethan had been remotely controlling this. While he was talking to me gently, he was playing with another woman under the table. This was his true face. The man I had married for four years, the man who was so proper in front of me that he had to ask before even kissing me, was actually like this behind my back. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, suppressed all emotions, and returned to the private room. “Elena wants to meet me this afternoon.” I said quickly. “You don’t need to drive me later.” Ethan didn’t insist. He breathed a sigh of relief and gently instructed me, “Okay, I’ll have the driver take you.” “No need. I’ll take a cab.” He didn’t insist further, just nodded. “Be careful on the road. Message me when you arrive. Use my card if you want to buy anything.” I nodded and quickly turned to leave. Walking out of the restaurant, the sunlight hurt my eyes. I raised my hand to shield my eyes, hailed a cab, and went straight to the visa center. I had to leave. Get as far away as possible. For the rest of my life, I never wanted to see Ethan again.

Joanna POV After finishing the visa paperwork, I didn’t go to work. I called the hospital to request leave and went home. As expected, that evening Ethan sent a message saying the company had an urgent project to discuss, he wouldn’t be coming home tonight, and told me to rest early. I glanced at the message and tossed my phone aside. I didn’t care anymore. I pulled out a cardboard box and started collecting my things from around the house bit by bit. In the bottom drawer of the cupboard was a pair of couple’s mugs. Those were from our third year dating. I had seen them while shopping. I happily brought them home. Ethan glanced at them and smiled helplessly. “Joanna, you’re already working. Still playing with these childish things.” Later, I placed the pair of mugs in the most prominent position on the shelf, but Ethan never used them. I used the pink mug until now. The rim was somewhat worn. The blue one had never been used. It looked brand new. I threw both mugs into the box. On the bookshelf were our photo albums. One per year, from dating to marriage, seven albums total. I randomly opened one and happened to flip to our wedding day. Ethan rarely wore the light blue shirt I had picked out, his eyes curved in a smile. That day, he held my hand tightly and whispered in my ear, “Joanna, I’ll be good to you for a lifetime.” The album was thrown into the box. In the vanity drawer was a pair of couple’s rings. Those were bought with my first month’s salary. I picked for a long time and chose a beautiful pair of silver rings. I brought them home with such joy. Ethan really liked wearing them at first. After he took over the company, he stopped wearing his. He said it affected his signing. Later, only when I got angry would Ethan take it out and put it on to make me happy. There was also the scarf I had knitted by hand for two months. It was Ethan’s treasure. He wore it for several years. But at some point, it became something he never used again. There were also couple’s shoes, couple’s pajamas, keychains, and so on. I took them out one by one and threw them into the box one by one. I had no more tears. Being sad over these expired things wasn’t worth it. The box quickly filled up. I sat next to the box, not knowing what I was thinking. After a long time, I leaned against the box and fell asleep. Suddenly, I was awakened by a sound. Groggily lifting my head, I heard movement coming from the master bedroom. My heart tightened. I quietly walked to the master bedroom door. The door was ajar. The scene through the crack made me instantly freeze in place. Ethan was pressing Sophia onto the bed. Their clothes were scattered on the floor. “Darling.” Ethan’s voice was hoarse and low, carrying some playfulness. “You love excitement so much, you had to come play at my house.” Sophia tilted her head back, hooking her arm around his neck, smiling seductively. “Don’t you like it? She’s on night shift tonight anyway, not home.” A crisp slap sounded. Sophia cried out softly, but her face carried a smile. “You’ll change the sheets yourself later.” Ethan leaned down, biting her earlobe. “If my wife finds out, I’ll really punish you.” I thought I wouldn’t be emotionally affected by these two people anymore, but my legs felt like they were filled with lead. I hadn’t expected these two people to keep disgusting me like this. “Got it.” Sophia responded in a low voice. The bed started shaking rhythmically. Sophia’s broken panting spilled from her lips. My gaze fell on their wrists. Both wore identical watches that looked particularly glaring under the light. “I bought this especially for you. You’re not allowed to take it off.” “Okay, I won’t.” Ethan agreed without thinking. So it wasn’t that he was unwilling to use all couple’s items. Sophia’s watch overlapped with my bracelet like that, as if mocking me. I closed my eyes, turned and quietly left the house, stayed at a hotel outside for the night, and didn’t return until the next afternoon. The house had already been cleaned spotlessly. No trace of last night remained. Ethan was wearing an apron, cooking in the kitchen. Seeing me come in, he immediately came over, a gentle smile on his face. “Joanna, you’re back. You haven’t had much appetite lately, so I specially made your favorite cream mushroom soup. Try it.” I didn’t speak. My gaze fell directly on his wrist. The bracelet was still there. That watch was still there too. They were both filthy. Ethan followed my line of sight, instinctively pulling his hand back, explaining with a smile, “All company employees have this. I’m the boss. I have to set an example.” He gently pressed me down onto a dining chair, personally ladled soup for me, and arranged the utensils. I pulled at the corner of my mouth, thinking mockingly, who would have thought that the seemingly gentle Mr. Parker was actually that kind of person in private? After eating, Ethan went to the study to handle business. I also entered the study, moved out the box I had organized last night, and prepared to throw it away. Ethan heard the noise and looked up. “Joanna, what’s in there?” “Some old things I don’t need. They’re just taking up space.” Ethan nodded and didn’t ask further, lowering his head to continue reading his documents. I carried the box out and threw it into the trash. Those things that carried all my expectations and love were thrown away by my own hands. Just like my marriage with Ethan. I would never love him again.

Joanna POV The next morning, Ethan and I were eating breakfast together. My phone suddenly rang. “Miss White, your visa has been approved. You can travel at any time.” Ethan’s chopsticks immediately paused. He looked up sharply, his eyes suddenly tense. “What visa?” I calmly put away my phone, my expression unchanged. “I’m planning to take my annual leave in a few days and go out to relax.” Hearing me say tourism, Ethan breathed a sigh of relief. He put down his chopsticks, held my hand and said warmly, “Where does Joanna want to go? If the company isn’t too busy, let’s go together. We haven’t traveled together in so long.” I just smiled faintly without answering. I knew Ethan wouldn’t go. Ethan gripped my hand tightly. “Joanna, we’ll definitely be together for a lifetime, right?” I looked up at him and asked in return, “Why ask this suddenly? So insecure? Have you fallen in love with someone else?” Ethan immediately shook his head, his eyes so resolute you couldn’t find any flaws. “How could that be? You’re the one I worked so hard to marry. How could I bear to make you sad?” I stared into his eyes. “Then swear it.” Ethan froze for a moment. His Adam’s apple bobbed. After a moment, he spoke, “I swear, if I betray Joanna, let me get cancer.” I sneered inwardly. So men’s vows were this cheap. They could casually make vows, then turn around and trample all their promises underfoot. In the morning, I went to the hospital and submitted my resignation letter to the director. The director looked at the resignation letter, his brows tightly furrowed, trying to persuade me to stay. “You’re one of the hospital’s most talented doctors. In two more years you’ll be promoted. You have a great future. Don’t be impulsive.” “I’ve already made up my mind.” My tone was calm. “I’ll be leaving next week.” The director sighed. Knowing my mind was made up, he didn’t try to keep me further. Shaking his head, he signed the report. At noon, Ethan sent a message saying the company had a big project to discuss recently and he really couldn’t spare the time, so he couldn’t accompany me on the trip. He’d definitely make it up next time. He apologized and made promises, sending several voice messages. I looked at those voice messages without even the interest to open them. I directly locked the screen. I had known this would be the result all along. Just as I was about to put down my phone, Sophia, who had added me as a friend but remained silent, suddenly sent me a message. It was a medical report. Ultrasound showed: intrauterine early pregnancy, 12 weeks + 3 days gestation. I stared at that report, sneering inwardly. Over three months. So Ethan wasn’t going on the trip not because the company was busy, but because Sophia was pregnant and he had to stay here to accompany her. I tossed my phone aside and slumped in my chair. I walked home, my mind repeatedly asking myself, how did my marriage become like this? My love, my marriage, how did they fail so miserably? In the evening, Ethan’s parents called, saying they hadn’t seen us in a long time and asked us to come home for dinner. Ethan drove me back. The Parker family was very wealthy, but my parents were ordinary people. Normally, I could never have married Ethan. But after his parents accepted me, they never held it over me. They treated me quite well. At the dinner table, his mother served me food several times, asking if I’d been tired from work lately and whether I’d been eating properly. I responded politely, but my heart felt heavy as stone. Halfway through the meal, his mother finally revealed the real purpose of calling us back today. “Joanna, you and Ethan have been married for four years. You should consider having a child.” His father nodded along. “Yes, we’d like to welcome a new family member too.” Ethan had always wanted children, but I was too busy with work and in the middle of my career advancement, so we’d never tried for a baby. But in front of his parents, Ethan always took responsibility himself and never put me in a difficult position. This time was no different. Ethan spoke gently, “Joanna and I are still young. We want to focus on our careers first. There’s no rush for children.” But I suddenly put down my utensils and smiled. “Mom, Dad, soon. I used tarot cards to divine the future. Ethan will become a father this year.” At those words, his parents immediately lit up with joy. “Really? That’s wonderful!” His mother excitedly grabbed my hand. “Joanna, if you get pregnant, put work aside. Your health is more important.” Ethan suddenly looked up at me. The guilt and panic in his eyes were obvious. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but swallowed it back. I smiled and responded to his parents, not sparing Ethan another glance. I said Ethan would become a father, but I never said I’d be the one having the child. The baby in Sophia’s belly would call Ethan daddy too, wouldn’t it?

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Liam Bennett took the transplant liver meant for our dying daughter and gave it to his mistress, Sutton. My daughter died. My mother had a stroke from the shock and passed away too. In an instant, I lost everyone I loved. Yet he showed no remorse. He brought his mistress to see me. “Sutton’s condition was more critical. As for the child…” Liam put his arm around his mistress’s waist. “Sutton is pregnant. You’ll adopt her child later.” Sutton rubbed her belly and said with fake sympathy, “The doctor says this pregnancy is stable. Liam is thrilled. You should be happy for him too, right? After all, the Bennett family will finally have a healthy child.” This was murder of the cruelest kind. After they left, I sent a message to a mysterious email address. “I agree to cooperate.” The response came quickly. “Good. My condition is that you marry me.” Celine POV My daughter Lily had been waiting three years for a transplant liver. In the end, her father Liam Bennett gave it to his mistress, Sutton Moore. When I arrived at the children’s transplant center, the transplant confirmation had already been completed. I chased to the surgical corridor and saw Sutton being wheeled toward the operating room. Liam stood next to Director Mr. Davis, his hand pressing down on a modified transplant confirmation form. “Change it back.” I rushed over. “That’s Lily’s liver!” Liam looked up at me, his voice heavy. “I’m Lily’s father. I have the authority to sign.” Mr. Davis immediately lowered his head. “Mr. Bennett also confirmed on behalf of the investors. The hospital is executing according to the new signature.” I, the mother who had watched over Lily for three years, was blocked outside the corridor. I reached out to grab that piece of paper but was stopped by security. “Liam, she’s only five years old! She’s been waiting since she was two. She finally got her chance today!” Liam avoided my eyes. “Sutton took a car crash for me years ago. Her liver damage is a complication from that accident. She can’t wait for the next round.” I stared at him with red eyes. “And Lily can wait?” Sutton lay on the gurney, tears streaming down from the corners of her eyes. “Liam, forget it.” Her voice was soft. “Don’t make Celine hate you because of me.” She said to forget it, but her hand gripped Liam’s fingers. “I’m in so much pain.” She gasped. “I’m afraid I won’t make it.” Liam’s jaw tightened. The next second, he signed his name in the final column of the confirmation form. The operating room doors closed behind Sutton. I was held back by security outside. I watched helplessly as the surgical light came on. The pre-surgery corridor in Lily’s room was quickly dismantled. The doctor looked at the monitors and said quietly. “Her numbers are dropping too fast. Backup treatment can only buy a little time. It can’t replace the transplant.” When Lily woke up, she could barely open her eyes. “Mommy.” She asked softly. “Am I not having surgery anymore?” I held her hand, forcing a smile. “The doctors are still working on it.” Someone outside said the donor liver had been transferred. Lily heard it. She slowly turned her face. “Did Daddy give my liver to that woman?” My throat felt blocked. I could only hold her tighter. Lily’s small hand touched the back of my hand, her strength as light as paper. “Don’t blame me, Mommy. I didn’t wait long enough.” The monitor suddenly shrieked. Doctors rushed in. I was pushed to the side of the bed. The emergency light flashed on and off. Finally, the doctor removed his gloves and couldn’t meet my eyes. Lily never called me Mommy again. On the other end, news of Sutton’s successful surgery came quickly. I stood at the end of the hallway holding the death certificate, hearing an assistant ask Liam. “Mr. Bennett, about Lily… should we go check on her?” Liam was silent for a few seconds. “Don’t release the news yet.” He said. “Don’t let anyone else know.” I looked down at the name on the death certificate, tucked Lily’s small hand back under the blanket, then called my lawyer. “I want a divorce.” The lawyer paused. I looked at Lily’s pale little face and added. “I want to get back what I deserve.” After hanging up, I opened the email Luke Morrison had sent me three years ago. Back then, Luke had invited me to work on a pediatric transplant ethics project. I had stayed for Lily. Now, I replied to that email. “I agree to cooperate. Please preserve the transplant confirmation form and the surgical corridor surveillance footage.” Luke’s reply came fast. “I’ll send someone to get you. Just don’t die at their hands first.” I put my phone down beside Lily’s hospital bed. Outside, Liam’s footsteps stopped.

Celine POV When Liam pushed the door open, I was still sitting by Lily’s bed. He didn’t look at the death certificate first, nor at Lily. He just placed a document on the bedside table. “The hospital will review everything again.” He said. “I’ll add more money to Lily’s fund.” I looked up. “Lily is dead.” His hand paused. “If Sutton had missed this chance, she would have died too.” His voice lowered. “I had to save the person in more critical danger first.” “She waited three years.” I stared at him. “You gave away the chance she waited three years for to someone else?” Liam didn’t answer. He just pushed the document forward again. The paper read “Lily Medical Fund,” with a line showing the new amount below. It was a lot of money, enough to save many children’s lives. I looked at that string of numbers and suddenly remembered the night Lily was born. Liam had waited outside the delivery room until dawn. After Lily was diagnosed, he had also kept watch in the hospital room, asking the doctors over and over if they could find a donor. Back then, every time Lily asked when Daddy was coming, I would say he was busy. Now, with the same hand, he had given away the donor liver Lily had been waiting for to someone else. The sound of a wheelchair came from the doorway. Sutton was pushed to the doorway by a nurse. Her face was as white as paper, still connected to post-surgical equipment. As soon as she saw me, tears fell. “Celine, I’m so sorry. I really didn’t think Lily would…” Before she could finish, she covered her wound and gasped lightly. Liam immediately walked over. “Who told you to come here?” Sutton shook her head, tears hanging on her face. “People online are already cursing me, saying I stole a child’s liver. I can take the abuse, but I don’t want you to be affected too.” Liam’s expression darkened immediately. Mr. Davis followed behind, saying quietly. “Mr. Bennett, the media is already asking questions. We must give them an explanation.” Sutton grabbed Liam’s sleeve. “Don’t force Celine. I can take responsibility myself.” Liam turned to look at me. “Tomorrow at the press conference, you’ll come forward to clarify.” He said. “Say that transferring the donor organ was a decision discussed among family members. Sutton didn’t steal anything. Lily’s condition deteriorated.” I looked at him. “You even want to cover up how Lily died?” Liam’s voice turned cold. “If you make a scene now, Lily’s death certificate will be held up at the hospital.” Mr. Davis immediately added. “The body is still at the hospital. If the paperwork gets stuck, the child can’t leave. Your mother is also elderly. The media attention will affect her.” I looked sharply at Liam. “You’re threatening me?” Liam looked at me. “I’m reminding you not to let Lily be gossiped about even after death.” Sutton said softly. “Liam, forget it. Celine just lost her child. It’s normal for her to hate me…” She urged him to drop it, but her hand never let go. My phone rang at that moment. The caregiver’s voice trembled with panic. “Miss Ashford, your mother found out about Lily. Her blood pressure spiked. The doctor says she can’t take any more shocks!” I gripped my phone, looking at the small body on the hospital bed, then at the people outside waiting for my agreement. I finally spoke. “I’ll cooperate.” Liam visibly relaxed and reached out to support me. I moved away. He didn’t take offense. He just told his assistant. “Give her access to the fund, and transfer some hospital shares from my name to hers.” The assistant nodded and immediately called the legal department. I looked up. “Get everything done today.” Liam thought I was finally willing to accept compensation and agreed. The lawyer arrived at the hospital quickly. Liam sat at the signing table. Legal staff handed documents to his side. I didn’t explain. I just had the lawyer place the divorce page behind the compensation documents. Sutton sat nearby, reminding him quietly. “Liam, will the Bennett Corporation have an opinion about this?” Liam frowned. “She lost Lily. She deserves these things.” I took back the signed documents and handed them to the lawyer. The lawyer said quietly. “The first step is complete.” Liam heard this and briefly looked at me. I had already turned around to tuck in the blanket corner for Lily. That evening, the hospital sent over the press conference script. One sentence stood out most sharply. “Ms. Celine Ashford approves this donor adjustment.” I crossed it out with my pen. Mr. Davis stood beside me and reminded me. “The media will be there tomorrow, and other families will be present too. Miss Ashford, don’t cause us trouble.” I didn’t answer him. I just took a photo of the signed document and sent it to Luke. Luke replied quickly. “Leave the hospital first.” The nurse knocked on the door at that moment and delivered the seating chart for tomorrow’s press conference.

Celine POV When the hospital press conference began, I sat in the center of the main platform. I used to accompany Lily to patient meetings and always sat in the audience, listening to doctors say she still had hope. Now Lily was dead, yet I was pushed in front of the cameras to personally cover up the truth about Lily’s death. Mr. Davis placed the script in front of me, his fingertip pointing to that one sentence. “Read it as written.” I looked at the words “jointly assessed by family members” on the paper, feeling like my throat was clogged with blood. The cameras were already rolling. When I spoke, my voice was terribly hoarse. “The donor transfer was a decision made after… joint assessment by the family.” Someone in the audience immediately cursed. “Are you even the child’s mother?” “Your child is gone, how much money did you take?” A reporter pressed. “Did the Bennett Corporation use its position as an investor to interfere with transplant priority?” Mr. Davis immediately grabbed the microphone. “The family has already explained this matter.” All the questions were pushed back to me. I sat under the lights, my fingers digging into my palms. I couldn’t refute them. Lily was still at the hospital, and my mom was still at home. If I revealed the truth, the media would swarm my family. My phone kept buzzing under the table. The caregiver sent a message. “Miss Ashford, your mother saw the livestream and is on her way to the hospital!” I stood up abruptly. Mr. Davis’s expression changed. “The press conference isn’t over!” Security moved to block me. I pushed away the microphone and ran out. Reporters immediately chased after me. In the hospital lobby, my mom was holding Lily’s little jacket, surrounded by people. Her face was frightfully pale, saying over and over. “My daughter would never give up on Lily. She wouldn’t…” A reporter shoved a microphone in her face. “Do you know that Celine agreed to give the donor liver to Sutton?” My mom shook her head, her voice trembling. “I need to find Liam. I need answers!” She walked toward the surgical area. Security reached out to stop her. “Family members can’t go in.” “Where’s my granddaughter? I need to see Lily!” During the struggle, my mom missed a step and fell down from the edge of the platform. I saw the little jacket fall to the ground. My mom clutched her chest, her face pale. “Mom!” The emergency room doors quickly closed. Mr. Davis was still beside me, lowering his voice. “Miss Ashford, it’s very chaotic outside right now. You should go out and calm them down, or this will be very difficult to handle.” When Liam arrived, his first question was to his assistant. “Was what just happened in the lobby caught on camera?” I looked up at him. “Lily just died. My mom is lying in there right now.” My voice shook. “And you’re asking if it was caught on camera?” Liam stiffened for a moment, then told his assistant. “Control the media first. Seal the surveillance footage. Wait for the emergency results before saying anything.” I understood. He still wanted to cover it up first. The emergency lasted over an hour. When the doctor came out, he didn’t dare look at me. “The patient was brought in too late.” I was still clutching Lily’s little jacket. Liam reached out to support me. I stepped back. “Don’t touch me. Don’t touch their things either.” Liam’s expression darkened. “Your mother’s accident wasn’t something I wanted to see.” I didn’t listen to the rest. I turned to the lawyer. “I’m requesting the hospital lobby surveillance and security orders.” The lawyer reminded me quietly. “He just had someone seal the scene records.” I looked at Liam. My phone lit up at that moment. A preview notification for Sutton’s recovery livestream pushed to my screen. In the main image, Sutton wore a hospital gown, smiling at the camera. Next to her was the Lily Medical Fund logo. The headline read: “Passing on the hope that a child didn’t get to wait for to more people.” Liam saw it too. His expression changed. “Remove the foundation.” Before the assistant could make the call, Sutton’s call came through first. Her voice was weak. “Liam, I just wanted to do something for Lily. Why does everyone have to misunderstand me?” I didn’t keep listening. I took my mother’s death certificate and a screenshot of the livestream and turned toward the lawyer.

Celine POV I didn’t leave the hospital all night. Lily and my mom were both still in the hospital’s custody. The death certificates weren’t processed, and the bodies hadn’t been transferred out. The lawyer found that the lobby surveillance had been sealed ahead of time, and security orders couldn’t be accessed either. I was about to go to the body storage area when a nurse came to notify me. “Miss Ashford, Lily’s original recovery room needs to be cleared out by the family.” That room had been personally arranged by Liam. When Lily was waiting for the donor liver, she kept asking if she could stay there after surgery. She said she wanted to put her stuffed animals by the bed and sit by the window in the sun. I went over with a small box. The door plate had already been changed. Sutton Post-Surgery Recovery Room. The room was filled with livestream equipment. The Lily Medical Fund logo hung by the bed. The children’s bed that had been prepared for Lily was removed. Posters about Sutton’s recovery livestream schedule were on the walls. Sutton sat on the bed, holding Lily’s stuffed animal in her arms. I walked over and grabbed the stuffed animal back. Sutton’s eyes immediately reddened. “Celine, I didn’t mean to. The foundation said this way everyone would know Lily left behind kindness…” “She didn’t leave this for you.” I held the stuffed animal tightly, my voice cold and hard. “Remove her name. Remove her foundation logo.” Sutton bit her lip and looked toward the doorway. Liam had just walked in. She said quietly. “Liam, it’s okay. I don’t have to do the livestream. Everyone outside is cursing me for stealing a child’s donor liver anyway. I can bear it.” Liam’s expression immediately darkened. “Celine, Sutton just had surgery. She can’t take any more stress.” I looked at him. “Lily just died, and you’re giving Sutton the hospital room Lily never got to use?” Liam kept his voice down. “The fund was always meant to save people. The livestream now can reduce some of the criticism and continue to save other children.” “Did Lily agree to this?” Liam’s patience finally ran out. “Your mother’s case is still under investigation at the hospital, and Lily’s paperwork hasn’t been completed.” He stared at me. “Making a scene here now will only make things more complicated later.” My hand tightened around the stuffed animal bit by bit. Sutton spoke softly at that moment. “Celine, if you really hate me this much, I can apologize to you on camera.” The staff all looked over. Liam followed her lead. “You owe her an apology too. She’s being cursed like this now, and it’s not entirely her fault.” I looked at him and almost laughed. “She took Lily’s donor liver. Now she’s sitting in Lily’s hospital room holding Lily’s stuffed animal, and you want me to apologize?” Liam said coldly. “This stuffed animal will be used tomorrow. It can represent Lily’s kindness.” I turned to leave immediately. But security blocked the doorway. Liam looked at me. “Livestream props can’t be taken away.” Props. He called the last thing Lily held a prop. Staff took the stuffed animal from my arms and put it back by Sutton’s bed. The Lily Medical Fund logo was hung in the most prominent position behind Sutton. I was taken to a rest room. Guards were posted at the door. An assistant brought tomorrow’s livestream schedule. The paper stated that I was to appear as Lily’s mother and personally hand the stuffed animal to Sutton. After reading it, I sent a message to the lawyer. “I need to request body transfer immediately and preserve the surveillance footage.” The lawyer quickly replied. “The hospital just submitted a family authorization involving Lily’s subsequent use for medical research. The signatory may be Liam.” I stared at the screen, my fingertips cold. Outside, staff were shouting in the hallway. “The people for the livestream rehearsal are here. Set the family representative’s position first.”

Celine POV When the recovery livestream began, I was seated next to Sutton. The camera pointed directly at the hospital bed. The Lily Medical Fund logo hung behind Sutton. Lily’s toy was placed at the head of the bed, as if this child truly wanted to leave her last possession to her. Mr. Davis stood outside the camera frame, reminding me in a low voice. “Don’t mention that Lily’s liver was given to someone else. Don’t mention the original surgery order. And don’t mention that your mother died at the hospital.” I looked at the cue cards without speaking. The host first congratulated Sutton on her successful post-surgery recovery, then guided the conversation to the Lily Medical Fund. Sutton’s eyes reddened. Facing the camera, she said softly. “That I can live is because Celine and Lily gave me the opportunity to continue saving people.” She didn’t say “steal.” She said the donor liver was something I voluntarily gave up. The camera immediately turned to me. The host asked with a smile. “Miss Ashford, as Lily’s mother, what would you like to say to everyone now?” Mr. Davis’s gaze bore down on me. Liam stood outside the camera frame, also watching me. I was silent for a few seconds before speaking. “Every dollar in the fund needs to be accounted for clearly. Lily’s name cannot be misused.” Sutton’s expression changed for a moment. She reached for the stuffed animal at the head of the bed, wanting to hold it in front of the camera. I grabbed the stuffed animal first. “That belongs to Lily.” Sutton’s tears immediately fell. “I just wanted to keep something in memory of the child. She didn’t get to wait for surgery. I wanted everyone to know that her death had value.” The livestream comments started flooding in. Some cursed me for being cold-blooded. Some said I was persecuting someone who just had surgery. Liam approached, his voice very low. “Let go. Don’t make a scene during the livestream.” I looked up at him. “This stuffed animal is what Lily brought to the hospital before surgery. Do you remember?” Liam froze briefly. The next second, he still said. “Cooperate with the livestream first.” The donation segment began. The host announced that the Lily Medical Fund would open a new recovery program, and Sutton would be the public welfare spokesperson. I interrupted directly. “The fund was originally for children waiting for transplants. Who changed the fund’s purpose?” Mr. Davis immediately had staff cut the camera. Sutton covered her wound, her face pale. “Celine, I can step down. Don’t hate me just because Lily is gone.” Liam supported her and ordered me. “Get out.” I didn’t move. I picked up the authorization statement on the table and saw that it had already changed the Lily Medical Fund into supporting funds for Sutton’s recovery public welfare project. I slammed the page on the table. “When she was alive, you stole her donor liver. Now that she’s dead, you’re taking her money to give to Sutton?” Liam’s expression was ugly. “This is for PR purposes. I’ll make up the money to you later.” “I don’t want your money.” I stared at him. “Remove Sutton’s name.” Sutton said quietly. “Liam, if we remove it now, the public will confirm that I really did steal the child’s liver.” Liam was silent for a few seconds, then handed the document to his assistant. “Proceed as originally planned.” After the livestream ended, I immediately rushed to the morgue. Staff stopped me. “Lily cannot be cremated for now.” My voice turned cold. “Why?” They handed me a research authorization form. The signatory was Liam. The authorization stated that Lily’s pathological materials would be used for pediatric liver failure research, continuing the child’s unfinished wishes. I took the document to find Liam. Sutton was still resting in the hospital room. Liam looked at the document and only frowned. “The research can help more children.” I looked at him. “When Lily was alive, you decided for her who would get the donor liver. Now that Lily is dead, you’re still deciding for her how her body is used?” Liam’s face paled at that. Sutton said softly from the bed. “If we withdraw now, the public will think Celine won’t even show that last bit of decency.” Liam held the document but didn’t withdraw the signature.

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At the wedding, the bouquet I tossed was snatched by Chloe, Liam’s childhood friend. She raised an eyebrow at Liam. “Liam, I’m giving you one chance. Choose me, and leave with me!” The groomsmen cheered, pushing Liam towards Chloe. “Chloe just confessed! Come on, tell us, who are you going to marry?” “Liam, what are you shy about? You two were sleeping in the same bed at the bachelor party last night.” Liam laughed and lightly kicked a groomsman. “Cut it out, guys. My fiancée is right here.” Chloe shrugged. “I’m just kidding. If I really wanted you, no one else would stand a chance at being your wife.” Liam then turned to me, lightly tapped my nose, and said casually: “Stella, they’re just joking. Let’s continue the wedding.” I brushed his hand away and took the microphone from the MC. “Anyone else want to steal this man? Step forward. I’m out.” The rowdy groomsmen instantly froze. Guests began to whisper. Liam grabbed my wrist, his face falling. “Chloe was just kidding. Are you really that upset?” “Please don’t make a scene. This is the dream wedding you’ve been looking forward to.” “Grandma Helen is still waiting to see our wedding video.” Last night, Grandma Helen had a rare moment of clarity. She tremblingly held our hands together. He knelt by Grandma Helen’s hospital bed, promising to cherish me forever. Yet, he turned around and spent the night messing around with Chloe at the bachelor party. My eyes burned red, and I questioned him loudly. “Sleeping in the same bed was a joke too?” My voice echoed through the venue. Gossipy glances darted between Liam and Chloe. A flicker of embarrassment and annoyance crossed Liam’s face. He snatched the microphone from my hand and warned in a low voice: “Shut up. Are you trying to ruin this wedding?” Chloe took the microphone, her tone playful. “Forget sleeping in the same bed, we bathed naked together when we were three. Isn’t it a bit late for the bride to get jealous now?” She lightly brushed over the inappropriate comment. I, on the other hand, was made out to be the unreasonable one. Mrs. Miller, Liam’s mother, chuckled and put her arm around Chloe’s shoulder. She cast a contemptuous glance at me. “Actually, Chloe is the daughter-in-law I always wanted. She’s a suitable match from a good family and carries herself with grace. Unlike some people, who throw tantrums regardless of the occasion and have no upbringing…” “Mom!” Liam sharply cut her off. “Don’t say such things.” He nervously studied my expression, his eyes filled with guilt. My face went pale, a sour ache spreading in my chest. Ten years ago, my parents were celebrating their wedding anniversary by the ocean when they encountered Liam, who was being swept away by a rip current. They tragically lost their lives trying to save him. If they were still alive, there’s no way they would let me be treated like this. Chloe crossed her arms and pursed her lips at me. “Are you actually crying? Tsk, if I really wanted Liam, you wouldn’t have stood a chance.” “Fine, fine, it’s all my fault. I’ll leave, alright?” Liam’s expression changed. He rushed after her, grabbed her by the waist, and frowned at me, his voice laced with reproach. “Chloe flew all the way from abroad specifically for our wedding. If you don’t appreciate it, fine. But what does it mean to drive her away like this?” Meeting Chloe’s defiant smile, I suddenly felt utterly disheartened. I took off the wedding ring from my ring finger and threw it. “She doesn’t have to leave. I will. You want to crash the wedding? Here’s the wedding ring.” Liam clutched the ring tightly, his eyes blazing with anger. “Stella, you’re so generous! Believe me, if you dare to leave today, this wedding can have a new bride in an instant!”

“Let her go!” “I’ll wait for her to come crying back to me.” I gathered my skirt and ran out of the banquet hall without looking back. Liam’s angry roar was left far behind me. I hailed a taxi. The driver looked at me several times in the rearview mirror, then cautiously spoke. “Miss, where to?” I sat in the back, the anger churning in my chest now replaced by a vast emptiness. Where could I go? Soon after my parents passed away, Grandma Helen, distraught and confused, was in a car accident. The other party demanded exorbitant compensation, forcing me to sell off our property. That day, it was pouring rain, and I couldn’t find a taxi. It was Liam, on his motorcycle, who sped me to the hospital. He took off his helmet with one hand, revealing a rebellious grin. “Just use it, no password needed.” Before I could react, he shoved the card into my hand and turned to leave. By the time I’d handled everything and wanted to repay him, but couldn’t reach him, he suddenly reappeared. He affectionately wrapped an arm around my shoulder and winked at a girl who was confessing her feelings to him. “Can’t do that, I already have a girlfriend. My girlfriend gets jealous, you know.” In the sunlight, his blond hair gleamed, and just like that, he forcefully entered my world. For three years, I chased him to repay the debt, becoming known to everyone as his clingy girlfriend. When he got injured racing in the suburbs, I was the first one there. When he broke his leg skiing, I brought him meals from the cafeteria every day. Just as the money was almost repaid, Grandma Helen went missing. That night, the city up north experienced its heaviest snowfall in a decade, with snow piled above the knees. Security cameras showed Grandma Helen had left the house wearing only a thin sweater. The police checked hundreds of cameras but found no trace of her. I was frantic. It was Liam who mobilized thousands of people for a city-wide search. Time ticked by. As I fell in the snow for the ninth time, he reached out his hand to me. “Grandma Helen has been found. I’ve had her taken to the hospital. She’s okay.” I collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. He awkwardly wiped my tears, pretending to sound relaxed. “It’s no big deal for a girlfriend to hug me.” For the first time, I didn’t object to that title. “Miss, are you alright?” The driver handed me a few tissues. Only then did I realize I was drenched in tears. “Just keep driving forward for now.” The car started, and the scenery on both sides rapidly blurred past. Last night, Liam confessed to me by Grandma Helen’s hospital bed. “Actually, the person your parents saved by the ocean ten years ago was me.” “My family offered a twenty-million-dollar thank-you payment, but your Grandma Helen refused. She said life cannot be measured by money, and your parents acted heroically.” “Stella, fate pushed me towards you. I will carry your parents’ love and cherish you for a lifetime.” But less than a day later, everything had changed. My heart felt constricted by a vice, a pain that tightened with every beat. My phone kept ringing. It was a video Ethan, the best man, had posted in the SnapChat group. The screen showed Chloe, in a gold gown, arm in arm with Liam. They were both smiling and toasting the guests. “Someone ditched, so Chloe had to step in temporarily.” “Who wouldn’t say they’re a perfect match? Why don’t you two just get married and make someone else furious?” I pressed the power button, and my cold face was reflected in the phone screen. “Driver, to Parkside Villas.” There was something I had to find out.

After getting out of the car, I headed straight for the gaming room. Liam had a box hidden in there. One time, I caught him carefully putting photos into it. I insisted on seeing them, but he just smiled and hugged me. “It’ll be a surprise for our wedding.” So I had always been looking forward to it, imagining what might be inside. A four-digit combination lock. I tried Liam’s birthday, our anniversary, my birthday. None of them worked. With trembling fingers, I entered Chloe’s birthday. The lock clicked open. Inside were three thick photo albums, ten sports car keys, and a dark green velvet box. I opened the albums to find photos of Chloe from childhood to adulthood. On the back of a picture showing the young woman, helmet in hand, standing triumphantly on a podium, Liam had written: *Love of my life, may you sparkle.* The date was July 5, 2016. The day my parents died. “So you finally saw it.” Liam’s hoarse voice came from behind me. “I did like Chloe, but that was all in the past.” “That day, I wanted to confess to her, but she openly hugged everyone and said we were all just friends.” “I never got to give her the necklace, and I never sent her the sports cars I bought her every year after that…” “So,” I interrupted him, choked up. “That day, you failed to confess, got drunk on the beach, and were swept away by the waves.” “And my parents lost their lives because of that!” I was trembling, crying uncontrollably, all because of this absurd, ridiculous reason. I had lost my parents, and then he had deceived me for eight years! “It wasn’t a coincidence at all, was it? You transferred schools because of guilt, you deliberately appeared in front of me, you intentionally made me owe you $200,000, making me chase you for three years!” “Liam, was it fun playing me for a fool?” “No, Stella, it’s not like that…” Liam’s eyes were panicked. He reached out to wipe my tears, but sensing my resistance, he withdrew his hand, trembling. He pulled out a lighter and flicked it on. “Chloe and I are innocent; nothing happened between us. If you’re so bothered, then I’ll–” The lighter was tossed into the box. Flames gradually engulfed the thick photo albums. “If you still mind, I’ll never contact her again, okay?” He took out his phone, opened SnapChat, and blocked and deleted Chloe right in front of me. But the next second, Chloe’s call came in. Liam hesitated for two seconds, then answered. “Just this one last time, I’ll make a clean break with her.” Three minutes later, Liam returned, fuming. “Did you upload the video of Chloe snatching the bouquet? Now everyone online is calling her a manipulative tomboy. How dare you cyberbully her!” “Don’t you know she has a very important World Challenge Race tomorrow? She can’t have any scandals!” Hearing such a clumsy accusation, I only found it laughable. “Are the netizens wrong? She snatched the bride’s bouquet and proposed to the groom…” “I told you it was a joke! How could you ruin her career over such a small thing?” “Stella, I never thought you’d be this kind of person.” Liam looked at me with disappointment. “I had someone use AI face swap to switch your faces. Now, issue an apology statement, say you slandered Chloe out of jealousy, just to calm public opinion.” At the peak of my anger, I surprisingly calmed down. “No, this has nothing to do with me.” “Stella!” Liam suddenly hugged me, snatching my phone from my pocket. I struggled to get it back, but he picked me up, carried me over his shoulder, and locked me in the storage room. Through the door, his voice was muffled. “I’ve cleared your phone’s photo album for now, so you don’t accidentally post old pictures and cause misunderstandings.” “Just cool down for the night. Tomorrow, Maria will let you out. After I accompany Chloe to her race, I’ll come back and we’ll get married.”

The light in the storage room was broken, and there were no windows. I waited until dawn. When Maria opened the door, she was startled by my red-rimmed eyes. “Ma’am, are you alright?” I shook my head, my voice dry. “Maria, where’s my phone?” Maria pointed to the table. “Mr. Miller asked me to make you breakfast last night before he rushed to catch his flight. He said you shouldn’t look at your phone for a few days…” Seeing my phone tossed on the sofa, I walked directly past the coffee table to get it. As soon as I turned it on, the screen was filled with missed calls and messages. I clicked on a link my college roommate sent. The top trending topic was Liam’s post of a marriage certificate and a childhood photo. “Childhood sweethearts, wishes fulfilled. @RacerChloe.” The comments section was full of blessings. “The heir to a family fortune and the most beautiful racer’s perfect love story, and they’re childhood sweethearts! We’re shipping them like crazy!” “Good luck winning the championship and making everyone proud!” The second trending topic was a female teacher admitting to AI face-swapping out of jealousy. In the video, my face and Chloe’s had been swapped. It showed *me* snatching the bouquet and proposing to Liam. “How shameless! This person was still face-swapping to slander the bride yesterday, almost getting her disqualified by the organizers!” “I’m going to puke! Does someone like this even deserve to be a teacher? Which school is this? Don’t corrupt the students!” My mind buzzed. I felt dizzy and almost lost my footing. A call came from the Dean’s office. “Ms. Stella, you’ve interfered in another’s relationship and caused a negative public impact. The school has decided to terminate your employment.” “I didn’t…” The call was cut off. I was about to call back to explain when Liam’s call came in. “How could you use my verified social media account to twist the truth? Do you know I was fired from school?” “Isn’t that perfect?” Liam’s hoarse voice held a hint of laziness. “I can afford to support you. Being Mrs. Miller is much more comfortable than being Ms. Stella.” “Besides, you’re 26 now. We should have a baby, shouldn’t we?” I was shaking with rage, my chest heaving violently. It took me a long time to find my voice. “Liam, you make me sick!” I hung up on him immediately. The tears I had been holding back streamed down my face. Then, a call came from the hospital. When I rushed to the hospital, Grandma Helen had already been wheeled into surgery. The doctor held out a critical condition notice for me to sign. “The patient’s extreme emotional fluctuations caused a ruptured brain aneurysm and shock. A special inhibitor injection costs half a million dollars. Do you authorize its use?” “The golden window is only three minutes. If you wish to proceed, please make the payment as soon as possible.” “Yes!” I didn’t hesitate. “Whatever it takes to save Grandma Helen, no matter the cost!” My hands were trembling uncontrollably. After signing the consent form, I ran wildly towards the payment counter. “Payment failed.” Online banking had large transaction limits. I frantically rummaged through my purse, trying several times to open the metal clasp. My hand shook, and my bank card fell to the floor as I tried to pull it out. “The password is 062746.” My voice was trembling as I handed over the card. “Payment failed.” “Ma’am, this card has been frozen.” I froze, realizing it was the supplementary card Liam had given me. When had he canceled that card? Without time to think, I quickly pulled out my salary card and repeated the password. The nurse, however, looked troubled. “Ma’am, this card has insufficient balance.” “How is that possible!” My head swam. My four years of post-graduation salary, over $100,000, were all on that card. My phone rang. It was Liam. “I spent too much celebrating Chloe’s championship and got restricted. I just used your card to buy a handbag.” “Just consider it your gift to Chloe…” “Liam, that’s Grandma Helen’s life-saving money!” I screamed, breaking down, my heart pounding against my ribs. Liam scoffed. “So petty. I’ll repay you tenfold when I get back. Gotta go.” The nurse shook her head at me sympathetically. “Please accept our condolences.” All the strength drained from my body instantly. I watched helplessly as Grandma Helen, covered by a white sheet, was wheeled out of the operating room. … “Liam, are you sure you’re not coming to my victory party?” Chloe playfully punched Liam’s chest. “That’s not cool.” Liam didn’t dodge. He just smiled and raised an eyebrow. “I had someone use AI face swap and posted our fake marriage certificate online just so you could compete smoothly. Isn’t that enough?” “My girl at home is still mad. I need to get back quickly and pacify her, or if my wife leaves me, I’ll be lost.” “I have a flight tonight. I can still make it back for our five-year anniversary tomorrow. Perfect for us to officially get married.” But when he rushed home, He pushed open the door, and the flowers in his hand suddenly dropped to the floor.

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I used to think Ethan was my entire world. During that kidnapping, I nearly lost my life just to keep him safe. When he burst in with the police and held my battered body while sobbing uncontrollably, I thought it was all worth it. “Serena, I’ll never let you suffer again.” “Marry me. I’ll spend my whole life making it up to you.” I touched my belly where the baby had just been discovered, thinking my suffering had finally come to an end. On our wedding day, I walked toward him in my white gown, step by step. Just as we were about to exchange rings, my stepsister Claire suddenly burst in like a madwoman, pointing at my belly and shouting: “Don’t marry her! That baby isn’t even yours!” She pointed at the kidnapper being dragged in, screaming hysterically: “This whole kidnapping was staged by her! She’s been sleeping with this man all along!” The kidnapper grinned, revealing yellowed teeth: “That’s right. This woman promised me five hundred thousand after she married into the Hayes family.” I couldn’t defend myself. I could only stare at Ethan. I knew he would believe me. But he just took a step back, creating distance between us. He looked at me with terrifyingly unfamiliar eyes. “Serena,” he said, “I never thought you were this kind of person. This baby cannot stay.”

I heard every word clearly, yet it was as if I understood nothing. “Cannot stay?” I tore off my veil and looked at him. This face had been pressed against my ear just two nights ago. His warm breath on my neck, promising we’d weather all storms together, that he’d never let me down. That was only a day ago. “Ethan.” I called his name, my voice dry and unfamiliar. He didn’t respond, but Vivian laughed, her voice sharp like nails scraping glass. “Why play dumb, Serena? Wasn’t Ethan clear enough?” Her gaze fell on my abdomen with mockery. “Who knows which kidnapper’s bastard that is?” Pain twisted through my chest, hatred surging, but before I could speak, my father’s vicious slap struck my face. The entire hall fell deathly silent. “Disgraceful creature! I raised you for twenty-six years, and this is how you repay me?” My ears rang as my stepmother Michelle pretended to intervene. “Honey, it’s my fault for not teaching Serena properly…” “But if word of this gets out, where will you put your face? How can you hold your head up in front of Ethan?” Then Ethan sighed softly. That sigh was full of exhaustion and disappointment. “I was drunk that night.” He looked at me with complicated eyes. “When I woke up, you were lying next to me… I always thought I’d lost control while drunk and ruined your innocence.” “I thought what was done was done, so I should take responsibility.” He smiled bitterly. “Only now do I realize it was all calculated by you.” I froze, my throat blocked by something. Calculated? He was so drunk when he barged into my room. I pushed him, begged him, and he covered my mouth, saying “Don’t be afraid, Serena, I’ll marry you.” I believed him. I’d followed him since college, watching him pitch projects. Watching him close his first million-dollar deal with such high spirits. I thought what he said was real. “Ethan.” Ignoring the pain in my abdomen, I stepped forward. “Say that again. That night—I calculated it?” He didn’t answer, just turned his face away. I stared at his profile, my heart feeling like it was being gripped and twisted inch by inch. Vivian spoke again, her voice even louder. “Why bother, Serena? Only you two know what happened that night.” “Ethan is kindhearted and was deceived by you for so long. Now that he won’t expose you, are you going to force him to spell out your shame?” The guests murmured. Some laughed, some shook their heads, others whispered. “Pregnant before marriage—clearly a character problem.” “The Mitchell family’s reputation is ruined. How can they do business with Hayes Corporation now?” “Guards.” Ethan suddenly spoke. Two security men in black suits stepped forward. My heart tightened. I stepped back. “Ethan, what are you doing?” He still wouldn’t look at me, just waved his hand. In an instant, I was pinned down. I desperately clawed at the carpet, my nails splitting, but couldn’t break free. Vivian approached with a glass of red wine laced with drugs, smiling as she leaned to my ear. “Serena, drink it. Once you drink it, you’ll be clean.” “Get away!” I struggled desperately but was held tighter. The guard gripped my jaw, fingers digging into my cheeks, forcing my mouth open. Liquid poured in, choking me breathless. Then I felt warmth flowing from deep in my abdomen, running down my legs. That was my baby. The baby I’d desperately protected even when kidnapped. The guards released me. I collapsed on the cold tile floor. All the red decorations in the hall became blurry shadows. I heard Ethan’s voice, distant, as if through a layer of mist. “Take her to her room…” Darkness rushed in from all sides. Before consciousness faded, I had only one thought. I’m done. Done with the man who swore he’d never let me down. Done with the CEO position I’d saved for him—he could forget about keeping it too.

In my hazy consciousness, I drifted back to the time when Hayes Corporation was targeted by business rivals. The whole city knew. Ethan was taken in for investigation. The entire corporation was in turmoil. I went to find him. He looked haggard, dark circles under his eyes. “Serena, they want to take away my inheritance rights.” I’d never seen him like this. That young man who spoke so eloquently on stage with such confidence looked like his spine had been removed. “I’ll ask Michelle. She can help you.” I gripped his hand. “Before my mother died, she said if I ever needed help, I should ask her.” That was the only support my mother left me. I used it for him. After it was resolved, he held my hand, his fingers trembling. He said then that in this life, I was the only one, and he’d never betray me. I believed him. When I opened my eyes again, I saw dusty curtains and the cold air conditioning vent. My abdomen ached like flesh being carved out. I looked down. Flat and empty. Nothing left. Even this room was in the most remote corner of the Hayes estate. Ms. Smith’s voice trembled as she told me. “After you fainted, Ethan said your behavior was improper and you weren’t fit to be the CEO’s wife.” “He announced he was with Vivian.” I listened as if hearing about someone else. “Mr. Mitchell said from now on, you’re no longer his daughter.” “He said you disgraced the Mitchell family and he can no longer be Hayes Corporation’s supplier.” I paused for a moment, then wanted to laugh. That father who only had eyes for Michelle and Claire—how could he want a daughter who disgraced him? After my mother died, even the household staff took cues from Michelle. They wouldn’t even turn on the radiator in my room. I shivered under blankets in winter. Ethan brought me a hand warmer. That was the first warmth I’d received since my mother left. Later he came often, bringing food, coffee, books I loved. Michelle’s people didn’t dare stop him, so I looked forward to his visits every day. With him backing me up, he was the only light in those dark days. Now, the light was extinguished. The door opened. Ethan walked in. Dark gray suit, impeccably styled hair. Same face, yet unbearably unfamiliar. “Serena.” His voice was gentle as yesterday. “About yesterday—I had no choice. All those guests were there. I had to give them an explanation.” “Hayes Corporation is publicly traded. If this kind of negative news spreads, the stock price will be affected. I couldn’t give the board ammunition against me.” I looked at him. Two nights ago he’d whispered in my ear about weathering storms together. One day later, the boat had already sunk. “From now on you’ll stay in this room. Though it’s not an official position, I won’t mistreat you.” “But there’s one thing,” he paused. “Vivian is my fiancée now. She deserves proper respect. When you see her, be polite.” I watched his mouth open and close. Every word was clear. Yet every word was incomprehensible. “Ethan, that year your company was targeted—who saved your inheritance rights?” His expression stiffened. “I begged Michelle for an entire afternoon to secure your CEO position today.” “Now that you’re successful, you’re going to wrong me for Claire’s sake?” He stood up, turning his back to me. “Serena, don’t blame me. After all, you… had the character problem first.” All the blood in my body rushed to my head. When he covered my mouth, why didn’t he mention character problems? When he knelt before me promising to marry me, why didn’t he mention character problems? He personally aborted my baby, then told me to have breakfast with my stepsister. And now he says I have character problems? I grabbed the glass beside me and hurled it at him. “Get out!” The glass shattered at his feet, fragments flying. He didn’t turn back, just walked out. As the door closed, I heard him making a call. “Send security. Watch her twenty-four hours.” My chest heaved violently. My abdomen cramped and ached. But the worst pain wasn’t there. It was my chest. The place that once held him was now empty, with only cold wind pouring in.

Just past seven in the morning, I was violently dragged from bed. “Vivian wants you to have breakfast with her at eight. Ms. Mitchell, don’t make this difficult for us.” Two maids dragged me along without explanation. I wore only pajamas. Cold seeped from my feet straight into my bones. All the way, I was shoved into the main dining room. The central air was turned up high. Vivian reclined on the sofa without even lifting her eyelids. “Well, Serena finally decided to show up.” She sipped her coffee. “Breakfast at eight, and it’s already fifteen minutes past. Is Serena deliberately trying to embarrass me?” I stood there, trembling all over—whether from cold or hatred, I couldn’t tell. “Claire, are you worthy?” I stared at her. “My mother was the original wife of the company founder. Mitchell blood runs in my veins.” “You’re just a daughter brought by a stepmother. You think you can make me follow your rules?” Her expression changed. “That makes no sense, Serena.” She approached and suddenly slapped me across the face. “I’m Ethan’s fiancée. If you don’t come, you’re disrespecting Ethan!” In that instant, humiliation mixed with hatred surged up. I raised my hand and slapped her back. But I was shoved hard from behind and nearly fell. Ethan had appeared, his face full of anger. “What are you doing!” Vivian threw herself into his arms, tears in her eyes. “Ethan, Serena came late today. I only said a few words.” “She cursed at me and hit me…” Ethan sighed, suppressing his anger. “Serena, I told you yesterday to be polite to Vivian.” “You came late and raised your hand. You should accept punishment.” I laughed softly. “Ethan, dream on!” His expression darkened. “Guards, take her to the courtyard. Make her stand for two full hours.” Two security men stepped forward, dragging me out. I used my eyes to stop Ms. Smith from rushing out. I saw her slip out the side door when no one was looking. She understood what I meant. The December wind cut like knives. The stone courtyard was bone-chillingly cold. I stood there. My vision began to darken. When I woke again, I was lying on the cold bed. Voices drifted from outside the window. “Vivian,” it was Ethan’s voice, somewhat helpless. “You went too far today. Besides, at the wedding, I only asked you to arrange for her to make some mistakes.” “So I could naturally establish our relationship. But you brought in the kidnappers—how do we deal with that?” My fingers clenched tight. So that was it. From the beginning, he never intended to marry me. “I didn’t arrange for that kidnapper! Serena had an affair with him. I only found out later!” “Ethan, think about it,” Vivian’s voice was pitifully aggrieved. “I’m just a stepdaughter. How would I dare do such a thing? It was Serena herself who was improper, but she’s blaming me…” Ethan was silent for a moment, then his voice softened. “Fine, don’t cry. I believe you.” “Ethan…” Vivian sobbed. “You know I only have you. If even you don’t believe me, I might as well die…” “What nonsense?” Ethan coaxed her in a low voice. “While I’m here, no one can bully you.” The footsteps gradually faded. I lay in the darkness, motionless. So from the very beginning, Ethan wanted to be with her. And he—the man who said he’d never betray me—didn’t even ask before believing her. Slandering my reputation, killing my child. Hatred burned from my chest, making my whole body tremble. In the dark room, I told myself over and over. Serena, you have to survive. Survive and walk out this door. Make them return everything they owe me, piece by piece.

Two days later, Vivian barged in with two maids. In her hand was an old phone containing all the photos and videos of my child. “Serena, you hid this quite well.” She waved the phone screen. That smile made all the blood in my body run cold. I shot to my feet. “Give it back!” “Give it back?” She smashed the phone on the floor. “This kind of unlucky thing doesn’t deserve to stay in the estate.” The screen shattered. I lunged forward but was pinned down by the maids. Vivian stepped on it, grinding her high heel into it. “Improper things should be completely deleted.” Right in front of me, she pulled out the SIM card and threw both card and phone into the fireplace. The only proof in this world that my child had existed was gone. “Claire!” I broke free from the maids and lunged at her, but she kicked me in the chest. I fell hard to the floor. “What are you doing, Serena?” She looked down at me. “It’s just an unborn baby. The person’s gone—why keep mementos? Aren’t you afraid of bad luck?” She turned to leave, then looked back with a smile. “Oh, by the way, Ethan said this side building will have electronic locks installed.” “Serena, stay put and don’t embarrass yourself by going out.” I lay on the floor, watching the last bit of firelight in the fireplace. Ashes floated up, settling everywhere. From that day on, I became quiet. I didn’t step out of the building once. Ethan came to see me a few times, standing at the door, watching from afar. “Good that you’ve come around. Stay here obediently from now on. I won’t mistreat you.” I lowered my eyes without responding. He thought I’d resigned myself to fate, not knowing I was just waiting. As year-end approached, the company grew busier. The subordinates were cheerful. “Ethan is so happy. Since old Mr. Hayes had his incident, he hasn’t been invited to the board’s annual gala.” “This time the board must be remembering our Ethan again.” That evening, Ethan came. “Feeling better?” “Mm.” He was silent for a moment, then stepped closer. “There’s the board’s annual gala at year-end. Given your current situation, bringing you would embarrass me. You don’t need to come.” I nodded. He seemed relieved, taking another step forward. He raised his hand as if to touch my face, but it fell empty. He stiffened for a moment. After a long while, he sighed. “It’s good you understand… Serena, I won’t mistreat you.” Won’t mistreat me? I concealed the coldness in my eyes. But my baby can never come back. On the day of the gala, I changed into the suit my mother left me. Step by step, I walked down the stairs to the estate entrance. A black car was already waiting. Ethan was helping Vivian into it. She wore a haute couture evening gown, covered in jewelry, smiling proudly. Seeing me, her smile froze, then she shrieked. “What is Serena doing out here in this freezing weather?” Ethan turned around, anger rising in his eyes. “What are you doing? I told you yesterday—do you want to embarrass me in front of the board? Get back inside!” Vivian sneered. “Serena heard him. Ethan said you don’t need to come, to avoid being laughed at.” I stood still. Ethan stepped forward, about to scold again. A black business van pulled up from the corner. Someone got out holding a phone. A businesslike voice cut through the morning silence. “Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Miller said to ask you to proceed immediately to headquarters for the annual gala.” Ethan’s hand froze in midair. Vivian’s smile gradually disappeared. I stood at the bottom of the steps, morning light falling on my shoulders. Ethan slowly turned to look at me. In his eyes was shock, and a trace of undisguised fear. He was afraid of me meeting Mr. Miller. After all, Mr. Miller was his biggest investor. One word could decide how long he’d keep his CEO position.

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On Friday, I went to my dad’s company to wait for him to get off work. I found an empty workstation and started playing games. The CEO’s secretary stormed over and yelled at me: “You’ve got some nerve playing games! Because of your negligence, the company missed a client email and lost twenty million dollars!” “So, how are you going to pay for this?” I shook my head, confused. “I think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m not an employee here. I’m waiting for my dad to get off work.” She sneered repeatedly and slapped me across the face. “Still pretending? Call the police! I suspect she’s a corporate spy sent by our competitors!” Tears welling up, I pulled out my phone watch and sent a message. “Dad, your secretary hit me.” Dad must have been in a meeting—he didn’t reply. Secretary Eliot put her hands on her hips and snorted coldly: “Look at all those designer brands you’re wearing. Did you get them all by selling out the company?” “Confess! How many deals have you sabotaged?” She shoved me hard, and I fell heavily to the ground. Mom taught me to be strong. I bit my lip and didn’t cry. “I didn’t do anything. Why did you push me? Pushing people is bad.” Eliot shrieked and grabbed a handful of my hair. “So rude!” It hurt so much. I struggled desperately. “Let go! You’re hurting me! I’m going to tell my dad to fire you!” Eliot mocked me brazenly: “Who does your dad think he is? Fire me? I’ll have HR fire you right now, and you’ll still have to pay the company twenty million in damages!” She dragged me all the way to the HR department without giving me a chance to explain. More and more employees gathered to watch. Someone couldn’t bear it and advised Eliot to stop. She raised her voice to announce: “Don’t be fooled by her pitiful act! Because of her negligence, the company lost a twenty-million-dollar deal. Everyone’s year-end bonus will be affected. I’m seeking justice for all of us!” Everyone’s expression changed. Sympathy turned to disgust. No one spoke up for me anymore. I kept calling out: “Dad, save me.” Eliot sneered contemptuously: “Is he your real dad, or one of those sugar daddies?” “Shameless! With that seductive face of yours, entry-level employees only make five thousand a month base salary. That Balenciaga you’re wearing—did your sugar daddy buy it for you? And you dare to flaunt that Van Cleef & Arpels in public!” Eliot yanked hard, and the necklace my mom gave me for my twelfth birthday broke. “You evil woman! Don’t touch the gift my mom gave me!” I struggled hard, and my hand hit Eliot’s calf. She kicked me twice viciously and picked up the broken necklace, stuffing it in her pocket. “Say another word and I’ll tear your mouth apart!” I trembled all over. When we reached the HR office, Eliot knocked on the door obsequiously. “Molina, I brought over the culprit who lost the company’s deal.” HR manager Molina glanced at me impatiently. “Where’s your ID badge? Which department? What’s your name?” I shouted urgently: “I’m only thirteen years old! I’m not an employee here!”

Molina looked me over suspiciously. “Eliot, what’s going on here?” Eliot immediately pulled me up. “Molina, she’s lying to you! Look how tall she is, taller than me even, and wearing all those designer brands. How could she possibly be only thirteen?” She leaned over and whispered in Molina’s ear. Molina immediately slammed the table. “You’re the one who lost the Merritt Group order! And offended Mr. Merritt?” Merritt Group? That’s my uncle’s company! The Mr. Merritt she mentioned is my cousin Kevin Merritt. But I hadn’t seen him since last month’s family gathering. I waved my hands frantically. “I didn’t! I don’t know anything about any order! I’m just here waiting for my dad to get off work!” “This woman is such a good actress! Her parents probably aren’t any better. Like parents, like child!” Eliot raised her chin, her face full of disdain. I got angry and rushed over to push Eliot. “Don’t you dare talk about my mom and dad!” Eliot and I wrestled together. Molina pulled us apart and glared at me sternly. That look was like she wanted to devour me. I shrank back. Eliot tugged at her arm coquettishly: “Fire her already! Keeping someone like this in the company will only tempt Mr. Robertson!” Robertson! She’s talking about my dad? I loudly protested: “I would never tempt Mr. Robertson, because Mr. Robertson is my dad!” Both Molina and Eliot froze. Eliot leaned in to examine me, then suddenly giggled. “Are you insane? Everyone knows Mr. Robertson is a golden bachelor in his thirties. If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable. He’s not even married. How could he have a child? Even if he did, it couldn’t be someone as old as you.” “Besides, you look nothing like Mr. Robertson. If you said you were his family’s housekeeper, I’d believe that.” I retorted indignantly: “I don’t look like Dad, but I look like Mom. And Dad doesn’t go public because of Mom’s profession…” Slap! I don’t know which sentence upset Eliot, but she slapped me again. “If you keep slandering Mr. Robertson’s reputation, I’ll beat you to death!” I covered my face and sobbed. Molina pulled Eliot back. She turned and scolded me with disgust: “Stop crying. You’re not a child. Take responsibility for your mistakes! What’s your name? Which department?” I hung my head sadly. “Molina’s asking you a question! Playing deaf, are you?” Eliot came over and reached into my pockets. “Where’s your ID badge?” I was at a loss. “I don’t have an ID badge.” Molina’s frown deepened. “No ID badge? Are you a contract employee? But wait, contractors have badges too…” Eliot yanked at my pocket until she tore a big hole, finally feeling something hard. “Found it! Bitch, you said you didn’t have a badge!” She pulled it out—it was a student ID card. It clearly read: “Grade 7, Class 8, Colleen Robertson.”

Eliot threw the student ID card right in my face. “No work badge, so you’re using your sister’s student ID to slip through! Molina, according to company policy, how much is the fine for this?” Molina cleared her throat. “Five hundred dollar donation, treat it as buying bubble tea for the whole office.” Eliot held out her hand to me. “Pay up, right now!” I looked down at my pocket, cleaner than my face. “But I don’t have any cash…” “Then use your phone! Double for digital payment, one thousand!” Why was she bullying me like this? I was both angry and upset. To teach me about financial management, Mom had taken all my New Year’s money to invest it, and Dad worried that giving me too much money wouldn’t be safe. So during the school term, my weekly allowance was only a thousand. She was demanding my entire week’s allowance with one sentence. I didn’t want to give it, but she was so fierce, like the cackling old witch from cartoons. “Pay up! If you don’t, I’ll…” Eliot raised her hand. I backed away. I pulled out my phone watch. Molina held up her payment QR code. She smiled mockingly: “What brand of new sports watch is this? Spending money like water—no wonder you have to sell out the company for cash.” I was about to protest that I hadn’t. Eliot threw out a disciplinary confirmation form. “Sign it and get lost.” I couldn’t understand the content, but Mom taught me never to sign papers randomly. I silently backed away, refusing without words. Eliot twisted my arm hard. “Sign it! And sign that IOU too!” She was so rough! Why did she keep hitting people! Molina flipped open the signature page and handed me a pen. “Making you pay only one-tenth of the damages—two million is already the company showing you mercy.” I shook my head like a rattle drum. Molina pursed her lips in disgust. “Who hired this person? Why can’t she understand human speech? If you don’t sign, just wait for the court summons!” “Molina, why waste words on her?” Eliot grabbed my hand, pressed it on an ink pad, and quickly stamped fingerprints on the contract. “There, done!” A complaint suddenly sounded from outside the door. “Molina, I asked you to hire me an assistant. Why hasn’t it been arranged yet?” That person looked so familiar. Wasn’t this Uncle Johnson who’d delivered documents to our house? Our eyes met, and he blurted out: “Miss Colleen, what are you doing here?”

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I came back from a two-month business trip to pick up my daughter from school. To my surprise, I found that my six-year-old daughter had an exquisitely styled braid. Although my husband is a painter, his hands are only good for painting, not for braiding hair. I casually asked her, “When did Daddy learn to braid your hair?” “Actually, it was Miss Whitmore from school who did it!” My daughter’s eyes darted around, and her fingers unconsciously clutched at the corner of her clothes. My smile slowly faded. Later, I asked Miss Whitmore about it. But the teacher shook her head in denial. “I didn’t braid it. Dorothy said her mom styled her hair like that. She really loves it!” When my daughter lies, her fingers unconsciously clutch at the corner of her clothes. The teacher’s response confirmed this. My feelings were complicated. After returning from a two-month business trip, the first thing my daughter said to me was a lie. I didn’t scold her or call her out on it. I gave her gifts like I did after every business trip. “Dorothy, did anything fun happen while you and Daddy were home these two months?” At first, my daughter avoided eye contact and didn’t want to talk, only focused on unwrapping her gifts. It wasn’t until I pulled out her art homework and praised her for improving so much that she said happily, “It was Jasmine who taught me how to draw!” My heart stirred. Who was Jasmine? My daughter suddenly covered her mouth and shook her head. “I didn’t say anything! Mommy didn’t hear anything!” No matter how much I asked after that, she refused to say more. I sighed and decided to ask my husband Sebastian when we got home. As soon as the car pulled up to the house, I happened to see Sebastian hurrying out of the villa. When he saw me holding our daughter’s hand, he looked surprised at first, then seemed slightly relieved. “You came back early? I was just busy and forgot to pick Dorothy up from school…” He suddenly paused mid-sentence, his eyes flickering. My gaze shifted from Sebastian to the unfamiliar figure behind him. It was a young woman with quite pleasant looks and demeanor. Some uneasy suspicions crossed my mind, but I still put on a polite smile. “And this is?” Sebastian looked at me, and after a few seconds, said flatly, “Oh, this is the art teacher I hired for Dorothy.” My face remained calm, but I felt uncomfortable inside. During my two-month business trip, I made time to call him every day. But he never mentioned hiring an art teacher for our daughter. The woman’s eyes discreetly swept over me before she smiled and stepped forward to greet me. “You must be Mrs. Reed. Hello, I’m Jasmine Whitmore.” “Jasmine! So you came to see me and Daddy today too! That’s great!” My daughter broke free from my hand and bounced over to Jasmine’s side, affectionately hugging her leg. I watched this scene with a blank expression. Sebastian perhaps sensed something and turned to Jasmine. “Jasmine, you don’t need to teach Dorothy tonight. You can head home.” Jasmine and he made eye contact, and her smile stiffened. “Alright, I won’t disturb your family reunion then.” But I smiled faintly and pulled her into the villa by the hand. “Jasmine should stay for dinner.” Sebastian froze, about to say something, but I interrupted him. “I didn’t even know Dorothy had a new art teacher. Now that we’ve happened to meet, of course I should treat Jasmine to a nice meal. Right, honey?” Sebastian’s deep eyes met mine, and after a moment he looked away. My heart gradually sank. He had indeed intentionally hidden Jasmine’s existence from me, and even Dorothy’s lying might have been taught by him.

At dinner, I pan-fried some cod for my daughter. But she shook her head in disgust. “Jasmine doesn’t like fish. She says it’s too fishy. I don’t like it anymore either!” After saying this, she jumped down from her chair and ran to sit beside Jasmine. Jasmine glanced at me, unable to hide the smile on her face. “Okay, okay, I’ll help my little princess eat.” I was somewhat angry and instinctively wanted to put the fish my daughter rejected into Sebastian’s bowl. At the same time, Jasmine suddenly cut a piece of foie gras for Sebastian. I was about to tactfully remind her that Sebastian didn’t like foie gras. But before I could speak, he had already naturally extended his bowl to receive it. I said flatly, “I thought you didn’t like foie gras?” Sebastian nodded slightly and said casually, “Mm, but it’s good to change things up occasionally.” A bitter feeling passed through my heart. Just two months ago, he and our daughter loved the pan-fried fish I made most. My eyes swept across the dishes on the table. I realized that aside from the fish I’d personally made, all the other dishes the chef prepared were completely different from usual. I looked at Jasmine, who seemed so at ease at our dinner table as if it were her own home, and my heart sank bit by bit. After seeing Jasmine off, Sebastian seemed to notice that I hadn’t had much appetite tonight, but only asked flatly, “Tired from the trip?” I forced a shallow smile. “Sort of. I wanted to come back early, so I took a flight at dawn. I am a bit tired…” Sebastian nodded perfunctorily and asked me, “When is your next business trip?” I paused, my smile fading. “Do you really want me to go on business trips?” Sebastian’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t answer the question. Instead, he turned and went to his studio. Sebastian was a painter, but he preferred oil paintings. Yet now there was a watercolor painting in the studio. Sebastian paused and explained, “Jasmine sometimes teaches Dorothy watercolor in the studio.” I lowered my eyes, my gaze falling on the two chairs placed very close together in front of the easel. Then I noticed the two signatures in the bottom right corner of the watercolor. Sebastian and Jasmine. I laughed self-deprecatingly, said nothing, and turned to go to my daughter’s room. She was already asleep, still clutching a sketchbook in her hand. The sketchbook contained her own drawings of our family of three. But the further I flipped through it, the colder my heart became. In the recent new drawings, “Mommy” had changed from having curly hair to straight hair. Jasmine had long straight hair. In my daughter’s sketchbook, the three of them painted together in the yard, went to amusement parks, went camping and picnicking—just like a real family of three. My heart felt numb and painful. At that moment, my secretary called to confirm tomorrow’s schedule. Thinking about everything that happened today, I still pushed all of tomorrow’s work to next week. The next day at breakfast, my daughter was unusually excited. I thought she already knew about my plans for today. I smiled and patted her head. “Dorothy is so happy. Do you already know Mommy is taking you to the amusement park today?” But my daughter’s eyes widened in surprise. Sebastian, who had been quietly eating breakfast, also stopped. In his eyes was not only surprise but also a hint of awkwardness. Seeing this, my smile slowly faded.

“You and Dorothy have other plans?” My daughter said loudly, “Today the school organized a trip to see an art exhibition, and Daddy is going with me!” Sebastian also nodded, averting his eyes. “You just got back yesterday. I didn’t get a chance to tell you.” “It’s fine. I’ll go with you.” My daughter unconsciously clutched at the corner of her clothes, pouting. She seemed reluctant and even secretly exchanged glances with her father. Sebastian said flatly, “You just got back from your business trip. You should rest at home. I can accompany Dorothy.” My daughter suddenly threw herself into my arms and acted cute. “Mommy, can you make us mushroom soup at home? When Daddy and I come back at noon, we can drink the soup. Mommy hasn’t made me mushroom soup in so long.” My daughter looked at me with bright, sparkling eyes, looking so pitiful. Suppressing the bad suspicions in my heart, I still agreed to my daughter’s request. At noon, I took out my phone and called Sebastian. “The soup is ready. When are you and Dorothy coming back?” “We…” On the phone, Sebastian had only said two words before suddenly stopping. Besides my daughter’s voice, there was another somewhat familiar female voice. It was Jasmine. My smile completely disappeared as I repeated coldly, “What time are you and Dorothy coming back?” Sebastian paused, seemingly walking to a quieter place. “The exhibition was postponed to this afternoon. Dorothy and I will come back tonight…” My daughter grabbed his phone. “Mommy, we’re not coming back for lunch! We’re eating out!” Before I could say anything, my daughter had already hung up. The housekeeper glanced at my expressionless face and asked cautiously, “Should I pack the soup and deliver it to them?” I took the thermos, my tone cold. “I’ll deliver it myself.” When I arrived, I found the exhibition had already ended. It hadn’t been postponed to the afternoon at all. My fingers gripping the thermos tightened until my fingertips turned white. Sebastian had lied to me again. The driver looked at my lost expression and asked carefully, “Mrs. Reed, should we go home or…” “Just drive around for a bit.” I gazed aimlessly out the car window until my eyes accidentally caught three familiar figures. I got out of the car and hurried into a restaurant. When I finally saw clearly who the three people at the table were, my steps stopped. A strange pain shot through my heart. I turned around and walked to a corner seat behind them. A few lush plants separated our seats. They didn’t notice me. “Wow, the restaurant Jasmine brought us to is so delicious! It’s way better than what the housekeeper and my mom make. I’m so tired of their cooking. I wish Jasmine could take me out to eat every day!” But Jasmine’s voice carried a deliberate sense of melancholy. “I’d also like to be with you and… Sebastian every day. But your mom is back now, so I can’t go out with you often anymore. Your mom would mind.” My daughter blurted out, “I’d rather Mommy didn’t come back! I want Jasmine to stay with us!” My heart suddenly ached. Sebastian seemed stunned too. After a long while, he said in a low voice, “Dorothy, you can’t talk about your mom like that.” “But Mommy is always away on business trips. She’s not like Jasmine, who can be with us every day. I think Jasmine is more like a mom than Mommy!” “And I heard Daddy on the phone with Grandma the other day saying something about divorce… Daddy, do you want to divorce Mommy?” My whole body shook, and my trembling hand accidentally knocked against the silverware on the table.

Sebastian seemed shocked by our daughter’s words too. Sebastian was silent for a moment before saying, “If I really divorced your mom, wouldn’t you be sad?” My daughter innocently tilted her head. “Not sad at all! I have Daddy and Jasmine with me. I’d be too happy!” My heart went numb, then needle-like pain spread throughout my body. Sebastian paused. “Forget it. Don’t bring this up again, and don’t tell your mom. Understand?” “I know! So when Mommy goes on her business trip next week, let’s go on vacation with Jasmine!” Jasmine pretended to be troubled. “Every time we travel when your mom isn’t home. If she found out, wouldn’t she be unhappy?” “If we don’t tell Mommy, she won’t know!” Hearing all this, I felt numb. I never knew how many things my beloved husband and daughter had been hiding from me. “Oh no!” While drinking soup, my daughter accidentally splashed some on Jasmine’s face. My daughter tried to help Jasmine wipe it off, but she avoided it and instead looked at Sebastian, her tone slightly shy. “Sebastian, could you help me wipe my face? I can’t see it myself.” Sebastian paused, looking at Jasmine who had moved very close, and agreed. The napkin gently wiped Jasmine’s face. Through the gaps in the leaves, I watched expressionlessly as Jasmine leaned closer and closer to Sebastian. Until she suddenly closed her eyes and planted a kiss on Sebastian’s lips. Sebastian’s wiping motion instantly stopped. Jasmine opened her eyes, her face flushed red. “Sebastian, I’m sorry. I just… couldn’t help myself.” After a while, Sebastian withdrew his hand and said flatly, “It’s fine.” Jasmine said in a way that only drew more attention, “Dorothy, what just happened between your dad and me was an accident. You…” My daughter smiled mischievously and nodded. “I understand! I definitely won’t tell Mommy!” Sebastian patted our daughter’s head. “Right, there’s no need to tell your mom about these things.” As his words fell, the last bit of hope in my heart vanished. The breath that had been stuck in my chest since last night suddenly dissipated. I sneered inwardly. Whatever else they said, I had no interest in listening anymore. As I stood up to leave, the server picked up the thermos from the table. “Ma’am, you forgot your item.” Hearing the voice, Jasmine instinctively turned her head and saw me. She froze. Sebastian noticed her reaction. “What’s wrong?” Just as he was about to follow Jasmine’s gaze and turn around, she quickly looked away and placed her hand over Sebastian’s. “Nothing. I want to try the crème brûlée. Can you feed me?” Sebastian smiled and fed her. Jasmine turned to look at me again, revealing a provocative smile. I stared at her coldly for a moment, then turned and left the restaurant. Things that aren’t cherished don’t need to be eagerly offered. Not the soup, and not my sincerity.

On the drive home, I took time to hold a cross-border video conference with several company executives. “Miss Monroe, the project that headquarters in Italy signed is very important. Many details may require your personal oversight.” “So for the next few months, you might need to travel back and forth between the two countries. Sorry for the trouble.” Most of my family’s business empire was in Italy, with only a small portion in the States. But Sebastian didn’t want to live in Italy and preferred to stay here. So I’d rather work harder traveling between both places than force Sebastian to go to Italy with me. “I’ll oversee this project throughout, and I’ll also be stationed at the Italy headquarters going forward.” The vice presidents looked surprised. “Miss Monroe, why the sudden decision to return to Italy? Are your husband and daughter moving there too?” I shook my head. “No, just me.” After the video conference ended, I contacted my lawyer. That evening, Sebastian and my daughter didn’t even come home for dinner. It wasn’t until after I showered that Sebastian came back carrying our already-sleeping daughter. I stood there, watching them coldly. Sebastian paused, also noticing my distant attitude. My daughter groggily woke up. When she opened her eyes and saw me, she instinctively said, “Mommy… hug…” I didn’t move, only saying flatly, “It’s late. Take her to her room to sleep.” With that, I turned toward the bedroom. A flash of confusion and panic crossed Sebastian’s eyes as he spoke, “Evelyn, Dorothy and I didn’t mean to miss dinner at home. We…” I raised my hand to stop him, my tone flat. “Whatever it is, let’s talk tomorrow. I’m very tired today.” I didn’t look at Sebastian’s expression. I just closed the bedroom door and locked it. As I was about to fall asleep, I heard someone gently knocking on the door. I ignored it, closed my eyes, and continued sleeping. After all, I had to get up early tomorrow. But Sebastian was up even earlier than me. As I passed the kitchen with my suitcase, I saw him making breakfast. “Evelyn, I made your favorite for breakfast…” Halfway through, his gaze moved to my suitcase. “Your business trip isn’t until next week. This is…” Meeting Sebastian’s confused gaze, I handed him the divorce agreement I’d originally planned to leave on the dining table before leaving. “You don’t have to wait until next week to travel. You can go today.”

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My foster sister Sienna became jealous. On SAT exam day, she drugged me unconscious and abandoned me on a deserted island six thousand miles away. When my boyfriend found me, I already had a child with a local fisherman. He risked his life trying to take me away, but the other fishermen beat him to death with clubs. Grief-stricken and desperate, I tried drowning myself in the sea several times. The fisherman husband saved me each time, until finally he grew impatient and pulled off his hood, revealing my boyfriend’s face. I stared at him in shock, then pointed trembling at the hood on the ground. “Didn’t you die trying to save me?” He sat down and methodically burned the hood. “I brought you here to make you give up your Ivy League recommendation spot for Sienna.” “Because I felt guilty about you, I hid it from Sienna and pretended to be a fisherman, giving you a child.” “This fake death was supposed to make you give up on leaving. I didn’t expect you to keep trying to kill yourself.” “Since you know now, I don’t need to pretend anymore. You’re on the island, she’s on the mainland.” “If you can accept it, we’ll continue like this.”

The man before me gradually merged with the boy in my memory. He’d shed his youthfulness and grown much more composed. I stared at his face, feeling dazed. I’d been on this island for seven whole years. “So you destroyed me for that mistress’s daughter.” He frowned, instinctively defending her. “What mistress’s daughter? Sienna suffered so much growing up.” “What her mother did has nothing to do with her.” “Jasmine, do you know how much it hurts Sienna every time you say that?” I didn’t know. All I knew was that Sienna destroyed my family. She was supposedly my foster sister. But really, she was my dad’s illegitimate daughter. She was even born in the same month as me. She could always play the victim. She stole money from home and framed me for it. Made my dad beat me senseless. Bribed someone during the exam to frame me for cheating. Then spread the news afterward. Made the whole grade call me “Miss Cheater.” Cornered me in the bathroom with several people and threw dirty water on me. Took photos of me soaking wet and humiliated, spreading them throughout the school. Only my boyfriend Sebastian stood up for me. I transferred schools later just to escape her. But now. She hadn’t just taken my home. She’d also conspired with Sebastian. Sent me to a deserted island and destroyed my entire life. I looked up, holding back tears. “Why?” He froze, then smiled lightly. “When you dragged me along to confront your dad’s mistress, I fell for her the moment I saw her.” “After you left, she came to find me. The little girl held back tears and called me brother. My heart melted completely.” His expression grew tender. “Later, before you transferred, she played tricks on you a few times and asked me for help.” “I couldn’t bear to disappoint her, so I didn’t refuse.” I felt thunderstruck, my pupils contracting sharply. So he’d been behind everything. Sebastian and I had grown up together. He’d always been so good to me. I’d never considered anyone else. He was my only choice. At eight, little him saved me from human traffickers and took several beatings. At fourteen, he secretly beat up all the boys who bullied me until their bones broke, getting hurt himself and not daring to go home. At sixteen, he confessed to me for the first time, promising we’d go to the same university. And at seventeen, he casually changed his heart. Became her accomplice. And pushed me into the abyss. I collapsed to the floor, enduring the wrenching pain in my heart. He crouched down and wiped my tears. “You don’t need to worry about anything staying here. Your mom died of illness last year.” “Your dad married Sienna’s mom. She has high academic achievements now, doting parents, and me. She’s living happily.” I stood up in disbelief. “What did you say! How could my mom have died? She was so young, how is that possible?!” His expression didn’t change, his voice slightly hoarse. “Your mom was good to me, Jasmine. I had no choice either.” “Cancer took her.” Seeing me frozen, he came over and gently embraced me. “Jasmine, you were my first love. You have a place in my heart.” “We have a child now. Will you be good?” His voice carried a coaxing tone. “Be obedient, and I’ll come visit you often.” “Tomorrow is my and Sienna’s wedding anniversary. She’s been begging me to take her on a romantic getaway at sea.” “Everyone on the island works for the Hayes family. They’ll help me take care of you.” I stood there like a wooden statue, not responding. My mother’s gentle smile floated before my eyes. She’d been dignified her whole life. When she found out her husband was cheating, she hadn’t even blamed Sienna. How could she possibly have died of cancer? Did Uncle know? Thinking of that man, I closed my eyes. A gust of wind swept through the window, knocking a few withered leaves from the tree by the door. I silently clenched my fists. He would never have stood by and watched Mom get bullied.

After Sebastian came clean, he stopped wearing fisherman’s clothes. He changed into a black trench coat. Sebastian had always been good-looking. High-bridged nose, beautiful eyes like a painting. Many girls had pursued him. In the past, for every love letter he received, he’d give me ten gifts. He said: “I’ll only ever love Jasmine in this lifetime. For every time someone else shows interest, I’ll be ten times better to her.” The last time, he planted a gardenia tree for me. I stared blankly for a while. He straightened his collar, smiling at his lit phone screen. On the wallpaper was their wedding photo. The woman wore a diamond-studded wedding dress and the blue Heart of the Ocean necklace. I remembered he’d told me before. If we ended up together in the future, got married. He’d take me around the world for wedding photos. Personally put the veil on my head. Hold my hand and kiss by the sea. I’d blushed from imagining it. I used to love watching Titanic. Would cry over the beautiful love between the leads. Back then Sebastian walked by, glanced at it, and frantically helped wipe my tears. “Why do girls like these things?” “Fine, for your eighteenth birthday, I’ll get you an identical one.” He truly hadn’t forgotten that vow. Only the person standing beside him wasn’t me. I looked again at the woman’s wedding dress. Then looked down at the rough burlap I was wearing. On the island, I only had two shapeless burlap shirts. Life was very hard. The so-called husband only showed a bit of warmth when pinning me down at night. In seven years, when he said he was going fishing, he’d leave for two or three months. But I didn’t care. Because I’d never considered him a husband. To me he was just a human trafficker. Until last month, when I finally saw a familiar figure by the sea. But Sebastian hadn’t come to take me away. He even wanted me to stay here. To be kept by him for life. Pretending to be a fisherman for seven years—it must have been hard on him. My heart throbbed with wave after wave of stabbing pain. I could barely breathe. A child’s excited shouts came through the phone. “Daddy! The house you bought me, Mommy finished decorating it!” “It’s so pretty! Like a castle!” “Mommy said you’ve prepared lots of houses like this for me all over the world!” The woman laughed and pushed the child away. “Go on, go play. Your dad and I need to talk.” He looked at the phone with an indulgent smile on his face. “Baby, I’m coming back soon.” “Mm, I know. You bought the lingerie already? Miss me that much?” “Then don’t sleep tonight. Begging won’t help.” Looking back and seeing me, he froze for an instant. He quickly hung up, glanced at the child sleeping on the bed. Walked over and patted my head, his voice softening. “I have to go. Take care of the baby. She’s only two, she can’t be without her mom.” He took my hand and put a ring on my finger. “If you want a wedding ceremony, we’ll have one next month.” I silently collected the hood ashes from the floor. My voice was emotionless. “Fine.” My heart grew cold. Voices came from outside the window. “Sienna she…” The other person paused for a few seconds. Sebastian immediately strode over, asking nervously: “What happened to her? Is something wrong?!” Before he finished speaking, an arrogant female voice rang out at the door. “Honey, did you miss me?”

The woman wore a white dress with red flowers on thin straps. Her makeup was exquisite, bright and beautiful. She rushed into Sebastian’s arms. The moment she hugged him, she saw me standing behind him. My expression didn’t change. I didn’t move either. The woman’s perfume hit me head-on. She released her hands from around the man’s back. Step by step, she walked up to me. “This lady looks so familiar.” She smiled and lifted my chin, leaning in close. “Can’t hide that beauty. No wonder he’s been keeping you hidden.” The next instant. A slap landed on my face. “How was sleeping with my man, sweetheart?” Sebastian instinctively frowned, pulling her from behind. But she shook him off. “He disappears for months at a time. You’ve got some skills, don’t you?” “Hooking him so he can’t bear to leave you.” She crouched down to look at me. “I thought you were living it up with savages on a deserted island. Turns out you stole my man.” “If I hadn’t been monitoring his movements every month, I wouldn’t have known what you’ve been up to.” I raised my head and looked straight at her. “You’ll get what’s coming to you.” She acted like she’d heard the biggest joke. “You seduced my husband, and I’m the one who’ll get what’s coming?” “When I was pregnant, he still had to visit you from time to time.” “You know I’ve never been generous. Not throwing you into the sea is me being good to you.” I laughed mockingly. The next second I lunged at her and pushed. “I’m talking about you stealing my life!” “My recommendation spot!” “Stop playing dumb!” She couldn’t keep her balance and fell backward, screaming. Then landed in Sebastian’s arms. He held Sienna tightly, comforting her softly. “Are you okay, honey? Does it hurt anywhere?” He lifted his foot and kicked me hard in the stomach. Veins bulged on his forehead, his tone impatient. “Jasmine! Can you have some conscience? You’ve had it so good on this island, you didn’t have to marry a fisherman, didn’t get beaten, had food and drink, even had a child.” “How can you be so unreasonable and dare to lay hands on her?!” “Looks like I’ve been too good to you!” I clutched my stomach, curling up in pain. He carried Sienna and kicked the door open. And I lay on the floor, watching their retreating backs. Suppressing the nausea rising in my heart. In this place. Was the child some kind of blessing to me? In seven years I got pregnant three times, miscarried twice. The first time was Sebastian’s first year pretending to be a fisherman. He came back after three months at sea and forced himself on me at night. I didn’t know I was pregnant and was still diving for kelp in the sea. I ended up hemorrhaging severely, nearly died. He found an island doctor to see me, only saying: “It’s fine, you’re still young.” The second time was winter of the second year. He’d been drinking, too rough and urgent. I bled for two months. And he frowned, saying I was too delicate. The third time was three years ago. After pinning me down that time, he disappeared for half a year. When he came back, he only saw me holding the premature baby. How much I suffered. Did he ever care? I looked out the window. A group of men in black guarded the door, discussing quietly. “This is Mr. Hayes’s mistress. She’s got some nerve.” “Exactly. Got caught and still dared to lay hands on Sienna.” “Never seen Mr. Hayes treat any other woman well. What’s special about this one?” “Heard she’s a beautiful scholar.” “Can she be more of a scholar than Sienna? Besides, on this deserted island, what good is being a scholar!” “At most she’s just a beauty, good in bed, made Mr. Hayes make an exception to keep her.” The physical pain hadn’t eased. I crawled up and grabbed Sebastian’s forgotten phone. I crouched down, hands trembling as I dialed. The call connected. I grabbed onto it like a lifeline. “Uncle, my mom is dead. I’m in this place. Save me!” Without waiting for a response, I immediately hung up. Quickly navigated the phone to send my location. Then deleted all traces. Put the phone back where it was, then sat against the wall. Though I called him uncle. I’d always hoped. If only Mom had married him instead. He was a student Mom had sponsored, climbed up from the bottom. Pursued my mom his whole life. But never got to protect her. Footsteps approached outside the door. My nerves immediately tensed. The moment he stepped in. The phone I’d put back suddenly started ringing frantically.

The phone’s ringtone was my favorite love song. I felt dazed. When we were sixteen, we sat at the same desk. Phone hidden in our pockets, one earbud each. I felt him secretly hold my hand, my heart pounding. But now, I looked around. Seven years in a deserted island grass hut, youth already exhausted. Patience also exhausted. He walked over. I nervously clutched my hem. He didn’t even look, just hung up directly. “Secretary Davis, cancel all my appointments.” “Unless it’s a life-or-death emergency, don’t disturb me.” Someone outside immediately acknowledged. He crouched down, eyes bloodshot. Fingers threaded through my hair, yanking backward. Sebastian delivered a resounding slap to my face. I felt a burning pain and fell to the ground. My ears rang, a metallic taste in my throat. The physical pain was nothing compared to the humiliation. His voice contained fury. “Do you know what you’ve done?!” I raised my head, meeting his eyes. Enunciating each word clearly. “I don’t know!” He kicked and shattered a nearby clay pot. Exhaled deeply. “Go kneel and apologize to her now. For old times’ sake, I can forgive you.” “Otherwise you can join her child in death!” I struggled to grit out: “I barely used any force!” “Stop blaming everything on me!” He laughed coldly, stood up and clapped his hands. A group immediately entered and surrounded me. He stepped back two paces, looking at me coldly. “I used to remember how much I liked you, didn’t want to be harsh.” “Since you refuse to repent, maybe I really need to teach you a lesson.” Two or three bodyguards dragged me up, holding me firmly. Dragged me out the door. The beach was empty, the sun brutal. He directed people to set up a long pole. His secretary handed him a bundle of rope. I realized what was happening and began struggling violently. The abdominal pain hadn’t passed. Moments later I was out of strength. I looked up to see him approach and embrace me. What looked like a hug. Rough rope bound my hands tightly. I already felt uncomfortable. I looked up at him. “Sebastian, from childhood until now, I never wronged you.” “I don’t love you anymore. Whatever happens between you and Sienna has nothing to do with me.” “But you can’t do this to me.” He laughed coldly. “So you can do this to her?” “Jasmine, why do you always act so superior around her?” “Back then she was just a pitiful girl. Now she’s just a wife throwing a little tantrum.” “Where exactly do you think you’re better than her?” “Stop always acting like being the legitimate wife’s daughter makes you special.” “To her, you’re the third party.” After tying me up, he unhurriedly returned to the hut. The August sun on the deserted island was extremely glaring. My clothes left my arms and legs completely exposed. Soon everything went black. Severe headache, I started feeling nauseous. I had severe hypoglycemia. Sebastian knew. He used to always carry colorful candies of different flavors. Would pull one out from time to time and stuff it in my mouth. Asking with a light laugh if it was sweet. But now, thirty feet away, he was spoon-feeding Sienna sugar water. I don’t know how long passed. My skin burned from the sun. Breathing grew weaker and weaker. Before I fainted. I felt a violent wind. Then heard Sebastian’s bodyguards shouting at the sky in panic. “What is that thing?!” Sebastian’s expression changed. He strode over in big steps. Crouched down and grabbed my chin. “What’s your relationship with Vincent Shaw?”

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I’ve been able to see people’s souls since I was a child, and I could even hear them speak. Because of my special ability, my parents loathed me and favored my adoptive sister, Shanna. Later, Shanna landed herself a billionaire. But on the eve of their wedding, Shanna’s fiancé was in a car accident and became a vegetable. Shanna didn’t hesitate to cancel the marriage: “Want me to wait on a vegetable hand and foot? In my dreams! I’m not wasting my whole life on a useless person. I’d rather die than marry him!” Just then. I saw Ethan Ford’s soul. His face was deathly pale, and his eyes were full of hatred as he looked at my adoptive sister: “She’s so heartless! The doctor clearly said I’d wake up within six months.” “If someone’s willing to take care of me voluntarily, once I wake up, I’ll give her two hundred million first thing, just to piss off that bitch!” My eyes lit up, and I timidly raised my hand: “How about… I marry you?” I really wanted that two hundred million. I thought my adoptive sister Shanna would try to stop me. After all, since we were kids. Her greatest pleasure was opposing me and then enjoying watching me suffer. But unexpectedly, this time. She snorted with laughter and casually shoved me forward: “You’re just a nuisance at home anyway. Going to wait on him hand and foot is perfect for you.” “Look at you acting like you’ve never seen a man before, throwing yourself at even a vegetable. How pathetic.” I kept my head down and didn’t talk back. Being able to escape this family and earn two hundred million in the process? I couldn’t wait to succeed in my pursuit. But Ethan’s soul. Was so angry it floated behind Shanna, throwing punches at her constantly: “Shanna! You used to tell me your sister Rose was always bullying you—turns out it was all lies.” “You’re the one who’s been bullying Rose this whole time. I can’t believe I was played like a fool by you, you bitch!” His resentment was heavy. Even the surrounding air seemed to drop a few degrees. I quietly shrank my neck and walked up to Mrs. Ford on my own: “I’m the biological daughter of the family. If you don’t mind, Mrs. Ford, I’m willing to marry Ethan in my sister’s place.” Mrs. Ford’s worried expression cleared immediately. After Ethan’s accident, they publicly stated he would recover quickly. If he got jilted at this critical moment. Not only would they become a laughingstock, but people would lose confidence in the Ford family, affecting their stock price. And I had clearly become the Ford family’s lifeline. Mrs. Ford grabbed my hand excitedly: “You’re really willing?” “However, Ethan is unconscious right now and can’t get a marriage license or have a wedding with you.” “As long as you take good care of him and fulfill your duties as a wife, when he wakes up, the position of the Ford family’s daughter-in-law will be yours.” I nodded obediently: “I’m very good at taking care of people. I’ve been caring for my paralyzed grandparents since I was little.” The soul frowned and floated to my side. He looked me up and down, and a wave of cold air made my spine shiver. I pretended not to know of his existence and tried hard to sell myself. “I can cook, I can help people turn over and bathe, and I’m very patient…” My parents chimed in eagerly: “That’s right, our Rose is born to serve others.” “Having her take care of Ethan is perfect. As her parents, we approve of this marriage. You should take her with you right away.” My parents acted like they were throwing out garbage. They couldn’t wait to kick me out the door. Behind the door came Shanna’s shrill mocking laughter: “A freak and a vegetable, two half-dead wastes—a perfect match.” The soul kept shaking his head: “Shanna is too vicious… So all her previous kindness and innocence was an act.” “I must have been blind. When I wake up, I’ll give Rose two hundred million immediately, just to piss Shanna off!” Watching the soul float through the wall. I prayed silently in my heart. That two hundred million you promised—you better keep your word.

Half an hour later, I saw Ethan himself in the special care ward. He was thin, covered in tubes, relying on machines to maintain his vital signs. Mrs. Ford wiped her tears sadly: “He has a brain injury. Although the surgery was successful, he still needs time to recover.” “At the shortest, six months; at the longest, three years… We want to maintain the Ford family’s dignity, but we also want to find him a companion.” “Shanna should think about it—we can afford professional nurses, so why would we need her to do menial work?” What Mrs. Ford meant was. For a vegetative patient to wake up, they need strong emotional companionship. Ideally, someone should talk to him every day, keeping his brain actively thinking, which helps faster recovery. But Ethan’s critical condition couldn’t be shown to outsiders. And she was busy stabilizing the company. Shanna would have been the best choice. But unexpectedly, this important task ultimately fell to me. The soul stood by the hospital bed, his face ashen: “I also thought Shanna would stick by me through thick and thin, but she completely broke my heart.” “I just want to find someone reliable to read me financial news every day. Why is that so hard? I don’t know if Rose can handle it…” After listening to him ramble for a while, I understood. His body and consciousness were separated, which is why I could see his soul. When he woke up, his soul would naturally return to his body. After thinking it over. I laid out my plan: “I plan to report news to Ethan every day, then continuously play movies and music for him.” “I’ll describe the weather to him each day and try to let him smell various scents to strengthen his perception of the outside world.” “As for bathing and such… If Mrs. Ford doesn’t mind, let me do it too. That way I can become more familiar with Ethan.” Both Mrs. Ford and the soul thought I was making empty promises. They didn’t believe I could be so thorough, thoughtful, and patient. But the next day, they were impressed. When Mrs. Ford came to the ward. I had just finished shaving Ethan’s beard, making him look much more refreshed. A newly released movie was playing on TV, and I would explain scenes to him from time to time. At the same time, I was holding a tablet, regularly reading financial news aloud. Next to Ethan’s head was fruit tea I had made myself, its fragrance masking the smell of disinfectant. I had even set up my own bed in the ward. So I could stay with Ethan twenty-four hours a day. Mrs. Ford was deeply moved: “Actually, you can sleep at the Ford house at night.” I smiled and told Mrs. Ford. As long as I didn’t have to live in my original home, I was happy anywhere. “Besides, staying here strengthens my emotional connection with Ethan, which is good for waking him up.” After I spoke. I sneaked a glance at the soul. His expression had improved considerably. “Shanna’s too spoiled. Even if she came, she couldn’t take care of me properly.” “But this Rose seems quite reliable. I guess this is a blessing in disguise.” It seemed I had passed Ethan’s own evaluation. That made the next steps much easier.

I began closely monitoring the soul’s movements. Perhaps straying too far would affect the soul’s return to the body. He generally just stayed in the ward, only going out for a walk when the weather was nice. The last time he took the risk to float that far was to see Shanna. Now that his heart was dead. He had become obedient. When I took care of Ethan. The soul would ramble on beside me: “How does Rose know I love opera? Looks like she did her homework. Not bad.” “Why doesn’t she also find out that my favorite fruit is durian? Making me smell apples every day—I’m sick of it.” The next day I brought in a big durian and opened it in front of him: “Ethan, guess how many sections of fruit our durian has?” I had gotten bolder. I would manipulate Ethan’s fingers. Sometimes making a six, sometimes making an eight. The soul would protest at first: “Stop it! No one’s ever dared treat me like this in my whole life. You think I’m your toy?” Later he got used to it. He would roll his eyes while secretly smiling. Smelling the durian fragrance filling the ward. The soul’s eyes gleamed brightly, his will to survive growing stronger: “I’m craving this so much… I have to wake up quickly so I can enjoy it with Rose.” After the soul spoke. The wavy line on the heart monitor showed subtle fluctuations. I also started eating the durian with gusto: “You know, thanks to you, this is my first time eating durian.” “Back home, I could only eat rotten apples and oranges.” The soul froze. I had gotten used to looking at Ethan’s face. I opened my heart and confided in him like a friend: “Your mom thinks I’m working so hard and gave me a hundred thousand dollars. Actually, at home I had to take care of three people—Mom, Dad, and Shanna. Before, I also had to add Grandpa and Grandma.” “Now I’m here and only have to take care of you. It’s actually much easier.” The soul floated to my side, gazing at me deeply without saying a word. That day I calmly talked about many things. Like how my parents abused me, how Shanna had been bullying me all along. After pouring out all my grievances, I felt refreshed. But the soul’s eyes had turned red. “Are Rose’s parents sick? Why don’t they cherish such a good biological daughter, but instead dote on a spoiled adoptive daughter?” “When I wake up, I must teach that family a good lesson for Rose.” I was a bit touched. Though the teaching part could be skipped. As long as the two hundred million came through successfully, I’d be grateful. After that day. The soul and I became much closer. I still pretended not to know of his existence, but I fulfilled his every wish. He also stayed by my side constantly, watching everything I did. After continuing like this for four months. One day while I was manipulating Ethan’s fingers again. Ethan’s finger. Actually moved on its own! The soul was shocked: “My nerves and muscles seem to be responding to external stimuli!” “Looks like the brain nerves are recovering well. Will I be able to return to my body soon?” I joyfully notified Mrs. Ford. The good news spread quickly. Not only did a large group of experts come to consult on Ethan’s case. But Shanna also burst into the ward. She glanced disdainfully at the vegetable on the bed and roughly dragged me outside: “I heard Ethan is about to wake up?” Seeing I didn’t respond. Shanna slapped me across the face: “You really think you’ve landed the Ford family? How dare you give me attitude.” The soul was so angry he gritted his teeth. “Rose, are you stupid? Fight back! I’ve got your back!” “You won’t fight back? Then I’ll do it for you!” But the fists he threw. Aside from stirring up gusts of cold wind, had no destructive power. Shanna poked my nose and warned me: “If Ethan really wakes up, you better get lost. I’ll make Ethan believe I’ve been the one taking care of him all along.” “After all, I’m the woman Ethan loves. Even when he wakes up, he’ll only marry me!”

The soul reacted faster than I did: “As long as my brain can retain the soul’s memories, I definitely won’t marry you!” After saying this, he paused again: “But speaking of which… when I wake up, will I retain these memories? What if I forget everything?” “Can the soul’s consciousness perfectly merge with the body’s consciousness? I didn’t even consider this…” “Oh no, what if I forget and really think Shanna was the one taking care of me? What do I do then?” I rubbed my cheek, equally anxious. Who Ethan married didn’t really matter. The key issue was—if Shanna stole my credit, wouldn’t my two hundred million go down the drain? The soul quickly slapped his forehead: “I almost forgot about my mom. My mom has seen Shanna’s true nature. She won’t let me marry Shanna again.” “Right, right. As long as my mom’s around, she can prove that Rose was the one taking care of me all along.” But unexpectedly. Shanna refused to give up and immediately went to find Mrs. Ford. She brazenly declared: “You know Ethan’s personality. Once he’s set on me, he’ll definitely marry me.” “When he wakes up, you can’t force him to marry a woman he doesn’t even know, right?” “He survived this disaster. As his mother, you should fully support him, not interfere in his marriage!” Mrs. Ford was actually swayed by this argument. She consulted with me awkwardly: “Ethan doesn’t know who took care of him anyway.” “I’ll just say it was Shanna. They were in love to begin with, so it’ll be natural for them to get married and everyone will be happy.” “I’ll give you generous compensation. As long as you don’t say anything, no one will know you were the one who took care of Ethan.” Seeing me nod compliantly. The soul kept whispering in my ear: “Rose, can you have some backbone? Why are you handing over your credit to someone else?” I wanted to. But I had been submissive my whole life. With no background, no connections, no confidence—what could I fight with? The soul was frustrated: “Forget it, I can’t count on anyone. I better work hard and try to retain these memories myself!” After Shanna convinced Mrs. Ford. To be extra safe, she released news to the media early: “Under my devoted care, Ethan is finally about to wake up!” “We’ll soon get our marriage license and have our wedding. I’ll officially become Mrs. Ford very soon. Thank you all for your blessings.” Everyone outside believed. It was Shanna’s devoted companionship that created a miracle for Ethan. As more and more experts intervened, plus Ethan’s own strong will. In less than six months, Ethan’s indicators showed. His brain had completely recovered and he could wake up at any moment. And the soul was increasingly reluctant to part with me: “Rose, I hope I can remember everything from this time when I wake up.” “God bless, I don’t want to forget all the good things you’ve done for me, and I definitely don’t want to mistake Shanna for my benefactor.” I hoped for the same. But this was all beyond my control. This day when I woke up. I didn’t see the soul. I immediately realized: Ethan was about to wake up! I immediately called Mrs. Ford and the experts. Shanna also rushed over with the media. Under countless expectant gazes. The experts performed pre-awakening medical procedures. With a beep. The vegetative Ethan actually slowly opened his eyes. Everyone held their breath, not daring to disturb him easily. Ethan lifted his finger slightly, then swallowed with difficulty. He squinted at the ceiling, seemingly trying hard to remember something. At this moment. I could only pray that Ethan still retained the soul’s memories and clearly remembered who had been taking care of him. But if he had forgotten… Then I had not only wasted half a year of effort but also handed everything over to Shanna on a silver platter. Shanna couldn’t hold back and anxiously rushed to the bedside: “Ethan, you’re finally awake! I’m Shanna, the one you love most!” “For the past six months, I’ve been carefully taking care of you, waiting on you hand and foot, never leaving your side.” “You must know, you must remember, right?” Seeing Ethan’s confused expression. My heart sank. Could it be… he really forgot everything? My parents whispered mockingly in my ear: “Stop dreaming. Mrs. Ford already said, as long as Ethan doesn’t remember, Shanna will be the one who took care of him.” “Get lost now. Don’t ruin Shanna’s moment.” Seeing Ethan staring deeply at Shanna. Disappointment filled my chest. I hung my head in dejection, about to leave. The next second, Ethan suddenly spoke, asking coldly: “It was really you taking care of me?”

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My boyfriend Noah is the Alpha heir of Red Rock pack, and also my brother Daniel’s friend. Noah and I have been secretly dating for seven years, and not even Daniel knows. But one time after getting drunk, Noah ran his calloused hand through my hair and said in a joking tone, “Emma, let me find you a better man. Can you stop clinging to me from now on?” My eyelashes trembled slightly, but my expression remained calm as I quietly agreed. Only because in my previous life, I didn’t agree to his proposal and insisted on marrying him. After marriage, he ignored me and deliberately gave me the cold shoulder. Even when I hemorrhaged during a difficult childbirth, he was with his first love Sofia watching the Northern Lights in the Arctic. That’s when I realized that true feelings can change in an instant, and love cannot be forced. When I agreed, Noah froze. He clearly hadn’t expected me to answer so readily. The lights in the private room flickered. He wore a loose black T-shirt that showed off his sexy collarbone, but his eyes were clear, showing no sign of drunkenness. I sat up straight, and when I looked at him, the corner of my mouth held its usual faint smile, except the smile didn’t reach my eyes. Noah abandoned his earlier languid manner. His brows furrowed and his expression turned unusually serious. “Emma, did you hear what I just said?” I nodded. “I heard you, Noah.” In the past, if he had said something like that, I would have pretended to be angry, cut him off, and told him not to say such things. But now, my expression remained indifferent, completely unmoved, as if I’d heard something trivial. “Emma, you…” Before he could finish, Daniel, who had gone out for air, walked back in. Daniel and Noah had been friends since childhood. Because my father and Daniel’s father were Noah’s father’s Beta, we’d known each other since we were young. At this moment, when Daniel saw Noah, he broke into a playful smile. “Noah, guess who I just saw outside?” Without waiting for an answer, Daniel continued, “I saw Sofia. She seems drunk, and some guys with bad intentions were dragging her toward the back alley…” Before he finished speaking, Noah jumped up and rushed out of the private room. Soon after, there were sounds of commotion and shattering glass from outside. I sat in my seat, calmly peeling an orange from the fruit plate. Noah liked eating fruit but hated peeling it, so I always carefully peeled it and placed it in his palm. Whenever Daniel saw this, he would tease, “You’re so good to Noah. I’ve never seen you treat me this well. Don’t tell me you like him?” Several times, I almost revealed my relationship with Noah. But he would always put his arm around my shoulder and speak first. “Maybe to Emma, I’m more like a real brother than you. A sister caring for her brother—you got a problem with that?” Gradually, I understood what he meant. He didn’t want others to know about our relationship, so I stopped talking about it. Now, Daniel stood at the door watching. When he turned back and saw me still eating fruit, he raised an eyebrow and teased, “Emma, Noah’s fighting with someone. Aren’t you going to help?” I swallowed the last piece of orange in my mouth and shook my head. “That’s their business. Why would I get involved?” Hearing this, Daniel clicked his tongue but said nothing more and walked out to help. I sat in the private room for a long time, until the noise outside died down, then got up and walked out. As soon as I stepped out of the room, I immediately saw the woman Noah was holding tightly in his arms. That was his first love, and also his obsession he couldn’t let go of—Sofia. Sofia was also Noah’s fated mate. When they were dating, their love was passionate. Everyone around them thought they would end up together, but in the end, Sofia broke up with Noah. At that time, Noah got drunk and leaned sadly on my shoulder. The person I’d secretly loved for so long was so close to me. In that moment, I heard my own heartbeat drumming like thunder. And now, Sofia, who had just been rescued by Noah, was drunk and leaning softly against him like she had no bones. The corners of her eyes were red, crying like rain on pear blossoms. Not only did Noah not push her away, he held her tightly. His bright black eyes showed some anger, along with heartache he himself hadn’t noticed. Seeing this, Daniel came over and lowered his voice, raising his eyebrow. “Emma, looking at Noah’s attitude, do you think he’s going to get back together with Sofia?” His voice was neither loud nor soft, but enough for Noah to hear. Hearing this, Noah suddenly looked up. When he saw me standing not far away, a trace of guilt flashed in his eyes, barely noticeable. He explained, “I haven’t thought about getting back together with her. She’s just drunk, and I’m helping her out.” I smiled and shook my head, my gaze falling on Sofia’s pitifully vulnerable face. “Noah, I understand. Sofia seems really drunk. You should take her home first.” Noah seemed dissatisfied with how I addressed him and frowned slightly, but he didn’t refuse my suggestion. As he left with Sofia, he didn’t forget to remind Daniel, “You guys should head back early too. Don’t wander around outside.”

Watching their departing figures, a needle-like pain shot through my heart, yet I also felt it was incredibly ironic and laughable. My lifelong dream had been to marry Noah. Because I liked Noah, when I met my fated mate, I firmly rejected him. All these years, I stayed by Noah’s side. I thought that after such a long time together, I could eventually touch Noah’s heart. In my previous life, I married Noah as I wished, but I didn’t get the happiness I wanted. On my birthday, I wanted him to spend a simple birthday with me. But he said on the phone, “I’m in a meeting. Can you stop bothering me?” Then I saw photos of him and Sofia skiing in the snowy mountains on her social media. When I had an acute stomach ulcer and wanted him to go to the hospital with me for an examination. He said impatiently, “I’m not a doctor. If you’re in pain, go to the hospital. Why are you looking for me?” Then I saw him accompanying Sofia to the hospital for a minor cold. Later, when I was preparing a surprise for our wedding anniversary, I got into a car accident on the way back, which caused a miscarriage. The doctor called him urgently, wanting him to come to the hospital to sign for the surgery. But he said coldly on the other end of the phone, “Is she dead? If she’s not dead, don’t call me.” As his words fell, Sofia’s excited voice came through. “Noah, look, such beautiful Northern Lights. This trip was really worth it.” The moment the phone hung up, blood gushed from my wound. The pool of blood beneath me was shocking. Remembering the heart-wrenching pain before I died in my previous life, I almost couldn’t breathe. I covered my aching heart and smiled palely. Noah, since you think my love is a burden, I won’t love you anymore. That night, Daniel and I didn’t stay long and went home early. The next day when I woke up, I groggily reached for my phone to check the time. But Sofia’s message was right in front of my eyes. She sent me a photo of Noah sleeping on her couch and said, “Noah stayed at my place to keep me company last night.” Seeing her message, I wasn’t moved at all and just replied with “oh.” When I didn’t respond further, she wouldn’t give up. Soon she sent me another photo. This time it was a photo of breakfast. She said, “Noah made me breakfast himself. He even made cute heart-shaped fried eggs for me.” When Noah was with me, he never went into the kitchen. He said he was tired from working hard outside, and when he came home, he should enjoy himself and not treat himself poorly. So to take care of his stomach, I specially enrolled in cooking classes. As long as I was there, he could eat hot, delicious meals. But after learning what he did for Sofia, I realized how ridiculous everything I’d done was. I glanced at the message, didn’t reply, and put down my phone to continue eating breakfast. Five minutes passed, and Noah suddenly messaged me. He didn’t mention last night, but asked on his own, “The pasta you made for me last time was pretty good. Make some more for me today. I’ll wait for you at the company.” “Oh right, remember not to add salad dressing.” Seeing this message, my expression darkened. Noah didn’t have a habit of avoiding salad dressing. In fact, he especially liked it. I thought about it and replied “okay.” After sending the message, I decisively opened a food delivery app and randomly ordered a home-style meal to be delivered to his company.

In the evening, after finishing work, Daniel and I went out to eat together. We had just arrived at the restaurant we’d reserved when we saw Noah and Sofia walk in with bright smiles, arm in arm. When they saw us, Noah instinctively let go of her hand and walked toward us. Sofia’s expression changed slightly. She walked over with a smile. “What a coincidence! But we came late and there are no empty seats. You don’t mind if we share a table with you, right?” Without waiting for our answer, Noah sat down beside me on his own. Seeing this, Daniel’s eyes widened immediately. He quickly stood up to switch seats with Noah. “What’s wrong with you? Is it appropriate for me to sit with Sofia?” Noah was pushed into the seat across from me. His eyes showed some displeasure, as if he was waiting for me to say something. I avoided his gaze and handed the menu to Sofia. “Sofia, you order what you want to eat. Daniel and I already ordered.” Sofia smiled and took the menu, then looked at Noah with forced naturalness. “Noah, Emma’s cooking is really delicious. It tastes so much better than what you can buy outside.” Her words confirmed my guess. The food Noah asked me to make was for Sofia. I smiled and said nothing. Daniel responded with satisfaction mixed with playfulness. “She wanted to learn cooking for some reason a while back. She’s always been afraid of hardship and exhaustion since childhood. I thought she’d definitely give up in a few days, but she actually stuck with it.” “Now she can make anything. Her future boyfriend will be so lucky.” Noah’s eyes had been smiling, but after hearing this, the smile faded. He leisurely took a sip of tea and said indifferently, “Emma wants to date?” I looked at him with confusion. Remembering what he said in the private room that day, I nodded slightly. “I really should date. Noah, if you have anyone to recommend, please introduce them to me.” “You finally have this awareness!” Daniel was more excited than anyone. “I’ve tried to set you up several times before, but you never agreed. Now that you finally want to date, I’ll do my best to find you a good man!” After he said this, Noah’s lips tightened, and he stared at me without blinking, as if trying to read something from my face. Sofia noticed his emotional change and smiled. “Emma is so lucky to have such a good brother like Daniel to support her. I’m envious just watching. But I think Noah is pretty good. How about…” “Don’t talk nonsense. Emma is my sister.” Before Daniel could say anything, Noah frowned and interrupted her, his words carrying reproach, but his expression showed helplessness. Regarding Noah’s words, I nodded in agreement. “Right. I see Noah as a brother. Sofia, don’t make jokes like that anymore.” “And I think you and Noah are more compatible.” Noah’s face darkened instantly, his eyes tinged with anger. He laughed bitterly. “Is that so? Then I’ll introduce someone to you. Do you want to make time to meet them?” “Sure, then thank you.” I smiled brightly and agreed readily.

Over the next few days, I didn’t contact Noah, and he didn’t contact me either. Instead, Sofia came looking for me. When she came, both Daniel and I were at my place. “So, what do you want?” Faced with Daniel’s question, Sofia looked at me with feigned embarrassment. “Daniel, you know that Noah and I were each other’s first love, and I’m his fated mate. Although we’ve been on and off for several years, we still have feelings for each other.” “Breaking up with him after our fight was my fault. This time I want to confess to him and get back together. Can you help me?” If I hadn’t experienced my previous life, I would have loudly told them that Noah liked me. But precisely because I’d lived through that past life, I clearly understood that Noah had her in his heart. They were the ones truly meant for each other. “Sure, that’s easy! We’ve all seen what’s between you and Noah. He obviously hasn’t let you go. If you confess, it’ll definitely work!” Daniel gave his objective assessment. A smile appeared at the corner of Sofia’s mouth. When she looked at me, her eyes held a determined gleam. I was indifferent and didn’t take it to heart. Two days later, Daniel and Noah’s friends had planned how to set up the confession scene. They arranged for everyone to go to Moonlight Plaza to watch the New Moon Festival’s wizard performance. When we arrived at the destination, there was a large crowd. I didn’t like crowded places, so I thought I’d wait on the side. But Sofia wouldn’t let me go. As the crowd surged, she pulled me into the throng. Soon, we made it to the front row where we could clearly see the performance. As the wizard performance began, magical sparks flew everywhere. Sofia, standing close, was startled by the flying sparks and instinctively moved toward Noah. Noah saw she was genuinely frightened. A smile appeared in his eyes as he tightly held her hand. In that moment, I remembered the early days after our marriage in my previous life. At that time, I was full of hope for marriage. I personally handled all the big and small matters at home, wanting him to feel the warmth of home. But once, when he got drunk and I went to pick him up. I heard him complaining to Sofia, saying groggily, “I feel like I didn’t marry a wife, but got myself a mom. She manages everything about me. So annoying.” “You’re better. You do everything with proper boundaries and don’t make me feel suffocated.” Suddenly, perhaps because the plaza was close to the forest, a crazed tiger jumped out. The surrounding crowd screamed and scattered. This successfully pulled me back from my thoughts. But it was too late. The tiger had already run to my side. I was about to pull Daniel back when someone pushed me hard. Before I could react, I had already crossed the safety barrier. Shouts and scolding voices gathered around me. Just then, an agile figure ran through the chaotic crowd. In that moment, I felt a glimmer of hope, imagining Noah running toward me. But in the next second, he ran toward Sofia, who had also crossed the barrier, without hesitation and held her protectively in his arms. Emma, what exactly are you hoping for? I wanted to laugh but couldn’t. I only felt the irony. Fortunately, Daniel ran over in time and helped me, with my twisted ankle, slowly retreat from the area. After Noah protected Sofia, he subdued the crazed tiger. When he was dealing with the wolf council personnel who arrived, Daniel and I emerged from the crowd. Daniel said, “The confession scene is ready. Let’s go watch the excitement.” He pulled me to the plaza entrance. Noah’s friends had hung heart-shaped colored lights on the Destiny Tree at the entrance, mixed with evidence of Noah and Sofia’s past relationship. There were love letters Sofia had written, photos they’d taken together… Sofia held Noah’s favorite pink roses and passionately declared her love for him. Noah looked at the scene before him, dumbfounded. A breeze happened to blow by, stirring ripples in my calm heart. I thought the wind was bearing witness to their love. Hearing the noise around me, I also started clapping and shouting, “Say yes, say yes!” Hearing my voice, Noah looked at me with complete shock. “Emma, are you crazy? I’m your boyfriend!”

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