Category: English

My company was bankrupt, drowning in massive debt. I sat on my penthouse balcony, chugging a bottle of whiskey, and dialed Ethan Chen’s number. “Can you come see me one last time?” He scoffed. “You want me to beg you not to die? Don’t pretend, you’re not the type to give up that easily.” “Oh, and that proposal from yesterday? It’s off. I have no interest in becoming a co-debtor.” In the background, a woman’s sweet voice cooed, “Ethan, focus, darling. Don’t mind that old hag.” I shook my head, a bitter smile playing on my lips. Five years I’d nurtured him, only to find him an ungrateful dog. My phone vibrated. A new message. Dad: “Had enough fun? Come back and inherit the family business!” 1 Three minutes later, on board the private jet dispatched by the Sterling Corp. Ethan texted: “Get your stuff out by end of day.” I leaned back in the plush leather seat, my fingertips barely touching the screen as I typed: “Just trash it all.” He instantly replied: “Ordering me around? Still think you’re Harper Lin, the high-and-mighty CEO?” I let out a soft laugh, tossing the phone aside. He’d been my executive assistant for three years. I supposed he’d felt truly wronged. The jet landed on the helipad of a sprawling hillside mansion. Pushing open the heavy front door, I found my clothes and jewelry crammed haphazardly into cheap duffel bags. A few pieces of expensive lace lingerie had been deliberately pulled out and strewn across the floor, soaked in red wine, cigarette burns clearly visible. Several of his friends lounged on the sofas, eyeing me with meaningful, smirking gazes. My hands clenched, trembling as I looked at Ethan. He wore a silk black shirt, collar slightly unbuttoned, his charming eyes now glacial, making him look even more alluringly cruel. Suddenly, he pulled out a thick wad of cash and flung it directly at my face. The bills fluttered down, a few sticking to my cheek, like dirty paper meant for a mockery. Everyone burst into laughter: “Harper just came back from the brink, she needs a good cleanse! What if she loses it again and tries to off herself? Where would we collect our debts then?” “Off herself? She’d never abandon our Ethan!” One of them nudged a lace bra on the floor with his foot. “The tags are still on. Guess she never got to wear it for Ethan.” Ethan sneered, walking closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm: “Harper Lin, how does it feel to be humiliated with money? All these years, what else could you do but throw cash at me? Limited edition cars, yachts, hundreds of designer suits…” “Aside from spending money, do you have any other talent? If you’d shown me even a shred of genuine affection, you wouldn’t be in this position today!” I tugged at the corner of my lips: “Ethan Chen, you missed one thing: this $20 million mansion? I gave you that too.” I remembered our first time, in his cramped apartment. My heart ached for him, and I bought this villa the very next day. Later, anything good I saw, I wanted to give him. Now, that’s considered lack of sincerity? He looked disgusted. “What? You want it back?” I gazed at him, my fingertip lightly tracing his lips: “Considering how hard you worked in bed all these years, it’s yours. I really don’t lose anything.” He slapped my hand away, his face contorted in rage: “Do you know how disgusted I was every time I touched you? Your garish lipstick, your fake moans, even your breathing made me want to gag!” A dull ache swelled in my chest. I had money, looks, and on top of that, I’d tried every way to please him in bed, yet he despised me so much. The onlookers stifled their laughter, their gazes filled with contempt, mockery, and revulsion. Someone shook his phone: “Ethan, that’s not fair, man. Those private pics of Harper you shared in the group… her figure was totally smoking hot.” “Didn’t expect Harper, usually so poised and dignified, to be so wild in private.” “Shut up!” Ethan snapped, cutting him off, then turned to me with a cold smirk, “Even the best body can’t compare to a single strand of Chloe’s hair.” He’d actually shared my private photos with others to admire. My voice was hoarse: “How truly difficult for you, Ethan. Fetching my coffee all day at the office, and then at night having to endure your disgust while ‘servicing’ this ‘old hag.’ If I’d known it was such a burden, I would’ve hired a few more attractive assistants to spare you the effort.” Ethan suddenly clenched my wrist: “Harper Lin, do you have no shame? If you hadn’t bought off Chloe and forced her to leave the country, forced her to break up with me, how would I have ended up with you…?” “I forced her?” I raised an eyebrow. “Don’t play innocent!” He ground his teeth, “If you hadn’t meddled, why would Chloe and I have been apart for five years?” I suddenly remembered five years ago, Chloe Su standing timidly in my office: “Ms. Lin, I, I can let you have Ethan. Could you give me some money for my studies abroad?” At the time, I found it utterly ridiculous. A man Harper Lin wanted? Did I need someone else’s permission? Out of pity, I’d allocated funds from my philanthropic foundation to her. Unexpectedly, that very night, Ethan spent all his savings to book the most exclusive restaurant in town, proposing to me with a diamond ring. Looking at the man now, his face filled with resentment, I suddenly felt a profound sense of weariness. Too lazy to explain, I shook off his hand and walked straight out. “Ms. Lin, long time no see.” A syrupy voice suddenly floated to my ears. 2 Chloe Su glided gracefully toward me on stiletto heels, her Givenchy couture dress accentuating her slender figure. She covered her mouth with a delicate hand, a challenging gleam in her eyes. “Ms. Lin, you’ve maintained yourself so well. You really don’t look thirty at all.” I eyed her coldly. Five years abroad had indeed polished away some of her former tackiness. But her habit of saying nasty things remained unchanged. She intimately linked her arm through Ethan’s. He immediately tenderly smoothed a strand of hair from her temple. I spotted the sapphire necklace around her neck. “Nice necklace,” I drawled, “I have an identical one.” Chloe suddenly stepped forward and embraced me, whispering in my ear: “Ethan said, anything you have, I have to have too. And it has to be better than yours.” She pulled a necklace from her palm, tilting her head, her smile both innocent and venomous: “This one is yours, a cheap imitation worth a few bucks. Mine is the real deal. Look at the wear and tear, Ms. Lin must have worn it often, right?” I stared at the necklace that had accompanied me to countless important events, my fingertips growing cold. The gift I had cherished as a treasure was nothing but a fake. And I had felt sorry for Ethan, always reciprocating his gifts with luxury watches and custom suits worth a hundred times more. Taking a deep breath, I reached up and ripped Chloe’s necklace from her neck, tossing it into a nearby trash can. If I had to wear a fake, why should she get to wear the real thing? Chloe shrieked in shock. The next second, Ethan shoved me hard: “Harper Lin! Are you out of your mind? Desperate for cash, are you? Trying to steal a necklace now?” My back slammed against a stone table, the searing pain making my vision blacken. He grabbed the trash can and dumped its contents over my head: “Pick up the necklace yourself!” Cigarette ash, fruit peels, and foul-smelling liquid cascaded over me. The stench was unbearable. I ripped the cheap fake necklace from my collar and hurled it at him. I gasped, writhing in pain, yet managed a brilliant smile: “Ethan Chen, that cheap trash isn’t even worth me touching.” Ethan’s face twisted, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Harper Lin, even now you’re still so shallow, always measuring everything by money!” He sighed heavily, “We’re clearly not from the same world. Forget it. I was originally planning to give you some emergency money…” I cut him off, contempt and mockery lacing my voice: “No need. I agree, we were never in the same world.” He sneered, “Butler, show her out!” The servants, who had once been so respectful, now herded me toward the door like a stray dog. My bodyguards, waiting outside the main gate, rushed to steady my stumbling form. “Miss, should we deal with this?” I looked back at the two figures embracing inside the mansion, and gently shook my head. How ridiculous. Even after all this, I still couldn’t bring myself to harm him. 3 Back home, my father was leisurely sipping tea. “My girl, that $10 billion tuition fee? Totally worth it!” He said, a smile crinkling his eyes, “Tomorrow, you’ll take over as Chairman.” I collapsed onto the sofa, groaning: “Dad, I just drove a company into bankruptcy. Can’t I get a break?” “Alright,” Dad slowly set down his teacup, “How about a blind date tomorrow then?” I instantly sprang up from the sofa: “No way!” Late that night, a friend request popped up on my phone. I casually accepted it, and out of curiosity, tapped on the sender’s social media profile. The latest post was a photo: Chloe Su in a bikini, lounging in Ethan’s arms, the two of them passionately kissing on a yacht deck. The location showed Hawaii. The date was last month, when Ethan had told me he was going abroad for a business trip. The most ironic part? The luxurious yacht in the background was the very gift I’d commissioned for him, thinking he deserved it after all his hard work. I let out a soft chuckle, then posted a comment: “Truly a match made in hell.” Not long after, Ethan sent a message: “I wired you $100,000 for emergencies.” “Don’t sleep under a bridge, it’s not safe.” I lightly tapped the ‘thumbs up’ emoji, then casually returned the transfer. Next, Chloe eagerly sent a video. In the footage, Ethan was breathing heavily, his voice laced with a vulnerability I’d never heard from him: “Baby, please, don’t ever leave me again. Do you know how I’ve survived all these years?” “Every time I was with Harper Lin, I’d close my eyes and imagine she was you. It was the only way to trick my body and not throw up.” “She clung to me every day, like a persistent fly! Even when she smiled at me, I felt like she was just laughing at my misery.” “Did she really think money could buy love? Buy my body and my dignity? Ridiculous! She’s just a crude, arrogant nouveau riche. How could she ever compare to my baby?” Every word was a poisoned dagger, piercing precisely into my heart. Only then did I belatedly realize, with him, I might have actually fallen. I fiercely wiped away the tears on my face, then carefully applied my flawless makeup. It’s just a man, isn’t it? When have I, Harper Lin, ever been short of them? I changed into the red dress he always loved to see me in, slipped on my high heels, and headed straight to the exclusive club. I picked a male escort who was handsomer and seemed more docile than Ethan, and collapsed into his embrace: “Does my smile really make people hate me?” His eyes were so tender they could melt. “How could it? Ms. Lin, your smile is as captivating as moonlight.” See? This is what a professional does. Not like Ethan, that hypocrite, who wanted my money yet still gave me that condescending sneer. I lightly kissed his lips. “So, will you keep me company tonight?” His Adam’s apple bobbed. He seemed conflicted. My heart suddenly sank. Was it true, as Ethan had said, that I was disgusting? “Harper Lin!” The VIP room door was brutally kicked open. Ethan’s face was grim with fury: “We’ve only been broken up for fifteen hours, and you’re already so desperate you have to come to a place like this? If someone hadn’t sent me the video, I wouldn’t have believed you could sink so low!” 4 Ignoring him, my fingertips traced circles on the male escort’s throat: “A million dollars, just for tonight?” The escort’s breath hitched, clearly tempted by the million. The next second, he smoothly swept me into his arms. Ethan lunged, trying to grab me. “Get down, now!” I tilted my head, looking him over: “What, Ethan? Do you want the million too? Too bad. I’ve already moved on from your model.” Ethan’s face instantly turned ashen: “Harper Lin, you sicken me! Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want my ex-girlfriend buying escorts and becoming a laughingstock in our circle!” “Ex-girlfriend?” I wagged a finger: “Ethan, your memory’s truly terrible. Between us, it was always patron and plaything! And now, the former patron is about to spoil her new favorite.” Ethan scoffed: “Your accounts are probably frozen! You think you can actually pull out a million? I suggest you stop now, before you get sued for skipping out on your bill at a place like this. I’d be embarrassed for you!” Suddenly, the escort looked at me, a handsome smile gracing his features: “Tonight, I’ll be happy to provide complimentary service for Ms. Lin, along with a top-floor suite experience.” Ethan sneered, “Harper Lin! You’re not even ashamed of a man who’s up for sale like that?” “Ashamed?” My fingertip traced the escort’s collar, “It’s better than someone who acts all sincere on the surface but secretly cheats behind your back! At least he’s upfront about his price. No surprises.” Ethan’s gaze darkened abruptly. That familiar, possessive look was back. I rolled my eyes; his clumsy acting no longer fooled me. I urged the escort: “What are you waiting for? Show me what you’ve got.” Ethan glared at us from behind, eyes burning. The escort carried me out, striding confidently, and ran straight into Chloe Su. Seeing the situation, a flicker of jealousy crossed her eyes as she intimately linked arms with Ethan. “Ethan, finding male escorts is Ms. Lin’s personal hobby. We should learn to respect that, shouldn’t we?” She deliberately raised her voice, drawing the attention of nearby guests. The men stared at me with lecherous gazes, as if appraising an item for sale. The women whispered amongst themselves, occasionally casting scornful or curious glances. I subconsciously looked at Ethan. The disgust in his eyes was almost palpable, as if I were some kind of scarlet woman. I gave Chloe a cold glance: “At least I’m better than Ms. Su. I have no interest in picking up someone else’s used trash.” Chloe’s face went pale. Ethan immediately gritted his teeth, “I’m used trash? Harper Lin, you’re utterly disgusting!” Disgusting? I’d become numb to it. Too lazy to argue with him further, I signaled for the escort to leave. The escort gentlemanly opened the Maybach’s door for me. As the door closed, the car started. “Wait!” I quickly rolled down the window. “Didn’t we say we were going to the suite?” He smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes: “Harper Lin, you really don’t remember me?” He was…? There was no time to think, the car was already moving. I let out a sigh of relief, collapsing back into the seat. I furiously scrubbed at my lips until I tasted blood. Good thing he didn’t get in the car. That act almost fell apart. Ethan’s disgusted face flashed involuntarily in my mind again, and my eyes suddenly grew hot. Damn it! He wasn’t worth a single tear! 5 My father hosted a grand welcome reception to celebrate my official return to the Sterling Corp. I wore a stunning Valentino couture gown, linked arms with my father, and chatted elegantly with various business magnates. When I went to the ladies’ room for a touch-up, Chloe Su was leaning against the hallway wall, studying my gown and jewelry with a mix of envy and disdain. “Ms. Lin, quite the strategy! You certainly latched onto the Sterling Corp. tree quickly.” “Mr. Lin might be a bit older, but he’s got deep pockets. With your skills, becoming Mrs. Lin must be just around the corner, right?” “I heard the Lin family assets are worth hundreds of your old companies combined. When you get tired of servicing the old man, you can always spend money to find male escorts for fun. How enviable!” “I don’t quite understand your pursuits, but congratulations in advance!” I nonchalantly toyed with my perfect manicure. When she finished, I raised my hand and delivered a sharp slap. “That’s to teach you to control your filthy mouth. Say one more word, and I won’t hesitate to have security escort you out.” She dramatically tumbled to the floor, covering her face and whimpering. “Harper Lin! You’re abusing your power! Does having money mean you can just hit people?” “Hitting you doesn’t require power; it’s merely cleaning up trash.” Suddenly, a commotion erupted behind me. Ethan rushed over, his hand raised, and delivered a stinging slap across my face. “That’s for Chloe!” The fiery pain hadn’t even fully subsided when a second slap landed with heavy force. “And that one’s for Chloe’s baby!” My ears buzzed, but I only registered the word “baby.” He had once said he wanted to enjoy our time as a couple, always making sure I took birth control afterward. Despite such caution, I had still accidentally conceived his child once—a tiny life that was gone at just four weeks. My heart felt as if an invisible hand had violently squeezed it, yet I managed a perfect smile: “Ethan Chen, do you really hate me that much?” His eyes flickered for a brief moment, then hardened. “Otherwise?” “Alright, I understand.” I turned to leave, but he roughly grabbed my arm. His voice held a note of disbelief: “Harper Lin, you’re not even arguing? What scheme are you planning now? I’m warning you, if you dare touch a single hair on Chloe’s head, I will make you pay!” I sighed tiredly: “Are you done? Can I go now?” Since childhood, not even my father had ever raised his voice at me, yet today I had received two solid slaps from him. I wasn’t even holding it against him, so why was he throwing a tantrum? Ethan stared at my swollen cheek, frozen in place. But Chloe lunged forward, kicking me hard in the back of my knee. “Harper Lin, I’m not done with you yet!” I buckled, falling to my knees on the marble floor, a piercing pain radiating through my entire body. Chloe seized the opportunity, clutching my long hair and forcing my head back: “Called you Ms. Lin, and you really thought you were someone? A rat fleeing with billions in debt, you think you’re worth anything in front of me?” “Honestly, a useless person like you should’ve jumped off that rooftop yesterday and ended it all!” In my periphery, Ethan’s brows were tightly furrowed, but he made no move to intervene. I slowly curled my lips into a smile: “Chloe Su, this time, you’ve truly messed with the wrong person.” She first froze, then burst into exaggerated laughter: “Oh, Ms. Lin’s getting fierce? I’m so scared.” Around us, snorts of laughter erupted: “Oh, who’s this ‘elite socialite’? Still so defiant even after getting beaten up like that.” “She probably played mistress and got what she deserved from the main woman! Serves her right!” “Dressed like a human, but who knows how depraved she is underneath.” Amidst the cacophony of harsh whispers, a commanding voice boomed like thunder: “I’d like to see who’s tired of living, daring to touch my daughter on Sterling Corp. property!”

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I was a recent college grad, and to save money, I was sharing a two-bedroom apartment with my best friend. But one unexpected incident plunged both our relationships into a spiral we could never escape… Last weekend, I’d just finished showering and was about to get dressed when my boyfriend suddenly pressed me down onto the bed, pulling down my underwear. “Baby, your butt is getting curvier.” “Stop it,” I tried to push him away. “The door’s still open. Someone might see.” “So what if they do? It’s not like they’re strangers…” My boyfriend pulled me into his arms and started kissing me, leaving me dazed and letting him have his way. After a while, I noticed a figure standing at the doorway. It was Ryder, my boyfriend’s best friend. He leaned against the doorframe, looking at my barely clothed body. “Not just a curvy butt, she’s got dimples too.” “Go on, scram! Haven’t you seen enough of your own girlfriend?” Though it wasn’t the first time Ryder had seen me undressed, I still hid in my boyfriend’s arms, blocking Ryder’s view. Initially, I had intended to close the door before putting on my clothes. But Ryder wouldn’t leave, and I couldn’t exactly walk around naked to shut the door, so I grabbed a short skirt from the bed and slipped it on. In this situation, wearing a bra was out of the question. So I dug breast petals out of my bag, ready to stick them on. When I looked up, Ryder was still staring at me. “Still looking? Can’t tear your eyes away?” “Can’t tear them away because it feels too good! But I’m thinking of a different part of the body!” Ryder burst out laughing. “You pervert, I’ll tell Mia not to let you into bed tonight!” I glared at Ryder, then turned sideways to apply the breast petals. Just then, my boyfriend started getting frisky again. He reached out and touched me. “If Mia won’t let him into bed, he can just sleep with us. Your body’s so amazing, baby. Why enjoy it alone when you can share the fun?” “Ugh, you’re trying to give yourself a reason to cheat?” “What’s there to be scared of? I’m not losing out. He’ll trade Mia for you.” “Get out of here, you’re talking nonsense! Are you two really that close you’d swap girlfriends?” Hearing my boyfriend’s vulgar and direct banter, my ears immediately burned crimson, and an indescribable tremor surged through me. I keenly picked up on the unspoken understanding between my boyfriend and Ryder; it seemed like more than just talk. At the time, I didn’t know this was just the beginning of my downfall. After they’d had their fill of joking, my best friend Mia had also showered and changed, so we set off for the escape room. This time, it was an adventure-themed room, just the four of us. My boyfriend and Ryder walked ahead, while Mia and I followed closely behind, huddling together in the darkness, inching forward. Normally, I wasn’t easily scared, but Ryder kept letting out strange shrieks, and combined with the eerie lighting, it made my skin crawl. Suddenly, the door ahead burst open, and Mia and I shrieked, clutching onto each other. Just then, the walkie-talkie crackled, telling us a ghost had appeared up ahead and we needed to find a cabinet to hide in quickly. Before I could react, Ryder grabbed me and pulled me into a nearby cabinet. My boyfriend, meanwhile, pulled Mia into another cabinet. The cabinet was only about two feet wide, so cramped our bodies were pressed together. Ryder held me from behind, and almost instantly, he couldn’t keep still, his hands starting to wander freely over me. “Ah!” Just then, Mia in the cabinet next to us let out a soft gasp. I quickly stretched my neck to look at her. Sure enough, Mia was pressed intimately against my boyfriend, just like us. But while I was facing away from Ryder, Mia and my boyfriend were face-to-face. She seemed stunned with fright, pressing herself deep into Jake’s embrace, trembling uncontrollably. Jake, meanwhile, had a look of pure enjoyment on his face. In the dim light, separated by a thin cabinet wall, the heavy breathing of all four of us became exceptionally clear in the silence. At that moment, Ryder gently bumped me, then lowered his head and nibbled my neck. I immediately froze. Ryder was on the basketball team, a towering six-foot-three, and holding me from behind felt like a wild giant playing with a doll. This gave me a fresh thrill, accustomed as I was to my boyfriend. Yes, women enjoy new sensations too. I was both ashamed and scared. His body radiated a fire-like heat, stimulating my smooth, sensitive skin through my thin skirt. “Mmm…” My body felt weak and I let out a soft gasp, subtly pressing back against him. “Chloe, you’re really something, aren’t you?” Ryder’s soft chuckle sounded from behind me. My face was flushed crimson, feeling as if my inner thoughts had been laid bare, my entire scalp prickling. We stayed pressed together like that, I don’t know for how long, until the walkie-talkie crackled again, reminding us to continue searching for clues. Only then did I realize the ghost NPC had long disappeared. I fully snapped back to reality, quickly pulling Ryder’s hand away and frantically pushing him to get out of the cabinet. My boyfriend and Mia also emerged from their cabinet, their clothes disheveled, especially Mia whose face was flushed with a dreamy, almost dewy look. What surprised me was that Ryder didn’t seem to care that his girlfriend had been taken advantage of; instead, he kept looking at me and smiling. This made me recall our intimate contact in the cabinet, and I quickly pulled my boyfriend forward, asking him with a hint of sourness, “So, how did someone else’s butt feel?” My boyfriend quickly begged for mercy, “I just couldn’t help myself.” Seeing his comical expression, and remembering that I hadn’t controlled myself either, I couldn’t help but huff. “Men are all pigs, always wanting what they can’t have, especially other men’s girlfriends. It’s like they can’t control themselves!” My boyfriend looked like he was about to cry. “Unfair! You’ve already drained me dry, I’ve got nothing left for other women.” “So if you had the ‘goods,’ you’d just go for it?!” After another hour or so of playing, we returned home for dinner, by which time it was already dark. After washing up, I returned to my room, but heard muffled moans and groans from Mia’s room next door. It turned out she and Ryder had already started. Meanwhile, my boyfriend was leaning over the bed, listening in, holding my underwear and examining it closely. On it… were the intimate traces from my time in the cabinet! My heart seized with panic, and I quickly snatched it away. “What’s so interesting about underwear? It’s dirty!” “Did Ryder touch you in the cabinet today?” My boyfriend said in a teasing tone, chuckling a few times. Seeing that he wasn’t angry, I felt a little relieved and deliberately provoked him. “So what if he did? Aren’t you two close enough to swap girlfriends?” At this, my boyfriend’s breathing grew heavier. He pushed me down onto the bed, his voice growing rougher. “How did he touch you? Like this? Spill it.” Sometimes, to spice things up, we’d exchange suggestive banter during foreplay, which always sent our passion skyrocketing. It was a little couple’s kink, nothing to do with personal decorum. “No way, I’m totally innocent…” I deliberately swayed my hips, continuing to tease him. “You’re clearly turned on, so don’t play innocent. Tell me!” My boyfriend pulled off my sleep shirt, used one arm to pin my wrists above my head, and then his other hand spread my thighs, holding me firmly against the mattress, as if I were a prisoner. “Okay, I’ll tell you, but you can’t get angry.” I turned my head to look him straight in the eyes, seeing his features contort rapidly, as if with anger mixed with excitement. “Tell me.” My boyfriend’s repeated demands made my heart pound faster. Strangely, as I watched him grow impatient, I also felt a peculiar thrill building up inside me. “In the cabinet, he pressed against me…” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “And then? You didn’t resist?” “Of course I resisted, but he held me tight and wouldn’t let go. He was so strong, I tried to push him away a few times, but couldn’t…” “You actually enjoyed it, didn’t you?! Keep going!” My boyfriend’s questions grew more direct, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. My face burned hot, flushed all the way to my ears, and I gradually became more aroused. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his lips a few times. “I want you… Let’s do it now. Tonight, you don’t have to use a condom.” “Did he… enter you? Did you like it?” My boyfriend couldn’t hold back anymore. He roughly flipped me over, sticking his fingers into my mouth, swirling them around. “Yes, I liked it, so much. Hurry, please…” I was already dizzy with escalating desire, my messy hair flailing, my words becoming incoherent. Just as I writhed, my hands flailing and grabbing at the sheets, the bedroom door suddenly pushed open. Ryder, completely naked, walked in carrying a flushed and panting Mia. “Let me tell you the most exciting part…” I shrieked instantly, fumbling frantically to pull the covers over my body. “How did you two get in here?!” Ryder, holding Mia, looked at me with a mischievous grin. “You ask Jake…” My eyes widened. I stared at Ryder incredulously, then turned my gaze to my boyfriend, who had remained silent. Jake’s lips curled into an enigmatic smile. “Why enjoy something alone when you can share the fun?” Looking at the man before me, I simply couldn’t believe my ears. He actually agreed to Ryder’s outrageous request! A few mumbled words escaped my lips, and I felt as if I had plunged into an ice cellar. “Are you insane?!” I backed away step by step, feeling that the two people in front of me had become utterly unfamiliar. “Don’t come closer! Don’t touch me!” “Jake, I’m warning you, don’t take another step! You know the consequences!” That was our unspoken rule, a phrase I used to rein him in whenever he angered me. For some reason, my boyfriend, who used to immediately hang his head and apologize upon hearing those words, now showed a flicker of impatience and almost undetectable disgust. “And what then?” The expression on his face froze for a moment, replaced by a complex emotion I couldn’t decipher. Was this still the Jake I knew? My eyes welled up with tears, and my body trembled uncontrollably. Through blurry vision, the figures of these people seemed to blend and flicker, helplessness and fear overwhelming my heart. My gaze fell on Mia, nestled in Ryder’s arms, throwing her a silent plea, my last hope. Mia and I were college classmates and even shared a dorm. After Jake and I got together, I introduced her to Ryder, which is how their romance began. She noticed my gaze, but merely tossed out a lighthearted remark. “Chloe, it’s the 21st century. Don’t be such an old fossil!” With that, she poutingly snuggled into Ryder’s arms, completely unbothered by what they were about to do. Ryder chuckled heartily and joined in, trying to persuade me. “Yeah, what’s the big deal? Just treat it like a game, we’re all best friends here.” His words felt like a stinging slap across my face. My earlier resolve completely crumbled, and tears flowed freely. Looking at the three of them, in their disgusting collusion, I felt a chilling coldness all around me, and an unprecedented bitterness and rage twisted in my heart, choking me until my voice became hoarse. “Your ideas are too… progressive. I’m not cut out for this kind of game. Excuse me!” With that, I quickly pulled the covers tighter and tried to bolt out the door. But a large hand appeared out of nowhere, blocking my path. “Leaving would be so boring!” Jake reached for my hand, but I slapped him hard across the face. “Get lost!” A crisp slap echoed, causing the air to seemingly freeze for a moment. Half of Jake’s face immediately swelled red. His pride had been trampled, and the stinging pain reminded him of how humiliated he was. At that moment, Jake, as a man, finally snapped.

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It was my third year of marriage to Ethan. He was thirty-five. I was not yet twenty-one, still in my senior year of college. I hadn’t even decided if I wanted to be a stay-at-home wife yet, when I overheard him chatting with a group of industry titans: “Audrey has nothing going for her besides her youth. “Compared to her, Veronica is far more sophisticated. “I’m starting to regret getting married. How much does it cost to keep a young mistress? Now, divorce would mean a monumental loss.” Turning around, I handed him the divorce papers. When he saw the words stating I’d walk away with nothing, he breathed a sigh of relief, and then, feigning generosity, said, “I’ll transfer you twenty million as compensation.” I smiled and politely declined, “I’m still young; I can afford to lose.” He didn’t know that my brother, Liam, was a scion of one of the East Coast’s most powerful families. All these years, Ethan’s rise to the top tier of business was entirely due to my brother’s support. Divorcing me, his losses were just beginning. 01 During my senior year internship, to see my handsome husband more often, I resolutely joined Ethan’s company. As a junior employee, I kept such a low profile that Ethan didn’t even know I was there, fearing I’d cause him trouble or distract him. Whenever I overheard fellow interns discussing Ethan, I would listen intently, never interrupting. “Mr. Miller is so charming, thirty-five is the prime age for a man.” “Too bad he’s married; I heard his wife is just some unknown young woman.” “Ugh, why don’t I have that kind of luck…” When I was eighteen, to show his sincerity, Ethan declared on the first day he pursued me that he was aiming for marriage, and immediately gave me an engagement ring. I responded with equal passion. We got married after a year of dating, impulsive and fervent, sweet and blissful. He gave me a dream romance beyond imagination; an alpha CEO’s love, direct as a raging torrent, sweeping me off my feet. If I hadn’t interned at his company, perhaps I would never have discovered his hidden secrets. Veronica, Ethan’s executive assistant, was sensual and stunning, a classically sophisticated woman. She often accompanied Ethan on business trips and client dinners. She managed all company affairs, big or small, often more intimately familiar with operations than Ethan himself. Thus, before news of Ethan’s marriage broke, the entire company believed Veronica was the boss’s wife. While getting lunch in the company cafeteria, I even overheard old employees who had worked with Veronica remarking: “Mr. Miller has such poor taste; he doesn’t appreciate Veronica, a beauty like her right by his side.” “It’s a shame Veronica resigned from her executive position at a publicly traded company just to be Mr. Miller’s assistant.” “Just wait and see; once the passion fades, Mr. Miller will divorce and end up with Veronica.” Rumors swirled, but I paid them no mind. After all, the fiery passion between Ethan and me never waned, night after night. Until one client dinner, Veronica, drunk, openly confessed her feelings to Ethan in front of everyone. It was less a confession, and more an ultimatum to Ethan. Veronica asked him if she was in his heart. Ethan remained silent for a long time. Veronica pressed on, “If I’m not in your heart, why won’t you approve my resignation?” Ethan’s expression was grave as he answered with one word: “You are.” Then, he gazed deeply at Veronica, “You are in my heart. I can’t be without you, so I can’t approve your resignation, okay?” Veronica smiled, downed a glass of expensive wine, and left with her bag. The air hung heavy for two seconds, then Ethan chased after her. That gathering consisted of old associates who had worked with Ethan and Veronica for years; I hadn’t attended. However, Jessie, a curvy girl I was friendly with and who loved gossip, filmed the scene and sent it to me privately. She asked: [Do you think Mr. Miller and Veronica will… hook up tonight?] I replied: [Probably not… right?] [They’re adults, they’ve known each other for years, have deep feelings, drank alcohol, and confessed. How can nothing happen?] I typed with certainty: [Mr. Miller is married, he’ll know his limits. Besides, Veronica isn’t the type to be a homewrecker!] [You’ve got a point. But whether anything happened, we’ll know tomorrow.] I didn’t understand what she meant by “know tomorrow,” but the moment I exited the chat, I got my answer. Ethan sent a message saying he wouldn’t be home tonight due to a client dinner. My heart trembled. I immediately dialed his number. At first, no one answered. After several attempts, Ethan finally picked up: “Baby, my phone was on silent, didn’t hear it. What’s up?” I forced my emotions down, my nails digging into my palm. “Honey, are you really not coming home tonight?” “Hmm, dinner with the team, everyone’s here. Can’t make it back, baby, please understand.” I gritted my teeth and pressed, “Are there any female guests at this dinner?” He paused, then chuckled, “No, when did you start checking up on me? How about a video call, I’ll prove I’m innocent.” As he spoke, I heard rustling. It sounded like a high-end shirt rubbing against a hotel bedsheet. Before, when our love was fervent, such sounds were common. “Ugh…” A muffled groan escaped Ethan’s lips. The turmoil in my heart, it just… dissipated in that instant. Three years with Ethan, we did a lot of intimate things. I knew exactly what that “ugh” meant. It was his emotional release after exerting himself in pleasure. This detail, he probably hadn’t even noticed himself. Good. I didn’t even have to stop him from cheating. He already cheated. I forced a bitter laugh, “No need for a video call… I’m afraid I’ll go blind.” “You have fun. I’m going to bed.” My heart turned to ash. I was about to hang up. Then Ethan spoke again. His voice was hoarse and low. “Baby, we finalized a huge deal tonight. The team will be working extra hard starting tomorrow. I might be working very late, so don’t wait for me for dinner these next few days.” Working extra hard. Or spending extra time with Veronica. To me, it no longer mattered. 02 The call ended. I didn’t sleep a wink all night. Sporting dark circles under my eyes, I arrived at the company. My mind was still a blank slate when Jessie, the curvy girl, came up to me, eager to continue discussing last night’s gossip. “Something definitely happened between Mr. Miller and Veronica last night.” I furrowed my brow slightly. Then she continued, “This morning, Mr. Miller’s clothes were all wrinkled, and… he was wearing the same outfit as yesterday. Doesn’t that mean Mr. Miller didn’t go home at all last night?” I nodded, too tired to praise her keen observation skills. She went on, “Veronica was also late this morning. When she came in, she looked radiant, like someone who usually acts so sharp and efficient just completely transformed.” I asked her, “How transformed?” She thought for a moment before replying, “More radiant, more seductive, more… delicate and pampered. See for yourself.” I looked up. I saw Veronica walk in, wearing a tight, curve-hugging dress. I had seen that dress before. I spotted it when I was shopping with Ethan. But they didn’t have my size, so I paid and placed an order, asking them to ship it to Ethan when it arrived. Now it seemed. The dress had arrived. But the recipient had changed. Veronica was in high spirits. As soon as she entered, she asked everyone what they wanted to drink, offering to treat. Everyone cheered. I sat in the corner, a mix of emotions churning inside me. I tried to numb myself with work. But it didn’t help. I drifted aimlessly until noon. I sat at my desk, eating takeout. Veronica, meanwhile, carried large bags of exquisite meals into Ethan’s office. Once inside, she stayed the entire afternoon. When she finally emerged, it was already evening, almost quitting time. Jessie, next to me, clicked her tongue, sighing, “The world is truly going downhill. Why did Veronica have to fall for a married man? Mike, who sits closer to the CEO’s office, said Veronica practically threw herself into Mr. Miller’s arms as soon as she went in. They almost turned the office into a motel!” After saying that, Jessie even sent me a photo Mike had secretly taken. Veronica was sitting on Ethan’s lap, feeding him. Their expressions, their posture, were incredibly intimate. “I wonder how sad Mr. Miller’s wife would be if she saw this,” Jessie whispered with a sigh. Mr. Davies, the manager sitting opposite us, frowned. “They’re clearly smitten with each other. Why are you two interfering?” Jessie didn’t quite catch Mr. Davies’s meaning and playfully added, “That’s true, she really is the mistress!” Mr. Davies grew displeased, throwing a binder at Jessie. “Since you’re so free, finish this. You’re not leaving until it’s done.” Jessie’s face fell. I quietly sent her a message: [Mr. Davies and Veronica go way back. He’s definitely on her side, so don’t say that kind of thing again.] Jessie replied with a crying emoji. I comforted her: [I’ll help you with that binder. Let’s finish it quickly and go. My treat, gourmet tacos.] She brightened up again. That evening, Jessie and I finally completed our overtime task and were about to head out for tacos when Mr. Davies called us back. “You two worked hard. Let’s go grab a late dinner together.” Mr. Davies gave us no chance to refuse. He turned and led us to a restaurant near the company. After dinner, we were led to a karaoke bar. We were reluctant, but had no choice. Interns had little say. Sitting in a dark corner, we just played a popular mobile game. We were so engrossed in the game, we didn’t even notice that a lot of people from Ethan’s inner circle had entered the private room. Until I heard a familiar voice. Then I saw Ethan, surrounded by a group of industry giants, seated in the main spot. At first, the group talked about projects. Later, they started discussing their personal lives. About children, wives, in-laws… and of course, their mistresses. “I saw Veronica’s social media post saying ‘lovers finally united.’ What’s up, did you finally come to your senses and take Veronica into your bed?” Someone asked. I couldn’t help but perk up my ears. Ethan said coolly, “You don’t understand the situation that day. I had no choice; Veronica was pushing me. If I didn’t want her, she would resign. You know, Veronica has been with the company for so many years; the company can’t function without her. Of course… you could also say I can’t function without her.” “So Veronica is okay being a mistress? Ethan, don’t let this backfire on you later.” “Yeah, remember how much effort you put into marrying that young girl? We all saw it. Never mind how stable your arrangements outside are, but what happens when the wife at home finds out? Wouldn’t she cause a huge scene?” “That’s not fair. If Veronica doesn’t mind, why should the other woman?” “Mr. Miller has pampered that girl for years. How could she accept returning to a normal, ordinary life? Even if she found out about his mistress, she wouldn’t dare make a fuss. As long as she holds the title of Mrs. Miller, she’ll at least be financially secure and live a life of privilege.” Everyone chimed in, one after another. Ultimately, they concluded that as long as Ethan kept Veronica from making a scene, the wife at home wouldn’t be able to turn their world upside down. They even congratulated Ethan, praising his ability to have his cake and eat it too. Jessie listened, her face crinkling in disgust. She couldn’t help but whisper “disgusting” in my ear. Then she added, “Even though Mr. Miller is such a jerk, what they’re saying isn’t entirely wrong. That young girl probably hasn’t even graduated yet, no family background, no real skills. Causing a scene really wouldn’t do her any good, do you think…?” I nodded. “No, she won’t cause a scene. In this society, everyone prefers to be civilized.” Everything could be discussed calmly and respectfully. Divorce, too. At that moment, Ethan put down his glass and spoke: “Yes, Audrey has nothing going for her besides her youth. Compared to her, Veronica is far more sophisticated. “But Veronica’s proud personality, I don’t know how long she can endure this. “I’m starting to regret getting married. How much does it cost to keep a young mistress? Now, divorce would mean a monumental loss.” So, he was calculating the loss. Of course. Ethan and I were legally married. A divorce would mean splitting his marital assets. Then, let it be as Ethan wished. I could walk away with nothing. But he would have to bear the cost of me walking away with nothing. 03 Until everyone dispersed. Veronica drove off with a drunken Ethan. I watched from afar as the two embraced, their mouths pressed together. Perhaps they had restrained themselves for too long. As soon as they got into the car, it began to rock violently. I silently filmed everything that had just happened. Then, I called my brother. “What’s up, sis? Why are you calling me so late?” My brother’s voice immediately touched the softest part of my heart. I couldn’t help but “plop” and tears streamed down my face. “Hey, what’s wrong? Are you crying?” I choked, unable to speak. My brother immediately asked where I was. I mumbled an address. Half an hour later, he appeared before me. I was huddled on the street steps, trembling. My brother took off his jacket and draped it over me, sitting silently beside me. “Where’s Ethan?” “He cheated.” My brother froze, his jaw clenching. “Where is he? I’ll kill him.” I grabbed my brother’s hand and shook my head, “No need. It’ll just dirty your hands.” My brother stomped his foot hard on the ground in anger! But it wasn’t enough to appease him. He asked me, “Are you divorcing him?” I nodded without hesitation. “Could it be a misunderstanding?” I showed my brother all the videos and photos on my phone. Even though I didn’t say anything, my brother had already made his decision. He immediately took out his phone and made a few calls. One was to his lawyer friend, asking him to draft a divorce agreement for me. The second was to contact suppliers associated with Ethan, instructing them not to sign contracts they had just agreed upon if they hadn’t already, not to renew expiring contracts, and to revoke discounts on existing contracts, charging market prices. After making the calls, my brother took my hand. “Come on, let’s go home.” I shook my head, tears still clinging to my eyelashes. “Before we go home, I want to move.” My brother didn’t hesitate, driving us to the marital home Ethan and I shared. Ethan bought the house. I had nothing to be nostalgic about. But I had lived there for three years, and I never thought I would leave it this way. “If you want this house, I’ll get you the best lawyer to help you claim it.” “No, thanks, Liam. Anything tainted by Ethan, I find pretty dirty now.”

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“Did you… hook up with someone?” My face burned crimson as Liam, my handsome and charismatic desk partner, tossed the crumpled note onto my desk. “Th-that’s absurd!” I stammered. “Then why’s your chest bigger? Another growth spurt?” My name is Ashley, a dance major student aspiring to enter a prestigious arts program. Two days ago, during a large lecture, the professor was showing a documentary on the big screen. The other students were whispering amongst themselves. I wasn’t really paying attention, so I snuck into the back corner and started catching up on my favorite show. Suddenly, I felt a warmth near my ear. Liam leaned in, his voice a low whisper. “Hey, pretty desk partner, I just realized you have the biggest chest in class.” “Of course I do. I’m a D-cup, you know.” I proudly lifted my chin. Liam whistled, then put on a wolfish grin. “I don’t believe it. Unless you let me touch.” Hearing his unfiltered remark, a flush spread across my face. “No way, you pervert!” “I’ve always used you as my… inspiration,” he said, still grinning. My face instantly flared. What was I supposed to say to that? Should I admit I’d fantasized about him too? Seeing my silence, Liam poked my waist. The unexpected tickle made me flinch, and I instinctively shrunk back, worried about other students noticing our antics. “What now?” I mumbled. He leaned his upper body closer, tucking an earbud into my ear. “Want to see something good?” With that, he unlocked his phone and pulled up a video. A series of heart-pounding moans filled my ear. On the screen, a woman was kneeling on a bed, pinned down by a strong man. She rolled her eyes back, her pleas sounding less like pain and more like pure abandon, sparking all sorts of wild thoughts. “I don’t think her butt is as good as yours,” Liam compared seriously, his eyes glued to the screen. Even though I hadn’t been in a real relationship yet, the guys in class constantly talked about girls, and they often made suggestive comments about my figure. My best friend, Sarah, had even blushed and secretly told me about her hotel escapades with her boyfriend, showing me little videos they’d recorded. In this environment, I’d long passed the stage of blushing at adult films. But watching one in class? That was a whole new level of scandalous! I quickly averted my gaze, only to find Liam staring at me, a playful arch in his brow. “Too scared to watch?” Under the bright classroom lights, his features were sharp and defined. Despite the roguish smile on his face, his undeniable good looks shone through. I feigned indifference, shifting my gaze back to the screen. “Pffft, I’ve seen tons of stuff like this.” The couple on the phone changed positions. I tried to force myself not to overthink, while Liam’s breathing seemed to merge with my own quickening heartbeat. Just then, Liam’s hand slowly moved, settling on my leg, gently stroking. “Mmm…” Through the thin fabric, I could clearly feel the warmth of his palm. His hot breath brushed against my ear, and I couldn’t help but gasp softly. I clenched my legs tightly and pressed his hand down. “Don’t mess around! Aren’t we watching the movie?” “You watch yours, I’ll touch mine. We’ll mind our own business,” his voice had grown a little husky, his warm breath fanning my ear. I involuntarily shivered, trying to relax my body. Given my unspoken consent, Liam’s hand moved upwards, tracing a path along my waist. A jolt of electricity ran through me, and that indescribable urge intensified. I tried to ignore his touch, but the seemingly gentle caress felt like a current, waves of tingling spreading from my chest, easily disrupting my breathing. My feet felt weak, half my body numb. The thrill of doing something forbidden in broad daylight, coupled with the scandalous moans from the earbuds, made the woman’s pleasure in the video seem to align with my own. If… if Liam and I were to do that… Thinking of that unspeakable image, my whole body trembled, every bone melting into jelly. I couldn’t help but close my eyes slightly. “G-gently…” Just then, I felt a sudden emptiness in my chest— Liam’s hand had moved too much, unhooking my bra strap. “What do I do?!” I snapped out of my daze, my eyes wide with panic. I clutched my chest, agitated. “Quick! Help me clasp it back!” Liam hadn’t expected this accident either. He obediently moved his hand up my side, under my shirt. Without the thin fabric as a barrier, his hot palm pressed directly against my skin, even hotter than before. When he finally found the two small clasps, I quickly straightened my back, making it easier for him to see. But Liam fumbled for a few moments, struggling to align the hooks. Just as my impatience grew, my shirt was suddenly lifted, and Liam actually bent down and slipped his hand further under my clothing! His somewhat stiff black hair brushed against my back, sending subtle shivers down my spine. I bit my lip, terrified of making a sound in the classroom. His breath, now unhindered, brushed against my skin, making my sensitive body even weaker. By the time Liam finally managed to clasp it, I was practically melting into my seat. Ding-a-ling… The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Without waiting for Liam to call me, I grabbed my books and bolted, not even looking back. I rushed into the dorm bathroom, tearing off my clothes. Sure enough, my skin felt a little flushed. Liam really went all out, didn’t he? How could he be so rough? After showering and washing away the stickiness, my roommates saw me emerge from the bathroom, flushed. They didn’t think much of it, instead chattering about gossip. “Liam has a game tomorrow. Are you going to watch?” Sarah asked casually, sitting across from me. I quickly shook my head, feigning indifference. “A bunch of guys running around? What’s so special about that?” Sarah thought for a moment. “Yeah, I guess not.” A few seconds later, she swooned again. “But Liam is so handsome, and he has an eight-pack… I wonder if he’s just as good in bed.” Watching Sarah wiggle her hips, looking like she wanted to strip naked and throw herself at him, I glanced down. It almost felt like Liam’s hand was still on my thigh. “Ah…” Thinking of those agile hands, I let out a low gasp, a shiver running through me. This was the first time I’d ever felt anything like this. My whole body felt out of control, far more stimulating than when I touched myself. I indulged in these fantasies for a while, even through dinner, until I received a message from Liam. “Want to take a walk on the track? Wear that white miniskirt you wore the other day.” I wasn’t stupid; of course, I knew what he meant. Especially with the specific request for the miniskirt. He clearly hadn’t gotten enough touching this afternoon. He wanted to keep messing with me! When I arrived at the track, filled with anticipation, Liam was waiting by the bleachers. He put his phone away, studying me from head to toe. “Good girl,” he said with a smile. My face burned. “I didn’t wear it for you.” Liam took my hand, leading me to a secluded spot behind the bleachers. He leaned in, whispering into my ear, “Still looks good.” The next second, I was firmly pressed against him, his lips on mine. The surroundings were quiet, but the air suddenly thickened with an unspoken intensity. My already flushed body felt hot all over, my cheeks and ears practically on fire. Without realizing it, I lifted my hands and slipped them under Liam’s t-shirt. A hazy thought drifted through my mind: his abs are so hard… Liam pulled away from my mouth, panting softly. “You learn fast, don’t you?” I buried my face in his chest, frantically exploring his body with my hands, hurried gasps escaping my lips. “So… you can touch me… but I can’t touch you?” “Then let me teach you something even better.” With that, Liam lifted my skirt…

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“I played the part of the perfect, submissive wife to Logan Crestmore for four years. Four years ago, after the video of Sienna Vance running down my sister, Clara, surfaced, my then-boyfriend, Ethan Cole, hired a top-tier legal team for Sienna, helping her evade justice. I was alone, desperate, when Sienna’s stepbrother, Logan, stepped up, seemingly choosing righteousness over family. He hired lawyers for me, scoured for evidence, and ultimately, Sienna was sent to prison. When it was all over, Logan proposed. I accepted. In our fourth year of marriage, I found an email in Logan’s inbox. It was a birthday message from Sienna. Attached was a happy selfie of her on a beach, the date in the bottom right corner: yesterday. 【Happy Birthday, bro!】 【Clara’s heart has been doing great in me for four years now, no issues at all. Thanks to you and Ethan, I got a new lease on life.】 【It’s just tough on you, having to stick with Lyla to keep her from making trouble.】 Logan had replied: 【As long as you’re happy, brother will do anything.】 Reading it, I actually laughed, a wild, unrestrained sound. These three murderers thought they deserved happiness? Four years. Their reckoning was finally here. … I carefully saved screenshots of Logan and Sienna’s exchange, then quickly left the study. Wouldn’t you know it, I bumped right into Logan as I opened the door. Logan’s brow furrowed instantly. “What are you doing in my study?” Married for four years, he’d lavished affection on me, even involved me in the Crestmore family business, but two places were strictly off-limits: the study at home, and one specific room in his corporate office. Before he could finish, I threw myself into his arms, feigning terror, my voice choked with tears. “Logan, I had that nightmare again… Clara, all covered in blood when she… I was so scared. I looked everywhere for you, even in the study…” The iciness in Logan’s demeanor melted away. One arm wrapped around my waist, the other gently patted my back. “Shhh, I’m here, baby. Don’t be scared.” “I know Clara’s death is still a raw wound for you, but the person responsible paid the price. We need to move forward.” I trembled in his embrace, a pretense masking the inferno of hatred inside me. Logan had no idea I’d long known he was complicit in my sister’s death, even if Sienna was the only one publicly named. Our marriage was a sham, a performance to help his beloved stepsister escape true punishment. Thinking this, I fought back a wave of nausea and cried harder into his chest. Logan dropped everything, patiently comforting me for a long time. Once I’d calmed down, he began, somewhat hesitantly, “Honey, there’s something I need to tell you… Sienna’s been released. She’s coming back tomorrow.” Seeing me freeze, he rushed to explain, “I wasn’t going to say anything yet, but she is family, after all. Even if she made a mistake, she has to come home. I was worried…” This usually decisive CEO’s voice trailed off, laced with apprehension. Asking a victim’s family to welcome the perpetrator home was cruel, especially since I was his wife. But I just wiped my tears, managed a gentle smile, and said calmly, “I understand your position. I’m okay.” I looked up, softly caressing his face. “You’ve done so much for me, even turning against your own family. It’s time I let go too.” At my words, Logan’s arm tightened around me fiercely, and he pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Lyla, I’ll be good to you for the rest of my life.” I laughed, pushing him away playfully. “We’ve been married this long, and you’re still so cheesy.” “Since Sienna’s coming back, we should throw a welcome home party, you know, clear the air. Let me handle it.” Logan breathed a sigh of relief, holding me tighter, his eyes filled with guilt. “Lyla, my sweet Lyla, you’re so understanding. I’ll never let you go.” I leaned against his shoulder, a smirk playing on my lips, unseen by him. Oh, really? Let’s just see how “understanding” I can truly be. 2 For these four years, I wasn’t just the respected Mrs. Crestmore; I was a key player in Crestmore Industries. Many profitable projects were my initiatives, and I’d fought for numerous employee benefits. Two years ago, Logan said the company was facing a downturn and urgently needed to partner with Cole Enterprises. I agreed without hesitation. Ethan Cole was my ex-boyfriend, the one who abandoned me when I was seeking justice for my sister, choosing instead to help Sienna. But for Logan’s company, I’d buried the hatchet with Ethan without a second thought. Now, again for Logan, I was offering to throw a welcome party for my sister’s killer. How could he not be moved by such “devotion”? And how could our social circle, those who knew the barest, twisted version of the story, not praise my magnanimity? The welcome home party was a who’s who of Harborview’s elite. Sienna made her entrance in a stunning red gown, arm-in-arm with Ethan, looking every bit the poised socialite. Her confident air and arrogant demeanor bore no resemblance to someone just released from prison. She looked more like she’d just returned from a luxurious overseas vacation. Which, of course, she had. Logan himself had picked her up from the airport. Sienna spotted Logan by my side immediately. She practically ran over, throwing herself into his arms. “Logan, I missed you so much! Four years in that awful place for nothing, but we can finally see each other again!” Then, her gaze, sharp as daggers, landed on me, followed by a possessive, coquettish whine to Logan: “This party is gorgeous! Did you do all this for me, big brother? I love it!” Logan chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Actually, Lyla planned all of this. Come on, say hello to your sister-in-law.” Sienna’s smile froze on her face. Her eyes shifted to me, and she forced a saccharine smile, murmuring a hello. The party officially began, and Sienna flitted through the crowd like a social butterfly, her witty banter drawing peals of laughter. But I could feel her gaze, subtle yet persistent, following me. Finally, when Logan stepped away to the restroom, Sienna approached. I was taking a breather in a quiet corner of the ballroom. Without a word, she flung a glass of red wine in my face. “Oh my god, I am so sorry, Lyla! I just wanted to come over and toast you, thank you for throwing such an amazing party for me. My hand just slipped, and it went all over you.” “Are you okay? Do you need me to help you clean up?” She said the words, but she just stood there, a mocking smile on her face, making no move to assist. I pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing at the wine on my face, and offered a calm smile. “It’s fine, Sienna. Go enjoy yourself. I’ll just freshen up.” My nonchalant demeanor, however, seemed to ignite her fury. She slammed her empty glass onto a nearby table, abandoning all pretense of civility. “Lyla, who do you think you’re fooling with this saint act? Don’t think I don’t see your little games. Trying to look pitiful so my brother will feel sorry for you? You’re pathetic!” Her eyes darted to a point behind me, then she leaned in close, her voice a venomous whisper. “What do you think? Will my brother let someone who bullies his little sister stay his wife?” With that, she raised her hand and slapped herself hard across the face, her eyes instantly welling with tears. Logan was there in a flash, protectively scooping up a seemingly fragile Sienna. “Sienna, what happened?” Sienna burrowed into Logan’s embrace, her lip trembling, fat tears rolling down her cheeks like broken pearls. “I just wanted to offer Lyla a drink, and she… she called me shameless, slapped me, and then grabbed my wine and threw it on herself to make it look like I attacked her!” Logan’s gaze immediately shot to me, taking in my wine-stained face and the reddened fabric of my dress. “Brother, I don’t understand why Lyla would do this to me. Is it still because of that car accident?” “But I swear, it wasn’t on purpose! I even did four years for it. Why won’t she just let it go…?” Logan’s face darkened instantly, but not at me. It was at Sienna. 3 His brow furrowed deeply. He immediately released Sienna and snapped, “Nobody is bringing up what happened back then! Why are you obsessing over it?” Sienna’s mouth fell open, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Logan. I stepped forward, playing the mediator. “It’s okay, Logan. I’m sure Sienna didn’t mean any harm. I’m fine.” “Today’s supposed to be a happy occasion. Let’s not spoil it over something so small.” Logan’s expression remained grim. He coldly pulled Sienna away. The curious onlookers dispersed, and the party resumed. I, however, discreetly followed them. In a secluded corner on the second floor, Sienna finally yanked her arm free from Logan’s grasp, her voice a petulant whine. “Logan, you’re hurting me! And why won’t you believe me? Why are you siding with an outsider over me?” Seeing Sienna’s distress, Logan sighed heavily, his tone softening. “We both know the truth of what happened, Sienna. Lyla’s been through enough. Can’t you just let it be?” Sienna’s eyes widened as if she were seeing a stranger. “What are you talking about? Bro, don’t tell me you actually see Lyla as your wife. You only married her to help me get off the hook!” “That whole thing was years ago, and I’ve done my ‘time.’ It’s time for you to dump her!” Logan shook his head. “We owe her too much. I’ve already resigned myself to spending the rest of my life making it up to her.” But as he turned to leave, Sienna threw her arms around his waist from behind. “I don’t believe you! Logan, you love me, don’t you? We’re not blood-related! I know you love me, otherwise, why would you do so much for me?” Logan froze as if her words had struck a nerve, his hands trembling slightly. Finally, succumbing to his desires, he spun around, cupped Sienna’s face, and kissed her with a desperate ferocity. I silently stopped the recording, saved the video, and turned to leave the second floor. By the time Logan and Sienna came downstairs, the party was winding down. He couldn’t find me anywhere. It wasn’t until he got home that he discovered me, crying in the utility closet. Hearing the door open, I pretended not to notice, my sobs growing louder. “Lyla!” Logan rushed over and pulled me into his arms, his brow creased with concern. “I was looking all over for you. What happened? Why are you crying like this?” I quickly turned my head away, frantically wiping my tears with my sleeve, then forced a smile as I faced him. “I’m fine. I just twisted my ankle tidying up and didn’t want you to laugh at me, so I hid in here…” Logan stared at me, his eyes filled with an aching tenderness. “Lyla, don’t you know your smile is the most strained when you’re lying? I can see right through it.” “I…” I flitted my gaze away, flustered. He gently brushed away a tear threatening to fall. “Tell me, why are you hiding in here crying?” I bit my lip, trying to hold back, but the next moment, I threw my arms around his neck, the dam of my tears finally breaking. “At the party… Sienna mentioned Clara… and I just started thinking, if Clara were still alive, she’d be about Sienna’s age…” “But I’ll never get to see her grow up.” At the mention of my sister, a flicker of panic crossed Logan’s eyes, quickly replaced by guilt. His grip on my waist tightened, his voice laced with self-reproach. “It’s all my fault. I was so caught up with the party, I neglected your feelings. Tell me, honey, what can I do to make you feel better?” I lowered my gaze, shaking my head. “You don’t need to do anything. Just… just let me see you more often.” “Logan, can I… can I come to your office more? I’ve been having these awful nightmares lately, dreaming that you leave me. I… maybe if we could have lunch together, talk more, maybe they’ll stop.” Logan frowned, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. He’d always kept me away from his office. Because it held so many secrets he didn’t want me to know. I pulled my hands back, forcing a lighthearted laugh. “If you’re busy, it’s okay. It was just a thought.” “Lying again,” he tapped my forehead gently, his smile tender. “Of course, I can do that for you. Such a small request.” My face lit up, and I leaned in to kiss his cheek. “You’re the best, husband!” The surprise on his face seemed genuine, a spark igniting in his eyes. Logan joyfully swept me up in a princess carry. I shyly buried my face in his neck. Just barely… managed to hide the disgust in my eyes. 4 For the next two weeks, I became a frequent fixture in Logan’s office. Not only did I bring homemade lunches for us to share there, but I often waited for him to finish work so we could go home together. Sienna, having returned, also worked at the company. Initially, she was openly resentful of my constant presence around Logan, making snide remarks both overtly and covertly. But after Logan reprimanded her a few times, she toned it down considerably. Today, I was waiting for Logan to finish up so we could have lunch, as usual. I ran into Sienna right outside the company breakroom. She seemed to be in a foul mood today. Upon seeing me, her eyes narrowed, ready to launch into a sarcastic tirade. But the next second, snippets of conversation drifted from the breakroom: “Mrs. Crestmore and the CEO are seen together so often! And he really dotes on her. They’re so cute together!” “Totally! Mrs. Crestmore is beautiful and has such a gentle personality. She and the CEO are a match made in heaven. Not like… that one…” “Hahaha, you mean Sienna, right? I’ve been sick of her for ages.” “Sure, she’s technically the CEO’s sister, but anyone can see she’s got a thing for him, right?” “Seriously, it’s laughable. Does she even think she’s worthy? No talent, and such a horrible temper. She can’t even compare to a single strand of Mrs. Crestmore’s hair!” I watched as Sienna’s face contorted into a mask of pure fury. She stormed into the breakroom, slamming her mug onto the floor with a deafening crash. “You goddamn gossips! Talking about me behind my back! You want me to have my brother fire all of you right now?” “And you think Lyla is so great? My brother only married her for my sake!” As Sienna ranted, her brow suddenly furrowed, and she clutched her chest, sinking to the ground in apparent pain. Just then, Logan rushed over in a panic and swept Sienna into his arms. As he carried Sienna past me, he was still anxiously cautioning her, “Sienna, calm down, take deep breaths. Your heart can’t take this kind of stress.” After they left, I immediately took the elevator to the top floor, to Logan’s office. He always had his trusted secretary, Alex, guard it when he wasn’t there. Normally, Logan would be in his office at this time, but Sienna’s little episode had disrupted things. And Alex, as it happened, had something else on his schedule. I slipped into the office with surprising ease. In his haste to leave, Logan hadn’t locked his computer. I quickly found traces of Sienna everywhere. Logan had saved photos of Sienna all over his computer, so he could see her image at any moment. Even when he claimed to be on business trips abroad, he was actually vacationing and taking pictures with Sienna, who was hiding out overseas. A humorless laugh bubbled up from within me. Logan’s affections were truly a fickle thing. Suddenly, my eyes landed on a folder. Its name was ordinary, but it was marked with the highest level of security. A voice inside me whispered, this is it. For security, three incorrect password attempts would trigger an alarm. I suppressed the turmoil in my chest, my fingers trembling as I typed in Sienna’s birthday. 【Incorrect Password】 I tried my own birthday. Still the same: 【Incorrect Password】 Then, a string of numbers flashed in my mind. I carefully typed them in. Just as I moved the mouse to click ‘confirm,’ I heard Alex’s voice from outside the door: “Mr. Crestmore, you’re back.””

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I’d been married to Jared Blackwood for three years, and the whispers in our quiet suburb painted me as a manipulative cling-on, someone who’d even threatened to take my own life to force him into marriage. Furious, I dragged Jared over, demanding he set the record straight. In front of everyone, he simply handed me divorce papers and a blank check. “Rory, don’t make a scene,” he’d said. I’d thought we were high school sweethearts destined for forever, a love story from the classrooms to the altar. But to him, it was just a transaction, a convenient entry ticket to my sister’s inner circle, a pass to fall under her spell. They’d moved like a pair, two halves of a whole, their lips intertwined under the silent, judging moonlight. Then came the anonymous tip, costing me my teaching job because of my past struggle with depression. Catching my husband red-handed had sent Mom into a spiral, leaving me with nothing but shattered pieces. Heartbroken, I stumbled out the door. The roar of a semi-truck filled my ears just before it slammed into me. When I opened my eyes again, I was eighteen-year-old Jared Blackwood. This time, I’d watch that backstabbing jerk lose everything. 1 “Mom, maybe we should just go home.” I stood by the hotel room door, trying to reason with Brenda Miller, but her temper was already blazing. She roughly shrugged off my hand, muttering curses about my lack of backbone. Brenda stood with her hands on her hips, shouting, “Barely a day after the divorce, and he’s already shacked up with someone! I want to see which home-wrecker ruined my daughter’s life!” The words hadn’t even fully left her lips before Brenda kicked open the slightly ajar door. Soft moans and heavy breathing filled the air, two figures tangled beneath a thin sheet. I couldn’t stop her. Brenda whipped off her shoe, aiming it squarely at the heads on the bed. But then a woman’s voice cut through the air, freezing our entire family in place. “Easy there, brother-in-law.” That breathy, coy voice. I’d know it anywhere, even in a different life. It was Skye, my little sister, the girl I’d adored since she was a baby, the princess of the Miller family. Brenda gasped, a disbelieving “Skye Miller?” escaping her lips. Only then did the figures on the bed react. Jared quickly pulled the sheet over the woman, exposing his own bare torso. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes met mine. My body swayed, feeling like it might give out, but Jared didn’t seem to care. “What, did I not pay enough? Aurora, I used to think you were so sensible.” The blatant impatience in his voice struck me like a block of ice. Just three days ago, we’d celebrated our third wedding anniversary. How could everything have fallen apart so completely in so short a time? Brenda wouldn’t stand for it. She lunged, nails extended, aiming for Jared’s face, desperate to rip the sheet off the bed and expose the truth. “Enough!” Jared shoved Brenda to the floor and reached for the hotel phone to call security. I rushed to help Brenda up. Our eyes met, both brimming with unshed tears. There was no doubt about it. It was Skye. But… why? “Skye, was I ever anything but good to you?” The woman under the sheet, now wearing a T-shirt, casually snuggled into Jared’s embrace. “Oh, you were wonderful, sis. The best sister in the world,” Skye scoffed, a cold sneer twisting her lips. “But who needed your ‘goodness’ if it was just to show everyone how compliant and sensible you were? You always got the attention, Mom and Dad, Grandma, Aunt Carol, everyone always sang your praises. You hogged all the favoritism, so what if I took one thing from you?” Before she could finish, Brenda darted forward, her arm swinging, slapping Skye hard across the face. “You disgraceful creature!” Blood welled at the corner of Skye’s mouth, half her face swelling, yet she laughed, a wild, unhinged sound. “You’re so desperate to save face, but look where it got you – nobody wants you!” Brenda’s face went ashen. Without another word, she collapsed to the floor. An ambulance, call an ambulance! My hands trembled as I fumbled for my phone. “Mom!” Skye and I both knelt beside her. Time stretched, each second dragging, as Brenda’s body grew cold beneath our hands. Brenda wasn’t breathing. 2 “How could this happen?” Skye grabbed my throat, her grip tight. “I just wanted to make her mad, wanted her to notice me, why? Why did this happen?” I ripped her hands away, my eyes blazing, delivering her death sentence. “Mom was diagnosed with a serious heart condition last month. She didn’t want to distract you from your big promotion, so she made me keep it quiet…” Skye buried her face in her hands, sobbing, kneeling before Brenda’s lifeless body. Jared stood beside her, his gaze filled with concern and tenderness. So, ten years of silent adoration, from high school crush to husband – it was all a lie. All my own pathetic delusion. What I thought was a love story, a journey from childhood sweethearts to husband and wife, was just a tool for Skye to exact her twisted revenge. My mind cleared. I grabbed the vase from the nearby table, intending to smash it over Skye’s head. You pathetic bitch. Go apologize to Mom, six feet under. But Jared sensed my intent. He kicked me hard in the stomach. I collapsed to the floor, a warm wetness spreading beneath me. Then, a sudden, chilling memory. I’d come here today to tell him something else. I was pregnant. Two months along. But now, it didn’t matter. Jared’s pupils contracted. He instinctively took a step back. A strange, savage sense of satisfaction surged through me. “Your baby. No, wait. It’s just a pool of blood now.” Then, an immense emptiness and regret washed over me. I had brought a wolf into my home. I had ruined myself and killed Brenda. As the hotel security guards dragged me out, Jared remained frozen, stunned. He did, uncharacteristically, mouth a silent instruction to the guards: Be gentle with her. I was cast out of the hotel, the dizzying effects of blood loss making my body sway. Suddenly, a semi-truck barreled around the corner, heading straight for me. In a haze, I heard a familiar shout of “No!” “Aurora!” As my eyes met Jared’s, my consciousness dissolved into a blinding white light. When I opened my eyes again, I saw seventeen-year-old Skye Miller. 3 She clung to my arm, whining, “Please, baby, I hate Aurora. Help me get back at her.” Her entitled demeanor made my body tremble. My cold stare, however, made her uneasy. She tentatively called out, “Jared?” I couldn’t help it. My hand shot out, slapping her across the face and sending her sprawling. Only then did I register the name. Jared? I pulled my phone from my pocket. Glancing at the screen, I froze. I was eighteen-year-old Jared Blackwood. Eighteen. What a perfect age. Nothing had started yet. Everything could still be changed. “Okay.” My smile widened. I blamed my earlier action on an accident. “Skye, you’re not mad at me, are you?” I blinked my clear, innocent eyes, my face full of feigned apology. When she needed something, Skye had always been able to swallow her pride. It was laughable, though. I’d always believed they barely knew each other, just classmates. Before our engagement, Jared had visited my parents. Skye, in a fit of pique with Brenda, had broken things, threatening to run away. Skye had looked Jared up and down, a smile blossoming on her face. “Brother-in-law—” The drawn-out suffix sounded less like a greeting and more like a flirtation. She’d extended her hand. Jared politely shook it. The memory had faded over time, but now it sharpened in my mind. Jared had frozen in that moment. As Skye withdrew her hand, I’d seen a flicker of regret, a reluctance in his eyes. When I snapped back to reality, Skye was already covering her face, turning to leave. As I turned my head, my gaze locked with eighteen-year-old Aurora Miller. “Aurora?” Her tentative question made me realize I wasn’t the only one who had traveled back to eighteen. Jared Blackwood had become eighteen-year-old Aurora Miller. He seemed genuinely worried about me, scanning me for any injuries from being hit by the truck. A visible sigh of relief escaped him when he found none. I couldn’t help but sneer. Now he plays the concerned act. I walked slowly towards Jared, gripped his wrist, and pulled back his long sleeve. “Jared Blackwood, enjoy the world of eighteen-year-old Aurora Miller.” Across his pale arm, four or five fresh cuts crisscrossed over older, unhealed scars. Made with a compass. The more my body hurt, the calmer my anxiety became. 4 Jared didn’t seem to mind that I had occupied his body, yet he wouldn’t stop hounding me, begging me to go easy on Skye. “She’s just a kid, and doesn’t mean any harm. As her older sister, don’t you have a responsibility?” The words hit me with a chilling familiarity, pulling me back to the time we got married. Skye had run away from home then, only to return cradled in Jared’s arms. Rumor had it Jared had spent sleepless nights searching the entire city for her. I’d thought he was simply fulfilling his duty as a brother-in-law, even foolishly telling him to be patient with Skye, that she was just spoiled. Jared had uncharacteristically frowned then. “If a child is raised properly, how could they turn out like this?” His tone had been one of blame, of dissatisfaction. He was defending Skye, wasn’t he? I leaned in, whispering into Jared’s ear, “Now you’re the older sister. You better take responsibility.” “I will, of course.” Jared didn’t try to deny his true identity. He truly began to act like Skye’s doting older sister. He wanted Skye to get everything she desired. I merely shrugged, unconcerned. My only goal was to reclaim everything I’d lost. Skye’s earlier words echoed in my mind. She’d sabotaged the hurdles at the school sports carnival, planning for Aurora to fall flat on her face in front of the entire school. And Jared was supposed to descend like a prince, turning the existing crush into a deep-seated obsession. Turning eighteen-year-old Aurora into Jared’s devoted puppy. If Skye hadn’t brought it up, I would have forgotten that darkest moment. My body screamed in pain, bleeding, utterly exposed on the track. Classmates gawked, but no one dared to help. It was Jared who picked me up and took me to the hospital. “Don’t be scared, Aurora.” “Don’t cry, it won’t hurt for long.” I’d desperately clung to that glimmer of kindness and light, only to discover it was all a deception. In the days that followed, I kept seeing Jared trailing behind Skye. Reminding her to eat breakfast, urging her to study, foolishly trying to reform a black-hearted, ungrateful snake. Compared to what I had done for her before, these efforts were nothing. Skye was a year younger than me. When she was born, Mom and Dad were busy with their business and left her with our grandparents in the countryside. By the time they brought Skye back, she had become lawless, selfish, and willful. My parents felt guilty, so they pampered her endlessly. I, too, poured all my energy into making up for the missing family bond. Anything she wanted, I gave her. I believed we were a loving, harmonious family. 5 “Jared, are you daydreaming?” Skye’s voice cut through my thoughts. She leaned against the railing next to me, her head tilted, a breakfast bag dangling in her hand. She tossed the bag in a perfect arc into a nearby trash can. “Who needs her fake kindness?” She was trying to butter me up, wanting me to stick to her plan. To string Aurora along, then drop her hard. My gaze darkened as I stared at the triumphant Skye. “What if she doesn’t like me?” “Impossible.” Skye was absolutely certain. She’d secretly read Aurora’s diary, the one filled with teenage crushes. “So, you chose me just to get back at her?” The sudden question caught Skye off guard. Her eyes flashed with undeniable panic, and she quickly denied it. The answer was clear as day. My eyes met Jared’s, who was lurking near the wall. He clenched his fists and disappeared. The next day after school, I finally encountered Jared. “You bitch! Always trying to seduce men!” “I’ve had enough of you for a long time!” Jared was cornered, hands shoving him, a fresh bruise blooming around one eye. No, it was Aurora’s body they were hitting. I seemed to see eighteen-year-old Aurora, huddled in the corner like a scared little mouse. No one offered a hand, no one stepped in to help her. She was swallowed by the darkness. And now I had the chance. I could save that innocent girl who was being inexplicably hurt. But I didn’t. Under Jared’s mortified gaze, I coldly walked past the crowd. 6 I didn’t leave. I just watched from the corner. The filthy curses, the cold misunderstandings, the inexplicable hatred – none of it could hurt me. The crowd dispersed. Jared collapsed against the wall. This body’s lack of strength left him defenseless, only inviting harsher retaliation with every attempt to fight back. Jared gasped for breath. Suddenly, the light was blocked. He looked up, his gaze locking with mine. Jared instinctively called out, “Rory.” He used the wall to prop himself up. “I… I didn’t know. I didn’t know what you went through…” Anything he said would have sounded hollow and weak. I simply frowned, making no move. The sympathy in Jared’s voice sickened me. I motioned for Jared to follow me, to witness a good show. We stood on the stairwell. The conversation from the first floor drifted up clearly. Skye was joking around with a group of people, making inane small talk. “Skye, if she ever messes with you again, you have to tell us. We’ll teach her a lesson.” Then came Skye’s soft sniffles, as if she were utterly heartbroken. Jared gripped the railing, his face beet red, about to storm out and confront Skye. After all, it was Aurora who was being bullied. I stood a few steps above Jared. “Feeling sorry for yourself?” Jared’s eyes were red-rimmed. “She shouldn’t be like this.” His rare defense of me made me laugh without reason. I leaned into Jared’s ear. “Honey, have you forgotten? The pain you inflicted on me was a hundred times worse than this.” Watching Jared’s tormented expression, I felt a surge of satisfaction. 7 I walked down the stairs, catching up with Skye. She was walking alone, tears still glistening on her cheeks. Just before I could speak, she threw herself into my arms. “Jared, why does everyone like my sister?” Skye held a report card in her hand. The failing grades made her jealousy towards her older sister swell even more. At family dinners, relatives always loved to discuss my and Skye’s grades, comparing us. Then they’d conclude by telling me to remember them when I became successful. I’d offer an awkward smile, while Skye remained silently sullen. Worried she felt bad, I specifically asked our relatives not to compare us or mention grades. I was protecting Skye’s fragile self-esteem. But she clearly didn’t need it. Skye tore up the report card, then kicked the trash can a few times to vent her frustration. “You know she told Aunt Carol not to bring up grades at dinner? Aunt Carol and the others probably think I’m sensitive, that I’m petty, that I’m a loser.” In Skye’s version of events, her sister had clearly become a manipulative snake. I stared at my shoes, muttering to myself, “Yeah, what a bitch she is!” Skye’s grades weren’t good enough to get into a prestigious prep school. But she had thrown tantrums, so Brenda, out of desperation, pulled strings and paid a hefty fee for a spot for her as a guest student. Yet Skye hadn’t changed. She spent her days with the local troublemakers, neglecting her studies, becoming known as a wild child, a delinquent. She got into brawls, dated prematurely, skipped classes. Later, more and more people started disliking me. I thought it was Skye’s fault, and that as her older sister, I had a duty to pay for her mistakes. She made mistakes, and I, her older sister, was willing to atone for them. So I silently endured, never telling anyone about the bullying or isolation, only finding relief in the pain on my arm late at night. But it was all Skye’s doing, orchestrated by her own hands. “If you had the chance, would you want to switch lives with your sister?” My casual question made Skye’s pupils contract. She remained silent for a long time, as if I had just exposed her deepest, most hidden secret. I hid the dark gleam in my eyes. Few knew that Skye and I had already swapped lives for ten years. But not this time, Skye. You won’t get another chance to take my life.

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1 My wife, Serena, had sworn for fifteen years that she was infertile. Then, out of the blue, she was pregnant. I dug deeper, and what I found shattered my world: she had secretly rekindled things with her first love, Marcus, and her own mother was living with him. When the truth exploded, I lost control, clashing with Serena in a raw, desperate argument. Everyone around us chimed in, a chorus of misplaced advice. “You two have been married for years, Ethan. This child might still be yours. And even if it isn’t, Serena finally has a chance to be a mother. You can’t possibly deny her that right, can you?” I looked at Serena, despair clouding my vision. Though middle-aged, she remained impeccably preserved, a testament to her meticulous care. “You can carry the child to term. If it’s mine, we keep it. If not, you leave, with the child and with him.” It was the furthest I could concede, a fragile olive branch extended from the depths of my broken heart. Serena’s expression remained unnervingly placid as she turned to leave. For a fleeting moment, I thought she had agreed. But then, at the threshold, she paused. “Marcus has been my rock for years. I can’t just cast him aside.” Her voice, calm as a lake, cut me to the bone. “If you can’t accept that, then Marcus and I will simply build a new life elsewhere.” A dull ache pulsed through my chest. I lowered my gaze, abandoning all hope of mending what was irrevocably shattered between us. “Then let’s get divorced.” … My words plunged the already strained atmosphere into an icy silence. Serena dropped the doorknob, disbelief etched on her face as she spun to face me. “Ethan Vance… don’t be ridiculous. Even if you’re trying to scare me, I won’t send Marcus away.” Her brows furrowed, as if I’d uttered the most heinous blasphemy. “Ethan, Serena’s right,” an aunt chimed in. “You two have been married for so long. Everyone makes mistakes. Spouses are one; what can’t be resolved through discussion?” A friend added, “Don’t blame Serena. All these years, she’s told everyone it was her problem. Now that she’s pregnant, it proves the problem was with you. Serena sacrificed fifteen years. Just forgive her this once.” Another relative pressed, “She just wants a child. It’s not like she doesn’t love you.” Family and friends, a Greek chorus of judgment, clamored around us. Serena stood tall behind them, the very picture of an innocent victim. “You think so too?” I asked, my lips trembling as I looked at Serena. Outsiders might be oblivious, but she knew the truth, didn’t she? For fifteen years, we’d undergone annual check-ups. She even collected the reports. My health had always been perfect. Except for last year… but even if I had issues, Serena had no right to let me bear such slander. And I knew, deep down, there was nothing wrong with me. “Ethan Vance, what’s the point of dwelling on this now? We’re not children anymore.” Her voice, surprisingly steady, sliced through my swirling thoughts. “Why can’t you be more like Marcus? All these years, he’s never asked for anything, even repeatedly urged me to come home. All he ever wanted was to be by my side. What fault does he have?” “He’s been there for me, silently, for so long. And now you expect me to throw him away? I can’t. He’s the father of my child. I can’t be that cruel.” With that, Serena opened the door and walked out. The gawking relatives, sensing their cue, discreetly followed. I desperately dug my nails into my palms, the night suddenly feeling colder than ever before. Fifteen years ago, I fell for Serena the moment I saw her at a blind date. She was beautiful and kind. I thought I’d struck gold; how could someone so extraordinary need a blind date? When we discussed marriage, Serena confessed, holding up a medical report, that she couldn’t have children. If I couldn’t accept it, she understood. My parents were vehemently against it then, insisting the Vance name couldn’t end. But I loved Serena. I even declared I’d get a vasectomy if she was uncomfortable. Against all odds, we walked down the aisle. For fifteen years, I believed we were happy, despite no children, despite my parents’ disapproval. But now, I understood. That happiness was a fragile illusion, a bubble poised to burst, leaving behind only an endless void of sorrow. What was even more infuriating was my mother-in-law, Eleanor. A few years back, to ease her mind, I had proactively told her I’d had a vasectomy, promising Serena would never suffer. Eleanor had sworn to treat me like her own son then. Yet, five years ago, she moved out, claiming she needed to care for Serena’s affair partner. A sharp pang gripped my heart. Lost and distraught, I drifted to the balcony and sat there, numb, through the long, cold night. Serena didn’t return until the next morning. She greeted me with an unnerving calmness. “Ethan Vance, have you thought it through? Marcus never intended to ruin our marriage. He just wants to join our family.” Her words, delivered with a bewildering nonchalance, twisted the knife deeper. “We have so many years of shared history. I don’t want to make things hard for you, and I don’t want to see you upset. Just try to understand. If you agree, I’ll bring Marcus home tomorrow. I promise, he won’t compete with you for your place.” I let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh, reading her message. In her eyes, I was the unreasonable one? My refusal to welcome Marcus into our home meant I wasn’t understanding? “Serena Thorne, what do you take me for? You’re pregnant with another man’s child, and you expect me not only to accept the baby but to live with your lover? To see him every day? How can you possibly ask me to endure that? Have you no conscience left?!” I screamed, my voice raw, desperate to awaken a flicker of remorse in her. She remained silent for a long moment, then, finally, a whisper of guilt entered her tone. “I’m sorry, Ethan. But what’s done is done. We just have to learn to accept it. I told you when we married…” “…I had a first love I couldn’t let go of. Please, I’m begging you, just for my sake, try to accept Marcus. I can give you time.” The softest voice, delivering the most disgusting words. It felt like I was seeing Serena’s true face for the very first time. Calmly, I found a lawyer. “Draft a divorce agreement for me. I don’t want anything. I just want out.” Every single second I spent in that house felt like a suffocating nausea. If I could just be free, I’d give up everything. Three days later, the lawyer had prepared the complete divorce agreement. Serena still hadn’t returned. This was her tactic, her way of threatening me: if I didn’t agree, she wouldn’t come home. I didn’t care. I spent my days aimlessly scrolling through videos. Eleanor, seeing how things had escalated, decided to flood my phone with photos and videos of Serena and Marcus together. From her perspective, her daughter, who had never cooked a day in her life, was now lovingly preparing meals for her beloved man. Marcus, too, was incredibly considerate, always finishing every bite. I could see it clearly: in every photo, every video, Serena’s smile was genuine. She was willing to cater to him, all because of love. “See? Serena never loved you. She never wanted to get pregnant because she said she would only ever have Marcus’s child.” “I don’t understand why you’re making such a fuss. The one who isn’t loved is the third party. Serena not kicking you out is a huge blessing, and yet you can’t even tolerate Marcus.” Paragraphs of text and photos flooded my screen. I tapped my phone, ruthlessly tearing down Eleanor’s argument. “No matter how little I’m loved, the marriage certificate still bears my name in Serena’s spouse column. She loves him so much, but the child she’ll bear will still be illegitimate, with no legal standing.” The moment I sent it, Eleanor fired back a sixty-second voice message. It was the software’s limit, and I could almost hear her enraged screams. I didn’t want to listen to her filthy accusations. Just as I was about to ignore it, a video call popped up. I answered. Eleanor’s enraged voice blared through the speaker. “Ethan Vance! No matter how heartbroken you are, you have no right to slander a child like this! What? You want my grandchild to be cursed before they’re even born? How can you be so vicious? I’m telling you, absolutely not.” She was entirely focused on protecting the unborn child. I bit back my tears, looking at her contorted face. How could a person change so drastically? It was she who, not long ago, had kindly told me, “Ethan, we’re sorry. Don’t worry, to me, you’re like my own son, Serena doesn’t even compare.” How long had it been? She had changed, and Serena had changed too. It was as if I was the guilty one. 2 Time stretched on, moment by agonizing moment. I hung up the phone and broke down crying on the balcony. When Serena returned, my eyes were bloodshot, staring blankly out the window. She seemed to have expected it. She walked onto the balcony and hugged me tightly. The warmth, mixed with the cold air, made me shiver. I lowered my gaze. Serena said nothing, simply burying her face in my chest. She was silently telling me she was there, urging me not to give up hope. In the past, when I faced difficulties at work, we would hold each other tightly on that very balcony. The vast city offered no refuge, and my parents were often unyielding in their understanding. In my darkest moments, I truly wanted to end it all. I always thought, Give up. Giving up is the best choice, for both Serena and me. Serena sensed my despair. Her voice, choked with tears, softly asked, “Ethan, are you regretting it? Do you not want me anymore?” Her tears soaked my chest. I hugged her back, my swirling thoughts settling into focus. “Serena, I’m sorry. I was just so overwhelmed. Releasing some emotion. I could never abandon you. I love you. I will never divorce you, not in this lifetime.” The cicadas of summer bore witness to my vow, and a bitter heart was infused with a fragile hope. It was that day I asked Serena. “Serena, can we go to the doctor? I know how much you want a child.” “Let’s get ourselves checked. See if there’s any hope. If not, we can always adopt.” I saw new blood as the hope for our family. Serena, however, was vehemently against it. She didn’t want her body to change, nor did she want to endure the pain of childbirth. … “So why? With him, you’re willing to have a child? Why did you lie to me?” I feigned ignorance, though my heart already knew the answer. Serena sighed, lingering before responding. In those brief minutes, my heart had already turned to ice. “Ethan, I’ll explain all of this to you later. Right now, I want to introduce you to someone.” The door opened again. A nervous Marcus, dressed in smart casuals, extended his hands politely, a characteristic smile gracing his lips. “Hello, I’m Marcus Knight. I know you’re hurting. Serena and I… we’re deeply sorry for what we’ve done to you. But the child is innocent. I’m begging you, please, let my child stay. You can send me away if you want.” He stated his demand stubbornly, his eyes filled with a desperate longing for Serena. Again and again, even before the child was born, they were so certain it was Marcus’s. Looking at myself, standing there, I felt like a pathetic clown. “Can you do that?” Marcus asked again, his gaze lingering on Serena’s hand, which was still grasping mine. His sorrow wasn’t feigned. When we married, I knew Serena had a first love. They had been deeply in love, but young and foolish, and separated due to work. I always considered it a thing of the past. Until today, witnessing the undeniable love in their eyes, I realized how utterly foolish I had been. “Ethan, Marcus’s talking to you.” Serena instinctively released my hand, leaning into Marcus’s embrace. Their intimacy was so natural, as if rehearsed a thousand times. Tears welled in my eyes again, and I lifted my head, a chill spreading through me. “What if I say no?” I gritted out, the last ounce of my helplessness. Serena glared at me, displeased. “Ethan Vance, I’m telling you, not asking. Things are already like this. You’re seriously going to pick a fight with a pregnant woman?” 3 She squared her shoulders, pushing out her barely-there bump. Marcus, ever protective, anxiously pulled her into his arms. “Serena, don’t get upset. Ethan is just having trouble accepting it right now. You’re carrying Markus Jr., don’t let this stress you out and affect the baby.” Markus Jr. The name hammered into my brain, obliterating all past hopes. My mind reeled. A crashing sound echoed in my skull as every belief I held crumbled. That name… The inspiration for it came from a post I’d seen by a father online. He’d named his child ‘Mu Xin,’ meaning ‘admiring his wife.’ I found it incredibly romantic. I’d wistfully told Serena, “You know, if we ever have a child, should we name them ‘Lyric’ or ‘Grace’? Or maybe even take your last name, and we could call them ‘Willow’s Blessing.’” Hearing my words, Serena hadn’t been pleased. She thought I was criticizing her inability to conceive. In reality, she was probably laughing at me inside, wondering who would ever bear my child. “Serena, is the child really named Markus Jr.?” I stared at her, disbelief coloring my voice. She avoided my gaze, masking her discomfort with a few coughs. “Ethan Vance, don’t make something out of nothing. What’s wrong with that name? This is my child, a life I’ll carry for nine months. Can’t I decide his name?” She blustered, trying to cover her guilt, fearing I’d expose her. Marcus wasn’t foolish, but he was smarter than that—he knew when to advance and when to retreat. “Ethan, if you’re unhappy, the child can be named… anything. I don’t mind. This is Serena’s precious child, born from her own risk. If she wishes it, I can leave. I only ask that you treat the child as your own.” He said, casting a longing glance at Serena’s belly before turning to walk away. His performance completely erased the last shred of guilt Serena felt towards me. She angrily pointed to everything in the house, comforting Marcus. “Marcus, I love you. I want to have a child with our blood. Don’t listen to Ethan. Everything in this house, under the marriage contract, is in my name. If he doesn’t like it, he’s the one who has to leave. He has no right to kick you out.” She was brazenly enjoying everything I had earned, openly bringing her lover home, simply because, before our marriage, I had signed everything over to her as a gesture of security. I had thought of her in every way, and in the end, those considerations became daggers, stabbing me without hesitation. “Serena, don’t say that,” Marcus murmured, his attempt at humility not quite convincing. As Serena held him back, he shot a smug look at me. I scoffed, suddenly finding this home, which had once given me warmth, utterly nauseating. No, this wasn’t my home. This was their home. “Ethan, apologize to Marcus now, and I won’t hold this against you. I know you really want children. After Markus Jr. is born, I can let him call you his godfather. If you treat him well, he can even call you Dad.” “Don’t be childish. We’re not kids anymore, and I’m pregnant. I can’t handle too much emotional stress.” She was convinced that I loved her too much to divorce her. I lowered my head, a bitter smile twisting my lips, and picked up the divorce papers I had already prepared from the table. Fifteen years of marriage. Serena had been with me when I had nothing, enduring a lot of hardship. So, I was willing to compensate her, giving her half of my assets. “Take a look. If everything’s in order, sign it.” My heart gradually settled into a cold calm. The moment Serena signed, I could leave this place immediately. I didn’t even need the divorce certificate right away. “I can wait until you give birth. This house, I’ll leave it to you both. Just sign.”

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Chad, the hottest guy in school, had snared Olivia, the heiress to the Calloway fortune. He’d plastered their engagement announcement all over the school group chat, but made a point of explicitly banning me from the celebration. “Tomorrow, at the engagement party, I’ll be formally introduced to Olivia’s Grand-Uncle. So, anyone with ill intentions should just stay home, save themselves the envy.” The words felt like a match dropped into a pool of gasoline. My blood boiled. A while back, someone had snapped a pic of me kissing Olivia’s forehead, calling her “sweetheart.” Chad twisted it, labeled me a homewrecker, and led a two-year bullying campaign against me. I clenched my jaw, typing back: “Even if you invited me, I’d be tied up. One of my own juniors is getting engaged, and I need to be there to give my blessing.” The next day, I was at the party, digging into a plate, when they swarmed me, beating me senseless. “You got a death wish? Crashing an engagement party to steal the bride?” They brutally murdered Muffin, my beloved cat, then shattered my hands. What followed was a torment of unspeakable degradation, as they bound me and shoved me into a dog cage. Later, Dustin knelt for hours, holding the traditional blessing tea, until his knees gave out. But the Patriarch’s seat remained conspicuously empty. He stubbornly refused to get up, sobbing and begging for the Patriarch to appear and accept his offering. Oh, sorry. My hands are broken. This tea, I won’t be drinking. … Outside, Olivia Calloway was a formidable heiress, cool and commanding. But here, kneeling before me, she was a docile kitten. “My fiancé, Dustin, is truly dutiful and respectful. I’ve brought him today for you to meet, Grand-Uncle, so he can pay his respects. Once he officially joins the Calloway family, he and I will honor you together.” Dutiful and respectful? The image of Dustin’s ugly face in the group chat flashed in my mind, and I couldn’t help but frown. Mr. Calloway, Olivia’s grandfather, his hair streaked with grey, mistook my expression for displeasure at his presumption. He immediately dropped to his knees, frantic. “While the younger generation is quite pleased with the prospective groom, if you, Uncle Ethan, don’t give your blessing, he won’t be worthy of joining the Calloway name.” The Calloway dynasty, a multi-generational legacy, upheld strict traditions. Though young, I held the highest lineage, automatically overseeing all family resources and power. Outside, Mr. Calloway was a revered figure, but within these walls, he knelt to me, never daring to overstep. I gave a cold smile, gesturing for him to rise. “It’s fine. Proceed as planned.” He wouldn’t let me attend the engagement party? I was curious to see how Dustin would walk through the Calloway gates. After everyone respectfully withdrew, my phone pinged with a message. The contact name read: “Victoria Vance, The Iron Lady.” “Handsome, when are we going public? If you don’t give me a title soon, I might just have to crash the party myself.” The Big Four families governed the East Coast elite, and Victoria Vance was the formidable President overseeing all of them, including the Calloways. She was known as the ‘Ice Queen’ to most, feared by all, but when she teased, she was nauseatingly sweet. I couldn’t resist. “Then come on over.” It wasn’t until I’d finished up that my stomach rumbled. I scooped up Muffin and wandered through the mansion. The banquet was set in the side hall, with servants already arranging the engagement gifts. The evening reception hadn’t begun, guests hadn’t arrived, and everyone was busy in the side hall. When I reached the main dining room, I noticed it was well past lunchtime, yet the dishes hadn’t been cleared. Then I remembered – no one dared touch the food before me. I sat down and began to feast. I’d barely had two bites when a sharp blow landed on the back of my head, nearly sending me face-first into my bowl. A man’s shrill, angry voice exploded in my ear simultaneously: “You filthy freeloader! Grandpa hasn’t even touched his chopsticks, and you dare to steal food?” I clutched my throbbing head and looked up, meeting Dustin’s eyes. He wore a custom-tailored suit I had picked out, looking like a gentleman, but his eyes held nothing but contempt for me. “Ethan Calloway, are you that desperate? I told you not to come, and you still brazenly snuck in to freeload?” His three cronies, seeing me, were equally scornful. “Do you even know where you are? The Calloway mansion! You’re a country bumpkin, what makes you think you belong here?” “Look at him, dressed like a… a kept boy. He’s definitely here to seduce Ms. Calloway and ruin the engagement!” “Exactly! This lowlife even dared to call Ms. Calloway ‘sweetheart’! Ms. Calloway is the Calloway Patriarch’s most valued future leader, and you’re nothing!” I gritted my teeth, retorting, “Me calling her ‘sweetheart’ was an honor. She must have woken up laughing every night.” To gain my approval, Olivia had gone to great lengths to win me over. Once, pleased with her efforts, I’d kissed her forehead. She’d been so thrilled she posted it online to show off, which Dustin then twisted into me seducing her, triggering two years of relentless bullying. They’d put thumbtacks in my sneakers, slipped explicit cards into my desk, and glued my chair with superglue. They even spread vicious rumors online that I was seducing forty or fifty-year-old female teachers and doing unspeakable things for money. For two years, my reputation at school was in tatters. I called the police repeatedly, but the school always let him off with a simple apology. I never imagined he’d escalate to assaulting me in my own home. “I am Olivia Calloway’s Grand-…” My words were cut short as Dustin grabbed the soup pot from my table and emptied it over my head. “Ah!” Scalding liquid streamed down, my scalp instantly sizzling with pain, making me shake violently. Before I could react, Dustin seized my hair and slammed my head onto the table. Thud, thud, thud. My face bounced repeatedly off the hard surface. The metallic tang of blood filled my mouth, mixing with the desperate, gurgling cries clawing their way from my throat. Dustin laughed, a harsh, triumphant sound. “Hahaha, look at this scumbag! You must scream just as loud when you’re servicing those old ladies, huh?” His rage flared. He ordered the three others to hold me down. “Since you dared to steal food, we’ll just break your hands.” “Dustin, you wouldn’t dare!” I screamed in alarm. No sooner had the words left my lips than he picked up the soup pot and slammed it down on my hands. Thump, thump, thump. Excruciating pain shot through my fingers, but I was held immobile. I watched in horror as my perfectly good fingers were crushed and twisted at grotesque angles. Just then, Muffin, who had been bristling, arched her back and lunged at Dustin, scratching his hand in a flash. “Ah! You damn animal!” Dustin shrieked, kicking Muffin hard, sending her flying across the room. “Muffin!” Taking advantage of their momentary shock, I gritted through the agony and broke free, shielding Muffin with my body. “Don’t you dare touch my cat. Olivia will never forgive you if she finds out.” Muffin was a gift from my grandmother, her significance beyond measure. The previous head of the family had accidentally stepped on Muffin once; I merely frowned, and he was expelled from the Family Council for disrespecting an elder, now reduced to begging for scraps. Olivia, keen to earn my approval, had seized the opportunity, taking care of Muffin, even scooping up her droppings with her bare hands when the cat had an upset stomach. That’s how she earned my trust. “He’s right. I’ve seen the Calloway family’s pet cat in the news several times. It looks exactly like this one.” One of the cronies realized the gravity of the situation. But Dustin, hearing this, became even more enraged. “A pathetic loser like you dares to threaten me?” “There are plenty of animals that look alike. Your cat is as low-class as you are.” “Even if it is the Calloway family’s cat, Olivia wouldn’t blame me over a damn animal, would she?” A cold sneer twisted his lips as he exchanged glances with the others. “Kill this animal. I’ll take full responsibility.” Amidst their wild laughter, I was stomped on again by several feet, my face contorted from the blows. I watched in despair as Dustin raised his foot, ending Muffin’s life in a single stomp. “No!” My desperate cry was met with Dustin’s sinister grin. “The small runt’s taken care of. Now for the big one.” Without another word, Dustin uncoiled his belt and began lashing at my face, counting cruelly as he struck. “One hit, two hits, three hits… Hahaha, look at him, his face is swollen like a pig’s head.” “Let’s give him a ‘pretty boy’ makeover!” one of the cronies cackled, and then several more slaps rained down on my face. My lips were split and swollen, numb to the point where I couldn’t feel them anymore. My teeth, mixed with blood, came loose. The pain echoed in my skull, a buzzing void that made their words indistinct. With tremendous effort, I pulled at my sausage-like lips, forcing out a final, raw whisper. “I am Olivia Calloway’s Grand-Uncle. If you do this to me, the Calloway family will not let you walk out that door alive.” Dustin roared with laughter. “You’re named Calloway, so you’re the family Patriarch? Then I’m the Calloway family’s ancient ancestor! I’m gonna shut your rat mouth for good!” “Who’s making that racket?” Everyone spun around. The newcomer wore the Calloway butler’s uniform, an imposing figure. Hope surged within me. “Mr. Hayes, it’s me! It’s Ethan Calloway!” The cronies looked uncertain, releasing their grip on me. “Could he really be the Calloway Patriarch?” The butler eyed me from head to toe, then let out a dismissive scoff. “Who’s this filthy beggar? I don’t know him.” “Don’t be ridiculous. The Patriarch is at least eighty or ninety years old. You really believe this brat, who’s barely old enough to shave, when he claims to be him?” Normally, only core family members were allowed to see me. How could this new, low-ranking butler possibly know me? My heart plummeted. My last sliver of hope shattered. Dustin, his face full of disdain, spat a thick wad of phlegm onto my face, then gave the butler a thumbs-up. “Still, my dad’s smart.” Complete despair washed over me. No wonder Dustin was so arrogant – he was riding on the coattails of the new butler. A furious rage ignited in my gut, and my eyes burned red as I glared at him. “You let strangers into the Calloway mansion without the owner’s permission. You have a lot of nerve.” Slap! Dustin’s hand cracked across my face, dislodging more teeth. “I am the future owner of the Calloway family! I come and go as I please.” “Shut your filthy mouth, you’re deafening.” The group collectively bound me, and Dustin wrapped my mouth with layers of duct tape. I was helpless, my head forced towards their crotches, occasionally bumped and shoved, as they guffawed. When they’d had their fill, Dustin noticed my phone lying on the floor. He picked it up and unlocked it with my fingerprint. When he scrolled to the photo album, his eyes widened, then he exploded in fury. “You’re really delusional, aren’t you? You dared to secretly Photoshop photos of you and Olivia! I don’t even have photos that intimate with Olivia, and you’re this desperate for a woman?” “Oh, look! The Calloway family’s official group photo! You even dared to Photoshop yourself right in the center! Living out your rich-boy fantasies, huh?” “Who knows how many perverted things you’ve Photoshopped behind everyone’s backs? We need to teach this creep a lesson.” The others exchanged glances, huddled together, whispering and chuckling. At that moment, I was like meat on a chopping block, utterly at their mercy. They rushed forward and ripped my pants off. Meanwhile, Mr. Hayes stood by the door, nonchalantly blowing smoke rings, acting as their lookout. I was lifted upside down, humiliated. Dustin scanned the food on the table, a cruel smile twisting his lips as he scooped up a spoonful of something from a bowl. “Let Big Bro here perform a little… procedure for you.” “Ah!” A burning sensation erupted between my legs, spreading like wildfire through my entire body, making me convulse uncontrollably. “Ooh, he must be loving this!” “Don’t get him addicted, he’ll be asking us to do this every day!” “Well, what can we do? Gotta satisfy him!” Mr. Hayes, who’d been watching with sick amusement, flicked his cigarette and pressed the glowing tip onto a sensitive spot. My body, already limp with exhaustion, convulsed again from the fresh agony, and three seconds later, my head fell heavily. Dustin, meanwhile, gleefully snapped photos with my phone, then uploaded them to all my family group chats and social media feeds. Every single one. The caption read: “I’m a desperate little male dog in heat, begging my owner to come and give me some love. The older, the better.” A group of people scrambled to see the photos, asking Dustin to send them. Powerless, I shed my last tears of dignity. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, I’m so sorry. I’ve brought shame to the Calloway name. “You’re so eager to sell yourself, everyone will see your photos and come to you for business. You’ll get rich, no need to thank me!” Dustin laughed, doubling over, quite pleased with his masterpiece. His lackeys even started singing a crude song. My hands were tied behind my back, and I lay prone on the ground. I seized the opportunity, kicking Dustin’s calf. He lost his balance, falling backward with a loud thud as his head hit the floor. Dustin shrieked in pain, clutching the back of his head. “You dare kick me? I could kill you today, and no one would care!” He struggled to his feet, picking up a dining fork and lunging for my carotid artery. Just as the tines pricked my skin, drawing a bead of blood, Mr. Hayes frantically shouted to Dustin. “Trouble! Ms. Calloway is here! She says she’s looking for the Patriarch!” They had no idea the Patriarch they sought was being tortured by them, still dreaming of marrying into the Calloway fortune. “Quick, clean up! We can’t ruin your ‘dutiful’ image in front of them! If the Patriarch gets upset, our dream of joining the family will be shattered!” Dustin snapped back to reality, dropping the fork, nodding furiously. “Right, right! Getting the Patriarch’s approval is crucial. We can deal with him later.” The butler pointed to the backyard. “There’s a dog kennel in the shed out back. Put him in there.” I was dragged to the backyard, while the others frantically cleaned up the scene. Muffin’s lifeless body was tossed into the trash. Olivia entered, holding a bag of cat treats. When she saw Dustin, she seemed surprised. “What are you doing here? I wasn’t supposed to pick you up yet?” Dustin inclined his head slightly, his eyes full of feigned affection. “I just missed you, darling. Couldn’t wait to see you and the Patriarch.” Olivia fell for it every time. She playfully tapped his nose. “Oh, you. Always so thoughtful.” She glanced around, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. “Why isn’t the Patriarch here yet?” Dustin, eager to impress, grabbed a cup of tea and knelt before the main seat. “I’ll just wait here. The moment the Patriarch arrives, he can accept my tea.” Everyone waited respectfully. As dusk fell, the crowd grew anxious. Dustin’s forehead was slick with sweat, his legs trembling from prolonged kneeling. But the Patriarch’s seat remained stubbornly empty. A servant rushed in, breathless. “We’ve searched the entire mansion! The Patriarch is nowhere to be found! Could he be… missing?” Marcus Calloway, Olivia’s father, was drenched in sweat. “Search! Turn this place upside down if you have to! We must find the Patriarch!” “Without him, my daughter’s engagement party can’t continue, and the family head position will be jeopardized!” Everyone was like ants on a hot skillet. Olivia, seeing Dustin’s distress, quickly went to help him up. “Maybe you should get up for a bit.” Dustin’s eyes were red-rimmed, but he stubbornly shook his head. “Is there something I’ve done wrong? Has Grand-Uncle disapproved? Then I’ll stay here on my knees, begging for his forgiveness.” Olivia sighed. As she lifted her hand, she noticed it was covered in white fur. Her face drained of color. She’d cared for Muffin for so long; she recognized that fur instantly. Her gaze snapped to the remaining bloodstains on the floor, following them to the trash can. She flipped it over like a madwoman. A headless cat’s body tumbled out. Olivia’s shoulders trembled uncontrollably, her face contorted in horror as she cradled Muffin. “What the hell is this?” Dustin had never seen Olivia so distraught. He looked bewildered. “What’s wrong, darling?” The next second, Olivia buried her face in Muffin’s lifeless body, sobbing as if her own parents had died. Dustin’s expression turned to panic. He shakily stood up. “It’s just an animal. Why are you so worked up?” Olivia’s head snapped up, two lines of tears streaking her face, her eyes wide with terror. “An animal? This was more important than my own life!” Her furious roar made Dustin flinch. His eyes darted around, completely flustered. He couldn’t grasp why this cat held such importance for Olivia, so he instinctively blamed me. “It was my classmate!” Dustin dropped to his knees with a thud, his voice choked with tears. “I’m so sorry! It was my unsophisticated classmate, he didn’t know any better and hurt it!” Olivia’s fists clenched, her teeth grinding audibly. “Where is he? I’ll kill him with my own hands!” Dustin, oblivious to his impending doom, only heard Olivia say she’d kill me. A look of perverse joy spread across his face as he pointed to the backyard. “He’s locked in the shed out back! I’ll bring him in right now!”

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At the company’s IPO launch event, my husband’s gaze lingered a moment too long on his secretary. I turned away. The first thing I did was book an appointment for a termination. The next was to have my lawyer draft the divorce papers. Dean’s furious call came moments after he received the email. “What kind of joke is this? Because I looked at Harper?” “Yes. Because you looked at her.” 1 The livestream of the press conference still played on the screen. Dean, a beaming smile on his face, took the microphone from Harper, seamlessly continuing her opening remarks. “I owe so much to my secretary. For the past decade, she’s handled every project, big and small, at Davies Holdings. I’ve witnessed her tireless efforts all these years.” “Taking this opportunity, with everyone here today, I’m announcing a transfer of 20% of the company shares to Harper. From this day forward, we are not just superior and subordinate, but partners. I hope she continues her hard work in the future.” A ripple of shock swept through the room, immediately followed by thunderous applause. Amidst the congratulations, Harper shed tears, and Dean chuckled, handing her a tissue. Just that one glance. And I knew, with absolute certainty, this man was no longer mine. With two callous sentences, he wiped away a decade of my dedication, pinning my achievements onto another woman. Since he’d shown no decency, I saw no need for loyalty. I pulled out my phone, booked the abortion appointment, then dialed a number I knew by heart. “Is that partnership offer still on the table? I want in.” “Just one condition: I need full management control of the company. I want a 50% stake.” The voice on the other end agreed instantly, a hint of amusement in his tone. “So, Audrey Hayes, you’ve finally seen the light? Shares are no problem at all. To have you join us is worth any sacrifice!” “Though I confess, I’m curious. Back when you graduated, you absolutely refused to work with me. I’ve waited ten years for you. Why the sudden change of heart today?” “Don’t ask what you shouldn’t. You talk too much.” I rolled my eyes, grabbed my keys, and drove straight to the clinic. After the procedure, I took a cab home, arriving just moments after Dean. His gaze immediately snagged on the crumpled shirt from yesterday, still piled on the couch, and his brow furrowed. “Why aren’t the clothes washed?” He turned to the dining table, his expression hardening further. “No dinner either. Are you feeling unwell today?” My hand instinctively went to my aching belly, the pain too sharp for words. I simply shook my head, eyes fixed on my phone, a silent dismissal. Dean carelessly handed me a small, wrapped box, his voice sharp with command. “Then go do it now. Make enough for one extra person today; I’ll take it to the office. The launch just ended; we’ll be working late tonight.” “Harper is with me. Can’t have an employee starving while they work.” Before, I would’ve seen to all the housework without him even asking. By day, I was Audrey Hayes, Marketing Director, fighting battles alongside him in the business world. By night, I was his homemaker, washing clothes, cooking meals, always catering to his entitled whims. That had been my life for ten years. But now, all I felt was an overwhelming weariness. He finished speaking, and I simply scoffed, not moving an inch. “Sorry, can’t do it.” I added, “Besides, didn’t you already eat out?” “I wasn’t just talking about dinner.” Dean’s momentarily calm face instantly darkened. “What are you even babbling about? I worked my tail off all day, only to come home to your frosty glare? Am I indebted to you? You know it’s our anniversary today, didn’t I bring you a gift? Can you stop with the passive-aggressive attitude? When are you going to start understanding my difficulties?” 2 My gaze fell on the gift box. I tore it open. Inside, a tiny, pitiful 1-gram lipstick lay nestled. My phone, by chance, flashed an ad for that very brand. This minuscule thing? It was a freebie, a bonus item from their Valentine’s Day gift set. I almost laughed at the pathetic irony of my own existence. Dean’s face was etched with discomfort, but he soldiered on. “I know you don’t usually wear makeup. I searched every brand to find this small size. Don’t be ridiculous.” I ignored his words. My alarm chimed, and I swiftly popped the pills into my mouth. Dean’s face contorted. He quickly snatched the medicine bottle away. “What are you doing? You know you can’t take medication when you’re pregnant, don’t you?” Seeing the grim set of my expression, Dean’s tone softened, a rare occurrence. He tossed the lipstick aside. “Fine, fine. Don’t like the shade, just throw it away. I’ll buy you a new one, okay? Audrey, you’re not alone now. Getting angry will affect the baby’s development.” As his words hung in the air, I laid the printed divorce papers on the table. “The agreement’s ready. Sign it when you have a moment.” “And I don’t have time to cater to your little secretary. Since you dote on her so much, why not just hire her a nanny?” Dean was swamped with work; I wouldn’t bother him with something as trivial as drafting legal documents. But at my words, his face hardened, and he abruptly stood up. “Divorce? What kind of joke is this? Just because I glanced at Harper during the launch? She’s just my secretary. You’re the one who hired her in the first place. If anything was going to happen between us, it would have happened ages ago. Why wait until now? Can you stop being so dramatic?” He finished, his gaze falling to my stomach, a resigned sigh escaping him as he bowed his head in defeat. “I know pregnant women are emotional, and I’ve tried my best to accommodate you, but don’t push it too far.” His dress shoes scuffed directly onto the rug, leaving glaring marks of dust in their wake. I almost blurted out a warning. Then, catching myself, I swallowed the words, a self-deprecating smile playing on my lips. He was always like this, uncaring of my efforts, my contributions. Now that I was leaving, whatever happened to him was no longer my concern. I met his gaze, nodding calmly. “Yes. Exactly because you looked at her. Isn’t that reason enough? Dean, I told you before we married, I can’t tolerate betrayal. But you’ve changed. So, there’s no point in us continuing.” Dean’s brow furrowed, on the verge of exploding. I spoke again. “And, the baby… it’s gone. Don’t worry, it won’t be an obstacle between you two. And it won’t compete with your little Harper for shares.” “Sign the papers when you have time. Courier them to me. The address is on there.” With that, I ignored his frozen figure, turning and walking away. Behind me, his anguished scream tore through the air: “Audrey Hayes, if you dare walk out today, don’t ever think about coming back!” A cold smile touched my lips. He had used that sentence to shackle me for ten years. I had constantly bowed my head, constantly apologized. What I got in return was not understanding, but his relentless pushing of boundaries. He thought I would turn around and beg for forgiveness, just like always. But as his words echoed, my footsteps quickened. Not coming back? That was exactly what I wanted. 3 Divorcing a husband for a single glance at his secretary sounds utterly preposterous. But only I knew how much unyielding affection was hidden in that look. That had once been a secret between Dean and me. When I first met him, I was still struggling through school. Bullied by classmates, reprimanded by teachers. Dean was a transfer student, strikingly handsome. He immediately captured everyone’s attention. Classmates warned him to stay away from me, calling me a homewrecker’s daughter, a natural temptress, a complete lowlife. Dean said nothing, but the way he looked at me grew deeper, more profound. When we switched seats, the entire class ostracized me; no one would sit with me. They even moved my desk and chair next to the trash can. Only Dean stood up, saying he wanted to sit next to me. I sensed his intentional approaches, but my own humiliation kept me from thinking too much. He advanced; I retreated; each deliberate encounter left me fleeing in embarrassment. But I never expected Dean to follow me all the way home. My father’s cruelty had left me with a broken bone, forcing me onto sick leave. Dean showed up with my homework, only to stumble upon my parents in a furious argument. In truth, my mother was the original wife. My father had drained her dowry, swindled all her money. Then he demanded a divorce, leaving her with nothing. To make my mother give up, he’d flaunted his mistress, cruelly branding my mom a hussy. The mistress lived downstairs, and whenever Dad passed her building, he would look at her deeply. Each time he did, a beating awaited me at home. To buy me medicine, Mom once ran barefoot through a rainy night, only to die beneath the wheels of a delivery truck. Dad was delighted for a long time, stayed out all night, and the next day, couldn’t wait to bring his mistress into our home. Out of deference to my presence, they could only communicate with their eyes. Every unintentional glimpse of my father’s gaze would send shivers down my spine. The night I turned eighteen, my father looked at me with that same chilling gaze. He tried to lock me in my room, and I brought him down with a wine bottle. On the run, I crashed into Dean, who had come to bring me my homework. My father, wielding a carving knife, cornered us in an alley. The second before the knife fell on my head, Dean lunged forward. Police cars and ambulances arrived simultaneously. Dean’s shoulder was shattered, bone visible. Yet, he was still smiling at me. “Audrey, you’re safe now.” With those words, he passed out. I stayed by his side all night. When he awoke, we naturally became a couple. Tears streaming, I gently touched the bandage on his shoulder. “You love me deeply, I can see it. I can read a person’s heart through their eyes. If your gaze ever changes, I’ll leave.” Eighteen-year-old Dean, with effort, lifted his other arm and playfully ruffled my hair. “Silly girl, then you’ll never see it.” I knew he didn’t believe my words. And I never imagined, one day, that very sentence would become a prophecy. After that night, the taunts targeting me at school completely vanished. All the students became exceptionally warm towards me. Dean proudly lifted his chin, like a peacock fanning its tail. “See? I told you. You’re incredibly charming. Everyone will love you. No need to be insecure. As long as I’m here, you’ll be a cherished princess.” He guided me, little by little, to shed the shadows of the past. Taught me to emerge from self-doubt and look up at the sunshine. It was only a month later that I found him in the alley outside the school, relentlessly beating a bully. “That’s for messing with Audrey! Do you get it now?” “Audrey loves strawberry cake. Understand what I mean?” “Now get lost!” The memories blurred. The look in his youthful eyes, I could no longer recall. 4 I returned alone to the apartment I’d lived in before marriage, resting for three days. Dean sent no messages. The company group chat occasionally popped up with chatter. “Then Harper is a shareholder now? She’s really shot up, huh? Must be close to becoming Mrs. Davies?” “What do you mean ‘must be’? Haven’t you seen Mr. Davies call Harper into his office every day? A man and a woman, alone, what else could they be doing?” “Don’t call her Secretary Harper anymore, call her Mrs. Davies, unless you want to lose your job!” “What about Manager Hayes? Didn’t she also like Mr. Davies—” “Please. She doesn’t even wear makeup. What man would look at a woman like that? Is unrequited love uncommon in this company?” … When I chose to keep our marriage a secret, he’d said he didn’t want employees gossiping. Now, it seemed, it was merely for his convenience when he wanted to bail. On the fourth day, I went to the office as usual. And handed in my resignation to HR. She looked at me, surprised. “Manager Hayes, you’re resigning? Does Mr. Davies know? I can’t approve your resignation without his consent.” “Who doesn’t know you’re a company veteran? Your leaving would be like cutting off Mr. Davies’s right arm!” No sooner had she spoken than I heard a scornful voice from outside the door. “What’s there not to approve? She just couldn’t face it anymore.” “After all, every project she ‘handled’ only got successfully signed after it was given to Secretary Harper. If I were her, I’d have packed my bags and left ages ago!” “Secretary Harper’s latest project single-handedly took the company public. Could Audrey Hayes do that? Calling her a trophy wife is an overstatement; she’s practically a toilet!” The projects they spoke of were plans I’d tirelessly worked on, night after night. But each time, at the final hurdle, Dean would hand them over to Harper. I swallowed the surge of indignation, smiling as I looked up. “Yes, you’re absolutely right. That’s why I’m resigning. Please, move aside.” “I hope the company reaches new heights under Secretary Harper’s leadership. With her, everyone’s salaries are sure to soar.” “Damn, who are you being passive-aggressive for? I’ve always disliked you. Just because you’re a manager, you think you’re the boss’s wife?” A colleague, seething with anger, started to lunge at me. She was stopped by someone beside her. “Alright, why waste time with someone like her? Can’t do her job, can’t hold onto a man, still single at her age. She’ll have a bitter pill to swallow later!” Ignoring their reactions, I carried my resignation form into the elevator. As the doors slowly closed, my body gave out. I sank to the floor, hugging my knees tightly. Ten seconds later, I stood again, my usual resolute demeanor restored. I strode directly into Dean’s office. Harper was on Dean’s couch, munching loudly on potato chips. “Manager Hayes? Oh, wait, sister-in-law? What are you doing here?” Harper, as his secretary, was the only one in the company who knew my true identity. Dean’s explanation was that it made it easier for her to arrange his work. But ten years passed, and I saw no work convenience. Only her convenient provocations. My gaze swept over the chip crumbs on the sofa. The irony was biting. Before, when I entered his office, even a cup of coffee was a luxury. He’d always claimed I’d dirty the carpet, stain the couch. Said it would tarnish the company’s image. Now, with Harper, all those rules seemed to have vanished. Dean’s face instantly chilled as he saw me. “Don’t you know how to knock?” “Can’t you see I’m busy? Get out, knock again!” Harper tossed the chip bag to the floor, quickly stepping forward to mediate. “Mr. Davies, don’t be angry. Sister-in-law didn’t mean it. She was just in a hurry.” “Besides, we’re family. What would the employees outside think if you just made her leave?” I shot her a cold glance. “Since when do you have a say here?” Harper’s pretty, innocent expression froze. Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made sister-in-law angry. I’ll leave right now.” She barely took two steps before Dean abruptly grabbed her wrist. “Stop right there. This is my office, and it’s not up to her to decide who stays or goes.” He looked at me, his gaze challenging. “What, realized your mistake? Coming to beg me now? Too late!” I gripped the paper in my hand. “Sorry, I’m here to pick up the divorce papers.” My last shred of pride wouldn’t allow me to show weakness in front of Harper. After instinctively lying, Harper’s face changed. She quickly walked to me, taking my hand. “Sister-in-law, please don’t be rash! Is this because of me that you’re getting divorced?” “What did I do wrong? I can apologize to you. If it comes to it, I can resign and leave. Please, don’t argue because of me!” Dean’s patience had reached its limit, his voice laced with suppressed fury. “Audrey Hayes, I told you, there’s nothing going on between me and Harper. Believe it or not!” “You want a divorce, huh? Fine. Just don’t regret it!” “Before you leave, change all project leads under your name to Harper, return any bonuses to the company, and go wherever you want. I won’t stop you!” My eyes burned, a searing disbelief etched into my gaze as I stared at him. “Those were my sleepless nights, countless hours I put in! What right do you have to just hand them over to her?” Dean didn’t even glance at me, turning his back irritably. He lit a cigarette, the tip glowing. Harper seized the moment, throwing herself against the corner of the table. Blood instantly welled on her forehead. Her face was chalk-white. “Sister-in-law… I’ve already apologized! I don’t want the projects! I don’t want anything, isn’t that enough?” “I’ll leave. I’ll leave the company right now. Don’t make it hard for Mr. Davies…” Before I could react, Dean had already scooped her up. His eyes blazed at me with fury, and he slapped me hard across the face. “Audrey Hayes, Harper has already apologized! Are you never going to let this go?!” “My patience with you all these years has made you forget your place. Fine, you want a divorce? I’ll sign right now!” The resignation form fluttered from my hand, landing on the table, overlapping with the divorce papers. Dean didn’t even glance at them, swiftly signing his name three times. He left me with only his retreating back, Harper cradled in his arms. A gust of wind blew through. I wiped the tears from my face. Then I walked downstairs, hailed a cab, and headed straight for the airport. At the hospital, after Dean finished treating Harper’s injury, a strange sense of irritation gnawed at him. Thinking of the projects Audrey had painstakingly worked on for half a year, he forced himself to calm down. He knew that for Audrey, the projects were paramount, so he had deliberately suggested changing the project lead to Harper, certain she wouldn’t agree. That way, he could legitimately refuse the divorce. But he hadn’t expected to impulsively sign the papers just now. After much deliberation, Dean tentatively sent me a message. “There’s an issue with the project. Come to my office later so we can discuss it in person.” A glaring red exclamation mark appeared before my eyes. The next second, a call came through to Dean Davies. “Mr. Davies, no good! All of the company’s projects have been stolen!” A frantic voice echoed through the speaker. “The other party is using the exact same proposals as us! They even know our bottom-line pricing!”

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Ever since my older brother’s unexpected death three months ago, I was the only son left in our family. My father had poured all his hopes of continuing the family line onto me, even laying down a stern ultimatum: “If you can’t give me a grandchild, I’ll donate every last penny of the family fortune to charity.” Skylar Reid and I had been married for five years. We’d both been checked out at the clinic; there was nothing physically wrong with either of us, yet for some reason, she’d never gotten pregnant. One evening, as I carried the ancestral remedy my mother had carefully brewed, on my way to give it to Skylar, I overheard her conversation with Jake Hayes. “I got you this gardening job at the Stone estate precisely so we could spend more time together. And I’m still on birth control, so there’s no way I’m having Caleb’s baby.” “Once I get that family formula from Caleb, the one that can fix your… condition, we’ll disappear. My child’s father can only be you.” The truth hit me like a physical blow, my heart clenching in a sharp, twisting pain. I called my father, my voice steady despite the tremor in my soul. “Dad, I’ve made up my decision. The greatest failure is to let the family line die out. Since Skylar can’t give us a child, I’ll divorce her and marry someone else.” My father sounded relieved, but his relief quickly turned to concern when I told him who I planned to marry. “Elara Quinn might be the sole heiress to Quinn Industries, but she’s… plain-looking, and she’s been frail since childhood. Last year, doctors even gave her only three years to live. Are you really sure about this?” 1 “Dad, I’m sure,” I said, a confident edge to my voice. “Quinn Industries is a powerful name. A powerhouse alliance like ours could truly be formidable.” “But if you marry an invalid, how can you guarantee a healthy grandchild? And I don’t want my grandchild to grow up without a mother; that would leave a profound mark.” My father’s voice, a rising tide of worry, washed over me from the other end of the line. Suddenly, I remembered the two ancient formulas my grandfather had left behind. One was for fertility, and the other, a true marvel, could supposedly bring someone back from the brink. To ease my father’s fears, I couldn’t help but remind him. “Dad, you remember Grandpa was a renowned herbalist. He left us two formulas. We could use one of them to help Elara.” My father said nothing, simply hanging up the phone. I knew he hadn’t been in good spirits lately, not after just enduring the agonizing loss of his son. That’s why I hadn’t wanted to tell him about Skylar’s deceit; I wanted to spare him further heartache. As a man, I’d shared a bed with Skylar maybe once a month, and each time felt like an act of pleading on my part. She’d always seemed so exasperated. “Is that all you ever think about? Don’t you feel disgusting?” Now, I understood. Her heart belonged to someone else, and that’s why she’d looked at me with such disdain. When I got home, Skylar was lounging on the sofa, one leg casually draped over the other, engrossed in the TV. Her sister, Summer, was beside her. Summer shot me a resentful glare, her stance a clear defense of Skylar. “What took you so long? My sister’s been waiting forever!” In the past, I would have apologized immediately, then instinctively retreated to the couch for the night. But this time, I ignored them both, walking straight to the bedroom, ready to wash up and sleep. Seeing that I hadn’t acknowledged her, Skylar stormed into the bedroom, her face alight with fury. “My sister was talking to you! Didn’t you hear her? Summer is the only family I have left in this world. Disrespecting her is crossing my line!” I didn’t answer. Instead, I headed to the bathroom for a shower, feeling utterly drained. When I emerged, both Skylar and Summer were sitting on the bed, staring at me as if I were a criminal under interrogation. “You and my sister have been together for years without a child. It must be you, you’re not even a man. If my sister wasn’t so kind-hearted, what woman would ever marry you?” Summer finished, her eyes raking over me, stripping away the last shred of my male dignity. I stared at Skylar. A flicker of panic crossed her eyes. If she hadn’t been on birth control all these years, I wouldn’t have been childless for five. “Summer, please, go to your room. You have your finals soon, you need your rest. Your brother-in-law and I will sort things out.” Skylar ushered her sister out. As the door was about to close, Summer pointed at my nose. “If you ever disrespect my sister again, I’ll tell Jake to finish what you started and make you a real eunuch!” Skylar pushed her out, and the moment the door clicked shut, I demanded, “Why did she call Jake her brother-in-law?” “Caleb, Summer’s still young. She was just calling Jake ‘brother-in-law’ for fun. You know, kids say the darndest things.” She tried to sound calm, but her inability to meet my gaze betrayed her. That night, as we lay in bed, she surprisingly nudged me with her foot—an unmistakable invitation. But it had been so long since she’d done that, not since Jake came into the picture. I ignored her. She couldn’t hold back any longer. “Caleb, please, just give me that family formula.” So that was it. She wasn’t interested in me at all. She was just using her charm to help Jake get his hands on the formula. I wouldn’t be fooled again. I simply said, my voice flat, “Let’s get a divorce.” She didn’t believe me, letting out a dismissive snort. “You think threatening me with divorce will scare me?” She swung her legs off the bed, clicked on the lamp, and stood before me, hands on her hips, looking down. “Let me tell you, if you don’t give me that formula, I won’t let this go.” I couldn’t stand her overbearing manner. I picked up my pillow and silently went to sleep on the sofa. On the sofa, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. My mind kept replaying fragments of how Skylar and I had met. I was in my rebellious phase then, yearning to pursue art, but my father was adamant that I work in the family business. In a fit of anger, I ran away, to a place no one would find me. I’d left in such a hurry, without a dime. As night fell, I was alone under an underpass, cold and hungry. Skylar and her sister were there. She handed me a steaming cup of instant ramen, and it felt like she saved my life. Later, against my parents’ wishes, I married her, solely to repay her kindness. After Skylar married me, I treated her well. I wouldn’t let her lift a finger, and I ensured her sister had the best education money could buy. But even with all that, she remained ungrateful, giving all her affection to that gardener, Jake Hayes. First thing the next morning, a frantic pounding on the door jolted me awake. I opened it to find Jake. Before I could speak, he fell to his knees, clutching my leg, muttering endless apologies. Skylar and Summer were also woken by the commotion. Summer rushed forward to help Jake up. Skylar hurried to my side, her eyes blazing red. “Caleb Stone, why are you doing this to Jake? Whatever it is, come at me!” Jake, feigning remorse, said, “I was pruning the trees, and I accidentally ruined the shape of that century-old pine near the entrance.” Skylar let out a sigh of relief, bending down to gently cup Jake’s face. “I thought it was something serious! It’s just a stupid tree, right? I’ll buy another one and have it planted later.” Anger surged. I stepped forward and grabbed his collar. “Didn’t I tell you not to touch that tree? Why would you deliberately ruin it for me?” Summer seized my wrist, biting down hard. A sharp pain shot through me, and I bit back a hiss, forced to release him. Skylar pushed me back. “Don’t you know Jake saved Summer’s life? If it weren’t for him in that car accident, Summer would be crippled right now, do you understand?” I touched the faintly aching scar on the back of my head. Both sisters looked at me with pure hatred. Clearly, Skylar had no idea I was the one who had saved her sister all those years ago. At the time, I’d received the call that my grandmother had passed away, so I’d simply asked a passerby to take Summer to the hospital. That passerby was Jake Hayes. Summer had been so terrified she’d blacked out. And I’d rushed in so fast, in her extreme fear, she must not have realized it was me who saved her. I looked at Skylar’s face, my brows furrowed. “That tree was blessed by a master when Grandma was alive. It represents the Stone family’s lineage. If it’s damaged, our family line will be broken.” I looked at Skylar, hoping she would finally stand with me. But I was wrong. Her eyes were filled with impatience. “You’re just looking for an excuse to get rid of Jake. I’m not falling for it.” At that moment, a triumphant smirk played on Jake’s lips. Then I noticed it—the protective charm I’d lost, hanging around his neck. My hands balled into fists, knuckles white, as I stared at Skylar. “Why is my charm on him?” My brother and I had gotten that charm from a monastery. He was always good to me, and we were inseparable, sharing everything. We’d even swapped charms. It had to be because of that my brother… had gotten hurt. Skylar casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Jake said it looked nice on you. He liked it, so I gave it to him.” Rage bubbled up inside me at the sight of Skylar. Before, whenever I’d asked about the charm, she’d always said she hadn’t seen it. “That was my brother’s charm. You killed him!” I lunged forward, grabbing Jake. Surprisingly, he didn’t resist. Instead, he played the victim. “Mr. Stone, I’m already… crippled in that way. I’m not a real man anymore. If you kill me, you’d just be doing me a favor.” “Caleb Stone, what do you want? Jake’s already so pathetic, working here under your watchful eye.”

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