Category: English

I spent seven years by Tristan’s side. I drank until my stomach bled to protect him. I attended social events until I was worn down by the filth of that world. Yet he found me dirty, kept a pure college student as his mistress, and forced me to kneel and polish that woman’s shoes. I slit my wrists to give back the life I thought I owed him. Then I walked away and married Lucas Ashford, a man rumored to be blind and ruthless. Tristan went mad, kneeling in the snow clutching my shattered cello, begging me to come back. I sneered and took Lucas’s arm, ready to leave. Suddenly, Lucas removed the silk blindfold from his eyes and bent down to kiss my forehead. Those supposedly blind eyes looked down at Tristan kneeling on the ground, filled with mockery. “Get lost. Don’t appear before my wife again.” Selena’s POV The moment I pushed open the private room door, a wave of thick smoke and alcohol hit me in the face. Inside, the lights were dim, the deafening bass making my heart pound. I stood in the doorway, still wearing the black business suit I hadn’t had time to change out of, clutching an urgent acquisition contract. “Mr. Vale, the documents you requested…” Before I could finish, I froze. In the center of the sofa, Tristan lounged lazily. His long legs crossed, his shirt collar slightly open, revealing his sharply defined collarbones. Those usually unfathomable eyes now held traces of amusement. He wasn’t looking at me. His gaze was entirely fixed on the girl beside him. The girl wore a pure white cotton dress, her long straight black hair falling over her shoulders, her face free of makeup. She seemed very uncomfortable in this setting, like a frightened deer, clutching tightly at Tristan’s sleeve. “Mr. Vale, I… I want to go back to campus.” The girl’s voice was thin, carrying a tremor of fear. Tristan chuckled softly. He raised his hand, his slender fingers ruffling the girl’s hair with a gentleness I’d never seen before. “What’s there to be afraid of? I’m here. No one dares touch you.” The group of wealthy heirs around them immediately started whooping. “Where’d you find this innocent little thing? Protecting her so closely!” “She’s so pure! That’s a rare commodity in our circle!” “Your taste changed pretty fast, didn’t it? Didn’t you used to prefer the sexy type?” As they spoke, someone noticed me. The private room fell silent for a few seconds. Countless gazes landed on me, filled with scrutiny, mockery, and undisguised derision. My name is Selena Hart. I’m Tristan Vale’s executive assistant. I was also the “assistant” who’d been with him for seven years. Everyone in our circle knew me, but I’d never had any official status. Tristan finally lifted his eyelids and glanced at me. A flash of faint annoyance crossed his eyes. “Put it on the table.” His tone was cold, as if instructing an insignificant servant. I walked over and set down the documents. My gaze inadvertently met the girl’s. She looked at me with innocent eyes, a hint of shame in them. Just like me seven years ago. “Aren’t you going to introduce her?” Someone nearby drawled, cigarette dangling, grinning with ill intent. Tristan picked up his glass and took a sip. “Summer Lynn, sophomore at the Music Conservatory.” He only introduced her, not me. Perhaps in his eyes, I wasn’t even worthy of being mentioned alongside this clean little innocent. Someone deliberately stirred trouble, pointing at me and asking Summer. “Do you know who this is?” Summer shook her head, glancing at me timidly. “Is… is she Mr. Vale’s sister?” The private room erupted in roaring laughter. “Sister? You’re hilarious!” “This is his most capable person. She’ll do any dirty work. Her methods are ruthless.” “Right, Selena?” Those venomous words pierced me like needles. I dug my nails into my palms, forcing myself to maintain a polite smile. I looked at Tristan. Hoping he’d speak up for me like before. Even just one word. But he didn’t. He just toyed with his lighter, the blue flame flickering on and off, illuminating his coldly handsome face. “Enough.” After a long moment, he spoke lazily, “Don’t scare her.” He was protecting Summer Lynn. I lowered my eyes, feeling like my heart was being squeezed by an invisible hand, so painful I could barely breathe. “Mr. Vale, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving.” I said. “Wait.” Tristan stopped me. He took the documents from the table, flipped through them casually, then tossed them back to me. “This contract has problems. Redo it tonight, submit it to me tomorrow morning.” I was stunned. “But Mr. Vale, you personally confirmed this yesterday…” “I’m saying it has problems now.” Tristan cut me off, his gaze sharp, “Selena, you’ve been getting careless with your work lately.” I stood there, cold all over. I knew the contract was fine. He was just using this method to warn me, to put me in my place. Because when I entered earlier, my eyes looking at Summer Lynn accidentally revealed a trace of emotion. He was blaming me for disturbing his little deer. “Alright, I understand.” I picked up the documents and turned to leave. As I neared the door, I heard Summer’s soft voice. “Mr. Vale, she looks so scary…” Tristan chuckled lightly, his voice carrying undisguised mockery. “Ignore her.” “That woman has nothing but schemes left.” My footsteps stopped abruptly. My eyes stung with tears, but I didn’t turn back. I pushed open the door and walked into the bitterly cold winter night.

Selena’s POV At 3 AM, I typed the last word. I sent the revised contract to Tristan’s email. I leaned back in my chair, looking at London’s desolate night view through the floor-to-ceiling windows, exhausted to the bone. Seven years. I’d been with Tristan since I was twenty. Back then, I was the principal cellist at the Music Conservatory. Back then, my heart and eyes were full of the cello and my future. Tristan had pursued me. He’d wait downstairs with the hardest-to-find lemon cake when I rehearsed until late at night. He’d furrow his brow in distress over a tiny scratch on my finger, applying medicine himself. He said. “Selena, your hands are for playing the cello, not for suffering.” He said. “Selena, after graduation, let’s get married.” I believed him. I fell in love with him completely, even giving up my opportunity to study abroad for him. But what happened after? The Hart family went bankrupt. My father became addicted to gambling, racking up loan shark debts. Debt collectors cornered me in an alley and nearly destroyed my hands. Tristan saved me, paid off my debts. But from that moment on, everything changed. He became my creditor, my benefactor, the only lifeline I could grasp. To be worthy of him, to help him secure his position in the Vale family. I took off my white dresses and put on rigid business suits. I learned to drink, learned to schmooze, learned to smile at those greasy old men. I even drank until I had stomach bleeding, just to shield him from alcohol. To secure a project for him, I stood in the snow for three hours. I became smooth, worldly, only caring about money. I personally killed the Selena who played the cello and turned myself into a blade that cleared the path for Tristan. But he found this blade covered in blood, found this blade no longer clean. My phone suddenly vibrated. It was the nursing home calling. My heart tightened. I answered immediately. “Ms. Hart, your brother had another episode today and broke quite a few things. We’ve already administered sedatives.” “Also, this month’s fees are due. Could you…” I took a deep breath, suppressing the sob in my throat. “I understand. I’ll transfer the money first thing tomorrow morning. Please take good care of him.” After hanging up, I opened my bank account. The balance was nearly depleted. Over the years, I’d earned quite a bit, but almost all of it went to filling the Hart family’s bottomless pit and my brother’s medical expenses. As for Tristan, he did pay me well, but he never gave me extra money. He used this method to control me precisely. Making it impossible for me to leave him, making me cling to him like a dog. The door lock clicked. Tristan was back. He walked into the living room carrying a chill and the faint scent of gardenias. That was Summer Lynn’s scent. I stood up and walked over to take his coat. “How much did you drink? I’ll get you some medicine.” I habitually reached out to loosen his tie. He suddenly stepped back, avoiding my hand. “Don’t touch me.” He frowned, his eyes carrying obvious disgust. My hand froze in mid-air. “You reek of cheap perfume and cigarettes. It’s nauseating.” He pulled off his tie and tossed it carelessly on the sofa. I looked down at myself. Tonight, for that contract, I had attended a social event and been forced to drink quite a bit. “Sorry, I’ll take a shower.” I said softly. “No need.” Tristan walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and lit a cigarette. “Selena, we need to talk.” My heart sank. Instinct told me that what he was about to say would drag me completely into hell. “Summer is a good girl.” He exhaled a smoke ring, his voice calm yet cruel. “I really like her.” “She’s clean. Simple minded. Nothing like you are now. You’re full of schemes, willing to do anything for money.” My fingers trembled. “So?” “So I plan to support her through college, then marry her.” Tristan turned around, looking down at me. “You’ve been with me for seven years. Even without merit, you’ve worked hard.” “At the company, you’ll still be my chief secretary.” “But in private, know your place. Don’t provoke her. She’s timid and easily frightened.” My heart felt like it was thrown into a meat grinder, shredded, bloody and mangled. He was going to marry someone else, because he found me dirty. But who had I become dirty for? “Tristan.” I heard my hoarse voice, “What if I don’t agree?” Tristan paused, then laughed as if he’d heard the joke of the century. He stubbed out his cigarette, walked up to me, reached out and gripped my chin, squeezing hard. “Don’t agree?” “Selena, on what grounds would you not agree?” “Do you think you’re still that celebrated cellist from seven years ago?” “You’re nothing but a notorious social butterfly now! Everyone in London knows you, Selena Hart, will use any underhanded means to climb up!” “That gambling addict father of yours racked up another ten million last week. That mentally ill brother of yours costs hundreds of thousands in medical expenses every month.” He leaned close to my ear, his voice as gentle as a demon’s whisper. “Leave me, and what will you live on? Hmm?” My tears fell onto the back of his hand. He jerked his hand away in disgust and pulled out a wet wipe to clean it. “Put away those tears. So ugly.” “Remember what I said. Don’t touch Summer. Otherwise, I’ll show you what it truly means to wish you were dead.” He turned and went into the bathroom. Water started running. I collapsed onto the cold floor, covering my mouth, not even daring to cry out loud.

Selena’s POV Tristan began openly bringing Summer Lynn around. He didn’t avoid anyone, including me. Rumors about me spread like wildfire through the company. “Did you hear? Selena’s fallen out of favor.” “She should have fallen out of favor ages ago. Always putting on that cold face, acting all high and mighty. Compared to Summer, she’s like a weathered old woman.” “Mr. Vale only kept her around because she’s useful. Did she really think she could marry him?” I stood outside the break room door holding coffee, hearing every word clearly. If this were before, I definitely would have stormed in and thrown hot coffee in their faces. But now, I didn’t even have the energy to be angry. I turned and went back to my office, continuing to process the mountain of documents on my desk. At 3 PM, Tristan’s intercom rang. “Bring up the materials for the Starlight Bay project.” I carried the materials upstairs and pushed open the CEO’s office door. Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows. Tristan sat on the sofa with a cello resting on his lap. Summer Lynn sat beside him, awkwardly fumbling with the strings. “No, don’t be so stiff with your fingers. Relax them.” Tristan embraced Summer from behind, holding her hands, teaching her bit by bit how to pluck the strings. They were extremely close, their posture intimately entwined. My footsteps froze in place, all the blood in my body flowing backward in an instant. That cello… The body had extremely rare flame patterns, the scroll carved with a delicate iris flower. That was the cello Tristan had spent a fortune bidding on from overseas for my nineteenth birthday! That was MY cello! “Tristan…” My voice trembled. The two on the sofa looked over simultaneously. Summer jumped in fright, quickly pulling away from Tristan’s embrace, her cheeks flushing red. “Ms… Ms. Hart…” Tristan’s expression darkened. “Don’t you know to knock before entering? Where did all your manners go?” I stared fixedly at that cello. “You gave my cello to her?” Tristan frowned, his tone matter-of-fact. “It’s just a cello that was collecting dust anyway. Summer happens to need a good cello for a competition, so I lent it to her for practice.” Just a cello. He knew perfectly well what that cello meant to me. That was my last shred of dignity, proof that I once had everything. Five years ago, while protecting him from a car sent by his enemies, my right hand was crushed in a comminuted fracture. The doctor said I’d never be able to play the cello again in this lifetime. That cello became an untouchable scar in my heart. And now, he personally tore open that scar and even stomped on it twice. “Give it back to me.” I walked forward step by step, trembling all over. “Give the cello back to me!” I reached out to grab it. Summer screamed and backed away repeatedly. Tristan shot up, shoving me away hard. “Selena, what are you going crazy about!” I was pushed off guard, my entire body slamming heavily into the coffee table. A sharp pain shot through my waist. A glass shattered, shards embedding themselves in my palm. Blood immediately gushed out. I gasped in pain and looked up at him. Tristan looked down at me, not a trace of concern in his eyes, only coldness and warning. “How long are you going to keep this up?” “I said Summer needs it for a competition. She’s borrowing the cello for a few days. What’s the problem? What use is such a fine cello to a cripple who can’t even hold a bow?” Cripple. That word, like a poisoned blade, stabbed viciously into my heart. I looked at my blood-soaked right hand. Whose fault was it that this hand became crippled?! Summer looked at the blood on the floor, her eyes reddening. “Mr. Vale, don’t blame Selena. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have wanted this cello… I’ll give it back to her.” She bit her lip grievously, tears streaming down her face. Tristan immediately softened, pulling her into his arms and coaxing her gently. “It’s not your fault. She’s just being unreasonable.” “I said I’m giving you this cello, and it’s yours. No one can take it away.” He turned his head, looking at me coldly. “Get out. Stop being an eyesore here.” I looked at the couple before me. I suddenly felt disgusted. Really, sick to my stomach. I braced myself against the coffee table and shakily stood up. Blood dripped from my hand onto the carpet, blooming into alarmingly red flowers. I didn’t make a scene anymore, didn’t say another word. Just turned around and walked out of the office step by step. Back at my desk, my phone rang. It was my father calling. “Selena, my luck’s been bad lately. Lost a bit more… transfer me another five million.” I closed my eyes, my voice so calm it scared even me. “I have no money.” “No money? How could you have no money! Tristan’s loaded. You’ve been with him for years and he won’t even give you five million? If you don’t give it to me, I’ll go to the hospital and pull your brother’s life support myself!” I hung up the phone. Blocked his number. Looking at the dried blood on my palm, I suddenly started laughing. Laughing until tears streamed down uncontrollably. Selena, you’re truly pathetic. Seven years. You gave up everything, and in the end all you got was being called a “cripple.” Enough. Really, enough.

Selena’s POV A week later, London’s most elite charity gala. Tristan brought Summer Lynn. But he brought me too. Summer Lynn, as his companion, held his arm, wearing a million-pound haute couture gown like a proud little princess. While I wore a rigid black suit, holding a schedule in my hand, following behind them. Like a complete lackey. “Mr. Vale, at tonight’s auction, the ‘Tears of the Deep’ sapphire necklace you had your eye on earlier will be the finale piece.” I reported to him. Tristan gave a faint “mm.” That necklace he’d promised me a month ago, saying it was to celebrate our seven years together. I didn’t actually care about any necklace. I just wanted proof that he still cared about me. But now, I knew it was impossible. The gala was filled with elegant guests in fine attire. Tristan brought Summer Lynn around to network with business tycoons. I was stationed in a shadowy corner, ready to attend to him at any moment. Halfway through the event, I got up to use the restroom. The corridor lighting was dim. Passing a VIP lounge, the door was ajar, and low conversation came from inside. I glanced inadvertently. A man sat inside. He wore an impeccably tailored dark suit, his posture upright, broad-shouldered and long-legged. His coldly defined jawline looked particularly imposing in the half-light. Even with his eyes closed, the aura of someone in power couldn’t be ignored. Most striking was the black cane he idly twirled in his hands. The head of the Ashford family, Lucas. London’s most mysterious and most feared figure. Rumor had it that he’d been in a car accident a year ago and lost his sight. But even so, under his iron-fisted methods, the Ashford family remained powerful. He was truly ruthless. I didn’t want to stare, and was about to leave. The deep gray handkerchief in his hand suddenly slipped, falling near the doorway. My steps paused. Inexplicably, I walked over, bent down, and picked up the handkerchief. Just as I was about to hand it to him. A slender, powerful hand with prominent knuckles suddenly reached out and gripped my wrist. His strength was immense, brooking no resistance. I gasped, jerking my head up. Lucas had somehow already moved to the doorway. His eyes were closed, his face slightly turned toward me, his nose seeming to twitch. “Who?” His voice was low and magnetic, like a cold, hard cello. “Mr. Ashford, you dropped your handkerchief.” I suppressed the panic in my heart, trying to pull my hand back. He didn’t let go. Instead, his fingers tightened slightly, his fingertips brushing over the still-healing glass cut on my palm. “Selena Hart?” He called my name accurately. I froze. “You know me?” The corner of Lucas’s mouth curved into a faint arc. “Tristan Vale’s obedient little dog.” The words were too harsh. I yanked my hand free forcefully. “Mr. Ashford, please show some respect.” I shoved the handkerchief into his hand and turned to leave. But as I turned, I collided into a cold embrace. Tristan stood at the end of the corridor, I don’t know since when. He looked at me and Lucas, his eyes frighteningly sinister. “Mr. Vale…” Tristan jerked me behind him, his grip nearly crushing my wrist. “Mr. Ashford, long time no see. What, interested in my people?” Lucas held the handkerchief, casually straightening his cuff. “Just a biting dog. If Mr. Vale can’t control it, might as well throw it away early.” With that, he gripped his cane and, assisted by his aide, left calmly. Tristan stared at his retreating figure until it disappeared, then violently released my hand. “Selena, you really are shameless.” He ground his teeth, “Lucas is blind, and you still throw yourself at him?” I rubbed my reddened wrist, looking at him. “I only picked up his handkerchief.” “Stop making excuses!” Tristan’s eyes were full of malice, “Behave yourself and stop embarrassing me!” With that, he turned and headed toward the auction hall. The auction began. The finale piece, “Tears of the Deep,” was brought onto the display platform. The brilliant sapphires sparkled dazzlingly under the lights. Starting bid: fifty million. Tristan raised his paddle without hesitation. “Eighty million.” The entire hall gasped. No one dared compete with him anymore. The auctioneer’s gavel fell. Tristan stood up, and under everyone’s envious gazes, took the necklace in his hands. Then, he walked past me and straight to Summer Lynn. He personally placed that necklace-originally meant for me-around Summer Lynn’s neck. “Summer, do you like it?” He smiled with tender affection. Summer covered her mouth, so moved she was nearly in tears. “I love it… but it’s too expensive.” “As long as you like it, I could give you the entire family fortune.” Warm applause and cheers erupted around them. I stood in the corner, watching this scene, the last pathetic shred of hope in my heart completely reduced to ashes. After the gala ended, Tristan put Summer in the car, then turned to look at me. “Tomorrow, give Mr. Cooper three points off the profit from the West District project. He helped Summer tonight.” He spoke as if it were the most ordinary thing. I looked at him, suddenly finding this face terrifyingly unfamiliar. “Tristan.” I called his name. He frowned. “What?” “Let’s break up.” The winter night wind was cold, cutting like a knife across my face. Tristan froze. Then he laughed mockingly, as if he’d heard the most absurd joke. “Selena, what tantrum are you throwing now?” “Because of that necklace? It’s just a necklace. Tomorrow I’ll have my assistant pick out something more expensive for you.” He looked down at me, his tone full of disdain. “Don’t threaten me with breaking up. Can you even leave me?” “Your father’s gambling debts, your brother’s life-which one doesn’t need me?” “Put away those ridiculous tricks and obediently go back to work.” He finished speaking, turned, got in his car, and slammed the door shut. The car sped away. I stood there, watching the taillights disappear into the night. He thought I was playing hard to get. He thought I was a dog that would never leave. But he was wrong. Even a dog, when pushed to its limit, will bite through its chain.

Selena’s POV I returned to the apartment where Tristan and I had lived for five years. I only took a twenty-inch suitcase. I took a few sets of old clothes and an old photo my mother left me. Everything else the designer bags, the haute couture jewelry, anything Tristan had ever given me I didn’t take any of it. I didn’t take a single thing. I removed the plain ring I’d worn for seven years from my finger and left it on the shoe cabinet in the entryway. Then I blocked all of Tristan’s contact information. And blocked everyone from the company too. As I pushed open the door, I didn’t look back. 4 AM. I dragged my suitcase down the empty street. I hadn’t gone far when several dark figures suddenly emerged from the shadows, blocking my path. It was David Hart, my gambling addict father. He’d brought several vicious-looking debt collectors with him. “Selena! You’re finally out!” David grabbed my arm, his eyes wild with desperation, “Quick! Give me money! Ten million. If you don’t pay up, they’re going to chop off my hand today!” I looked at him. “I have no money.” “Bullshit! How could you have no money! Where’s Tristan? Call him and tell him to bring money!” “I broke up with him.” David froze, then his face contorted grotesquely. “Broke up? You bitch! How dare you break up with him!” He slapped me hard across the face. The force was tremendous. I fell to the ground, tasting blood in my mouth. The debt collectors grew impatient. “David, can you pay or not? If you can’t, we’re taking your daughter as payment today! She’s not bad looking. Sell her to a club and she’ll bring in good money.” Two men stepped forward to drag me away. I struggled desperately, my nails digging into the asphalt until my fingers were bloody. Despair submerged me like a tide. Just then, a blinding set of high beams suddenly shone over. A black Rolls-Royce Phantom stopped at the curb. The door opened. Several well-trained bodyguards rushed out and kicked the debt collectors and David to the ground in moments. I sat collapsed on the ground, trembling all over as I looked up. The car window slowly lowered. Lucas Ashford sat in the back seat, half his face hidden in shadow. His eyes were closed, his hand still gripping that cane. “Mr. Ashford…” My voice was hoarse, looking at him like a drowning person grasping at a lifeline. Lucas tilted his head slightly, as if identifying my location. “Selena, you look quite pathetic.” His tone remained coldly aloof. I bit down hard, crawled up regardless of everything, and rushed to the car window. “Mr. Ashford, save me.” Lucas laughed lightly, his fingers tapping the cane rhythmically. “Why should I save a dog someone else threw away?” I clenched my fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms. “I’m not a dog.” “Mr. Ashford, I know the predicament you currently face.” I forced myself to calm down and spoke rapidly. “The Ashford family’s branch members are making moves. You’ve lost your sight, and they’re using this opportunity to pressure you into giving up power. They even want to force women on you through arranged marriages to control you.” Lucas’s fingers stopped tapping the cane. The air around us instantly dropped to freezing. The bodyguards were too frightened to even breathe. I endured the terrifying pressure emanating from him and continued. “You need a shield. A wife with no background, a clean record, completely under your control.” “I can be that person.” “I’ve been by Tristan’s side for seven years. I’m intimately familiar with the business battlefield. I can not only help you fend off those women, but I can also be your eyes, helping you clean up the company’s mess.” Lucas said nothing. He sat there quietly, like a perfect sculpture. After a long while, he suddenly smiled. That smile was extremely cold, carrying a bloodthirsty quality. “Bold. Daring to negotiate with me.” He leaned slightly, turning toward my direction. “What do you want?” “Protection.” I said, “Pay off David’s gambling debts for me, transfer my brother to a private hospital under the Ashford name. Then, help me escape from Tristan Vale.” “As long as you agree, I’m selling this life to the Ashford family.” The night wind howled. I was so nervous my breathing stopped. I don’t know how much time passed. Lucas slowly spoke, his low voice resonating in the darkness. “Get in the car.” My taut nerves finally snapped, my body collapsing powerlessly against the car door. I’d won. After getting in, the car was filled with a faint scent of agarwood. Lucas handed me a document. I looked down. “Marriage Agreement.” “Sign it.” Lucas leaned back in his seat, eyes closed, “From today on, you are Mrs. Ashford.” “Since you’re with me now, cut all ties with your past. All of it.” “If I discover you still have any connection with Tristan Vale…” He didn’t finish, but the chilling tone in his voice made me shudder. “Don’t worry, Mr. Ashford.” I signed my name without hesitation. “Tristan Vale is already dead to me.”

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I chased after Ethan Sinclair for five years. I drank on his behalf until I had a stomach hemorrhage, attended social events for him until I was covered in the world’s grime. Yet he called me dirty, tore apart my mother’s keepsake in public while holding his new lover, and treated me like a dog that came running at his beck and call. I turned around and married Mason Westwood, the man rumored to be uninterested in women. It wasn’t until Ethan knelt in the snow, begging me to come back, that Mason kissed me in front of everyone. “Get lost. She’s mine now.” Joanna’s POV After pursuing Ethan for five years, I went from being the Brooks family heiress to becoming his most obedient servant. Everyone was betting on when he’d get bored and throw me away. When I stood at the private room door, soaked to the bone and clutching documents, I heard Ethan casually making fun of me to his friends. “With rain this heavy, will Joanna even show up?” “Why wouldn’t she? Everyone in our circle knows she gave up being a wealthy heiress just to run around being Ethan’s secretary.” “Joanna loves Ethan so much. Our boy Ethan’s got serious charm.” Laughter erupted from the room, mixed with the sound of drinking. Three hours earlier, Ethan had called me, asking me to find an important document. His new girlfriend, Sienna Cunningham, had lost it, and he urgently needed me to save the day. Without a second thought, I pulled out my IV, dragged my feverish body out to search through trash cans and review security footage for three hours. After finally recovering it, I rushed to the club. Just as I was about to knock, the conversation inside clearly reached my ears. “Last time he just casually mentioned wanting toast from that place downtown, and she waited in line for five hours. By the time she delivered it, she nearly passed out.” “She’s pathetically desperate.” A burst of laughter erupted, each laugh piercing my eardrums like needles. My hand gripping the documents trembled slightly from how hard I was clenching. That time buying toast, I really did pass out. It was winter then too. Ethan sent me a message in the middle of the night saying he was hungry and wanted toast from that shop. I drove halfway across London to get it. The shop was packed. I waited for five whole hours until my hands and feet went numb from the cold. When I finally delivered the toast to him, he just glanced at it and frowned. “I suddenly don’t want it anymore.” He casually tossed it in the trash. Later, I developed a high fever and collapsed at his doorstep. When I woke up in the hospital, Ethan only visited once, his tone full of impatience. “If your body can’t handle it, don’t push yourself. Who’s to blame? Stop doing these self-indulgent things.” Back then, I was foolish. I thought it was his awkward way of showing concern. I thought if I was good enough to him, one day he’d see my sincerity. Now I understand. He never valued my devotion. The next second, his careless voice drifted from the room. “Her?” Ethan’s voice carried a hint of drunkenness. “She’s just someone who comes when I call and leaves when I tell her to.” “As long as I crook my finger, even if I told her to crawl in here on her knees right now, she’d be willing.” “You’ve got real skills, training the Brooks family heir to be so obedient.” “Who doesn’t know Joanna loves him like crazy? Without him, she can’t survive.” The room filled with unrestrained laughter. Standing at the door, I felt my blood run cold. I drank on his behalf until stomach hemorrhaging sent me to emergency care while he celebrated another woman’s birthday. I cleaned up his messes, even giving up the opportunity to study at Cambridge, staying at his company like a workhorse. To match his preferences, I suppressed all my edges and became gentle and accommodating. I thought hearts were made of flesh. I thought after five years of companionship, even a stone would warm up. Tears fell on the back of my hand, but I didn’t cry out loud. Through the door crack, I glimpsed that man. He still stood out in the crowd. He was holding his new girlfriend, Sienna Cunningham, in his arms. He lowered his head to feed her a drink, his expression lazy and indifferent. Sienna nestled in his embrace, smiling brilliantly. I looked at the documents in my hand and felt truly pathetic. “Miss Brooks?” A waiter’s surprised voice came from behind me. “Why aren’t you going in? Mr. Sinclair and the others are all inside.” The waiter’s voice wasn’t quiet. The laughter in the room stopped abruptly. Ethan’s cold voice drifted out. “Since you’re here, why not come in?” “I just finished drinking anyway. Drive me home.” The waiter looked at me sympathetically. I took a deep breath and forced the stinging sensation in my eyes back down. I turned and left, casually tossing those documents into a trash can. Then I called my father. My voice choked as I spoke. “Dad, I’ve changed my mind. Arrange a marriage for me. Make it fast, or I’m afraid I’ll regret it.” Silence lasted a few seconds on the other end before his voice came through. “Are you sure?” “I’m sure.” “Alright, I’ll arrange it.” After hanging up, I wiped the tears from my face and strode into the rain.

Joanna’s POV The next day, I started organizing everything related to my resignation. Since I’d promised my family I’d get married, I decided to cut all ties and leave myself no way back. The work I currently had wasn’t that much. Five days would be enough to properly hand everything over. Whether HR agreed or not, I’d completely leave this place after five days. I was about to write down Ethan’s preferences to leave for whoever came after me. Then he sent me a voice message asking. “Joanna, where’s the hangover remedy? Where did you put it?” Instinctively, I stood up, wanting to go to the break room to make honey water. For five years, whenever he had a hangover, I’d prepare a warm glass of honey water the next day, taking care of every detail, even though this wasn’t part of my job description. But this time, I stood halfway up and sat back down. I didn’t respond. I turned my phone face-down on the desk. I typed the last line on my keyboard. “When his stomach hurts, he can only drink warm water at exactly 45 degrees. One degree off and he’ll throw the cup.” After typing that line, the shallow scar on the back of my hand seemed to throb with phantom pain. That was from last year when the water was slightly too hot and I got cut by the glass he smashed. At the time, he just glanced at it. “Can’t even get such a small thing right. Joanna, what can you actually do?” Thinking about it now, I really couldn’t do anything. Except be pathetic. I changed the file name of my resignation handover document to “CEO Office Work Guidelines.” Just endure five more days. After five days, everything will be over. “Joanna, are you organizing materials for Mr. Sinclair again?” A junior assistant peeked over, looking at me carefully before saying. “Everyone’s saying Mr. Sinclair really favors that intern.” “Oh?” I laughed self-deprecatingly. “That’s her skill. I can’t compare.” The assistant looked at me, unable to hide the indignation on her face. “Mr. Sinclair is completely charmed by that intern, but he has no idea who’s been taking care of him so well all these years!” “His stomach problems-you went to doctors all over the city, begged for nutritional meal plans, and delivered them to him every single day without fail. He thinks they’re restaurant meal subscriptions!” “His severe insomnia-you sat by his bed every night, sometimes for half the night!” “His suits-every single one is ironed and coordinated by your own hands. You even went to learn how to tie his ties properly!” “Your life revolves entirely around him, but what about him? Some random intern dares to step all over you, and he doesn’t even care about you!” I froze. So others had been watching all along. Only he didn’t know. Or rather, he was used to it. Used to everything he wanted appearing at hand the moment he reached for it. I patted the assistant’s hand, my tone calm. “I was stupid before. It won’t happen again.” “Joanna.” Footsteps sounded behind me, interrupting our conversation. Ethan appeared, his expression cold. Sienna followed behind him, her eyes red. He threw a document on my desk-the same one I’d tossed in the trash last night. “Letting personal emotions interfere with work and treating it like a game-is this your upbringing?” Sienna spoke up pitifully. “It’s my fault. I’m clumsy and lost the contract, getting Joanna in trouble.” She tried to bow and apologize to me, but Ethan pulled her back and shielded her, looking at me even more coldly. “What right does she have to receive your apology?” “Joanna, Sienna made an honest mistake. What about you? You did it on purpose.” “I never thought you’d be so reckless just to get my attention.” The assistant tried to defend me. “Mr. Sinclair… yesterday she…” I held the assistant back and responded to him. “Mr. Sinclair is right.” I didn’t explain. I pushed the materials in front of me toward Sienna. “Then from now on, let Miss Cunningham handle these tasks.”

Joanna’s POV Sienna’s expression changed. She stood there, flustered. “Miss Brooks, did I do something to upset you? I absolutely didn’t mean to take your position. I’m just an intern. You’re still the person Mr. Sinclair trusts most.” I laughed coldly. I didn’t even bother looking at her. My gaze turned to Ethan. “Mr. Sinclair, how do you feel about this arrangement?” Ethan’s face darkened. “Why are you making things difficult for an intern? Or are you trying to tell me I can’t function without you?” He scoffed. “Joanna, these tactics get old when you use them too much.” I looked at him. “Mr. Sinclair misunderstands.” “Miss Cunningham is new. Learning more can’t hurt.” “Joanna, must you be so sarcastic?” His brow furrowed. Perhaps sensing my current mood, he softened his tone. “You’ve been by my side for years. I know your temperament well. You’re just worried I’ll overlook your contributions.” “But you shouldn’t make things difficult for a newcomer. Your position in the company won’t be easily replaced by one new person. You’re overthinking.” He turned to look at me warmly. “Next week is the company anniversary. You’ll still accompany me as my secretary.” He casually handed me a black card. “Buy whatever you like.” When I didn’t take it, he placed the card on my desk, then seemed to remember something and added. “Oh, and on the anniversary day, bring Sienna along too. Teach her more.” Sienna smiled at me. “Then I’ll be troubling you, Miss Brooks.” With that, Ethan turned and walked toward the CEO’s office. Sienna naturally hurried to follow, but after a few steps, she turned back and gave me a provocative look-completely different from the well-behaved, obedient girl she’d just been. Watching them leave, I picked up the black card from my desk. The assistant asked me worriedly. “Are you really going to the anniversary?” I snapped the card in half and tossed it in the trash, not answering her question. The anniversary happened to fall on my resignation day. But I didn’t have time to dwell on it. I needed to finish the work at hand. Before long, Sienna pushed the door open. She smiled innocently, reaching directly for my computer. “Joanna, there’s a document Mr. Sinclair urgently needs. He asked me to bring it over for review.” Afraid she’d see my resignation information, I blocked her hand. “I’m not done yet. I’ll deliver it myself later.” “No need. Mr. Sinclair is very busy. He said not to let anyone disturb him. I should be the one to deliver it.” She suddenly yanked hard. In the scuffle, she tilted toward the desk as if losing her balance. The coffee by her hand spilled onto the document Ethan needed and splashed onto my computer. The computer screen instantly went black. “Joanna, I’m sorry! I just wanted to get the document and lost my balance…” Sienna panicked and teared up, frantically trying to help me clean up. Ethan happened to appear. Seeing this scene, he frowned. “What’s going on?” Before I could speak, Sienna immediately rushed to Ethan’s side, her eyes red. “It’s my clumsy fault. I was rushing to get the document you needed and accidentally broke Joanna’s computer.” Ethan said nothing. I held up the wet document. “I already said it wasn’t finished. I’d deliver it when it was done. What’s your rush?” Sienna’s tears fell harder as she looked at Ethan. “It’s my fault. Joanna is so excellent, I was too eager to learn from her and made things worse instead. Mr. Sinclair, please punish me.”

Joanna’s POV But Ethan didn’t scold her. Instead, he looked at me with displeasure. “You know Sienna is still an intern. New people need proper guidance. If she doesn’t understand, surely you do?” “Even without Sienna today, there might be other newcomers making mistakes in the future. As their supervisor, training them properly is your responsibility.” “Let’s end this here. It’s just a document. Print it again.” He gently comforted Sienna, his tone carrying a hint of indulgence. “Were you hurt? Be more careful next time. If you really can’t handle something, just have Joanna do it. She’s used to these trivial tasks anyway. Don’t push yourself.” “But I really want to learn from Joanna.” Sienna’s voice was soft, and she carefully glanced at me. “Her work doesn’t require any technical skill. What’s there to learn?” After comforting Sienna, he led her away without giving me another glance. My desk was a mess, and there were a few red spots on the back of my hand from where the scalding coffee had splashed. It didn’t hurt much-not compared to how much my heart hurt. A chill surged through me. I remembered during those five years of chasing after him, he once said he didn’t like delicate, clingy girls. So I left the Brooks family, gave up my identity as the Brooks family heiress, and became a capable secretary by his side. But now, his every word and action defended Sienna. For her sake, he didn’t hesitate to belittle me completely. I closed my eyes and loosened my clenched fists. I was leaving soon. I didn’t want any complications. Before leaving work, I delivered the newly printed document to Ethan’s office. Sienna was also sitting in the office. The two were laughing and chatting intimately. Seeing me enter, Ethan’s smile faded. Sienna sat watching me approach as if waiting for me to report on my work. I placed the document in front of Ethan. “Legal has double-checked the terms. If there are no issues, this document can be sent out tomorrow.” “Mm.” Ethan took it, glanced through it casually, then signed. Perhaps feeling he’d been too harsh with me this afternoon, his expression softened as he looked at me. “Victor’s having a birthday party tonight. Come with me.” Victor was one of his good friends. Every year on his birthday, Ethan would bring me along. I felt a bit dazed, unsure what he meant. A complex emotion stirred in my heart. I looked at Sienna beside him and suddenly asked. “Will Miss Cunningham be going too?” Ethan paused. “Sienna? Of course she’s going.” I laughed self-deprecatingly. So I was being presumptuous again. “Then I won’t go. Miss Cunningham is new. You should bring her to more events like this, Mr. Sinclair.” Ethan’s face darkened. He was somewhat angry, not understanding what mood I was in. “Joanna, what are you implying? Or can you really not stand to see Sienna doing well?” Sienna tried to persuade him. “Ethan, maybe Joanna doesn’t mean it that way.” I bluntly shot back at her without courtesy. “Sorry, that’s exactly what I mean.” Sienna’s expression changed. Ethan grew angrier, his tone turning harsh. “Joanna, I never realized you were so intolerant! What exactly did Sienna do to offend you? Just because she accidentally spilled coffee earlier? It’s such a small matter-must you blow it out of proportion?” “You didn’t suffer any real loss. Can’t you just let it go? You’re the Brooks family heiress after all. Don’t make yourself a laughingstock.” I didn’t even have the desire to argue. With someone whose bias had reached this extreme, what was there to argue about? I said flatly. “Yes, I’m blowing things out of proportion. I’m petty and can’t tolerate others. So I won’t be going to tonight’s birthday party. I hope you both have fun.” “You’re not going? You go every year. If you don’t go this year, what will people think? That I’m mistreating you.” My phone rang. I glanced at it casually. It was a message from my father. He told me the meeting time and place were set, and sent me the contact information for the man I’d be meeting. He asked me to add him first so we could get acquainted. I held up my phone and waved it, smiling. “Sorry, my family arranged for me to meet another quality man. I’m afraid I don’t have time to attend the birthday party. Please convey my apologies to Victor, Mr. Sinclair.”

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My boyfriend, who died three years ago, sent me a wedding invitation. He’d even changed his Ins profile picture to a couple’s photo and made a post. In the picture, he was holding Ina’s hand and kissing her forehead. For a moment, I thought I was hallucinating. I organized his funeral. I signed his autopsy report when he died. Because he died in a car accident on a trip with me, his parents even beat me up. How the hell did he become my brother-in-law? Soon, Ina called me. “Betty, remember to come to my wedding this weekend! My fiancé will pick you up.” “Your fiancé’s name is Leo?” I asked. “Yes! Do you know each other?” Know each other? More than that—I organized his funeral. His parents have received countless transfers from me over the years. I let out a cold laugh. “No, I don’t. Just thought the name sounded familiar.” Ina innocently told me all about her boyfriend, then said, “I’ve been wanting to introduce you two, but Mom and Dad said you were too busy and told me not to bother you.” I was indeed busy. Busy paying Leo’s mortgage—the Leo who’d been dead for three years. I wished I could split myself into eight people to make enough money. I hadn’t gone home for three straight years for the holidays. No wonder I didn’t know Ina was dating someone. Usually, I’d end all phone conversations with my parents within a minute. They were the understanding type of parents anyway, rarely bothering me. So they never told me Ina was seeing someone. With this in mind, I exchanged a few pleasantries with Ina. The moment I hung up, I canceled the card I’d been using to send Leo’s parents their living expenses. For three years, his parents asked me to buy them toilet paper whenever they ran out. They took overseas trips once a year, easily spending over a hundred thousand each time. I scrimped and saved to support them, buying them only the finest things. Thinking about this, I couldn’t help but open their chat interface. Turned out they came knocking first. “A relative is getting married and we urgently need money. Send us a hundred thousand!” A hundred thousand? They really did think I was an ATM. I called them immediately. “Tell me the truth—is Leo dead or not?” When they heard my question, their tone instantly shot up. They were furious. Especially Leo’s mother. Perhaps she’d been well-nourished by bird’s nest soup all these years. The woman who used to speak in a weak, trembling voice like a baby chick was now roaring at me ferociously. “Wasn’t Leo killed by you back then?” “You insisted on going to that place for vacation, which got Leo killed, leaving us two lonely old people behind.” “So what if we spent some of your money? If it could bring Leo’s life back, who would care about your money!” She started wailing hysterically on the phone. First saying I’d killed Leo, forcing them to have no support in their old age. Then saying if Leo were still alive, their life would definitely be much better than now. After saying all this, she shouted into the phone, “Leo was about to be promoted to director when he died—that’s an annual salary!” “That’s way more than what you’ve been giving us.” As she said this, she even disdained the money I’d been giving them. I smiled and hung up without another word.

Getting the truth from them was impossible. I’d have to see for myself. After thinking it over, I called my parents first. I’d been out of touch with them too much these past years. I learned about family news very slowly. I only found out about Ina’s wedding right before the ceremony. With this thought, I dialed my parents’ number. They answered instantly. It was very noisy on their end. I could only hear my mom repeatedly saying “hello” and “hello.” Seemed like she couldn’t hear me clearly. Finally finding a quiet place, her first words were, “You need to come early for Ina’s wedding—they want you to be the witness!” Witness? Hearing those words and thinking of that family’s disgusting behavior made my scalp crawl. I briefly asked how Leo and Ina got together. “They’ve been together for a while now. Started dating three years ago around Christmas. Leo’s pretty good.” “He’s bought us quite a few things over the years, and he’s taken good care of Ina too.” “She’s pregnant now… We figured they should really get married, so we discussed having them do it first.” Pregnant? The words “Leo is my ex-boyfriend who died before I could bring him home” got stuck in my throat. Both my mom and I fell silent for a moment. My mom probably didn’t know what to say to me. But she didn’t want to hang up either, since I so rarely called. At this moment, my mom asked, “You can’t come back again?” I laughed awkwardly. “I’ll come back. I definitely will.” After hanging up, my heart felt heavy. But I still packed my things, planning to go back for the weekend. For the sake of that child, I’d hold off on digging up Leo’s grave. With this thought, I systematically canceled all the membership cards, fixed deposits, and personal pension plans I’d set up for Leo’s parents. As the money returned to my account bit by bit, I realized how much I’d spent over these three years. Just as I submitted the last refund request, Leo’s parents finally couldn’t take it anymore. They called one after another. I didn’t answer any of them, and finally just blocked them. I also stopped paying the mortgage. From today on, Leo’s family wouldn’t get another cent from me. After finishing everything, I collapsed into bed. It was the middle of the night when sudden knocking at my door woke me. I checked the video doorbell. It was Leo’s parents, so furious their eyebrows practically flew off their faces. I ignored them. They knocked louder and louder, attracting the property management’s attention. Eventually they were forcibly escorted away by security. The next morning, I woke up and checked my phone to find several missed calls from my parents. I quickly called them back. On the other end, my parents were crying. “We agreed to give the gift money before the wedding, but Leo’s parents are saying they want to cancel the wedding because they don’t have money.” “Ina’s already showing, and it’s too late for an abortion.” “We can’t reach Leo either. Ina’s so upset she’s been hospitalized.” My parents cried even harder as they spoke. I immediately stopped them. “Wait. There’s definitely more to this. You’d better tell me everything honestly.” Only then did my parents reluctantly tell me the truth. “When Ina first started dating Leo, your dad and I didn’t approve. Then Leo tricked Ina into going to another city with him. We just found out yesterday that Ina had already given birth to one child there. Now this pregnancy has some issues with the prenatal checkup, and Leo’s family is saying they don’t have money, won’t hold the wedding, won’t get the marriage license!”

What! “Stay home and wait!” As soon as I said that, my parents mumbled acknowledgment and hung up. I immediately requested time off, grabbed my luggage, and drove home. Suddenly I remembered something—the hundred thousand Leo’s parents mentioned for a relative’s wedding. I quickly asked my mom how much Leo’s side was contributing to the banquet. My mom said a hundred thousand. I suddenly laughed. So even Leo’s wedding money was supposed to come from me. And he’d tricked Ina into having one child with another on the way. Absolute scum. By the time I reached the hospital, it was noon. My parents had come with homemade food. I rounded a corner and just stared at them with wide eyes. “Betty!” My mom rushed over and hugged me. My mom had always been passive when I was little. If my dad wasn’t home, I had to manage the whole household. Now my dad was also looking down, knowing he’d spoiled Ina when she was young. That’s why she thought everyone in the world was good, and ended up being scammed so badly. My dad couldn’t say a word now, just looked at me and muttered quietly. “Betty, Ina was deceived too. Don’t scold her when you go in.” I snorted coldly. They’d said the same thing since childhood—can’t criticize mistakes, can’t say anything, raising her like a little princess. Every time Ina acted cute, both of them would cave. I sighed helplessly. “You didn’t raise me this way when I was young.” When I was young, my dad’s stick never stopped appearing on my body. Later, he compensated Ina with all the affection he owed me. Instead, it made me feel he favored her. We grew apart and now we’re the most familiar strangers. They didn’t dare say anything else. When I pushed open the hospital room door, I saw Ina lying in bed crying alone. I basically raised Ina. When we were young and our parents worked, I was the one watching her. Seeing her cry like this now made my heart ache too. I walked over and looked at her belly. “Get an abortion!” “This is my child. An abortion… wouldn’t that be bad?” “I said get an abortion, so get an abortion. You already had one child, and he still won’t marry you. Now he’s disappeared. Do you really think he loves you?” Ina lowered her head without speaking. After nearly several minutes of silence, she finally said something. “But I wronged him.” I turned to look at her. “How did you wrong him! Tell me!” Ina choked out, “I killed his ex-girlfriend!” The moment those words came out, my head started throbbing violently. Ex-girlfriend? Killed his ex-girlfriend? Then what was I—a ghost? Leo’s family had scammed our entire family. What a disaster. Just as I was about to speak, Ina grabbed my hand, as if mustering great courage. “I hit and killed his ex-girlfriend with my car. I should have gone to jail, but he let me go!” “He loved his ex-girlfriend so much. They were about to get engaged, and she was pregnant with his child. Don’t you think I’m evil? So I…” Every word she spoke made my head hurt more, but Ina thought I was agreeing with her. Crying, she hugged me. “So I had no choice. I couldn’t go to jail!” I grabbed her chin and made her look at me. Ina started rummaging through her bag for something. Before I could ask, she pulled out a photo. The face was blurred, but I could still tell—this was me! But Ina cried and said, “I even ruined the only photo of his ex-girlfriend. I’m just…” “I’m his ex-girlfriend!”

The moment I said those words. The three people sitting across from me froze, as if they didn’t understand what I’d said. Just as I was about to repeat myself, they all simultaneously let out a shocked “What!” I pulled up the original photo from my phone. This was a photo of Leo and me together, and it wasn’t the only one. I’d bought a printer to play around with back then and printed just this one. Yet Leo managed to use it for his act. I stared at Ina. “So where’s your other child?” “Being raised by his parents. They said I couldn’t take care of it properly.” “You’re really his ex-girlfriend?” I nodded and showed her all the evidence from when Leo and I were together. Photo after photo, plus Leo’s contact information, all laid out in front of Ina. Only then did Ina truly understand that I was the ex-girlfriend Leo had claimed died long ago. I also told my family about how Leo faked his death to scam me. In that instant, my usually timid parents went crazy. “I’m going to take a knife and chop up their whole family right now!” I stopped my dad. “Don’t go. You and Mom together aren’t even half Leo’s dad’s size. No point throwing eggs at a rock.” My parents, called back by me, just kept crying in anger. Ina kept crying too. She touched her belly, looking like she didn’t know what to do. I looked at her. “You can’t keep this child. Schedule the surgery now.” “Okay, I’ll listen to you.” After learning the truth, she didn’t argue with me and obediently underwent the surgery under my supervision. While she rested in the hospital room, I called my parents out. “Call Leo’s parents and tell them we’ll pay for the banquet. They just need to attend, no gift money required.” “Why?” My mom said excitedly. I glanced at her, and she nodded. “Got it. I’ll call now.” Hearing they wouldn’t have to spend a penny, Leo’s parents agreed immediately without even considering it. “They just didn’t want to pay. Ina’s really pitiful, getting scammed by people like that.” My parents said this as I opened my phone to look at Leo’s account with its couple profile picture. Obviously, after so much time, he’d forgotten who I was and hadn’t blocked me. He’d even posted tomorrow’s wedding invitation on Twitter. At that moment, my parents suddenly seemed to realize something. They quietly approached me. Softly they said, “Ina just had surgery. She can’t go to the wedding!” “I didn’t say she should go.” “Then who will?” “Me.”

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My wife suddenly arranged a seven-day trip to Scandinavia for me. I thought she had finally learned to be considerate, but I accidentally overheard her conversation with our son. “Mom, if you marry Uncle Osman, what about Dad?” My son asked innocently. “We’re just fake married.” My wife chuckled softly. “Diego, remember to keep it a secret. Don’t tell Dad about this, and I’ll buy you that toy car you’ve been wanting.” My head buzzed. I stood there stunned for a long time, then turned and went downstairs to smoke a cigarette. Since she wants to make up for past regrets with Osman. Then I have the right to pursue the dreams I abandoned too. This trip to Scandinavia—I won’t be coming back. After finishing my cigarette, I turned to go back upstairs and ran into Victoria in the hallway. Seeing her in a red dress, I asked in confusion, “I thought you hated the color red?” “The past is the past, now is now. Red is in this year, and besides, I’m going with my girlfriend to try on wedding dresses.” Victoria immediately came up with several excuses. But I suddenly remembered that red was Osman’s favorite color, and since Osman returned to the country, Victoria’s closet had gained several red outfits and handbags. It turned out, there were signs all along. “Trying on wedding dresses? Let me drive you,” I said flatly. “No, no need!” Victoria shook her head. “Why would a big guy like you get involved in girls’ stuff? When I get back, I’ll bring gifts for you and Diego.” After saying this, she hugged me, didn’t wait to hear what else I might say, and quickly ran off. My heart suddenly ached. I instinctively wanted to call out to Victoria, but in the end, I just shook my head. Everyone thought Victoria and I were the perfect couple in life and the best partners in business. She didn’t look down on my humble origins and married me without hesitation. I worked practically year-round, turning the tide multiple times, saving her family from the brink of bankruptcy. Ten years of working side by side—we not only had a lovely son but also rebuilt the glory of Victoria Group. But even I just discovered that Victoria had been harboring feelings for Osman in her heart. I walked into the house. “Dad.” My son Diego rushed over and hugged my leg tightly, saying, “No matter what happens, you’ll never leave me and Mom, right?” He seemed to sense something. His innocent face was filled with nervous fear. My heart ached. I crouched down, stroked Diego’s head, and asked gently, “If one day Mom and I separate, who would you want to stay with?” Diego froze, then tears welled up in his eyes. “I’m sorry.” I hugged Diego. “I’ll go make you dinner.” Diego was only eight years old. Adult matters shouldn’t trouble a child. We could have hired a nanny, but both Diego and Victoria loved my cooking. I remembered all their dietary restrictions and preferences. Tonight I made Diego’s favorite dishes. When Diego saw the food on the table, he suddenly burst into tears and looked up. “Dad.” “You already know about Uncle Osman and Mom getting married, don’t you?” “Mom told me it’s just a fake marriage. Dad, please don’t be angry, okay? Mom loves you.” I sighed softly and held Diego in my arms. I knew his little head couldn’t hold all those complicated twists and turns. He simply believed Victoria naively, hoping Mom and Dad wouldn’t separate.

Unfortunately, the adult world isn’t that simple. After dinner, I saw Victoria’s girlfriend post on Twitter and couldn’t help raising my eyebrows. Although the photo of trying on the wedding dress didn’t show the face, that little red mole on the neck—Victoria had one too. The photo of intertwined fingers with a man clearly showed the mark of a ring on the ring finger. The watch the man wore—I’d seen it before. It belonged to Osman. The caption read: “The moon I missed will always come back to illuminate me once more.” That phrase seemed familiar. I rushed into the study and moved Victoria’s computer. Underneath was a notebook. The moment I opened it, that exact phrase jumped out at me. All signs indicated this account wasn’t some girlfriend’s, but Victoria’s own. “Scandinavian trip.” “The fictional girlfriend’s wedding and Twitter account.” “Victoria, to deceive me, for Osman’s sake, you could come up with such absurd tricks.” I muttered to myself and picked up my phone to send a message. [Save me a partner spot.] [Also, have your lawyer draft a divorce agreement for me.] A few months ago, my childhood friend Brennan invited me to start a business in Scandinavia, offering me 30% equity without requiring a penny of investment. The other two partners agreed because they valued my abilities. But I had a wife and child and just wanted stability, so I kept refusing. Now it’s time to let loose. Close to midnight, Victoria came home drunk. She wasn’t carrying any gifts. Instead, her hair was wet and stuck to her cheeks, and her black stockings under her red dress had several holes. She looked completely disheveled. “Collins, why aren’t you asleep yet? Were you waiting for me? You naughty man, you just love wearing me out.” She flashed me a seductive smile and went straight to the bathroom. In the past, she would always hug me first. At this thought, my heart sank. Suddenly, I heard sobbing and hurried to Diego’s room. “What’s wrong? Bad dream?” Diego shook his head, his little finger pointing at his phone screen. I looked down—it was a Twitter post from Osman’s daughter, Millia. Millia was sitting at a pink piano, hugging a tablet computer, smiling happily. Caption: [Thank you to the best mom in the world for giving me a custom limited-edition piano.] “Dad.” “I saw this piano on Mom’s computer, and that tablet too.” One aggrieved sentence nearly shattered my psychological defenses. I finally understood why Diego was crying. Usually, Victoria would say, “Boys should be raised frugally so they don’t become spendthrifts later.” So she was very strict with Diego, almost never buying him the toys he wanted. Even this phone was my old one I secretly gave Diego. I would also secretly take Diego out to play. Every time Victoria found out, she would get angry with me. That’s why she used the toy car to buy Diego’s silence. And today before leaving, she said she would bring gifts for Diego and me, but came back empty-handed. Deceiving and tricking me was one thing. But how could she shower someone else’s daughter with love, giving her everything she wants, while being harsh and deceptive to her own son? “Be good, I’ll buy them for you.” I comforted Diego, coaxed him to sleep, then returned to the living room and sat on the sofa. Waiting for Victoria to come out. Suppressing my anger, I asked, “Didn’t you say you’d bring Diego a gift?” “I forgot, I forgot.” Victoria smiled awkwardly and snuggled into my arms. “I’ll buy it for him next time. Boys should be raised frugally anyway.”

While speaking, she caressed my chest. In the past, I couldn’t resist this kind of flirtation from her. Now my heart remained completely unmoved. “I see Millia gets whatever she wants from her family. Today she was smiling while holding a tablet sitting at a pink piano.” I deliberately spoke sarcastically. Victoria froze first, then exploded, standing up abruptly and frowning. “Why do you have to compare with others?” “It’s just a gift. Why are you being so passive-aggressive? Are you deliberately picking a fight?” “Is it Diego who wants a gift, or is it you?” I said nothing, just looked up and stared into her eyes. After a moment of tense atmosphere, Victoria seemed guilty. She looked away, and her tone softened considerably. “Collins, let’s not fight. The day after tomorrow is Diego’s birthday, and I’ll definitely prepare a big surprise for him!” “Keep yourself in a good mood these next couple days and get ready for the seven-day Scandinavian trip.” I nodded and went to the study under the pretext of handling work. The next day at the company meeting, Osman suddenly spoke up. “Someone should take over Collins’s work while he’s on vacation, right?” “I’d like to volunteer.” The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile, his eyes fixed on me with a hint of provocation. Everyone was stunned and looked at Victoria in unison, waiting for a response. It was just a seven-day vacation—normally Victoria or a deputy could have filled in. No one expected Osman to dare demand authority publicly. It was rather absurd. “Do as Osman says.” Victoria took a deep breath and looked at me. “Collins, relax on your vacation. Leave the work to Osman. He’s quite capable.” The room fell silent. This time everyone looked at me. “Collins, you don’t think I’m trying to steal your position, do you?” Osman smiled even more brightly, his tone even more provocative. Everyone could smell the tension. I’d been at Victoria Group for ten years—everyone knew I was decisive and formidable, not someone to mess with. Even Victoria seemed nervous. But I just smiled. “Fine, I agree.” No one expected me to yield authority so easily. Only Victoria breathed a long sigh of relief and showed a smile. Before she could say anything, I stood up and left. Victoria immediately followed me out and grabbed my hand from behind. “Collins! Let me explain…” I turned and interrupted. “Explain what? That this whole meeting was targeted at me?” Never mind me—anyone could see Victoria was paving the way for Osman at my expense. And it started with the seven-day Scandinavian trip. Her schemes ran too deep. I hadn’t noticed before. “Collins, let me explain properly.” Victoria opened her arms and hugged me tightly, speaking earnestly. “Osman is talented. He can shine and bring new vitality to the company.” “I was forced to come up with this solution.” “When you get back, I’ll definitely make you vice chairman of the company. I hope you can understand.” Vice chairman? Don’t make me laugh! Since Victoria Group was established, there had never been a vice chairman position! Just like the gift she kept promising Diego—it was nothing but empty words. “For ten years, I’ve been understanding you, being considerate of your difficulties.” After hesitating for a few seconds, I sighed. “Yes, you’re the best!” Victoria actually thought I wasn’t angry anymore. After complimenting me, she turned and went back to the conference room. When I was packing up things in my office, Osman walked in.

“I’m treating everyone to dinner tonight. Want to join?” He smiled. “No time.” I calmly declined and took my things to leave. Behind me came Osman’s voice. “So what if you’ve been together ten years? It doesn’t compare to one glance I give Victoria.” But I didn’t respond. In the afternoon, Osman sent a message in the executive group chat: [I got promoted today, treating everyone to dinner.] Victoria didn’t try to stop it at all. Instead, she took the lead in responding, then sent me a message. [Collins, don’t overthink it.] I didn’t reply. That evening, Victoria and Osman and the others happily dined out. I was at home packing my luggage. “Dad.” Diego ran over, tugging at my hand. “Dad, are you leaving? Can you wait a few days?” “Tomorrow is my birthday. Mom said she’d give me a big surprise. I’ll wish for you and Mom to never separate! For Mom not to marry Uncle Osman!” “She’ll definitely agree!” His little face looked anxious as he spoke incoherently. “Okay.” I nodded gently. Victoria didn’t come home all night. Diego and I stayed awake all night. “Mom must be preparing my surprise!” Diego looked out the window and spoke as dawn broke. But one hour, two hours… until it got dark again, Victoria still hadn’t come back. I couldn’t help calling Victoria. “Today is our son’s birthday. Where’s the surprise you prepared?” “Oh… it’s in the nightstand. Plane tickets to Scandinavia. Take Diego and go travel together!” Victoria laughed. “I’m too busy today. I’ll hang up now.” The call ended abruptly. I turned and took out the plane tickets from the nightstand. So Diego had also become an obstacle in Victoria’s path to fulfilling her wishes. Almost simultaneously, Victoria’s “girlfriend” account posted on Twitter again. [Engaged! If you love him, give him everything he wants.] The attached image was an equity transfer agreement. I clenched my fists. For ten years, I worked hard at Victoria Group, doing the work of ten departments by myself. From rules and regulations to company development direction, from choosing partners to factory locations—everything was painstakingly determined by me. Yet I only received an ordinary manager’s salary! Now all my achievements were being taken by Osman, who had contributed nothing. “Dad, Mom’s not coming, is she?” My son’s crying voice came through. I turned back to see my son trembling while holding his phone. On the screen, Osman’s daughter Millia had also posted on Twitter. [Thank you, Mom, for the little cake you made with your own hands!] For a child, this was undoubtedly a crushing blow. “Dad, I don’t want to stay here anymore. Can you take me with you?” Diego said through his tears. “Okay.” I nodded tearfully, packed all the luggage, left the divorce agreement, and led Diego out the door. We boarded a plane to Scandinavia. Victoria and Osman held their wedding, spent a few days on their honeymoon, and didn’t go home. They went directly back to the company for a regular meeting. Her eyes swept across everyone present. She asked in confusion, “Where’s Collins? Why isn’t he here?” Everyone shook their heads in unison. “He must be having too much fun.” Victoria muttered, stood up, walked out of the conference room, and called me. “Hello, Collins!” “You’re never late for work normally. Why didn’t you show up for today’s meeting? Haven’t you come back from Scandinavia yet?” Hearing her questioning tone. I couldn’t help but laugh coldly. “You’ve already abandoned this family. Why should I come back?”

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As the nation’s top forensic pathologist, I was brought back to the Harper family. They looked at my face, but recoiled at the smell of disinfectant clinging to me. The adopted daughter, Violet Snow, wearing a two-hundred-thousand-dollar princess dress, gently urged me: “Raven, Dad bought you new clothes. You should change out of those—they’re bad luck.” I glanced at her coldly. [What an act. Too bad for her—the last person who pulled this kind of stunt is still soaking in my specimen cabinet. I even sawed her skull open.] [Then again, forget it. Even if someone peeled off her skin and gave her to me as a gift, I wouldn’t want her.] “Crash!” My CEO father, Maxwell Harper, dropped his antique teapot. It shattered across the floor. My older brother, Cameron Harper, jumped up from the sofa like he’d been electrocuted. He pointed at me, his lips turning purple. [What are you staring at? I heard he’s a doctor too. If I get the chance, I’ll have someone send him my way.] My mother’s eyes rolled back, and she fainted on the spot. The entire family went weak in the knees, nearly collapsing to the floor.

My mother came to after someone pressed her acupressure point. The moment she saw me, her whole body started trembling. My brother Cameron clung to the wall to keep from falling. The adopted daughter, Violet, glided over gracefully, trying to take my hand. I sidestepped to avoid her. She awkwardly withdrew her hand, her face still maintaining that perfect, delicate expression. “I’ve already prepared your room, Raven. Come see if you like it.” I followed her and glanced at the room. Pink girly décor, right next to Violet’s room. The air was thick with a sickeningly sweet perfume smell. I frowned. “I won’t be staying here. I don’t like this style.” Cameron was about to scold me for being ungrateful when he heard my thoughts. [What is this mess? When blood splatters on the walls, pink shows every stain. It’ll be impossible to clean.] [I need to find somewhere more secluded. The storage room looks perfect—no windows, far from everyone else’s rooms. It’ll be easier to dissect bodies without being discovered.] Cameron ‘s face went from flushed red to deathly pale in an instant. My father Maxwell’s voice carried a tremor. “Then… you can stay in the storage room for now. I’ll have the servants help you clean it…” I cut him off. “No need. I’ll clean it myself. Just have someone install a shower for me.” [Just make sure the drainage system is good. It’ll make it easier to dispose of body parts. Don’t want the drains getting clogged.] My father felt his vision go dark. His body swayed, but he forced himself to nod in agreement. Violet didn’t notice the strange reactions from everyone else. A flash of triumph crossed her eyes. She thought I’d angered Maxwell, which was why I was being deliberately assigned to that garbage-filled storage room. I ignored them all. I walked straight toward the storage room tucked away in a corner of the first floor and pushed open the door. A musty smell of years-old mildew hit me in the face. I knocked on the wall with satisfaction. [The soundproofing seems decent too. The noise from processing bodies at night shouldn’t disturb their sleep.] Outside the door, my mother had just been helped up by Cameron and was barely recovering her senses. When she heard that thought, her eyes rolled back again, and she collapsed straight to the floor.

The atmosphere at dinner was as dead silent as a morgue. The long dining table was covered with exquisite dishes, but no one dared touch their utensils. The family sat stiffly in their seats. The TV was playing a news segment. “…Today, police discovered a dismembered male corpse in the suburbs. The methods were extremely brutal. Police are working to apprehend the killer…” On screen, the body was heavily pixelated, but the scattered outline was still horrifying. Violet pretended to be frightened, covering her eyes and leaning weakly against my mother. “How scary. These criminals are so cruel nowadays.” I stared at the news footage, my brow furrowed. [Huh? Isn’t that the one I processed a while back? They’re only releasing the information now?] [The police department’s efficiency is terrible these days. Even their case notifications are half a beat behind.] [That guy really suffered before he died though. They dismembered him piece by piece while he was still alive, and he was injected with nerve stimulants to stay conscious the whole time. He watched himself get sliced into pieces.] Cameron, being a doctor, immediately visualized that scene. His stomach churned violently. He couldn’t hold it in anymore. Face pale, he rushed to the bathroom and started vomiting. My mother was startled by the commotion. Her head lolled to the side, and she fainted again. The dining room erupted into chaos. Only Violet still looked confused, not understanding when everyone in the family had become so timid that they could get this scared just watching the news. My father Maxwell tried to maintain his composure, reaching for his water glass with a trembling hand. Just then, a loud, piercing siren suddenly rang out in the silent dining room. “Wee-oo—wee-oo—” Everyone in the family, including Cameron who’d just emerged from the bathroom, jumped in their seats. I calmly pulled my phone from my pocket. “It’s my phone,” I explained. My father’s mind was already in turmoil. He thought I’d become so brazen that I dared to use a police siren as my ringtone while doing these things—clearly showing no fear of the police at all! I didn’t know what he was thinking. I answered the call on my own. An anxious voice came from the other end. “Hello? What’s up? Mm, another assignment?” I listened to the phone, my brow slightly furrowed. “This time it’s blunt force trauma to the skull? Alright, I’ll be right there. Keep an eye on him for me.” I hung up, wiped my mouth with a napkin, and stood up. “Stop right there!” My father slammed the table and shot to his feet. “Raven! Where are you going this late at night!” Veins bulged on his forehead. “I’ll give you money! However much you want! Just… just stop doing this!” [Give me money?] [Is this about money? I’ve got an assignment from above. If I don’t go, what if someone else takes the job?] My father heard this thought, and the anger on his face instantly froze, replaced by a deeper despair. He and Cameron exchanged glances. Both their faces drained of color. “She… she has accomplices…” Cameron muttered. My father collapsed back into his chair in despair. I just thought this family was acting bizarre, then turned and walked out.

This assignment was a bit tricky. One was a high-altitude fall that hit a glass canopy, then fell again. The other had been in water too long and had become a highly decomposed corpse with adipocere formation. By the time I finished processing these two bodies, it was already dawn. A thunderstorm had started outside. Fat raindrops hammered against the car windows with a pattering sound. I drove home, dragging my exhausted body back to the Harper mansion. The living room lights were still blazing. The moment I pushed open the door, a heavy smell of formalin mixed with a faint odor of decay instantly dispersed the luxurious living room’s original aromatherapy scent. On the sofa, the Harper family members sat in a neat row. They’d clearly been waiting for me. The adopted daughter Violet saw me and immediately covered her nose dramatically, a flash of undisguised disgust in her eyes. But the next second, she switched to a concerned, worried expression and hurried over. “Raven, why are you back so late? What’s that smell on you?” Without waiting for my answer, she reached out to grab the evidence case I was carrying. “Let me help you with that. You look really tired.” Her movements were quick and urgent. I didn’t react in time, and she actually snatched it from me. Then, she “accidentally” stumbled. “Ah!” “Crash!” The metal evidence case hit the polished marble floor hard. The lock popped open, and the case sprang wide. Several organ specimens preserved in formalin rolled out. Among them, a section of intestine with uncleaned matter still attached fell wetly onto the carpet. “Raven, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” The instant she saw what was on the floor, her pretty face went deathly pale. The rest of her sentence stuck in her throat. Her stomach churned. She bent over and vomited on the spot. [Serves you right for playing tricks. Serves you right for being nosy.] [Happy now? I wasn’t planning to expose this, but you forced my hand.] [Since you like looking so much, take a good look.] [Now… I need to figure out how to deal with all of you.] I put on the latex gloves I always carried and bent down expressionlessly to pick up the slippery section of intestine. Then I straightened up, walked over to Violet who was vomiting her guts out, and held that section of intestine directly in front of her face. “Didn’t you want to see?” She looked up in horror, met my eyes, then saw that thing right in front of her. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted from fright. [Such a small courage, yet she dares to cause trouble. She brought this on herself!] I held the intestine and slowly turned around. “Boom!” Outside the window, lightning split the night sky. The living room chandelier flickered in response, alternating between light and dark. In the shifting shadows, my father, mother, and brother saw me holding an intestine, standing next to Violet’s collapsed body. That image—the horror factor was off the charts. The three of them didn’t even manage to scream before their eyes rolled back simultaneously and they fainted together. The entire living room was littered with collapsed bodies. I shook my head. “Well, a family should be together.” I expended some effort first carefully cleaning up the traces on the floor and putting my “treasures” back in the case. Then I dragged them one by one back to their respective rooms and arranged them neatly on their beds. After finishing all this, I returned to my storage room and went to sleep, completely satisfied.

After that night, the house was quiet for several days. There were no cases, and I was happy to have the free time to organize my tools and materials in my storage room. I just didn’t understand why my parents seemed so on edge. They saw me like mice seeing a cat, taking detours to avoid me. Cameron even took several days off, not daring to go to the hospital. He locked himself in his room all day. This eerie atmosphere continued until my birthday, when it finally improved a bit. My father Maxwell saw that I’d been well-behaved for these past days and hadn’t actually “processed” them, so he finally relaxed a little. He decided to throw me a grand birthday party to publicly announce my identity as the real daughter and introduce me to his business partners. He assigned the task of preparing the dress to Violet. But because of what happened that night, Violet both feared and hated me. A huge shadow had already taken root in her heart. Plus, she wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone, so she didn’t tell me about this at all. On the day of the birthday party, I’d just returned from the lab. I hadn’t even had time to change out of my work clothes before the servants rushed me to the banquet hall. My clothes gave off a smell of corpses that outsiders found unbearable. I dealt with corpses every day and was long used to it, so I didn’t pay attention. When I pushed open the banquet hall doors, it instantly fell silent. All eyes focused on me simultaneously. Several ladies near me even instinctively stepped back and dramatically fanned their noses with their hands. Whispers arose. “This is the daughter the Harper family just found? Why did she come dressed like that? She looks so shabby.” “More than shabby—can you smell that? What a strange odor. Just looking at her is bad luck.” Violet ran over to me with fake concern. “Raven, why did you come dressed like this? Didn’t Dad ask you to dress up?” She pretended to be anxious. “Oh no, did I forget to tell you where the dressing room was? I have lots of new dresses in my closet. Why didn’t you tell me?” Just then, a mocking voice rang out. It was my father’s rival, President Quincy from Quincy Corporation. He walked over with a wine glass, pot-bellied, pointing at me with utter contempt. “Well, well, Maxwell, where did you dig up this daughter of yours? From some graveyard? Just looking at her gives me the creeps!” My father Maxwell’s face turned iron blue. I raised my head and looked coldly at that foul-mouthed President Quincy. [This guy—I think his name is Quincy Sterling?] [The higher-ups told me to keep an eye on him. I haven’t even gone looking for him yet, and he’s delivered himself to my door.] [I doubt he’ll be jumping around much longer. Still so arrogant when death is at his doorstep. I don’t mind working overtime to send him off early.] The moment my thoughts fell. “Ahhh—!” President Quincy suddenly clutched his head and let out a piercing scream. His eyes bulged. His whole body fell straight backward. “Thud!” His corpulent body crashed to the floor. Blood began flowing uncontrollably from his nose and mouth. The entire venue fell deathly silent. Everyone looked at me in terror, as if looking at a witch. My father Maxwell pointed at me with a trembling hand, his lips quivering, unable to utter a single word. “…It was you… you did this?” I looked at President Quincy twitching on the ground and curved my lips into a cold smile. [Work’s here. This old bastard was so arrogant, and now he’s fallen into my hands anyway.]

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I was reported by parents in a joint complaint, saying I assigned too much homework. So I simply canceled all homework and evening study sessions, strictly implementing “happy education.” When the monthly exam results came out, the parents exploded. They blocked the school gates, crying and begging me to restart the tutoring classes. I was called to the principal’s office before dawn had fully broken. The cold air of a winter morning cut across my face like a knife. “Miss Harper, take a look at this first.” Principal Anderson’s face was ashen as he pushed his phone toward me, his voice suppressing barely controlled fury. On the phone screen was the city’s most popular education forum. A bolded, red-highlighted post stabbed into my eyes. High School Teacher Forces Supplementary Classes, “Honors Class” Becomes “Student Torture Chamber” Followed by a red “TRENDING” badge. My heart sank sharply. The post’s content was an “anonymous” plea for help, eloquently written and highly inflammatory. “We’re not learning machines. We have flesh and blood too. We long for the sunlight outside the window and a moment to breathe. But here, all we have are endless ‘enrichment worksheets’ and our nights and weekends—time that should belong to us—ruthlessly taken away. Miss Harper says the SAT is a war, and we can rest after we win. But we haven’t even reached the battlefield yet, and we’re already collapsing in the darkness before dawn…” “We’re so tired. We want to cry. Watching students in other classes participate in club activities, reading books they enjoy during study hall—we’re so envious. It’s not that we don’t work hard. We just… don’t want to exhaust all our passion for the future in this suffocating ‘student torture chamber’…” The letter also included several maliciously edited audio recordings. My statement “Suffering a bit now gives you more choices in the future” was cut down to just the cold phrase “suffer a bit.” My encouragement “Once you cross the SAT hurdle, the world opens up—everyone just hang in there” was reduced to an impatient “cross it.” The image of a cold, obsessive “demon teacher” who only pursued grades and disregarded students’ lives leaped off the page. The comment section had completely exploded. 【Oh my God! Which school is this? Terrifying! Still doing this kind of cramming education!】 【Support the kids! Gen Z should speak up bravely! Someone expose this teacher!】 【’Honors Class’? More like ‘Hell Class’! Doesn’t the Department of Education care?】 【My heart breaks for these kids. Hugs. This teacher doesn’t deserve to educate anyone! Should be fired!】 【I’m from the class next door at this school, can confirm they study until after 10pm every day. So intense!】 【Need insider students to come forward! Let’s see how twisted this Miss Harper really is!】 【@CityDepartmentofEducation come do your job!】 … Holding the cold phone, a chill crept up from between my vertebrae. Not anger, but a tremendous sense of absurdity at being betrayed. Those “enrichment worksheets” I stayed up nights organizing, selected from over a thousand practice sets—in their mouths, they became the straw that broke their backs. The personal time I sacrificed to supervise their evening study sessions, always available to answer questions—that became “ruthless occupation.” Showing them the most difficult but most effective path to top universities—that made me the “chief architect of student torture”? The phone buzzed on the office desk. Principal Anderson’s voice trembled slightly: “Miss Harper, the Department of Education is calling. They say they’ve received numerous complaints and are demanding we investigate immediately and give the public an explanation!”

I walked out of the principal’s office. The hallway was empty, yet it felt like eyes were watching from everywhere. A strange atmosphere permeated the air. Class 11-1, this so-called “Honors Class,” was my labor of love since I started teaching them in ninth grade. From initial student selection to creating each semester’s teaching plan, to crafting customized preparation strategies for students at different levels—I could say with confidence I’d never slacked off for a moment. I firmly believed that for these kids without privileged backgrounds, the SAT was one of the few truly fair battlefields in their lives. And my responsibility was to forge them the sharpest weapons. So I sacrificed nearly all my holidays, organizing materials from tens of thousands of practice tests into what they called “devil enrichment worksheets.” Every single problem targeted an SAT difficulty point. So I turned down all social engagements to supervise their evening study sessions. As long as they didn’t understand any concept, I would explain until they got it. I believed this was being responsible for their futures—with high scores, you can choose the city you want, study the major you love, have the confidence to say no… This matters far more than empty “happiness slogans” and superficial “enrichment activities.” But now, this had become ironclad evidence of “student torture,” the reason for nationwide condemnation. Passing other classroom doors, I could hear whispered conversations inside. “Did you hear? Miss Harper from Class 1 got called out online.” “Serves her right. Why does she have to be so intense, making the pressure high for us too.” “Exactly. Someone should’ve dealt with her ages ago.” I pushed open my own classroom door. The previously noisy morning reading session came to an abrupt halt the moment I appeared. Dozens of pairs of eyes turned toward me in unison—panic, evasion, curiosity, schadenfreude… emotions intertwined. Then, like startled birds, they instantly lowered their heads, pretending to read aloud. My gaze swept slowly across the room, finally settling on a seat by the window. Melissa. A transfer student from out of state last semester. Above-average grades, very well-behaved, sweet-talking. At this moment, she kept her head down, long lashes covering her eyelids, shoulders trembling slightly—the picture of a frightened deer. I recalled last week’s composition class. Melissa had used almost identical metaphors in her essay to describe “the pain of not being understood.” At the time, I’d thought this girl had delicate writing skills and a sensitive mind. Now, those words from the post overlapped perfectly with the face before me. I could almost certainly conclude that aside from Melissa, it couldn’t be anyone else. I also remembered a parent in the group chat named Marcus Bennett. His own child had mediocre grades, yet he always loved to pontificate in the group, playing the “thought leader.” “Kids today suffer too much. We should give them a happy childhood!” “Grades aren’t everything! Mental and physical health matter most!” “I support reducing academic burden! Firmly against sea-of-questions tactics!” At the time, I’d only thought he was talking without understanding the stakes, and hadn’t dwelt on it. Now, those high-minded words overlapped seamlessly with the angry comments online. Could it really be that I was wrong? Did I push too hard, making them feel this was all torture, to the point where they could justifiably strike back? I laughed bitterly at myself. My phone rang again. The academic director. “Miss Harper, get over here now! Major trouble! The Department of Education investigation team is already at the school gates!” The voice on the other end was panicked beyond recognition. I took a deep breath, suppressing the disappointment surging in my chest. “I understand.” Fine. Since you so desperately crave this so-called “happiness,” so thoroughly detest this narrow path covered in thorns. Then I’ll return to you that broad, flower-strewn avenue. I addressed the entire class calmly: “This afternoon, fourth period, emergency parent meeting. Everyone must notify their parents.”

The parent meeting was set for 4:30 PM. The auditorium was packed. An unusual atmosphere churned through the air. Anger, doubt, spectators eager for drama, and a barely detectable smugness. Marcus Bennett sat front and center, surrounded by several parents, gesticulating as he spoke. When he saw me enter, he immediately stopped talking, replacing his expression with one of righteous indignation, like a judge about to sentence a criminal. Melissa’s mother sat beside him, eyes red-rimmed, clutching a tissue, looking both haggard and aggrieved. I ignored the gazes that seemed ready to devour me and walked straight to the podium. “Miss Harper, you’re finally here.” Marcus spoke first, voice not loud but enough for the entire room to hear. His tone carried a condescending sort of “concern.” “We’re here today not to accuse you. We just want to communicate with you. The children are under too much pressure. I’m sure you saw that online post. The children’s voices are the most genuine. As parents, we can’t ignore this!” He looked around as if seeking support. “That’s right, Miss Harper, this can’t continue!” “My child has been suffering from insomnia lately, always complaining of headaches!” “The SAT is important, but our children’s lives are more important!” Echoes rose one after another. Just then, Melissa’s mother burst into tears with a wail, her voice shrill and full of accusation. “Miss Harper! I’m begging you! Please let my daughter go! She’s only seventeen! Two nights ago she had nightmares, crying about ‘worksheets, endless worksheets’! Her hair is falling out in clumps! If this continues, you’ll drive her insane!” As she cried, she stared at me with those bloodshot eyes. “We don’t ask for her to get into some top university! We just want her healthy! Happy! Living like a normal kid! Is that too much to ask?!” Her tearful accusation was like gasoline poured on an already smoldering fire. The entire auditorium’s emotions ignited completely. “This is too much! Practically abuse!” “We need answers!” Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, the back door of the classroom opened. Principal Anderson entered with two stern-looking men. “I’m from the Department of Education investigation team, surname Li.” The lead man got straight to the point. “We’ve received numerous formal complaints alleging that Miss Harper has engaged in unauthorized supplementary classes and excessive student workload. We’re here today to investigate on-site. The Department of Education’s position is clear: students’ mental and physical health always comes first!” Investigator Li’s words were like a final judgment, giving all the “denouncing” parents a shot of confidence. The smugness on Marcus Bennett’s face was barely concealed. I stood on the podium, looking at those faces with their various expressions. My gaze passed through the crowd, landing on a corner. That was Lily’s father. A quiet, taciturn middle-aged man. Last semester, Lily had acute appendicitis requiring immediate surgery. He was on a business trip at the time, beside himself with worry. It was me who, without hesitation, advanced all the medical expenses, signed the forms, and stayed at the hospital all night until he rushed back. At the time, he had gripped my hands, eyes red-rimmed, words incoherent, bowing repeatedly. And now, this man, as Marcus delivered his passionate speech, as Melissa’s mother wept bitterly—he simply nodded in agreement. That nod felt like a red-hot steel needle piercing my heart. More than the vicious online curses, more than Marcus’s public confrontation, more than Melissa’s mother’s tearful accusations—it made me feel bone-deep cold. So the devoted help I thought I’d given, the teacher-student bond I thought existed, was so worthless in the face of so-called “public opinion.” I closed my eyes, forcibly suppressing the surge of blood and qi. When I opened them again, all emotion had drained from my eyes, leaving only deathly calm.

“Miss Harper,” Marcus continued pressing, “you see, the Department of Education leadership is here. Surely you should give us some kind of response now?” “A response?” I spoke coldly, voice not loud, yet instantly silencing the entire room. I turned to Investigator Li, turned to all the parents, and bowed slightly. “I understand everyone’s meaning. ‘Public opinion’ cannot be defied. The children’s ‘happiness’ matters most.” “I will implement reforms immediately.” My gaze swept across Marcus, across Melissa’s mother, finally settling on those dozens of scrutinizing eyes below the podium. “Tomorrow morning, I will announce my reform plan.” My voice was calm, yet carried a determination they couldn’t comprehend. “A plan… that conforms to ‘public opinion.’” The next morning, the school’s morning exercises were temporarily canceled. In their place was an impromptu all-school assembly. A massive white screen slowly descended. A notice titled “Regarding Teaching Method Adjustments for Class 11-1” was projected before everyone’s eyes. Simultaneously, this notice was pushed to every Class 11-1 parent’s phone. I held the microphone, face calm. Principal Anderson and Investigator Li from the Department of Education stood behind me, expressions complex. The notice’s first paragraph was a “profound self-criticism.” “…In my past teaching work, my thinking was rigid, my methods outdated. I overemphasized test-taking techniques and scores while neglecting humanistic care and well-rounded student development. This caused enormous psychological pressure for students and drew criticism from all sectors of society. For this, I offer my most sincere apologies…” Below the stage, students whispered among themselves. In the Class 1 section, Melissa and several close friends wore victorious smiles. In the parent group, Marcus immediately took a screenshot, adding a “sweet justice” emoji. Then I began reading the core content of the notice. “After profound reflection, and with approval from the school and supervising authorities, the following adjustments will be made to Class 11-1’s teaching model:” “Article One: Effective immediately, all ‘enrichment worksheets,’ ‘practice tests,’ and supplementary materials are canceled. Daily homework will strictly follow the national Department of Education curriculum standards, absolutely no exceeding standards, absolutely no additions.” Below, barely suppressed cheers nearly broke through the ceiling. “Article Two: Effective immediately, all evening study sessions, weekend classes, and any form of group tutoring are canceled. Evening study time will be fully adjusted to ‘student free activity time,’ which may be used for club activities, extracurricular reading, or independent rest. The schedule will be strictly observed, with dismissal promptly at 5 PM, absolutely no overtime.” The cheers grew louder. Some students even excitedly whistled. Melissa proudly straightened her chest, basking in the grateful looks from surrounding classmates. “Article Three: Effective immediately, this class’s teaching focus will comprehensively shift from ‘test-oriented education’ to ‘well-rounded education.’ Classes will incorporate research projects, art appreciation, and other elements, aiming to cultivate students’ comprehensive qualities and innovative abilities, ultimately achieving ‘happy learning, comprehensive development.’” In the auditorium, thunderous applause erupted. These three provisions were like three pardons, completely liberating the students who’d been “oppressed” for so long. They’d won. A great victory, initiated “from the bottom up” by students and parents working together. Only the few top students in the front rows had faces pale as death, eyes filled with shock. But their voices were already drowned in the “victorious” celebration. Marcus spammed the parent group frantically: “See that! This is the power of public opinion! We fought for our children’s happiness!” The group filled with “Marcus is awesome,” “Thank you Marcus for speaking up for us.” Just as I was about to say “assembly dismissed”— Principal Anderson behind me swayed violently. He stared at his phone, all color draining from his face. He tried to rush forward and grab my microphone, but it was too late. An email just received was projected onto that massive white screen. Every teacher and student in the school could see it clearly. From: New York University Office of Admissions Subject: [URGENT] Notice of Revocation of Joint Recommendation Qualification for “Elite Seedling Program” Preview: Dear Principal Anderson and School Leadership: We are shocked to learn of major adjustments to your school’s “Honors Class” teaching approach, particularly the cancellation of all advanced-level courses and intensive tutoring led by Miss Harper. Our “Elite Seedling Program” aims to identify and secure top-tier students who excel in precisely these types of advanced courses. Given your school’s current educational reforms, you no longer meet the “Elite Seedling Program” student cultivation standards. Following urgent deliberation by our admissions committee, we formally notify you: Your school’s “Elite Seedling Program” joint recommendation slots for this academic year are hereby revoked, effective immediately.

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Elias is the Alpha of the Dubois pack, and I’ve had a crush on him for years. The year we both turned eighteen, neither of us had found our mates yet, so I worked up the courage to confess my feelings to him. But I discovered he’d been drugged with an aphrodisiac. Without hesitation, I had sex with him to counteract the drug’s effects. Our sex was intense. During the process, he marked me, and I became his mate. When he came to his senses, he looked at me with utter disgust. I thought that given enough time together, he would eventually fall in love with me. But on our wedding night, I felt a soul-tearing pain. I realized Elias was cheating on me. I went to find him, only to discover him having sex with my sister Vivian. That’s when I learned he’d been in love with my sister all along. After I caught them, Elias didn’t even panic. He wrapped his arm around Vivian and burned me alive in a fire. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day Elias was drugged with the aphrodisiac. Looking at Elias with his flushed face and labored breathing, I called for Vivian.

Elias opened his eyes with difficulty. A flash of disgust crossed his pupils as he said hoarsely, “Get away from me.” When he saw clearly who the woman before him was, he suddenly froze. “Vivian, why is it you?” He looked around and spotted me coming over to check on the situation. In my past life, I was the first to throw myself at him, having sex with Elias without hesitation to counteract the drug. But the first thing he did after coming to his senses was push me away, his eyes filled with revulsion. He showered for two hours straight, as if he’d just touched something filthy. But now… “Elias, I’m so glad you’re okay. I…” Vivian’s body was covered in intimate marks, her expression a mix of concern and coy embarrassment. She hesitated, deliberately covering her lips with her hand. Elias understood. He said nothing. He left with Vivian in his arms, not sparing me another glance. I knew Elias had been secretly drugged with an aphrodisiac, which caused him to lose control. In my previous life, he quickly found the culprit, so there was no need for me to remind him unnecessarily. The night wind was biting cold. I developed a fever that same evening. “Knock, knock.” My mind was fuzzy when I opened the door to see Elias. I instantly snapped awake. “…Why are you here?” Elias leaned lazily against the doorframe, giving me a casual glance. “Clara, what game are you playing now?” I looked at him in confusion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Elias let out a cold snort. “In front of all those people, you deliberately called Vivian to have sex with me. Doesn’t her reputation matter? How can you be so selfish?” I felt a tightness in my chest. I wanted to ask him what exactly he expected me to do. If I saved him, that was wrong. If I called for his beloved, that was also wrong. I should have just left him there to fend for himself. “Think whatever you want.” I sniffled, speaking slowly. “If there’s nothing else, I’d like to rest now. I’m not feeling well.” Elias probably thought I was putting on an act to gain his sympathy. He smiled with a curl of his lip. “Playing hard to get? Clara, you’re getting more and more tricks up your sleeve.” “If you’re not feeling well, take medicine. I’m not a doctor.” Watching his retreating figure, I let out a long sigh. Everyone in the Dubois pack knew I liked Elias—liked him in a way that was both humble and stubborn. He said long hair was gentle, so from childhood to now, I’d always kept my hair long, never changing my hairstyle. He also said light-colored clothes looked nice, so dark colors disappeared from my wardrobe entirely. He liked quiet, elegant girls, so I turned down party after party to practice piano and violin at home. It took the painful lesson of my previous life to understand. Vivian met all the conditions he mentioned, simply because she was the one he loved. And no matter how hard I tried or what I became standing before him, I didn’t deserve even a passing glance from him. Soon, news spread that Vivian had sex with Elias to counteract the drug. When something happened to him, the entire territory was in turmoil. Several people in security uniforms found me. “Miss Clara, please cooperate with the investigation.” They said that because I was the first to discover Elias had been drugged, I was the prime suspect. I didn’t understand. “But I saved him.” The security guard looked apologetic. “Elias says we can’t rule out the possibility that you orchestrated this whole thing to claim credit for saving him.” I froze. Claiming credit? So that’s what Elias thought of me. They forcibly took me to a storage room in the territory and locked me in, even though I warned them this was illegal. The only response I got was: “Elias will take full responsibility.” “He said not to let you out until the truth is uncovered.”

A day and a night later, they finally released me. After I got out, I heard Elias had already dealt with the drugging incident. After the banquet ended, he personally escorted Vivian home. When I arrived, I heard Elias saying, “Vivian saved me. I’ve already marked her. She will be the Luna of the Dubois pack, and I will hold a wedding ceremony with her.” My footsteps halted. Even though I’d already resolved to give up on Elias completely in this life, hearing those words still caused a sharp pain in my heart. He believed Vivian saved him and wanted to marry her. But if I had been the one to do it, he would only think I was throwing myself at him shamelessly. In my previous life, the gossip in our social circle became so intense that it reached my father’s ears. My father was the Beta of the Dubois pack. He personally asked Elias, and only then did Elias reluctantly agree to marry me. In this life, Elias couldn’t wait to marry Vivian. When Vivian saw me at home, she put on a conflicted expression. “That’s not right, Dad. Clara likes Elias. People can say what they want about me, but Clara would be so hurt.” My father hadn’t even spoken yet. Elias’s tall figure blocked my way through the door. “Since you’ve already heard, I might as well make things clear.” “Clara, I don’t like you. No matter how much effort you put in, it’s all wasted. You’d better accept it sooner rather than later. It’s better for both of us.” I replied softly, “Yes, don’t worry.” “I won’t bother you and Vivian anymore. I wish you both happiness.” Elias narrowed his eyes, studying me intently. Behind me came my father’s sigh. “Girl, you should have figured this out earlier. You’re eighteen now. Focus on finding your mate from now on.” I tried my best to ignore Elias’s penetrating gaze and nodded with a smile. “Okay.” After getting engaged to Vivian, Elias began frequenting our house. Before, seeing him even once was like reaching for the sky. I had to ask his friends about his whereabouts and endure being mocked as a simp without getting angry. Now, in the past two weeks, I’d seen him more times than the entire previous year combined. Yet I felt no happiness at all. Vivian always pretended to be kind while actually showing off. “Clara, these are the roses Elias sent. Want me to give you one?” “This is a jewelry necklace Elias specially ordered from Europe. Want to borrow it? He’s sent me so many things, I can’t even wear them all.” Yet in my previous life, even our wedding rings were ones I bought for Elias. While I was lost in thought, Vivian suddenly broke the necklace. The lustrous pearls scattered across the floor, rolling to a pair of black leather shoes. “Elias!” She threw herself at him pitifully, glancing at me. “Clara must have done it accidentally. Please don’t blame her. It’s my fault for not protecting the things you gave me…” Elias’s face darkened. “Clara, you act so understanding in front of your father, but the moment he goes on a business trip, your true colors show, don’t they?” “You’ve loved bullying Vivian since childhood. Haven’t you had enough yet?” A bitter taste spread through my throat. I said word by word, “I didn’t do it.” Vivian immediately lowered her head. “Elias, it’s all my fault. I’m the one to blame.” Elias shielded her behind him, his tone carrying an obvious warning. “Before, your family affairs weren’t my business, but now Vivian is my mate.” “For the time being, I’ll move in here until your father returns.” In the past, I would have been overjoyed to live under the same roof as him. Seeing my silence, Elias paused, then reminded me, “Behave yourself. Keep your distance from me so Vivian doesn’t get the wrong idea.” That night, Vivian acted coquettishly, asking Elias to blow-dry her hair. She deliberately made enough noise to ensure I’d notice. When I walked past, I didn’t slow my steps for even a moment. Elias had no reaction either. But the next day, when he saw I’d suddenly cut my hair short, he wore a knowing smile. “Did you cut it specifically for me to see?”

“No, you’re reading too much into it.” Even without last night’s scene, I’d already scheduled this haircut for today. Elias clearly didn’t believe me. He looked me up and down. “You should know I don’t like women with short hair. Using this trick to get my attention is rather foolish.” I ignored him and went straight to my room, changing into a red dress I hadn’t worn in a long time. The vivid color was particularly eye-catching. Elias stood at the railing, casting an indifferent glance my way, but the hand resting on the banister was gripping it tightly. Prominent veins appeared on the back of his hand. Just then, Vivian hugged him from behind. “Elias, Clara has changed so much lately. Is she still upset about us getting married? Has she not forgiven us?” Elias withdrew his gaze. “Let her make a scene.” “Once she realizes this approach doesn’t work, she’ll stop trying to seduce me.” I left without looking back, meeting the blind date my father had arranged for me at a café. This should have been our first meeting, yet it felt like we were old friends. We had a wonderful conversation and got along very well. That evening when I came home, I was humming a tune happily. But I was surprised to see Elias sitting on the living room sofa, bent forward slightly, looking very uncomfortable. In my previous life, he was my mate after all. I’d spent time with him and knew he had some heart problems. He probably didn’t want to worry Vivian, so he was sitting here forcing himself to endure it. I hadn’t intended to care, but I was in a good mood today. Plus, I didn’t want him to have an incident at my house that could negatively affect my father. After hesitating, I spoke up. “The medicine cabinet is in the second drawer of the white cabinet.” Elias looked up, and our eyes met. He probably expected me to get it for him. He sat there without moving, just a light sneer at the corner of his lips. “What, Clara, are you trying to use this opportunity to claim credit for saving me again?” Before he even finished speaking, I turned around and went back to my room. So I didn’t notice the man’s smile freezing slightly, or the gradually deepening look in his eyes. Things remained peaceful for a few days. Until Elias suddenly threw a lace bra in my face, his face full of rage. “Clara, how can you be so shameless?” I had no idea what was happening. I stood there stunned, instinctively catching it and looking—it really was my bra… A wave of humiliation washed over me. “Wh-what do you mean?” Elias sneered. “I almost believed you’d really given up on me. Turns out you’re just playing hard to get.” “On the surface, you act like you don’t care about me anymore, but behind the scenes, you secretly put your underwear on my bed to seduce me. Are you really that desperate, that starved for a man’s attention?” I hastily explained, “There must be some misunderstanding. I didn’t…” “Stop making excuses, Clara. You truly disgust me.” Elias looked at me with disappointment. He took Vivian’s hand and strode out. “I’m taking Vivian back to my place. Next time we meet, I’ll be your brother-in-law.” Their wedding ceremony was officially scheduled. Vivian had no friends in the territory, so my father asked me to be her bridesmaid. He returned on the day of the ceremony, taking my hand and speaking earnestly. “Vivian is getting married. Now it’s just you left.” I touched the couple’s bracelet on my right wrist, my cheeks warming slightly. “Well… I’ve met my mate too.” My father looked surprised. “When did this happen? Why didn’t you ever mention it to me?” I hadn’t expected to meet my mate so quickly after being reborn either. We’d just confirmed our relationship and didn’t know each other very well yet. I was too shy to introduce him. But in Elias’s eyes, this looked like a guilty conscience. He curled his lip mockingly, probably not taking it seriously, thinking I was lying. But seeing how certain I was, his brow furrowed slightly, and he seemed inexplicably irritated. When no one was around, he cornered me at the restroom exit, leaning close to my ear and saying in a low voice: “As long as you’re sensible and don’t harbor unrealistic fantasies, I’ll still treat you like a sister, like before. I’ll make time to keep you company.” I said seriously, “I have a boyfriend now. I definitely won’t cling to you anymore.” Elias scoffed. “Wasn’t it you who deliberately put your lace underwear on my bed to seduce me?” “No!” In the distance, Vivian watched this scene jealously, resentment flashing in her eyes. Before the wedding began, chaos suddenly erupted backstage. Vivian was crying, saying several werewolves had taken advantage of the confusion to break in and try to rape her. She’d fought desperately and barely escaped. When everyone gathered around to comfort her… Her gaze locked directly on me. “Clara, I know you’ve liked Elias for nearly ten years, but you can’t blame me just because you can’t have him.” “Elias is already my mate. Why did you have to pay those werewolves to ruin the wedding I’ve been looking forward to?” The crowd erupted in shocked murmurs. I’d once pursued Elias so publicly and dramatically—I was indeed the most likely person to do such a thing. When Elias arrived after hearing the news, Vivian buried her face in his chest, sobbing. “Elias, maybe I should just give you back to Clara. Otherwise, I can’t imagine what crazy things she might do in the future…” Slap! A heavy slap landed on my face. This wasn’t the first time Elias had humiliated me publicly, but it was the first time he’d been pushed far enough to physically strike me. I looked at his furious expression, my eyes growing dim. “Alpha Elias, are you ever willing to believe me? Even once?” “Do you even deserve that?” He looked down at me coldly as I fell to the ground, cruel and merciless. “Since you don’t know your place, don’t blame me for not showing you any courtesy.” “I’ll explain things to your father myself. Someone, do it.” He had those werewolf brothers cut up my dress and use lipstick to write “SLUT” on my face. He said he wanted to use the same methods I’d supposedly used to bully Vivian to properly punish me. I kept crying and struggling. Until someone coldly shouted, “Stop!” A pair of familiar hands picked me up. I buried my face desperately in the man’s chest. I faintly heard Elias’s voice suddenly deepen, seemingly tinged with displeasure as he demanded: “Who are you? What’s your relationship with Clara?”

My dress had been cut to shreds, practically to the point of indecent exposure. Leo tenderly took off his suit jacket to cover me, using his tie to wipe the lipstick from my face. Only then did he spare a glance for Elias. “Do you really need to ask?” “Can’t you tell? I’m Clara’s boyfriend.” Elias clenched his fists, his gaze fixed intently on Leo’s hand around my waist. On his wrist was a bracelet similar to mine—matching couple’s bracelets. Two seconds later, he suddenly relaxed his tense nerves. He wore an expression as if he’d seen through everything. “Clara, you’re quite something. You even know to hire someone to help you put on a show.” “Where did you find this actor? He’s pretty convincing, I’ll give you that.” Seeing Elias’s attention had been diverted, Vivian started crying plaintively again. “Clara, if you have a boyfriend, you should let go of your feelings for Elias even sooner. Why make such a big scene?” “Even if you’ve ruined my wedding today, do you really think you’ll have a chance to marry Elias yourself someday?” Elias sneered. “She’s delusional!” My father must have received word and came from the front hall. He still didn’t understand what had happened. He only saw me being held in Leo’s arms, their posture intimate. He asked in bewilderment: “Alpha Leo… what’s going on between you and Clara?” As his words fell… Elias froze, his expression changing. He muttered to himself, “Alpha Leo of the Ashclaw pack…” He finally recognized Leo’s identity. An inexplicable sense of unease rose in his heart. But he still maintained his surface composure, chin slightly raised. A cold laugh escaped him. “I didn’t realize the Alpha of the Ashclaw pack had so much free time.” “Coming all this way just to play house with a little girl in a pretend couple’s game?” Leo completely ignored him, answering my father’s question instead. “I’ll explain the details about Clara and me to you later.” “Right now, the priority is dealing with the current problem.” At this point, my father also noticed Vivian hiding behind Elias, her eyes red and teary. “Vivian, why are you crying?” “What happened? Did someone bully you?” “Tell me, and I’ll make it right for you!” Vivian choked up twice, looking at me fearfully. “No… no one bullied me.” She clearly looked like someone swallowing grievances despite being wronged. “Vivian is kind by nature and doesn’t want to put you in a difficult position.” Elias spoke matter-of-factly. “I’ll be direct—Clara paid several werewolves to rape Vivian out of jealousy. Her intentions were truly vicious.” “So I gave her a small punishment.” Hearing him speak with such certainty, my father looked at me in disbelief. “Is this true? Clara, didn’t you promise me you didn’t like Elias anymore? Why would you do such a thing?” “Speak, Clara! Don’t avoid responsibility! If you did it, admit it. If you didn’t, explain yourself clearly!” My tears soaked Leo’s shirt. I could feel the arms holding me tighten. Being misunderstood by Elias just made me angry and aggrieved. But if even my father didn’t trust me, I was truly heartbroken. I lifted my face. When he saw the lipstick marks not completely wiped from my face and the faintly visible writing, he gasped. “Dad, I didn’t do it.” “They’re framing me. They didn’t give me any chance to explain.” My father’s furious gaze returned to Elias, his voice shaking with rage. “So without solid evidence, you decided it was Clara and dared to treat her like this!” “This is what you call a ‘small punishment’?!” Elias met his gaze without fear. “Those werewolves got away.” “Clara is the most likely suspect. It couldn’t have been anyone else.” “They got away?” Leo suddenly raised an eyebrow. “How convenient. My Beta warriors happen to be excellent at finding people.” Vivian’s face instantly went pale.

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Two kids in my class got into an argument and started fighting. I got pushed to the ground by one of them. I had no choice but to call both children’s parents in. After the two mothers arrived, things got even more heated. Clutching my aching stomach, I called my boyfriend and asked him to come pick me up. The call was quickly disconnected. Then he sent me a text: “In a company meeting. We’ll talk tonight.” One of the boys’ mothers also called her husband. Ten minutes later, her husband rushed over. He pulled that mother into his arms and gently comforted her: “Baby, don’t be upset. I’ll handle this.” The next second, he looked up. Our eyes met, and I nearly collapsed. This man was none other than Ethan Rivers—the man I’d been dating for eight years. Ethan stared at me for a few seconds, a flicker of confusion passing through his eyes. I’d been too weak from the pain before, but in that moment I was so shocked I forgot about the agony. Ethan lowered his head and asked the woman in his arms, “What happened?” The woman quickly explained the situation. After hearing her out with a frown, Ethan efficiently called in a lawyer and even contacted the police. A whole crowd of people arrived. My gaze fixed on Ethan at the center of the group. I watched him comfort the mother and son in his arms, watched him handle the trouble with swift decisiveness. His eyes occasionally landed on me, only to quickly look away. Before long, the other parent was defeated and left with their child, utterly humiliated. The boy’s mother’s tears turned to laughter. She stood on tiptoe, cupped Ethan’s face, and kissed his cheek. “Thank you! You always drop everything to save me!” Ethan naturally wrapped his arm around her waist. “I promised when I married you that I’d take care of you for life.” The little boy also hugged Ethan’s leg, calling him the best dad. My lips turned pale, my fingers trembling slightly. A thousand questions stuck in my throat, but seeing this happy family of three before me, I swallowed them all down—like swallowing shards of glass, tearing me up inside and making me bleed. Just then, the boy’s mother came over with her child’s hand in hers and said to me, “Sorry for causing you trouble, Teacher. My son pushed you earlier too, right? To apologize, my husband and I would like to take you out for a meal.” I instinctively looked at Ethan. He frowned as our eyes met and gently shook his head. I looked at him, my voice hoarse. “Sure.” Ethan’s brow furrowed instantly, but I turned my head away. The boy’s mother came over and took my hand, then smiled. “I’m young, so my husband treats me like his second child. Whenever either of us has problems, we only turn to him.” I nodded bitterly, thinking about how during our eight years together, knowing how busy he was building his business from nothing, I never dared trouble him with anything big or small. When I taught at the school and was trapped in the office by unreasonable parents hurling abuse, I could only bow and apologize to the parents and children over and over. When gastritis struck late at night while I was writing lesson plans, I went to get an IV alone. When I moved, I carried all my luggage up to the sixth floor by myself, just wanting to set up our first home together after we started living together. These memories never made me feel bitter because I thought he was working hard for our future. But now, at this moment, it all seemed like a joke. The boy’s mother made a restaurant reservation and pulled me to the garage. I’d never seen Ethan drive the car in front of us. Before getting in, she realized she’d forgotten the child’s backpack and turned back to get it. I stood beside the car, my stomach still hurting badly. I held onto the car door to steady myself. I looked up and saw Ethan’s anxious face. He urgently asked me, “What’s wrong?” I pushed him away, but then his son called out “Dad.” He immediately let go and, after glancing at me, turned and got in the car.

After getting in the car, the boy’s mother introduced herself: “I’m Bethany White, and my husband is Ethan Rivers.” She seemed very interested in me and asked, “Joanna, do you have a boyfriend?” I stared at Ethan in the driver’s seat. His eyes met mine through the mirror. I answered, “Yes. We’ve been together for eight years. He chased me for two years.” “Wow, a ten-year relationship!” Bethany exclaimed. “Ethan and I met four years ago, got married four years ago, and our son is four years old too!” “Ethan and I fell in love at first sight. I got too drunk at a bar and ran into Ethan… That was my first time. The next day, he was still asleep when I snuck back to my dorm—I was still in college then. Later I found out I was pregnant. I was so panicked I didn’t know what to do, so I went to find him. Ethan was so responsible—he immediately said he’d take me to get our marriage license and take care of me forever.” Ethan freed one hand and ruffled her hair. “Alright, you talk too much. You have to tell everyone about these things.” She playfully grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “What’s wrong? Are you embarrassed?” Hearing her words felt like knives precisely stabbing into my heart. Back in college, Ethan and I had just gotten together. The first time, he refused to use protection, insisting he wanted to “really feel my presence.” I was coaxed and half-persuaded by him. Half a month later, I found out I was pregnant. Back then, Ethan stared at the pregnancy test showing two lines and smoked for half the night. Finally, he knelt before me, his voice hoarse: “Let’s terminate it. We can’t afford to raise it right now.” An abortion was too expensive, so we could only choose medication. The medication abortion left me in agony. What’s more, the doctor informed us that I would have difficulty getting pregnant again. After learning the consequences, Ethan slapped himself over and over, saying he was inhuman. He slapped his handsome face until it swelled badly, then stared at me with those deep eyes and swore: “I, Ethan Rivers, will only ever be good to Joanna in this life. I’ll be good to Joanna Clarke forever. If I can’t do that, may I die without anyone to mourn me!” Recalling all this, I looked at the four-year-old boy beside me. How come the person who betrayed true love didn’t get his comeuppance?

Bethany booked a Japanese restaurant. This was my favorite restaurant. I’d brought Ethan here many times, and we’d promised to keep eating here until we grew old. As Bethany walked inside, she told me, “This is the first restaurant Ethan brought me to. After eating here once, I fell in love with it. We come here often.” She sat down, and Ethan and their son Zachary naturally sat beside her. Ethan’s gaze still occasionally fell on me. He seemed afraid I might say something. I lowered my head and took a sip of tea, but my hand was shaking. Bethany added me on SnapChat and chatted warmly with me. She seemed to intentionally or unintentionally show off their affection in front of me—asking Ethan to serve her food one moment, then leaning on his shoulder the next. Ethan cooperatively and attentively peeled shrimp and placed them on her plate. I remembered him saying he was allergic to seafood and didn’t like it, so I, who grew up by the sea, stopped eating seafood too. I suddenly realized Ethan and I hadn’t eaten together like this in a very long time. He was busy every day, so busy we rarely even saw each other. In the past year or two, he said he was staying at the company, so we’d be living together much later. Just then, Bethany looked up and asked me, “Joanna, why haven’t you and your boyfriend gotten married after dating for eight years?” I raised my head and met Ethan’s gaze. “He said he wants to wait until his career is stable before starting a family.” Those were Ethan’s exact words. He built his business from scratch—the entire company was something he fought for himself. I understood how hard he worked and believed in our relationship, so I never brought up marriage. Who would have thought he’d already been married for four years behind my back? Bethany’s face glowed with happiness. “Ethan and I got married so fast. The day after I told him I was pregnant, he ordered a ring and proposed to me.” I suddenly felt like all my understanding before had been a joke. “That’s enough.” Ethan suddenly spoke, his voice somewhat stiff. “Stop talking.” Bethany froze, then pouted pitifully. “You’re being mean to me…” Ethan sighed and ruffled her hair. “I’m not being mean to you. Just eat.” Watching this scene, I suddenly felt my stomach churning.

“I’m going to the restroom.” I stood up, my legs somewhat weak. Bethany was still acting cute and didn’t notice my expression. Ethan’s gaze followed me, but I pretended not to see. The restroom lights were bright—blindingly bright. I leaned against the sink and looked down to discover bloodstains on my pants. My mind buzzed. My stomach still ached dully—it hadn’t stopped since the tutoring center. I’d thought I’d just hit the corner of a desk, but now it seemed much more serious. I pulled out my phone and called my best friend. “Nina… are you still busy? Could you come pick me up? I think… I’m sick…” Nina immediately panicked. “Send me your location! I’m coming right now!” I gave her the location, hung up, and leaned against the sink. Everything I’d experienced today left me physically and mentally exhausted, deeply distressed. Just then, the restroom door was pushed open. It was Ethan. His expression showed a flash of guilt and panic. “Joanna,” he spoke first. I looked at him without saying anything. He took a step closer. Seeing I didn’t resist, he tried to reach for me. My reaction was quick—the next second, I slapped him hard across the face. He turned his head aside, pressed his lips together, and said in a low voice, “I’m sorry, but it’s not what you think.” My voice was very soft. “Then what is it?” He tried to move closer again. I dodged slightly, but he looked hurt. “Four years ago, someone got me drunk. When I woke up the next day, I didn’t remember anything—just that some young woman came into the wrong room. Then Bethany found me.” “She was only twenty that year—too young. She cried so much and told me she didn’t know what to do. She was so young—I couldn’t let her ruin her whole life because of me.” I couldn’t help it—I slapped him again. “Ethan Rivers, do you remember how old I was when you made me have an abortion?” He looked blank for a moment. My tears fell. “I was only nineteen.” His eyes immediately reddened, and his voice dropped very low. “I’m sorry, Joanna.” “Back then the doctor said you’d have difficulty getting pregnant again, so I treasure this child.” “Ethan Rivers.” I cut him off. “Let go of me.” He didn’t let go. “I’ll spend more time with you after I finish up some work. Don’t make a scene now, okay?”

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My boyfriend lost a game of Truth or Dare and was asked about his underwear color. His female friend Jennifer immediately answered: “Red!” Then Jennifer patted my shoulder: “We’re just good friends. He doesn’t see me as a woman. I wash his underwear for him, so don’t take it personally.” I rolled my eyes: “That’s disgusting.” My boyfriend immediately changed his tone: “Watch your words!” I covered my mouth and smiled: “My male best friend washes my underwear. How could a girl do such dirty work?” Everyone fell silent. After I said that, the private room went dead quiet. My boyfriend Ethan, who had been lecturing and belittling me, froze. Jennifer shrieked: “How can you let a man wash your underwear!?” Hearing this, Ethan finally snapped back to reality. He frowned and questioned me. “Natalie, have you no shame? How can you let a man wash your underwear?” I shrugged indifferently: “Oh come on, my male best friend and I practically grew up wearing the same pants.” “I don’t see him as a man, so what’s the problem?” “Besides, my male best friend has known me for twenty years. If something was going to happen, would it be your turn?” “Don’t worry, honey.” I ruffled Ethan’s hair and smiled graciously. Ethan’s face turned iron-blue with anger. Seeing this, Jennifer quickly pressed herself against Ethan and pulled his head into her chest. “Ethan, don’t be angry. Natalie is just being petty.” “She’s definitely jealous and saying these things to upset you. As a man, don’t stoop to her level.” “If you do, we’re cutting off this brotherhood!” Ethan didn’t push Jennifer away. He leaned against her chest and looked at me. “You don’t need to compete with Jennifer. It’s pointless.” “You’re both women. Can’t you get along? She’s just a bit blunt.” Ethan spoke with an air of magnanimously forgiving me. His buddies chimed in: “Exactly, Natalie. You can’t just make jokes like that.” “A proper woman should keep her distance from men.” I glanced at them and asked: “What about Jennifer then? Why don’t you worry about her reputation?” Ethan interrupted me impatiently: “Jennifer is different.” I widened my eyes and suddenly flipped up Jennifer’s skirt: “Wait, you actually have a dick!?” Jennifer screamed and ran away, her face flushed with anger. Ethan quickly shielded her and questioned me: “Are you crazy?” I shrugged indifferently: “We’re all bros, what’s there to be shy about.” “My male best friend asked me to go get a massage. I’m leaving.” I didn’t want to hear Ethan and Jennifer’s excuses. I waved at them and turned to leave. “Oh right, my male best friend has bigger tits than you. They’re really comfortable to rest on.” “Have some more, Ethan.” I pointed at Jennifer’s flat chest at the door and laughed, then slammed the door shut. Ethan had pursued me for half a year, bringing me meals and gifts. The day we got together, quite a few people sent me anonymous messages. Telling me not to date guys with their own little clique. No problem. He has his female friends, I have my male best friend.

Ethan and I hadn’t contacted each other for three days. Jennifer suddenly added me on SnapChat and asked me to go hiking. —Natalie, Ethan just likes to sulk. I’ve been coaxing him since we were kids. —Let me apologize on Ethan’s behalf first. —Couples need to clear up misunderstandings. How about we go hiking this weekend? Looking at Jennifer’s inappropriate tone, I admired my newly done nails and readily agreed. At the foot of the mountain, Ethan, Jennifer, and two other guys were all wearing matching sun-protective clothing. Ethan hesitantly walked over and grabbed my hand: “Dear Natalie, I was so afraid you wouldn’t come.” “What happened last time really was too much. My friends are used to running wild and don’t watch their mouths. Let’s be good.” “After all, we’ve already met each other’s parents. You’ll have to get used to it eventually.” Jennifer came over and warmly draped her arm around my shoulder: “Natalie, don’t be so petty.” “You two, hurry up and apologize to Natalie. Don’t make her angry.” The other two guys exchanged glances and reluctantly said sorry. Ethan squeezed my hand and coaxed: “You should feel better now, right?” “My buddies have never lowered themselves like this to apologize to anyone.” “Natalie, shouldn’t you show some appreciation?” Ethan unscrewed a bottle of water and handed it to me, hinting that I should say something conciliatory. Fine. Considering how thoughtful he was being, I cleared my throat. “Thank you guys.” “Natalie!” One of the guys jumped in anger. I quickly hid behind Ethan and wiped away tears. “Ethan, look, they’re so mean. They don’t like me at all.” “Maybe I should just leave?” Probably because he hadn’t seen me act vulnerable in so long, Ethan was instantly smitten. His protective instinct exploded as he stood in front of me: “Enough. Natalie is my fiancée, after all.” The two guys couldn’t say anything more. But Jennifer suddenly grabbed the water bottle from Ethan’s hand and chugged it aggressively. She drank quite boldly, water spilling out and soaking the front of her shirt. Then she unzipped her jacket, revealing the cleavage she’d pushed up. And the ring necklace around her neck. I recognized it immediately. It was the couple’s ring Ethan and I shared. “Natalie, you don’t mind me drinking Ethan’s water, right? We’ve been sharing cups since we were kids.” “Pure friendship. You can’t expect Ethan to lose all his friends just because he has a girlfriend.” Ethan didn’t notice. He frowned as he searched for tissues for Jennifer. I saw Jennifer raise her eyebrows at me provocatively. Seeing that I remained silent, Jennifer deliberately touched the necklace at her chest and continued. “We all apologized. Shouldn’t Natalie apologize too?” “Making up a man just to save face made Ethan cry for days.” Jennifer acted like she was seeking justice for Ethan. Ethan looked at me, frowning: “Natalie, you really did go too far.” I didn’t say anything. A guy in athletic wear with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and striking looks walked over. He took the water from my hand and took a sip. “Sorry I’m late. I’m Natalie’s male best friend.”

Blake’s timing was perfect. I affectionately linked my arm through his and introduced him. “This is Blake. My male best friend. We were born on the same day, same month, same year.” “He’s a friend too. I invited him to hike with us. You guys don’t mind, right?” Ethan pushed Jennifer aside and pulled me over. “Natalie! How can you link arms with another guy!?” I blinked and smiled: “Blake isn’t just anyone. He’s family.” “You’re not jealous of my male best friend, are you? Don’t be so petty.” “I don’t see him as a man at all.” As I spoke, I broke free from Ethan’s grip and patted Blake’s muscular shoulder with a smile. “Natalie, come back here!” Ethan’s face turned completely dark. After all, Blake was exceptionally good-looking, even somewhat overshadowing him. No matter how you looked at it, he was definitely a man. Blake held my hand, revealing the silver ring on his pinky finger. “Don’t misunderstand. We grew up sleeping in the same bed. If I liked Natalie, what chance would you have?” His voice was pleasant, though emotionless. But the provocative intent was clear. Ethan’s face turned bright red. He glared at Blake hatefully. “Natalie has a boyfriend now. Can you keep your distance!?” Before Blake could respond, I smiled: “Ethan, how can you be so selfish?” “I can’t just abandon my best friend because I have a boyfriend.” Ethan clenched both fists: “He’s a man!” I waved my hand: “I don’t see him as a man. Jennifer, talk some sense into Ethan.” “Why is he being such a jealous little man!?” Jennifer stood behind Ethan, as if just coming to her senses. She stood on her tiptoes, draped her arms around Ethan’s neck, and laughed awkwardly: “Come on, let’s go hiking.” “Ethan, you can’t make all of us childhood friends wait here.” Unfortunately, Ethan was too angry right now. He wasn’t buying it. He suddenly rushed over, pointing at the ring on Blake’s hand: “Why is your ring on his hand?” I patted my head: “Oh my, he said he liked it last time.” “It’s fine to lend it to him for a couple days.” Blake picked up where I left off: “We’ve shared everything since childhood. What’s mine is hers.” Ethan was so angry he nearly stamped his feet. He shouted: “That’s our couple’s ring!” “Natalie, this is cheating!” His eyes were bloodshot, as if he was about to cry. I dropped my smile and lifted my chin: “Then what is Jennifer wearing around her neck?” Ethan turned to look, then yanked the ring from Jennifer’s neck. “When did you take my ring!?” Jennifer’s neck was pulled red, her eyes tearing up from the pain: “Ethan, that hurts.” “It’s just a stupid ring. Why are you so angry?” The two guys behind Jennifer also came over to defend her: “Ethan, now you’ve gone too far.” “Back in the day we even shared socks!” I licked my lips and smiled: “Do you share girlfriends too?” The two guys fell silent, their faces flushed with anger. Ethan quickly put the ring back on: “Natalie, look. I got mine back.” “Put yours back on too. Don’t be angry anymore.” Seeing Ethan’s sincerity, I decided to give him a little reward. I put the couple’s ring back on. Ethan breathed a sigh of relief. During the hike, Ethan carried my bag and handed me fruit. He stayed by my side, attentive like when he first pursued me. Jennifer tried to chat him up several times, but Ethan ignored her. She clenched her fists in anger, glaring at me as if she wanted to tear me apart. “Natalie, I know you’re bothered by my relationship with Jennifer, so you deliberately found someone to upset me.” “Making you jealous was my fault. I’ll definitely keep my distance from her from now on.” I glanced at him but didn’t respond. Ethan quickly repeated: “How much did you pay this actor? I’ll cover it.” “Don’t let him show up again!” With that, Ethan transferred five thousand dollars to my account on SnapChat, noting it as a voluntary gift. I looked at my phone and threw myself into Ethan’s arms, glancing at Jennifer. “Why did you transfer so much money to me?” Jennifer walked over, somewhat sourly asking: “How much did he transfer?” “Natalie doesn’t know—Ethan used to transfer me thirty, fifty thousand at a time.” She tried to peek at my phone screen, then turned to Ethan: “Hey, don’t forget your buddy.” “Why didn’t you transfer any to me?” Ethan looked at my face and said impatiently: “Jennifer, settle down. Can’t you see Natalie’s unhappy?” Jennifer’s face went pale. She plopped down on the ground, saying her ankle was sprained. “Ethan, carry me up the mountain.” Her voice carried a crying tone. “It hurts so much I can’t walk.” I looked up. Those two guys had somehow already walked to the very front. Jennifer shot me a provocative look. “Ethan, have you forgotten how I brought you home when you got lost in the mountains?” “We’re pure friends. Natalie won’t mind if I’m hurt.” Ethan, who had been so assertive just moments ago, immediately caved when he saw Jennifer cry. He looked at me: “Natalie…” “Jennifer is my friend, after all.” Jennifer: “Natalie wouldn’t just leave me to suffer, would she?” I smiled sweetly: “Of course not.” I beckoned to Blake, and he crouched in front of me. “I’m tired too. See you at the summit.” I climbed onto Blake’s back, my view suddenly rising. “We’re all friends. I understand. You guys are definitely pure friendship!” Blake carried me forward. Ethan left Jennifer behind and chased after me. “Natalie! Didn’t we agree no more actors?” My voice was troubled: “Ethan, Blake is my male best friend. Why won’t you believe me?” By the time we reached the summit, Ethan had completely settled down. He didn’t even glance at Jennifer. When everyone went to get their lunch boxes, Jennifer sidled up to me with a dark expression. “I really underestimated you.” “You think finding someone to provoke Ethan will make him give up our relationship? Dream on!” I also dropped my smile and asked her: “You like Ethan?” Jennifer sneered, confident of victory: “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll back out. The only woman for Ethan is me.” I shook my head. Jennifer threatened: “You know Emma, right? If you don’t wise up, you’ll end up just like her!” Emma was Ethan’s ex-girlfriend. They’d only dated two months before she jumped off a building. Her explicit photos had been posted all over campus. I trembled and stepped back half a step. Jennifer thought I was scared. As she flashed me a triumphant smile, I suddenly raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face.

The commotion here was too loud. Several guys quickly walked over. I crashed into Ethan’s arms, crying piteously. “Ethan, Jennifer bullied me.” Jennifer took two steps toward me, covering her face and shouting: “You slapped me! Who’s bullying who!?” “Ethan, you can’t play favorites.” “Jennifer is the victim here.” Ethan’s face turned iron-blue as he asked what happened. Jennifer suddenly pushed me aside and grabbed Ethan’s hand, making him touch her face. “Ethan, my face is swollen and you’re still not going to get justice for me!?” Ethan frowned at me: “Natalie, how could you hit her? That’s too much!” I wiped my tears: “But Jennifer said I should watch out for Emma’s ghost coming to my bedside at night.” As soon as I finished speaking, not only Ethan froze, but the other two guys’ faces also turned ashen. For them, Emma’s suicide was the result of their “jokes” going too far. Ethan suddenly pushed Jennifer: “You’re crazy. We’re never associating again.” Ethan grabbed my hand and left. Behind us came the complaints of the two guys: “Didn’t we agree never to mention that name again?” “Jennifer, what’s wrong with your brain?” None of that mattered. What mattered was that Ethan promised me he’d never have anything to do with Jennifer again. After Ethan left, I vigorously wiped my hands with a wet wipe. Blake stood at the door smoking. I asked him: “How’s Emma?” He exhaled smoke, his expression grim. I nodded and took a deep breath. Three days later, it was Ethan’s birthday. The birthday party was held at his family’s villa. It was the same familiar group of friends, except this time Jennifer wasn’t there. Ethan warmly held my hand: “Natalie, I really love you so much.” “Let’s get engaged in a couple days, okay?” Before cutting the cake, his buddies insisted on giving gifts first. So a huge pink cardboard box was wheeled in, tied with a pink bow. Ethan was urged by everyone to open the gift. When the lid opened, Jennifer suddenly stood up from the box wearing a camisole minidress. “Happy birthday!” Jennifer pushed her chest together and struck a sexy pose. Everyone screamed. The men’s eyes went straight, calling her sexy. After all, a buddy turning into a goddess was quite sensational. I watched calmly as Ethan took Jennifer’s hand and asked: “Didn’t we say we’d cut off contact?” Ethan opened his mouth: “Natalie, Jennifer is my buddy after all.” “I ignored her for three whole days. That’s punishment enough. She knows she was wrong.” “Don’t be so petty. Jennifer already told me that Blake is from the theater department at school.” “You deliberately hired a male actor. This really embarrassed me.” “How could you be so intimate with a strange man!” I looked at him expressionlessly: “So what does Jennifer tying herself up with ribbons and presenting herself as a gift mean?” “Should I get you guys a bed?” Jennifer’s eyes reddened again as she loudly protested: “How can you insult my pure relationship with Ethan like this!” “He used to jerk off while I helped him, and we never had sex.” “Natalie, stop being so jealous all the time.” Ethan looked at me matter-of-factly: “Yeah, Natalie, be reasonable. I won’t have feelings for her.” I smiled and asked: “How long does he last?” Jennifer answered boldly: “Over twenty minutes! Natalie, don’t pry into our business between men.” I pretended to be shocked and exclaimed: “What? That short? My male best friend lasts forty to fifty minutes.” “Looks like the gift he picked for me is quite appropriate.” I handed over the smallest size condom. The atmosphere turned awkward again. The smile on Ethan’s face immediately vanished: “Natalie, I already told you.” “Stop hiring actors to upset me. I won’t believe it.” I spread my hands and smiled: “Why won’t you believe me? Blake and I have been classmates since kindergarten.” “Ask anyone.” “Be a bigger man. Don’t keep getting triggered. I won’t discriminate against you just because you can’t match his performance.” Ethan suddenly grabbed my hand: “Natalie! Even if he’s your male best friend, how can you two be so filthy!” I pointed at Jennifer. “What’s the problem? We’re childhood friends. How can you defile our pure relationship?” “Unless you think Jennifer is filthy too?” Ethan froze. His face flushed as he stammered without getting anywhere. Finally, he seemed to compromise, grabbing my sleeve: “Natalie, stop seeing that Blake.” “We’re getting engaged.” I asked in confusion: “What about your female friends?” Ethan suddenly kicked Jennifer out: “What are you doing here!? So embarrassing.” “Jennifer, don’t appear in front of me again!” Jennifer angrily cursed outside: “Ethan, don’t you want your daddy anymore!? Got some wings now!” “Don’t forget how I used to help you fall asleep!” “When you rested your head on my chest, you didn’t think I was embarrassing!” I pushed Ethan aside and smiled at Jennifer: “Jennifer, why are you making such a fuss?” “Aren’t you good buddies?” Jennifer glared: “You relationship-wrecking homewrecker! Just you wait.” With that, she left in anger. I turned to Ethan understandingly: “I’m not forcing you to cut ties. Talk things through with her properly.” “After so many years of friendship, can you sort it out in a week?” Ethan emotionally pulled me into his arms: “Natalie, you’re so understanding.” As soon as I left Ethan’s villa, I took off my jacket and threw it in the trash, then got in Blake’s car. “Bastard and his mistress.” I couldn’t help venting to Blake. Blake smiled and patted my head: “Thanks for your hard work.” Jennifer’s threats weren’t a joke. That very night, a post appeared on the campus confession page. Titled: My twenty-year buddy’s girlfriend is domineering and insists we cut ties. The post went viral. Countless people replied, and it was quickly pinned to the top.

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My husband told me to stop suffocating him. He said I should go find other men to occupy my time. Being the obedient wife I am, I went out and found three. Later, those three men demanded I make a choice and commit to them. So, being obedient once again, I asked my husband, Elias, for a divorce. But suddenly, Elias claimed he was madly in love with me. He fought the divorce tooth and nail. He actually cried while washing my underwear, pleading with me. “You can bring them here. The five of us can live together as one family. But divorce? Absolutely not!” So, I listened to Elias and didn’t get a divorce. And I brought all three of them home to live with us. I’m just an obedient woman. What did I do wrong? 1 In the seventh year of loving Elias Thorne, I finally married him. Just as I was filled with joy, ready to be the perfect wife, Elias cheated. He made the trending tabloids kissing a hot young A-lister. Looking at the photos felt like being struck by lightning. I went to him, crying, demanding answers. But he just looked at me with pure annoyance. “Alana, don’t you have anything better to do with your life? Is hovering over me every single day supposed to be fun? Tell you what—why don’t you go find some guys to play around with, and stop bothering me, okay?” I stared at Elias, utterly dumbfounded. The words coming out of his mouth were horrifying. How could I just go out and randomly find men to “play around” with? But I had always been obedient. So, I sought out Elias’s best friend, Bennett St. James. 2 Bennett St. James. The man the entire elite business circle feared and respected. Rumor had it he was cold, completely detached from worldly desires, and never let women get close to him. My hands were shaking as I typed the text. I wrote it and deleted it, over and over. Finally, I just sent: “Mr. St. James, do you have time to meet? Elias told me to… find someone to play with.” After sending it, I threw my phone across the room, my cheeks burning with shame. Elias’s best friend shouldn’t count as just a “random guy,” right? I just didn’t know if he would agree… Surprisingly, my phone buzzed almost immediately. Just one word: “Yes.” The location was a very secluded, high-end tea house. When I arrived, Bennett was already there. He sat by the window. The afternoon sun filtered through the blinds, casting light over his handsome, aristocratic face, making him look even more aloof and unattainable. His long, slender fingers held a teacup. The steam rose gently, blurring his striking features. The air was filled with a calming scent of sandalwood mixed with the aroma of tea. I was so nervous I was practically shaking. I sat opposite him, my throat dry. Every word I had prepared vanished from my mind. He looked up at me, his eyes calm as a still pool, utterly unruffled. “He told you to come to me?” Bennett asked after pouring me a cup of tea. His voice was beautiful, too. Like cool, crisp water over stones. I twisted my fingers together, lowering my head. My nose stung, and I nodded vigorously. “Yes.” Silence stretched across the room. Just as I felt I couldn’t sit there any longer and wanted to bolt, he set his teacup down gently and looked at me. “When you say ‘play around’… what kind of playing did you have in mind?” 3 Bennett St. James. The man who looked so cold and detached in public actually tried to ride me to death in private. “I really can’t do anymore, please…” I was slumped on top of him, completely exhausted, my face buried in his firm chest, my body trembling. Bennett’s thumb gently wiped away the involuntary tears from the corner of my eye. He coaxed me softly, “Okay. We’ll stop after we finish this box.” Hearing Bennett’s tender voice, I lifted my head, my vision blurry with tears, and glanced at the nightstand. On the nightstand was a box labeled “Trojan, 12-pack, Magnum Size.” I looked down at the trash can. There were already five used ones inside. That meant there were still… “Ugh, you jerk!” I cried even harder. 4 Bennett frequently worked me over until my back ached and my legs felt like jelly. Eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore and secretly went to see a doctor. The doctor took my pulse, his frown deepening by the second. Finally, he sighed. “Young lady, you need to practice abstinence. Get some real rest for a while, or you’re going to shorten your lifespan.” Me: !!! What!! Doing it too much leads to an early grave?! I was terrified. I didn’t dare go see Bennett again. But since I didn’t go to him, he came to me. He actually showed up at the house I shared with Elias! When the doorbell rang, I was curled up on the sofa watching a reality show. Assuming Elias had gone out and forgotten his keys, I opened the door without checking. The moment I saw Bennett standing outside, I nearly slammed the door right back in his face. “What… what are you doing here?” My voice trembled. I instinctively tried to close the door. Bennett reached out and blocked the door frame. His strength wasn’t overwhelming, but I couldn’t move the door an inch against him. His gaze landed on my panicked face. He asked, “Why haven’t you come by to ‘play’ lately?” Play? You play so hard, who would dare to play with you?! “I… I’ve been a bit busy lately.” My eyes darted around, making up random excuses. “Busy?” Bennett raised an eyebrow slightly. He took a step forward, pressing into my space. The crisp scent of sandalwood combined with an oppressive aura washed over me. “Too busy to even answer your phone?” He forced me backward into the foyer, my heart pounding in my chest. The doctor’s warning about “shortening your lifespan” echoed wildly in my mind. “Mr. St. James, I really don’t think… this is appropriate,” I said, drumming up the courage to try and reason with him. “What happened that day was impulsive on my part. We should really…” “We should really what?” he interrupted. His gaze was calm, but held an undeniable weight. “Elias told you to play, remember? You’ve forgotten?” Mentioning Elias made me deflate instantly, like a popped balloon. That’s right. Elias made me do this. How could I not listen to him? But… I really was afraid of dying! Just as I was at a complete loss for words, Elias’s confused voice came from behind me. “Bennett? What are you doing here?” 5 Elias hadn’t gone out?! My soul nearly left my body. I spun around so fast I nearly tripped, my cheeks burning with guilt. I felt exactly like I’d just been caught in bed with another man. Bennett, however, remained completely composed. He turned to look at Elias coming down the stairs, his voice calm and flat. “Just passing through. Thought I’d swing by and check on you. I was just chatting with Alana at the door.” As Bennett spoke, his gaze drifted meaninglessly over to me. My spine went rigid instantly. Elias didn’t seem to sense anything was wrong. As he walked downstairs, he said casually, “What’s there to chat with her about? She just sits at home doing nothing all day.” Before, hearing those words would have made me sad for a long time. But now, my heart was filled only with panic, terrified that Bennett would say something outrageous. Bennett didn’t reply. He just looked at me, the corner of his lip seemingly curving into an extremely faint smirk that vanished instantly. Elias finished changing into his shoes and walked over. He naturally wrapped his arm around my waist and said to Bennett, “My brother is back in town. Since you’re here, why don’t we all grab dinner tonight? I’ll call Ryder Croft and some of the others.” My body went stiff. The spot where Elias touched me felt like it was on fire. He rarely made affectionate gestures toward me in front of others, yet today… Bennett’s gaze lingered on Elias’s hand around my waist for a fraction of a second before he looked away. He replied flatly, “Sure.” 6 Dinner was at an incredibly exclusive, private club. Besides me, Elias, and Bennett, there was also their good friend, the wealthy playboy Ryder Croft, and Elias’s younger brother, Liam Thorne. During the meal, I constantly felt like three separate sets of eyes from different directions were locked onto me. But every time I lifted my head, the four men across from me were chatting amongst themselves. No one was looking at me. Was I being too sensitive? I peeked at them again. No one was looking. I must be overthinking. I lowered my head and went back to my soup. When I finished my soup and was about to ladle another bowl, a bowl of hot soup was placed right in front of me. It was Elias. He was ladling the soup for me while chatting with the others. I was genuinely touched. I said sweetly, “Thanks, honey.” My voice was soft. Only Elias, sitting next to me, should have heard. But the other three men at the table stopped talking instantly. All of them stared straight at me. The look in their eyes… it was as if they were the ones I’d just called “honey.” And their gazes were terrifying. Like wolves looking at prey. I recoiled slightly and went back to lowering my head and sipping my soup. Elias seemed very pleased that I called him “honey.” He got even more attentive, peeling shrimp for me and putting food in my bowl. Seeing the other three looking at me from time to time, Elias even teased them, “Jealous that I have a wife? You guys need to step up and marry one of your own.” Ryder and Liam said nothing. But I noticed they were looking at me even more frequently! Only Bennett let out a somewhat wistful, faint chuckle. “I’d like to marry, but she already has a husband.” The second Bennett said that, the whole room went silent. I nearly fell out of my chair in shock. He couldn’t possibly be talking about me, could he?! Elias reacted first. His handsome brow furrowed slightly, and he reached out to steady me. “How are you so grown and still can’t sit straight in a chair?” Turning back to Bennett, he teased, “Alright, smart guy, so you’re chasing a married woman. Who cares if her husband agrees? As long as she agrees, isn’t that enough?” Elias slapped Bennett on the shoulder encouragingly. “Take it from me—no matter how sturdy the wall, a good sledgehammer can knock it down!” At Elias’s words, Bennett gave him a very meaningful look and stated with certainty, “You’re right, Elias.” Ryder and Liam also nodded in thoughtful agreement. Then they raised their glasses, called Elias “brother,” and toasted him. Elias happily accepted, even pulling me closer by my shoulder, laughing as he bragged to me about how the three of them finally got some sense and decided to call him “brother.” I forced out a smile, not daring to speak. Because I realized that underneath the table, three different legs were rubbing against me! 7 When dinner was almost over, Elias stepped out to take a call. I felt like a massive weight had been lifted. I immediately bent down to look under the table. Underneath, the three men and their six legs were all behaving perfectly. Me: ? Was I being too sensitive again? But the touch had felt so real. It didn’t seem like my imagination. While my mind was spiraling with wild thoughts, Bennett suddenly peeled a few pieces of shrimp and put them in my bowl. He said, “Eat the shrimp. I saw you liked it earlier.” Bennett’s single sentence drew Ryder and Liam’s attention directly to us. Their eyes darted back and forth between me and Bennett. Just as I started breaking out in a cold sweat, fearing they’d figured something out, Ryder was the first to act. He put a piece of fish in my bowl, smiled, and said, “I saw you go for the sweet and sour fish six times. You must really love it.” Me: ? Why did he even know how many times I took the fish? Before I could react, Liam placed a small plate in front of me. On it was all the meat from a single, perfectly butchered crab. “Eat mine,” Liam said with an innocent, harmless smile. “If you like it, I’ll peel all your crabs for you from now on.” Me: … What was happening? I seriously felt like I had fallen into a wolf’s den. 8 The three of them seemed to be competing to see who could give me more food. My bowl was never empty for even a single second. Eventually, I really couldn’t eat anymore. Since Elias had been gone to the restroom for a long time, I was worried he’d fallen in, so I got up and went out to look for him. After leaving the private room, I felt much more relaxed. I searched for Elias along the hallway. When I saw Elias out on the patio, and saw the lipstick mark on his white shirt, tears immediately poured down my face. “Why are you doing this to me?” I choked out, confronting Elias. “I did everything you told me to do. I was so obedient. And you still have to go fooling around behind my back.” I didn’t understand what I had done wrong. Was it that I still wasn’t obedient enough? Seeing me cry, Elias’s initial instinct was to reach out and wipe my tears. But for some reason, he stopped halfway. The pained expression on his face turned into annoyance. “It’s not what you think. And didn’t I tell you to stop smothering me? If you’re bored, go out and find a bunch of guys to play with. Use my credit card!” With that, he turned and left. I stubbornly called out after him, “If I listen to you, will you love me?” “Yes!” Elias snapped without looking back. I was left standing there, staring at his retreating back. So, it really was because I wasn’t obedient enough that my husband didn’t love me. As I walked back, lost in despair, someone suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a pitch-black supply closet. I immediately screamed and burst into tears. “Don’t cry. It’s me.” In the darkness, Ryder wiped away my tears, sounding deeply pained. When you can’t see, your hearing becomes sharper. Listening to Ryder’s voice, I stopped crying instantly. His voice was deep and resonant. It sent a shiver down my spine. Inevitably, I remembered what Elias had just said. He told me to go out and find a bunch of guys to play with. I was very obedient. So, with a bit of a sob in my voice, I asked Ryder, “Can you… can you play with me?” “Do you… do you have any idea what you’re saying?” In the darkness, Ryder’s voice grew even huskier. “Mm-hm.” I sniffed. Seeing that Ryder wasn’t reacting, I started to backtrack. “If you don’t want to play with me, I’ll go find…” Everything I was about to say was swallowed by Ryder’s lips. He was wild, just like his name. I could barely handle it, but it felt amazing. Just as we were about to hit the point of no return, Ryder suddenly stopped. “Hmm?” I was completely dazed, looking at him in confusion. “I don’t have a condom.” Ryder leaned down, burying his head in the crook of my neck, breathing heavily. I wanted to cry, but no tears came. The arrow was already notched, and now you’re telling me we have to stop? My whole body was wound tight and aching. I rubbed against Ryder, my voice trembling like I was about to cry. “But… I feel so uncomfortable…” After three seconds of silence, Ryder sank down to one knee. My breath caught. Suddenly, I felt like a song was playing in my head. … A විශේෂ Signal… Pushing toward a Flood… No escape… … 9 Half an hour later, I walked out of the supply closet with Ryder, my ears burning bright red. “Here. Wipe your mouth and hands.” I whispered, handing Ryder a tissue, my face scarlet. Just as Ryder was about to take the tissue, a dark, harsh voice suddenly rang out from nearby. “What are you two doing?” I instinctively looked up and saw Liam. He stood at the end of the hallway, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable in the dim light. Those eyes, so similar to Elias’s, were locked tightly onto us—specifically on my obviously swollen lips and flushed cheeks. My heart immediately jumped into my throat. “No… nothing…” I instinctively crumpled the tissue in my hand and hid it behind my back. I said softly, “I just happened to run into Ryder…” Ryder was much calmer than me. He naturally pulled his hand back and slid it into his pocket. He took half a step sideways, unobtrusively shielding me with his shadow. He faced Liam’s scrutinizing gaze, a lazy smile pulling at his lips. “Just chatting. Why, is something wrong, Liam?” Liam took two steps forward. His eyes darted between the two of us before settling on my dodging gaze. “Nothing.” He pulled at the corner of his mouth, but the smile held no warmth. “Alana, it’s late. I’m taking you home.” “Oh, okay. Let’s go.” I didn’t think twice. I was about to follow Liam, but Ryder beat him to the punch, grabbing my arm. He chuckled lightly, looking at Liam. “Liam, you just got back to the States. You probably don’t even have a valid driver’s license here yet, do you? How are you going to take her?” I didn’t know if it was my imagination, but I felt like the atmosphere between Liam and Ryder instantly became hostile after that sentence. “It’s fine. I can call a cab for her.” Liam opened his thin lips, his gaze icy as he stared at Ryder. Ryder let out a low scoff. “Little boy, wait until you grow up.” With that, Ryder ignored Liam’s reaction and pulled me away. I looked back at Liam once. He stood still, not chasing after us. He just watched me with a gaze so complex I couldn’t understand it. I saw indignation, ambition, and even a faint trace of… vulnerability? 10 Ryder drove a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. It was incredibly spacious. I was exhausted and fell asleep in the car. Hazy in my sleep, I think Ryder stopped the car once to buy something. But I was so tired I didn’t pay much attention. By the time the car came to a complete stop, I was gradually waking up. I was home. Just as I unbuckled my seatbelt to get out, Ryder grabbed my hand. He held up a small box and asked, “Want to finish what we started earlier?” … This time, the song played on repeat for four hours. By the time everything finally settled, Ryder straightened my clothes, got out of the car first, and walked around to my side to carry me out. Just then, we heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. It was Elias. He was completely wasted. His assistant was struggling to help him out of the back seat after parking the car. “Urgh… Ryder?” Seeing Ryder, Elias squinted to identify him. His voice was slurred. “Wha’re you doin’ at my house?” Ryder appeared perfectly natural. “Just dropped Alana off.” Elias was so drunk he didn’t even notice that five hours had passed since dinner. He slapped Ryder on the shoulder, moved by gratitude. “Tha-thanks, bro. Dropping off my wife. You’re… you’re a good man!” I got out of the car a step late. Hearing that sentence made the scarlet flush rise on my face again. I was too guilty to look anyone in the eye. “It was nothing.” Ryder smiled with airy indifference, as if the man who had lost all control in the car minutes ago wasn’t him. “Alright, well, go on home then.” Elias staggered a couple of steps. He leaned heavily against me, throwing his arm over my shoulder for support. “I’ll treat you to dinner sometime!” With that, Elias stumbled into the house, dragging me with him. I didn’t even have a chance to look back at Ryder before the door was closed. 11 It took every ounce of strength I had to haul Elias up to the bedroom and onto the bed. He must have been incredibly drunk. The moment he hit the mattress, he fell fast asleep. He only mumbled incoherently, “Baby… I love you so much…” Hearing his words, I was genuinely touched. It really was true: if I listened to him, he loved me more. I secretly made a vow in my heart. I had to be even more obedient from now on, so he would love me even more! 12 When I woke up the next morning, the space next to me was empty. Elias was already gone. I instinctively reached for my phone to check the time. It was after 10 AM. Then I realized Bennett had sent me a ton of messages yesterday. Bennett: [Where are you?] Bennett: [Did you just leave with Ryder?] Bennett: [Is it because you aren’t satisfied with me?] Bennett: [You can tell me if you aren’t satisfied. Just don’t stop playing with me, okay?] … Bennett sent dozens of messages. The further down I read, the more they made my face burn and my heart pound. I didn’t dare reply to any of them. Exiting the chat with Bennett, I saw that Ryder had also sent me messages. He told me to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. He also sent me ten million dollars via Venmo. After freshening up, I went downstairs, still in my pajamas. As I walked downstairs, still half-asleep, I suddenly froze and stared at the living room. Liam was sitting on the sofa, holding a coffee cup, casually watching TV. He looked so comfortable, as if he belonged there. He even greeted me naturally. “Liam? What are you doing here?” I asked in astonishment. Liam gave me a sunny, innocent smile. “I just got back to the States. I’m scared to live alone, so when Elias found out, he told me to move in here.” “M-move in?” I was utterly confused. “Yeah.” Before I could react, Liam put down his coffee cup, stood up, and walked toward me. At 19, Liam was wearing a white button-down shirt. He looked fresh and clean. He walked right up to me and looked down at me, his eyes filled with a trace of pitiful pleading. “Is嫂嫂 (Alana) not happy I’m here?” “I…” I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t think I was imagining it, but I felt like the way he looked at me wasn’t quite right. I felt uneasy about him moving in. Just as I was at a complete loss for words, Liam spoke again, his face filled with sorrow. “If Alana finds it inconvenient, I’ll go back to the family estate and live by myself! I’ve been used to being alone ever since my parents divorced and sent me abroad, anyway.” After Liam finished speaking, his puppy-dog eyes were red-rimmed. He looked at me, his voice choking slightly. “I’m sorry, Alana. I’m causing you trouble. It’s my fault. I just crave family affection so much.” Seeing Liam so utterly heartbroken and fragile, any trace of doubt or awkwardness I had was immediately swamped by a massive wave of guilt and pity. What bad intentions could he possibly have? He was just a pitiful child who wanted to live with his family! Elias told me to take good care of him, so how could I push him away just because I was being sensitive? I immediately reached out and stopped him from dragging his suitcase away. I said urgently, “You are not leaving! You live here! This is your home!” “Thanks, Alana!” Liam smiled instantly. His eyes sparkled, and all traces of sadness vanished without a trace. “You’re the best!” Just as we were talking, Elias rushed through the door. “Why are you back at this hour?” I asked. Elias looked stressed and overwhelmed. He was rushing up the stairs to his office, talking as he went. “There’s a sudden crisis with the major overseas project. I have to fly out immediately to fix it.” Five minutes later, Elias ran downstairs with a stack of documents. “Brother.” Liam called out to him. Elias only just noticed Liam, but he didn’t have time for specifics. He offered a quick greeting and headed for the door. Before leaving, he said to me, “Alana, take good care of Liam while I’m gone. I’ll be back in about a month. When I get back, we need to talk…” Elias was talking as he bolted out the door.

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