To leave an heir for my childhood friend, who was terminally ill, my three-month pregnant wife ignored my pleas. She went ahead with the surgery, taking out our baby, just to make room for his. Afterward, she just said blandly: “Julian doesn’t have much time left. Why argue with a sick man? I promise you, once I’ve had Julian’s baby, we can have another one together.” Everyone thought I was completely infatuated with my wife, convinced I wouldn’t refuse, that I’d eagerly step up and be a total doormat. But this time, I decisively signed the divorce papers. The very next day, I bought a plane ticket and left the country. I saw my ex-wife again two years later at a high school reunion. The moment I walked into the private room, she shoved her two-year-old child into my arms, a haughty look on her face. “Liam, you’ve been throwing a tantrum for two years, aren’t you over it yet? Just apologize to me publicly, and I might give you a chance to take care of our mother and child!” Everyone stifled their laughter, saying I’d hit the jackpot, a “two for one deal.” But I just casually flashed the wedding ring on my left hand. “No thanks. I already have a wife and kid of my own. No need to be a pathetic sap!”
The moment the words left my mouth, everyone in the room froze, their shocked gazes fixed on me, before erupting into snickers. “Oh, come on, Liam! Who doesn’t know you loved Scarlett more than life itself? When Scarlett had kidney failure, you gave her one of your own kidneys! Would someone like you really marry someone else?” “Exactly! Can’t you think before you speak? That’s so ridiculous, who’d believe it?” I sneered inwardly at their chatter. No wonder they were shocked; I *had* loved Scarlett desperately once. When she was diagnosed with kidney failure, I didn’t hesitate, giving her one of my kidneys. Now, every time it rains, my left side aches with a dull, constant throb. I always gave her the sweetest part of the watermelon, and knowing she didn’t eat dragon fruit seeds, I’d meticulously pick out every single one with a toothpick. Because I loved her, I even tolerated her going on dates with my childhood friend, Julian, again and again. I tolerated her tying Julian’s tie right in front of me, gently wiping his mouth. As long as she came home, as long as she still remembered me, her husband, that was enough. Everyone knew I was blindly devoted, and they all instinctively assumed I was just talking out of anger earlier. Coming back to reality, Julian, who had been quiet, picked up a bottle of wine from the table and came over to me, saying casually, “Liam, I know you’re still upset about what happened two years ago. It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been diagnosed with a terminal illness, Scarlett wouldn’t have had to get rid of your baby just to leave an heir for me. Since everyone’s here today, I’ll down this bottle as a public apology to you!” He chugged the bottle, the burning alcohol making him cough repeatedly. Scarlett immediately couldn’t sit still. She handed her child to a colleague nearby, rushed forward, snatched the bottle, and said, angry and heartbroken, “Julian, are you crazy, daring to drink this much? Even if your condition has been under control all these years, you’re still a patient!” After comforting Julian, Scarlett shot me a haughty glance and said coldly, “Liam, you’ve been throwing a tantrum for two years, that’s enough! Julian and I just did IVF; we didn’t actually have sex. You’re still being petty about such a small thing, after all this time? Is it really necessary?” Everyone started murmuring. “Liam’s so stubborn! It’s a two for one deal, he actually came out ahead!” “Plus, Scarlett’s been looking for him all these years. He left for two years, and she looked for him for two years. It’s time to move on from the past.” So, taking out our baby to have Julian’s was just a “small thing” in Scarlett’s eyes? But what surprised me was that Scarlett had actually been looking for me? Why would she be looking for me? Lost in thought, I heard Scarlett continue, talking to herself, “Alright, Liam. Little Julian is at an age where he needs a lot of care. Since you’re back, you can take care of him from now on. Even though he’s not your biological son, you’re his nominal father, and you should be responsible for him.” I actually laughed. Two years later, Scarlett was still high and mighty, ordering me around as if it were her right. But I wasn’t the Liam she could manipulate so easily anymore. Ever since Scarlett got rid of our baby two years ago, my heart died for her, and I decisively left the country. And what I said earlier wasn’t out of anger; I truly was married with a child. After I left, I found a new job. Not long after, I met my wife, Vivian. She helped me through that dark period. Soon, we got married and even had a beautiful daughter. Just thinking about my wife and daughter, a wave of warmth washed over me. Snapping back to reality, I coldly refused, “No thanks. I have my own child to take care of. As for your ‘Little Julian,’ let his biological dad take care of him.” Hearing that, Julian’s eyes welled up. “Liam, I know you resent me for causing your child to be aborted, which is why you won’t take care of mine. I want to raise Little Julian myself, but my body won’t allow it… I’m trusting you, that’s why I’m asking you to take care of him. Little Julian is very well-behaved; he doesn’t cry or fuss, so he won’t be too much trouble. Please, I’m begging you, take pity on me, a father, and take care of Little Julian…” Julian made a show of kneeling towards me. Scarlett quickly helped him up and comforted him. Then she turned, giving me a cold glance. “Many people would beg to take care of Little Julian, but I wouldn’t let them. It’s an honor for you to take care of him; don’t be ungrateful!” Her gaze landed on my clothes, and Scarlett scoffed. “Liam, you must not have had it easy these past two years abroad, huh? You didn’t even bother to wear decent clothes to a class reunion. At this point, don’t be so snobby when you’re broke. If you take good care of Little Julian, I can give you ten thousand a month in spending money. That’s way more than you’d make working a regular job.” Julian, acting like the man of the house, added, “That’s right. You take good care of Little Julian, and Scarlett and I won’t treat you badly. With us, you won’t have to wear cheap knock-offs at least.” It was then that everyone noticed my casual attire. Instantly, mockery erupted. “How did Liam fall so low? He doesn’t even have decent clothes!” “If only he’d known this would happen. I heard Scarlett’s company soared after he left. If he hadn’t left the country out of spite, he’d be living a life of leisure now.” I just smirked. They had no idea. The clothes I was wearing weren’t cheap knock-offs. They were custom-made by a master designer, pure silk, worth hundreds of thousands. Seeing me smile, Scarlett thought I’d agreed to take care of Little Julian. She pulled out her phone, ready to transfer money to me. “Here’s ten thousand. Go buy some decent clothes later, so our Little Julian doesn’t catch your cheapness.” But as soon as she sent the message, she received a glaring red exclamation mark!
Scarlett’s eyes widened. “Liam, you blocked me?!” I found it amusing. I had already blocked and deleted her two years ago. Was she just realizing it now? Scarlett’s pride took a hit. She told me to add her back right away. But I said coldly, “Just an ex-wife, what’s there to add? Besides, my wife doesn’t let me add other women. She gets jealous.” Seeing me repeatedly refuse to give her face, Scarlett finally got angry. “Liam, are you done acting? I’ve given you an out. If you insist on making a scene, we’ll get a divorce!” In the past, Scarlett would threaten me with divorce whenever she was slightly displeased, forcing me to give in. She thought she could manipulate me as always this time. But I just sneered. “Scarlett, did you forget? We already got divorced two years ago.” At that, the entire room fell silent. Scarlett was stunned for a moment. “Divorce? When did we get divorced?” Then, as if something clicked, she sneered, “I know! This is your little game, isn’t it? Playing hard to get? You’ve certainly grown more cunning in two years!” I rolled my eyes in exasperation. “Scarlett, didn’t you see the letter I left you two years ago?” Scarlett looked confused. “What letter?” Before I left the country, I’d left Scarlett a letter. Inside the envelope, there wasn’t just the wedding ring I’d taken off, but also a signed divorce agreement. I’d made her sign that divorce agreement the day she insisted on getting rid of our baby, despite my pleas. She’d always been dismissive of me, signing without even looking. She probably hadn’t bothered to properly check the contents of the envelope two years ago. That’s why she didn’t know we were already divorced and thought I was just throwing a tantrum. Thinking of this, I scoffed, then pulled out my copy of the divorce agreement, which had been made in duplicate, and shoved it in front of Scarlett. “Scarlett, the envelope I left you back then contained the signed divorce agreement. I made two identical copies; this is the other one. Look closely. We’re already divorced.” Scarlett’s beautiful eyes widened. She was about to say the divorce agreement was fake, but when she saw her own signature clearly on it, she froze. “This… this really is my handwriting? How? I clearly never signed…” “No, you did sign. Remember the document I handed you that day you scheduled your abortion procedure?” My reminder made Scarlett finally realize that what I’d had her sign that day was the divorce agreement. Her face turned ashen. Everyone else was surprised too. “Liam really filed for divorce? His infatuation finally wore off?” “If they’re divorced, why is he back? I bet he still can’t let go of Scarlett.” Hearing that, Scarlett lifted her chin, confidently believing I still had feelings for her. Little did she know, my main reason for returning to the country was to accompany my wife and daughter. Vivian was coming back for a business gala, and our daughter wanted to visit Adventureland during her vacation. I just happened to receive the reunion invitation right after we arrived, so I decided to drop by. I was about to shatter Scarlett’s fantasy when her phone rang. It was her assistant. “Ms. Scarlett, we just got word that Ms. Vivian from the Sterling Group is back in the country with her husband and child. They’ll also be attending the business gala tonight. The board wants us to add a seat and make sure they’re well taken care of. The board specifically emphasized treating Ms. Vivian’s husband exceptionally well, as Ms. Vivian is fiercely protective of her husband. If we keep him happy, future collaborations will be guaranteed.” I only then realized that the host of this business gala was Scarlett’s company. After Scarlett hung up, everyone started fawning over her. “Scarlett, the Sterling Group is a leading national corporation! Your company actually managed to partner with them; your future is limitless!” “I heard all the big names in business will be at this gala. Can you help us old classmates make some connections?” Scarlett cast a triumphant, condescending glance at me. “Liam, are you regretting divorcing me out of spite now? If you agree to take care of Little Julian, I might consider remarrying you…” I sneered inwardly. The Sterling Group? That was my wife’s company. And I was the husband they wanted to win over. Without waiting for Scarlett to finish, I cut her off coldly, “The Sterling Group wouldn’t even *look* at your company.” Julian, who hadn’t spoken for a while, scoffed and shot me a disdainful look. “How would *you* know?” I articulated each word clearly, “Because I *am* Ms. Vivian’s husband.” At that, everyone thought I’d lost my mind, staring at me like I was an idiot. Julian even burst out laughing. “If you’re Ms. Vivian’s husband, then I’m her father! Who doesn’t know Ms. Vivian adores her husband? She once publicly splashed out three hundred million to buy him a watch! Ms. Vivian’s husband is incredibly valuable, worth hundreds of millions. How could a hick like you impersonate him?” “Look at yourself! What part of you is anything like Ms. Vivian’s husband?” I leisurely rolled up my sleeve, revealing the diamond-encrusted gold watch on my wrist. “Are you talking about *this* watch?”
Everyone was stunned. “The news about Ms. Vivian making headlines buying that watch was everywhere! That watch looks exactly like the one Liam’s wearing!” “So… Liam really is Ms. Vivian’s husband?” Julian’s eyes flashed with jealousy and malice when he saw the watch on my wrist. The next second, he took advantage of my distraction, yanked off my watch, and said sarcastically, “Liam, how dare you try to fool everyone with a fake watch! How could you impersonate Ms. Vivian’s husband?” “Don’t get me wrong, this fake is pretty good, but a fake is always a fake. It can’t be the real thing. Scarlett is about to partner with Ms. Vivian. Are you trying to ruin Scarlett by impersonating Ms. Vivian’s husband right now?” I glared at him coldly. “Who told you this watch is fake? This watch is the real deal! Give it back!” But Julian refused, deliberately tucking the watch into his pocket. I stepped forward to grab it back, but he stumbled to the ground, his eyes red as he looked at me. “Liam, I can’t believe you hate me so much. Not only did you push me, but to get back at me, you’re dragging Scarlett down too. Since that’s how it is, I’ll just leave with Little Julian, so we don’t bother you…” Julian started whining, trying to leave. Two years, and he was still using the same old playbook. And Scarlett fell for it every time. This time, she protected him as always, snapping at me. “That’s enough, Liam! Julian is a patient; are you trying to kill him?” “You were in the wrong first! You impersonated Ms. Vivian’s husband; are you trying to ruin our company’s partnership? Two years, and you’ve become so malicious!” Meeting Julian’s challenging gaze, I scoffed inwardly. He wasn’t sick at all; his terminal illness was fake, and his medical records were forged. I had told Scarlett before, but she didn’t believe me, accusing me of making baseless accusations instead. Even now, she still didn’t believe me. I couldn’t be bothered to argue, assuming Scarlett would continue to lash out at me as in the past. But she sighed helplessly. “Alright, Julian seems to like this watch, so just give it to him as an apology. Let’s drop this whole thing. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything earlier.” That watch was a special gift from Vivian. Give it away? No way. I snatched the watch back, saying coldly, “This is a gift from my wife. You have no right to touch it!” The sharp watch strap cut Scarlett’s finger, drawing blood. Seeing I wouldn’t back down, Scarlett’s face darkened. “Liam, it’s just a cheap watch. If it weren’t for me giving you an out, do you really think we’d care about it?” “Julian, it’s just a watch! I’ll buy you a more expensive, better one, and make *some people* regret it!” I ignored them, turning and leaving the private room. Afterward, I went back to the hotel where we were staying to rest. In the evening, I freshened up and headed to the business gala. Before leaving, Vivian sent me a message, telling me that Adventureland’s show had just ended, and she was bringing Ellie over. She told me to go in first and wait for them. Knowing my wife and daughter liked cake, I took a plate of mini cakes, planning to find a seat and wait for them. The moment I turned, I ran into Scarlett and Julian, both dressed elegantly for the event. Seeing me, Scarlett’s eyes flashed with disdain. “What are you doing here? What, did you come to beg me to remarry you? You were so tough earlier; turns out you’re just talk!” Seeing me holding a plate of cake, Julian scoffed, “Liam, you’re not a server here, are you? I heard servers here only make four thousand. That’s not even as fast as taking care of our Little Julian!” Scarlett, too, wore a haughty expression. “Liam, if you beg me, I might make an exception and let you take care of Little Julian, for old times’ sake.” I said calmly, “Don’t misunderstand. I’m not a server. I’m here to wait for my wife and daughter.” Julian, however, looked as if he’d heard the funniest joke in the world. “Liam, only Ms. Vivian is bringing her child to this gala today. You’re not going to try and say you’re Ms. Vivian’s husband again, are you?” “But I am.” Hearing me say that, Julian crossed his arms and sneered. “Liam, you’re addicted to lying! How dare you talk nonsense and try to claim connections at such an important event? And you’re even wearing that fake watch!” “If Ms. Vivian and her husband found out about this, we’d all be in serious trouble!” Before I could react, Julian rushed forward, ripped the watch off my wrist, and smashed it hard on the ground. The sharp watch strap cut my wrist, drawing bright red blood. Before I could even cry out in pain, Julian shoved me to the ground, grabbed a nearby cake plate, and smashed it onto my face, snarling, “I’ll teach you a lesson for Ms. Vivian, you imposter!” Cake splattered all over my face, the sticky cream clogging my nostrils, nearly suffocating me. I reached up to wipe away the cream, but Julian pressed his hard leather shoe heel onto my hand, grinding it repeatedly. Excruciating pain shot through my entire body. I could almost hear my bones shattering. When the people in the hall realized I was an imposter, they all started laughing at me. Scarlett just watched, her expression cold. At that moment, someone in the crowd shouted, “Ms. Vivian’s here!” Everyone immediately looked towards the entrance. I waved my arms, trying to get Vivian’s attention. But Scarlett grabbed my hand and whispered, “Liam, stay put! I know you deliberately chased me here because you’re jealous. If you don’t cause trouble, after the gala, I might consider remarrying you, and I can even have another child for you…” She tried to pull me up, but I pulled my hand away in disgust. Vivian still noticed me. Holding Ellie, she walked towards me, her brows furrowed. “What happened?” Julian’s face was full of flattery. “Ms. Vivian, this man is a fraud, impersonating your husband! I’ve already taught him a good lesson for you!” Scarlett echoed, “Yes, Ms. Vivian, you don’t need to bother with him.” The next second, Ellie let go of Vivian’s hand and ran towards me. Seeing my pathetic state, her eyes welled up with tears. “Daddy, why is your face covered in cream? And your hand, it’s bleeding…”
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