Everyone in their circle knew Asher Blackwood had a kept woman, an almost identical copy of his first love, Seraphina Thorne. Early one morning, at the city airport, I rushed out, dragging my suitcase, dusty and exhausted. My eyes lit up when I spotted that limited-edition Mercedes sedan. Pulling open the door, Asher Blackwood was indeed waiting for me inside. “How do you have time to pick me up?” I asked, my bright, lively eyes on my delicate, pale face seeming to hold the entire starry sky as I looked at Asher. Asher Blackwood always hated my eyes. My face was at least ninety percent similar to Seraphina Thorne’s, but my eyes were different. Seraphina’s gaze towards him had always been cold and detached. “Close your eyes.” I obeyed, closing my eyes, a hint of allure curving my lips. Asher stared at my face, so like Seraphina’s, and kissed me fiercely. My soft lips were bruised and tormented, as if he could, through me, possess the other woman. The car started smoothly, slowly pulling away from the airport. Half an hour later, Asher Blackwood forced me out of the car. I stood by the street, clutching my suitcase, watching him in the car with a pang of hurt. “Drive.” Asher’s face was cold, unmoved. The car door slowly closed. I watched the black Mercedes drive further and further away, until it merged with traffic and vanished. I wiped my eyes, swallowing my grievance. I called for a ride. After more than ten hours of flying, I was utterly exhausted. Back home, I showered, removed my makeup, then chugged a large glass of red wine before crawling into my soft bed, ready to sleep. My phone rang. I opened it to see a message from Asher: “9 PM tonight.” I smiled and replied, “Waiting for you in bed.” It was as if the unpleasant morning had never happened. It was our unspoken agreement. At 9 PM, Asher Blackwood was always punctual. There was never any tenderness between us; he was direct, almost brutal. “You’re hurting me,” I whispered, but still, I moved to meet Asher’s force. Asher didn’t say a word, just drove into me harder. My body was like a ripe peach, soft and juicy, or perhaps a fresh-baked cake, warm layers enveloping him, giving him the most comforting solace. He didn’t love me, but I had to admit, he loved this body. I often felt that Asher’s feelings for Seraphina were incredibly complex. Beyond unrequited love, there seemed to be a hint of hatred. In bed, Asher shed his usual restraint and coldness. His heat threatened to consume me. I could only cling to him weakly, letting him carry me into a dizzying whirlwind. I felt like a leaf caught in a storm, lost and disoriented. The room echoed with the most beautiful music a man and woman could make, even the air grew scorching hot. Over an hour later, the symphony finally struck its last note at the climax. Asher withdrew abruptly. “I’m going to shower.” I lay softly on the bed, watching his muscular back. I couldn’t help but inwardly appraise him. Asher Blackwood truly was a catch: broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs, a strict, controlled aura when dressed, but pure primal release when not. Especially that face… Just as I was lost in my thoughts, Asher’s phone rang. I picked it up and glanced at the screen. “Seraphina?” I walked to the bathroom door, holding the phone. “Boss, your goddess is looking for you~” Asher, wrapped in a towel, opened the door. His eyes, cold and piercing, glanced at me as he took the phone. “Hello?” Naked, I brushed past Asher and closed the bathroom door, starting my shower. I didn’t want to hear what they were saying. Anyway, by the time I came out, Asher would certainly be gone. Sure enough, when I emerged, toweling my hair dry, Asher had left. I picked up my phone to find a massive transfer, as usual. In that moment, I felt incredibly cheap, but also incredibly valuable – the kind of cheap that costs a fortune. I pocketed the money and tucked away the lingering bitterness in my heart. What did I have to complain about? I tapped a few buttons on my phone, transferring the money I’d just received back out. Checking the time, it was midnight – the perfect hour for some fun. Slipping into a sparkling slip dress, high heels, smoky eyes, and a bold red lip, I transformed into the most captivating siren on the dance floor tonight. In the noisy club, I effortlessly became the center of attention. I stretched my body with abandon, releasing my charm with the rhythm of the music. Tonight, everyone loved me! “Boss, look at that chick, isn’t that the one Asher Blackwood likes?” a man in a VIP booth pointed at me on the dance floor. “Boss, I think it actually is! The one called Seraphina something!” another man chimed in. “I’ve seen photos! It’s her!” “Why would Seraphina Thorne be here?” Redmond glanced at me. “Most likely his stand-in.” “A stand-in? Then she’s no use! I thought we could snatch her and get some revenge for you, Boss!” Redmond stroked his chin, his eyes leering as they swept over my body. “Forget it, let’s not provoke Asher Blackwood.” “Redmond, are you scared?” A young man appeared outside the booth, smiling innocently under the flashing, multi-colored lights. I emerged from the club, pulling on my jacket. I was always sober; I could have my fun, but I never touched alcohol at bars. “Sweetheart, why don’t you come play with us?” Redmond’s men shouted from behind me. I knew instantly that something was wrong. I turned, gave them a slow, alluring smile, and leisurely slipped off my high heels. “Well, look at you, eager! No wonder Asher Blackwood keeps you around!” The men chuckled obscenely, and my heart sank. These weren’t ordinary thugs; they were after me because of Asher Blackwood. Clutching my high heels, I flashed a dazzling smile. “Asher~ are you here to pick me up?” The men froze, instinctively turning their heads. I seized the moment, spun around, and ran. “Get her!” A hunt began. I ran like a terrified doe, scrambling along the deserted streets at three in the morning. My heart pounded furiously, threatening to burst from my chest. The footsteps behind me grew closer and closer. “I can’t outrun them,” I thought in despair. I could only duck into a narrow alleyway, hiding behind a pile of junk. Carefully, I pulled out my phone and called Asher. He was the only person I could think of who could save me. “Please! Answer the phone!” I bit my lip, silently pleading. My body trembled uncontrollably. I didn’t want to be caught, didn’t want those men to touch me, didn’t want to… With a harsh rip, the torn tarp above me was yanked away. Several men laughed as they dragged me to my feet. Redmond smirked menacingly, his rough hand tracing my thigh. “Those long legs sure can run.” I bit back the disgust, staying silent. Any struggle or scream would be pointless now. I had to stay calm; only then would I have a chance. “Asher Blackwood not answering your calls?” Redmond took a phone from one of his men and dangled it in front of me. “Want me to give you another chance?” “What do you mean?” I felt like a helpless lamb caught in a den of wolves. “Call Asher Blackwood,” Redmond’s expression hardened, his eyes fixed on me with a vicious glare. “Tell him you’re with Redmond, and tell him to give me back my merchandise.” I took the phone, looking at the missed call from earlier. A chill spread through my heart. Asher Blackwood wouldn’t answer my call. My fate, I knew, was sealed. I took the phone, looking at Asher’s number, but I didn’t dial. “Why aren’t you calling?” Redmond watched me impatiently. “Or would you rather spend some time with my men?” “Redmond, may I say something?” I put the phone away, offering a sweet smile. Redmond squinted at me. This girl was truly captivating. “Go on.” “You just said Asher Blackwood has some merchandise of yours. Was it impounded at the docks?” I didn’t know much about Asher’s business, only vaguely remembering his influence there. “That’s right.” “If this merchandise is legitimate, you could call the police, sue him, and then hold a press conference to drag his name through the mud. If it’s not legitimate…” I paused. “Then you should definitely call the police, be a good citizen and report him, and then hire a PR firm to launch a smear campaign. Either way, the merchandise is currently in his hands, and he’ll have a hard time explaining it.” Anyone capable of being a boss wasn’t a fool. Redmond, though getting on in years, usually stuck to old-school methods—direct and unsubtle. After I finished speaking, he thought for a moment. After all, it was a lawful society now. If Asher Blackwood could stab him in the back, why couldn’t he? “Aren’t you Asher Blackwood’s woman?” Redmond looked at me suspiciously. He wasn’t easily fooled. “His woman? His heart is only for Seraphina Thorne. I’m just his plaything.” My clear self-awareness seemed to make Redmond regard me more highly. “Smart girl. Instead of being someone’s stand-in with Asher Blackwood, why not follow me?” Redmond raised an eyebrow. He liked smart women, especially beautiful ones. I laughed, truly laughed, until I shook, a bitter, acidic feeling churning in my gut. To think, as a kept woman, I actually had market value… “Redmond, that would be a different price,” I said, stopping my laughter and handing him my phone. “Here’s my number. Redmond, you can call me anytime you need me.” Redmond chuckled. This girl was interesting. He took my phone, dialed his own number, then glanced at the darkness behind me and nodded. “Alright. Since you’re so sensible, I’ll let you go today.” “Thank you, Redmond.” I took back my phone, lowered my head, and kept my eyes down. Only after Redmond and his men had left did my legs give out, and I sank to the ground. I glanced at my phone. No missed calls, no messages. I wiped my eyes, a bitter, self-mocking laugh escaping my lips. “What’s there to cry about? Wasn’t this all expected?” In the darkness behind me, a dark silhouette watched me, a knowing smile playing on his lips. *** **截断点** Since that terrifying night at the club, I hadn’t left the apartment. I was just an ordinary woman, capable of fear and psychological trauma. But I couldn’t tell anyone. I had no friends; my entire world revolved around Asher Blackwood, and he had no interest in hearing my stories. “Get up!” Just as I was drifting off to sleep after taking a sleeping pill, Asher Blackwood burst in and dragged me up. A glass of cold water was splashed onto my face. I shook myself awake, looking through my dripping hair at Asher. “Boss? What brings you here today?” “Did Redmond touch you?” Asher’s face was cold, his eyes blazing with a fury that threatened to consume me. “Do you believe me when I say no?” I blinked, holding back the burning tears. “You still dare to lie to me.” Asher’s gaze grew even more dangerous. He dragged me from the bed onto the floor and tore off my nightgown. My pale body was exposed to the cold air, water dripping onto my skin. I couldn’t stop trembling. My lips, now white, mumbled the words again: “Do you believe me when I say no?” Asher stared at my face, almost identical to Seraphina’s, and grew even angrier. In his mind, I was Seraphina. This woman had allowed his goddess to be defiled by Redmond. He would never forgive me. “Since you like being touched, I’ll satisfy you!” “What are you doing…?” Asher tore open his shirt and pushed me beneath him, taking me again and again with brutal force. The thought of me being touched by another man ignited an uncontrollable rage within him. He told himself it was only because he saw me as Seraphina. With each merciless thrust, I felt no pleasure, only humiliation, injustice, and boundless pain… Finally, Asher finished venting. I breathed a sigh of relief, only to hear him say, “You think this is over?” I looked up at Asher, repeating the same words, “Do you believe me when I say no?” “Hmph.” Asher scoffed dismissively. He looked towards the door and slowly spoke. “There are ten more men outside waiting for you to serve them.” I stared at Asher in horror. “Asher Blackwood, why won’t you just believe me?” Asher looked down at the woman on the floor. I had the most beautiful, most alluring body; no man could see it and resist. He knew Redmond too well. That old fox would do anything for his merchandise. How could I have escaped unscathed from his clutches? Looking at my face, he still softened. “Don’t leave the apartment without my permission.” I watched his retreating back, biting my lip to hold back my tears. After all, my tears were just an act in his eyes. Only after the front door slammed shut did I finally curl up and sob uncontrollably. In the following days, Asher Blackwood didn’t come back. I was truly caged. I sat on the balcony lounger, gazing at the blue sky outside the window. “Perhaps, it’s time to leave.” Late that night, at Redmond’s villa, Asher Blackwood sat on the living room sofa. “I thought Redmond, who’s dominated the city for years, would be a smart man.” Redmond was pinned to the ground by Asher’s men. He glared at Asher hatefully. “Mr. Blackwood, you probably don’t know, but Jasper Sterling has a share in this merchandise. You’re not afraid to offend me, aren’t you afraid to offend him?” Asher Blackwood sneered. “You don’t seriously think I impounded this merchandise just because of you, do you?” Redmond suddenly understood. Asher Blackwood was after Jasper Sterling. And he had listened to me, holding a press conference and blowing the whole thing wide open. “Damn you! Your woman is as despicable as you are!” Asher Blackwood’s eyes instantly turned dangerous. “You dared to go after Seraphina Thorne.” “Seraphina Thorne? You don’t deserve her! I’m talking about that bitch you keep around!” Redmond continued to curse. “I should never have let her go that day!” Asher Blackwood’s gaze darkened. Redmond hadn’t touched me? After dealing with Redmond, Asher Blackwood left the villa. After a moment’s thought, he pulled out his phone and typed something. I had just finished showering and was about to go to bed when I saw Asher Blackwood’s message: “Come downstairs.” Asher Blackwood took me to the Grand Allure Club. I sat in the private room, unsure what Asher wanted. Asher didn’t say a word, leaning back on the sofa, looking incredibly tired. The door suddenly opened, and a young man entered with several bodyguards. Asher Blackwood glanced at the man, his expression darkening. “What are you doing here?” “Mr. Blackwood impounded my merchandise, so of course, I have to reciprocate.” The man sat casually on the sofa opposite Asher Blackwood. “I, Jasper Sterling, am not one to take a loss silently.” “Jasper Sterling…” I blinked. Could this be the legendary Mr. Sterling who dominated the city? “I’ve already spoken with the patriarch of the Thorne family. He’s agreed to give me Seraphina Thorne in marriage,” Mr. Sterling looked at Asher Blackwood. “What do you think, Mr. Blackwood?” “You dare touch her!” Asher Blackwood’s eyes turned vicious at the mention of Seraphina Thorne’s name. Mr. Sterling raised an eyebrow. “If Mr. Blackwood hadn’t pulled the rug out from under me, I wouldn’t have resorted to such extreme measures.” Asher Blackwood was silent for a moment. “I’ll return your merchandise.” Mr. Sterling smiled. “I want more than just the merchandise; I want a person.” He paused, his gaze landing on me. “Since Mr. Blackwood can’t bear to part with Seraphina Thorne, then let this beauty entertain me.” Hearing Asher Blackwood offer me up like a gift, my heart ached. Was I truly so worthless in his eyes…? “Go.” Asher Blackwood’s voice was low and icy. “Asher Blackwood… by what right?” My eyes welled up. Asher Blackwood gave me a cold glance. “Isn’t this what you’re paid for?” My heart gave a sharp pang. Yes, in his eyes, wasn’t I just a woman who sold her body for money and clung to wealth…? I walked over to Jasper Sterling, and in a sweet, demure voice, I called out, “Mr. Sterling.” Jasper Sterling nodded in satisfaction, pulling me onto his lap. We drank and played drinking games right in front of Asher Blackwood, having a grand time. Asher Blackwood watched my jacket being removed, revealing my beautiful collarbone and smooth back. His eyes darkened, a nameless irritation churning within him. I sat in Jasper Sterling’s arms, my slender arm resting on his shoulder. In the dim light, I looked at Asher Blackwood opposite us, and my heart felt a little sore. He wouldn’t care about me anyway. In his eyes, I wasn’t even a pet, just a cheap object to be given away and played with. Fighting back tears, I downed a large glass of red wine. I didn’t care anymore. I should have known how insignificant and laughable I was to Asher Blackwood. He wouldn’t even believe I was with him because I loved him. Jasper Sterling’s breath fell on my ear, and his hand explored under my dress. I didn’t even struggle; I lay submissively on the sofa, turning my head as tears finally streamed down my face, unstoppable. Asher Blackwood didn’t see my tears. All he saw was my submission and willingness towards Jasper Sterling. Asher Blackwood’s anger surged uncontrollably. He strode over, grabbed me, and slapped me. “You slut!” I fell to the floor, my cheek burning with pain. I subtly wiped away my tears, looked up at Asher Blackwood, and laughed. “Don’t you know I’m a slut, Mr. Blackwood? Isn’t that why you make me do these things?” “Get out! Don’t let me see your face again!” Asher Blackwood’s mind was a mess. He told himself he definitely didn’t care about me; he just cared about my face, which was so similar to Seraphina Thorne’s. Lost and distraught, I stumbled out of Grand Allure. Barefoot on the asphalt, wearing only a short skirt, my provocative figure drew unwanted attention. “Boss! It’s her!” I heard the voice and looked back. It was Redmond! “Grab her!” Redmond’s expression turned vicious when he saw me. I turned and ran. I knew if I fell into Redmond’s hands this time, my fate would be dire. I ran into the parking garage and bumped into Asher Blackwood. “Asher Blackwood! Save me!” “What game are you playing now?” Asher Blackwood looked at me impatiently. “No! It’s not! It’s Redmond, his men are chasing me!” I clutched Asher Blackwood’s arm, looking back in terror, but there was no one behind me. Not a single one of the pursuers had followed. “Hmph.” Asher Blackwood sneered. “At least come up with a better sob story.” My heart instantly turned cold. “Asher Blackwood, why won’t you ever believe me…?” “Don’t play any more tricks, and don’t let me see you again.” Asher Blackwood coldly shook off my hand, got into his car, and drove away. “You little bitch, you’ve fallen into my hands this time.” As Asher Blackwood’s car sped off, Redmond and his men emerged from the shadows. I didn’t even have time to run before they surrounded me. Redmond grabbed my neck tightly, lifting me and pinning me against the wall. “You’ve got a lot of nerve, even trying to trick me.” My neck burned with pain, and my breathing grew difficult. I watched the taillights disappear into the night. Asher Blackwood really left… I felt like a broken doll, cruelly tossed aside. Several men swarmed me, tearing my clothes, but I just stared intently in the direction Asher Blackwood had gone. He could have saved me… Why… Why couldn’t he believe me just once…? “Ahem.” Jasper Sterling walked over, coughed lightly, and looked at me, barely clothed on the ground. He raised a hand and slapped Redmond. “Mr. Sterling…” Redmond lowered his head, not daring to speak. “Asher Blackwood gave her to me,” Jasper Sterling said, taking off his jacket and covering me. “Understood, understood. I wouldn’t dare touch Mr. Sterling’s woman.” Redmond, trembling, quickly led his men away. Jasper Sterling looked at me on the ground. Beaten like this, I hadn’t begged or made a sound. This woman was interesting. He picked me up and turned, only to see Asher Blackwood’s black Mercedes parked not far away. Asher Blackwood watched us, gripping the steering wheel. He must have been insane to believe me, to drive back like a fool. His face was cold as he watched Jasper Sterling place me in his car. I didn’t resist at all. Asher Blackwood felt a surge of uncontrollable anger. His phone rang. Asher Blackwood frowned, seeing it was Seraphina Thorne. He took a deep breath, suppressing the inexplicable rage in his heart, and answered as gently as possible. “Seraphina? What’s wrong?” “Asher, Father is going to marry me off to Jasper Sterling, and I don’t like him.” Seraphina’s voice on the phone was filled with such raw hurt. “Don’t worry, I’ve already taken care of it for you. Just focus on your recovery abroad.” I slowly woke up to find myself in a car. I looked at the man’s back in front and tentatively called out, “Asher Blackwood?” “Hmph.” Jasper Sterling, who was driving, sneered. “Do you think it would be him?” “Mr. Sterling?” I pursed my lips. “Thank you.” The car drove fast. I leaned against the window, watching the night scenery fly by. I thought of Asher Blackwood. He really hadn’t come to save me. I didn’t believe he hadn’t seen Redmond; he just didn’t care. My innocence, my life or death, meant nothing to him… “Get out.” I froze, realizing the car had stopped. I quickly got out, afraid he’d misunderstand that I wanted to stay. The car drove away, and I realized I was still wearing Jasper Sterling’s jacket. The night wind swept past, and I pulled the jacket tighter. “Forget it. I’ll return it to him next time I get the chance.” In the darkness, Asher Blackwood stared at me like a hungry wolf. He watched me get out of Jasper Sterling’s car, watched me reluctantly pull Jasper Sterling’s jacket tighter. This woman had truly betrayed him! I was completely unaware of Asher Blackwood standing in the shadows. I turned and walked into my apartment. As the elevator doors opened, someone shoved me inside. “Ah!” I screamed, pinned against the elevator wall, terrified. “What? You don’t want me to touch you now?” Asher Blackwood pressed against my back, his voice low as he spoke into my ear. “Asher Blackwood! You bastard!” I struggled desperately. This was an elevator, there were cameras! I didn’t want this here! But Asher Blackwood completely ignored my resistance. He ripped off the jacket I was wearing. My body was covered in bruises, full of injuries. In his eyes, these were all marks of my depravity with Jasper Sterling. My knees were forced apart. I bit my lip, shaking my head violently. “No… Asher Blackwood, please don’t do this here…” “Hmph.” Asher Blackwood thrust into my tight warmth. “Ah!” A tearing pain ripped through my lower body. “Asher Blackwood! You bastard!” Asher Blackwood pinned me ruthlessly in the elevator, thrusting and grinding without mercy. Neither of us found any pleasure; it was only for punishment, for torment, to erase any other man’s marks from my body. I was in agony. My dignity, my love, were all crushed by Asher Blackwood. My lips were bitten raw, the metallic taste of blood constantly irritating my throat. Finally, after Asher Blackwood’s last thrust, I vomited. Asher Blackwood watched me, cold and sinister, sprawled on the floor. “You utterly disgust me.” The elevator doors opened. Asher Blackwood walked out, leaving me disheveled and slumped inside. The camera above flashed its red light, recording everything… After a night of torment, I developed a fever. I lay weakly in bed, thinking that if I could just die like this, it wouldn’t be so bad. My phone pinged. I saw the message: “Evergreen Care Center.” I forced myself to sit up and read the entire message. A relieved smile appeared on my face. My fingers gently caressed the phone screen, which displayed a photo of an elderly woman. She looked very well. “It seems the care center is taking good care of Grandma.” Thinking of Grandma, I found a new will to live. The hospital was bustling with people. I, all alone, forced myself to stay strong, underwent examinations, collected reports, and sat before the doctor, feeling uncontrollably dizzy. “Just a common fever,” the doctor said, glancing at the reports. “But you’re pregnant, so you need to be careful with medication.” “Wait, what did you just say?” I rubbed my temples, suspecting I’d misheard. “You’re pregnant,” the doctor repeated. I froze on the spot. I was pregnant with Asher Blackwood’s child? I walked out of the hospital in a daze, my hand instinctively resting on my lower abdomen. I still couldn’t quite believe it—a life was growing inside me… The taxi stopped at the apartment building. As I got out, I saw a pile of clothes on the ground, thrown out like trash by the street. “These are my things…” I stared blankly at my luggage. Asher Blackwood walked out of the building, his two bodyguards throwing the remaining boxes at my feet, their contents spilling onto the road. “Asher Blackwood, what are you doing now…?” My face was pale, and I felt even dizzier. The bodyguards stood in front of me, blocking me from going up. “Ms. Hayes, Mr. Blackwood requests that you move out.” I looked up at Asher Blackwood, standing imperiously on the stairs, my eyes red. “Asher Blackwood…” Asher Blackwood didn’t even glance at me. He walked down the stairs, got into his car, and sped away. The bodyguards looked a little regretful. “Ms. Hayes, Ms. Thorne is back. She’s not happy with your presence, so… please don’t blame Mr. Blackwood.” After saying that, they got into the car behind him and followed Asher Blackwood away. I stood there, stunned. The sun was so bright, yet I felt cold, a coldness that seeped from my very core. I gave a self-deprecating laugh. “So, the real owner is back.” I crouched on the ground, picking up my clothes one by one. People came and went on the street, pointing and whispering, but I ignored them all. My dignity had already been crushed by Asher Blackwood anyway… I slept in the hotel until evening before finally getting up. I touched my forehead; the fever had broken, and I felt much better. I picked up my phone and saw a breaking news alert. “Late-Night Elevator Affair: Beauty’s Scandalous Performance!” My hands trembled as I clicked on the notification. The news article featured many screenshots from the video: it was Asher Blackwood and me. Only Asher Blackwood’s face was pixelated, while mine was disturbably clear. “Who did this…?” *Ring! Ring!* My phone suddenly rang. I looked to see it was Asher Blackwood. “You’re the one who leaked the footage, aren’t you?” Asher Blackwood’s voice was frigid. “I underestimated your cunning. Unfortunately, you targeted the wrong person.” “It wasn’t me…” I mumbled, my voice barely audible. I was the victim, wasn’t I? Why could Asher Blackwood accuse me so righteously, unwilling to even hear my explanation? “Seraphina saw the news, and her old illness flared up again. If anything happens to her, I’ll make you pay with your life!” Asher Blackwood hung up, leaving me alone, clutching the phone and silently weeping. At the hospital, Seraphina Thorne’s pale face looked at Asher Blackwood with a hint of apology. “Asher, I don’t blame you. I know how hard it must have been for you all these years I was gone. I just…” Before she could finish, tears streamed down her face. Asher Blackwood held her protectively. “It’s all my fault.” “I don’t blame you.” Seraphina Thorne shook her head, blushing as she leaned into Asher Blackwood’s embrace. “Now that I’m back, you won’t need to look for other women.” Asher Blackwood was silent for a moment. “Your health isn’t good, we’re not in a hurry.” Seraphina Thorne’s eyes darkened. “Asher, before I went abroad, you said we’d get married when I came back. So… does that still count?” “Of course it counts. We’ll get married next month.” Asher Blackwood hugged Seraphina Thorne tightly, but for some reason, the tighter he held her, the emptier he felt inside. Asher Blackwood left. Seraphina Thorne sat on the hospital bed, shedding her frail demeanor. She looked at the video screenshots on her phone, her eyes growing increasingly vicious. She dialed a number. “Find out who that woman in the video is. I want all her information.” I locked myself in the hotel room. I didn’t dare to go out, didn’t want to go out, just hoping this whole thing would blow over quickly. But someone seemed to have leaked my hotel information, and every night, men would knock on my door. I called the hotel to complain, but they would only implicitly hint at my supposed fault. I called the police, but when they arrived and saw it was me, they would just shake their heads and leave. I would scream for the people outside to go away, but they would only grow more excited, laughing louder. I could only cover my ears, hiding in the corner of the room. I bit my lip, trying not to cry. I couldn’t understand what I had done wrong. Was loving Asher Blackwood my biggest mistake…? My phone rang. I gripped this single point of light in the darkness. “Tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM, Moonlight Cafe.” “Who is this…?” I looked at the number; it wasn’t Asher Blackwood’s. There was no reply. I wearily buried my head in my knees. Forget it, whoever it was, I had nothing left to lose anyway. At the cafe, I looked at Seraphina Thorne sitting opposite me, feeling a little lost. Why was she looking for me…? The ‘real owner’ looking for the ‘stand-in’ usually meant she wanted me to leave Asher Blackwood, but I had no relationship with him anymore… “Leave Asher.” Seraphina Thorne cut straight to the point. “I think you might be mistaken,” I tried to explain that I had no connection to Asher Blackwood anymore. “Mistaken? I’ve seen plenty of people like you abroad.” Seraphina Thorne scoffed derisively. “How much money will it take for you to disappear?” I bit my lip. “I don’t want money…” “Don’t tell me you love him.” Seraphina Thorne paused. “You don’t deserve him. Just take the money and leave.” Leave? How I longed to leave this city that had brought me so much pain. But I couldn’t go. Grandma still lived in the care center here. Her mental state had only just stabilized; if she were moved to an unfamiliar place and stimulated, who knew what might happen. I shook my head. “Ms. Thorne, you’re really mistaken. I’m not…” Before I could finish, Seraphina Thorne slapped me. “Don’t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit.” My head snapped sideways from the blow. I closed my eyes. Why was I enduring all this humiliation?! I stood up. I didn’t want to say anything more to Seraphina Thorne. If we couldn’t agree, it was better to leave quickly. “Ms. Hayes, please don’t hit me! I truly love Asher…” Seraphina Thorne opposite me suddenly burst into tears. Before I could react, someone grabbed me from behind. It was Asher Blackwood. “Who gave you permission to bother Seraphina?” His gaze at me was colder and more ruthless. “You truly have so many tricks up your sleeve, woman.” “I didn’t…” I didn’t want to explain anymore. Whatever I said, Asher Blackwood wouldn’t believe me, so why waste my breath? “If you dare to go near Seraphina again, I won’t hold back.” Asher Blackwood darkly threw me to the ground. I watched Asher Blackwood gently embrace Seraphina Thorne and leave, finding it somewhat amusing. I tilted my head back, trying to hold back the flowing tears, but failed. My heart truly ached, so much… I looked at the collection notices on my phone and sighed. Grandma’s care center fees were due again. I checked the money in my card, feeling a bit heavy-hearted. It seemed I’d have to go to the care center and negotiate with the director; maybe I could defer for a while. The care center was in a remote location, but the environment was excellent—nestled by mountains and rivers, secluded from the world, perfect for Grandma. I talked with the director for a long time before he agreed to defer for three months. I breathed a sigh of relief. I then went to see Grandma. She still didn’t recognize me, but she would affectionately hold my hand and tell me, “I have a granddaughter, about your age. She’s a very good girl.” After returning from the care center, I started looking for a job. All I wanted was to make money now. Although I didn’t have much work experience, my university design projects had won awards. But for some reason, all my job applications seemed to vanish into a black hole. I waited three more days, but no company called me, not even for an interview. The more I thought about it, the stranger it seemed, so I simply called one. The person on the other end expressed great interest in my resume, but after hearing my name, they hung up. I listened to the dial tone, and instantly understood. It was Asher Blackwood, wasn’t it? Was he truly trying to push me to the brink of despair…? *Ring! Ring!* My phone rang. I quickly answered, afraid of missing a job opportunity.
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