On our fifth wedding anniversary, I was heading to a government records office to get some personal documents for an international design competition I was participating in. I took the form from the window, reviewed it, and corrected, “Excuse me, my marital status is wrong. I’m married, not divorced.” My husband, Julian Thorne, was known throughout the city’s most powerful circles as the ‘mad scion.’ His possessiveness was legendary; if I ever wanted to leave, he’d never allow it. But the clerk, after double-checking multiple times, stated with absolute certainty , “No, it’s correct. You and Mr. Julian Thorne finalized your divorce exactly three years ago today. And on that very same day, he remarried. His new wife’s name is Valerie Hayes. Do you know her?” I froze, my entire body going numb, as if plunged into an ice bath. Recognize her? That was the understatement of the century! Valerie Hayes was Julian Thorne’s most obsessive stalker. Five years ago, she crashed our wedding, creating a massive scene, and it took twenty bodyguards to drag her out. Four years ago, she was found stark naked on Julian’s office desk. He called the police himself, and she wasn’t released from custody for twenty days. Three years ago—my personal hell year—Valerie, after another failed attempt to win Julian’s affection, stormed into my art studio and *severed my right hand* in a fit of rage. When Julian found out, his eyes were bloodshot with fury. He vowed to kill Valerie. It was *me* who had to physically restrain him, to drag him back from the brink of murder. To punish Valerie, he imprisoned her. He subjected her to daily lashings and torture, swearing that anyone who dared harm his ‘greatest love’ would endure a pain a thousand, a *million* times worse than any prison sentence. But now, I was being told that my husband, on the very *same day* Valerie had severed my hand, had married *her*? How was that even remotely possible? In my shock, a message from Julian Blackwood popped up. “Summer, it’s our fifth anniversary today. I’ll be back to celebrate with you after I’m done with that woman. Love you.” I stared blankly at the screen. For five years, every message he sent included “Love you.” His love had always been passionate and fervent. Back then, I was just a budding designer from an ordinary background. He, a billionaire magnate, fell for me at first sight and pursued me relentlessly. City-wide fireworks displays, rare roses flown in from across the globe, exorbitant jewelry… every day, a new, over-the-top declaration of love. But what truly moved me was when I had a stomachache, and he flew back overnight from abroad just to cook me porridge with his own hands. When I was upset, he’d pause a meeting in front of a room full of executives, just to tell me a corny joke. When a jealous colleague attacked me with acid, he shielded me frantically. His back was a mangled mess, yet he whispered softly, “Don’t be scared.” He was cold and almost brutal to everyone else; his tenderness and love were reserved solely for me. Could such a Julian Blackwood truly betray our love? Driven by a gut feeling, I hailed a cab to the hilltop mansion. That was where Julian Blackwood supposedly kept Serena Vance imprisoned. Faint sobs drifted from the garden. I took a few more steps, peering through the trailing wisteria, and my entire world imploded. Julian Blackwood, dressed in a sharp suit, his back ramrod straight, held a delicate feather whip. He brought it down, again and again, on Serena Vance. Serena, bound to the swing set, was utterly exposed and dangerously alluring. Amidst her soft whimpers, Julian dropped the whip, descended upon her, and kissed Serena fiercely, possessively, yet with undeniable passion. Their bodies intertwined, his clothes shed, beads of sweat tracing paths down his spine. My face went ashen, my heart felt brutally ripped open, and for a moment, I was drowning in a torrent of despair. So, what I’d heard wasn’t sobs at all, but Serena’s cries of pleasure. The so-called whipping and torment were nothing more than a prelude to their intimacy. His “prison” was, in fact, a love nest! I stared numbly at the swaying swing set. Julian had spent an entire month building it for me with his own hands, his fingers covered in blisters. Back then, he’d said tenderly, “My Summer deserves all the unique beauty in the world. This swing is just for you, Summer, and so is my love.” But now, he had given the swing, and his love, to another woman. A sworn enemy who had nearly destroyed me! I trembled uncontrollably, my palms digging in until they bled. A bone-deep pain consumed my entire body. But why, why on earth?! I soon found the answer. On the swing set, the passionate storm had passed. “You’re amazing, husband, I feel so satisfied.” Serena Vance’s face was flushed. “The thought of actually being married to you makes me feel like I’m dreaming.” “You deserve it,” Julian Blackwood said, slowly buttoning his shirt. “Three years ago, I only mentioned once that I didn’t want Summer to go abroad for design studies; I wanted her by my side forever. And you, you foolish girl, took a knife and severed her hand, making sure she could never design again. Then you even turned yourself in, saying you’d rot in prison if it meant securing my happiness.” “I considered myself cold-hearted and unfeeling, but even I couldn’t be indifferent to such selfless love. Summer can openly enjoy my love, but you can only hide in this mansion. Granting you the title of wife as compensation seemed only fair.” I stumbled backward, my heart feeling as if it were being flayed alive, piece by agonizing piece. Years ago, a spoiled playboy once mocked me, calling me an “angel with broken wings.” Julian had ordered his men to rip out the man’s bloody tongue, stating coldly, “Anyone who dares to badmouth Summer again will suffer this fate.” But now, he was embracing the very woman who had shattered my wings, kissing her, loving her, giving her his name! “What if Ms. Hayes finds out?” Serena Vance asked, her face filled with worry. “Given her personality, she’ll never accept it.” Julian Blackwood’s tone was calm and assured. “My love for Summer has never changed. I will protect her my entire life, and she will never find out.” Before leaving, he slipped a pink diamond ring onto Serena Vance’s hand. “Oh?” Serena gasped. “This was the grand finale at Sotheby’s a few days ago, worth a hundred million! I… do I deserve such an expensive ring?” “You are my wife, of course you do.” Julian Blackwood pecked her lips. “Happy three-year anniversary, my love.” It wasn’t until the black Porsche Cayenne disappeared down the road that I stumbled down the mountain in a daze. My phone vibrated. I numbly lit up the screen. “Summer, I’m on my way home. Can’t wait to spend our fifth anniversary with my darling. Love you.” I suddenly laughed, tears streaming down my face. My chest felt like it had been ripped open, exposed to a chilling emptiness. He had just celebrated a three-year anniversary with another woman, and now he was talking about our fifth? But there was no fifth anniversary; we had been divorced for three whole years! As for love, if Julian Blackwood’s so-called love meant clipping my wings and imprisoning me for life. Then I didn’t want that kind of love ever again. Julian Blackwood said I would never find out? No, *he* would lose *me* forever. I clutched the Paris Design Competition registration form in my hand, then turned and did two important things. First, I applied to cancel all my identity information in the country. Second, I resubmitted my design competition application under a new identity. After Serena Vance severed my right hand, she threw it to wild dogs, making it impossible to reattach. Julian was furious with grief, spending billions to create a near-perfect prosthetic hand for me. My daily life was unaffected, but I could no longer do precise work, like the designing I loved. My dream shattered, I attempted suicide three times, and cried countless tears until the morning light. Finally, I gritted my teeth and decided to start over with my left hand. The road was incredibly tough. For over a thousand days and nights, my left hand was covered in calluses. I finally made it to the Paris Design Competition. I had kept it a secret from Julian, wanting to surprise him, to show him that the woman he loved had never surrendered to fate. Now, I was only grateful. If I had told him sooner, I probably wouldn’t have kept my left hand either. I looked down at the text message. “Your cancellation application has been submitted and will be processed within ten business days.” In ten days, I would leave for Paris for the competition and never return. No matter how controlling Julian Blackwood was, he wouldn’t be able to find someone whose identity had been erased. As evening approached, I returned to the mansion. The air was thick with tension, and the house was in utter chaos. Julian Blackwood was tying up all the staff, coldly interrogating them about my whereabouts. The moment he saw me, the staff looked as if they’d been granted a reprieve from execution. He also let out a sigh of relief. The icy sharpness in his eyes melted away, and he pulled me into a tight embrace. “Summer, where did you go? I was so worried about you.” My body stiffened. Finally, I said calmly, “I lost track of time while shopping.” Julian Blackwood ruffled my hair, a helpless smile on his face. “Next time, remember to bring your husband. I can carry your bags, pay for everything, and I’m always on call.” Husband? A sharp pain pierced my heart. No, he hasn’t been my husband for three years. “It’s our fifth anniversary today. Come see the gift your husband prepared for you.” Julian Blackwood took my hand and led me to the helipad in the backyard, then lifted me onto the helicopter. Once we were high in the air, the city lights below suddenly spelled out “Love, Summer.” It was breathtakingly spectacular, dazzling and awe-inspiring. Julian Blackwood whispered passionately in my ear, “I love you, Summer. Always.” Soon, the helicopter landed outside a magnificent estate in the suburbs. This estate, bought by a mysterious figure for five hundred million, now had a luxurious, intricately carved gate bearing the name— Summer’s Haven. The architectural style that greeted me was Gothic, which I’d only casually mentioned I liked recently. The garden was filled with my favorite orchids, each worth over a million dollars. Nearby was a dreamlike amusement park, with carousels, a Ferris wheel, roller coasters… all my favorite rides. There was even a cute pet sanctuary, filled with adorable cats, simply because I’d recently expressed sympathy for stray cats. I looked at everything before me, a bitter ache rising in my chest, my eyes welling up. It was true that he had loved me consistently for five years, fulfilling my every wish, no matter how small. But it was also true that he had split his love in two, behind my back. Julian Blackwood’s thumb brushed away the moisture from under my eyes. “It’s only right for a husband to treat his wife well. If you cry any more, my heart will ache.” Beneath the starry sky, he knelt on one knee and opened a velvet box. “Summer, the luckiest thing in my life was marrying you. I’m utterly, hopelessly in love with you, and I don’t want to be apart from you for a single second.” “So I came up with an idea. This pair of rings: the women’s ring has a chip, and the men’s has a receiver. From now on, I’ll always know what you’re doing, so I wouldn’t constantly worry about losing you.” Julian Blackwood’s eyes were filled with obsessive, intense love. But just as he was about to slip the ring onto my finger, his phone rang. A distinctive alert sound—it was a SnapChat message from Serena Vance. He glanced at the content, his expression unchanged, and only after he’d placed the ring on my ring finger did he rise. “Summer, it’s an important client for the company. I’ll be right back.” No sooner had he spoken than he rushed onto the helicopter. It wasn’t until the whirring of the rotor completely faded that I lowered my gaze, picked up a small cat, and squatted on the ground, silently for a long time. A soft sensation brushed my palm, but my heart was utterly cold. The stray cat had a home, but I… I no longer did. *Thud—* The ring slipped from my hand. Julian Blackwood was so preoccupied with Serena Vance that he didn’t even notice he’d given me the wrong ring. He had taken the women’s ring with the chip to monitor me, but he had left the men’s ring, which was the receiver, with me. After a moment of hesitation, I pressed the switch on the ring. “I’m sorry, husband, I don’t want to suffer from depression, but I’ve been locked up here for three years, and I’m really going crazy.” Serena Vance’s crying voice came through. “You don’t have to worry about me. Today is your and Ms. Hayes’s fifth anniversary. Go be with her. I’ll try my best to get through this, just like I have these past three years…” “Don’t say such foolish things.” Julian Blackwood’s low, authoritative voice echoed. “I’m your man. How can I not care for you when you’re sick? Come on, let’s go out for a change of scenery.” “Really?” Serena Vance exclaimed, overjoyed. “Am I dreaming? I can really leave this place?” “When has your husband ever lied to you? Let’s go now.” The familiar whirring sound of the rotor started up again. I knew they were on the helicopter. I remembered three years ago, when I had just lost my right hand and was in unbearable agony, Julian had tried everything to cheer me up. He bought this helicopter and took me soaring into the sky, saying with a pang of heartache, “Look, Summer, even the largest buildings now seem so tiny. Just like there’s no obstacle in life that can’t be overcome. No matter how difficult, your husband will be with you through it all.” Back then, I believed him. But it turned out, he was the one who had created this hurdle for me in the first place. When the helicopter reappeared in the sky, I thought I was mistaken. Finally, it landed at the adjacent estate. Julian Blackwood’s voice came through the ring: “Serena, you never had a chance to leave the mansion before, but your husband had already prepared an anniversary gift for you. This is your estate, and I’ll spend the day here with you.” Amidst Serena Vance’s joyful laughter, I received a SnapChat message from Julian Blackwood. “Summer, I have a project to discuss with a client. I’ll be back tomorrow night. Play by yourself for now, and let your husband know if you need anything. Love you.” I clutched my phone tightly, a single tear falling, blurring the word “husband” on the screen. He could buy identical estates and give them to two women. But he could only be one woman’s husband. Just a wall separated me from him, as he spent time with his true wife. It made me feel like nothing more than a hidden mistress, an illicit secret. Thankfully, such days would soon end. I wiped away my tears. Instead of staying at the estate, I went home and continued to practice my design work. I had only passed the preliminary round. To go further with my left hand, I had to put in more effort than anyone else. Perhaps the sudden turn of events sparked my inspiration, as I quickly developed a new concept. After completing the initial draft, I put down my pen and focused on examining it. My hand accidentally brushed against the ring on the table. The switch was pressed, and Serena Vance’s tearful voice came through. “One day is too short, husband. Do I have to go back to the mansion and hide again? I know I can’t let Ms. Hayes see me, but I really want to be with you in front of everyone, just like her, *mmph*…” The other end suddenly fell silent, and my breath hitched. My arm trembled uncontrollably. The unbearable agony of having my hand severed brutally felt like it was crashing over me all over again. Pain, such intense pain. My whole body was shaking. Julian Blackwood knew better than anyone how much pain and hatred I carried, which was why he only dared to hide Serena Vance away. No matter what, he couldn’t possibly let this woman show her face in public… But after a long silence, Julian Blackwood spoke. “Alright.” He had actually agreed to Serena Vance’s request. I clutched my chest, feeling as if something had been brutally ripped open. A day later, Julian Blackwood returned on time. He brought back an “Ocean’s Star” necklace worth two hundred million and a “Starlight Diamond” gown, the only one of its kind in the world. “Summer, we’re making up for our fifth anniversary today. I want everyone to witness our happiness.” His tone, though gentle, was as undeniable as ever. I silently changed into the gown, letting him lead me away, his eyes filled with admiration. The banquet was held at Julian Group’s seven-star hotel. In the opulent, dazzling ballroom, people mingled in their finest attire, and celebrities gathered. However, all the service staff wore cheongsams and masks. Julian Blackwood’s expression was cold as he swept his gaze over us, then explained to me, “Summer, you are the undisputed center of attention tonight. The background staff will wear masks so they don’t overshadow you.” I vaguely guessed something, and my face went pale. I was about to speak, but flattering voices interrupted me. “Mr. Blackwood is as devoted and thoughtful as ever. Mrs. Blackwood is truly blessed.” “I heard Mr. Blackwood’s fifth-anniversary gift was an estate worth five billion.” “Mr. Blackwood said his love only grows, and his gifts will be more precious each year.” Suddenly, the sound of fabric tearing echoed. “I-I’m sorry.” A masked server trembled as she got up from the floor, her cheongsam torn all the way to her upper thigh, revealing alluring legs. But the guests weren’t interested in admiring them; they were all hushed and fearful. Julian Blackwood was notoriously devoted to his wife, a possessive tyrant. Anyone who dared to disrupt the banquet’s atmosphere now… given his usual ruthlessness… Everyone silently prayed for the clumsy server. Sure enough, Julian Blackwood’s voice turned icy cold. “Come with me.” “Summer, rules are rules. I’ll go teach *her* a lesson, be right back.” He softened his tone as he told me. Then he grabbed the server’s wrist and dragged her upstairs. A moment later, I followed them. On the third-floor landing, the conference room door was ajar. The server was sitting on the conference table, her long, smooth legs wrapped around Julian Blackwood’s waist. Her mask lay quietly to the side. Her exposed face was tear-streaked, looking utterly pitiful. It was Serena Vance. My heart ached fiercely. So, his grand gesture of celebrating with me was merely to fulfill Serena Vance’s wish. But clearly, I wasn’t satisfied. “I’m sorry, husband, I shouldn’t be this way, you brought me out, I should be happy. But seeing you and Ms. Hayes so in love, it just hurt so much. I felt so unwell that I collapsed without even realizing it. I’ve embarrassed you. Will you be angry with me for interrupting you and Ms. Hayes?” “No.” Julian Blackwood raised a hand to wipe away the tears from Serena Vance’s eyes. “I only feel bad for you. I’ll have my assistant take you home later and find a specialist to check on you.” “I don’t want to go.” Serena Vance clung to him, her voice a seductive purr. “No one else can cure me, you are my only medicine. Don’t you believe me? Try me.” Julian Blackwood chuckled softly. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her with lingering passion. “Feeling better?” “A little, but not enough. I need deeper treatment.” Serena Vance’s voice was like a hook, her hands trailing provocatively over Julian Blackwood’s sensitive spots. Julian Blackwood let out a muffled groan. “My love, are you sick or just insatiable?” Serena Vance giggled, blowing a soft breath into his ear. “Both.” The next second, she was pressed down onto the table by Julian Blackwood, her cheongsam completely torn open. That flash of white, it stung my eyes. I remembered four years ago, when Serena Vance had snuck into Julian Blackwood’s office. She lay naked on his desk, humbly begging, “Mr. Blackwood, please, just touch me, just once.” Julian Blackwood hadn’t even glanced at her, coldly ordering her to be taken to detention. He’d covered my eyes, saying, “It’s dirty, don’t look. I’ll only ever touch one woman in my life, you.” But now, he was pressing Serena Vance onto the office table, his well-defined hands caressing her entire body. There was no longer any disgust in his eyes, only raw, consuming passion. I couldn’t bear to watch anymore and stumbled away. When Julian Blackwood reappeared, he was holding a gift box. “Summer, this is the transfer contract for this hotel. Tonight, it witnessed our beautiful love, so I’m giving it to you.” A hotel worth ten billion dollars, given away just like that, once again drawing envious glances from everyone towards me. At that moment, Serena Vance, having changed into a new cheongsam, came downstairs. Her expression was hidden behind her mask, making it unclear, but her tightly clenched hands betrayed her displeasure. A moment later, Serena Vance unclenched her hands and meekly went to prepare the champagne tower. I stood on my tiptoes, starting to pour champagne from the topmost glass. Unexpectedly, my foot slipped, and in my panic, my hand grabbed the tablecloth, causing the entire champagne tower to crash down. Countless shards of champagne glasses rained down directly onto Serena Vance and, behind her, myself. Amidst a chorus of gasps, Julian Blackwood’s face changed. He rushed toward us. With a tense expression, he pulled Serena Vance away, shielding her in his arms. I, who had already managed to dodge, was violently knocked by him and fell to the ground. My head hit the floor, and warm blood welled and trickled down. My body was riddled with cuts from glass shards, the pain like a thousand tiny knives, flaying me alive. My vision blurred. Though I was trembling with pain, I let out a hollow, detached laugh. I had always believed that Julian Blackwood had divided his love equally between us. But it turned out, if he had to choose, his choice would be Serena Vance. When I next awoke, I was in a hospital. Julian Blackwood, his eyes red-rimmed, explained apologetically, “Summer, I meant to protect you. I was just so worried that I panicked and saved the wrong person.” He kissed my hand repeatedly. As if to convey all his heartache and love through my palm. Unfortunately, he forgot it was a prosthetic hand. I felt no sincerity at all, only that his words were full of lies. I asked coldly, “What are you going to do about that server?” I had seen clearly that the champagne tower’s collapse was no accident, but Serena Vance’s deliberate act. Julian Blackwood’s expression paused slightly, then he said, “It was indeed my oversight. I’ve already given orders to blacklist her globally, so she can never work as a server again.” I froze, then suddenly laughed. A network of fine cracks spread across my heart, letting pain seep into every crevice. Serena Vance wasn’t a server to begin with. It was such an utterly irrelevant punishment, like telling a bird it could never fly. Ridiculous. Seeing me laugh, Julian Blackwood smiled too. For the next few days, he cared for me with utmost tenderness. He closely monitored the IV drip’s progress. He personally and gently tended to my wounds. He peeled the luscious lychees and fed them to my mouth, extending his palm for me to spit the pits into. Doctors and nurses passing by all envied my good fortune. Until, the familiar, distinctive phone ringtone sounded. He hesitated, then calmly said, “Summer, there’s something urgent at the company. I’ll be gone for a bit.” Only after his figure completely disappeared did I turn on the receiver on the ring. It turned out Serena Vance was also hospitalized. Julian Blackwood wasn’t constantly checking on Serena Vance’s IV drip, nor was he personally changing her dressings. Because her minor scratches had long since healed. He certainly wasn’t peeling lychees for Serena Vance. Instead, he told her to put the fruit on her skin, and then, he “conquered her territory,” devouring her completely, leaving nothing untouched. I couldn’t bear to listen anymore. Just as I was about to turn off the switch, I heard Serena Vance’s pleading voice. “Husband, if I’m kept locked up any longer, my depression will get worse. I’ll truly wither away. Please, don’t keep me in the hilltop mansion anymore. I want to go out. I even want to be intimate with you in front of Ms. Hayes, *mmph*…” Serena Vance’s words turned into whimpers amidst a series of intense thrusts. When everything became quiet again, Julian Blackwood once more uttered that single word. “Alright.” Three days later, I was discharged from the hospital. Julian Blackwood carried me into the car, then from the car all the way to the sofa in the mansion, saying my body had just healed, and he didn’t want me to get tired. It sounded so loving, until I spotted Serena Vance among the staff, dressed in a maid’s uniform. My heart ached fiercely, and I looked at Julian Blackwood in disbelief. Serena Vance said she wanted to leave the mansion, and his solution was to bring her home? “Summer, it’s like this.” Julian Blackwood hugged me tighter, his tone gentle and firm. “If that woman had gone to jail back then, it would have only been for three years. Logically, she should be free by now, but I don’t want her to get off easy, so I brought her here to serve you, as continued penance.” “I also consulted a psychologist. You’ve been experiencing some stress reactions. Being around her might actually help you. Trust me, Summer, these arrangements are all because I love you.” He was full of lies, yet he looked so sincere, his face mirroring how he looked five years ago when he proposed. Back then, he had solemnly sworn that he would never let me suffer any grievance in this life. Now, for another woman, he was pushing my boundaries again and again. How was what he was doing any different from rubbing salt in my wounds? I thought I would feel heartbroken, would refuse, would be angry, would fight back. But instead, I felt utterly empty, so empty that I no longer cared about anything. “Okay, I’ll do as you say.” Let alone making Serena Vance a maid, I wouldn’t even object if she became the lady of the house. After all, I would soon leave his world forever. The rest of the day, Serena Vance diligently cleaned, keeping to herself. Julian Blackwood didn’t even glance at me, spending the entire time with her. That evening, he gently handed me a glass of milk. “Summer, your wounds have just healed. Drink some milk to help you sleep.” I realized something. I secretly poured out the milk, pretending to drink it all. Sure enough, that night, after I was “asleep,” Julian Blackwood kissed my forehead, got up, and opened the door. “Husband, can we really be intimate in front of Ms. Hayes?” Serena Vance’s surprised voice drifted in. “You silly girl, when has your husband ever gone back on his word?” My eyelashes fluttered violently. I opened my eyes and, through the French windows behind me, saw Julian Blackwood holding Serena Vance against the wall, kissing her inch by inch until they were utterly entwined… My palm was aching from how tightly I was gripping it, but my heart wouldn’t ache anymore. Because he wasn’t worth it. The next morning, Julian Blackwood went to the company, and I stayed in my room designing. I didn’t want to see Serena Vance, so breakfast and lunch were brought in by the staff. When a knock sounded again that evening, it was Serena Vance standing outside the door. She held a tray, her voice provocative and smug. “ I saw you outside the conference room at the hotel that day. I never thought someone as proud as you, after losing a hand, would lose her spirit too. You can tolerate this?” “Well, I guess. You’re just a cripple now, reliant on Julian to support you, so you wouldn’t dare object to anything he does.” A wave of nausea washed over me. I asked coldly, “What exactly do you want to say?” “I want to say, even if you hide like a turtle, you won’t keep Julian. I’ll corner you step by step until you have nowhere left to go and disappear completely. Julian belongs to me and only me!” I clenched my fist, but ultimately gave up on the idea of slapping her. Hitting her would only soil my hands. I would find another way to reclaim every ounce of pain she had inflicted, with interest. I didn’t want to argue. Just as I was about to close the door, I heard familiar footsteps. Serena Vance immediately changed her expression to one of pitiful vulnerability, then fell backward. The rice and soup on the tray spilled all over me. She held up her swollen hand and cried plaintively, “Ms. Hayes, I know you’re still angry with me. If it makes you feel better, I can endure it no matter how many times you push me again.” Julian Blackwood’s eyes instantly flashed with heartache. I only felt disgust. “I didn’t push her. She’s putting on a show.” Serena Vance cried even harder. “Ms. Hayes, if saying that makes you feel better, then pretend I fell myself.” Julian Blackwood’s expression flickered, then he subtly averted his gaze, a hint of suppressed frustration in his eyes. He looked at me. “Summer, I believe you. Since you two aren’t getting along, I’ll send her away right now.” “Huh?” Serena Vance looked up in surprise, tears still clinging to her face. Julian Blackwood merely said coldly, “Don’t say anything else. Go pack your bags immediately.” Serena Vance froze for a moment, then bit her lip, suppressing her grievance. “Yes, I’ll go right away.” “Alright, Summer, don’t get angry over irrelevant people. I came home early today just to be with you. Let’s go out for a big dinner.” Julian Blackwood took my hand and led me into the walk-in closet, personally choosing a gown and matching jewelry for me. “You get dressed. I’ll go kick that woman out.” He sounded ruthless, but through the ring, I heard him coaxing Serena Vance softly. “My love, I’m sorry you were wronged today. Of course, it pained me to see Summer push you. But this was a move I planned. My pretending to kick you out means you’ll be completely free from now on.” “Wh-what do you mean?” “It means you go back to the mansion for now, and from this moment on, you can go wherever you want. Once you’re back, remember to send me a message to let me know you’re safe.” Serena Vance was so touched she choked back tears. “Husband, you’re so good to me.” Julian Blackwood only chuckled. “We’re married. If I’m not good to you, who would I be good to?” The Michelin-starred French dinner was truly authentic. The view of the river from the eighty-eighth floor was also captivating. But watching Julian, agitated and constantly checking his phone across from me, I found the food utterly tasteless. I knew he was waiting for Serena Vance’s text message, confirming she was safe. After all, they were married. When his unique ringtone finally sounded, Julian Blackwood answered impatiently. He, a man usually so poised and in control, was so desperate that he accidentally put her on speaker. Serena Vance’s desperate, trembling voice came through. “I’ve been kidnapped. I don’t know where I’m going, but maybe it’s for the best. Since Ms. Hayes doesn’t like me, my disappearance will completely clear the way for you both… Ah!” The call disconnected. Julian Blackwood tried to call back, but it wouldn’t connect. He forced himself to suppress his unease, trying to speak calmly. “Summer, where did you take that woman? If you wanted to get revenge, you should have let your husband handle it. Why bother dirtying your own hands?” “I’ll say it again,” I put down my fork. “It wasn’t me.” The next second, my wrist was brutally gripped. “Serena is suffering from depression; she can’t handle this kind of ordeal!” Julian Blackwood’s temper flared, his voice sharp. “Summer, stop this, please? You lost a hand, but she’s lost a lot too. Stop holding onto this grudge, can’t you just let her go?” I froze, then my eyes slowly turned red. Serena Vance lost a lot? She wounded someone, and someone covered for her, she didn’t even have to go to jail. She loved someone and got to be that person’s wife. She was kept and pampered for three years, and now she’s regained her freedom. Who was truly pathetic? Who wasn’t letting go? I held back my tears and spoke each word clearly. “I said I didn’t do it. And—” “Even if this hand is fake, it still hurts.” Only then did Julian Blackwood notice my wrist was completely red. He quickly let go, softening his tone. “I’m sorry, Summer, I was just worried you’d act impulsively and do something irrational. By the way, where’s the matching ring I gave you? Why aren’t you wearing it?” I found it laughable. He claimed he wanted to know my every move, yet he still didn’t realize he’d given me the wrong ring. “You gave me the men’s ring. It didn’t fit, so I put it away.” Julian Blackwood paused, then said gently, “Then we’ll go back and swap them immediately.” After that, he didn’t mention Serena Vance again, as if she truly were an unimportant person. Until three nights later, Julian Blackwood received a call and immediately got up to leave. His hand was already on the doorknob. He seemed to sense something, looked back at me, and froze. My gaze was so calm. There was no question about his late-night departure, no reluctance, as if I didn’t care about him at all. A panic seized his heart. He instinctively wanted to stay, but his phone rang again. This time, he forgot everything else, hurriedly muttering “company business” before striding out. Julian Blackwood didn’t return all night, only sending a SnapChat message. “Summer, I’m working late tonight and won’t be back. Go to sleep first. Love you.” I coldly turned off the screen. The fake “love you” vanished with the dimming light. The next morning, the staff told me someone was looking for me. As soon as I stepped out of the mansion, I was struck on the back of the head and lost consciousness. When I woke up again, I found myself tied up in a private room at a nightclub. My mouth was tightly taped shut, I wore a mask, and a cheongsam. Just like Serena Vance’s server disguise that day. And my waist-length hair, Julian Blackwood’s favorite, had been crudely cut short, barely reaching my ears. The door suddenly swung open, and Julian Blackwood’s deep voice echoed. “My love, is this the madam who tortured you for three days at the nightclub?” Serena Vance cried, feeling wronged and terrified. “It’s her! She said Ms. Hayes ordered her to make my life a living hell. Besides torturing me in various ways, she brought many men to humiliate me, but I fought with all my might and didn’t let them succeed…” Julian Blackwood’s voice grew colder with each word. “Summer certainly went too far. She’s unwilling to lay a hand on me, but she’s happy to make an example of others.” “Get me the whip soaked in salt.” My whole body trembled. I understood. Serena Vance was not only slandering me but also trying to make Julian Blackwood mistake me for the madam, to make him torture me with his own hands! I struggled, trying to explain, but my mouth was sealed shut, and my entire body was bound. Julian Blackwood held the whip, looking at the struggling woman before him. An inexplicable jolt ran through him. The lights in the private room were dim. He suddenly had an absurd thought, feeling she looked very much like me. “Husband, thank you for avenging me. This madam truly tortured me horribly, *sob*…” At that moment, Serena Vance tearfully embraced his waist, successfully dispelling his doubts. I usually disliked wearing cheongsams and always kept my long, flowing hair that he adored. This short-haired, cheongsam-clad madam couldn’t possibly be his beloved me. With that thought, all warmth vanished from Julian Blackwood’s eyes, replaced by a bloodthirsty frenzy. “How dare you harm my wife? I’ll make you suffer a thousand times the pain.” *Snap!* The whip whistled through the air and struck with brutal force. The first lash, I stiffened my back, the barbs tearing open the first bloody gash. I screamed, but it was stifled. The second lash, my pupils constricted, the skin-peeling wound felt like a branding iron, my breathing so rapid it felt like I was suffocating. The third lash, I bit my lip until it bled, my body convulsing and curling up. The pain was bone-deep, but there was no escape. After ninety-nine brutal lashes, my consciousness blurred, my body covered in blood, yet I no longer struggled, only twitching mechanically. In a daze, I remembered Julian Blackwood had said he would punish Serena Vance severely, that he would tie *me* up to whip *her*, but he had broken his word. Now, the one truly being bound, whipped, and tormented beyond endurance, was *me*! Then, I heard Julian Blackwood ask, “Serena, how many men did this madam arrange to humiliate you?” “…Ten.” “Good. Then I’ll make her endure it a hundredfold.” He coldly ordered his men, “Find a hundred of the dirtiest beggars, and then give this woman some drugs.” He lifted his leather shoe and kicked my masked chin. “How dare you harm my wife? I’ll make you regret ever coming into this world!” The mask flew to the floor. “Julian Blackwood…” I shouted with all my might. “If you knew the one you were hurting was me, would you regret it?” But all my blood-stained words turned into incoherent whimpers. Julian Blackwood had already turned and walked away, holding Serena Vance’s hand. “Serena, don’t look at this anymore, it’s disgusting. I’ll be with you for the next few days…” His voice faded into the distance. Someone untied me and forced a pill into my mouth. My heart felt like it had plunged into an ice cellar, but my body grew hotter and hotter. Countless filthy beggars surged through the door, an foul stench assailing me. Their gazes were lewd and vulgar, their hands, with their gray fingernails and oozing sores, brazenly touched my body. Besides the overwhelming revulsion, I even felt a shameful pleasure. I gasped for air, my face abnormally flushed, my eyes filled with tears of humiliation. If this continued, I would truly be utterly destroyed. I stumbled, grabbed a vase, shattered it with all my might, and forcefully stabbed a piece into my thigh. The gushing blood finally brought me a sliver of clarity. As the beggars closed in, with nowhere left to retreat, I glanced at the window behind me and, filled with grim determination, jumped. Perhaps it was the darkest hour before dawn; beneath the third-story window was a soft lawn, and not far away, the nightclub’s back door stood open. Ignoring my injuries and pain, I fled like a madwoman. My phone vibrated repeatedly. One message was from Julian Blackwood. “Summer, this project will take a few more days to finish. Be a good girl and wait for me at home. Love you.” I laughed sarcastically. The other was from the administrative office. “Your identity cancellation has been completed. All documents under this identity are now invalid.” This time, my laugh was genuine. Because, I could finally leave Julian Blackwood. Returning to the mansion, I quickly packed my luggage. All my personal documents had been confiscated by Julian Blackwood, but it didn’t matter now, because the person I once was no longer existed in this world. I only took my design sketches and some essential daily necessities. Then I removed the blood-stained ring and placed it on the empty desk. If Julian Blackwood just looked at it, he would know what he had done, and what I had endured. I had originally wanted to personally get my revenge on Serena Vance, but I knew that this ring alone would be enough to make Julian Blackwood my instrument of vengeance. By the time I left, it was night. On this midsummer night, the sky was like blue velvet, but unfortunately, due to city pollution, the stars appeared dim. But even dim stars will eventually emit dazzling light. I bought a plane ticket to Paris under my new identity. As the plane soared into the sky, I knew I was getting closer and closer to the stars. Goodbye, Julian Blackwood. I only wish to never see you again. Julian Blackwood returned to the mansion with Serena Vance, her arm linked through his, her eyes narrowed in a happy smile. Behind them, several bodyguards carried various luxury items from my shopping spree, and by her side was the man she had fallen madly in love with at first sight. From the moment she registered their marriage, Serena Vance felt her life had no regrets, except— Having to stay cooped up in the mansion. But now, that single regret was gone too. Serena Vance believed she was the happiest woman in the world. Julian Blackwood said nothing, a faint smile lingering on his lips. He led Serena Vance to the second-floor terrace, his thin lips parting. “I’m good to you, but what about you?” Serena Vance immediately nestled against his chest like a small bird, declaring deeply, “Of course, I’ll be good to you too. I love you, husband, I’ll love you forever, and I’ll love you more each day than the last!” With that, she stood on tiptoe and kissed Julian Blackwood’s lips. Julian Blackwood wrapped his arms around her waist, returning her kiss. His kissing technique was already superb, and this kiss was exceptionally long, as if it were a final embrace. He didn’t release her until Serena Vance was breathless, her face flushed red. His finger gently traced her swollen lips. “Since you love me so much, are you willing to do anything for me?” “Of course,” Serena Vance purred, melting into a puddle. “Let’s go do it… I’m fine with any position, just like every time before, whatever you like.” “That’s not what I’m talking about.” Serena Vance paused slightly. She looked up, studying Julian Blackwood’s expression, and suddenly considered a possibility, her entire being consumed by wild joy. Her voice trembling, she tentatively asked, “Husband, do you think Ms. Hayes went too far, and you want to punish her but can’t bring yourself to, so you want me to do it again?” “I can do it. You know I used to be very timid, but for you, I even dared to sever her hand. Now, whatever you want me to do to her, I’m still willing to do it for you!” Serena Vance knew Julian Blackwood’s power was boundless. He only appeared gentle and reasonable when he liked someone. But at his core, he was cruel and ruthless. Those who crossed him usually met a terrible end. If he no longer liked me, or even detested me… Serena Vance was beyond excited. She was so glad she had pretended to be tortured at the nightclub and framed me for everything. She had been worried about the trouble if Julian Blackwood discovered my numerous injuries. But if Julian Blackwood no longer wanted me, then it wouldn’t matter if that woman died. Once I was dead, he would be hers completely! “It does have to do with Summer.” Julian Blackwood’s tone suddenly softened a few degrees. But this gentleness made Serena Vance suspicious. If he no longer liked me, why was he still calling her Summer? Could it be… “Summer, such a kind person, yet she hired someone to kidnap and torture you. It seems as long as you exist, the wound in her heart will never fully heal.” Serena Vance’s heart sank inch by inch. “Husband, what do you mean by that…?” “I want you to come with me to get a divorce right now and disappear from my sight forever.” “What?!” Serena Vance looked at him in disbelief. Too shocked, she staggered backward. But this time, Julian Blackwood, who had always been so caring towards her, did not steady her. Instead, he let her fall to the ground. “I don’t want a divorce, husband! You said it yourself, marrying you was what I deserved…” “Indeed, you deserved it, but the term was only three years. You were willing to go to jail to help me keep Summer. As a token of my gratitude, I let you stay here and gave you three years of marriage. I believe I’ve been more than fair.” “Now you’re free. No one will pursue you for severing Summer’s hand back then. I can also give you a sum of money to ensure you live comfortably for the rest of your life, as thanks for helping me keep Summer.” Julian Blackwood’s voice was gentle, but Serena Vance knew it wasn’t because of me. Because he kept saying “Summer,” “Summer.” But how could Serena Vance give up? She truly loved Julian Blackwood, and having grown accustomed to such a lavish life in an elite family, how could she bear to leave? “Don’t abandon me, husband. You know I really love you. I can’t live without you, and when we were together, you were happy, weren’t you? I can do so much more for you…” Julian Blackwood said nothing, only looked at her intently. He had indeed been happy. Serena Vance was unrestrained and put him first in everything. The indulgence and thrill she offered were always top-notch. It wasn’t like with me; because he loved me too much, cared about me too much, he didn’t want to defile me. So every time, Julian Blackwood was gentle and restrained, focused only on satisfying me. As for his own feelings, they naturally took second place. Serena Vance and I were like a white rose and a red rose. If he could have both and they coexisted peacefully, he would have been willing. But Serena Vance’s dependence on him grew stronger, and I detested her so much. Even without knowing about their relationship, I had already sent people to capture Serena Vance and torture her. Despite being a little angel who felt pity for stray cats, I had lost all reason because of Serena Vance. If that was the case, then Serena Vance had to disappear completely. Temporary thrills ultimately weren’t as important as true love. It was time to end it. “No, please, husband, I can do anything, please don’t leave me…” Serena Vance once thought she had won Julian Blackwood’s love. But at this moment, she felt like she was back in the past, begging desperately for him, while he wouldn’t even look her way. She was so humble and despairing. Julian Blackwood knelt down. Serena Vance’s eyes lit up. After all, they’d been together for three years; surely there was some affection, right? Everything could still be turned around, it had to be. But the next second, Julian Blackwood gripped her chin, tightening his hold. “I told you to get a divorce. From now on, don’t call me husband anymore.” “From now on, I’m only Summer’s husband.” After saying that, Julian Blackwood suddenly felt a lot lighter. He, who could sign billion-dollar contracts with ease and feared nothing, had been constantly worried that I would discover his affair with Serena Vance. So he had to remarry me quickly and get rid of Serena Vance. My documents were with him anyway, and he intended to finalize everything today. “No…” Serena Vance endured the pain, still pleading. In the past, whenever she cried, Julian Blackwood’s face would show heartache. But now, his eyes held only impatience. “I’m not discussing this with you; I’m informing you. My patience is limited.” His gaze turned cold, his eyes tinged with anger. Serena Vance felt a chill run down her spine. She couldn’t utter another plea. She even thought, if this Julian Blackwood found out she had framed me and made him hurt me with his own hands… The thought filled Serena Vance with dread. She painfully realized that today, she had no choice but to get that divorce certificate. However, she still had one more trump card. Perhaps there was still a chance. Three years ago, Serena Vance dared to sever my hand, gambling that Julian Blackwood would be moved by it. After all, he was ruthless, and such a crazy act might just impress him. Serena Vance won the gamble. Not only did she get her revenge and hurt me, whom she had always envied, but she also truly gained Julian Blackwood. This time, she would gamble again! “Husband… no, Mr. Blackwood, I’ll go get my documents. Please wait for me.” Having lived in the mansion for three years, Serena Vance was familiar with every corner. She went to the bedroom to retrieve her documents, then immediately went into the bathroom. When she emerged, her expression had turned resolute. Because she had confirmed that she held a trump card! Even if they divorced today, I and Julian Blackwood would never be truly separated. Later, when Julian Blackwood looked back on her hidden sacrifice this time, he would only compensate and love her even more! The car started, heading toward the registry office. Julian Blackwood had already sent his assistant to retrieve my documents. With his capabilities and influence, he could fast-track things, divorce Serena Vance on the spot, and then remarry me. Just like three years ago. The divorce with Serena Vance went smoothly. The procedures were quickly completed, and two dark red divorce certificates were handed out. Even though it was a “strategic” divorce, Serena Vance’s eyes were slightly red with reluctance. Julian Blackwood seemed not to notice, saying coldly, “You can leave now. Pack your bags tonight and move out. My assistant will give you a hundred million dollars, enough for you to live well.” Serena Vance suppressed her bitterness. “I understand. Thank you, Mr. Blackwood.” A hundred million dollars was certainly a lot for ordinary people, but having been with a billionaire magnate like Julian Blackwood, she barely batted an eye at that amount. She pretended to comply, only planning for a glorious return with her trump card later. Serena Vance left shortly after, and the assistant brought my documents. Julian Blackwood’s rigid face softened a few degrees. “Is Summer at home?” The assistant respectfully replied, “Ms. Hayes is not home, sir. The staff said she hasn’t been back for three days.” What? Julian Blackwood’s eyebrows shot up. His face instantly darkened. I had left without a trace for three days? He instinctively wanted to use the ring to check my location, only to remember that he hadn’t worn the ring these past few days for his final farewells to Serena Vance. The ring was still in his CEO’s office. It seemed Serena Vance’s actions had affected me deeply, making me disobedient. Julian Blackwood was a little angry, but ultimately couldn’t bring himself to blame me. Never mind. He would just play back the ring’s recording later to find out where I went. For now, he needed to remarry me. From now on, his only wife would be me. Julian Blackwood handed his and my documents to the staff member. The process, usually straightforward, stalled as the staff member repeatedly entered my ID number. Finally, he looked at Julian Blackwood, whose expression had grown suspicious. “Mr. Blackwood, I’ve checked over a dozen times, and I can now confirm that the lady’s identity information has been canceled. She is currently untraceable.” Identity canceled? Julian Blackwood’s first reaction was disbelief. They were so in love; I had no reason to do such a thing behind his back.
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