At my 28th birthday party, Julian publicly carried Serena, who had fallen into the pool, back to her room. Everyone thought I’d just swallow the insult and stay silent. Instead, I trashed the banquet hall and demanded a divorce. Julian turned to look at me, a smirk on his face, utterly despicable. “Are you sure about this? There’s no turning back with me.” I nodded. “I know.” Three years after I left, I went to pick up my doctor boyfriend from work. But I bumped into Julian, holding an adorable little girl, consulting Asher about her condition. The moment our eyes met, he gave a cold sneer, pointed at me, and said to the little girl: “Looking for your mom? That’s her.” The hallway was bustling with people, the clinic door already closed by the patient who’d just entered. Julian’s long strides stopped right in front of me. His chiseled face was as cold and rigid as I remembered. His impeccably tailored suit outlined his perfectly proportioned, model-like physique. And the little girl in his arms, wearing a couture princess dress, was absolutely adorable. She clung to Julian’s neck, timidly eyeing me up and down. “What, don’t recognize your own child?” Julian’s thin lips curved, but no warmth reached his eyes. “Right, you haven’t seen her in years. How could you possibly recognize her?” I stiffened, a bitter feeling instantly flooding my heart. Back then, to get the divorce finalized quickly, I asked for nothing, not even the baby, who was still in diapers. Everyone called me heartless. Even my own parents thought so. The first time I brought up divorce, my mom specifically called me home. “You’re getting divorced, why didn’t you take the child? She’s your own flesh and blood, how could you be so cruel?” Seeing me look down and stay silent, she grew frantic: “Once you divorce, your stepsister will marry Julian before long. Are you just going to let her be your daughter’s stepmom?” I clenched my icy fingers. Turns out, in her heart, this marriage had always belonged to Serena. And I was nothing more than a temporary occupant, a stranger. But Serena wasn’t my biological sister. Fate played a cruel trick on us; she and I were swapped at birth. When I was finally brought home, the arranged marriage with Julian fell to me. Serena was forced to separate from Julian. In a fit of anger, she moved abroad and stopped contacting the family. I don’t know how they convinced Julian, but he eventually agreed to marry me. For two years, we maintained a civil, almost cordial relationship, relatively harmonious. But everyone knew Julian was still looking for Serena.
The day I received news about Serena was my due date. I woke up in pain in the middle of the night, instinctively reaching for Julian, only to find him on the balcony, talking on the phone. He was coaxing someone on the other end, his voice soft and tender: “I’ll come get you myself. Don’t worry, no one will dare say anything… Okay, I’m leaving now.” The moment he turned, our eyes met. I spoke calmly. “My stomach hurts a little. Can you take me to the hospital first?” He paused briefly, then continued walking out. “I’ll have the driver take you.” As he neared the door, I called out to him again. Julian’s gaze wasn’t warm. “Something else?” The tightening sensation in my abdomen made my voice tremble: “Julian,” I said, “if you walk out that door today, we’re done.” Julian’s expression instantly darkened. “What are you trying to pull now?” “Scarlett, I’m just going to pick her up. Why are you so dramatic?” He paused, then added, “Don’t forget, this marriage was originally hers, you snatched it.” His words hit me like a bucket of ice water. Two years of marriage, and while Julian didn’t necessarily love me, he never mistreated me. It even made me believe he had moved on from Serena and wanted to build a life with me. But now, I realized it was all just an illusion. My abdomen tightened again, forcing me to bend over and gasp for air. Serena’s cold voice came from Julian’s phone: “If she doesn’t want me here, I’ll buy a ticket and go back right now.” Julian’s face tightened. He spun around and hurried out. “Don’t be difficult, I’ll be there in a minute… Serena, don’t you dare leave…” As he spoke, he was already out the door. The door opened and closed, shutting away all his dominance and favoritism. I leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, trying to ease the pain. But the pain didn’t subside; instead, my stomach felt a heavy pull. Then, a warm liquid trickled down my thighs. Panicked, I dialed Julian’s number. The moment I spoke, I heard Julian’s chilling voice: “How long are you going to keep this up?” I said, my voice trembling, “I’m bleeding, the baby…” “Enough!” he cut me off sharply, scoffing, “I thought you were different from them. I didn’t expect you to use such low-class tactics.” “Whatever it is, we’ll talk when I get back.” With that, he hung up. Decisive and ruthless. Before we got married, my adoptive parents had told me, “If you don’t want to marry him, then don’t. Your mom and dad will support you for life.” Back then, I thought that with family interests binding us, Julian wouldn’t be so cruel. Later, I learned you can’t expect someone who never intended to love you seriously to put you first. The idea of divorce started then.
That day, an ambulance came for me. Lying on the operating table, clinging to life, I remembered many things. I remembered when we first got married, Julian and I had a sweet period. He’d take me to see the ocean at dawn, and we’d kiss when he was tipsy. Every evening and late night after we got our marriage license, he’d make love to me. My friends would say enviously, “Your husband really spoils you.” But that lasted only six months. The day I noticed something was off, I overheard him talking to his friend. His friend asked him, “Are you flaunting your affection like this to force Serena back? Looks like it’s not working.” Julian leaned against the railing, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips: “Then let’s see how long she can endure.” “But your wife is pretty great in every way. No feelings for her?” Julian took a sip of his drink and chuckled dismissively. “It’s all for appearances, nothing I ever truly felt.” The indifference in his eyes stung me terribly, every single day after that. I tried the silent treatment with him. He was such a perceptive man; he’d always notice my unhappiness immediately and coax me in a low voice. As he coaxed me, I started coaxing myself. He couldn’t let go of Serena, he was just unwilling to admit it. If possible, he could pretend to be good to me for a lifetime, and I could play along. I didn’t know then that time is never the cure; reunion is. The operation was reaching its critical point; the medical staff’s movements suddenly became frantic. As my consciousness gradually blurred, I remembered something else. After my marriage to Julian was set, Serena went on a hunger strike and eventually fainted from low blood sugar. On that rainy night, Julian rushed her into the emergency room, cradling her. His white shirt was soaked through, but he didn’t seem to notice, only gripping her hand, calling out “Serena” again and again. I followed behind, holding the payment slip, watching him tremble as he pulled out fruit candies from his pocket, carefully peeled the wrapper, and slipped one into her pale lips. I stood by the IV stand, watching as he bent over, revealing the back of his neck, where sweat and rainwater mingled and dripped. That day, he was also sweating cold from a stomachache. But because Serena couldn’t be left alone, he gritted his teeth and stayed in the emergency room all night. And I, suffering from placental abruption and clinging to life, couldn’t even get him on the phone. Love is one thing, but if it requires too much humility, I don’t want it. Perhaps heaven had pity on me; in the end, I narrowly survived. It was five days later when I came out of the ICU. Before I even saw Julian, I heard news of him from my nurse. Turns out, while I was on the operating table, fighting for my life, he was throwing a lavish welcome party for Serena. He even arranged a spectacular fireworks display for her. Under the dazzling fireworks, the two exchanged glances, their expressions deep and restrained. In this marriage, I forgave many unforgivable things, thinking it would lead to happiness. Later, I discovered he had already predetermined our ending. No matter what I did, happiness was impossible. So, the first thing I did after being discharged was tell him I wanted a divorce. He was silent for a long time. “Don’t overthink this. Just focus on recovering.” He thought I was making this decision due to postpartum hormones. It wasn’t until three months later, at my birthday party, that I brought up divorce again. He was holding a soaking wet Serena, walking towards a room. Hearing my words, he turned back to look at me, his smile utterly despicable: “Are you sure about this? There’s no turning back with me.” I nodded calmly. “Okay.”
“Julian, my little Lily~” Serena’s voice pulled me back to the present. She was wearing elaborate makeup and high heels, stopping beside Julian. “What did the doctor say?” “Surgery is scheduled for next month.” Serena breathed a sigh of relief, smiling. “You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get an appointment with Dr. Asher! Now our little Lily will have…” She suddenly paused, as if just noticing me, and exclaimed in surprise: “Scarlett?” Before I could speak, she continued, “Did you come back because you knew Lily was sick? Well, you are Lily’s birth mother, after all.” After she spoke, I heard Julian say coldly, “Birth mother? Does she even deserve that title?” I froze, instinctively looking at the child in his arms. But I saw in her eyes a look of disappointment and sadness that I dared not face. In that moment, my chest felt like a handful of shattered glass had been kneaded into it, the dense, throbbing pain instantly spreading to my limbs. Julian had initially agreed to let me take the child. But he changed his mind. I questioned why he went back on his word. The man lounged on the sofa, his long legs casually stretched out: “Serena is afraid of ruining her figure and doesn’t want to have children.” I was furious. “That’s *my* child!” “She’s my child too. Don’t worry, Serena will treat her like her own.” I disagreed, but he used all sorts of tactics to pressure me. No matter what he said, I wouldn’t budge. Finally, he looked at me with cold eyes. “Scarlett, don’t forget how your adoptive parents got their jobs.” At that moment, I suddenly understood that I had no power to fight against him. During the standoff, Serena tugged on Julian’s sleeve, trying to smooth things over: “How about we all have dinner together? We can catch up. Julian, what do you say?” Julian glanced at me, his eyes indifferent. “I don’t make a habit of catching up with ex-wives.” He turned and strode away. Serena chased him for a few steps, then turned back. “You’re not back to snatch Lily from me, are you?” “No. I’m back to get married.” She gasped briefly. “You’re getting married?” Her shock was understandable. Julian and I had been divorced for two years, and they still hadn’t registered their marriage or held a wedding. And I was once again ahead of her. But she unusually breathed a sigh of relief. “Congratulations! Have you set a date?” “The eighth of next month.” She hesitated for a moment, then asked, “You haven’t told our parents about this, have you? Why don’t you ask for their opinion?” “We’ll see.” However, that evening, I received a call from my parents, asking me to come home. The moment I walked in, Brenda’s face was drawn as she demanded: “Why are you back? Didn’t you act so tough when you left, saying you’d never return?” “And who are you marrying? What’s his family like? Does he know you’ve been married and have a child?”
I once thought home was a safe harbor. But all the storms I’d weathered over the years were brought by this very home. Parents usually wish their children well, but my biological parents were experts at rubbing salt in my wounds. Though I already knew they disliked me, hearing those words, I couldn’t help but feel my eyes redden, a suffocating pain pressing down on me. Seeing me silent, Serena quickly pulled Brenda away, but her words were directed at me: “Scarlett, just say something. Mom’s just looking out for you. If he doesn’t know, you should tell him soon.” I curled my lips, my voice laced with sarcasm: “Don’t compare him to you all. You don’t deserve it.” As I spoke, my parents simultaneously yelled: “What are you saying?” “Say that again!” At the same time, Julian’s voice echoed: “What’s going on?” Following the sound, I saw Julian standing at the stair landing, holding Lily’s hand. Serena went up to him, naturally took Lily’s hand, and said to Julian: “Julian, Scarlett is getting married.” Julian’s voice was as indifferent as ever. “Oh, congratulations.” Serena: “That’s what I said too, congratulations on finding true love. By the way, Scarlett, why didn’t you bring your boyfriend back today?” “Dinner isn’t necessary, he’s very busy.” I placed our wedding invitation on the coffee table. “Here’s our invitation. Whether you come or not is up to you.” “And please, don’t call me back unless it’s really necessary.” As I turned to leave, my eyes met Lily’s. I paused. She moved her lips, as if saying, “Mommy.” I clenched my hand, and after tens of seconds of inner struggle, I expressionlessly shifted my gaze and walked away.
While waiting for Asher White at the apartment complex entrance, a car slowly pulled up in front of me. The window rolled down, revealing Julian’s sharp, cold face. “Get in.” I politely refused. “No, thank you. My boyfriend is coming to pick me up.” He let out a soft laugh. “Scarlett, didn’t you do some research?” I was puzzled. “Research what?” “Bigamy is illegal.” “We’re already divorced.” “Are we?” He casually tapped the steering wheel with his long, slender fingers, speaking lazily, “What if I never signed the papers?” I could barely believe my ears. “What did you say?” He answered evasively, “Get in the car.” I didn’t move, trying to calmly talk to him. “Why didn’t you sign?” Julian rested one hand on the car window, looking relaxed and defiant. “Want to know? Then get in.” They say some people’s love is only a fraction, yet they pretend it’s overflowing to make you fall. Julian was one of those people. Even though we were divorced, he still acted like a victim. “Julian,” I said, fixing my gaze on him, “you’re not still hung up on me, are you?” At my words, a flicker of astonishment crossed his deep dark eyes, quickly vanishing. It was replaced by sarcasm. “Do you deserve that?” “Oh? Then why haven’t you married Serena yet?” He smiled faintly, his eyes devoid of warmth. “Not playing innocent anymore?” I was taken aback. “What?” “You’ve been asking around about when Serena and I are getting married. Wasn’t that because you wanted to get back together with me?” I didn’t deny it. Recently, I had indeed been inquiring about him and Serena. But not for the reason he suggested. I wasn’t looking to reconcile; I was coming back to fight for Lily’s custody. Because not long ago, I received an anonymous email containing a recording of a conversation between Serena and my biological mother. Serena said: “Mom, Scarlett is already getting remarried. Why hasn’t Julian married me yet? Do you think he doesn’t love me anymore?” My biological mother replied: “If he doesn’t love you, who would he love? You just overthink things.” Serena: “For the past three years, he’s been so focused on the child; he hasn’t spent much time with me.” “You’re silly, why don’t you use some tactics? If all else fails, just have his son, and he won’t even look at that girl again.” “But I said I didn’t want to have children…” “Wasn’t that just a lie to prevent Julian and Scarlett from having lingering ties? Just listen to me, have a son for him as soon as possible, and secure your position through your child.” Serena was swayed and remarked, “Mommy is so good to me. Back then, I thought that once Scarlett came back, you would all favor her.” “Don’t overthink it. There’s a difference between your biological child and the one you raised yourself…” The recording ended there. That night, I stayed awake until dawn. Finally, I made a decision. I was going to get my child back. Before returning, I had planned everything. The one thing I hadn’t expected was that Julian hadn’t signed the divorce papers. “You have one minute to think about it.” Julian cut off my thoughts. I lowered my gaze to him. “What exactly do you want?” He still didn’t answer directly. “Lily wants to go to the amusement park. I’m busy tomorrow; you take her.” The refusal died on my lips. Julian’s cunning eyes were sharp and perceptive; nothing could be hidden from him. “Tomorrow morning at nine. Don’t disappoint her.”
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