Just because a photo I shared on social media unintentionally showed my stepsister Veronica’s dog in heat, AI-generated explicit images of me were fabricated and spread across the entire internet, branding me as public property, a target for everyone’s mockery. I reported the malicious defamation to the cops, but I was repeatedly told they were “handling it.” Desperately, I called my husband, Julian Thorne, who I’d been married to for three years. His voice was utterly devoid of warmth. “It’s AI, not you,” he said dismissively. “Why are you so worked up?” Yet, in the blink of an eye, he specifically held a press conference to clear up the scandal surrounding Veronica’s dog. At the same time, I received a message from my step-brother, Alex Thorne: “Our agreement is up in a month. You can decide then whether you want to stay or go.” “I’m leaving.” This time, there wasn’t a trace of hesitation in my voice. “Three years of marriage, and you truly have no feelings for him?” Alex looked stunned, but a flicker of something akin to satisfaction crossed his face. After all, everyone believed I loved Julian to the point of desperation, with no shred of self-respect left. “Yes, I don’t love him.” And I don’t love you, either. That last part, I kept to myself. Above, flocks of geese were flying south, a migration mirroring my own. I tipped my head back and smiled, a feeling of pure release washing over me. I could finally leave. Not just Julian, but Alex too. Three years ago, the Thorne family’s finances had imploded, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. The only way out was a strategic marriage alliance with the Sterling family, one of the most powerful and affluent dynasties in the city. Alex found me, kneeling on one knee. “Serena, please, big brother is begging you, help our family just this once. Do it for me.” My heart shattered as I looked at the man before me. “Alex, but you know I love *you*, yet you’re asking me to marry another man!” His eyes darted away. “Serena, we’re siblings. It’s impossible for us. Julian Thorne, he has money, power… marry him, and you’ll be happy, I promise.” I let out a cold laugh, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. Yes, Julian Thorne, the Sterling family’s eldest son, was wealthy and powerful, and he had a face so stunningly handsome, it could have been sculpted by a Greek god. But everyone in this city knew he harbored a deep, undying love for Veronica—his childhood sweetheart, the girl who was forever his ‘white moonlight,’ his unattainable first love. They had grown up together, everyone assumed they would naturally marry. But the Thorne family went bankrupt overnight, and Veronica, unwilling to become his ‘kept woman,’ disappeared completely after leaving a farewell letter. After Veronica left, Julian drank himself into oblivion every day. The Sterling family was heartbroken, so they arranged this marriage, hoping it would help their son move past his grief. But after marrying me, Julian frantically searched for replacements for Veronica, never even glancing my way. On our wedding night, he brought one of those substitutes into our marital bed. Julian ignored me completely, so the Thorne family naturally lost any chance of a comeback. Alex came begging to me again and again. I had no choice but to swallow my pride, acting like a desperate, pathetic fool, mimicking Veronica’s style and hobbies, all to win Julian’s attention. Veronica loved extreme sports, so I overcame my fear of heights, sweating profusely as I bungee jumped from thousands of feet in the air. Veronica loved to drink, so I, allergic to alcohol, injected myself with countless anti-allergy shots just to drink with Julian. Veronica loved to cook, so I traveled all the way to France to learn culinary arts. My relentless efforts finally paid off. Julian eventually dismissed all his other replacements, focusing his attention solely on me. In moments of intimacy, he’d even kissed me deeply, whispering, “Just be yourself, Serena.” Everyone thought Julian had finally moved past his old love, and that our marriage would finally turn a corner. But then, Veronica suddenly returned. Julian started bringing me to various events frequently. People laughed, calling us a deeply loving couple, but only I knew he was just using me to make Veronica jealous. He would abandon me at a club, only to be found passionately kissing Veronica in the restroom. He’d buy out an entire store of clothes for me, then brutally take Veronica in the fitting room. Even my own birthday party was nothing more than an excuse for him to meet Veronica. I quickly became a laughingstock, but I didn’t care. Because I had never loved Julian. Ten years ago, my mother remarried into the Thorne family, bringing me with her, and soon after, she passed away from an illness. The Thorne family treated me like an annoying mouse, but only my step-brother Alex was kind to me, day after day, for a decade. He was more than just a step-brother; he was like a father to me. Alex even, blushing furiously, taught me how to handle my very first period, then gently made sure I had clean clothes. Forbidden desires tore at me, but I couldn’t help but fall irrevocably in love with my step-brother. To ensure his happiness, I was willing to give everything. Through those excruciating 970 days and nights, I clung to the slivers of kindness Alex threw my way. Until that day, I stood outside the Thorne family’s window, holding a freshly packed box of Alex’s favorite wontons. “Everyone thinks I’m madly in love with Julian, but who would have guessed my true love is you?” Alex’s voice was flippant, a stark contrast to his usual gentle tone. “Just a few crumbs of attention from me, and who knew she’d be so devoted?” “Our 1000-day agreement is almost up. If I insist on a divorce, will you take me in? After all, my life has been utterly miserable, and it’s all thanks to you.” “No way,” he scoffed. “She’s already used up, damaged goods. You’re welcome to her if you want her.” The warm wontons in my hand suddenly slipped and crashed to the ground. My blood ran cold. It turned out, everything had been a scam. “Then why, after all these years, have you never had a woman by your side?” The room instantly fell silent. I held my breath, tense. After a long pause, Alex finally spoke: “Just haven’t found the right one.” I felt like a condemned prisoner, gasping for air. My phone suddenly rang, pulling me from my memories. “Is this Miss Sterling? Your biological father is gravely ill. As he has no other children, there’s a fortune of twenty billion dollars for you to inherit.” “However, the condition is that you must change your legal name and revert your family ties.” 2 Once I agreed, a private jet itinerary for a flight to Paris a month later was quickly sent to my phone. The flood of AI-generated images of me online was also taken down by my father’s people. But I knew the damage they had inflicted on me would never truly disappear. Composing myself, I went out for a walk. But strangers on the street were already pointing and whispering. “Isn’t that the girl from those nude photos online recently?” “She’s actually quite pretty in person. Go ask her how much she charges.” “No way! She’s disgusting. That kind of trash probably does it for free.” My chest tightened with pain. I lowered my head and hurried away. Reaching my company building, I thought about going inside to rest my feet and wait until dark before heading out again. But strangely, I found the massive company building completely empty. The elevator went straight to the CEO’s office on the top floor. Before I even opened the door, I heard a cacophony of voices. *POP!* Confetti cannons exploded above my head. Julian pushed a cake, and the employees behind him held all sorts of gifts. The entire top floor was decorated like a fairytale castle. The moment they saw me, the whole room fell silent. Julian’s face was terrifyingly grim. “Why are *you* here?” Before I could speak, another elevator chimed open. Veronica stepped out, her eyes wide with surprise. “Wow, is all this for me?” Julian’s sullen face instantly softened with tenderness. “Yes, darling. Happy birthday to our sweetest little girl!” Everyone around laughed and stepped forward to offer their blessings. Watching the joyous scene unfold, I suddenly remembered Julian was always too busy to come home during our first year of marriage. To take care of him, I would bring him lunchboxes and fruit every day, staying at the company with him until midnight, even on my own birthday. When my friends found out, they ordered a cake to be delivered at midnight, but Julian casually tossed it into the trash. “This is a company, not your home. If you want to celebrate, go home.” Suddenly, all the lights in the room went out. Veronica, blushing, closed her eyes and made a wish amidst the chorus of “Happy Birthday.” The man beside her gazed down, his eyes filled with an unbearable tenderness—a stark contrast to the distant, arrogant look he usually gave me. Without a word to anyone, I let out a bitter laugh and quietly left. I hailed a cab to the Thorne family estate. When I arrived, the lights were bright, but not a single one was left on for me. The lively conversation inside instantly died the moment I pushed open the door. Everyone stared at me in silence. Alex cleared his throat, breaking the quiet. “Serena, what are you doing here?” I ignored their scrutinizing gazes. “You once said that if I helped you, you’d grant me one wish. Does that still stand?” “Of course,” Alex frowned. “But nothing too outrageous.” I didn’t need him to say it. I knew what he was worried about—that I’d use it to force him to marry me. How pathetic did he think I was? “I want to legally separate myself from the Thorne family, and change my last name back to Sterling.” Changing my name was easy enough, but only the head of the household could process the legal separation. I had no choice but to rely on Alex. Alex paused for a moment, then nodded. As I walked out the door, whispers immediately erupted from the room. “I just wanted to leave the Thorne family so we could be together legitimately, and you agreed?” “Go ahead, I won’t marry her.” I curled my lips into a self-mocking smile. It didn’t matter. I didn’t care anymore. Back home, Julian sat on the black leather couch, long legs crossed. Hearing the door, he lazily looked up. “Where were you so late?” I knew he didn’t really care where I’d been, so I casually brushed him off. “Just went to the Thorne estate for a bit.” He narrowed his eyes but didn’t ask further. “Veronica wants to attend tomorrow’s recital too.” I was a cellist, and I’d already made a name for myself in college. Tomorrow’s recital was a carefully prepared concert, both a debut and a farewell. After this one, I would change my name and identity and start anew. *Just consider it a last-minute additional accompanist*, I told myself, nodding my agreement. I was leaving soon; I didn’t want any more complications. Julian seemed surprised I agreed so easily. He thought back to what his friend had told him that afternoon: “Julian, I truly envy you. You have a wife at home who’s devoted to you, works tirelessly without complaint, and a childhood sweetheart outside.” “Just forget about it. It’s easy to find a first love, but I guarantee you won’t find another woman as foolish as her anywhere in the world.” His friend envied him, and he should have been happy, but hearing someone talk about me like that left him with an uncomfortable feeling he couldn’t quite place. He watched me, the woman who had just walked in and, without even resting, headed to the kitchen to prepare his dinner. He raised an eyebrow. He had wondered more than once, if Veronica hadn’t been his savior, he would have fallen hopelessly in love with me. But there were no ‘ifs.’ He lifted his gaze and handed me a gift he had originally intended for Veronica. “Here, for you. Don’t embarrass me at tomorrow’s recital.” Julian walked towards me, embraced me, and fastened the necklace around my neck. An intimate tension instantly enveloped us. I looked at the man before me in surprise, about to speak, when I was interrupted by a frantic, distinctive ringtone. “Julian, darling, I’ve had too much to drink and I miss you so much.” The woman’s voice on the other end of the line was soft and sweet. Julian’s throat bobbed. Without another thought, he turned and left. I heard the door click shut, my face expressionless. I put down the knife in my hand and walked into the study to practice for tomorrow’s performance. In the study, my gaze was suddenly drawn to a confidential document tucked away in the bookshelf. Normally, I had no interest in anything related to Julian, but this time, an inexplicable curiosity compelled me to open the file. The moment I saw its contents, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. It turned out Julian’s unwavering devotion to Veronica all these years was due to him mistakenly believing she was his savior. Yet, on the very same day, at the very same location, the commendation for *my* rescue was still safely tucked away in my drawer. My mood suddenly lifted. I yearned to see the day Julian discovered the truth. Smiling, I took out the contract I’d signed three years ago and the commendation, sending them both to a secure storage facility. “Deliver these to Julian Thorne in one month.” That contract clearly stated that I, as the乙方 (Party B), willingly married Julian Thorne as repayment for Alex’s kindness, for a period of 1000 days. 3 The next evening, I arrived at the concert hall on time. Veronica’s piano was already placed prominently on the stage. I didn’t say much, assuming Veronica was just rehearsing. After all, this was *my* recital; Veronica wouldn’t try to steal the show, would she? But that piano remained on stage until the performance began. When I tried to confront Veronica, I was locked inside the dressing room. By the time I was let out, the recital was already nearing its end. I directed the staff to bring my cello onto the stage, but the moment I stepped out, I was met with a barrage of curses. “Refund! Refund!” “Refund! Refund!” The boos and shouts from the audience pierced my heart like arrows. I saw that the seat reserved for Julian was already empty. My meticulously prepared recital, ruined so easily, left me only with a profound sense of shame towards my fans. Guards escorted me through the furious crowd and safely back home. Pushing open the door, the house was dark, and the temperature was chillingly low. Julian sat on the sofa, his eyes unfathomably dark. Anyone familiar with him knew that the young master was furious. A smart person would steer clear. “Did you touch my documents?” But instead of躲避 (avoiding), I nodded, frankly admitting it. Julian froze for a moment, then laughed, enraged. “It doesn’t matter if you know. It just helps you understand your place. You’re nothing more than a tool for a marriage alliance, and you’ll never be able to compare to Veronica.” I watched him calmly, saying nothing. Julian’s brow furrowed, a strange sensation flashing through him. Before he could question it, the master bedroom door clicked open. Veronica emerged, rubbing her eyes, wearing my pajamas. I always thought Julian, being born into such privilege, had no empathy. Even when I was gravely ill and confined to bed, Julian would still throw parties at home. When I stumbled out, dizzy and clutching my head, to question him, I only received a casual reply from the man: “What’s it to me?” But now, merely to avoid disturbing Veronica’s sleep, the entire household was silent, and no lights were allowed. Julian waved his hand, lazily instructing me, hoping to see a twisted expression on my face. “Veronica’s staying for dinner tonight. Go prepare it.” But I didn’t react with the expected rage. Instead, I simply stood up obediently and walked towards the kitchen. Watching me walk away, Julian unconsciously rubbed his fingers. That unidentifiable feeling from before resurfaced. He had brought Veronica home, yet I was still cooking without complaint. I must love him to this extent, with no bottom line. He admitted that even his love for Veronica wasn’t this selfless. In the kitchen, I skillfully took out ingredients, washing and chopping them. No one would have guessed that just a few years ago, I was a pampered young lady who never lifted a finger. “Sister, let me help you.” The knife in my hand was suddenly snatched away. Veronica smiled innocently at me, but in the next second, she turned the blade towards herself. Tiny beads of blood instantly welled up on Veronica’s delicate arm. Before I could react, a huge force suddenly slammed into me, knocking the knife from Veronica’s hand. The knife flew with the impact, barely grazing my cheek before embedding itself in the wall. My heart instantly skipped a beat. A sharp pain bloomed on my face belatedly, followed by the warm sensation of blood trickling down. Julian finally noticed me. Guilt flickered in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Serena, I didn’t mean to.” I was about to speak, but Veronica interrupted. “Julian, I just wanted to help my sister cook, but she…” She didn’t finish the sentence, but her hesitant expression spoke volumes. The guilt in Julian’s eyes instantly vanished, replaced by a dark frown. “So, you deliberately hurt Veronica?” Before I could explain, Julian pulled the knife from the wall. He narrowed his eyes, staring intently at me, his tongue pressing against his molars. “You just used my recital to play a few songs, and you’re so vindictive you’d hurt someone in revenge?” I shook my head, backing away. “It wasn’t me, it was her.” Julian scoffed. “Veronica is a pianist; she treasures her hands more than anything. You’re telling me she hurt herself?” I defiantly raised my head, meeting his gaze, and repeated, “Yes, it was her.” I took a deep breath. “I’m a cellist. If I were capable of hurting my own hands, would you believe me then?” I didn’t care if Julian misunderstood me, but that didn’t mean I would let myself be wrongly accused. Julian was stunned, not expecting me to say that. “You…” Before he could react, I picked up the knife and, gritting my teeth, slashed across the palm of my hand. Blood instantly pooled on the floor. A flicker of emotion crossed Julian’s eyes. He was about to reach out to stop me, but he was interrupted. Veronica suddenly spoke, “Sister, why go to such lengths? Harming yourself just to hurt me?” As soon as she spoke, Julian’s face indeed hardened. My knife hand trembled, and I closed my eyes in despair. The intense pain made me gradually lose consciousness. Just before I completely blacked out, I heard Julian’s cold voice: “If you weren’t so much like Veronica, do you think I would ever have looked your way?” 4 To punish my disobedience, Julian instantly withdrew all cooperation with the Thorne family. I was jolted awake from my unconsciousness by the frantic ringing of my phone. I endured the pain and answered Alex’s call. “Serena, I’ve submitted your legal separation paperwork, but if anything like this happens again, I’ll retract it.” My blood instantly froze. “You can’t do that! You promised me!” I was just one step away from finally being free, and I wouldn’t let all my efforts go to waste. Alex’s voice on the other end of the line was weary. “Then for this last month, just be obedient and take good care of Julian.” After hanging up, my door was suddenly pushed open. Julian walked in, his voice cold and hard as he looked down at me. “Veronica, to mend your relationship, has invited you bungee jumping. You have five minutes to pack and come with me.” With that, he slammed the door shut and left as quickly as he’d appeared. But I hated bungee jumping, and I had no interest in mending any relationship with Veronica. Thinking of the consequences of my disobedience, I numbly closed my eyes. Giving me no room to refuse, five minutes later, a bodyguard kicked open the door and dragged me all the way to the car. In the extended limousine, I sat alone, hugging my arms, curled up by the window, closing my eyes to rest. My arm wound hadn’t even been re-dressed today, but I gritted my teeth, enduring the pain, convincing myself that if I just fell asleep, it wouldn’t hurt. Soon, I drifted off in the gently rocking car. Across from me, Julian and Veronica were kissing and cuddling as if no one else was there. The driver and his assistant in the front seat whispered to each other. “I almost feel sorry for Mrs. Thorne. If my husband did that in front of me, I’d be furious.” “Oh, Mrs. Thorne just loves the Young Master too much. I once heard her say she’d endure anything as long as they didn’t divorce.” Julian lazily lifted his gaze, thoughtfully observing me, as compliant as a kitten, across from him. He wasn’t a stone. After all these years, how could he not see how good I was to him? As long as I remained this obedient, he wouldn’t mind indulging me, giving me the title of Mrs. Sterling for life. And where he couldn’t see, a flash of murderous intent crossed Veronica’s eyes. After an unknown amount of time, the car finally stopped. Looking at the bottomless cliff, my teeth chattered with fear. Veronica fluttered her big eyes. “Julian, darling, it’s been so long since I’ve bungee jumped, I’m suddenly a little scared. Will you hold me and jump with me?” Julian stroked her head indulgently, drawing out his reply. “Of course.” Julian gripped Veronica’s waist, and without a blink, he leaped. Her delighted scream and his deep laugh echoed from the valley below. The two of them, like a deeply loving couple, exchanged passionate confessions amidst the thrilling adrenaline rush. “Julian! I love you!” “I love you too, Veronica.” The driver looked at me with pity, but I was expressionless, even wishing them eternal happiness. Just a little longer, and their endless affection would have absolutely nothing to do with me. After the staff fitted me with the equipment, I frowned, recoiling. I turned to say, “Maybe not,” but before I could speak, a force shoved me forward. “My apologies, but Miss Thorne simply can’t tolerate you.” I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the freefall, cold sweat instantly drenching my entire body. As I reached the lowest point. *SNAP!* One of the ropes suddenly gave way. My heart leaped into my throat. I screamed for help, “Julian, save me!” But he had his back to me, pressing his lips against the back of Veronica’s head, kissing her. My heart sank as I saw Veronica smiling, shaking a knife in her hand. *She* had cut the rope. With only one rope, it was impossible to maintain balance. Despite my desperate prayers, I inevitably crashed into sharp rocks. The inertia combined with my body weight instantly left my head gushing blood. The sticky warmth seeped into my eyes. My trembling hand reached for the wound, but instead, I felt the hard bone beneath. Through my blurring vision, I saw Julian finally turn, running towards me like a madman. I closed my eyes, exhausted. *It’s okay, Julian. You just don’t love me. You haven’t done anything wrong.* *And I don’t care if you love me.* *I only hate Alex, who, under the guise of love, pushed me into this abyss.* 5 I woke up in the hospital. Julian Thorne was huddled miserably beside my legs. A searing pain flared across my forehead, and I couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp.
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298803”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic
Leave a Reply