**Chapter 1** After a month apart, Liam Vance pounced on me like a hungry wolf, as if he wanted to devour me whole. “Stella, do you know how much I’ve missed you? I was going crazy.” “Liam, I… I missed you too…” Our long, passionate tangle finally ended, leaving us utterly spent. I was practically a puddle, and Liam, as always, gently wiped me down with a soft cloth. His fingertips grazed my sensitive skin, making me shiver involuntarily. “Stella, something came up at the office tonight. I’ll have to work late. Get some rest early.” “Okay, I’ll wait for you to come back.” I nodded softly, as considerate and obedient as ever. After Liam left, I put on my robe and walked to the living room to get some water. His laptop was still on the dining table, its screen glowing, emitting constant pings and chimes. He’d left in such a hurry that he’d forgotten his computer. I originally just meant to close it, but a pop-up SnapChat group message caught my eye. The group name was “Wedding Prep Squad.” Our wedding was so close. Was he secretly planning a surprise for me? I couldn’t resist clicking it open. “Liam, the Maldives wedding for the end of the month is all set. It’s the latest trend – an ocean-front ceremony. Jessica is going to love it.” Maldives? An ocean-front wedding? But our wedding had been booked a month ago at the most luxurious hotel in town, The Lido. Had something happened? Liam sent a new message: “As long as Jessica likes it. I’ve waited three years for this wedding; it has to be perfect.” Others quickly chimed in. “Liam, you’re brutal! Pulling off such an elaborate scheme just to marry Jessica. Stella still has no idea that on *their* wedding day, you’ll actually be marrying Jessica in the Maldives.” “I can’t wait to see her face when she gets stood up! She’ll be so mortified she’d want the ground to swallow her whole. LOL, so messed up!” “But isn’t that a bit cruel? It’s basically social suicide.” A few seconds later, Liam sent another message. “Don’t blame me, she deserved it. Jessica was so hurt back then, all because of her. Jessica said if I could ruin Stella’s reputation and career, she’d marry me. Finally, fate is on my side; I’ve waited so long for this day.” “Congrats, Liam! Make sure to invite us to the wedding.” “Congrats, Liam, on getting what you wanted.” “Congrats, Liam, on winning your beauty!” The incoming SnapChat messages were like a thousand knives, each one twisting deeper into my heart, tearing me to shreds. I felt like I’d been thrown into the icy depths of the ocean, my entire body stiff and numb. So, he only got close to me for revenge. So, the so-called wedding was just a trap for me. So, all the tenderness and deep affection over the years were nothing but lies. Memories rushed back, flooding over me like a tidal wave. Three years ago, I was just a budding dancer. That year, at the National Dance Competition, I won first prize with my self-choreographed and directed solo dance, *Moonlight*. I outshone Jessica Hayes, becoming the true sensation of the year. That same year, I replaced her as the dance troupe’s principal dancer, showered with applause and flowers. It was then that Liam Vance walked into my life. He pursued me openly and extravagantly; the entire scene knew that Liam Vance, the CEO of Vance Holdings, was willing to spend a fortune just to see me smile. But I’d always had zero interest in the ‘billionaire CEO’ type. I wasn’t about to become some man’s gilded cage bird. He didn’t give up. Instead, he became quiet yet persistent. When I had commercial performances, he’d clear his schedule to be there; after the show, he even donated a massive sum to the dance troupe. I was passionate about charity, so he donated to build several rural schools in my name and established a charitable foundation. That year, I accidentally fractured my foot. Doctors said I might never return to the stage. I hit rock bottom, nearly doing something drastic. He stayed by my side day and night, contacted top orthopedic specialists worldwide, and slowly helped me recover. After six months, I finally stood on stage again. That day, my performance was a huge success. Backstage, he confessed his love to me again. This time, I couldn’t say no. With tears in my eyes, I nodded yes. In the days that followed, he gave me a kind of love I’d never experienced, spoiling me like a princess. Three years together, I thought we were finally heading for marriage. Instead, it was all just part of his revenge plan. Tears streamed uncontrollably, I was in so much pain I could barely breathe, my heart felt ground into dust. It was almost dawn. I wiped away my last tear and sent a message: “I agree to join the Starlight Dance Company. I’m never setting foot back in this country.” The reply came quickly: “Ms. Reed, it is our honor to have you. From today, you will be the company’s principal dancer and director.” I simply replied: “Pick me up at the end of the month.” The end of the month—the very day I was supposed to marry Liam Vance. **Chapter 2** After hanging up, I got up and walked to the master bedroom, which was prepped for the wedding. The room was filled with wedding-related items, a sea of vibrant red. But now, that red, typically a symbol of joy, felt like a searing brand against my eyes. I walked over to the huge display window, where Liam had personally arranged twelve tokens of his devotion for me. A diamond vow comb, a platinum intertwined necklace, sapphire earrings, eternal love couple’s rings… With each gift I received, my love for him deepened a little more. It wasn’t until the last item, a solid gold engagement contract, was placed before me that I finally agreed to marry him. Looking at these expensive, exquisitely crafted gifts, I heard his voice in my mind, speaking the vow that had once touched my soul: “Stella, I only wish to hold your hand for this life, to grow old with you.” But now, that vow was a blade, slicing my heart open again and again. My hands trembling, I picked up a hammer and smashed each of the so-called “tokens of love” into tiny pieces. Fragments scattered across the floor, just like my shattered heart. When Liam returned, I was sitting on the sofa, staring blankly, my tear stains not yet dry. He seemed to sense something was off, walking over to hug me. “Stella, why are you crying?” I didn’t lean into his embrace as usual; instead, I shifted slightly, my voice calm: “It’s nothing. Couldn’t sleep. Watched a movie and got a little emotional.” He ruffled my hair, his voice tender, “What kind of movie could make my little princess cry?” “The plot was pretty cliché. The female lead was betrayed by the man she loved. The male lead manipulated her, using her to get to another woman, only to abandon her once she was hooked. Don’t you think such a female lead is incredibly pitiful?” I said this expressionlessly. He paused, his face changing slightly, his voice a bit stiff: “You should watch fewer meaningless movies like that. Don’t let them mess with your head. Come on, let’s have breakfast. I specifically bought your favorite fresh-baked croissants.” He said, carrying me to the dining table. Catching sight of his laptop, his eyes clearly darted away. He asked tentatively, “Did you… touch my computer yesterday?” “My computer?” I paused, then gave a soft laugh. “I didn’t pay attention. Didn’t you always say no one’s allowed to touch your computer?” He visibly relaxed, kissing my forehead. “You truly are my most sensible Mrs. Vance.” I lowered my gaze, a flicker of mockery playing on my lips. After breakfast, I called out to him, “I have a performance tonight. Will you come?” His eyes flickered. “Of course, my Stella’s performance, how could I miss it?” Tonight was my last performance in this country. The dance’s theme was “Farewell to a Lover.” I thought, this was the best way for Liam and me to say goodbye. Upon arriving at the dance company, I handed my resignation letter to Ms. Davies, the director. She looked at me in surprise: “Stella, your career is booming right now, why are you suddenly resigning?” I looked out the window, my voice firm: “I want a bigger stage.” She was still puzzled: “But aren’t you getting married?” I smiled: “I never build my life around any man.” That evening, the performance began, and the hall was packed. I stood on stage, looking out, but I never saw Liam. The music started, and he still didn’t appear. My heart sank. I understood. He wouldn’t come. The performance ended to thunderous applause. But my heart felt empty, completely unmoved. Backstage, I received a text from him: “I’m sorry, Stella. Something came up suddenly tonight, and I couldn’t make it.” The next second, an Ins notification popped up. Jessica Hayes had just posted an update: “Thanks to my Mr. Right for spending my birthday with me despite his busy schedule. Peaceful days, may we always be together.” The post included a photo of a huge cake, with a man’s hand slicing it. My pupils suddenly constricted. On the cuff of that shirt, I saw a familiar cufflink. I zoomed in on the photo. At the bottom of the cufflink, “VANCE” was clearly engraved. It was a token of love I’d given Liam, custom-made for him in Italy, one of a kind in the world. **Chapter 3** How could I *not* understand? His “something came up” was just him going to celebrate Jessica’s birthday. I clicked on Jessica’s Ins profile and realized she’d been posting about her relationship for the past three years. And every time Liam had claimed “overtime,” “business trip,” or “client dinner,” Jessica had been flaunting their love. Beaches, deserts, canyons, polar regions, forests – every place we’d ever been, she’d already posted about it. In an instant, I felt like my chest was being brutally squeezed, the pain making it impossible to breathe. I was so incredibly stupid. For three years, she’d been openly showing them off, and I’d never once suspected anything. I trusted him with my whole heart, laid my soul bare for him, and he was just making a fool of me. He returned early the next morning, looking exhausted. “Stella, I’m truly sorry about last night. My business partners insisted I drink with them. If I didn’t, they wouldn’t sign the contract. I had no choice.” I looked at him calmly. “It was just a performance. It doesn’t matter if you saw it or not.” He froze for a moment, perhaps surprised I wasn’t furious. Then, a relieved smile spread across his face. “Stella, you work so hard dancing every day, you must be so tired. How about after we get married, you quit and just be a full-time housewife? I’ll support you.” This wasn’t the first time he’d said something like that. I’d always refused. This time, I nodded. “Yes, I’ve already resigned.” He looked at me in disbelief. “You actually resigned?” I took the resignation letter from my bag and handed it to him, my voice calm: “Yes, I want a different way of life.” He looked at the words on the resignation letter, then excitedly pulled me into his arms. “Stella, don’t worry, after we’re married, I’ll make sure you’re happier than anyone.” His eyes were hazy, and he held me tightly, his warm breath on my neck. I knew, for him, it was some kind of insinuation. I glanced down at the cufflink on his sleeve, and my stomach churned instantly. I quickly stood up, turning my back to him. He had tried to persuade me to resign countless times, and I never understood why. Now, I finally did – he just wanted to trap me in a cage, to strip me of all my independence. That evening, he wanted me to join a party. I wasn’t really in the mood, but he insisted, so I went. When we arrived at the karaoke room, I saw Jessica Hayes was there too. She was wearing the latest Dior collection dress, her hair impeccably styled, every gesture oozing charm. Someone joked: “Jessica, I heard you’re getting married soon too? When is it? You have to invite us to the wedding!” “Your boyfriend never makes an appearance. Is he too mysterious?” “You look like your boyfriend spoils you.” … Jessica glanced at Liam, then slowly smiled and said, “What a coincidence, my wedding is on the same day as Liam’s. As for who the groom is, you’ll find out that day.” Liam pretended not to hear, his face focused on taking care of me, pouring me water one moment, offering me fruit the next. She was still showing off the pink diamond ring on her hand. “Look, everyone, the pink diamond my boyfriend gave me. It’s huge, right?” A chorus of exclamations followed: “Isn’t that ‘The Beloved Heart’? There’s only one in the world!” “Yes, yes, that’s a timeless heirloom of European royalty, reportedly 13.33 carats, symbolizing a lifetime of devotion to one person.” “Jessica, your boyfriend truly loves you.” … The pink diamond glittered on her finger, making her hand look even more slender and fair. My gaze darkened, my heart felt drenched in cold water. A month ago, I had seen this diamond ring in an auction catalog. Liam had promised to buy it for me. Now, it was on Jessica’s ring finger. Suddenly, my stomach churned violently, and I stood up, rushing towards the restroom. Liam followed me. **Chapter 4** I splashed cold water on my face, finally steadying my emotions a little. As soon as I stepped out of the restroom, Liam, who was waiting outside, pulled me into a hug. “I’m sorry, Stella. Someone else already bought that ring when I went to bid for it. I’ll get you an even better one for the wedding, okay?” I listened to his weak excuse, a faint, bitter smile playing on my lips. “Is there really a better diamond ring in the world than ‘The Beloved Heart’?” His expression instantly faltered. I spoke softly again: “I’m just kidding. As long as it’s from your heart, that’s all that matters.” He finally breathed a sigh of relief, smiling as if forgiven. “I knew you understood me best.” I looked at him, my voice calm: “You know, all I’ve ever wanted from you is your genuine heart. If one day, that sincerity is gone, then I’ll leave you for good.” He became uncomfortable under my gaze, even a little flustered. In that moment, a hint of indescribable fear flickered in his eyes, as if I might vanish from his world at any moment. He held me even tighter, his voice trembling: “Stella, you can doubt anything, but never doubt my feelings for you.” I lowered my eyelids, hiding the flash of pain in my eyes. When we returned to the private room, it was a raucous scene. Jessica pulled me over. “Stella, it’s been a while since you joined us. Tonight, with so many people, let’s play dice. Whoever loses drinks.” A few rounds in, I seemed to lose every single time, chugging whiskey glass after glass. Liam couldn’t stand it and tried to step in for me, but Jessica blocked him with her hand. “This is a ladies’ game. You’re a big man, don’t get involved.” Liam’s face instantly darkened, black as ink. After a few more drinks, my head was spinning, and I felt completely disoriented. Just as I was about to drink again, Liam abruptly snatched the glass from my hand and smashed it on the floor, the sound piercingly loud in the room. “Enough, Jessica! What exactly is your problem tonight? If you have something against Stella, just say it directly. Why resort to this?” Jessica, hearing this, casually tossed the dice onto the table and picked up a bottle of liquor beside her. “Oh, so Mr. Vance feels protective now. Fine, I’ll apologize to you then.” With that, she tilted her head back and chugged the alcohol, bottle after bottle. With every swallow she took, Liam’s face grew darker. By the time she reached the second bottle, Liam couldn’t take it anymore and snatched the bottle from her hand. Jessica laughed, almost hysterically: “What’s wrong, Mr. Vance? Satisfied now?” Then, she stormed out. Liam, without a second thought, chased after her. My mind was so muddled I could barely tell what was what. Seeing him run out, I thought the party was over, and followed him. But I never expected that at the end of the hallway, I would see Liam holding Jessica in his arms. She was crying, her face streaked with tears. “Liam, I’m really hurting. You’re so good to Stella, have you actually fallen for her?” He kissed her lips, his eyes bloodshot. “Jessica, how could I possibly love her? Everything I do is just to make her believe I genuinely love her. Otherwise, how would our plan work? You flaunted that ring so boldly tonight, I was afraid she’d get suspicious, so I had to protect her. You’re the only one in my heart, that’s never changed.” “But I’m still scared, I’m afraid you’ll fall for her, afraid you won’t want me…” “No, I won’t. You’re the only one I’ll ever love. I’ll love you forever and ever.” … His words pierced my eardrums like tiny needles, and my body began to tremble uncontrollably. It turned out that, from beginning to end, he had never truly cared for me; everything was just a carefully orchestrated lie. And under the influence of alcohol, I finally couldn’t hold on, and completely lost consciousness. **Chapter 5** I was awakened the next morning by a phone call. “Stella, quickly check the trending topics online. Someone’s claiming your dance is plagiarized, and it’s blown up.” I rubbed my throbbing head and opened my phone. A stream of headlines questioning my originality dominated the trending list. #StellaReedPlagiarismApology #StellaReedDancerPlagiarizesAmateurChoreographyDisgusting #BoycottStellaReedGetOutOfDance I stared at the headlines, completely stunned. All my dances were my original creations. How could they be plagiarized? I clicked on the video Ms. Davies sent me. It showed a young girl performing a dance. It was indeed about 70-80% similar to *Floral Armor*, a piece I released six months ago. But that didn’t mean I copied her. By the timeline, she should be copying me. However, the video’s upload date was nearly two months earlier than mine, and it was even released in stages on social platforms, meticulously documenting the design process of each movement. This was highly unusual. How could someone dance exactly like me? *Floral Armor* was a work I’d spent six months in seclusion choreographing. At the time, to maintain secrecy, I practiced only in my home dance studio and never showed it publicly. I only unveiled it to the public once the dance was fully formed. Ms. Davies’s call came in again. “Stella, this has gotten out of hand. You need to provide evidence quickly, or all your years of built-up reputation will be ruined.” Right now, only a video from an earlier date than that girl’s could clear my name. I frantically searched for the surveillance footage from my home dance studio, only to find that the equipment had been damaged long ago, and records from six months back couldn’t be recovered. The only person who had seen the dance before its performance was Liam Vance. I called him, clutching at my last hope, but every call went straight to voicemail. Desperate, I called his secretary. “I’m sorry, Ms. Reed, Mr. Vance is attending a confidential meeting these days and cannot be reached. I will notify him as soon as the meeting concludes.” How could it be such a coincidence? Something happens to me, and he just happens to be unreachable? A terrifying thought crept into my mind. I forced myself to stay calm and continued to plead with the secretary: “Can you please get me his phone? I really need him right now, please.” The secretary refused without hesitation. “Ms. Reed, please don’t put me in a difficult position.” Then, a dial tone. My last hope was completely severed. I stared at my phone, feeling completely enveloped by an invisible dark fog. The online storm continued to spread. Someone dug up my past works, forcefully finding similar moves to other dancers’, painting me as a serial “plagiarizer” who constantly “referenced” others. The girl who posted the video was even crying hysterically during a live stream. “Stella, I really admire you and have always looked up to you, but why would you plagiarize my dance? I need an explanation from you.” Left with no choice, I released a statement: “My conscience is clear. While I don’t understand why there are similar choreographies, this dance is indeed my original creation. I will not offer any further explanation on this matter.” I had hoped to calm things down, but the other party only escalated. “If I don’t get an apology tonight, I’m jumping from this rooftop. I’m fighting for originality.” She was live-streaming from the rooftop of a high-rise in the downtown CBD, and millions of viewers instantly flooded her stream. Public opinion furiously turned against me. Even my former dance company was doxxed and attacked. “Stella Reed, get out!” “Stella Reed, disgusting!” “Stella Reed, thief!” … My entire world spun out of control. My heart sank to its lowest point. I had no idea this situation would spiral so wildly. **Chapter 6** Ms. Davies called again. “Stella, I suggest you just admit it for now. You’re not planning to stay and develop your career here anyway. If you find real evidence later, it won won’t be too late to clear your name. But if this girl actually hurts herself, not only will you be ruined, the entire company will go down with you.” I hesitated. I didn’t want to carry this baseless accusation. But the dance company’s actions were swifter than mine. Minutes later, they issued a statement via their official account: “Our former principal dancer is suspected of plagiarizing an original work by a netizen and has now apologized. The dance company will henceforth strictly prevent such incidents.” That single sentence was tantamount to directly condemning me. What followed was my expulsion from the association and the retraction of all my past awards. Even the fans who had always supported me turned into “anti-fans,” cursing me furiously in the comments section. By the time Liam returned, I was gaunt and wasted. He pulled me into his arms, his face filled with heartache. “I’m sorry, Stella, I came back too late. Don’t worry, I will definitely help clear your name.” I looked at him, grasping at my last hope. “Do you remember the video you took of me dancing that piece? Is it still on your phone? Send it to me quickly.” He scrolled through his phone, his expression turning troubled. “I remember now. About a month ago, my phone system crashed. I accidentally formatted it, and all the videos were gone.” I instantly felt all strength drain from my body, as if I’d fallen into an ice pit. There was no way for me to prove my innocence now. Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at me, hesitated for a moment, then walked out of the room to answer it. I tiptoed to the door and listened. “How is she? Is she completely broken yet?” On the other end, it was Jessica Hayes’s voice. Liam’s tone was dismissive: “You should be satisfied, shouldn’t you? Stella Reed’s reputation is ruined. She called me hundreds of times these past few days, and I didn’t answer a single one.” “Hahaha.” Jessica’s laughter was filled with malicious glee. “Of course, I’m happy. She stole my championship and my principal position. I’ve waited too long for this moment.” … I stood behind the door, my jaw aching, my nails digging into my palms. So, my intuition was right. This was all a trap they had set. I crouched in the corner, letting tears stream down my face. It was okay. In a few more days, everything would be over. The embassy called to inform me my visa was ready. I went to pick up my visa. On the way back, I stopped by my favorite coffee shop and ordered a latte. I probably wouldn’t get to drink it again. As soon as I sat down, I saw Jessica Hayes. She walked straight over, sat down opposite me, her eyes full of mockery. “Stella Reed, how does it feel to have everything taken away from you?” I looked up at her. “What do you mean? You weren’t good enough back then. Don’t forget, I beat you fair and square.” She chuckled dismissively, pulling a dance company application form from her bag. “See this? This position, it’ll be mine sooner or later.” My eyes sharpened into daggers, I pressed her: “So, the plagiarism incident was all orchestrated by you?” She just laughed, relaxed. “Do you have proof? Don’t forget, you’re a person with a tainted past now. Just got exposed for plagiarism, and now you’re slandering me?” I gripped the coffee cup handle tightly, my knuckles white. Finally, I couldn’t hold back and splashed the entire cup of coffee over her. “Ah!” she shrieked, her face instantly turning red from the hot coffee. Liam Vance burst in at that moment. The instant he saw the scene, he didn’t hesitate, slapping me across the face. “Are you out of your mind?” Then he picked Jessica up and rushed out without looking back. **Chapter 7** I covered my swollen, red cheek, staring blankly at Liam’s retreating back, and let out a bitter laugh. Sure enough, in his heart, Jessica Hayes was the most important one. I returned home and began packing my things. I had lived in this villa for three years, long considering it my real home, and had acquired many things that weren’t originally here. Floor lamps, various green plants, hand-painted decorations on the walls, and the most striking — the giant poster in the center of the living room. It was a stage photo of me. Liam said I was like a star illuminating his life, so he stubbornly hung that poster in the most prominent spot. But now, it seemed it was nothing but an illusion. No matter how beautiful, it was just a facade to hide the truth. I instructed the maid to dismantle everything that belonged to me. It wasn’t until evening that Liam returned. He walked straight up to me, his eyes full of tenderness as he rubbed my reddened face, the one he had slapped. “I’m sorry, Stella, I was impulsive today. I was genuinely afraid that if anything happened to Jessica, it would be worse for you. No matter what she said, you striking her was wrong. Everything requires evidence; without it, it’s defamation. I persuaded Jessica for a long time before she agreed not to call the police.” He acted so rational and helpless, as if I were the one who had committed a grave offense. I looked at him, tears welling in my eyes. “Evidence can also be fabricated, can’t it?” He was clearly startled, seeming to think I had discovered something, and was about to explain. But I didn’t give him the chance. My body gave out, and I collapsed into his arms. When I next woke, I was lying in a hospital bed. I was thirsty and called out a few times, trying to get someone’s attention, but no one responded. I had no choice but to get out of bed to pour myself water. As I passed the room next door, I heard familiar voices. Through the glass, I saw Jessica Hayes nestled in Liam’s arms, tears still on her face. “Liam, I’m so scared Stella Reed will retaliate against me… She dared to lay hands on my face; who knows what she’ll do next…” He lightly kissed her cheek, his voice sickeningly gentle: “Don’t be afraid. If she dares to hurt you again, I’ll make her pay tenfold, a hundredfold.” Jessica’s voice was a little agitated: “But I’m hurting right now, and she’s completely fine.” Liam chuckled softly. “That’s easy. Tonight, I’ll make her wish she were dead.” My fingers clutched my clothes tightly, knuckles white, my heart feeling like it was being brutally squeezed. I stumbled back to my room, quickly changed, and prepared to escape this place. But before I could even leave the room, Liam came in. “Stella, you haven’t recovered yet, you can’t just run around.” I forced myself to be calm: “I’m fine now. I want to be discharged.” But he called in the doctor. “Stella, be good. The doctor says your mental state has been very unstable recently, and you need to undergo the latest electroshock therapy.” The doctor nodded along: “Mr. Vance is right. This therapy is very effective for stress-related mental illnesses.” I shook my head frantically, resisting loudly: “No, I’m not sick! I won’t have electroshock therapy!” He pressed me down: “You need to listen to the doctors; it’ll be good for your recovery.” I practically knelt before him, tears in my eyes, pleading: “Liam, I beg you, I really am not sick… I won’t ever act out again. Please don’t make me have electroshock therapy.” For a fleeting moment, his eyes wavered, but then his tone hardened. “No matter what, she must be cured. There’s only a month left until the wedding; she must recover before then.” Mental illness? Electroshock? The wedding? The last flicker of hope in my heart was extinguished. This was the Vance family hospital; no one would help me. I was strapped into an electroshock chair by several nurses. As the current passed through my body, my screams tore through the entire building, until I could no longer make a sound, and was dragged back to my room like a rag doll. I was tossed onto the bed, unable to even open my eyes, completely unconscious. In a hazy state, I heard voices. “Liam, your idea is brilliant. Seeing Stella Reed like this, I feel so vindicated. She’s getting what she deserves.” “Jessica, I’ve done everything I promised you. When are you going to give yourself to me? I’ve waited years for you.” “Didn’t I say? On our wedding night. I’m not like her; you spent plenty of time with her those years. Couldn’t she satisfy you?” Her voice carried a hint of sourness. “Her? She was just a tool for me to vent my desires. Every time I touched her, it was your face in my mind.” Jessica Hayes let out a soft laugh: “You’re bad. On our wedding night, I’ll give myself to you completely.” This conversation exploded in my mind like a bomb. Every moment Liam and I had shared, all the love and trust, now transformed into disgusting illusions. I struggled to open my eyes, but my throat was too dry to make a sound, and my eyes felt glued shut. I could only sink slowly into this boundless darkness, until I completely lost consciousness. **Chapter 8** I don’t know when I woke up. It felt like I’d been through a long nightmare, in which Liam Vance was like a beast, devouring me piece by piece. “Stella, you’re finally awake. I was so worried.” He hugged me, his face beaming with joy. I instinctively pushed him away, trembling all over. “Stella, what’s wrong? It’s Liam.” His voice was filled with confusion. I still refused his touch, as if he were the devil who had cast me into the abyss. In the days that followed, he barely left my side, personally taking care of my every need. Even the nurses at the hospital commented: “Stella Reed is so lucky. Mr. Vance loves her so much, he even washes her face and feeds her himself.” “I’m truly envious. When will a CEO take care of me like that?” “Dream on! There’s only one man like Mr. Vance in the whole world. I heard their wedding is at the end of the month, and it’s even being broadcast globally.” … I listened to their chatter, a mocking smile playing on my lips. This globally broadcasted wedding was clearly meant to be a public humiliation. Yet, Liam Vance remained incredibly gentle: “Stella, you need to get well quickly. When you wear your wedding dress, you’ll be the most beautiful bride there.” “Stella, are you happy with this wedding dress? I had the designer make several changes; every detail has to be perfect.” “Stella, I’ve ordered a new diamond ring for you. This blue diamond is even bigger than ‘The Beloved Heart.’” “Stella, take a look at these wedding favors. Are you satisfied? I specifically chose high-end skincare products; your friends will definitely love them.” … I was like a puppet on strings, manipulated by him. If I hadn’t known the truth behind him, I might really have been touched by his “sincerity.” He understood me too well; every detail matched my preferences. But all of this was just to make my breakdown even more complete, to make me willingly accept this destined humiliation, and fulfill his promise to Jessica Hayes. Three days before the wedding, he suddenly told me he had to go on a last-minute business trip. “I’ll be back in time for the wedding.” I rarely looked directly at him. “The wedding is so soon, do you really have to go?” A flicker of panic crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: “This partnership affects the company’s development for decades to come; I have to go. You wait for me at home, and I’ll see you on our wedding day.” Yes, decades of planning. But it wasn’t for me and him; it was for him and Jessica Hayes. I lowered my head, silent, my heart calm and undisturbed. After Liam left, I called my friends and family one by one, telling them the wedding was canceled. Then I compiled all the SnapChat records I had collected about Liam and Jessica Hayes’s revenge plan into a video and put it on a USB drive. I handed the USB drive to Mr. Evans, the emcee for the wedding that day. “I’d like to replace the previously prepared wedding VCR with this one.” Mr. Evans was a little puzzled: “Was there something you didn’t like about the old VCR?” I smiled: “Not at all. I just want to give Liam Vance a surprise on our wedding day.” Though Mr. Evans was still a little suspicious, he agreed. The day before the wedding, I packed all my belongings and shipped them off. Anything I couldn’t take, I simply threw away. As for the wedding dress Liam had the designer alter countless times, I burned it to ashes. On the morning of the wedding, I received a text message from Liam Vance. “Stella, I’ve already sent the guys to pick you up. Make sure you’re beautifully dressed for me to marry you. I can’t wait to see you in your pristine white wedding dress.” I let out a bitter laugh. I could already imagine Liam and Jessica’s smug, gloating faces right now. But I wouldn’t give anyone another chance to hurt me. I stepped into the car that was waiting to take me to the airport and drove away. As I closed the car door, I tossed the diamond ring Liam had given him out the window. Liam Vance, from this day forward, we’ll never meet again. **Chapter 9** After bidding Stella Reed farewell, Liam Vance rushed to the airport to meet Jessica Hayes. On the plane, Jessica leaned on Liam’s shoulder, her face flushed with coy delight. “Liam, in three days, I’ll officially be your bride. Are you happy?” Liam glanced out the window. Hearing Jessica’s words, he felt no trace of the expected excitement. Instead, a faint, ineffable melancholy settled in his heart. Stella Reed’s image flashed through his mind. Seeing his silence, Jessica shook his arm. He snapped back to reality, then smiled dotingly at Jessica. “Of course, I’m happy.” Upon arrival in the Maldives, his friends were already waiting at the wedding resort. “The bride and groom are finally here! So handsome, so beautiful, we can’t wait for the wedding!” “I wonder how miserable Stella Reed will be when she realizes she’s been played on her wedding day?” “Serves her right for offending Liam’s beloved. She deserves it.” … Listening to their snide remarks and laughter, Liam’s eyes darkened for a moment. “Enough. It’s almost Jessica and my wedding. Why bring up anyone else?” Everyone immediately fell silent. After dinner, Jessica and Liam went to the hotel’s infinity pool. Jessica, in her seductive swimsuit, made it impossible for Liam to look away. Liam lay on a lounge chair, eyes closed, his brow slightly furrowed, as if contemplating something. “Liam, what’s wrong? Is something bothering you?” Jessica wrapped her arms around Liam, her slender fingers tracing patterns on his chest. Liam’s body softened under her touch, and he pulled her into his embrace. “You little temptress, aren’t you afraid I’ll devour you?” Jessica, however, didn’t pull away as she used to. Instead, she took Liam’s hand and smiled alluringly: “Master, please enjoy your meal.” Liam was momentarily stunned: “Didn’t you say we’d wait until our wedding day to be intimate?” “It doesn’t matter if it’s a day or two sooner. I’m yours anyway.” Liam embraced Jessica, and she let out a soft gasp. Listening to Jessica’s voice, for some reason, Stella Reed’s image once again materialized in his mind. He felt an unbearable irritation, trying desperately to dispel Stella’s image, but it was no use. His passionate thoughts came to an abrupt halt. “What’s wrong, Liam?” Jessica asked, puzzled, seeing him stop. “Nothing, Jessica. I think we should still wait for our wedding night. After all, you’re sacred to me.” Liam made an excuse to brush her off. Jessica, however, was even more touched: “Liam, you’re so good to me.” She smiled playfully: “Do you think if Stella Reed knew that you truly love me, and only approached her for revenge, she’d be furious to death? I really want to see her on our wedding day, abandoned by everyone and utterly ruined.” Liam, recalling how Stella Reed had ruined his mood just now, retorted fiercely, “She’s lost her job, her reputation, and soon, the husband she relied on will disappear too. Jessica, I’ve done everything I promised you.” On the wedding day, as per the original plan, Liam Vance sent a text message to Stella Reed. Seeing Stella Reed’s “Okay” reply on his phone, he felt a strange pang in his heart.
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298870”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic
Leave a Reply