When I received the alumni reunion invitation, I was pretty confused. They said the reunion was only for prominent figures across various industries. But I’m just a working-class gal who’d been to jail; I hardly qualify, right? After much deliberation, I still put on a white shirt paired with dark green dress pants and arrived at the venue, looking as neat as I could. The moment I stepped into the hall, the opulent luxury of the place hit me. Even the air smelled of money. A wave of regret washed over me. I definitely shouldn’t have come. But then I remembered I’d soon see the person I’d longed for, and all my anxiety morphed into pure yearning. I looked up, and there he was—Julian Thorne, wearing his glasses. His tailored suit made him look even more composed, the boyish innocence of a few years ago replaced by a sophisticated maturity. He radiated the polished confidence of a highly successful executive. My heart pounded instantly, a bitter ache, sharp and familiar, spread from the core of my being. It took me a long moment to force my gaze away. I stood there, torn and nervous, wanting to approach him but too afraid. I only dared to steal glances now and then. The next second, a classmate nearby yanked me over: “Look who it is! Isn’t this Vivian Hayes, our high school queen bee? Where have you been all these years? You just vanished!” “We asked everyone, but no one knew which college you ended up at…” “Or did you just settle down and become a full-time homemaker?” My classmates barraged me with questions, but I couldn’t utter a word. The crowd around us turned, their gazes sharpened, dissecting me as if I were a public spectacle. My faded shirt, those threadbare slacks, the scuffed, peeling shoes. Over the years, I’d learned to accept this scorn and disdain. The only thing I couldn’t bear was Julian’s gaze, sharp as an icicle, cutting through me, as if he wanted to pierce my very soul. A slight curve of his lips, a blatant sneer. “Seriously, Harvard is a prestigious university. How did a tramp like her get in?” “Did you get that from a thrift store? Don’t you worry about sullying the floor with your presence?” “Everyone invited to this alumni event is famous. Your invitation couldn’t have been stolen, could it?” Serena Vance, standing next to Julian, sounded like she wanted to rip into me. We used to be in the same class, ignoring me would have been bad enough. I didn’t understand why Serena was so hell-bent on tearing me apart like a rabid dog. As I stood there stunned, Julian scoffed. “I’m here today to see old classmates. Unrelated people shouldn’t try to crash the party. After all, I don’t want to catch whatever bad luck she’s carrying.” As he spoke, he cautiously took a few steps back, as if a mere glance from me could infect him with some disease. Our former classmates looked on, bewildered. They couldn’t understand why two people who used to be inseparable had suddenly become so distant and repulsed by each other. Back then, they were known as the school’s golden couple. I lowered my eyes, silent for a long time. My hands were clenched tightly behind my back, and my ears filled with murmurs and whispers: “If I were Julian, I’d choose Serena too. A wealthy heiress, and a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Even an idiot would know who to pick.” “She used to be the high school beauty queen, but look at her now, she’s living like dirt. Her shoes are practically falling apart.” “If I were her, I’d become a sugar baby for some rich guy. With a face like that, she could easily rake in a fortune… It might not be pretty, but it’s fast cash.” “That was then! Now she’s got a record, involved in a death. Who’d want her now?” The buzz around me grew to a roar. Suddenly, it felt like I was stripped naked, utterly exposed to everyone’s judgmental stares. Their words, like venomous spit, poured into my ears, filled with the coldness and contempt I should have been accustomed to. My face paled. Just as I was about to turn and leave, someone grabbed my arm. I turned my head. Serena Vance stood before me, holding a glass of wine, smiling triumphantly. “Tsk, tsk! How pathetic! You’re like a cockroach now, so wretched even *I* pity you.” “Stop pretending. Your goal has been achieved,” I said, lifting my eyelids. “Why are you still here? Are you a masochist?” Serena gloated. Then, as if struck by an idea, she raised an eyebrow and sneered, “Could it be you’re trying to play the victim card, hoping Julian will pity you? Dream on! He’s mine now!” She took a step forward in her heels, leaning in with a malicious grin: “Ha! He always helped you before. This time, who do you think he’ll help?” **Chapter 2** With that, she dramatically slapped her thigh, let out a piercing shriek, then clutched her face and recoiled, acting as if she’d just been slapped across the face. Even with my extensive experience in prison, where I’d seen all sorts of conniving people, I couldn’t help but acknowledge Serena Vance’s stellar performance. Before I could say anything, Julian rushed over, his cool gaze instantly melted into a look of panicked concern. His eyes trembling, he softened his voice, “Serena, who hit you? Are you hurt?” Serena didn’t speak, but her eyes brimmed with tears, and she shot me an accusatory glance. Following her line of sight, Julian’s expression hardened, and his voice turned to ice: “Vivian, what the hell are you doing?” “Don’t think I’ll look at you twice just because you pull stunts like this.” “I must have been blind back then. Now, you’re not even fit to clean my shoes!” “I’m warning you! Get one step closer to Serena, and you’ll regret it!” People truly are fickle. One moment he was full of concern for Serena, the next he was glaring at me with fury. But I hadn’t done a thing. If he just looked closely, he’d see her face was perfectly pale, with no redness or slap marks. But he didn’t. Without a word, he’d already convicted me. I habitually picked at my cuticles, a small comfort to ease the gnawing ache in my chest. Six years ago, Julian’s trust was mine. Six years later, his trust was given to someone else. I smiled silently and nodded faintly. My submissiveness seemed to catch Julian off guard. A few seconds later, a flicker of realization crossed his face, and his brows furrowed even deeper. “Don’t think I’ll believe you if you put on that act.” “You’re a master of manipulation, sweet on the surface but vicious underneath. You can fool others, but not me. If you dare harm her again, I’ll break your hand.” The surrounding sounds seemed to fade away, leaving only his cruel, heartless words, mixed with the onlookers’ gloating expressions. It felt like a whip lash across my face, leaving a hot, searing pain. Before, if I even grazed my knee on a bike, he’d scold me for half an hour. Now, over a baseless accusation, he threatened to break my hand. It seemed six years could truly change everything. I wasn’t a golden girl anymore. And he had finally become the man he always wanted to be. Serena Vance was utterly delighted by Julian’s reaction. Still clutching her face and whimpering in pain, she continued to provoke me with her eyes. When I first got out of prison, I thought nothing could ever hurt me again. Today, I realized how wrong I was. The only person who could hurt me was the man standing right in front of me. The one I had thought of for six years, day and night, whose face I traced in my mind whenever I couldn’t sleep, whose college notes I reread until the edges of the pages were tattered and worn from constant touch. I had imagined many ways we might reunite, but never this. I met his gaze directly, a faint smile on my lips. “Message received, Mr. Thorne. Don’t worry, as long as your dog doesn’t bite, no one’s foolish enough to go looking for trouble.” “What do you mean? Are you calling me a dog?!” Serena screamed, enraged, dropping her hand from her face in her haste. “I didn’t say it was you, but I can’t stop you from volunteering! Some people, even in human skin, aren’t necessarily human.” “You—” “Enough!” Serena was about to retort further when Julian cut her off with a sharp word. He sighed, a soft, indulgent sound. “Alright, Serena. Let’s not waste our time here. The principal is looking for me… I’ll make it up to you tonight.” His deliberately lowered tone and a gaze heavy with unspoken desire made Serena’s face flush. She melted into his arms, leaning against him. They walked past me, arms around each other, heading towards the principal’s office. Some familiar classmates approached to greet me. I smiled and responded as usual, but as I turned away, the smile slowly faded from my face. Just then, my best friend Chloe Miller called. The moment I answered, her excited voice filled my ear: “Did you see Julian? Did you explain everything to him face-to-face?” “Don’t overthink it. Given how much he cared about you before, I’m sure once the misunderstanding is cleared up, you two will get back together…” Outside, the daylight was blindingly bright. I shielded my eyes, feeling a pang of nausea. I didn’t know how to tell Chloe. “Vivian, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you saying anything?” “Listen to me, go find him and tell him everything. Whatever the outcome, we can’t have regrets…” My steps faltered. This was precisely why I had come, despite knowing the invitation was suspicious. But now, was there even a point in finding him? I wasn’t sure, but my feet seemed to have a mind of their own, guiding me directly towards the office. **Chapter 3** As I approached, I lightened my steps. The principal’s booming voice carried through the door: “Julian, the next time we meet, it’ll be for your wedding to Serena. I hear you’re throwing a wedding of the century for me. The alumni network is buzzing about it! I wish you a long and happy marriage, and a beautiful family!” “Whatever makes Serena happy is fine. Principal, you absolutely must come and have a drink at the wedding!” “Principal, you really have to be there!” Julian’s voice was as calm as ever, but Serena’s was filled with the sweetness of a new bride. Hearing this, I felt that the misunderstanding from six years ago no longer mattered. The cicadas outside chirped incessantly, making my head spin. I had to lean against the corridor wall to walk steadily. As I walked, something dropped from my face. One after another, splashing into the air. I reached up and wiped them away, realizing my hands were wet with tears. I had never intended to start a young romance in high school. Just staying alive had consumed all my energy, but then I met Julian. For three years, as my deskmate, he brought a ray of light into my dark world with his meticulous care. I was surprised, I was scared. Afraid that happiness would be too fleeting. Until that blood-red summer after the college entrance exams, when the beautiful dream was shattered by reality. My drunken stepfather attempted to assault me. In the struggle, my mother was knocked out cold. Julian, who arrived just then, accidentally plunged a knife into my stepfather’s body. He tried his best to hide his panic then: “Vivian, my family has connections abroad. We can leave, and no one will find us. My mom can make this disappear…” My eyes were full of tears. I looked at the boy’s thin but resilient back, filled with despair. I softly soothed him, “Okay! Okay! I promise. We’ll go!” After a long moment, I forced myself to compose and calmly instructed him: “Julian, go quickly and get your passport, pack your bags, book your flight. We’ll meet at the airport later.” Julian, unsuspecting, turned and left. Behind his back, where he couldn’t see me, I called Eleanor Thorne: “Mrs. Thorne, you’re right. Julian and I aren’t suited for each other…” Later, Julian waited at the airport until nightfall, but I never showed up. Only a few words from me: “Julian, I don’t want to go abroad and live a hard life with you. You go on your own.” Just as he was about to turn back and look for me, his family forced him onto the plane. That same night, I was sent to prison. Dazed, I walked out of the school gates, only for the nursing home to call: “Ms. Hayes, your mother’s medical bill for this month is due. It’s already five days late…” “Okay! I’ll pay it as soon as possible. Please give me a few more days…” I said such pleading words almost every month, and the nurses at the facility were practically numb to them. The money Eleanor Thorne had initially given had all gone to the medical facility during my time in prison. My mother’s body was kept alive daily by expensive medications. No matter the cost, I never considered giving up. I had lost everything. I couldn’t lose my mother too. Two years ago, after I was released from prison, it was hard to find work because I had a criminal record and no college education. I could only work as a guesthouse manager and take on a few odd jobs, but even that was barely enough. I gave a self-deprecating laugh. I wasn’t sure if I was mocking my own uselessness or the hopes I’d harbored before coming here. My gaze swept over a large billboard by the road, and I stopped, staring at it for a long time. A moment later, I pushed down all my internal struggles and dialed the number displayed on the poster. That night, I started working as a waitress at this nightclub, relying on my decent looks. Half an hour later, seeing Julian Thorne and his group in their suits, a wave of regret washed over me again. Anyone else could look down on me. But I never wanted him to. Perhaps it was a final hurrah before the wedding, but Serena Vance was dressed provocatively, sitting directly on Julian’s lap, her slender fingers tracing circles on his chest. The bar lights were dim, obscuring their expressions. Whether it was the air conditioning being too warm or something else, Julian uncomfortably loosened his tie, his other hand pressed firmly against Serena’s waist. Even from a distance, I could hear Serena kissing his neck, her voice cooing childishly: “Only two days until we get married. How do you want to play tonight?” Julian didn’t reply immediately. He seemed to notice he was being watched, and coldly glared at the bar. I glanced over, then quickly lowered my head. But my hand slipped, and a glass clattered, shattering into pieces. The next second, Serena, with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms, walked up to me, still wearing that haughty expression. “Just today, a classmate suggested you become a streetwalker, and here you are already? “So eager you couldn’t even wait one night?” **Chapter 4** At that moment, the few people behind me also gathered around, casually asking: “Serena, who is this person? Do you know her?” Serena glanced at Julian. Seeing his face was unchanged, she replied with a cold laugh: “Know her? Of course I do! This, everyone, is our Julian’s high school sweetheart!” “You’re all insiders, so you might as well get acquainted!” Everyone burst into laughter, one after another. I ignored them, my eyes downcast as I squatted, picking up glass shards from the floor. “I’m talking to you, why aren’t you speaking?” Serena didn’t like being ignored, especially by *me*. In a fit of anger, she suddenly pushed me. Half-squatting, I was knocked backward by the force, my palms landing directly on the shattered glass. “Ah—” Sharp pain pierced through me, and I couldn’t help but cry out. Bright red blood dripped onto the floor. Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly, a strange glint flashing across them before settling back into an unreadable coldness. The bar was noisy, but the mocking and ridiculing voices still pierced my ears, every single word. “She’s so impatient because she’s desperate for money, right? Why don’t you be generous, Serena, and give her a little something?” “Then people will say you’re a kind and generous fiancée!” At that, everyone laughed even harder, doubling over. Streams of contemptuous glances, mixed with the dim light, pricked me like needles. Serena didn’t respond, but the triumphant smirk on her lips was impossible to hide. Julian tilted his head, as if something had just occurred to him, and suddenly spoke: “You said you didn’t want to go abroad and suffer with me. Was it all just to live ‘the good life’ here?” His voice grew heavy on the last three words, specifically emphasizing “the good life.” Before I could respond, Julian added, “This life might not be ‘good,’ but it certainly suits you. After all, your mom used to wait tables in a bar too…” The bar instantly fell silent, only to resume its clamor moments later. “No wonder she’s so pathetic; like mother, like daughter…” “How could Julian have ever fallen for a woman like that? She must have burned eight lifetimes of incense for that luck.” “But this slut didn’t cherish it and dumped Julian. Now she’s like this, serves her right!” The words “pathetic,” “slut,” and “whore” echoed endlessly in my ears, but my world seemed to have muted, I only heard Julian’s last remark. I lifted my eyes in disbelief, my gaunt face dominated by wide eyes, with a clear redness under my lower lids. At this point, I couldn’t tell if my trembling was from his words or the pain in my palms. Six years ago, he was the boy who carried me through a downpour for thirty minutes, crying and begging me not to die from a high fever. Six years later, he stood with his fiancée, stripping me of my dignity, leaving me exposed and raw for their humiliation. In a daze, icy liquid mixed with ice cubes rained down on me. Cup after cup, red as blood, splashed onto me, turning into flying glass shards. The metallic smell of blood mixed with the rich aroma of alcohol, like a net, suffocating me. Pain spread through my heart. I gasped for breath, my chest heaving rapidly, as if I was back in prison, being bullied for the first time. The difference was, back then, others hurt me, but I still had my guiding light. Now, that guiding light was the one hurting me, fading away in my heart. I remained silent, my pale lips bitten raw. I slowly stood up, leaning on the bar. A flicker of grim satisfaction crossed Julian’s eyes, and his lips curved upwards. “You used to be so talkative. Why are you quiet now?” “Because…” I looked directly at him. “My time is precious, and if you want to talk to me, it’s going to cost you extra.” Serena scoffed, and a chorus of derisive whistles erupted around us. Julian’s eyes darkened, and he nodded slowly. “Alright! If you kneel and clean everyone’s shoes, I’ll give you a million dollars.” **Chapter 5** With that, he flung his arm, and a black card slapped against my face, a sharp sting spreading across my skin. But compared to the pain in my heart, it was nothing. “Come on. I keep my word. Clean the shoes, and a million is yours!” His face glowed with a triumphant, malicious smile, a stark contrast to my trembling paleness. I wanted to ask, *Julian, do you hate me that much?* But my gaze fell on the blood-stained black card, and then I thought of the crushing weight of those medical bills for my mother. The words caught in my throat. Let it be. As long as he was happy. Everyone in that section of the bar had fallen silent, craning their necks, eager to watch the show. “Mr. Thorne, then you’ll need to sign a written agreement stating that the money on this card is mine, and you won’t reclaim it by any means later.” My voice was flat, devoid of emotion. Julian’s anger turned to a smile, but it was a cold, bitter one, his eyes filled with icy fury. After a long moment, he gritted his teeth, squeezing out a word: “Fine!” With that, I limped over to him and knelt directly. I picked up a dry cloth and began to clean his shoes. In the extraordinary silence, the sound of blood dripping seemed amplified. Drip by drip, it splattered on the floor, each drop blossoming like a tiny, crimson flower. It was as if I’d forgotten the wound on my hand, forgotten the pain. I just mechanically repeated the motion of cleaning shoes. Everyone lined up. I didn’t even need to stand; I just stayed on my knees and moved my hands. One after another, the bright red blood gradually turned a dark purple. Everyone’s faces were plastered with mocking smiles, but Julian’s face was a thundercloud, dark and unreadable. Another person stepped forward. Just as I was about to bend down again, he couldn’t help but stop me. “Stop cleaning! The money on the card is yours!” I acted as if I hadn’t heard him, my face blank, ignoring him. Julian suddenly exploded, his eyes turning bloodshot with rage: “I said! Stop cleaning! Are you deaf?!” Looking at his face, contorted with shock and anger, I felt a strange confusion. He was the one who forced me to my knees. Why was he unhappy now? I suddenly smiled and replied, “I have to clean them! I need the money.” The man furiously threw me to the ground, and he bellowed, his eyes blazing with fury: “Money! Money! Is that all you care about?!” My body felt like it was falling apart, my knees scraped and bleeding. I mocked myself silently, thinking that this money truly wasn’t easy to earn. Still, I slowly picked myself up. Just as I was about to kneel again, Julian looked like a man possessed, his facial muscles twitching as he let out a primal roar: “Get out! Take the card! Get out of here!” I shakily got up, glanced at the distraught man, and carefully tucked the blood-stained black card into my pocket. Before I passed out, I saw Chloe’s anxious, tear-streaked face. When I next awoke, I was in a hospital. The wounds on my knees and palms had been properly treated. Chloe, her eyes swollen and red, sat beside me, arranging the bedsheets. Seeing me open my eyes, her first reaction was delight, but then her pretty face clouded over: “Vivian, if you needed money, you could have told me. How could you…” “They were so cruel…” Before she could finish, Chloe’s voice caught in her throat, and her shoulders began to tremble with suppressed sobs. My lips moved slightly, and I sighed inwardly. I knew my mother’s nursing home expenses would be a bottomless pit. My life was already hopeless, but I couldn’t drag down my only friend. Chloe had already helped me enough. I raised my bandaged hand and wiped away her tears, forcing a weak smile: “Chloe, I’m okay…” “Look, I have Mom’s medical fees for the next two years now. The nursing home won’t rush us anymore…” “There’s even a little left over, enough for a beautiful wedding dress for you…” As I spoke the last words, my pale lips slowly fell silent, and my eyes held a shattered look. Seeing me bruised and wounded, trying to smile through my tears, Chloe felt even more heartbroken, but she dared not cry openly in front of me. She pretended something was in her eye, turned away, and silently wiped her tears. I didn’t expose her, just waited quietly. After a moment, Chloe composed herself and turned back. “Chloe, could you do me a favor and go to the nursing home? The nurses there must be getting impatient.” I handed her the black card. Chloe didn’t take the card immediately. Instead, she asked, “You didn’t tell Julian, did you?” I gave a bitter smile. “At this point, it doesn’t matter whether I tell him or not. Chloe, he and I are truly over…” “Why! If you just tell him! He’ll understand! He’ll love you again!” Chloe’s eyes reddened with urgency, and her knuckles turned white from clenching her hands. “But I don’t want him to.” I slowly turned my head, a fire burning in my eyes. Even though my voice was dry and hoarse, my tone was resolute. “I don’t want his guilt, I don’t want his compensation, and I certainly don’t want his pity.” “Everything between us ended last night.” **Chapter 6** “But…” Chloe started to say more. But I cut her off, “Chloe, I’m hungry… I really want some of your soup. Please, feed me.” My pale, weak, and pitiful expression tugged at Chloe’s heartstrings. She immediately called the supermarket to buy ingredients. As Chloe’s figure gradually disappeared, the smile on my face slowly faded. A moment later, a nurse instructed me to go upstairs to pick up my test results. I had barely taken two steps when I heard a familiar male voice from a room: “Serena, are you feeling better? If this hospital isn’t good enough, I’ll take you somewhere else.” Julian tenderly held her close, his stubbled chin constantly caressing her cheek. His face wore an expression of indulgence that was both familiar and strange to me. Familiar because he had shown me such tenderness six years ago. Strange because I had never felt such deep, possessive affection from him. Even though I had made my decision, even though I had said I would give up, seeing this scene twisted my heart. My entire body throbbed with pain. I slowly placed a hand over my chest, biting my lip tightly. “Julian, did we play too hard last night? It’s all my fault for being mischievous. I’ll apologize to her later, okay?” Serena said this, but her eyes were fixed on Julian, taking in every nuance of his expression. Julian frowned, somewhat puzzled: “Why would you apologize? She deserved it!” “Besides, I already gave her the money.” “That million dollars, she wouldn’t earn it even if she let countless men touch her!” The corridor was noisy, filled with footsteps, but the man’s voice cut through everything, reaching my ears. Every casual tone was perfectly clear. Tears welled in my eyes, and finally, unable to hold them back, they streamed down my face. The hand I had clutched to my chest moved to cover my mouth, the veins on its back bulging, an uncontrollable tremor visible. This answer seemed to please Serena Vance. She gave a loud smack, kissing Julian on the corner of his lips. Soon after, the woman’s low moans of “More, more” and the man’s heavy breathing filled the hospital room. Vivian Hayes closed her eyes, stumbling away from the wall. That afternoon, when the doctor said there were no other major issues, I took advantage of Chloe’s trip to the nursing home and discharged myself. As I walked through the corridor with my luggage, I overheard the nurses at the station discussing: “That Mr. Thorne is a true knight in shining armor! For Ms. Vance, he not only booked the entire floor but also put billions in business aside to stay by her bedside every day, feeding her fruit and washing her feet!” “Exactly! What’s even crazier is that Ms. Vance has no serious problems; she just threw up last night…” “Speaking of which, poor Ms. Hayes on the floor below was brought in covered in wounds, and she had no one with her…” I gave a bitter laugh. My chest felt clogged with a bitter herb, heavy and suffocating. Stepping out of the hospital, I looked intently at the floor Julian Thorne had booked. My eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, finally settling into a soft sigh, and then I decisively turned away. As soon as I returned to my rented apartment, the smell of lotus root and pork rib soup filled the air. The chill I felt seemed to be suppressed by the sunshine and warmth of the room. I put down my luggage and quickly heated the soup in the kitchen. Then, I went to the bedroom and pulled out an old, cloth-covered cardboard box from under the bed. After staring at it for a long time, I finally uncovered it and took out the contents one by one. The first was a collection of错了题集 (wrongly answered questions) that Julian had personally copied. Back then, my stepfather always caused trouble at home, distracting me, and my test scores suffered. Julian had frantically tutored me. The second was a thermos lunchbox Julian had given me. School meals were expensive, so I never ate at school, bringing homemade food every day. He specially gave me the lunchbox, hoping I could eat something warm. The third was a white dress Julian had given me. That summer, he said he wanted to see me in a white dress, but I always had bruises and couldn’t wear it. He thought I was shy and even got angry. The fourth… The items were placed into a brazier one by one, turning to ashes under the licking flames, along with the unforgettable past and the agonizing devotion that had tormented me day and night. When Chloe returned home, she found only ashes on the floor and an empty cardboard box. As dusk settled, Chloe found me huddled in a corner, my knees drawn to my chest, the cramped room eerily silent. Chloe pressed her lips together, asking nothing. She just wrapped her arms around me, murmuring, “It’ll be okay.” **Chapter 7** With the financial pressure temporarily relieved, I returned to the guesthouse after my wounds healed. One day, the manager called, saying several VIP guests had booked the entire place, and I needed to quickly get everyone to clean up. I didn’t dare to delay. After a flurry of activity, the continuous rumble of car engines reached us from outside the guesthouse. I looked up, and Julian Thorne, with Serena Vance in tow, strode in grandly. Seeing me, Serena gave a flippant smile: “Why are you always haunting us? Are you saying you knew Julian was going to propose to me and deliberately followed us?” Julian didn’t speak, but he tilted his head, scrutinizing me. I didn’t want to cause any trouble, nor did I want to lose this job that kept me afloat. I forced myself to speak in a low voice: “Ms. Vance, you’re joking. I’m the manager here. I wish you both a long and happy life together.” Serena laughed outright at my words. Julian, on the other hand, looked displeased, his dark eyes unreadable. “Julian? You were too rough last night, I can barely stand today… No matter what, you have to massage me later…” Serena’s slender fingers provocatively traced circles on his chest, but her eyes were fixed on me. Julian scoffed, pulled her tighter, and squeezed her butt hard with his fingers. He leaned close to my ear, his breath warm: “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely pamper you senseless later…” Their blatant flirting made a few waitstaff secretly blush, and even the friends accompanying them couldn’t help but tease. “Julian really knows how to have fun! He and Serena have different tricks every day. I hear he’s all swollen down there…” “You wouldn’t know it, but young love is platonic. Adult love is pure lust.” “They’ve broken several beds at home…” After that, the friend turned to me and specifically instructed: “Waitstaff, make a note: Mr. Thorne’s reserved room needs a specially reinforced king-size bed!” Seeing my obedient nod, he gave a sarcastic smile and walked away. A few married waitstaff immediately gathered, whispering: “Mr. Thorne looks so refined, is he really that wild?” “Who knows? Ms. Vance has a round, perky butt. They must be wild in bed…” The whispers continued behind me, but I acted as if I didn’t notice. I just lowered my head and sorted the group’s luggage. That night, the guesthouse was brightly lit, adorned with fireworks and balloons. Champagne and red wine covered the tables. Julian, in front of everyone, knelt on one knee, gazing at Serena Vance with deep affection. “Serena, thank you for overlooking my past and pulling me out of my darkest time. Will you spend the rest of your life growing old with me?” Serena covered her mouth with both hands, too emotional to speak, only nodding repeatedly. A chorus of shouts erupted: “Kiss her, kiss her!” Julian smiled and stood up, ready to take out the wedding ring. The next second, his smile froze, and his face darkened. Serena whispered, “Julian, what’s wrong?” He shook his head, looking frustrated: “The custom-made ring is gone…” Everyone’s expressions changed, and they quickly bent down to help search. Just then, Serena looked at me with ill intent. “It’s her, isn’t it?” “You acted like you didn’t care all day, but you secretly stole our engagement ring?” I instinctively retorted, “I didn’t! Don’t you dare falsely accuse me!” “Ridiculous! I’m a wealthy heiress; why would I frame a waitress like you? Search her!” Seeing the crowd closing in, my face changed. Images of being humiliated in prison flashed through my mind. I frantically turned, staring desperately at my colleagues. But they all recoiled, taking a step back, refusing to meet my gaze. Even the manager piped up, “Vivian, maybe you should just let them search you? It’ll be over faster.” At that, someone snickered in the crowd. A huge sense of absurdity welled up. My heart hammered against my ribs, threatening to burst. I struggled violently, a coppery taste of blood filled my mouth, and my vision blurred. “Stop!” Julian’s voice was low. Serena’s face subtly changed, a flicker of resentment crossing her features, but she still signaled the others to stop. A faint flicker of hope sparked in my deadened eyes. Just as I was about to thank him. Julian had already paced closer, his eyes were dark and unreadable, and then he spoke: “I’ll search her!” My breath hitched. The light that had just appeared in my eyes instantly dimmed. I took a step back, hissing, “Don’t touch me!” **Chapter 8** Then, I raised an eyebrow, my eyes blazing, and looked at Serena Vance: “You search me!” Julian’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his eyes churning with fury. Serena, a malicious smile playing on her lips, slowly walked towards me. Under the guise of searching, she pinched, prodded, and poked me, enjoying every humiliating second. I bit down hard, enduring it all, but the tremors running through my body and the glistening in my eyes betrayed my fear. I stood defiantly, refusing to lower my head, my eyes fixed straight ahead. Time ticked by, and a few people in the crowd began to feel a pang of pity. After a long while, Serena, having had her fun, finally spoke with a smile: “The ring must be hidden somewhere. Lock her up for the night, and she’ll confess tomorrow!” At this, a friend, worried things were going too far, quickly advised: “Forget it, let’s call the police. She doesn’t look like a thief.” “What do you know! She’s been to jail; she has a record…” With that, I turned to Julian, feigning composure. “Julian, what do you say?” Julian’s face was complex, his eyes flickering with indecision, disappointment, and contempt. Finally, all his emotions coalesced into a sigh: “Since she could steal once, she could steal again. Lock her up for now.” “You have no right to—” Before I could finish, someone clamped a hand over my mouth and dragged me, shoving me roughly into a dark storage room. Before they left, they deliberately smashed the light bulb. “Let me out! I’m not a thief!” The door slammed shut, and the last thing I saw was Julian’s cold, contemptuous face. I pounded on the door with both hands, my knuckles bleeding from splinters, but I felt nothing. Julian’s emotionless voice came from outside the door: “Whenever you admit it, that’s when we’ll let you out.” The footsteps gradually faded. I heard my colleagues whispering: “Manager, is it true Vivian’s been to jail? I can’t believe she’s a thief…” “Whether she’s a thief or not is uncertain, but it’s true she’s been to jail…” I fumbled my way to a corner and slowly leaned against the wall. The tears I had held back for so long began to fall in the darkness, one by one, seeping into the cracks. My heart felt like it was ablaze, a furious inferno consuming every fiber of my being. I was in agony, I was in despair, but I couldn’t utter a single word. My mother’s words echoed repeatedly in my mind: “Vivian, this is our fate…” I shook my head violently, muttering incoherently, “No! I won’t accept my fate! I won’t…” For a long time, the room was filled with muffled sobs, like a dying animal’s last, desperate cry. I don’t know how much time passed, but my phone suddenly vibrated, waking me from a daze. I glanced at the number and instantly sobered up. When I answered, the nurse’s voice came through: “Ms. Hayes, your mother is in good spirits today and wants to video call with you.” Since my mother suffered a head injury from my stepfather that night, she had been mostly confused and rarely lucid. Hearing this, I immediately agreed, “Yes! Yes!” Then, I quickly got up and pounded on the door, shouting loudly, “Let me out! Let me out!” The only response was the bone-chilling cold air. When the video call came, I quickly turned on my phone’s flashlight and answered. Through the screen, my mother’s thin face appeared: “Child, why is it so dark where you are? My eyes aren’t good; I can’t see you.” I forced a smile, enduring the lump in my throat, and said, “Mom, the power’s out here, but it’s okay. I’m doing fine…” “Good! As long as you’re doing well, you’re my biggest worry…” “I’m really fine. I even got a bonus this month…” We talked through the screen, one pretending to comfort, the other pretending to be cheerful. After a long while, after hanging up, the smile slowly faded from my face. The next day, just as I was about to use my last 1% battery to call the police, Chloe’s call came in. The moment I answered, her heartbroken sobs filled my ear: “Vivian! Auntie’s gone…!” “Gone?! What do you mean?” I shrieked back. “She jumped off the building!” **Chapter 9** The next second, my phone died and slid from my palm, crashing to the floor. In that instant, my only support shattered. I felt like I’d lost my soul, collapsing to the ground, utterly drained. Remembering my mother’s thin, pale face, I forced my body to move, kicking and pounding on the door. “Let me out! Please!” I knelt on the floor, turning my fingers into claws, scratching desperately, my voice filled with pleading and despair. But outside the door, there was no movement, no sign of it opening. Large, hot tears rolled down my gaunt face, falling into my pale lips. I cried hysterically. “Ah—” “Open the door!” “Open the door now!” Just then, Serena Vance’s mocking voice came from outside: “Want to get out? Fine! Tell the truth, did you steal the ring?” “Just say it, and I’ll let you go!” My body froze. After a few seconds, I suppressed the surging blood in my body, gritted my teeth, and said each word distinctly: “I stole the ring. I stole it! Alright, I’ll admit to whatever you say! Please… let me out!” At that, a thunderous mocking laugh erupted from outside the door. “Since you’ve admitted to being a thief, then just wait quietly to go to jail!” Serena picked up her phone and directly called the police: “Hello, Officer, we have a thief here who stole my million-dollar ring. The address is…” The conversation outside the door clearly reached my ears. I stood there stunned, slowly sliding down with my back against the door. My face was streaked with tears of despair. I don’t know how long passed, but the door opened, and several police officers appeared. I knelt directly, desperately kowtowing to them, crying and pleading: “My mom is gone… please…” My voice was hoarse from long weeping; I could barely speak. One female officer helped me up, gently comforting me. “Don’t rush, take your time.” I clutched the woman’s hands tightly, choked, and spoke with almost all my strength. “My mom… she’s gone. Please, let me see her first…” The officers’ faces hardened. They exchanged glances, then helped me into the car. Serena let out a surprised “Hey!” wanting to stop them: “Shouldn’t you take her statement first?” “Ms. Vance, what happens next is our business. You don’t need to worry.” Serena was about to say more, but Julian, who had just come downstairs, pulled her aside. “What’s wrong? Why all the commotion?” A quick-mouthed friend in the crowd blurted out: “The thief’s mom died. She was making a fuss to get out, and now Ms. Vance called the police to take her away.” Julian paused in adjusting his sleeves. He turned, his face filled with shock. “Her mom died?” Serena tried to cover it up, but it was too late. The friend had already spoken. “Yes! She was crying and making a scene all morning!” Julian’s face instantly turned ashen. Without even tidying his jacket, he rushed out like a whirlwind. All the way, I wept silently, an aura of death clinging to me. After an unknown amount of time, the car stopped at the nursing home entrance. Before it had even fully stopped, the door opened, and I leaped out. The ground was slick from the heavy rain. I stumbled and fell a few times before rushing into the nursing home. When I burst into her room, it was empty. I turned and ran towards the nursing home’s morgue, only to be stopped by Chloe at the door. I fell to my knees, my voice hoarse, wailing in despair: “Mom! Mom! I’m here… I’ve come to see you!” Chloe embraced me, and we collapsed to the ground together, her hot tears soaking my neck. They were scalding, yet chilling to the bone. My eyes grew even more hollow. My lips trembled, and I cried silently, uncontrollably. My voice seemed to disappear in an instant; only tears streamed down my face. Footsteps approached, neither light nor heavy. Julian Thorne looked at my swollen face and bloodshot eyes, his heart aching. Emotions churned in his eyes, and his words, tinged with clear regret, finally escaped: “I’m sorry…” I slowly lifted my eyes, looking at him through my tear-blurred vision. My lips parted and closed, forming only one sentence: “Julian Thorne, get out! I never want to see you again!” **Chapter 10** When the police officers took me away, I said nothing, offered no defense, asked no questions. Like a lifeless zombie…
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