After two decades with Julian, pulling him from the abyss to the absolute peak, a voice in my head, the System, suddenly asked. “He cut down your peach tree for his new lover. Do you regret it?” He no longer loved me. There was no point in holding on. With a bitter smile, I nodded, ready to leave this world completely. But after I vanished, Julian lost his mind, searching the entire city for me. He even followed me to my real world, his eyes bloodshot, pleading. “Please, come home with me.” My new husband stepped forward, tossing the engagement ring Julian offered into the trash. “She is married to me now. Please leave.” Scarlett’s POV The moment the peach tree in the backyard was cut down, I knew my time in this world was nearly over. “Wow, Mr. Thorne! You actually cleared a whole plot for me! Thank you so much, now I can grow vegetables for you!” Julian stood in the yard, his voice gentle. “Whatever makes you happy.” I watched them from the balcony, a silent observer behind glass. It was as if that man wasn’t my husband, and that girl had no connection to me. “Hello, long time no see.” The familiar electronic voice of the System echoed in my mind. I took a sip of my coffee. “You don’t seem surprised at all.” “The peach tree was destroyed. Of course, you’d show up.” My voice was calm. “When do I leave this world?” “You’ve stayed too long after your mission ended, forming too many ties with this world. You can’t detach the instant your soul host disappears. It will take at least two weeks.” “Okay.” The System was silent for a moment, as if calculating. “Ten years ago, you chose to stay, anchoring your soul to an object in this world. Now you’ve watched your host object be destroyed, watched your husband’s devotion shift to another woman…Do you feel no regret?” I looked down at the coffee in my mug, lost in thought. I was only sixteen when I first arrived in this world. Back then, Julian was shunned and despised for the scandal of his birth. Almost overnight, he went from a bright student to a branded ‘homewrecker’s son.” At school, he was isolated and bullied. His mother’s small business, their sole livelihood, was maliciously ruined. The relentless accusations broke his mother first. She fell from a great height and ended her life. Then it was his turn. Friends slowly drifted away, teachers chose to avoid him. The once outgoing boy gradually closed himself off, letting the cold stares and malice wash over him. When he was about to lose all will to live, I stood by his side. During that time, I did so much. I slowly pulled him out of that dark abyss. Later, his biological father appeared. Julian refused to accept this sudden presence in his life. He couldn’t forgive that man for destroying his once peaceful life, nor could he forgive his mother’s death. The man left him with a threat- If Julian didn’t return to that family, his path forward would be incredibly difficult. In the days that followed, we endured pressure from all sides. Countless sleepless nights, endless doubts, and sneers. Eventually, he stood firm on his own, making a name for himself in the industry. Ten years ago, his company went public. My mission was completed that day. According to the rules, I had to leave this world after the mission was done. Unless I chose to anchor my soul to an object- If the object lived, I lived; if the object was destroyed, I left. We had been through too much together. Those memories ran too deep; I couldn’t bear to leave. So, I stayed, even though I knew it meant immense risk. “Hello?” I snapped back to reality, looking at the man in the yard who was intently listening to the girl talk. “I never regret the decisions I’ve made.” “Aren’t you sad?” I didn’t answer. A knock sounded at the door. It was Julian. He walked up beside me, looking at the busy figure in the yard. I shifted my gaze, my chest tightening. How could I not be sad? He was the man I had poured my entire heart into loving. “Scarlett, don’t you think Stella is a lot like you back then? Passionate, lively, full of life.” I knew very well that nostalgia was just an excuse. The real reason was that he had changed. I wiped away the dampness from the corner of my eye, adjusting my breathing. “Do you remember what I told you when we planted that tree?” “You said I should take care of it as if I were taking care of you.” He had taken care of that tree for ten years. But he couldn’t resist someone who had only been in his life for a few months. I looked at him, not speaking, but he already understood what I wanted to ask. “Out with the old, in with the new, right?” I forced a smile, laced with a touch of bitterness. I really wanted to ask- Did “the old” he spoke of include me too? I also really wanted to tell him that I would be leaving soon. But in the end, I said nothing. Perhaps it was because I already understood that the passion in our relationship had long since faded. Maybe he hadn’t completely fallen out of love, but he was no longer the man who looked at only me with his whole heart. If that was the case, what was there to say?
Scarlett’s POV “Ms. Thorne, I heard that tree was planted by you and Julian, a symbol of your love.” Stella fiddled with the hem of her shirt, looking cautiously at me. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know how important that tree was before. By the time I found out, it was too late to save it.” “I made you a dessert with its petals, and I even started brewing wine. I know it can’t make up for anything, but I just hope you’ll feel a little less regret.” I took a few bites of the petal dessert. “It’s delicious, thank you for putting so much thought into preserving it for me. But I probably won’t get to drink that wine.” I didn’t have much time left in this world; I wouldn’t be here to see the wine finish brewing. My calmness seemed to panic Stella. The destruction of the tree should have provoked anger. “It’s all my fault… If you’re angry, please punish me. Whether it’s a fine or making me do extra work, anything.” Her voice grew softer and softer, her eyes turning red, tears streaming down her face. I raised my hand, intending to comfort her, but I didn’t know what to say. In that hesitant moment, hurried footsteps approached, and my hand, suspended in mid-air, was swatted away. Julian steadied Stella by the shoulders, turning her around, and looked down at her red-rimmed eyes. “Did she bully you?” The “she” he referred to was obvious. My outstretched hand felt utterly superfluous. Stella tried to explain, but her crying was too frantic for coherent words. It was the first time I’d seen Julian look at me like that. “Scarlett, do you have to be like this?” I withdrew my hand, speaking softly. “I didn’t do anything.” “You did nothing, and she’s crying like this?” “I’m the one who had the tree cut down. If you’re upset, take it out on me, don’t pick on a young girl.” “Julian, I’m telling you one last time, I didn’t do anything.” He looked at me, his voice growing colder. “Scarlett, that incident was an accident, Stella is a victim too. Can’t we all just get along? Do you have to make a scene?” Six months ago, he was set up, given something he shouldn’t have consumed. He barely made it back to the mansion before losing control and sleeping with Stella. That incident might have been an accident. But everything that happened afterward wasn’t. I watched him change little by little, watched him start prioritizing another woman’s feelings over mine. It felt like being slowly, clearly cut by a dull knife, over and over again. I had retreated to a point where I just wanted us to stay out of each other’s way. “There are security cameras in the house,” I said. “If you don’t believe me, you can check them yourself.” Stella, beside him, tugged at his sleeve anxiously, shaking her head softly. “No… it’s really not like that.” “You don’t need to speak for her.” Julian lifted his hand, wiping away the tears from her eyes, his voice softening. “I’m here. No one will ever hurt you.” With that, he took Stella’s hand and walked away without looking back. I stood there, watching their retreating figures, feeling a sudden sense of disorientation. I had heard those words before. Back then, he was being crushed by his family’s influence. I finally managed to contact an investor who was willing to help. When I arrived at the agreed meeting place, I found the table covered with high-proof whiskey. I didn’t want his efforts to be in vain, so I drank glass after glass. He arrived and immediately smashed a whiskey bottle over the head of the man who tried to touch me, holding me tightly in his arms. “I’m so sorry, Scarlett. I was useless, I couldn’t protect you.” That six-foot-three man, who hadn’t cried when he was ostracized in high school, hadn’t cried when he was disowned by his family, hadn’t cried when he was severely injured and hospitalized. But he held me and cried uncontrollably. “I’ll get stronger,” he said. “With me here, no one will ever hurt you again.” He had kept his word, protecting me fiercely. I just never imagined that many years later, the one who would hurt me again, would be him. At that moment, the System in my head spoke: “Confirmed departure in ten days. I will appear in ten days to open the portal for you.” “Okay.”
Scarlett’s POV Julian didn’t come home for several days, and Stella wasn’t there either. I knew he was giving me the silent treatment. In the past, if he disappeared for two days, I would inevitably give in, making excuses for him, covering for him, even proactively backing down and taking all the blame myself. But this time, I didn’t. I just quietly started packing up my things around the house. Mrs. Davies, the housekeeper, stood by, hesitant. “Ma’am, these are all gifts from Julian. Are you really getting rid of all of them?” I lowered my eyes, looking at the gift boxes laid out on the floor. When I first opened them, my heart had indeed been filled with anticipation and joy. But now, only emptiness remained. “Get rid of them,” I said. “Keep the money and give it to the children I sponsor.” Anyway, I was leaving soon; these things had no more meaning to me. After handing the last box of luxury items to Mrs. Davies, I picked up the charity auction invitation and drove out, planning to spend all the remaining money on my card. I just hadn’t expected to see Julian there. Stella, holding up her dress, ran ahead, full of fresh curiosity about everything. Julian followed behind her, constantly keeping an eye on her movements. The moment our eyes met, I saw a fleeting look of displeasure in his. “What are you doing here?” Before I could even speak, I was surrounded by people. “Mr. Thorne and his wife are here for charity again!” “Mrs. Thorne, you’re so lucky to have such a thoughtful husband…” These kinds of pleasantries were unavoidable at such events. He used to enjoy hearing them, and whenever people complimented our relationship, he always played along. But this time, his expression visibly hardened. “There’s no need for such talk today.” “Besides, she’s not my companion.” As soon as he said that, he walked away, searching for Stella in the crowd. Upon seeing her stumble outside the crowd, he quickly moved to scoop her up in his arms, his eyes filled with tender concern. The petite woman nestled in the man’s broad embrace-a beautiful scene that drew everyone’s gaze. After Julian left, the crowd’s bewildered eyes turned to me. I quickly composed myself, but I could still feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere. “Mrs. Thorne… well then, we won’t disturb you.” They politely dispersed, leaving me standing there alone. I looked in the direction Julian had left. In a corner of the hall, he was half-crouching, head bowed, carefully examining Stella’s ankle, his movements patient and focused. Soon, hushed whispers began to rise. “I’ve never seen Mr. Thorne with another woman before.” “Even his staff used to be almost exclusively male.” “Who is that girl? Has something gone wrong with their relationship?” I took a deep breath, forcing myself to look away. I straightened my back, put on a standard, controlled smile, found the seat with my name on it, and tried hard not to listen to those voices. For the next few hours, Julian bid again and again, securing expensive auction items for Stella. The smile on my face slowly faded. Until finally, he bid for a high-priced gem ring, a symbol of eternal love. Under the envious gazes of the crowd, he personally slipped it onto Stella’s finger. In that moment, I finally couldn’t hold on anymore. My chest felt as if something heavy was crushing it, making it hard to breathe. I stood up, didn’t spare them another glance, and turned to leave my seat, practically fleeing the venue.
Scarlett’s POV In the restroom, the host’s teasing voice filtered through the speakers. I looked at myself in the mirror, my chest tightening with each passing moment. Eight years ago, Julian’s status was unmatched. Countless people tried to send women his way. In their eyes, in that world of gilded extravagance, a wife like me-without a powerful background, who had merely stood by him through thick and thin-would eventually be cast aside. Some even secretly bet on when he would abandon me. Julian was furious when he found out. He projected our wedding photos onto the city’s most prominent screens, openly recounting our love story in public interviews. He bought priceless gems at multiple auctions and visited top jewelry designers several times, all just to design a unique ring for me. His extravagant actions, regardless of cost, caused a sensation throughout elite circles. Everyone said I was incredibly lucky. And now, the scene outside mirrored eight years ago. Only this time, Julian wasn’t doing it for me. I had no interest in watching any further. I straightened myself up, ready to leave. Just as I stepped out, a gunshot suddenly shattered the air, followed by ear-splitting screams and chaotic footsteps. Someone crashed into me, and the next second, my wrist was gripped tightly. I was yanked, stumbled a few steps, and pulled into a restroom stall. Stella’s face was pale with terror, her hand trembling as she clung to mine. “How… how could someone have a gun…?” Julian subtly moved her hand from my wrist, taking it into his own palm. He softly reassured her. “Don’t be scared, I won’t let anything happen to you.” I looked at the two of them, tightly huddled together. The bitterness I had managed to suppress earlier surged back. In this cramped space, I, his legal wife, seemed to cease to exist. The shouts of the perpetrators outside came in fits and starts. I knew very well that we couldn’t hide here forever; we had to find a way to leave. I stepped onto the toilet seat, reaching up to test the small window on the side wall. The window shifted slightly. “It moves, we can get out this way.” Julian followed my movements with his eyes. Just then, a command rang out from outside: “Search. Bring everyone alive in the hall to the main lobby.” Footsteps began closing in on the restroom. The air instantly grew taut. I had just lifted my foot when I was suddenly pulled down. “Let Stella go first.” I lost my footing, and a sharp pain shot through my ankle. But the pain of that moment was nothing compared to the sting of his words. I looked at Julian. He didn’t even glance at me, instead, he simply hoisted Stella onto his shoulder, shielding her as they went through the small window. Once Stella was safely out, he immediately restored the window to its original position. In that moment, I finally realized that from the very beginning, he had never intended for me to leave. My eyes burned. Even though I understood the answer, I still wanted to hear him say it. I took a deep breath, but my voice trembled uncontrollably. “Why send her, and not me?” Julian lowered his eyes. “She’s younger.” “Besides, you’ve been with me through so much over the years. You can handle situations like this better than she can.” “Then why couldn’t we both go?” The attackers hadn’t reached here yet. There was plenty of time to get both of us out. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for a man like me to hide in the women’s restroom, so…” I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. So, in Julian’s eyes, I was just a convenient target to be left behind. The two decades I’d spent with him felt like a ridiculous joke.
Scarlett’s POV Unfortunately, I was chosen as a hostage along with four other women. Two captors guarded each woman, blades pressed to our necks, cold gun muzzles at our temples. We became bargaining chips. Everyone else in the venue had been evacuated, Julian among them. My gaze pierced through the crowd, clearly seeing him pull a distraught Stella into his arms, softly comforting her, then turning to leave without a backward glance. In that moment, my heart plummeted completely. The five of us were forced into a car, which sped off toward the remote outskirts. Then, a black cloth was thrown over my head, and I quickly lost consciousness. When I next opened my eyes, I was in an abandoned factory on the city’s outskirts. The police found us two days later. With them were the families of some of the other hostages. I scanned the crowd, but Julian was nowhere to be seen. I couldn’t help but scoff at myself. Even now, I was clinging to a sliver of hope for him. I watched the other women collapse into their loved ones’ arms, sobbing. I watched them release all the terror and breakdown of the past days. I watched them being held close, soothed and reassured. To say I wasn’t envious would have been a lie. “Ms. Thorne?” A police officer, whose face seemed vaguely familiar, crouched down in front of me. He looked around, a clear flicker of surprise in his expression. “Mr. Thorne didn’t come?” I recognized him. He had been among the officers who responded when Julian’s enemies had kidnapped me before. “That’s not right, we notified him.” He scratched his head, a little confused. “Last time you were kidnapped, Mr. Thorne was so frantic, he got stabbed in the chest but wouldn’t leave, insisting on exchanging himself for you. This time, how could he-” My disappointment was palpable. Yes, the old Julian would rather exchange his life for mine. This time, though, he was the one who had left me in danger with his own hands. I didn’t speak. The officer sensed something was wrong and quickly changed the subject, asking the standard questions, then handed me a cup of water. “If no one comes to pick you up, you can ride with me later. I’ll take you to the hospital. You look like the most injured one here, you need proper care.” “Thank you.” At the hospital, the nurse frowned immediately when she saw my injuries. A deep gash on my neck, numerous glass shards embedded in my calf, and a badly swollen ankle. “Where’s your family? You can’t walk properly on this foot right now.” “It’s okay, I’ll just borrow a wheelchair.” After my wounds were treated, I slowly wheeled myself out of the ward. In the hallway, I heard a familiar voice. Following the sound, I saw Julian carefully supporting Stella, shielding her from bumping into anyone, his voice laced with anxiety. “Didn’t I tell you to rest well during this time? Let someone else handle these things. You just wouldn’t listen, and now you’ve fallen.” “You’re exaggerating. It was such a thick carpet, it’s not that serious.” “No, we still need a full check-up. I won’t feel at ease otherwise.” I curled my lips, a bitter taste filling my mouth. She had merely stumbled, and he was this worried. Yet, until now, he hadn’t thought to ask- If I had been safely rescued, if I was injured. I didn’t watch any longer. I turned my wheelchair and rolled past them, heading toward the elevator alone. Their voices followed me. “Oh, and Mr. Thorne, you should still ask the police about Mrs. Thorne’s condition. It’s all because of me that she was in danger, I’m very worried.” “Okay.” “And that day, Mrs. Thorne really didn’t bully me. She just said she wouldn’t get to drink my wine in the future, and I felt so guilty that I cried.” I didn’t look back.
Scarlett’s POV I sat in my wheelchair, watching my belongings being moved out one by one, piled haphazardly in the staff quarters. I felt utterly paralyzed. Mrs. Davies, who had been our housekeeper for nearly a decade, stood by, her hands twisting together. After a long, hesitant pause, she finally spoke. “Ma’am, Julian said… Stella’s had a shock and isn’t well. She needs the sunniest room for a while. He asked us to pack your things…” Her voice grew quieter as she spoke, eventually barely daring to look at me. I just sat there silently, my face devoid of expression. “I tidied up the best guest room yesterday. I can help you move your things there.” I shook my head. “No, this is fine.” Anyway, I only had five days left. No matter how grand the room, it was just a temporary place for me. Seeing Mrs. Davies’s slightly red eyes, I comforted her softly: “It’s okay, it’s convenient for me to be on the first floor since I can’t move around easily right now.” Julian, who had just walked in, heard my words and came over to me, looking at my bandaged arm and leg. I didn’t look up to meet his gaze. He spoke, his voice tinged with blame. “Why didn’t you say anything when you got back? Stella couldn’t eat because she was worried about you.” I explained. “My phone was smashed by the attackers, and the police probably contacted you, but you were too busy to notice.” He was silent, and I didn’t give him any more opportunities to speak. In that brief silence, I had lost all interest in staying there. I simply turned my wheelchair and went into the room myself. I tried to stand up from the wheelchair, to lean against the bed. But my legs gave out, and my body tilted forward. The next second, I fell heavily to the floor. The pain came quickly. I gritted my teeth, propping myself up with my hands against the edge of the bed, trying to slowly stand, but I couldn’t find my balance. Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open. “Scarlett!” As I fell into his arms, I felt a strange sense of disorientation. It had been so long since I’d been this close to anyone. He gently placed me on the bed, his voice finally losing its hardness, even taking on a rare, pleading softness: “Scarlett, I’m so sorry, I wronged you. Please give me one year, okay? In one year, I promise I’ll come back to our family and be your model husband again.” I looked at the ceiling, my emotions flat. I said calmly, “Okay.” He said, “Get some rest. I’ll go out now.” After the door closed, I vaguely heard Stella’s soft voice outside. “Mrs. Thorne isn’t mad at me, is she?” Julian replied, “No, don’t worry, I won’t let you suffer.” I closed my eyes, pulled the covers over my head, and forced myself to sleep. Time slipped away. I had only one day left in this world. Mrs. Davies wheeled me to the backyard for sun, thoughtfully bringing a stack of books. Slipped between them was a photo album. I opened it to Julian’s younger face. Us standing side-by-side at high school graduation. Us walking across the university campus. Us holding each other for warmth in our first cramped apartment. Us working through the night after the company launched. Us toasting the IPO. Us cutting the cake on my birthday… Every smiling face in those photos was real. My vision blurred, a tear spreading on the photo paper. The next instant, a large hand gripped my neck, and my breath gradually grew ragged.
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