The night before my wedding, Liam Caldwell’s adopted sister, Chloe, suddenly turned pale and nauseous. He frantically scooped her up and rushed her to the hospital. Half an hour later, my phone rang. “She’s pregnant,” Liam’s voice was disturbingly calm. I was about to offer congratulations, but then he continued, “It’s mine…That night, she’d just broken up with her boyfriend. She was drenched and shivering from the cold. I just held her to keep warm, I never expected…” “We need to keep this from Mom and Dad. I’m bringing her home to take care of her. We’ll figure things out after the baby is born.” “The wedding will have to be postponed for a year. You can go explain and apologize to the guests.” My throat tightened. I couldn’t squeeze out a single word. He continued, “Oh, and one more thing. You need to quit your job immediately. Chloe needs someone to look after her. We can’t have any accidents in these next few months.” I suddenly chuckled, “Alright.” He hung up, satisfied. But he had no idea, I’d made a bet with someone else. If I wasn’t married by my thirtieth birthday, I’d marry him. And today? Today was my thirtieth birthday.
Maybe my calmness was too abnormal. Just three seconds after he hung up, Liam called again. “Ava, I’m so sorry. I know I was wrong first. But you have to believe me, I only see Chloe as my sister. The baby was truly an accident.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Such tender sibling affection. Stripping down in bed to keep warm? How touching.” The other end of the line went silent for a beat, then I heard his resigned sigh. “I understand you’re angry. You can curse me, hit me. But Chloe is still in school, unmarried and pregnant, and can’t reveal who the father is…” “She’s an orphan. Even though Mom and Dad adopted her as their own daughter, the Caldwell family would never accept this. They’d definitely kick her out.” “So I was hoping, you could claim the baby as yours. Since you’re quitting your job and staying home anyway, no one would suspect it’s not yours.” I tilted my head back, forcing the tears welling in my eyes to retreat. My voice came out dry and rough. “Liam, maybe we shouldn’t get married after all.” “Not get married?” He fell silent for a few seconds, then suddenly roared, “Ava, are you kidding me? Didn’t you say we’d been together for five years, and you were hounding me to set a wedding date as soon as possible?” “Now everyone in our social circle knows you’re my fiancée. Do you think marriage is a game? Ava, when did you become so stubborn?” I could almost see his forehead creased in a frown. Sure enough, the next second I heard him threaten, “Ava, I’m asking you one last time! Are you really not going through with this wedding?!” My fingers clenched tightly around my phone. I gave a bitter smile. “Yes, I don’t want you anymore, Liam.” He let out a cold laugh. “I don’t have time for your childish tantrums. Do whatever you want!” The call was abruptly cut off. I stood in the center of the banquet hall. Under the shocked gazes of hundreds of guests, I tore off my veil and ran out. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell quickly blocked my path. Mr. Caldwell was the first to speak, “Ava, what on earth are you doing? Just because Liam took his sister to the hospital, you’re going to ruin this wedding? Make the Caldwell family a laughingstock in front of hundreds of guests?” Mrs. Caldwell snorted, chiming in, “I told him it wasn’t a good match from the start. Your family is nothing but nouveau riche, completely unworthy of a distinguished classical music family like ours!” “But Liam insisted, so I couldn’t do anything. And look, didn’t it turn into a complete joke today!” Mr. Caldwell sneered, “It’s probably for the best. Saves us the trouble of her temper offending people and ruining the Caldwell family’s reputation later.” Liam was clearly in the wrong first, yet these two were turning around to blame me. I clenched my veil, my fingertips trembling. “Liam canceled the wedding. As for the specific reason… you two should ask him. I’m too humiliated to say.” Hearing that it was Liam’s decision, they only seemed to grow more self-righteous. “Even if Liam canceled it, you’re the bride! You just run off without saying a word? Shouldn’t you apologize to everyone present?” “How did your parents raise you? You don’t even understand basic social graces. How could you ever be a daughter-in-law of the Caldwell family?” I took a deep breath. “I won’t be marrying into the Caldwell family. If you two have nothing else, please move aside.” “You!” Their faces instantly changed, clearly not expecting such defiance from me, who had always been so compliant. I ignored them, walking directly around them towards the dressing room. Mrs. Caldwell yelled furiously behind me, “You uncouth witch!” In the dressing room, someone was already waiting. It was… him.
His fitted sportswear accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs. Sunlight streaming from the side outlined his sharp silhouette. Only the dark circles under his eyes betrayed him; he probably hadn’t slept well. Seeing me enter, he straightened up, arms crossed, that familiar, infuriating smirk playing on his lips. I averted my gaze. “Didn’t someone swear he’d never attend my wedding?” He suddenly leaned close, his warm breath brushing my ear. In the moment our eyes met, I caught a glimpse of the stubborn boy from ten years ago. “A bet’s a bet, Ava.” I kept my lips sealed. He instantly looked anxious. “You forgot?!” “I don’t care. We’re getting married in three days. If you don’t show up…” He paused, as if bracing himself. “I’ll move in with the Millers and never leave!” With that, as if afraid to hear my refusal, he swiftly slipped out the door. I suddenly burst out laughing. That idiot. Of course I remembered the bet. Our families had been close for generations, we’d grown up together. We were too familiar to ever be lovers. Ten years ago, he confessed his feelings to me. I told him we should just be friends. He looked utterly heartbroken, insisting on making a bet with me. I never thought, in the end, I would lose. Just as I changed out of my wedding dress, Liam sent me a photo. All my belongings were piled outside the villa entrance like trash. That pink teddy bear my mom made me stood out the most, carelessly stuffed into a transparent plastic bag, stinging my eyes in the sunlight. “Move your stuff out immediately!” “If you don’t, I’ll have the maids throw it away.” I stared at the screen, my fingertips chilling. He knew exactly how to manipulate me. I could give up other things, but that pink teddy bear my mom made me by hand? I had to get it back. “Okay, I’m coming.” My mom had spent three months making that plush teddy bear. Someone who never touched a needle and thread, her fingers were pricked and dotted with blood. The night before the wedding, she had smiled, handing me the teddy bear, “My dear, I want you to be happy forever.” “In your new home with your husband, think of this little bear as me.” But when I arrived, the entrance was empty. Only half an hour had passed. I had clearly said I would come. Was he really so eager to kick me out? A surge of fury rushed through me. I pushed open the villa door and stormed inside. The moment I pushed the door, I felt a chill to my bones. Chloe sat on the edge of the dining table. Liam had his hands on her waist, his face pressed against her swollen belly, his gentle expression blinding. “Honey,” Chloe suddenly whispered, “the baby kicked me.” Liam immediately pressed closer, a curve on his lips I’d never seen before. “Such a little rascal, just like you when you were small.” When he looked up, his gaze was soft enough to melt. “I hope the eyes are just like yours.” Chloe smiled, pursing her lips. Liam expertly pressed a kiss to her lips, his tone suddenly filled with guilt. “Are you really sure you want to leave after the baby is born? You know… you could stay. I can take care of you and the baby. Such a tiny baby, how can it grow up without its birth mother?” Chloe placed her index finger on his lips, shaking her head. “If I don’t leave, what about Ava?” Hearing my name, Liam clearly froze, then his expression darkened. “Her? She’s just acting out of spite by saying she wants to break up. Once the baby is born, she’ll come begging me to help raise it. A businesswoman’s daughter like her, she only cares about profit, she has no dignity whatsoever.” “Have you forgotten how she shamelessly chased after me to be my girlfriend? That repulsive face of hers, it still makes me sick to think about it.” My tears fell silently. So, my brave confession all those years ago had actually disgusted him all this time.
The Caldwells were a renowned classical music dynasty in New York. Liam was the most promising young violinist in the city. Five years ago, he came to my father with his violin, seeking investment for a musical theater. My father praised him effusively and specifically introduced him to me. I fell in love with him at first sight, shamelessly insisting on learning the violin from him. He was so angry he pointed at me and yelled, “Stupid, absolutely no talent!” I grinned cheekily, “Then be my boyfriend, we’d complement each other perfectly, right?” He glanced at Chloe, head bowed, tears in her eyes, then suddenly took my hand, giving a self-mocking laugh. “Fine.” I jumped up in joy and hugged him, completely missing Chloe’s retreating figure as she ran out, and the instant stiffness in his arm. Now I understood. His heart had always belonged to Chloe. No wonder he later refused to teach me the violin, not even letting me into his music room. My heart felt raw. I wanted to turn and leave, but then I remembered the pink teddy bear my mom had sewn for me—I couldn’t abandon it. “Ava!” Liam suddenly turned, a sneer twisting his lips. “What are you doing standing at the doorway? Your things have been thrown out. Are you regretting it now?” I dug my nails into my palm. “My teddy bear? Give it back to me.” He froze for a second, his face growing even colder. “A worthless teddy bear, why would I care?” “My mom made it by hand,” my voice started to tremble. “Give it back, and I’ll leave immediately.” Seeing that I was on the verge of tears, he frowned. “You’re crying? Are you sick? Is it really that big of a deal?” “Yes, it is!” I yelled, tears finally streaming down. Liam tugged at his tie in frustration, about to say something. Chloe, beside him, suddenly seemed to remember something and quickly spoke up, “Ava, please don’t yell at Liam. I told the maid to put your things in the guest room.” As she spoke, she gently stroked her belly, and tears instantly welled up in her eyes. “Please don’t move out? If it’s because of this baby… I, I can get rid of him. His arrival was a mistake to begin with. None of you welcome him…” Before she could finish, she was sobbing uncontrollably. “I forbid it!” Liam’s voice was almost out of control. He trembled as he pulled Chloe tightly into his embrace, then turned and glared at me fiercely. “She can leave, but don’t you dare lay a hand on my child! Right now, you and the baby are my everything!” “Ava, if this is why you came, then get out of my house!” I let out a cold laugh and walked straight to the guest room. The teddy bear was carelessly tossed on the floor, stained with grime and vomit. Its original light pink plush fabric was now utterly filthy. My fingers trembled as I pointed at the teddy bear. “Chloe, explain yourself!” She shrank her neck timidly. “I didn’t mean to. I just suddenly felt nauseous…” As she spoke, she bent down to pick it up. “Don’t be angry, I’ll wash it clean for you.” But just as she bent over, she cried out in pain. “Ah! My stomach hurts so much.” Liam lunged forward, roughly shoving me to the floor. My head hit the bedpost with a heavy thud. The moment excruciating pain exploded, warm liquid trickled down my temple. I bit my lip, making no sound. I just looked at Liam, a faint smile playing on my lips, wanting to see if he had a heart at all. He held Chloe, his stern eyes filled with extreme disgust. “How much? I’ll pay! I’m begging you, stop being so unreasonable. Do you really get a sense of accomplishment from tormenting Chloe and me with something so insignificant?” My heart felt like it had been pierced. He had always been cool and distant with me, but he had never looked at me with such eyes. Now, he must truly hate me. Suddenly, it all felt pointless. Why bother staying here to annoy him further? I gave in. The teddy bear was ruined. I didn’t want it anymore. And this tainted man, I didn’t want him either. I pushed myself up. “Liam, I don’t lack money.” As I turned to leave, he suddenly grabbed me, a hint of helplessness in his expression. “You’re not in a good mood today. Go back to your parents’ for a few days to cool off. I’ll come pick you up in three days.” I shook off his hand and quickly walked away. This home we had built together for years, I was merely a fleeting guest after all. … Back home. I had already explained the wedding fiasco to Mom and Dad. Seeing me return, Mom breathed a sigh of relief. “Darling, I should actually thank heavens! What if you’d only discovered this after the wedding? What then?” “The Caldwells always look down on us merchants as tasteless, yet their distinguished music family raised such shameless people!” Dad sighed softly. “Don’t talk about that now, our daughter is upset. I’ve already instructed my assistant to withdraw all investments from Caldwell Music Theater. From now on, our family will have nothing to do with the Caldwells!” I was just hesitating whether to mention Ryan when Mom suddenly said, “Oh, by the way, Ryan was here today. He wants to marry you.” She took a velvet box from the coffee table drawer. “That boy certainly moves fast.” Opening the box, inside was the sapphire necklace, a cherished heirloom of the Hayes family. It was then that I truly realized, the wedding in three days, Ryan was serious.
That evening. Chloe sent me a message. “I’m moving out right now, and I’m not keeping the baby either.” “You and Liam have five years of history, it can’t be ruined because of me. I would feel guilty my whole life.” I stared at the screen and sneered. If she wanted to make a scene, she could go talk to her brother. Why bother me? I replied: “Do what you want.” Then, I swiftly blocked her. After doing all that, I leaned against the floor-toceiling window, lost in thought, a lingering sense of melancholy in my heart. My phone suddenly vibrated. Ryan’s FaceTime invitation popped up. “Ava,” his eyes sparkled on the screen, “give me a heart sign.” I was stunned. “Why so sudden…?” “I don’t care,” he insisted, pulling his face closer to the camera. “Right now.” Amused by his childish expression, I quickly made a heart sign, feeling goosebumps rise on my own arms. He immediately clutched his chest, closed his eyes, and made an exaggerated, blissful expression. When he opened his eyes again, he suddenly winked at me with his right eye. My heart skipped a beat. “Look outside, my return gift for you.” He chuckled softly, and the FaceTime call ended abruptly. Outside, the night sky suddenly lit up. Hundreds of drones formed a twinkling heart, then transformed into a line of words: “Happy Birthday, Ava.” Tears instantly blurred my vision. Today’s chaotic drama had made me forget my own birthday. But he remembered. As for Liam, every year on my birthday, he would only send me a music video of a “Happy Birthday” violin piece he had once performed. “My music videos are very precious,” he would always explain. “It’s an honor for you to hear it.” This year, he flat out said, “Planning the wedding is too busy, no time to send you a MV.” But the “wedding planning.” I tried on wedding dresses alone at over twenty stores. I compared over thirty quotes to book the hotel. I stayed up late writing over three hundred handwritten invitations. The only time he participated was when I tried on my main gown; he grudgingly spared five minutes, but spent the entire time checking his watch. Turns out, he never loved me. It had always been obvious. Later, as I was sleeping, my phone vibrated. Groggily, I pressed the answer button. Liam’s voice roared through the phone, “Ava, get to the hospital immediately! Chloe’s in trouble!” I instantly woke up. Was her message serious after all? When I rushed to the hospital room, I saw Chloe resting comfortably against the headboard, Liam gently peeling an apple for her. They looked like a picture of serene domesticity, while I stood there in slippers, half my foot slipping outside the door, feeling like a clown. Seeing me, Liam suddenly erupted, dragging me to the bedside. “Kneel before Chloe!” I looked up in shock. Before I could even react, my knee was hit hard. My kneecap slammed against the floor, the excruciating pain making me unable to move for a moment. “Liam! Are you insane?!” I glared at him fiercely. His eyes blazed with terrifying fury. “Chloe slit her wrists!” Chloe began to sob on cue. “I sent Ava a message to apologize, but she blocked me. She must hate me so much, she doesn’t want to see me anymore. What’s the point of me living…?” Though I detested her, I didn’t want to be responsible for someone’s death. I quickly looked at her. There was a half-centimeter long cut on her wrist, covered in antiseptic, already scarred over. This was a suicide attempt? I quirked my lips. “Liam, if I had come tomorrow, would her wound have already healed?” He instantly exploded. “Ava! How can you be so malicious? If I hadn’t found her in time… do you know the consequences of a pregnant woman losing too much blood?” His concern must have clouded his judgment. A tiny scratch made him panic so much, yet he completely ignored the blood flowing from my forehead. He must really love Chloe, truly. I frowned, silent. This seemed to completely enrage him. He threw the fruit knife at me, snarling. “Since you think it’s no big deal, then cut yourself in the same spot, and taste the pain yourself! This is what you owe Chloe!” I stared at him incredulously. This was the man I had loved devotedly for five years. In that instant, my heart turned completely cold. It was just a cut, wasn’t it? I’ll give it back to her, then. Lowering my gaze to hide the tears in my eyes, I picked up the knife and lightly drew it across my wrist. Chloe shrieked in terror. I struggled to stand up, holding my bleeding wrist out to Liam. “Is that enough?” Blood dripped continuously. His eyelashes fluttered rapidly. He gave a look of disdain. Then he turned to comfort a startled Chloe, muttering curses under his breath. “Why would you cut so deep? You’re hopelessly clumsy.” I smiled soundlessly, stumbling towards the door. He suddenly called out, “Ava, go home and reflect on your actions! In three days, I’ll come pick you up.” I laughed, tears streaming down my face. Liam, we’ll never see each other again.
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