On our wedding night, Cole confessed that he was a celestial warrior sent down to undergo a mortal trial, already betrothed to a celestial fiancée. He didn’t even lift my bridal veil, his voice cold and hard. “You cared for me for two years. As repayment, I can grant you two wishes.” “Aside from asking me to stay.” I clenched my fingers, peering through the red gauze at his distant, emotionless gaze. “Can you do anything? Can you bring someone back to life for me?” He let out a quiet breath, a flicker of relief crossing his face. “Your mother? Yes, I can. You two shared a deep bond; it’s only right.” I lowered my head, guilt churning in my stomach. The truth was, I lied to him. My mother was the person I hated most in the world. The one I wanted to resurrect was my husband, Liam. He had died two years ago, on the very day I saved Cole. 01 You shouldn’t pick up strangers from the side of the road. I knew that. But I still saved Cole’s life. Because he was useful. I had known for a long time that he was a celestial warrior. And I even knew his celestial fiancée. Two years ago, my husband Liam fell off a cliff and died. I buried him, my heart shattered into a million pieces. Just as I was contemplating ending my own life, heartbroken and desolate, I suddenly heard the celestial fiancée’s voice. “How did you get so badly injured…? Cole, wake up!” I gasped, quickly hiding in the tall grass to watch. Cole lay motionless on the ground, blood at the corner of his lips. His face was astonishingly handsome, so beautiful it felt sacrilegious to even look. My heart leaped into my throat. I quickly averted my gaze, but out of the corner of my eye, I caught a flash of golden light. The celestial fiancée used her divine power, and Cole slowly stirred. His voice was like clear spring water splashing over jade. “Sierra, what are you doing here?” “A mortal trial cannot be aided by external forces. Go back.” The celestial fiancée looked utterly wronged. “I was worried about you…” “Worried I might fall for a mortal woman and jeopardize our engagement to the Phoenix Clan?” Cole cut Sierra off with a mocking, increasingly cold tone. “Rest assured, celestial fiancée, I remember my mission. I will return to the celestial realm in two years.” “Now, leave.” Even from afar, I shivered, chilled by the cold aura radiating from him. Sierra persisted, unwilling to leave. “I wanted to see who would save you. What if she’s prettier than me?” Cole grew impatient. “If you don’t leave and delay the timing, and this mortal trial of love fails, our engagement will still be canceled.” “It’s only two years. Afterwards, I will grant her two wishes.” “Mortals are greedy. Once they get what they want, they likely won’t cling on.” Sierra sniffled, pouting playfully. “Alright, then. But you promise not to fall for her, no matter who charms her into marriage. And absolutely no wedding night!” “Mmm.” Cole agreed. Sierra looked at him a few more times, then reluctantly departed. After she left, Cole lay back down. He pressed his ring finger to his heart, then coughed up a mouthful of blood. My eyes widened in shock, his words echoing in my mind: “I will grant her two wishes.” This was a celestial being. Surely, he could help me bring Liam back? My heart pounded like a drum. After a moment, I gathered my courage and ran to his side. “Sir, are you alright, sir?” “This jade token will grant you free passage in and out of the Underworld.” Cole’s voice pulled my scattered thoughts back into focus. He opened his palm, and a flash of white light revealed a smooth, luminous jade token. My eyes lit up. I immediately snatched off my bridal veil. My movements were so quick that the red gauze tangled in my hair ornaments, pulling out a strand of hair. A faint smile flickered in Cole’s eyes. “So eager? It seems you miss your mother very much.” I took the jade token, tears welling up in my eyes. “Yes, I miss him dearly.” “The jade token will guide you to the Underworld. Just state her name, and a Reaper will bring your mother back to life.” He raised his hand, seemingly intending to tuck a stray lock of my hair behind my ear. I quickly turned my head, avoiding his touch. His fingers stiffened slightly, then slowly retreated. “Have you thought about your second wish?” “Wealth, power, extended lifespan.” “Just name it, and I will grant it.” I clenched the jade token in my hand, shaking my head softly. “No need. I have no other desires.” After two years together, I understood Cole somewhat. If I dared to ask for anything else, he would immediately retract the jade token and turn his back on me. Sure enough, Cole nodded, satisfied with my answer. “Ivy, you are not greedy, and you are so understanding, never making things difficult. I am truly sorry for what I’ve put you through.” I smiled bitterly. “I understand that compared to the celestial fiancée, I am insignificant. I wouldn’t dare to harbor such illusions.” The more compliant a woman, the more guilt a man feels. Hearing me, Cole sighed. “Actually, if you truly can’t bear to part with me, I could return and discuss it with Sierra, persuade her to let me take you as a concubine.” “There’s no need for that…” It was getting more absurd by the second. I twitched my lips, stood up first, and politely said, “Celestial warrior, you have undergone a mortal trial for two years. I’m sure you’re eager to return. I won’t keep you any longer.” “Perhaps you can come back and visit someday.” “Very well.” Cole nodded, giving me a deep, searching look before transforming into a streak of white light and departing. 2 The next day, news spread throughout the village that Cole had run off in the middle of the night. Aunt Martha, my neighbor, stood on the other side of the wall, raising her voice deliberately. “Did you hear? Ivy Rivers’ handsome husband ran off! I saw it myself; he was picked up by a grand retinue!” “I told you! How could such a handsome man fall for her? He must be a powerful figure from Newhaven, and Ivy Rivers just got lucky, picking him up off the street.” Aunt Sarah gasped. “He ran off on their wedding night? Doesn’t that make Ivy Rivers a deserted wife?” “Do you think someone will come for her and take her back to Newhaven in a few days?” “You two need to stop reading so many romance novels…” I smiled wryly, my voice calm, almost amused. I was a widow, and most villagers looked down on me, but they weren’t malicious. For the past two years, as I cared for Cole, they had gossiped about me finding a new lover right after my husband’s death. But no one had ever exposed the fact that I was already married. For that alone, I was grateful. “Ivy, I told you long ago that Cole didn’t care for you, but you wouldn’t listen!” Aunt Martha, producing a handful of sunflower seeds from somewhere, began cracking them. “That man, after you saved his life, did nothing all day but read books and practice sword fighting. He clearly never suffered a day in his life and treated you like a servant.” “Tell Aunt Martha the truth, is he from Newhaven?” I gave her a mysterious look. “He’s more powerful than anyone in Newhaven. He’s a celestial warrior from the heavens!” “…” Aunt Martha and Aunt Sarah fell silent, a rare occurrence. After a moment, they exchanged glances. When they looked at me again, their voices were filled with sympathy. “She must be heartbroken, lost her mind?” “Oh well, what can you do? She’s my neighbor. I’ll slaughter a hen for you to get your strength back.” I smiled softly and turned back into the house. No chicken for me. I was preparing to move. Everyone in the village knew Liam had died two years ago. If he came back to life, wouldn’t he be seen as a monster? I needed to find a distant village, where no one knew us. Over the next two days, I sold what I could, gave away what I couldn’t. Then, I packed my belongings and moved to Maplewood Village, a dozen miles away. After tidying up my new small courtyard, I pulled out the jade token Cole had given me. The jade token flashed with white light, conjuring an ethereal barrier. I looked left and right, confirming no one was around. Then, I stepped inside. 3 The Underworld was filled with chilling winds. My hand trembled as I handed Cole’s token to the Underworld Official. He glanced at it, frowning suspiciously. “This is a Celestial Warrior’s token. How did you get it? Did you steal it?” “I must report this to my superiors. I can’t just let people pass through.” “Of course, of course.” I nodded like a bobblehead, my heart pounding with suppressed excitement, and stepped to the side. He pulled out a talisman to contact Cole. “Celestial Warrior Cole, your token has appeared in the hands of a mortal woman. She wishes to revive someone. Do you grant her request?” My heart hammered in my chest, my blood rushing to my head. My face flushed with tension. Just as the Underworld Official finished his question and seemed about to move on to other duties, I bravely stepped forward and stopped him. “Sir, the Celestial Warrior hasn’t replied yet. Where are you going?” He looked annoyed. “Celestial Warrior Cole is a busy man. How can he bother himself with such a trivial matter in the Underworld? If you’re in a hurry, you can leave now.” My face froze, the boiling blood in my veins slowly turning cold. But just then, Cole’s clear, detached voice came from the talisman. Only one word. “Granted.” 4 Cole’s unusually prompt response made the Underworld Official take immediate notice. He not only released Liam’s soul at once but, without me even having to ask, crafted a physical body for him. After two years, Liam’s appearance was exactly as it had been. He still had that same look, where his eyes would crinkle in a smile the moment he saw me. Seeing his somewhat pale face, tears streamed uncontrollably down my cheeks. Before my mind could even process it, my body had already rushed into his arms. “Ivy…” He held me tightly, his voice catching. “I can’t believe we’d ever see each other again. How did you bring me back?” My body stiffened. Even though Cole and I hadn’t even held hands during our two years together, I still felt a ridiculous pang of guilt. I dared not utter Cole’s name. I only said, “I met a celestial being…” Thankfully, Liam didn’t press for details and followed me out of the Underworld. For the next few days, we were inseparable, joined at the hip. All the traditional joys of success and marriage felt insignificant compared to this. I realized now that life’s greatest joy was truly finding what you thought was lost forever. The hardships of caring for Cole over the past two years vanished like smoke. Liam was as thoughtful as ever. He wouldn’t let me do anything, keeping the house spotless. Two months passed quickly, and I still felt like I was dreaming. I was always afraid of waking up and finding him gone again. Fortunately, that never happened. However, Liam’s body was visibly weakening, and gray hairs had subtly appeared at his temples. I constantly worried, asking if he felt unwell. He simply smiled. “Everything’s fine. I just feel a bit heavier.” “But this is good enough. At least I can be by your side.” He didn’t seem to mind, but I couldn’t rest easy. I didn’t want to lose Liam again, like I had two years ago. So, I lied, telling him I was going to the city for supplies, and instead headed to Serpent’s Peak. Two years ago, when I first saved Cole, I was also very weak. Liam had just died, and even though Cole’s appearance offered a glimmer of hope, my spirits were low. Cole, perhaps fearing I might die and his mortal trial would fail, told me there was an herb on Serpent’s Peak that could replenish vital energy. I asked him, “Will you pick it for me?” He was reading at the time. He turned a page, then looked up. “No time.” He was too lazy to go, and I had no heart for it. The matter was dropped. But two years later, today, I had to retrieve that herb for Liam. He had saved me from my mother, the slave trader. For both gratitude and love, I couldn’t bear to watch him leave me again. I packed some dried provisions and walked for what felt like an eternity before reaching Serpent’s Peak. After a grueling climb to the summit, and a long search, I finally spotted the herb. Just as I reached out to pluck it, a sharp voice suddenly rang out behind me. “Stop! That’s mine!” I turned around, meeting Sierra’s furious gaze. Beside her, Cole, dressed in white, looked genuinely surprised. “Ivy? What are you doing here?” Sierra gasped. “You know her? Is she… is she your mortal trial?” My heart nearly stopped. But my hand, heedless of the danger, yanked the herb free and tucked it into my sleeve. Sierra’s face instantly darkened. I forced a smile, turning to leave. “What a coincidence. See you around.” 5 “Give me that celestial herb!” Sierra flashed in front of me, blocking my path. “How dare a mere mortal like you use a celestial item? Give it back!” She was surprisingly strong, yanking my arm, trying to snatch the herb away. Cold sweat broke out on my forehead, but I clung on desperately, refusing to let go. “I got it first!” “Give it to me, or don’t blame me for being rough!” Sierra wasn’t backing down. I wouldn’t either. “It’s mine!” “Ivy, is your mother unwell?” Cole frowned. “This celestial herb is the only one of its kind in the world. Sierra’s spirit pet is injured, so please let her have it.” He continued, his voice softer, “Your mother is old; even with this celestial item, it would be a waste.” I felt as though I had plunged into an ice cellar. My voice trembled as I spoke. “It’s not for my mother. It’s for me. I’m sick and desperately need this herb to save my life.” Cole’s brows furrowed deeply. He scrutinized me from head to toe. Sierra grew impatient. “Cole, are you being foolish? She’s so strong; she doesn’t look sick at all!” Cole’s face darkened at Sierra’s words. “Ivy Rivers, when did you learn to lie?” “Hand the celestial herb to Sierra at once.” His meaning was clear: unless I was on my deathbed, the herb was to be surrendered. Knowing I couldn’t overpower them, I immediately knelt. “Celestial Warrior Cole, in exchange for the two years I cared for you, please let me take this celestial herb!” “Don’t you still owe me a wish? I’ll use it for this herb!” Cole sighed, his voice heavy with disappointment. “You were the one who said you had no other desires. Now you want me to grant your second wish?” He looked at me, his gaze sharpening. “Were you pretending then, secretly wanting more?” I looked up, stunned, meeting Cole’s chilling eyes. After two years of living side-by-side, he still saw me as nothing more than a greedy mortal. In my daze, the celestial herb in my sleeve floated uncontrollably out and flew towards Cole. He caught it, then handed it to Sierra. I stood up, ready to snatch it back. He looked at me, his gaze as cold as ice. “To act so brazenly in front of a celestial fiancée, Ivy Rivers, you must be tired of living.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390918”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

1 I woke up to find my daughter transformed into a golden retriever. I screamed in terror, but my mother-in-law cursed me for raising a dog as a child. My husband asked when I would finally agree to have a real baby. But I distinctly remembered my daughter being five years old, and just last night, she was begging me for a story. I rushed to the closet; instead of my daughter’s princess dresses, there were dog clothes and leashes. I opened my phone gallery; instead of countless photos of my daughter, there were only pictures of that golden retriever. I ran to the daycare; the teachers also said I had never had a child. “Where is my daughter!” I screamed in despair. My husband said I had become obsessed with the dog, imagining a daughter to avoid childbirth. My mother-in-law sighed, advising me to see a psychiatrist. But I didn’t believe them. Ten months of pregnancy, five years of companionship—how could it all be a hallucination! I tried to call the police, but they stopped me, locking me in a mental hospital. I struggled desperately, rushing out onto the road, only to be hit by an out-of-control truck. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day my daughter turned into a golden retriever. This time, I wouldn’t scream. … A warm, wet tongue licked my cheek, leaving a faint, unpleasant odor. I snapped my eyes open. What greeted me was not the soft, pink face of my daughter, Joanna. Instead, it was the yellow-furred face of a dog. In my past life, this dog had replaced my daughter. The bedroom door creaked open. My husband, David, walked in. “The sun’s already high; aren’t you getting up?” My mother-in-law followed close behind. “Aren’t you going to get up and make breakfast? Five years in this house, and you haven’t produced a single grandchild. How can you sleep so soundly?” I dug my nails fiercely into my palm. The pain was sharp and real. It wasn’t a dream. I had been reborn. I was back on the morning Joanna disappeared. I pointed at the dog. “David, where is my daughter, Joanna?” David frowned. “Joanna’s right there on the bed, isn’t she?” I grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him. “I’m talking about a human, my daughter, five-year-old Joanna! Not this animal!” David dodged the pillow. “Elara, we’ve been married for five years, and you’ve always refused to have children.” “You insisted on keeping this dog and even named it Joanna.” “You were the one who said you’d raise her like your own daughter. What act are you putting on now?” My mother-in-law chimed in. “Now you’re disgusted by it being an animal? Then hurry up and give me a grandson with a real heir.” Their synchronized performance. In my past life, I had been driven insane by this very narrative. They ganged up, turning black into white. “I don’t believe you. Last night, Joanna was sleeping in my arms, asking me to read ‘Snow White’.” I leaped out of bed, barefoot, and rushed to the closet. Just like in my previous life. The area that used to be filled with pink fluffy dresses was now entirely taken up by pet clothes. My mind went blank for a moment. Could those five years of mother-daughter affection really have been just a hallucination, born from my prolonged loneliness? I opened my phone. The lock screen was a dog. My photo gallery was full of dog pictures. David snatched the phone from my hand. “Had enough yet?” “Elara, are you under too much stress? Is something wrong with your mind?” His hand rested on my shoulder. I violently shook him off. “Don’t touch me. You’re all lying to me.” I ran out of the bedroom, heading straight for the front door. “Where are you going?” David roared from behind me. “I’m going to the daycare! The teachers will know! Joanna went to school yesterday!” I ignored my mother-in-law’s curses, grabbed the car keys, and bolted out. This time, I would tear through this web of lies. The car sped down the road. My mind was filled with Joanna’s smiling face. “Mommy, I want that balloon.” “Mommy, I love you.” So vibrant, so real. How could it be an illusion? How could it be a dog? I arrived at the Sunflower Daycare. It was peak time for parents dropping off children. I rushed to the classroom at the end of the second floor. Mrs. Davis was standing at the door, greeting the children. When she saw me, a flicker of panic crossed her eyes, but it vanished instantly. I rushed forward and grabbed her wrist. “Mrs. Davis, where is my daughter, Joanna Zhao?” Mrs. Davis frowned, trying to pull her hand free. “What daughter? You signed up for dog daycare here.” 2 My eyes widened as I stared at her. “You’re lying! You personally handed Joanna back to me yesterday afternoon.” “You even said Joanna wet the bed during her nap and asked me to wash her pants when I got home.” The surrounding parents and children gathered around. Mrs. Davis rolled her eyes at me, turned, and pulled a registration book from a cabinet. “See, isn’t this your signature?” I squinted. It was indeed my handwriting. But the header of the form read [Pet Short-Term Boarding Registration Form]. The “Boarded Object” column said: [Golden Retriever, Name: Joanna]. I snatched the registration book and frantically tore at it. “Fake, it’s all fake! You’re all in on this together! My daughter is human, not a dog!” Mrs. Davis shrieked. “Call security!” Two burly security guards rushed up, grabbing my arms, one on each side. I struggled desperately. “Let me go! Give me back my daughter!” “Mrs. Davis, you witch, you clearly know Joanna!” Just then, David rushed over, panting. He bowed apologetically to everyone. “I-I’m so sorry, everyone. My wife hasn’t been well lately.” “She wants a child so badly she’s having hallucinations. She’s caused trouble for the teacher.” The surrounding parents gave knowing looks. “Oh, so she’s crazy.” “How pathetic, she’s gone mad from wanting a child.” “Treating a dog like a child, she’s definitely seriously ill.” David walked up to me, took off his jacket, and draped it over my head, blocking my vision. “We’re going home. If you make a scene again, I’ll make sure you never leave the house for the rest of your life.” I stopped struggling. Not because I was afraid. But because I knew that making a scene now was useless. Everyone thought I was crazy. The evidence had all been tampered with. I had to stay calm. I had to survive. Only by surviving could I find Joanna. Back home, David tossed the car keys onto the coffee table. “Mom, get her medicine.” “I think she’s seriously ill today; we need to increase the dosage.” My mother-in-law immediately retrieved a white pill bottle from under the TV cabinet, pouring out two red capsules. Those were the “vitamins” they usually forced me to take. In my past life, I hadn’t known until just before I died that they were high-concentration illicit drugs from illegal channels, containing hallucinogens and sedatives. Long-term use would turn a normal person insane. My mother-in-law brought over a cup of water. “Hurry up, take your medicine, and you won’t imagine things anymore.” I clamped my mouth shut, turning my head away. “I won’t take it.” David walked over and roughly pinched my chin, forcing my mouth open. “Take it. Don’t make me use force.” My mother-in-law quickly shoved the pills into my mouth, then poured in a large gulp of water. I choked violently, water streaming down my neck and soaking my clothes. The pills lodged in my throat, a bitter taste spreading through my mouth. I pretended to swallow. The moment they loosened their grip, I violently shoved my mother-in-law away and rushed into the bathroom. Locked the door. And stuck my finger down my throat. “Ugh!” The water and pills I had swallowed, mixed with stomach acid, came back up. Outside the door, David started kicking. “Elara, open this door! What are you doing in there?” I flushed the toilet. Washed my face, and opened the door. “I took the medicine. I want to sleep.” David stared at me for a while, seemingly judging whether I was telling the truth. Finally, he snorted. “You’d better have taken it.” “Go to sleep. Your mind will clear up after you wake.” I returned to the bedroom, lifted my nightgown, and revealed my flat lower abdomen. There was a ten-centimeter-long, faint pink scar there. It was left five years ago when I had a C-section to give birth to Joanna. In my past life, when I questioned this scar, David had said, “What C-section? You got that climbing a mountain, you fell off a rock.” Climbing a mountain? Who gets a scar exactly where the uterus is? Who gets such a perfectly straight horizontal incision from a fall? They were treating my intelligence with utter contempt. The tragic thing was, in my past life, I had actually believed them. Because during that time, they had fed me so much medicine my memories were a confused mess. This time, I would never let them lead me by the nose again. 3 I stood up and began searching the room. Photos could be edited, clothes could be replaced. But Joanna had lived in this house for five years; it was impossible that not a single trace remained. However, I searched every corner of the room, finding nothing. They had been utterly ruthless. It was a destructive purge. My heart sank deeper and deeper. Just then, my gaze fell on the fabric armchair. Joanna often sat there reading picture books, eating snacks, and sometimes hiding treasures in the crevices. I rushed over, digging my hand deep into the sofa’s cracks, pushing hard. My fingertip brushed against something hard and cold. My heart skipped a beat. I carefully hooked out the object. It was a silver bracelet. The pendant on the front was engraved with “Joanna,” and the back had a QR code. This was a lost-and-found bracelet I had specially custom-made for Joanna’s fifth birthday. It had a chip implanted, and by scanning the QR code, one could see my contact information and Joanna’s photo. I pulled out my phone, opened the scanner. Beep. A page popped up on the screen. [Name: Joanna Zhao] [Gender: Female] [Date of Birth: January 8, 2021] [Mother: Elara Lin Phone: 138xxxx…] Below was a headshot of Joanna. The little girl’s eyes were smiling, a gap where a front tooth used to be. I covered my mouth, silently sobbing. I found her. I finally found her. My daughter was real! My entire family was lying to me. They had hidden my daughter. It was even possible… I dared not think further. Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. I quickly shoved the bracelet into my bra, hiding it against my chest. Then, I lay back on the bed and pulled the covers over my head. The door was pushed open a crack. David’s voice came through. “Asleep?” My mother-in-law’s voice was very low. “She should be. She just took her medicine; she must be drowsy.” “That’s good.” They closed the door and left. I got out of bed, tiptoeing to the door, pressing my ear against it to listen to the commotion outside. First, my mother-in-law’s anxious voice. “David, it’s been days now. Why hasn’t the buyer paid the remaining balance?” My body stiffened. Buyer? Balance? What were they talking about? I held my breath, straining to hear their conversation. David’s voice was filled with greed. “Don’t worry, they said that as long as the goods are inspected and there are no problems, the remaining five hundred thousand will be transferred tomorrow.” “Although that little girl is a good-for-nothing, she’s quite pretty.” “They happen to need a child bride and plan to take her deep into the mountains.” “Once she goes, she’ll never get out in this lifetime.” Child bride? Mountains? They actually sold Joanna! David let out a cold laugh. “With this money, and by selling Elara, that crazy woman’s house, we can pay off my gambling debts.” “Then, we’ll make Elara have a son, and our Zhao family will finally have an heir.” My mother-in-law chuckled a few times. “My son is so clever.” “Oh, and that Mrs. Davis, you need to keep her happy.” “It’s thanks to her cooperation that all the records were changed.” David said triumphantly, “Don’t worry, Davis is my old flame. As long as the money’s good, she’ll do anything.” I couldn’t hear the rest. My mind was filled with a buzzing roar. To pay off gambling debts, to have a son, they sold my daughter. They wanted to drive me insane and seize my property. Even Joanna’s teacher was David’s mistress! I wanted to rush out and rip their hearts open to see if they were black. But I couldn’t. Joanna was still with the buyer. I couldn’t tip them off. I had to endure. I had to wait for the right moment to return this pain to them a thousandfold. 4 In the evening, David went out. My mother-in-law called from outside. “Elara, get up and make dinner! You’ve slept all day; do you really think you’re a young mistress?” Normally, I would jump up and rush to the kitchen, afraid of displeasing her. But not today. If you say I’m crazy, then I’ll show you crazy. I stood up and walked out of the room. My mother-in-law was sitting with her legs crossed, cracking sunflower seeds, the golden retriever lying at her feet. As soon as she saw me, she opened her mouth to curse. I beat her to it, rushing to the dog’s toilet on the balcony. In my mother-in-law’s astonished gaze, I picked up a fresh, foul-smelling clump of dog feces with my bare hand. “What are you doing? That’s disgusting, you psycho!” My mother-in-law screamed, dropping her plate of sunflower seeds and scrambling backward. I rushed to her, grabbing a handful of her hair. As she screamed in terror, her mouth wide open, I smeared the dog feces all over her lips and nose, rubbing it in firmly. “Mom, didn’t you say this was my daughter?” “My daughter’s gold! I specially saved it for you, her loving grandmother, to have a taste.” “Look how rich the color is, how nourishing!” My mother-in-law’s eyes rolled back in her head from the stench, and she began retching uncontrollably. I casually grabbed the fruit knife from the coffee table, placing the tip against her throat. “Since you say I’m crazy, then a crazy person who kills isn’t held accountable, right?” My mother-in-law went limp, her pants instantly soaked. When David returned, this was the scene that greeted him: his mother, face covered in dog feces, slumped in a puddle of urine, while his usually submissive wife held a knife, pointing it at him. “Elara, put the knife down!” I stood up and walked toward him. “David, I just had a dream. I dreamt Joanna was crying.” “She said Daddy was going to sell her for money.” David’s pupils violently constricted. “Nonsense! I told you that’s your imagination. Did you not take enough medicine?” I pointed the knife at him. “Maybe I really am crazy.” “If I’m crazy, then nothing I do is illegal, right?” I advanced on him step by step. David recoiled, intimidated by my presence. He had never seen me like this. The old Elara was gentle and obedient, never daring to raise her voice. But the current me emanated an aura of destruction. Just then, my phone rang. It was an unknown number. I answered it. A voice, distorted by a voice changer, spoke from the other end. “Ms. Lin, I hear you’re looking for your daughter?” “If you want to see her, prepare one million dollars.” “Don’t call the police, or we’ll send you back a hand.” The call ended. I froze. One million dollars? Kidnapping? No, David clearly said he sold her. How did it turn into a kidnapping and ransom? I looked at David, realizing he, too, was utterly bewildered. Clearly, this call wasn’t part of his plan either. What was going on? Was it a double-cross? No matter what the truth was, this call meant Joanna was still alive. As long as she was alive, there was hope. I took a deep breath. Since the situation was already messy, I’d make it even messier. I looked at David, a smile playing on my lips. “Husband, that call just now said they want a million dollars for ransom.” “Do you think selling your kidney is worth a million dollars?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390917”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After my family went bankrupt, I set my sights on the wealthy circle of childhood friends. Brandon was the first to take the bait. After stringing him along for three months, I happened to overhear a conversation he had with his friends: “A down-and-out socialite, and you’re still showering her with attention? Don’t tell me you two are actually in love?” Brandon let out a dismissive laugh. “True love? Please. Her family went bankrupt, so I can have some fun with her. If I were really going to marry, I’d have to choose a proper heiress.” My heart shattered. That very night, I cleared out his place. Without a moment’s hesitation, I texted the next wealthy childhood friend on my list: “I broke up with him. Come get me.” 1 The VIP room door hadn’t been fully shut. As Brandon spoke, I could even see him idly twirling his lighter, his narrow, almond-shaped eyes filled with a chilling indifference. “Just a bit of fun, that’s all. My family is already setting up arranged meetings for me.” “Aren’t you worried about Rachel getting angry? She used to be quite the social queen, famously headstrong!” Brandon let out a light laugh. “Used to be, you said it yourself. She’s living off my money now. Even if she knew I was going on dates, what right does she have to cause a scene?” I froze in place. Just a few months ago, my family had gone bankrupt. It was Brandon who stepped forward, patiently comforting me. “Rachel, be with me. I’ll take care of you for life.” And he had kept his word. No clothes? Top luxury brands sent their stylists to my door. No place to live? He bought me an apartment in the city. No money to spend? Fifty thousand a month transferred directly to my card. Now, he was openly discussing the “cost” of keeping me in a VIP room. “How much has Brandon sunk into her these past few months?” “Three to five hundred thousand, I’d say.” “Isn’t that a bit much? No matter how ‘high-class’ she once was, that’s ancient history now. Is she really worth that price?” The group started to egg him on. “The model I’m seeing only cost me five grand for three months! Don’t you dare inflate the market price!” “What if you feed this fallen socialite’s ego too much, and she eventually gets too comfortable being a kept woman and tries to force a marriage?” That last remark made Brandon thoughtful. Before I could hear his reply, a hand clapped me on the shoulder. “Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Rachel? Why are you standing out here instead of coming in?” I turned. Meeting a pair of eyes that held a knowing, mocking glint. 2 It was Dylan. To put our relationship in perspective, his cousin was my childhood friend. As for him, he was, at best, my sworn rival. When my family first went bankrupt, he was the first to call, gloating. “Heard the Yao family went broke? So, the princess is going to be homeless, huh? If you beg me nicely, I might consider taking you in…” My pride was still soaring back then, and I immediately blocked his number. Months passed. He was still as irritating as ever. As he brushed past me, he let out an abrupt chuckle. I didn’t utter a word. Silently, I followed Dylan into the room. “Rachel’s here?” “Quick, quick, come sit next to Brandon.” Countless gazes, eager for drama, fixated on me. I pretended not to notice, finding the empty seat beside Brandon and quietly taking it. “Rachel, I ordered some drinks for you. Have a glass!” Someone next to me pushed a high-proof drink my way. I glanced at Brandon. He wasn’t looking in my direction, nor did he seem to notice my predicament. “I don’t drink.” “We’re all adults here, how could you not drink? Or are you looking down on me, Rachel?” The commotion drew the attention of everyone in the room. Brandon finally looked over. But not to intervene. Instead, he stared at me, a slight frown on his face. “Don’t be a spoilsport.” Three dismissive words. He seemed to have completely forgotten that in similar situations before, he would not only prevent me from drinking but also thoughtfully order a sparkling water, shielding me from all harassment. 3 In the end, I took the glass. “Alright, I’ll drink it.” The high-proof alcohol burned its way down my throat. Before long, my mind felt light and airy. Brandon got up to use the restroom. Remembering the purpose of my visit today, I pushed through the haze and followed him. “Brandon.” “What is it?” “I’m out of money.” Brandon frowned. “Didn’t I just transfer your living expenses last month?” I bit my lip. “It’s all gone.” “You’re not some heiress anymore, what kind of expenses do you have?” Brandon lit a cigarette, and in the flickering light, he gently exhaled a puff of smoke. “Rachel, I hope you’re smart enough to know your place. Don’t be too greedy.” 4 Brandon left. Leaving me alone in front of the mirror, the corners of my eyes, reddened by alcohol, showing nothing but hurt. “Hmph.” A snicker came from around the corner. It was Dylan again. From his angle, he could clearly see me in the mirror. “Looks like Miss Rachel’s judgment isn’t so good after all. You went to all that trouble to hook up with Brandon, and now he doesn’t even want to give you living expenses. That’s quite humiliating.” “Are you enjoying my misfortune?” Dylan admitted it directly. “Of course.” “Then you’ve had your fill. You can leave now.” Dylan stopped talking. But he didn’t leave. Since he wasn’t going, I wiped the corner of my eye and walked away. As we brushed past each other, I suddenly heard Dylan’s voice. “How much do you want?” “A hundred thousand.” A few seconds later. Five hundred thousand landed in my bank account. Dylan’s voice seemed to echo right beside my ear. “Rachel, five hundred thousand in three months, what’s that? If you want it, I can give it to you in a second.” I looked up. Just in time to see him shift his gaze uncomfortably. “Can you unblock me now?” 5 With five hundred thousand in my account, I finally, as Brandon wished, stopped asking him for money. He clearly thought I had succumbed to reality, forced to learn obedience. He didn’t even bother to hide his arranged dates from me anymore. “This week, I’m going back to the family estate to meet Charlotte from the Lin family. Don’t bother me unless it’s urgent.” As Brandon said this, his assistant happened to mention a gift: “Mr. Brandon, the auction is next Monday. Eight million has already been transferred to your private account. Barring any surprises, we should be able to secure that jewelry set.” The invitation had arrived half a month ago. The jewelry set the assistant mentioned was the most dazzling piece in the collection. The starting bid alone was five million. Assistant: “You can take Miss Charlotte, and then you’ll have the perfect welcome gift for her.” I listened quietly for a while before speaking. “Next week is my birthday.” Brandon paused. He seemed to have just remembered. But quickly made his decision. “Go pick out a bag for yourself tomorrow. Fifty thousand budget.” A fifty thousand bag. An eight million jewelry set. The disparity was so immense, I couldn’t help but ask directly, “Can’t you give me that jewelry set?” “Give it to you?” Brandon laughed aloud. “Rachel, Charlotte from the Lin family is different from you. She has expensive tastes. A mere fifty thousand bag, she wouldn’t even look at it.” “Different people deserve different things. Do you think you’re worth an eight million jewelry set?” Why not? Before my family went bankrupt, my most expensive jewelry sets were in the tens of millions, and my gowns for galas were often royal heirlooms. My standards were several times higher than Charlotte’s. It was just that after the family’s upheaval, outsiders saw me as worthless. I lowered my gaze and said softly: “Brandon, let’s break up.” 6 When I suggested breaking up, Brandon looked as if he’d heard a joke. Even his assistant’s eyes held a hint of disdain. “Rachel, I advise you not to make such impulsive decisions. Break up with me, and can you really handle living in poverty?” “Then, forget an eight million jewelry set, you won’t even be able to afford a fifty thousand bag.” “Go cool off. Come talk to me when you’ve thought things through.” Brandon simply left the apartment. When I called again, only his assistant answered, his tone exceptionally casual. “Miss Rachel, have you thought it through?” “Yes, I have.” I looked at the various luxury items I’d gathered, and said softly, “Please send over that fifty thousand bag.” 7 Over these past three months, the luxury items Brandon had given me fetched a total of eighty thousand. I didn’t even spare the furniture, selling everything to whoever was closest. Piece by piece, I scraped together a hundred thousand. On my birthday, Brandon’s social media updated with a photo of him and Charlotte from the Lin family. In the picture, she was holding his arm, their gestures intimately familiar. All our mutual friends in the comments section were sending congratulations. I quietly closed the app. And dialed the number I had long since unblocked. Beep— After a few rings, a lazy voice answered on the other end. “Miss Rachel finally deigned to call me. Don’t tell me Brandon dumped you?” “Dylan, I broke up with him.” There was a long silence on the other end. So long that I wondered if Dylan had hung up, before he let out a scoff. “Why are you telling me this? Don’t tell me you thought just because I was nice enough to transfer you some money, I’d be willing to pick up his scraps?” I pressed my lips together and said softly, “I’m sorry, I misunderstood. Just pretend I never said anything.” After hanging up, I counted to three. The phone rang sharply. Dylan’s voice on the other end was exasperated. “Send me your address, I’m coming to get you!” 8 My move was quiet, almost unnoticed. Dylan didn’t put me up in an outside apartment like Brandon had. Instead, he brought me directly to his family’s estate. But as soon as we entered, we bumped into someone I hadn’t expected— Landon. Dylan’s cousin. My childhood friend whom I hadn’t seen in over a decade. His sudden appearance made me feel awkward, and it also ignited a certain hostility in Dylan. “Cousin? What brings you back to the estate so suddenly?” “Just checking in.” Landon put down his newspaper, his gaze naturally falling on me. Dylan instinctively grabbed my hand. “Cousin, you probably don’t recognize Rachel anymore. Let me introduce you…” “No need.” Landon averted his gaze, as if I were just an irrelevant stranger. “I know her. Brandon’s mistress.” Those words. Made me nervously drop my head, a wave of unease washing over me. Dylan, however, breathed a sigh of relief, then retorted, “They’ve already broken up.” “So you just bring her back to the estate? I don’t care if Brandon keeps a mistress, but as a member of the Song family, you shouldn’t be involved in such things.” Dylan immediately shot back, “What business is it of yours!” He led me to the room next to his own. “You can stay here from now on. My cousin has been abroad for so many years, his personality has become cold and aloof, and his words are harsh. Just try to avoid him.” To be honest, both brothers had sharp tongues. Dylan was verbally toxic. Landon was brutally honest, tearing down pretenses. I nodded obediently. “Okay.” Even if he hadn’t said anything, I would have kept my distance. After all, among the younger generation of the Song family, the one I truly grew up with, the one who was truly my childhood friend, was Landon. From childhood, I’d always trailed after this brilliant older boy next door, chasing him and declaring I’d be his bride. Until the Song family’s eldest branch lost their struggle for power. Landon, then just fourteen, had even climbed into my backyard before leaving the country. “Little Rachel, will you wait for me to come back?” “Yes, yes!” But I was too young back then, and Dylan soon entered my life, making me quickly forget my dearest childhood friend. To outsiders, Dylan, with whom I constantly bickered, seemed like my closest childhood friend. Back then, no one could have imagined. That Landon would return years later, powerfully taking over as CEO. When I was being kept by Brandon, I’d heard rumors of Landon’s ruthless tactics, but I’d dismissed them as mere gossip. After all, the bond between us had long faded with time. Now, we were practically strangers. In my direst moments, I thought of Brandon, I thought of Dylan, but I never once considered seeking out my old ‘Brother Landon’. 9 But being under the same roof, avoiding him wasn’t entirely up to me. “Let’s not even mention the five million you transferred out a while ago. Now you’re bringing people back to the house?” Simply going downstairs for some milk in the evening, I found myself walking in on Landon and Dylan’s confrontation. “What does it have to do with you?” Dylan crossed his arms. “Cousin, don’t think that just because your position is higher than mine now, you can order me around. My dividends don’t come from your hands.” Unlike Dylan’s defiance, Landon’s expression was calm. “I have no intention of ordering you around.” “But Rachel was Brandon’s girlfriend. If you rashly bring her back, what happens if it causes a huge scandal?” “Girlfriend, my foot! They’ve already broken up! Brandon is getting into an arranged marriage, what does he have to do with her anymore?” Landon chuckled softly. “Dylan, should I, as your cousin, remind you?” “Your aunt and uncle are also preparing to arrange a marriage for you to regain their standing.” “What will you do then with the person you’ve brought back?” Dylan’s expression froze. Before he could answer, the sound of ceramic hitting the floor echoed from the second story. I had accidentally knocked over a vase. By the time the two brothers looked up, I had already fled back to my room, only a glimpse of my skirt hem remaining in their line of sight. 10 That night, Dylan rushed to my room. He shed his usual sharp tongue and arrogance, explaining anxiously, “Don’t believe what my cousin said just now.” I asked, “Can you guarantee you won’t enter an arranged marriage?” Dylan hesitated, his words caught in his throat. He knew his parents’ personalities too well to make such a promise. I blinked, my voice almost a whisper— “Dylan, then how are you any different from Brandon?” Dylan was speechless. “…” He desperately wanted to promise something. But any words, at that moment, felt so hollow. Before the door closed completely, a hint of melancholy touched my eyes. “I must have been foolish to believe your words that day. After all, you’re just like Brandon, only slightly more free.” “You should go.” Each word landed like a heavy blow in Dylan’s heart. Just before the door completely shut him out, he suddenly raised his voice. “Rachel, I will do what I promise! “Just give me a little more time!” 11 Dylan left the next day. His whereabouts unknown. Instead, a large sum of money, a full ten million, landed in my bank account. It was all of Dylan’s personal savings. And the only guarantee he could give me. “I don’t understand.” “What methods did you use to charm both Brandon and Dylan so completely?” When I stepped out, Landon was already seated on the sofa. Having studied at old aristocratic schools for years, he exuded an aura of nobility. Not to mention he was now the CEO. As he approached, his presence was completely different from the scions I usually interacted with, full of an almost oppressive power. I dared not speak much. I simply lowered my head, meekly saying, “Can you move please? I need to go out.” “Look up.” I didn’t dare. Landon said, “If you treat me with that attitude, I can have the money Dylan transferred to you reclaimed in the company’s name.” At those words, I immediately snapped my head up. The corners of my eyes were already red-rimmed from the strain. “What exactly do you want?” Landon stared at me for a long time, his gaze lingering on the outer corners of my eyes. For a moment, I felt an almost aggressive presence wash over me. “I’ve looked into you.” “The things Brandon gave you, you just sold them for cash.” “Dylan was even more foolish, giving you fifteen million after only a few days of seeing you.” “But your personal expenses are minimal. All the money quickly transferred out of your account.” “I’m guessing you’re paying off your family’s debts.” “Am I right, little Rachel?” 12 My family’s bankruptcy wasn’t unfair. It started when my father blindly expanded the company, leading to a break in the capital chain. He couldn’t bear the blow and jumped to his death. Soon after, the family properties were foreclosed, and all assets, including luxury items, were frozen. My sister, Nadia, rushed to another province, scrambling to raise funds. I was left penniless and homeless. The future for us two sisters seemed laid out before us—working to pay off debts. I refused to live that life. Since I didn’t have the same ability to maneuver as my sister, I decided to leverage the resources at hand— To extract a fortune from the rich crowd of childhood friends. Brandon was the first to fall for it. Initially, he was very generous with living expenses. Until later. Perhaps as we spent more time together, my value in his eyes slowly diminished. Gradually, I became indistinguishable from any other gold digger. And the treatment I received shouldn’t be special. Once I realized that. I decisively broke up with him and promptly latched onto Dylan. This wasn’t a last resort. It was because I knew from the start that this perpetually sharp-tongued rival had, in our school days, secretly kissed the top of my head while I was asleep. He liked me. To test how much he was willing to give, I had deliberately drunk that night in the VIP room. The facts proved. Dylan was far more generous than Brandon. Unfortunately— There was also a much smarter Landon in the Song family. He was now the true power holder. 13 “That’s none of your business, is it?” I finally stopped hiding, just tilted my head and smiled. “You’re not even direct brothers, do you really need to be so meddlesome?” Landon fell silent. I walked past him, and just as I stepped out of the lobby doors, a voice suddenly came from behind me. “Rachel, at this rate, when do you think your family’s two hundred million debt will be paid off?” “Brandon is stingy, Dylan has other considerations. How much can you really get from them?” “And pushing it further, how much longer can your sister hold out?” That last sentence made my outgoing steps halt. My sister had been gone for three months. She was seeking out old connections, pleading for commercial support. Besides checking in to say she was safe, there had been no other news. But I knew it wouldn’t be easy. It required asking for favors, attending endless dinners and drinks, lowering all pride. So even though I knew Brandon was with me only to enjoy the sense of control over a fallen socialite, I pretended to be completely oblivious. The more I could extract here. The easier it would be for my sister. The silence lasted for several minutes. Finally, I turned around and slowly walked back, getting closer and closer to Landon. The once refined young man had long since grown into a broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted figure. I stood before him. As if to be completely enveloped by his presence. I stepped closer. He didn’t retreat. It wasn’t until I fully leaned in that I tilted my head back, my slender fingers gently gripping his shirt. “Brother Landon, can you help me then?” 14 Landon didn’t give me money. But under other names, he privately injected five hundred million into my sister’s company. The price was— I moved from Dylan’s adjacent room into his. Landon at twenty-eight. And my ‘Brother Landon’ at fourteen. They were truly different. There was no tenderness. When he gripped my waist, I was almost brought to tears. “Bastard—” Landon’s breath caressed the back of my neck, not soft as usual, but laced with a fierce possessiveness. “Rachel.” “Look at me.” “Why didn’t you come to me? I was waiting for you all along.” My eyes couldn’t focus at all. Even as he held me up, I was as soft as water, completely unable to make out what he was saying. “?” Landon stared at me for a long time. Finally, as if in punishment, he bit my shoulder. “You like jewelry, do you?” “I’ll take you to the auction tomorrow.” His breathing was exceptionally sensual as he spoke. “Eight million? That hardly does you justice.” His words jolted me fully awake. There, for a fleeting moment. I had a chilling realization— Landon knew everything. He had planned this all along.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390916”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Daniel, my father, had finally won over Sophia, my mother—the loving but secondary figure in their story. He waited ten years for her to marry him, bringing along my three-year-old sister, Mia. But after I was born, Mia developed a severe eating disorder. She only smiled and ate more when feeding me. So whenever she offered a spoon, Mom would gently hold my shoulders and force me to open my mouth. At five, my teacher taught us to say no to things that made us unhappy. One day, too full to eat another bite, I refused Mia’s spoon. She cried until her face turned purple, as if I’d hurt her deeply. Mom rushed over, panicked, her nails digging into my skin. “You already have Mom and Dad’s love. Why compete with your sister?” “Can’t you be a good girl and eat a little more for her illness?” Dad looked at Mom with pity, took Mia, and said he’d take her to the amusement park to cheer her up. I writhed in pain on the floor, but Mom thought I was lying. She slammed the door, saying she’d punish me for disobeying. I clutched my stomach, tears blurring my vision. I’m sorry, Mom. Next time, I’ll be a good girl and eat to make Mia happy. … I pressed my small hands tightly against my stomach, curling up in a ball. In my mind, I remembered how Mom’s tummy aches always got better after she took the pills from the cabinet. When I finally managed to open the pill bottle, A sharp pain shot through my stomach, and the pills scattered across the floor. Just as I was about to pick them up, I heard the door open. My eyes lit up—Dad was home. I reached out to him. “Dad, it feels like there are so many bugs biting my tummy…” Dad hurried towards me, but Mom grabbed him. “She doesn’t speak a single truth.” “Have you forgotten how she stole snacks a few days ago, and when I caught her, she blamed Mia?” “Now she’s lying about a stomach ache, just trying to pretend to be sick so we won’t take Mia out.” It wasn’t like that. Last time, Mia had brought the living room snacks into my room. She tore open the wrappers, proudly stuffing them into her mouth. She didn’t look at all like the child who hated eating in front of Mom and Dad. I told her to eat fewer snacks. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have an appetite for dinner later. Mia puffed out her cheeks, deliberately waving a spicy chip in front of me. When Mom opened the door, Mia purposefully put the chip in my hand. And wiped the grease from her fingers onto my clothes. I didn’t mind. I happily told Mom that Mia’s illness was gone. But Mom angrily dragged me out of the room, making me kneel in the living room to think about what I’d done. She called me a liar. She said I had clearly stolen snacks myself and then tried to blame my sister, who had an eating disorder. I cried, saying I hadn’t stolen anything. But Mom’s face was as cold as the snow outside. Chilling. She threw me out the front door, saying she would abandon a lying child. I cried for a very long time, begging Mom not to leave me. Finally, Dad, unable to bear it, secretly slipped an egg into my hand. He told me to quickly admit my mistake and not to make Mom angry. As dusk fell, my stomach growled with hunger. Mom held a steaming bowl of noodles, asking if I knew I was wrong. Smelling the delicious noodles, I sobbed and said I knew I was wrong. I had truly lied that time. But Mom had forgiven me. Thinking about it, even though I didn’t truly know what I had done wrong this time, I still carefully tugged at Mom’s skirt, repeating over and over that I was sorry. I thought Mom would hug me like that time, and say she loved me too. But when she noticed the scattered pills on the floor, she angrily kicked me away. “Stella Peterson, have you really become this mischievous?” “First, you intentionally refuse to eat, trying to starve your sister, and now you’re trying to trash the house!” “Today, I will punish you!” Dad was about to speak, but Mom’s glare silenced him. “Daniel Peterson, if you interfere with my disciplining Stella again, we’re getting a divorce!” Dad sighed helplessly. He took me from Mom. Just as I thought Dad would carry me to the hospital, he instead locked me in my bedroom himself. Dad stroked my head. “Stella, for the sake of this family, can you just be a good girl, okay?” I clung tightly to Dad’s coat, sobbing uncontrollably. “But Dad, my tummy really hurts.” Mom’s impatient voice came from the living room. “Daniel, are you favoring Stella again?” “When we remarried, you swore you’d treat Mia like your own daughter!” “If you keep favoring the younger one, there’s no point in us staying together!” Hearing this, Dad roughly pushed me away. He quickly left. He didn’t even notice that, due to his excessive force, I had fallen to the floor. My head hit the corner of the table, leaving me dazed. Through the crack in the still-open door, I saw Dad lifting Mia high, spinning her around. A smile finally appeared on Mom’s face. She turned her head and met my gaze. Mom frowned, then slammed the door shut. The room plunged into darkness. I couldn’t see anything, but I heard Mom’s words even more clearly. She said, “Stella is a spoiled child.” “Eating is such a happy thing, yet she’s even learned to waste food.” “A day in her room will teach her to appreciate every bite.” Then came her gentle voice. She said, “Mia, you’ll always be Mom’s precious girl.” “It’s okay if you don’t like eating, but when you’re hungry, you must tell Mom.” The house gradually quieted down. It was pitch black, and my heart pounded rapidly. But I was too short to reach the light switch. I just climbed into bed. If I slept, my tummy wouldn’t hurt. That’s how I used to get through it. But this time, my tummy really, really hurt. I mimicked how Mom would coax Mia to eat, gently patting my swollen stomach. “Please, don’t hurt anymore!” “It’s all your fault, you made Mom think I’m naughty.” But it wouldn’t listen to me. Instead, it hurt even more. So, did Mom feel this much pain every time she scolded me for being naughty? Tears splattered down. I’m sorry, Mom. It’s all my fault for being naughty and making you hurt so many times. My head started to ache too. I wiped the sweat from my forehead. It was clammy. I remembered how Mom had locked me out the last time because of the oil stains on my clothes. I frantically raised my hands, desperately trying to wipe my face clean. But the sweat wouldn’t wipe away. And I felt colder and colder. Even snuggled under the covers, I shivered with cold. Gradually, I felt so, so tired, and finally fell asleep. When I opened my eyes again, I found my tummy didn’t hurt at all. I excitedly bounced and jumped. My body floated right through the locked bedroom door. Just in time to see Mom and Dad returning. Mom was patiently feeding Mia a sweet potato. “Mia, just one more bite, okay?” Mia shook her head away. “No, no. It makes me sick just looking at it.” Mom sighed, her brows furrowed. I raised my hand, wanting to smooth them, but my small hand couldn’t reach Mom. I vaguely realized that I was dead. Just like the kitten Mia had thrown to its death. Mia had insisted on getting that kitten. But after just a few days, she complained it smelled bad. So Mom gave me the task of caring for the kitten. I didn’t mind the kitten smelling bad at all. Every day after school, the first thing I did was change its water and add food. After a while, the kitten would let me pet it and even purr for me. With it, I never felt sad anymore when Mom and Dad only paid attention to Mia. Okay, I lied again. I was still a little sad. Just a tiny bit. When Mia noticed the kitten preferred me, she snatched it right out of my arms. The kitten meowed in fright, scratching her as it struggled. Mom’s face was exceptionally grim that night. When Mia came back after getting her vaccine, the kitten hid under the bed, too scared to come out. I knelt before Mom, crying and apologizing for the kitten. But Mom said that a vicious animal couldn’t be kept. She even said I was heartless. “In your heart, is your sister’s safety less important than a vicious animal?” I cried, saying it was different. Mia had Mom and Dad’s love. The kitten only had me. If I couldn’t protect it, no one else would. Mom said I was being illogical and told Dad to hold me back. She grabbed the kitten and brought it to Mia, letting her do whatever she wanted with it. I struggled desperately, but I could only watch helplessly as the kitten was thrown to its death. I cried until my throat was hoarse. But Mom only cared that Mia had eaten three more bites of food that day. As for Dad, he only cared about Mom’s mood. When the kitten died, I was sad. But I died, and no one even cared. Dad placed the various toys he was carrying on the sofa. He also had a sweet potato in his hand, and he knocked on my door. “Stella, are you asleep? Dad brought you something good to eat.” Mia, who had been playing with her Barbie doll, jumped off the stool and whined to Mom, “Mom, I want the sweet potato Dad has.” Seeing Mia’s rare appetite, Mom immediately swapped the sweet potato with Dad. Watching Mia eat bite after bite, Mom’s eyes reddened with excitement. Perhaps emboldened by Mom not being able to see me, I loudly declared that I hated Mia the most. She always so unreasonably snatched my things. Even if there were two identical items, Mia always thought mine was better. Even Mom would suspect Dad was secretly buying me better things. So every time, what I got was what Mia didn’t want, or her leftovers. Even my dresses and shoes were all hand-me-downs from Mia. Thinking about it, I sighed heavily. Mom always said she envied me for being young and carefree. But I had so many, many worries. Mom said Mia didn’t have her biological father, so she had to be extra good to her. My biological father also said he had to be good to Mia. He said he was a stepfather, and he had to be fair, otherwise people would talk. Mom and Dad both said they had to be good to Mia, repeatedly telling me that I had to be good to Mia too. I counted on my fingers. Five was clearly smaller than eight. Why did five-year-old me have to give in to eight-year-old Mia? When Mom noticed Dad still standing by my bedroom door, she immediately grew furious. “Didn’t I say she was to go without food for a day?” “If you go soft on her, you’re sleeping in the study tonight!” Dad didn’t speak, but called my name again. Still, I didn’t respond. I floated beside him, repeating over and over that I was here. But he couldn’t hear me. Dad finally lost his patience, muttering, “Why is this child so stubborn?” Mom was even more triumphant. “See? I told you so!” “Stella is just an ungrateful wretch. She’s only been locked up for three hours and she’s already deliberately ignoring you.” “If she’s like this now, who knows how rebellious she’ll be when she grows up.” “She’s nothing like our Mia, who’s so obedient and smart.” Mia proudly lifted her head, quickly swallowing the food in her mouth. Seeing this, Mom praised Mia non-stop. I watched enviously as Mom fed Mia. She had never once fed me. Mom said I already had Dad, so she had to give more of her love to Mia. She was busy cooking for Mia, busy taking Mia to elementary school, busy taking Mia to the doctor. I, however, was left with Mrs. Gable, our neighbor. As time went on, the other children started to tease me for not having a dad to pick me up. I frowned, loudly insisting they were wrong. Because not only did Dad never pick me up, Mom hadn’t either! As I got a little older, I learned to feed myself. But Mia would volunteer to feed me. The food was so hot, the spoon hit my tongue, it hurt so much, and my stomach was so, so full… But every time I mentioned these things, Mom called me fussy. She told me to eat more, saying it was the only way Mia would be happy. If Mia was happy, her eating disorder would get better. And when she was better, Mom said she’d finally have time to love me. But I waited and waited for so long. And Mom’s day to love me never came. That evening, after tucking Mia into bed, Mom went into the kitchen. After cooking a bowl of noodles, she knocked on my door. “Stella, are you hungry?” Mom sighed. “Earlier today, Mom lost her temper.” “I’m sorry, Mom didn’t mean it, it’s just…” Mom didn’t finish her sentence, placing the noodles outside the door. “If you’re hungry, just open the door and come eat.” This was the second time Mom had cooked me noodles. The first time I ate them, I thought they were delicious. Because even Mia didn’t get Mom’s specially cooked noodles. Mom would only make her braised pork ribs and sweet and sour pork. It’s such a pity. I’ll never get to eat Mom’s food again. The next morning, upon seeing the overturned bowl of noodles outside my door, Mom instantly flew into a rage. “Stella Peterson, how long are you going to keep this up?” “I apologized to you yesterday, how can such a small child hold such a grudge?” I anxiously tried to explain it wasn’t me. Mia had deliberately knocked it over in the middle of the night. But Mom couldn’t hear me. She grew angrier and angrier, pushing open the bedroom door. Mia, who had just brushed her teeth, followed her. Through the morning light, Mia pointed at the red stain on the floor, tattling: “Stella ate ketchup in her room!” “She’s not a good girl at all!” Then she pointed at the lump under the covers. “Mom, look! She’s even hiding, feeling guilty!” With each accusation, Mom’s face grew darker. She didn’t even bother to wake me, instead taking Mia’s hand and admonishing her: “Don’t be like your sister.” “She was born to be nothing but trouble!” Mia happily shook her head. “I won’t be like Stella Peterson, she’s a greedy pig!” To punish me, Mom spent the entire day shopping at the mall. But she didn’t know I was following right behind her. I listened as she boasted to the sales assistant about her obedient older daughter. Only the younger one was rebellious, always trying to compete with her sister for attention. The sales assistant said children grow out of it. Mom agreed. So, amidst bags and bags of clothes all for Mia, She finally decided to buy me a new pair of small leather shoes. But Children’s Day had long passed. Back then, I wore worn-out sandals and was teased by the other kids for looking like I came from nothing. Now, even with new shoes, I didn’t want them anymore.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390915”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After two months of online dating, I decided it was time to lose weight. Suddenly, comments popped up in my vision: 【Why is the supporting character dieting? If she gets slim, how will the female lead replace her with the male lead?】 【Don’t worry, she’s insecure. A few taunts from the female lead and she’ll quit—she never succeeds anyway.】 【Isn’t the female lead unethical? Even if the supporting character edited her photos thinner, they were still hers. The female lead lied and accused her of using them.】 【The supporting character has potential—if she slims down, she’d be elegant and cool.】 【What do you know? She’s 5’6″, 130 lbs—a total pig! How dare she date a rich, handsome guy?】 I froze, stunned. Then my roommate Luna peeked from behind her bed curtain, still masked, scanning my desk. “Wow, Audrey, just a veggie salad tonight?” She smiled sweetly. “I get it—trying to lose weight again? But you’re so big, you won’t look good even if you slim down. Don’t bother.” 1. Luna said this while scrutinizing me from head to toe. Her voice was laced with a smile, but her eyes held a strangely knowing look. If it had been the old me, my face would have flushed crimson by now. I would have hidden the salad away like I’d committed some offense. Then, I’d hastily explain that I was just trying it out, not necessarily aiming to be stunning. Honestly, more than once, I’d felt a subtle malice from Luna directed at me. She’d always complain about how she’d lost weight again whenever I intended to diet. And if I skipped dinner, she’d suddenly ask loudly during evening study hall, “Audrey, are you not eating anything all day?” Then she’d sigh dramatically, “Dieting must be so hard; everyone who does it is so amazing.” But these thoughts were quickly dismissed. Luna was the campus queen; why would she bear any ill will towards me? Until now. I saw the comments scrolling by with a gleeful tone: 【Hahaha, the female lead is so cute even when she’s being sneaky.】 【Actually, the female lead deliberately doesn’t want the supporting character to lose weight. At the start of the semester, even though the female lead was there, the other roommates complimented the supporting character’s cuteness several times. The female lead, with her lifelong high self-esteem, would naturally dislike her.】 【She’s just so proud and insecure, like a cat, you know. Honestly, even if the supporting character, that pig, slims down, she couldn’t be half as pretty as our kitty.】 【Don’t worry, our girl is putting on a face mask; she’ll be all dolled up soon to go meet the male lead! Afterwards, the male lead’s love will give our girl all the security she needs!】 My hands clenched into fists, almost instinctively. Meeting Luna’s innocent gaze, for the first time, I didn’t rush to explain or tacitly agree. I didn’t know what emotion propelled me. I pressed my lips together, then suddenly said: “Not necessarily. What if I look quite good after I slim down?” “I’ll give it a try.” 2. The atmosphere froze for a moment. The next second, comments scrolled frantically across my vision. 【I’m taking shelter from this storm. She photoshopped herself twenty pounds lighter for online dating, found she looked a bit like our girl, and now she actually thinks she’s a beauty?】 【Is she deliberately saying that in front of the female lead? Is this a catfight???】 【I can’t take it. Does every chubby girl in the world fantasize about becoming a beauty if they just slim down?】 The comments were incredibly animated. It was then I understood: I was the insecure, chubby roommate of the campus queen, the female lead in a sweet romance novel. The so-called villainess. In the story, consumed by insecurity, I sent my online boyfriend photos of myself after Photoshopping them to look much thinner. One day, the female lead accidentally discovered that my online boyfriend, who constantly sent me expensive gifts, was actually the campus heartthrob she’d secretly admired for two years. While she secretly looked down on my actions, she also noticed that my edited photos bore a slight resemblance to her own appearance after she put on makeup. So, the female lead had a flash of inspiration. She secretly approached the male lead in real life. She claimed I was using her photos for online dating, and that she was the girl in the pictures. She then orchestrated several situations, making the male lead completely believe I was a vain, lying fatty who stole my roommate’s photos for online dating. In the end, the male lead deleted me and began a sweet romance with the female lead. As for me in the original story, completely unaware of all this, I simply assumed the male lead had found someone else after learning the “truth,” and quietly transferred to another school. I knew my actions were wrong. But was Luna’s behavior right? After my retort, Luna, who had already turned away like a victor, suddenly paused. A flicker of surprise, quickly followed by coldness, crossed her eyes. She gave me a half-smile, half-sneer. “Alright then, good luck.” After that, the dorm room became unusually quiet. Luna finished her mask, then went downstairs to wash her face. Then she sat at her desk, opened her makeup bag, and began meticulously applying her makeup. I, meanwhile, quietly made my diet plan. As I passed Luna’s spot on the way to throw out trash, I suddenly froze. Since arriving at Westwood, both in real life and on social media, Luna had always embraced a sexy, outgoing style. But this time, she had put on a fresh, demure, light makeup. She had even somehow dug out a white dress that looked perfectly innocent and student-like, wearing it. It was almost as if… she was imitating that photo I had sent to my online boyfriend. 3. After Luna hummed a tune and left, I used the information from the comments to search for the male lead’s photos online. He had actually told me his name was Lucas, but I hadn’t known he was the second son of the powerful Monarch Group. He was a private person, rarely showing his face online. But a young man in his social circle was very active on social media, and Lucas had made a brief appearance in one of his videos. A quick-fingered netizen had taken a screenshot, and although it was blurry, you could still see the man’s striking profile and thin lips. Just then, my phone buzzed several times. WantToAdoptARiley: “You there?” WantToAdoptARiley: “What are you doing? Miss you.” WantToAdoptARiley: “I sent you a gift, remember to pick it up and see if you like it.” A string of messages, as active and direct as ever. I hesitated for a long time, but decided to tell him the truth. I didn’t know if this would change the “plot.” Even if the readers scolded me for being manipulative, for not speaking up sooner, only now, just as the female lead was about to meet the male lead, to deliberately sabotage their romance. I accepted all of that. I just felt unwilling to concede. Unwilling to become a stepping stone for Luna, as the comments said, and unwilling to bear the accusation of “online dating using a roommate’s photos.” I messaged him: “Are you free now? Let’s meet.” “The address is The Daily Grind Cafe on Maple Avenue.” Sitting in the cafe. Looking at the chat box, which still had no reply, I suddenly felt uneasy. Had Lucas really seen the message? Why hadn’t he replied if he had? What if he had already met the female lead? As my thoughts raced, the crisp chime of a bell rang at the door. A tall man pushed his way in. His expression was cool, his unemotional eyes scanning the room. When his gaze landed on me, he suddenly froze for a moment. Before I could react, He was already striding towards me, his voice somewhat uncertain. “…Are you, Audrey?” At his words, I looked up, carefully studying the man. The familiar profile… very similar to the photo, his lips seemed a little thinner? But the screenshot was too blurry, a slight deviation from reality was normal. I nodded. “Are you Lucas?” The man paused, pressed his lips together, then pulled out the chair opposite me and sat down. “…Yes, I am.” He was very tall, with a strong brow bone, a high nose bridge, and sharp, dark eyes that had an intense, almost intimidating presence when he looked at someone. “Is there something you wanted to discuss?” 4. To be honest, being looked at like that made me a little nervous. Fortunately, I had prepared myself mentally before coming, and laid out the entire story of how I had used a photo editing app to deceive him. I didn’t mention Luna. Firstly, I couldn’t explain how I knew her plans. Secondly, I thought that if Lucas, after knowing the truth, decided to break up with me and still ended up falling for Luna, I could actually accept that. I just didn’t want to be treated as a stepping stone, and falsely accused of “online dating using my roommate’s photos.” “…So, that’s pretty much it.” After I finished speaking, I kept my head down, not daring to look at him. But I waited for a long time. The shock, anger, or questioning I had imagined never happened. After a long silence, I finally couldn’t help but look up at him. The man was still staring blankly at me. His gaze unwavering. “…………” I asked, puzzled, “Mr. Lu… I mean, Lucas?” He snapped back to reality, his voice somewhat lost: “…Huh? Oh.” As if to cover something up, he picked up his coffee cup. After a moment’s thought, he said calmly. “Are you saying you think you’re fat? Why would you think that?” “I think you’re perfectly fine, not fat at all.” He looked at me again, stating with certainty: “You’re very lovely.” I: “…” Huh? I was completely dumbfounded. This male lead… why did he seem so different from the story? Just then. The comments reappeared before me. 【The supporting character is still foolishly​ waiting for the male lead to reply to her messages, huh? Actually, the male lead is busy wrapping his arms around our girl’s slender waist right now, ahhh, I’m dying, so much chemistry!】 【The female lead is so smart, deliberately bumping into the male lead who’s looking at his phone, then pretending to fall. The male lead instinctively catches her in a full embrace! Hehe, a warm, soft beauty in his arms, tell me, wouldn’t anyone be smitten?】 【Hahaha, the female lead said she was working and missed the bus back to Westwood University, so she just ran off. This ‘playing hard to get’ tactic has the male lead completely hooked.】 【Soon it’ll be the part where the male lead actively seeks out the female lead! I’m so excited!】 I was stunned. Realizing something, I sharply looked at the man in front of me. “You’re not Lucas?!” The man paused. He glanced down at his phone, and when he looked up again, the faint trace of bewilderment that had been on his face disappeared. He straightened his back, his posture still relaxed, but his gaze settled calmly on my face. “It seems Lucas won’t be coming today.” He spoke, his voice steady: “I apologize for deceiving you just now. I am Lucas’s older brother, Liam.” 5. Liam said that the family had actually discovered Lucas’s online romance long ago. “For families like ours, we don’t really encourage free relationships among the younger generation, especially…” Liam paused, “online dating of all things.” “My elders asked me to take some time to look into it. Lucas left his tablet at home today, and his account was synced. I saw your message and came to see.” Hearing this, I asked with some confusion, “Then why didn’t you say so from the beginning?” Liam lowered his gaze, saying softly: “I’m sorry, I didn’t react quickly enough at first.” “I also didn’t expect… Lucas to stand you up, not coming to the appointment at all.” Seeing him like this, I also felt a little embarrassed. But remembering that my efforts today were all for nothing, I couldn’t help but feel a little deflated. I sighed, “It’s fine, it doesn’t matter.” “Anyway… I’ve already said what I needed to say.” “The situation between Lucas and me… it’s not suitable for us to continue. I’ll find a chance to clarify things and break up with him later.” Saying this, I picked up my bag, intending to leave. But Liam suddenly called out to me. “Audrey.” He looked directly at me, his expression calm. “Lucas is still a student; his family keeps a tight leash on him.” “But I’m different.” “Huh?” I froze. Liam continued, “I’ve already joined the company and have a certain say in the family. I can freely choose my spouse.” By the end, his face remained impassive, but his earlobes suddenly flushed red. “To be honest, it was love at first sight for me. Would you… consider me?” “I’m different from Lucas; everyone in the family would bless us.” “Go home and think about it, okay? I’ll wait for your answer.” 6. When I returned to the dorm room that night, I was still a bit dazed. As I pushed the door open, Luna was chatting with our two other roommates, laughter echoing continuously. Seeing me, the smile on her face deepened. “Audrey, you’re back!” “Let me tell you, I met an exceptionally handsome guy today! He’s incredibly attractive, and his family is very wealthy too.” “He seems to really like me.” She was still wearing the white dress from earlier, her makeup untouched. When she smiled, she really did look quite similar to me in that photoshohopped picture. But I wasn’t as upset as I thought I’d be. My heart was surprisingly calm. I simply hummed, “That’s great then.” Luna stared at me intently for a long time. Finally, she seemed to confirm that there was no hint of envy or jealousy in my eyes. She apparently found it uninteresting and went back to chatting with our roommates. I sat at my desk, opened my phone. I saw a message from Lucas, sent half an hour ago: “Sorry, I was busy today and didn’t see your message.” “Are you working? Don’t push yourself too hard.” Then, a transfer of twenty thousand dollars came through. It was accompanied by a close-up, high-definition selfie. The young man’s face was handsome and bright, a completely different type from his brother. WantToAdoptARiley: “Just in case you don’t recognize me.” The comments scrolled: 【Hehe, the male lead really thinks our girl is his online girlfriend! He feels sorry for her working and transferred a large sum of money to the supporting character.】 【Oh come on! Male lead, you transferred to the wrong person! It’s not for the supporting character, it’s for the female lead! This money all belongs to the female lead!】 【Don’t worry, isn’t this just setting the stage? First, an accidental meeting with the male lead, then tomorrow the male lead will actively ask the female lead out. The real show is yet to come.】 【Hehe, the female lead will first pretend not to know the male lead at all, then “accidentally” mention how her roommate seems to constantly ask for her photos recently, without knowing why…】 【These small amounts don’t matter! Once the female lead marries into the Monarch family, what won’t she have? With Liam, the most capable elder brother, inheriting the family business, the female lead just has to lie back, collect dividends, and enjoy life with her husband. Life couldn’t be sweeter.】 Seeing the comments mention Liam, the elder brother of the Monarch family, I paused. The handsome face of the man from the cafe earlier flashed through my mind. For some reason, my cheeks suddenly felt warm. I hastily returned the transfer: “I’m not short on money, and I’ve never worked a day in my life.” “You must be mistaken?” Then, without waiting for a reply, I switched off my phone. Over the next few days, Luna would meticulously doll herself up every day before leaving. Still with that pure, innocent “demure sweetheart” look. The other unsuspecting roommates asked her why she suddenly changed her style. Luna just smiled shyly: “I just suddenly felt this style suited me better.” I also clearly felt it. Lucas started to reply less to my messages. His attitude was distinctly colder. Before summer break, Lucas suddenly messaged me. WantToAdoptARiley: “Let’s meet.” 【Here it comes, here it comes! The catalyst for the male lead truly falling in love with the female lead! He’s actively asking the supporting character to meet!】 【The chubby supporting character is too cowardly to meet, she’ll refuse immediately. But our girl will trick her into meeting the male lead later! The contrast when the female lead and supporting character stand together will be undeniable, haha.】 【I remember the male lead immediately believed the female lead, didn’t he? He immediately said he didn’t know the supporting character and walked away with the female lead.】 【Hahaha, the supporting character cried miserably alone in the restaurant then. Although pitiful, it’s also a bit funny.】 I lowered my eyes and replied, “Okay.” “However, I’ll set the time. Let’s do it after summer break.” Lucas was visibly taken aback. After a long pause, he replied: “…Okay.” “I’ll wait for you.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390914”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My husband, crippled by severe depression, wanted to try BASE jumping. He said throwing himself off a cliff was the only way to release the pressure. But when I checked his parachute pack, my blood ran cold. The chute inside had been sabotaged. Panic seized me. I opened my mouth to scream, to stop him, but then the comments flooded my vision. Wait. Am I the toxic shrew? Just then, a new wave of comments scrolled by. But I just stared, pretending I hadn’t seen a thing. Warn him? Why on earth would I do that? Happily ever after? They can have their happily ever after in hell. … “Annelise, I love you, I really do. But I’m sorry. You’ve driven me to the edge.” Then, without another moment’s hesitation, he took a step into the void. The comments in front of my eyes went into a frenzy. I raised a pair of binoculars to my eyes. Far below, I could see Vincent frantically fumbling with his pack, his expression twisting from confusion to sheer, primal terror. And then his time ran out. His scream was swallowed by the vast green canopy of the forest below as he vanished from sight. It took everything I had not to burst out laughing. I had a role to play. “Vincent! No! Vincent, don’t do this to me!” I clapped a hand over my mouth, letting out a piercing shriek. I scrambled to the cliff’s edge, peering into the abyss as tears streamed down my face, a convincing torrent of grief. “My love! You can’t leave me like this!” A small, satisfied smile touched my lips. I immediately pulled out my phone and dialed the park ranger’s emergency line. A familiar voice answered on the other end. “Help! Please, help my husband! He just jumped and his parachute didn’t open! You have to send someone down there!” There was a pause on the other end, followed by a smug little chuckle. “Ma’am, please try to stay calm. We’re a bit short-staffed at the moment. A kitten fell down a ravine, and we have all hands on deck for the rescue. It might be an hour before we can get to your location.” “What? An hour? You’re saving a cat when a man’s life is on the line? He’ll be dead by then! Please, I’m begging you! I can’t live without my husband!” I fell to my knees, clutching my head in my hands, my body trembling violently. I was the very picture of a woman utterly destroyed. But Lily’s voice was dripping with condescending impatience. “Isn’t a cat’s life a life, too? Why are you being so selfish? In my eyes, all life is equal! We can’t just abandon an innocent kitten for your husband!” With that, she hung up. I bit down hard on my thigh to keep from howling with laughter. I had recorded every last word. It was all going to be part of my ironclad defense. Just then, the comments flashed again. What? Still alive? The comments continued. Oh, really? In that case, I absolutely have to go find him myself! “My love! Don’t be scared! I’m coming to save you!” I took the cable car down to the base of the mountain and found Vincent. He was lying in a pool of his own blood, one of his legs twisted at a grotesque, unnatural angle. His face was a mess of scratches, and his chest rose and fell in shallow, ragged breaths. His eyes fluttered open. When he saw me, he weakly reached out a hand. “Annie… help me…” I threw myself beside him, cradling him in my arms as I sobbed. “Vincent! You’re alive! Hold on, I’ll call the rangers to come help you!” The moment I mentioned the rangers, his eyes widened in terror. “No… call a doctor!” I pretended not to hear him and dialed the park ranger’s number again. “I found my husband! He’s in bad shape, he’s bleeding everywhere, and I think his arms and legs are broken. Is there any first aid you can teach me?” “Is that so? Okay, you need to start CPR immediately. Chest compressions. Help him get his breathing back. Press hard, and don’t stop.” Hearing this, Vincent nearly choked. He tried to protest, but he couldn’t form a single word. With injuries like his, he had to have multiple compound fractures. Performing CPR on him now would be like personally escorting him to the gates of hell. But how would I know that? I’m just a simple housewife. What do I know about advanced medical procedures? I immediately knelt beside him and began pressing down hard on his chest. A choked grunt escaped his lips. With each compression, a fresh wave of blood bubbled up from his mouth. “Agh!” Vincent cried out, his body convulsing in agony. I feigned panic, speaking into the phone. “Are you sure this is right? He seems like he’s in a lot of pain!” “Of course it’s right! I’m a professional,” she snapped impatiently. “If you don’t do what I say, you might as well just let your husband die.” “No, no, I’ll listen! I’ll do anything, just please save my husband!” “Then keep going. And press harder. At least thirty compressions in a set, no pauses.” Vincent couldn’t breathe. Each push on his chest was like a boulder being dropped on him. He tried to push me away, but his arms were useless, twitching feebly. His face turned a deep shade of purple as blood began to trickle from his nose and the corners of his mouth. The comments were a frantic blur. My arms were getting tired, so I sat back for a moment to rest. But the voice on the phone roared, “Did you stop? Keep going! Do you want your husband to live or not?” “Oh, okay!” I scrambled back into position, thinking to myself, Darling, just look at this mistress you picked. She wants you dead more than anyone. I began pressing again, this time with even more force. I heard a sickening crack from Vincent’s chest. He used his last ounce of strength to hiss, “No… you bitch… you’re doing this on purpose…” His eyes rolled back in his head. His body gave one last violent shudder, like a fish out of water. And then, his voice faded. His body went limp. He was still. Just to be sure, I collapsed onto his chest, wailing dramatically while I listened for a heartbeat. Good. Nothing. The comment feed exploded. Just then, an ambulance arrived. The paramedics got out, gave Vincent’s body a cursory glance without attempting any resuscitation, and simply covered him with a white sheet. “He’s gone. I’m sorry for your loss.” Suddenly, a shrill voice cut through the air, and a foot slammed into my back, sending me sprawling. “Annelise! You bitch! Vincent was depressed, and you just kept pushing him! Now look what you’ve done! He jumped because of you! Give me back my son! Give me my son!” I knelt on the ground, sobbing. “Mom, I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault! But maybe there’s still hope! We have to get him to a hospital!” “He jumped to get away from you, you evil woman! Even if he had lived, he would have just tried again as long as you were around! You’re a curse! How can you even stand to be alive?” I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Why shouldn’t I? I’m not the one who cheated. I’m not the one who cooked up some disgusting scheme to steal an inheritance. Just then, Lily arrived. She watched the ambulance drive away, then closed her eyes in a performance of profound grief. Then, she turned to me, her face a mask of disgust.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390912”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel