In my sales department, we had an unwritten rule: if you needed personal time, you didn’t file for leave. You filed an “Out-of-Office” field assignment. It was the only way to bypass the company’s draconian HR policy. Even a one-hour personal leave meant losing a $200 monthly attendance bonus, plus a pro-rated salary deduction. So, when my intern, Chloe Vance, came to my desk asking for time off, I didn’t even look up from my spreadsheets. “Just file a field report,” I said. At the end of the year, we were swamped. I finished my immediate tasks and looked up. To my surprise, Chloe was still standing there. She wasn’t moving, wasn’t speaking—she was just staring at me with a look I couldn’t quite decipher. I rubbed my temples. “Is there something else?” Chloe frowned, her gaze lingering on me, before she shook her head. “No—” I didn’t give it a second thought. But moments later, when I opened our department’s Slack group, my phone erupted with a long series of voice notes from her. I tapped the first one. It was the sound of Chloe’s sharp, hysterical sobbing. “Avery Miller! You’re just a sales manager! Who do you think you are, denying an employee time off for an emergency?!” “Do you really think we’re just robots? Is your own family dead? Do you even have a soul—” My brain buzzed, blood rushing to my head. I immediately replied in the group chat: [Avery]: Didn’t I tell you to just file for a field assignment? 1 Chloe was the youngest girl in our department. With her sweet voice and the way she called everyone “Big Bro” or “Big Sis,” she was seen as the office’s harmless little lamb. Even when she made mistakes, people usually let it slide. I figured she had simply misunderstood. The “Out-of-Office” loophole was a localized secret; other departments didn’t have it. If they took leave, they lost their bonuses. Did she really not get the hint? I thought I had been obvious. But Chloe doubled down. “Field assignment? Who cares about a field assignment?!” “I told you I had a family emergency! Why couldn’t you just grant me leave?” “I’ve been here for a month! Why am I not allowed to have a life?!” “Just because your family tree is a stump doesn’t mean the rest of us don’t have people we love!” “I can’t stand heartless, exploitative capitalists like you!” “You’re violating labor laws, do you even know that?!” The sharp, venomous voice notes exploded in my ears one after another. I was shaking with fury. I couldn’t believe these words were coming from a fresh college graduate. I gritted my teeth and tapped her final message: “Do you think everyone else likes you? You’re just a bitter, thirty-something single woman who can’t stand seeing other people have families, right?” The group chat went dead silent. No one defended me. I walked out of my glass office toward the main floor. Before I could push the door open, I heard the hushed tones of people comforting her amidst her sniffling. “Chloe, don’t take it to heart. This is definitely Avery’s fault.” “Why are you wasting tears on a woman going through a mid-life crisis?” “Exactly. Look at you, you’re a mess.” Chloe’s voice grew bolder. “Just wait. She thinks I’m some soft peach she can just squeeze? She’s got another thing—” I pushed the door open. 2 Everyone shut up instantly. I looked at the group huddling around Chloe. They knew perfectly well that “field assignment” was our code for “paid leave.” They knew that if you filed it, no one asked where you were. Yet here they were, fanning the flames. I scanned their faces. They looked away, guilt written all over them. My gaze landed on Chloe. I was trying my hardest to restrain my rage. “When did I ever say I wouldn’t give you the time off?” “And those things you said in the group chat? That’s more than enough for me to write ‘insubordinate and disrespectful’ on your internship evaluation.” I decided then that I needed to talk to HR. This girl was a liability. I wasn’t going to let her pass her probation. “If you’re so unhappy here,” I added, “you’re free to resign.” Chloe’s eyes widened, instantly filling with tears again. The other colleagues couldn’t help themselves; they started pleading for her. “Manager Miller, isn’t that a bit much?” “Yeah, Chloe is just in her early twenties. She was worried about her family. It’s normal to get emotional.” “She’s not entirely wrong, though…” I shot a look at the speakers, and they went quiet. I pointed at Chloe. “My office. Now.” I was still being too soft-hearted. I intended to explain it to her one last time, face-to-face. She was a kid just out of school; I wanted to help her. “Our company deducts the attendance bonus for leave,” I explained behind closed doors. “That’s why I told you to apply for field work. That way, HR won’t dock your pay.” Chloe bit her lip, saying absolutely nothing. I felt exhausted. I thought the explanation would settle it. I dismissed her. But after work, my best friend sent me a link. [Babe, is this girl at your company?] I froze. 3 I looked at the headline on the trending TikTok post: [Gen-Z Intern Fights Back Against Toxic Boss Who Denied Leave!] “I went to my boss this afternoon to ask for leave for a family emergency. Not only did she refuse, but she told me to fake a field assignment!” “I couldn’t take the abuse, so I stood up for myself in the group chat.” “The boss got scared and tried to backpedal, saying field work meant leave. She’s obviously just afraid of getting reported for labor violations!” “I hate these cold-blooded corporate ghouls!” The comments were a dumpster fire of support for her. Someone mentioned the office location looked familiar. Chloe had “accidentally” leaked our office’s GPS tag in the video. Then, the “insiders” started chiming in: “I know who you’re talking about! Everyone calls her the Dragon Lady!” “Watch out, she’ll try to block your career now.” “She’s in her thirties and a manager? Bet she ‘climbed’ the ladder using more than just talent. Stay safe, OP!” Moments later, Chloe posted a tearful follow-up: “My family worked so hard to put me through college. Jobs are so hard to find. If she blocks my career, what will I do? [Crying face emoji]” She included a selfie of her red, puffy eyes—angled perfectly to show off her figure. 4 That was the spark. The “internet heroes” took over. By midnight, someone had doxxed our CEO’s phone number. He was bombarded with harassment calls demanding he fire the “corporate parasite” (me). He called me in a fury. “Avery! What the hell is going on?!” The next morning, Chloe didn’t show up. My coworkers were looking at me like I was a leper. “Everyone,” I said, trying to clear the air. “Contact Chloe. Tell her the actual policy regarding leave in this department.” No one moved. “What is this?” I asked. Leo, the guy Chloe was rumored to be seeing outside of work, spoke up. “Manager Miller, Chloe isn’t wrong. Why should we help you explain?” The others nodded in agreement. “If you were just honest about the leave, this wouldn’t have happened.” “Chloe is just saying what we’re all thinking.” I nearly choked on my rage. When the attendance policy first came out, who was the loudest one crying? Who complained about how “inhumane” it was to lose $200 for a doctor’s appointment? They had begged me for a solution, citing their mortgages and kids. I had risked my neck to create a loophole for them. And now, I was the villain? Fine. 5 I turned and walked straight to the Legal Department. I began the process of documenting the defamation and preparing a lawsuit. During lunch, my phone rang. It was my mother’s number. But when I answered, it was our neighbor’s voice. “Avery! Someone has piled a bunch of funeral wreaths in front of your apartment door!” “Your mother saw them and fainted. She’s in the hospital—get here now!” The neighbor sent me a video. Our once-quiet hallway was filled with white funeral wreaths. The sashes on them read: In Memory of Avery Miller’s Entire Family. My mother has a heart condition. She just had a bypass surgery a few months ago. The doctor had been very clear: she needed absolute peace and quiet. I rushed toward the exit, but as I passed the breakroom, I heard Leo’s voice on speakerphone. Leo: “Chloe, are you sure this won’t get too big?” Chloe’s voice came through, smug and high-pitched: “What’s there to fear? It’s her fault anyway. Just watch—she’ll be crawling to me, begging me to delete the post. She thinks she can control me because I’m an intern? In her dreams.” “You guys are too timid,” she continued. “If that old hag falls, who do you think is next in line for her job? It’s you, Leo. Everyone will be thanking me later!” Leo sounded excited. “You have a point…” I stopped. The fury rising from my gut was cold and sharp. So, Leo was in on it too? Good. 6 In the taxi to the hospital, I calmed down. Why had this escalated so far? Because everyone hated the company’s rules, and I was the easy target. I had tried to be a “good boss” within the system. Since they didn’t appreciate the convenience, I was done being the nice guy. The company had been looking to “downsize” and cut costs for the end of the year anyway. I had been dragging my feet on the layoff list, trying to save as many people as possible. Not anymore. I opened the department group chat and posted a formal announcement: [Effective immediately, all attendance and leave for the Sales Department will follow strict HR protocols. ‘Field assignments’ must be logged every five minutes with GPS pings. Violations will result in immediate salary deductions and loss of bonuses.] The group exploded. “Every five minutes?! I can’t even talk to a client without my phone buzzing!” “Wait, this was between Chloe and Avery—why are we all being punished?” “Exactly! She’s the one who made the TikTok, why are we suffering?” “If I’d known she was going to be this much trouble, I never would have…” Chloe stayed silent. I didn’t reply. I sent her a private message: [Your internship is terminated. Do not come back.] An unethical employee is a ticking time bomb. It was time to cut the wire. 7 My mother was stable, but the doctor warned me she couldn’t take another shock. Over the next few days, my colleagues started to break. Many of them had families and used to sneak out early to pick up their kids—things I used to overlook. Now, with the five-minute pings, they were trapped. Every one of them came to me begging for “mercy,” claiming they were innocent. Then, Chloe finally showed up at the office. She burst into my room, screaming. “Avery Miller! You have no right to fire me!” “Just because I told the truth? You’re just a cold-blooded bitch who can’t handle being exposed!” Chloe was so worked up she didn’t realize her phone screen was still on—she was livestreaming. I could see the red “Live” dot. “You’re not saying anything? Guilty conscience?” she sneered. I shook my head. “Chloe, you made multiple mistakes during your internship. That alone is enough to fire you. But you also insulted management and disrupted company unity. And—” I pulled up the TikTok post. “You posted this.” She tried to deny it, but I didn’t care. “Sending funeral wreaths to my home, stalking, and defamation. Legal is already collecting evidence. Expect a summons from the court.” Chloe’s face went white. I showed her the door.

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To stop me from “clinging” to him, Silas Sterling locked me in a mental asylum. Every time I spoke his name, I was shocked with electricity. Every time I showed a hint of jealousy toward his “Eternal Muse,” I was forced to kneel for a day on a path of jagged glass. Three years later, the “rehabilitation” was complete. I became the perfect, docile wife Silas wanted—quiet, compliant, and never asking for a thing. When he brought his muse home, I thoughtfully bought them protection. When he abandoned me, bleeding and dying after a car crash, to take her out for a moonlit drive, I didn’t utter a word. But then, he was the one who broke. With bloodshot eyes, he cornered me and demanded: “Can you stop acting like a corpse? I’ve treated you like this, and you still feel nothing?” “You’re going to die, don’t you know that?!” I simply looked up at him and calmly pushed him away. Die? I had already died the moment he sent me to that asylum. What was the difference between being alive and being a ghost? 1. The Awakening By the hospital bed, Silas Sterling stared down at me, his face grim as I sat propped against the pillows. “Evelyn, why didn’t you call me after the accident last night?” “I only found out because the hospital reached out to your emergency contact.” I looked down, a bitter sense of irony washing over me. “You were out with Seraphina. I didn’t want to disturb you.” As expected, those words set Silas off. He punched a hole in the side table, his eyes crimson as he grabbed my collar. “Do you have any idea how worried I was?! The doctor said you have no will to live. I was terrified…” I met his gaze. It was like looking into a void. “It doesn’t matter. Someone saved me.” Silas froze, a flash of deep agony crossing his features. After a long silence, he spoke with difficulty. “Evelyn, there were no outgoing calls on your phone last night. You just lay there at the crash site. You didn’t even try to call for help.” “But the doctor said you remained conscious the entire time.” He let go of me, his strength failing. I sank back onto the mattress. Closing my eyes, a tidal wave of emotions threatened to surface. When that truck came barreling toward me, I felt a strange sense of relief. I didn’t want to endure this world for a second longer. Silas leaned down and pulled me into a tight embrace. “Evelyn… I love you.” His hug was cold, carrying a sharp, frosty scent. I knew that even if he had heard I was on my deathbed, he would have made sure Seraphina was tucked in first. He whispered his love over and over, but I felt nothing. To him, I was a toy. A puppet. My thoughts didn’t matter; only his whims did. That night, Silas stayed. He sat by my side, wiping my fingers with a warm towel. His eyes were sunken and exhausted, yet he insisted on keeping watch. But the constant pinging of his phone betrayed his agitation. Finally, he stood up and went to the balcony. I heard him murmuring into the phone, his voice dripping with the tenderness he reserved only for the love of his life. The call ended. He walked back in, looking at me through the glass door. I watched him coldly, as if he were a complete stranger. “Something came up with work,” he lied, his face unmoving. Work and parents were his favorite excuses. I didn’t reply. “Evelyn, I need to go back to the office.” He put on his coat and leaned in to kiss my forehead. Let me guess where they’re going this time. 2. The Golden Boy and the Wallflower When we first met, Silas Sterling was the King of Crestwood University. Everyone knew he was the sole heir to the Sterling Group. He was blessed by the gods—sharp, rugged features paired with a pair of soulful, bedroom eyes. The moment he stepped onto campus, he had a legion of admirers. I was just one of them. A girl with an invisible youth, easily captivated by his brilliance. His college years were loud and vibrant, fueled by his fiery romance with the campus belle, Seraphina Vance. They skipped classes together, raced cars through the canyons, and shared a scandalous waltz at the homecoming gala. When the dance ended, Silas, ever the gentleman, kissed the corner of Seraphina’s eye. It was the talk of the town. They burned through their youth with a passion that seemed inextinguishable. But their story wasn’t just about each other. During a summer trip to Rome, Seraphina fell head over heels for a blue-eyed Italian. She applied for a school in Italy on the spot. They said when Silas found out, he drove his car off a cliff and nearly lost his life. After he was discharged, he posted on the school forum: He and Seraphina were just friends. And from that moment on, they weren’t even that. Silas began a revolving door of girlfriends. He dated every beautiful girl on campus. He was a “jerk,” but with his wealth and looks, there was always a line of girls waiting for their turn. But until graduation, he never got Seraphina back. She got married. The photos showed her radiant, leaning against her husband in a designer gown. It was sudden and loud. Silas went quiet for a long time. He re-emerged at his grandfather’s eightieth birthday gala. My family, owning a small startup that had just made a name for itself, was invited. Old Mr. Sterling patted Silas on the shoulder. “My grandson is finally at an age to settle down. He’s still a bit of a boy, I hope you’ll all be patient with him.” Those words sent the hearts of every socialite in the room fluttering. But Silas scanned the crowd with an indifferent gaze, finally stopping in front of me. I was stunned. My parents, standing beside me, were ecstatic. Silas smiled and held out his hand. “Want to take a walk?” Under the jealous and curious eyes of the crowd, I followed him to the back garden. The moment we stepped outside, his warmth vanished. He looked coldly at me as I shivered in the wind, then impatiently threw his coat over my shoulders. “If I remember correctly, you went to Crestwood too?” I felt the warmth of his coat and nodded silently. I was pretty enough, but in the sea of beauties at Crestwood, I was just background noise. That he remembered me was a shock, and a tiny, secret joy. We sat on a bench for a long time that night. He smoked one cigarette after another. Though I was shaking from the cold, I couldn’t bring myself to leave. To my surprise, the very next day, my father received word. The Sterlings were interested in an alliance. The stars of that alliance were Silas and me. My family’s company was growing fast and needed a powerful backer. My parents agreed without a second thought. I was swept up in a whirlwind of joy and got engaged in a daze. Before the engagement, my mother pulled me aside. “Evelyn, tell me the truth. Is this really what you want?” I looked at the diamond bracelet Silas had just sent over and nodded softly. “I want this.” My mother sighed, worried about my obsession. “The whole city knows about Silas and that Vance girl. I don’t want you to get hurt.” I remained stubborn. “Mom, I love him. Besides, if it doesn’t work out, I can always get a divorce.” Later, I learned why Silas chose me out of all those women. It was because I was plain enough, obedient enough. I wouldn’t interfere with his life, and I was just the right tool to provoke Seraphina’s competitive side. Their love story was written in my blood. 3. The Bird in the Gilded Cage For the first two years of our marriage, I played the perfect Sterling daughter-in-law and the perfect wife to Silas. At his request, I quit my job and opened a quiet art gallery. A wealthy wife was supposed to keep her hands clean of the world. I accompanied him to every event, as docile as a canary. Silas gave me all the “affection” I could ask for. At a decennial auction, he spent millions on a pair of jade earrings without blinking. Faced with the paparazzi, he simply smiled warmly. “My wife liked them, so I bought them.” I became the poster child for “good fortune.” The daughter of a small entrepreneur, suddenly a phoenix. My family’s company rode his coattails, breaking into the Fortune 500. But only I knew the truth. Behind closed doors, Silas and I weren’t the happy couple the world saw. He showered me with expensive gifts every holiday. Every new collection from the luxury boutiques was sent to me first. But I spent my nights alone in that massive villa. He was a germaphobe; no one but the cleaning crew ever stepped foot inside. He hated animals, so the only life I could keep was a single cactus. If I didn’t speak, the house remained silent. Even in bed, it was a chore. I would bite my lip, letting him vent his lust on me. I had nowhere to turn because I had chosen this path. Then came the night he came home drunk and pinned me down. He was unusually tender, more attentive than ever before. As I felt myself melting, he kissed away my tears. But the name on his lips wasn’t mine. “Seraphina.” His “Eternal Muse,” Seraphina Vance, who was halfway across the world. I panicked. I had to admit that I stood no chance against her. True to my fears, I heard from old classmates the next day that Seraphina had gotten a divorce. And she was coming home at the end of the month. The end of the month—Silas’s birthday. I waited in agony, waiting for him to hand down my death sentence. But Silas seemed unaffected. He went about his business at the office and the villa as usual. My anxiety grew by the day. I would stand by the door, waiting for him to come home. The day before his birthday, I stared at a pregnancy test with two solid red lines. I was pregnant. I thought, with a heavy heart, that I finally had a chip to win his love. But a whole day passed, and the photo I sent him remained unread in our chat. He didn’t reply. Maybe he didn’t even look. On his birthday, he didn’t come home. I called him countless times until his phone went dead. Hearing the automated voice on the other end, my heart turned to ice. I kept telling myself he just didn’t see it, or his battery died. Then, a ping. A classmate sent me a photo. In a dimly lit bar, Silas had Seraphina in his arms. He was smiling, but his eyes were filled with tears. My heart cramped. I collapsed to the floor, clutching my stomach and crying in despair. He didn’t love me. How could he love our child? When Silas finally came home, he had a dark, unmistakable hickey on his neck. I stood in his way, my eyes red, asking why he didn’t pick up. He stood there, his gaze unreadable. “Evelyn, you’re in no position to control me. You know exactly what our relationship is.” He brushed past me to leave. My heart was in pieces, but I summoned the courage to hold the pregnancy test in front of him. “I’m pregnant.” He didn’t stop. “That’s your decision. Just don’t expect me to love either of you.” 4. The Loss I chose to keep the baby. I wanted to give birth to the child of the man I loved, even if he didn’t love me back. After Seraphina returned, Silas almost never came home. He gave me a black card with enough money to last ten lifetimes. I spent my days shopping and visiting art galleries across the country. The house was too empty; I couldn’t bear to be there. When I reached seven months, I stopped going out and focused on the pregnancy. Silas’s parents visited once. His mother held my hand and smiled. “Evelyn, you’re such a good girl. Don’t worry, Silas is just being a boy. He’ll mature once he becomes a father.” Even the old patriarch visited. He looked at my belly with genuine affection. “Don’t worry. Once the baby is born, the Sterlings will take care of you.” The invisible woman of two years was finally being seen. They sent supplements and arranged a medical team. My every meal was strictly controlled to ensure the healthiest baby possible. Silas never came. His social media tags placed him in Europe, then Australia. They were making up for lost time. His feelings for me had ended the day Seraphina landed. But it didn’t matter. When I felt the baby’s strong heartbeat, I still felt like the luckiest woman in the world. My due date arrived. I was admitted to the Sterling private hospital, into a suite that was more like a palace. On the night of the delivery, Silas still didn’t show. As I was wheeled into the OR, I felt a pang of loneliness. The baby was born—a boy. He had a loud cry and rosy cheeks. Silas’s mother was so happy she took off an heirloom jade bracelet and put it on my wrist. They crowded around the baby, saying he looked just like Silas did as a child. Bitter sadness welled up in me. Silas wasn’t there. He really didn’t care. I named him Toby. Every mother’s wish is for their child to grow up safe and sound. But people like me aren’t meant for happiness. Two days after Toby was born, he turned pale and struggled to breathe. The medical team rushed him to the NICU. He was so small, wrapped in blankets, surrounded by a flurry of doctors and nurses. Finally, the doctor took off his mask, his face full of pity. “Mrs. Sterling, the young master has a congenital heart defect. I’m afraid…” I ignored the pain of my C-section and ran barefoot to the NICU. He had only been in the world for two days. How could he die like this? A nurse wrapped me in a blanket and led me to the viewing window. “The odds of a successful surgery are very low,” she whispered, her eyes red. “A newborn likely wouldn’t survive it.” Toby lay on the bed, connected to several machines. He was so tiny. Why did he have to suffer like this? “If we don’t operate,” the nurse added, “he only has a few days left.” I couldn’t bear to let him die, but I also couldn’t bear to see him suffer through a futile surgery. I collapsed, consumed by a grief that wiped out all reason. Silas’s parents arrived again, their faces etched with sorrow. “Evelyn, you’re still young. You can have another…” “The mother is hemorrhaging!” someone shouted. When I opened my eyes again, my love was gone. Toby, perhaps sensing my despair, had passed away. Numbly, I called Silas. At that moment, I just wanted to hear his voice. To my surprise, the call connected. A bright, female voice answered. “Hello? Who is this? Silas is making me some tea. Do you need something?” My phone hit the floor, the screen shattering into a million pieces.

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After divorcing my billionaire ex-husband, I married an ordinary man. Every day he is silent, wearing a tattered jacket with messy hair, bargaining over a few cents when buying groceries. Friends teased me, although consumption downgraded, aesthetic shouldn’t downgrade too right. I just smiled: “Back then I slashed Sebastian Sterling’s little secretary’s face in front of everyone in the company.” “For her, Sebastian made a huge scene with me, my reputation long stank.” “When just out of Federal Prison, even dogs walked around me, now having someone willing to marry me is already very good.” Saying this, my knife fell, skillfully gutted a fish. While bagging for customer, while greeting next one. “Boss, new fish arrival, pick whatever you like.” The other party stunned, then tremblingly said: “Joanna, to disgust me, you ran to this kind of place to degrade yourself? Is it necessary?” Chapter 1 I didn’t look up. The blunt fish knife in hand slammed heavily on the cutting board. I skillfully scraped scales, scales mixed with bloody water splashing everywhere. Sebastian stood there, wearing a well-tailored Bespoke Tom Ford Suit, completely out of place here. He stared at my hands full of chilblains and cracks, those hands once only played piano, now rough like withered tree bark. “Don’t block the way if not buying, people queuing behind.” I casually wiped hand with rag, took the bag handed by the auntie behind. Sebastian ignored by me, expression on face couldn’t hold. He stepped forward, knocked the knife out of my hand. “Clang” a sound. Knife fell on concrete floor, bounced twice. “Miss Sterling, top student of Finance Department, killing fish here?” He roared out, voice carrying disbelief and suppressed anger. Attracting surrounding vendors and grocery buying aunties to look sideways. “Joanna, do you think this way I will heartache? Will regret sending you in?” Contempt in his eyes about to overflow. In his view, everything I do is to gain his attention. Even making myself so embarrassed. I bent down picked up that knife, wiped hard on apron. “This gentleman.” “This knife $30, just fell rolled edge, you have to compensate.” “Also, I don’t know you.” Sebastian stunned. He didn’t expect I would talk money with him. Still merely thirty dollars. Surrounding aunties started pointing fingers. “Who is this guy? Dressed like a human, running here to bully a fish seller.” “Exactly, look how scared Little Jo is.” “I see must be hooked up with Little Jo before, now see people down and out come to step a foot.” Discussion sounds drilled into Sebastian’s ears. His face green and white. Assistant behind wanted to come up stop, pushed away by Sebastian waving hand. He dead stared my eyes, like wanting to dig out some past affection from inside. Pity, inside nothing. Only numbness. “Pretend what stupid?” Sebastian gritting teeth, lowered voice. “If Uncle Sterling knew your current virtue, coffin board couldn’t hold down.” “Your hands are used to point country mountains, not used to dig fish intestines!” “If you lack money, why not apply to big companies? With your degree…” Speaking here, he suddenly stopped. Mouth corner hooked a sarcastic arc. “Oh, I forgot.” “You have criminal record.” “Was me personally sent you in.” “So you blame me? Use this way revenge me?” More he said more felt he reasonable. That high above superiority came back. I ignored him, turned fished a fish from water tank. Pressed, knife fell. Fish blood squirted out, straight splashed on his pant leg. Sebastian subconsciously retreated, face showing disgusted expression. I expressionlessly bagged fish, handed to customer beside. “Fish cleaned, $25, scan code on wall.” Whole process didn’t look Sebastian once. This ignoring more uncomfortable than quarreling for him. He took out a clean white handkerchief, wanted reach hand wipe blood spots on my face. I tilted head dodged. Handkerchief hung in mid-air, awkwardly stopped. “Sir.” I pointed QR code on wall, tone no wave. “Knife just now $30, plus lost work fee, total $50.” “Scan code, don’t delay my business.” Chapter 2 Sebastian hand froze in mid-air. That white handkerchief was fiercely crumpled in his palm. He stared at me, chest heaving violently. Obviously angered by my attitude. “Money? You just want money?” He sneered, took out checkbook from chest, swish swish wrote a string of numbers. Took out a stack thick cash from wallet again. “Pap” a sound. All thrown on cutting board full of fishy smell and bloody water. “Close stall.” He ordered, tone unquestionable. “Accompany me eat a meal, say words clear.” “These money, enough you sell fish a year in this broken place.” People around sucked cold air. That stack money say less also have $2,000 – $3,000. For people in market, this is a huge sum. Sebastian raised chin, waiting see me cry bitterly, or angry from embarrassment throw money back. After all previous Joanna, most couldn’t stand this insult. I looked at that stack money stained with fish blood. No hesitation. Reached hand grabbed that stack wet bills, weighed in hand. Then stuffed into that fanny pack patched many times. “Thank you boss.” I nodded to him, face no half humiliation. “Want what service? Kill fish or scrape scales?” Sebastian pupils fierce shrank. “Joanna…” His voice trembling, finger pointing me shaking. “Do you still want face?” “Before for a limited edition bag not bought, you could cold war with me three days.” “Now for this bit money, you don’t even want dignity?” I impatiently took off apron. Inside was a washed white old T-shirt, neckline loose. “How much a pound is dignity?” I asked him back, conveniently picked up water hose beside washed mud on rubber boots. “Let’s go, didn’t want eat?” “But say first, high-end restaurant I not go, disheveled clothes they not let in.” Sebastian choked by me speechless. Could only black face follow behind me. I took him through narrow dirty alley back door of market. That is road to Low-income Housing. Ground full sewage and rotten vegetable leaves. Air filled with a moldy smell. Sebastian walked carefully, afraid dirty his shoes. “Walk two steps you know why I love money.” I said without looking back. Passing alley entrance, Landlady blocked there cracking melon seeds. Seeing me, immediately spit shell. “Little Jo, when pay last month utility bill? Not pay again I cut power!” “Auntie Wang, immediately, just opened business.” I accompanied smile, took out few bills Sebastian just gave from pocket, didn’t count handed over. Auntie Wang seeing money, face immediately changed. “Ouch, rich ah? Okay okay okay, give you few days grace.” Walk forward again. Scrap picking Uncle Liu pushed cart over, wheel stuck in pit. I word didn’t say went up help push cart. Finished bargained with Uncle: “Uncle, last time that cardboard you calculated me 50 cents less, today have to make up.” Sebastian stood aside watching all this. Face more and more ugly. He watched me calculate few cents with people. Watched me bow and scrape to landlord. Watched me skillfully shuttle in this bottom world he felt suffocating at a glance. That reality, like slaps, fiercely fanned on his face. Finally, he couldn’t stand it, grabbed my arm, strength big like want crush my bone. “Enough!” He roared. “Joanna, stop acting.” “I don’t believe you can accept this life.” “Move out, I arrange apartment for you, find job for you.” He took out phone, fingers flying operation. “I transfer you $1 Million.” “Later don’t let me see you lose face in this kind place.” He eagerly wanted use money to wash guilt in heart. Or say, wanted buy a peace of mind. Prove he didn’t ruin me so thoroughly. I didn’t move. Quietly watched him operate. Few seconds later. “Ding” a sound. Not transfer success prompt sound. But transaction failed error sound. Sebastian stunned. He looked red words on phone screen, face blank. “What happened? Network bad?” He tried again. Still failed. System prompt: Recipient account frozen due to “Blacklisted by Credit Bureaus” identity, restricted high consumption and large transfer. Sebastian hand froze. He fierce looked up at me. I also looked at him, mouth corner pulled a sarcastic smile. “President Sterling noble person forgetful.” “Three years ago, to force me admit guilt, was you personally applied asset freeze and credit blacklist to court.” “Till now, haven’t unsealed yet.” Sebastian face instantly pale. He opened mouth, wanted explain something, but couldn’t make sound. That means once wanted force me to dead end. Now became wall hindering his charity “kindness”. How ironic. Alley entrance came engine roar sound. A red Porsche stopped there, extremely dazzling. Door opened. A foot wearing red bottom high heels stretched out. I looked that direction, plainly said to Sebastian: “Your wife came.” “Not go look?” Chapter 3 Tiffany got off the car. Wearing current season Chanel suit, neck hanging huge diamond necklace. That was auctioned by Sebastian last month. News hyped hot then, said was anniversary gift for beloved wife. She took off sunglasses, gaze circled between me and Sebastian. Immediately face piled sweet greasy smile, fast walked over. “Sebastian, why ran to this kind of place?” She affectionately held Sebastian arm, whole person about to stick on him. Eyes however like knife scraped my face. “Aiya, so big fishy smell ah.” She exaggeratedly covered nose, retreated two steps, other hand non-stop fanning wind in front of face. “This smell smell long will nausea, Sebastian, let’s go quickly.” She frowned, like saw some dirty thing. That physiological disgust, no disguise. Sebastian body stiffened a bit, didn’t push her away, also didn’t speak. Just eyes complex looking me. Tiffany seeing me not speak, moved forward again, pretended just recognized me. “OMG, isn’t this Sister Joanna?” She covered mouth, face surprised. “How you… how became like this?” She reached hand, seemed want touch my face, but stopped in mid-air. Like afraid dirty her hand. “Sister Joanna, although back then you scratched my face, harmed me almost disfigured…” She touched her smooth as initial cheek, eye rims instantly red. “But I long didn’t blame you.” “After all that time your emotion unstable.” “But seeing you like this now, my heart really so sad.” She saying, tears about to fall. Sebastian originally some guilty expression, instantly cold few points. He remembered that scene back then. Remembered Tiffany full face blood miserable state. That bit just sprouted sympathy, pressed down again. “Sister Joanna, how you sell this fish ah?” Tiffany suddenly turned topic, pointing bag in my hand. “Since met, I definitely want take care your business.” She saying want take that bag. I didn’t let go. “Miss Tiffany this pair hands precious, don’t touch this dirty thing.” I wanted put bag back on ground. Tiffany however suddenly reached hand to grab. “Aiya, polite what.” Just at moment her hand touched bag. “Splash” a sound. Bag flipped. Water inside, along with that dead fish. All splashed on my body. Originally dirty T-shirt, now more soaked, stick on body. “Ah! Sorry sorry!” Tiffany loud screamed, jumping feet dodge. “How this fish so slippery ah!” She while shouting, while observing Sebastian reaction. Seeing Sebastian frown, she immediately changed a face. Pointing fish on ground loud shouting: “Sister Joanna, is your fish stinky ah?” “Smell why so strong?” “You wouldn’t be selling dead fish pit people right?” “This if let people eat sick what do? Heard you have that kind disease…” She deliberately didn’t finish. Surrounding neighbors and passerby originally loved watch fun, hearing this, one after another surrounded over. “What disease ah? Contagious?” “Sell dead fish? This too wicked right.” “Later can’t buy at her place.” Public opinion wind direction instantly changed. For us stall vendors, reputation is rice bowl. I stood in place, let dirty water drip down along hair. Face no expression. I didn’t rush up tear her mouth like three years ago, just bent down picked up fish on ground, put back in bag. Then raised head, look straight Tiffany eyes. “Miss Tiffany.” My voice not loud, but word word clear. “My fish are all just pulled back this morning.” “Neighbors on this street, ate half year all fine.” “Instead Miss Tiffany.” I swept glance her face coated full powder. “Powder on face about fall into water.” “This fish if dead, also poisoned by your cosmetics.” People around burst laughter. Tiffany face instantly swelled into pig liver color. “You!” She pointed me, angry finger shaking. “Little Jo sells fish most honest, never short weight.” In crowd, that Auntie Wang cracking melon seeds stood out. “Exactly, you this woman dressed like human, how full mouth spray dung ne?” Uncle Liu also pushed cart help voice. “People Little Jo not easy, you rich people don’t bully people too much.” Wind direction turned back again. Bottom people although love watch fun, but also have simple justice sense. Especially seeing Tiffany this arrogant look, naturally have resistance. Tiffany she help looked at Sebastian, tears watery. “Sebastian, look her…” Sebastian looking whole body soaked, but still straight spine standing there me. Eyes flashed a trace irritation. He suddenly felt this farce very embarrassing. “Enough!” He low roared, threw off Tiffany hand. “Still dislike not enough shame?”

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The second year the Vance family adopted me, their biological daughter was born. They swore never to be biased. I spent a happy childhood. At eighteen, I was kidnapped into the deep mountains of Appalachia, suffered torture, escaped back deaf in both ears. Family’s guilt all poured onto me, but ignored younger sister’s stomach pain. Until she was terminal stomach cancer, last words were accusing parents of favoring me this outsider, not caring about biological daughter, next life absolutely not be Vance family member. Parents collapsed, drove me out of house. Only brother secretly took me in. I thought it was redemption. Until he ripped off my Hearing Aid time and again, sneering… “This bit of pain of yours, can it compare to half of Vivian’s?” I collapsed and fled, but because couldn’t hear car horn, was rolled under car. Open eyes again. I returned to the day I was just rescued from deep mountains back to Vance home. Chapter 1 In front of eyes was scene of parents holding me crying bitterly. Their tears smashed on my body, scalding hot. I stunned a moment, over them saw my appearance in vanity mirror opposite. Thin, dark, ugly. Arms covered with scars. Blood stains by ear spread to neck. Newly fitted hearing aid hard pressed into flesh, terrifying. I realized I was reborn. Reborn to this day just rescued from deep mountains back to Vance home. I dazed for a moment, then gently pushed away parents crying because of heartache for me. “I want be alone for a while.” Two people stunned. Mother clutched my hand unwilling to let go. “Winter, Dad and Mom have to accompany you, how can you endure alone?” I shook head, pulled a very faint bitter smile. “But I want be quiet.” Mother brows tight frown, tears fell more fierce. “Winter, you won’t… won’t think不开 (suicidal) right? You don’t scare Mom.” “How could it be.” I said tone calm. “Hardly escaped death back, I won’t give up this life.” Father sighed. “Child needs space, let’s give her.” Two people walked away turning back every three steps, door gently closed. Instant, I slumped on carpet. Previous life me, cried whole three days after back. They then day night rotation guarded me, fed me, coaxed me sleep. But live again, their undisguised concern and grief at this moment, only let me think of their hideous look when letting me roll out of house. Any feeling is like mirror. Broken mirror can’t be round again. I raised hand, fingertip very lightly touched hearing aid behind ear. A sharp pain immediately rushed up. This hearing aid was temporary fitted. Rough, not fit ear shape. I suddenly felt very unlucky, even rebirth time node not lucky. Have to go hospital, re-fit a suitable one. Hospital? I fierce remembered a thing. Used hand support wall, moved to Vivian’s door. I have to remind her hurry go see stomach illness. Knocked door, no response inside. A servant aside happened pass, low voice said. “Miss Winter, Young Master took Second Miss to hospital see stomach pain afternoon, Second Miss kept shouting stomach pain…” I stood in place, hands feet bit by bit cold down. Julian Vance also reborn. Chapter 2 When Julian and Vivian returned from hospital, me and parents were eating. A small white paper box suddenly pushed to my hand side. Is Julian. His face no expression, voice also faint: “Passed dessert shop, bought Mont Blanc you liked before.” Vivian immediately also took out a small box from bag, smilingly handed over. “Sister, I also brought for you! Is Soufflé Cheesecake, sweet, you eat mood definitely will be better! Forget all those bad things in past…” Father heavily coughed once, interrupted her. Mother worried look at me. Vivian like just reacted, covered mouth, eyes blinking. “Sorry Sister, I said wrong words…” Table quiet few seconds. Everyone careful, afraid which sentence stab me again. Previous life also like this, whole two years, family all careful. Gave all concern to me, but ignored Vivian. I smiled. “It’s okay, all passed.” Parents sighed relief. Vivian propped chin look me: “Sister you so amazing, walked out so fast.” Previous life me, used two years then barely could not wake up in night. But crying grievance essence is a kind of acting spoiled. Only confirm self loved by other party, then dare show fragility. Current me, dare not. After all they don’t love me. I changed topic: “Your stomach checked? Okay?” “Fine la!” She laughed. “Doctor said just chronic superficial gastritis, eat some medicine pay attention diet fine. Brother still insisted let me do full body checkup, result everything good, healthy very!” “That good.” I nodded, continue bury head eat rice. But ignored opposite Julian fell on me more and more obscure gaze. Chapter 3 Back to room, I sat before desk dazing at computer screen. I don’t understand why Julian active show good this life. If he also back with memory, then he should be like previous life, hate me to bone. After all in his eyes, Vivian’s death, I can’t escape relation. Did I judge wrong? He didn’t reborn? However, no matter what, attitude he currently showed no obvious hostility. This temporarily counts a good thing. After all I want leave Vance family, still need his consent. Not only because he is brother, more because he is my professor. Although I eighteen this year, but already sophomore. I am math genius same famous as Julian. Back then also his discovery and guidance, I sixteen took down International Mathematical Olympiad gold medal, guaranteed admission to MIT Math Department. On screen is Rhodes Scholarship application final confirmation interface. Previous life because kidnapped, everything became bubble. This life, I won’t give up. This is best chance I leave Vance family. I click “Accept”. Next only need Julian final audit pass in background. He has no reason refuse. My grades and papers all qualified, he refuse me need write refusal reason to college approval. And he, always a person afraid trouble. Next few days, I started silently organize luggage to take away. But few days later at dinner table, Mom suddenly mentioned trip to Japan see cherry blossom. “Winter, go walk with Mom, okay? See flowers, mood will be broader.” Time not conflict with study abroad, but I subconsciously shook head. “I won’t go, you guys play well.” Mom stunned, eye rims slowly red up. “Winter, what wrong with you? Mom always feel… always feel after you back, not close with us. Is it that thing… Mom help you find best psychiatrist see?” Dad sighed, smooth things over: “Child not want go don’t force. Just this trip was specially arranged by Julian, I let him cancel.” I looked at Julian. He was slow orderly using meal, heard words eyelashes didn’t lift once. He always like this, emotion rarely exposed, but always carry a kind invisible oppression. Moment later, I heard my own voice. “Okay, I go.” Chapter 4 Moment earthquake came, I didn’t cry. I just felt, this is God’s retribution to me. A child should grow up in orphanage, luckily adopted by Vance family, was eighteen years brocade clothes jade food Big Miss. This luck too full, like stolen. So, always have to return. Even go Japan see a cherry blossom, also have to encounter earthquake caused by volcano eruption. Outside is quarrel sound. Mom crying. “Two children I both want! I one also reluctant…” Dad roaring: “Rescue team said! Now can only save one first! Must choose within one minute, otherwise they go save others!” “No ah, I can’t choose… can’t choose ah…” “Then I choose!” Dad roared. “Save Vivian!” Mom cried loud. “Then Winter? If she pressed, never come out what do? If she has a three long two short…” Dad sighed: “She can only seek own luck! Vivian is our biological daughter ah, you can’t give up own biological daughter!” Mom cried more severe, but didn’t stop. Concrete above my head started loose. I knew, rescue personnel moving broken pieces above Vivian head. Due to some special structure, weight her side once moved, concrete above my head will whole collapse. I smile. Vivian, look, parents actually most biased is you. No matter surface how fair, inner heart still most love you. Crash—— Dust splash. Concrete fierce smashed down. Pfft. I fierce spit out a pool blood. Good news: Didn’t hit head. Bad news: Pressed chest, I probably will be alive suffocated death. Breathing more and more difficult, head also more and more dizzy. In daze, my mind walked horse watch flowers. Parents said: “Little bastard! Hurry go, don’t come back again!” Julian ripped off my hearing aid. Fresh blood flowed from ear. He just hooked cold sneer. “This bit pain of yours, compare half of Vivian?” Consciousness gradually dissipate. Just moment before completely fall into darkness, ear side came a burst quarrel again. “Julian! You just bandaged well, can’t go down ah——” Heavy pressure on chest suddenly moved away. I fell into a trembling embrace. “Winter, don’t sleep… talk with brother, okay?” I fight last bit strength, voice like gossamer: “Julian Vance… agree my study abroad application. I want leave you guys.” Chapter 5 Hospitalized already half month. My leg smashed injured already can walk with crutch. Vivian came ward see me, handed me a small Buddha statue. “Sister, this I prayed for you, Buddha very effective.” I smiled, gaze swept cross hanging on her neck. Don’t know what happened, this period time she like possessed, everywhere pray god worship Buddha, even western god also believe. “Sister,” she suddenly asked. “How brother suddenly back country not accompany you? I talk to him, he also ignore me, mood seems not good. Did you guys quarrel?” I shook head: “No.” She sighed relief. “That good. I never saw you guys quarrel, and that time still brother risk death save you out.” I lowered eyes, didn’t take words. After wake up back then, Julian first sentence was: “You also reborn?” I very frankly admitted. I unable disguise enthusiasm to Vance family again, and he is reborn, sooner later will detect. He silent very long. I first time saw on him a kind expression approximate defeat. Long time, he said: “That time me and parents all rushed head by sadness…” “No need say.” I interrupted him. “Live again one life, I who can understand.” Stand in whose position, whose reaction all reasonable. Feeling sometimes just like this, love not enough, hate not up, just love hate intertwined. And I, just want leave that’s all. Julian silent very long, then low voice said: “Then between us…” He didn’t say full, but I understand. Actually feeling between us long surpassed ordinary siblings. Previous life after driven out Vance family, he took me in. In that small rental room, to comfort my emotion verge collapse, we did all absurd things. I thought that was love, later knew, that just part of his revenge. I said: “Absolutely impossible.” Ward silent very long. Finally he said: “I will agree your study abroad application.” “Later not want go home, I also will help you cover.” After he left, never came back. I lay back sickbed, said to Vivian. “I want rest, you go out first.” She somewhat reluctant, still nodded. Just moment she want close door, I called her, very seriously told her. “Parents most liked child, actually is you.” She very cheerfully smiled, also bring bit shyness, gently closed door.

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My husband cheated. My best friend is worse off, her husband came out of the closet. I was eager to try: “Prank them?” Best friend gritted her teeth: “Prank, prank them to death.” So, I replaced the lubricant with super glue. She coated the sex toys with Carolina Reaper extract. That night. Our husbands were glued into a human chain. Chapter 1 Best friend Chloe suddenly raised an eyebrow at me. “Jessica, you couple play quite wild.” I held the steering wheel, glanced at her blankly: “What?” “Tsk, still pretending?” She sneered, hand reached into the seat gap. When raised again. Fingertip hooked a piece of fabric swaying slowly in front of me. That was a transparent Thong. Middle even had a hole. My breath hitched, fingers tightened on steering wheel, quickly pulled over. I think my face must look terrible now. Because playful smile on Chloe’s face froze. She looked carefully at thing in hand, then sucked in a cold breath. “Holy sh*t! “XXL! This isn’t your size! Julian Frost this bastard cheated?” My tears fell without warning. “Babe, don’t cry first…” Chloe flusteredly pulled tissues, randomly wiped my face. “I know you are sad now, but don’t be sad first, things not decided yet! What if it’s misunderstanding? “Doesn’t Julian have megalophobia? This size doesn’t look like his type. “Is it possible he lent car to friend, someone left it?” “Impossible.” I shook head, tone firm. “Car is his life root, usually I can’t touch. If not he business trip now, I couldn’t drive it out.” Chloe anxious scratching head. “I feel can’t rely on just one underwear…” Her voice stopped abruptly, mouth open, face full of disbelief. Because I opened a hidden storage compartment under seat. Inside piled full of various sexy lingerie. Lace, cutout. Transparent, tulle. With fluffy tail, hanging small bell. And few half-used lubricants. Hanging heart finally died. Julian. He really cheated. Chapter 2 Chloe angry whole body trembling, phone in hand pinched creaking. “Julian Frost this dog thing! I go chop him now!” I pulled her wrist. “Don’t be impulsive.” Once opened mouth, voice hoarse scared myself a jump, cried too hard. Chloe glared at me hate iron not become steel. “Not way Jessica? This you can endure?” I closed eyes, sucked a breath. When opened again. Tears gone, only left dry pain. “Not endure.” I pulled mouth corner, probably smile uglier than cry. “Now tear face with Julian, what benefit for me? “Divorce, I definitely divorce. But can’t let him off so cheap.” Chloe stunned. She stared at me for few seconds. Then cackled out sound. “Right! This is the Jessica I know! Can’t let that pair of dog couple off cheap.” She stuffed me into car. “Go, now sister take you find some fun! Celebrate you finally saw clear that bastard true face!” She kicked gas pedal. Car roared out. Club Eden private room. Chloe waved big hand, manager understood. Soon. A row of broad shoulder narrow waist young male models stood before me. Five minutes later. I buried in their abs crying uncontrollably. Chapter 3 After a big cry. My mood much better. Julian cheating matter already nailed on iron board. Now think what useless. Key is get solid evidence, let him can’t deny. Also let me master initiative when divorce. While he business trip not back yet, I immediately acted. Super glue, order! Devil pepper extract, order! Micro camera, order! Also chose expedited delivery. Next day, things arrived. I installed HD cameras in car and hidden corners of home. Then poured out lubricants in Julian’s storage compartment. All filled with super glue. This glue colorless odorless, strong fluidity. Appearance looks very like lubricant. But bonding force super strong. Heard even steel can bond. Pepper extract I didn’t use. Originally wanted apply on those broken hole underwear. But picked one looked, then disgusted threw back. Key parts broken like that. Estimate also can’t use, apply meaning not big. Finished all this. Already late night. I dragged soft hands back home. Just threw myself into sofa, wanted breath. Doorbell rang. Chapter 4 Chloe stood outside door, hair bit messy, eyes swollen like walnuts. She saw me, mouth flat, “Wah” sound pounced over hugged me. Crying out of breath. “Wuwuwuwu… Lucas Stone he… he came out of closet!” I bumped by her retreat a step, brain momentarily didn’t turn around. “What? He also cheated?” I subconscious refute. “Impossible ah! Doesn’t he have gynophobia? Except you, he touch other women whole body rash, where he cheat…” Chloe gritted teeth: “So he came out! “He finds men! “I actually lost to a man!” I thoroughly confused, mouth opened, no sound. This information volume bit big. Good half day, I then found my voice, full of disbelief. “No, no way? You… you caught on spot?” Chloe shook head, tears rolled down again. I more confused, “Then how you found?” Chloe face from red turn green, then green turn black. Color rich hard describe. She deep breath, voice trembling: “He sleeping farted. “Farted out a used condom!”

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The day my brother Liam got promoted, he said he would treat the whole family to a Luxury Yacht Cruise on the Hudson River at night. Parents kept praising him in the car for bringing honor to the family. But when boarding, the staff checked the list and stopped me: “Mr. Chen, the reservation is for three people, you are not on the list.” Liam pulled me aside, tone irritable: “What are you mixing in for on this occasion? Go back!” My mom also pulled me: “Don’t embarrass your brother, mom will bring you some snacks back.” I nodded and turned to leave. That night, I used the $200,000 Down Payment I saved for his wedding house, and bought myself a river view apartment in full. Chapter 1 I hailed a taxi, gave the address of my old rented apartment. Neon lights outside the window retreated fast, like a grand and vain dream. I took out my phone, clicked on real estate agent Mike’s profile picture. “Mike, are you asleep? Wanted to ask about that unit we saw before, can we arrange to sign the deposit contract tomorrow morning?” This was the message I prepared to send half an hour ago. Now, I deleted it word by word. Then, I retyped, sent. “Mike, sorry, we don’t want Liam’s wedding house anymore. Plans changed.” Mike’s call came back almost instantly, tone full of shock and confusion: “Hey? Miss Aurora, why suddenly don’t want it? That unit is so popular, the owner agreed to drop another five thousand, I agreed with your brother, tomorrow just…” “Not buying.” My voice was calm. “Let him figure it out himself.” Not waiting for Mike to say anything more, I hung up directly. Immediately after, I clicked on a property link in my favorites that I never dared to dream of. That was a penthouse with a frontline river view, taking in the dazzling river view behind me at this moment. I dialed the sales number left above. “Hello, is this the sales office of Skyline Tower? I want to see a unit, now, is it possible?” The female sales on the other end obviously stunned, but professional quality made her react immediately: “Of course, Miss how should I address you? I’ll be at the sales office waiting for you immediately.” “My surname is Ying.” Hanging up, I said to the driver: “Sir, please turn around, go to Skyline Tower in Manhattan.” The female sales receiving me at Skyline Tower was named Chloe, she saw me get off the taxi, a trace of imperceptible surprise flashed in her eyes, but soon replaced by enthusiastic smile. “Miss Ying, hello, I am Chloe.” I nodded, straight to the point: “No need to introduce the model, take me to see the actual unit directly. 1200 square feet, high floor, can see the river view.” Chloe had no extra nonsense, directly took me to the 32nd floor by exclusive elevator. Door opened, my breathing stopped for a moment. Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling window, was that luxury yacht carrying my family away just now. Chloe introduced the layout, materials and design concept softly beside me, I didn’t listen to a word. My gaze greedily swept every corner of the room, imagining my future life here. No quarrels, no partiality, no endless demands and taken-for-granted sacrifices. Only myself, and this exclusive starry sky and river view. “This unit.” I turned around, said to Chloe who was still introducing. She stunned, seemed didn’t react: “Ah? Miss Ying, you mean…” “I said, this unit.” I repeated, tone unquestionable. “Full payment, any discount?” “Full payment?” Chloe’s eyes widened instantly, she looked at me, as if confirming if she heard wrong. This 1200 square feet river view apartment, discounted total price is $1.88 Million. “This is my savings, $880,000, can serve as deposit. Remaining one million, I need a little time, within three days, definitely pay off.” Chapter 2 That $200,000 (part of savings), was my blood and sweat money saved by working hard, scrimping and saving in the past five years. I thought, it would become the red book of my brother’s wedding house, become capital for him to show off to girlfriend Scarlett. But now, I found I was wrong, this money was saved by my own hard work, and should be spent on myself. Signed the intent contract, swiped all balance in the card, it was already 11 PM. Walking out of sales office, I felt whole person collapsed, but had an unprecedented lightness. Phone screen lit up, it was photo my brother Liam posted on Instagram. In photo, he, my dad, my mom, three people intimately snuggled together, background was dazzling night view. His caption was: “Meaning of struggle, is to give family the best. Happy family!” Below, my mom commented first time: “My son is the best! Mom’s pride!” Relatives and friends likes and flattery lined up a long row. “Liam is really young and promising!” “Uncle Auntie good fortune!” “This yacht looks high class, envy!” I looked at that dazzling family photo, no me in photo, as if this family never had my position. I silently clicked on my brother’s avatar, pressed delete contact. Then dad, then mom. Done all this, I looked up, tears finally flowed down uncontrollably. I remembered when very young, family only had one bicycle. My brother rode it to school every day, while I could only get up before dawn, walk an hour. I begged mom let brother carry me, mom said: “Your brother study tired, you as sister, walk few steps what’s wrong? Treat as exercise.” I remembered year of college entrance exam, my brother grades bad, parents spent heavy money hired one-on-one tutor for him, while I could only rely on few sets of mock papers issued by school, stay up late studying. Day results out, I got into Ivy League, he only got into a Community College. At dinner table, parents sighed, didn’t even look at my acceptance letter in hand, only kept comforting my brother: “It’s okay son, heroes don’t ask origin, later you definitely more promising than her.” I remembered four years of college, my brother’s monthly living expense was three times mine. He used latest phone and computer, wore brand name sneakers. And I, except tuition, didn’t ask family for a penny more. I relied on scholarships and part-time jobs, not only fed myself, every month also saved a part money for family. After work, I entered a top financial company in Wall Street, started from lowest analyst. I fought life overtime, stay up late doing proposals, for a project could live in company for a week continuously. My salary higher and higher, position rose faster and faster. But these, parents never asked, they only care my brother in that idle City Job, if rose half grade again, year-end bonus increased few thousand. My money, seemed not my money, but whole family’s reserve fund. My brother want change car, my mom a call came: “Aurora, your brother talks clients, no good car can’t hold scene, you sponsor him $20,000 first.” My brother getting married, woman side required must have wedding house. Parents matter-of-course said to me: “Aurora, your brother’s marriage depends on you. You promising, can earn money, this down payment you have to pay.” Chapter 3 So, I started saving this $200,000 for him. I cancelled all travel plans, rejected all friends gatherings, I brought lunch every day, reluctant to even buy a cup of coffee. I thought, my giving, my sacrifice, could exchange their trace of seeing and heartache. Until tonight, at that splendid pier, I finally understood. So-called family, so-called kinship, just a monologue I moved myself. Next day, I took a day off. I returned to my rental apartment only 400 square feet, opened that laptop followed me five years. Past five years, besides main job, I always used my savings and bonus doing investment in secondary market. From initial cautious, to later ease. This money, is a secret I never told anyone, is last retreat I left for myself. I originally planned, wait brother’s marriage settled, I use this money, change myself a better one-bedroom, buy a small car again. But now, plan advanced. I calmly analyzed the market, cleared few stocks held in batches. Contacted few private equity friends cooperated before, quickly recovered part of funds. Operation lasted whole day, water rice not entered. Evening time, looking at that seven-figure amount in account, I finally sighed relief. Enough. Not only enough pay off house, also enough for my next year living expenses. Handled all this, I then had time pick up phone. Dozens of missed calls, from my brother, my dad, my mom, and some unfamiliar relatives. Messages crowded in WeChat. My brother didn’t know where got my WeChat alt account, sent a string of questions. “Aurora what you mean? Wedding house say not buy not buy? Where you put my face?” “Scarlett troubled with me! Are you intentionally not want let me live good?” “I tell you, this house you buy have to buy, not buy have to buy! Otherwise you are our family’s sinner!” I looked at these messages, only felt funny. My mom’s messages were much milder, but more suffocating. “Aurora, don’t get angry with your brother, he just that stinky temper. Yesterday was mom wrong, shouldn’t let him mess around. You quick tell Mike, house still want, don’t let your brother difficult in front of girlfriend.” “Be obedient, ah? Mom stewed chicken soup for you tonight, you come back drink.” Chapter 4 I can even imagine her kind mother expression thinking for me when sending this message. But she didn’t mention a word about my grievance of being left behind, only cared about her son’s face and marriage. I didn’t reply anyone, directly used alt account blocked them all. Done all this, I stood up, walked to window. Downstairs was noisy market, distance was blurry lights. This place I lived five years, first time made me feel such strong alienation. I opened takeout app, didn’t order those five dollar cheap fast food again. I ordered a portion of most expensive Japanese sashimi, a portion of foie gras, also opened a bottle of sake for myself. Alone, sitting in empty room, I held a late, grand farewell for my lost twenty something years. Three days later, I paid off Skyline Tower full payment. When Chloe handed purchase contract and smart key to my hand, excited face red. She told me, I was the youngest, most straightforward full payment client she met since working. I just smiled. Sadness and resolution behind this, only myself know. First time got key, I called moving company, moved those few luggage in rental room, all into new home. Standing in front of 360 degree dead angle free floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking city vein under foot, I first time had a feeling of feet on solid ground. Here, is my real home. I gave myself a week holiday, whole heart devoted into joy of decorating new home. I replaced furniture uniformly configured by developer, personally went select Italian leather sofa, Nordic solid wood dining table, and a super large soft bed enough for me to roll. I even in living room corner, created a small bar for myself, bought full set of bartending tools. My best friend Jasmine came see me, looking at brand new house and radiant me, shocked half day couldn’t speak. “Aurora, did you rob a bank?” I told her things happened these few days originally. Jasmine heard, angry directly jumped up from sofa. “They also too excessive! What thing is Liam! Holding your money act powerful, also treat you like garbage throw at pier? Uncle Auntie really partial to armpit!” She scolded half day, then heartached hugged me. “But, Aurora, you did right! This house bought too right! Should be like this! Let them see, without you this ATM, they count as fart!” I leaned on her shoulder, laughed. “So, to celebrate me escaping bitter sea, reborn. I decided…” I deliberately prolonged voice. “Go sit that luxury yacht again.” Jasmine eyes lit up: “Yes! Must go! Also want sit most expensive suite, let them see, you alone, live better than their whole family!” Departure day, I specially put on exquisite makeup, wore that most expensive red long dress in my wardrobe. At same pier, same boarding gate. Staff respectfully verified, made a please gesture to me: “Miss Ying, welcome you board, your private butler already waiting you in suite.” Boarded deck, I let Jasmine help me take a photo. Background was Hudson River under sunset afterglow, I raised a glass of champagne, smile brilliant. I posted photo to TikTok, didn’t block anyone. Finished posting, I put away phone, with Jasmine, started enjoy this feast truly belong to me. Time on yacht comfortable and luxurious. Me and Jasmine enjoyed dinner prepared by Michelin chef in top floor restaurant, played in open air pool on deck, watched latest movie in private cinema. This is life. Until next morning, I hangover woke up, then found my phone almost exploded. WeChat, text, call, overwhelming. Click open look, almost all from my brother, he changed a small account to contact me. He didn’t know again from which relative added me back, messages sent full of anger and unreasonable. “Aurora, you really capable ah! Where you got money to live so good suite? Did you long hide private money behind our back?”

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During a business trip, because I couldn’t stand the $50 per night Motel booked by the company, I chose to pay out of pocket to stay in a $1,000 per night luxury hotel. Next morning meeting, my female supervisor rolled her eyes at me. “Staying in a $1,000 hotel for a business trip, why don’t you die of luxury?” I was too lazy to argue with her, explained. “Helen, I’m prone to allergies, that’s why I paid for a better hotel myself. Besides, this trip I negotiated a $10 Million business order for the company, didn’t delay work.” Unexpectedly, she immediately slammed the table and stood up excitedly. “Is it easy for your parents to raise you? Earn a little salary and don’t know your own weight! With this money, wouldn’t it be better to buy everyone Starbucks to improve everyone’s work enthusiasm?” “You tell the truth in front of everyone, that five-star hotel night, did you go to be an Escort? Young age not learning good, if continue like this, company sooner or later bankrupt by your bad luck!” I couldn’t bear it anymore. “Keep your mouth clean! I have money, willing to treat myself better, what’s wrong? Meddling too much right, big sister?” Leader was angry enough to hit me, stopped by colleagues, I was too lazy to pay attention to her, completed my own work as usual. Unexpectedly, next day off work, my Porsche 911 parked in the garage was smashed to pieces. Car body was written full of “Slut”, “Unfilial” and other big words with white paint. I checked surveillance, found it was leader Helen did it. I questioned her, she raised her eyebrows. “This is the end of a Gold Digger! Your parents can’t teach you, I teach for them! Not afraid of losing face you call the police ah?” I smiled and shook my head at her. Turned around and submitted resignation letter. Now, the whole company panicked. Chapter 1 Business trip to other state to discuss business, I looked at the $50 per night Motel in front of me, puzzled in heart. Company reimbursement standard was previously $200 per night, when did it become so stingy? The room in front of eyes was dirty and messy, really couldn’t stay. Just happened to be my birthday a few days ago, parents transferred me a $50,000 red packet, I directly booked the Executive Suite of the Ritz-Carlton next door. Back to company next day morning meeting. Department leader Helen stared at me tightly as soon as she entered door. I threw a doubtful look at her. Next second, Helen face gloomy. “Grace, take out your invoice for this business trip.” Although just started working less than three months, I am very clear about company reimbursement process, reimbursement doesn’t pass through leader hands. What’s more, I dislike trouble, never ask for invoice when staying in hotels. Meeting her scrutinizing gaze, I shook head. “Helen, I paid for other hotel myself, not going through reimbursement.” Helen looked at me with complex eyes and sighed, earnestly said. “Little Grace ah, you are young, must hold your bottom line, business trip just stay one night, where is not staying?” “Company has booked hotel, why you spend extra unjust money? With that money better honor parents.” I suppressed irritation, good temper replied her. “Helen, don’t need you worry, my parents still afraid my salary not enough to spend. Moreover, my skin sensitive, also have mysophobia, can’t stay in too bad hotels.” “Rested well, work efficiency also high. You rest assured, I don’t spend company money, I pay myself.” Who knew Helen suddenly anxious. “Self-pay? Ouch, just earned a little salary then amazing, if I were your mom, would be angered to death by you!” I laughed in anger, seen daddy-flavor leaders, this is first time seeing mommy-flavor leader. “$1,000 per night Executive Suite, I see your skin itchy, wings hard only care own happiness!” Hearing her report accurate amount and room type, colleagues in conference room all looked over to me. That day was my solo business trip, what channel did she use to know? Anger rushing out. I couldn’t bear it anymore, heavily slammed the folder in hand on the table in front. “Who do you think you are! I spend my own money what relation with you? Except work matters, less pointing fingers at me!” Helen didn’t expect I would contradict her in public, face green and red. “I am also for your good, don’t be ungrateful.” Seeing me not retreating, she couldn’t pull down face, waved hand. “Alright alright, talk about this later, you continue report.” I took a few deep breaths, barely controlled emotions. Work still can’t be delayed. Later report completed smoothly, and I also relied on this $10 Million order, became company’s sales king this month. But not long after, I was immersed in work. Helen rushed over, slammed shut the laptop in front of me fiercely. “I thought about it, still feel something wrong.” Chapter 2 Again? I folded arms, looked at her coldly. “You surface say self-pay, but actually? Your salary, performance, subsidy, aren’t they issued by company? And your project bonus this time, isn’t it from company?” “Wool comes from sheep, secretly taking advantage of company, Grace, you are really smart ah!” Helen crossed arms leaning on my cubicle. “Still self-pay? Creating rich beautiful girl persona here?” “Your parents let you go college, is to let you learn these things?” I reminded her angrily. “Helen, speak with respect. I won project for company, company paying me salary is should be.” Helen gritted teeth in anger. “I asked around, your salary this month plus commission, is nearly $12,000!” “My car loan mortgage haven’t paid off, even Netflix subscription reluctant to open, you a 20 something little girl, come company two months take so much salary, who knows used what means?” Colleagues originally lowered heads working, hearing my salary at this moment, eyes looking at me varied, soon discussed in low voice. I was indignant, a nameless fire born in chest. Kicked away chair, stood in front of Helen. “Helen, are you sick? Salary is personal privacy, not allowed employees discuss privately. You good, told my salary to whole office people listen!” “Initially you guys disliked client hard to handle, I then took over this project. I didn’t steal didn’t rob, these are all I deserve!” “Jealous ah? Have ability earn yourself! Don’t rely on being older to be unreasonable!” Last sentence, I almost roared out. Thought seeing me so angry, Helen would stop here. Unexpectedly, she pushed luck. “You can stay in $1,000 a night hotel, definitely not short of money, this $10,000 bonus, you split equally with department colleagues, also count as repaying everyone’s help to you in two months.” Holy shit! Who recruited such a stupid person? And let her become leader. I took out phone want call Julian Frost. Is this man playing me? Didn’t agree to go work in a department with less trouble? Initially I just graduated, originally wanted play two years, was Julian coaxed me begged me, saying panic uncomfortable not seeing me every day. I couldn’t twist him, could only come his company work a idle job. Of course, I afraid trouble, so our relationship always a secret. But now, I really can’t bear it, continue like this, I will be angered out nodules by Helen! Phone just connected, a hand snatched my phone. Helen glanced at interface on my phone, hung up with sarcasm. “Still remark Husband? Play quite flower Little Grace, to earn some money, no need so unscrupulous right?” She leaned close to me, pretend to lower voice, actually volume not small. “That $10,000 commission you better be sensible, otherwise I will report your sleeping around matter to company.” I coldly looked her once, only said two words. “Psycho.” Then turned and left company. Left only Helen cursing behind, angry she stomped feet. Home at night, more I thought more angry, if not Julian business trip, I must ask him well, is it intentional! Suddenly, phone came message. Before I unlock, more than hundred verification messages appeared on screen. Chapter 3 Seeing content, I shocked endless. [Miss, I pick you up off work tomorrow 5 PM ah?] [Hello beauty, I can get certificate fastest this week.] [Miss Grace, although I poor, but after marriage I can let you peace mind be full-time wife, you consider.] Not wait me recover spirit, found myself pulled into a 500 people dating group. Group chat full of my personal info, group owner even marked price clearly, selling my photos as blind box. One half body photo $9.9, full body photo $29.9, no makeup photo $59.9… Looking those obscene speech in group, I struck by thunder. Deep breath. I clicked a profile picture looked quite human, replied back. “I already married, how did you have my contact info?” Didn’t expect opposite instantly angry. “Married? Then your mom sign you up what dating? Family of psychos! Idiot!” Scolded inexplicably, I angry hand shaking. My mom? How possible? My wedding with Julian she not didn’t come. Looking group owner speaking tone, I had faint guess in heart. Next morning early, Helen indeed sat on my cubicle waiting me. “Little Grace ah, dating object satisfied not?” “Sister as experienced person tell you, you now young, easy go astray very normal, married then honest.” I just prepared start scolding, Julian’s secretary called me out a trip. Front foot just left, some colleague couldn’t sit still. “President Frost secretary call her do what? She just won big order, wouldn’t give her promotion right?” Helen cold snort. “With me here she still want promotion? Must be President Frost knew her ugly matter, want fire her!” These words not I didn’t hear, but lazy waste tongue with them. Secretary William took me to garage, handed car key to me, with fawning smile. “Madam, last night President Frost too many social events, this is his apology to you.” Looking at beautiful Porsche in front, my anger finally dissipated big half. “You tell Julian Frost, I want resign.” William hurried agreed. I originally wanted let him check company travel expense reimbursement matter, thought forget it. I suddenly resign, he definitely will check reason, that time naturally will have truth, company matters, I also lazy intervene. Beautiful car body shining under light. My mood instantly great, hurry go upstairs pack things. This broken place, I can’t stay one second more! Just walked to cubicle, I stunned. Originally tidy desk piled files like mountain. Not wait me open mouth ask, colleague Zack weird tone. “Able person do more labor, take so much salary not work not okay.” Weird who? I don’t take this coward anger, picked up files on table, one by one threw back. Wait files on table all thrown back, I then realized wrong. My tablet, laptop, mouse placed on table, even humidifier on table all disappeared. I hurriedly pulled open chair, found Hermes bag placed on chair also gone. “My bag and my computer? How nothing left?” Colleagues in office all silent not speak. Suddenly, Helen holding a stack cash in hand, appeared in my sight. “Sold second hand, help company and your family recover blood.” Chapter 4 I dare not believe my ears, but empty desk reminded me: Helen indeed dare do this. “I said, your parents can’t teach you, I teach you.” Helen proudly looking at me. “Now whole department knows, your this $10,000 reward origin incorrect. Since took advantage of company, then return to company.” “Your those waste products I totally sold $12,000, except should return company, remaining I help you mail back, honor parents.” Want scold people heart this moment no longer can endure, I blurted out. “Helen, you psycho right? Do you know my one bag six figures, based on what you steal sell others things?” Helen rolled a big big eye. “Seems your parents really didn’t teach you how respect elders!” “You a little girl just out society, I originally left face for you, but didn’t expect your face skin so thick. Is that bought with proper money? You have face say I no face listen.” Now spreading rumors open mouth just come? This moment my brain only left scolding words. Suddenly, a white haired old person appeared in my sight. Anxious and lost standing at door. Isn’t this grandma living in countryside? I hurry step forward, support grandma. Haven’t wait me open mouth ask, Helen slight smile. “I checked your home address, found you still have an eighty years old grandma living alone in countryside.” “So I helped you pick old person over, you have to good filial her ah! Don’t have bit money just spend randomly, think more about family grew up suffering!” Finished, she took out cash from chest, pulled out few sheets stuffed to grandma. “Remaining is company money, keep for everyone give bonus, do team building!” “Thank you Helen Sister!” “Helen Sister wise!” Colleagues clapped applaud. Grandma holding few bills, stunned on spot, obviously was scared, I heartache endless, this moment care nothing, just want hurry take old person home. So I turned leave. Just turned, a voice called me. Is company security. “Whose Porsche is that in garage?” Porsche? I remember garage only that one Porsche. Security directly held up photo let everyone identify. Car paint on photo scratched rotten, glass shattered, car body also viciously used white paint wrote “Slut”, “Mistress” etc big words. Isn’t that one Julian just gave me? My brain boom a sound, this who did again! Under urgency, I scolded out sound. “That is new car, I haven’t driven once yet!” Colleagues pfft sound laughed out. “Real fake? You an ordinary person how possible afford drive so good car?” “Still pretending rich beauty? Have ability take car key prove ah!” I furiously rushed to garage. Grandma worried me, tightly followed me all way. See with own eyes new bought Porsche smashed rare rotten, I angry heart about thump out. Seeing proud smile on Helen face, I heart clear, just now selling my bag and computer, now smashing car matter eighty percent also she did! I rushed to Helen front, raise hand just a slap. “Helen! I gave you face right!” Helen covered face, disbelief screamed once. “You little bitch, you dare hit me! You don’t slander people here! Clearly yourself did too many guilty things, then got karma, what relation with me!” “I see whose wife came catch mistress right!” Saying, she waved arms, scolding kicking pounced towards me. Grandma anxious straight wave hand, blocked in front of me. “Good child, don’t angry, have words speak well!” Helen disregard everything, a palm pushed grandma down on ground, sharp nail scratched grandma face, blood flow straight. I angry tears straight shoot, hurry cover grandma wound. “Fine, then check surveillance. Wait surveillance result out, we calculate new account old account together!” Hearing I said want check surveillance, Helen panicked.

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Since the Miscarriage, I started to become sensible. Never urged Julian Hale to come home again, Didn’t care about him vacationing with my Bestie. Didn’t mind him being the father of my bestie’s son. Even now, I stepped on a few used Condom Wrappers in his car, Also didn’t change expression, casually threw into trash bag. Who knew Julian slammed the brakes, voice like a snapped string, “Me and Tara were intimate in the car… you just have this reaction?” I nodded, tone calm, “Feelings hard to control, I understand.” I finally became the sensible wife Julian wanted. Just he didn’t know, Those years I was most insensible, I really loved him. … Chapter 1 “Hazel, you changed.” Julian’s voice trembled a bit, “Before you wouldn’t be so indifferent.” I looked at street view flying past window, lightly responded, “That time insensible.” “Hazel, I don’t need you this sensible, you can quarrel with me like before.” I pulled mouth corner, gaze landed on my slightly crooked little finger. That was when I slapped Tara last time, pushed down by him, stepped broken by a foot. See me silent, Julian unprecedentedly promised me, “Hazel, after Christmas, I will cut clean with Tara, we start over.” A year ago if I heard such words, would definitely moved to tears. But now, I only feel funny. Car drove all way to Hale family old mansion, just entered door, I saw Tara wearing apron setting plates, just like a hostess posture. Julian instantly panicked, “I didn’t know she would be here…” “Is I invited Tara to help.” Mother-in-law glanced at me sideways, tone with thorns, “Christmas Eve, don’t insensible make joke again.” This scene, exactly same as last year. That time Tara also entered room like this, left hand holding mother-in-law, right hand holding Julian. On reunion dinner table, I poured red wine in hand on her head. In Tara’s crying sound, Julian unhesitatingly splashed a basin of hot soup to my face. I subconsciously stroked that light scar on forehead corner, suddenly smiled, “Then hard work for Tara.” Someone willing act virtuous, I happy to be free. Just turned want grab handful melon seeds, Julian however grabbed me, voice suppressed disbelief, “Hazel Vance, you just let outsider celebrate Christmas with us?” I nodded smiling, returned Julian’s words last year intact. “Tara alone bringing child not easy, big festival, can’t let them spend alone.” “She is my best friend, I no opinion.” While speaking, Tara’s son suddenly rushed over, head butted on my lower abdomen. “Bad woman! Not allowed you snatch my mom’s position!” Tara busy covered his mouth, “Child watched too much cartoons, you don’t mind.” But in her eyes, no half apology. I quietly stood, abdomen remained dull pain. This world long nothing can make me care, Except that child I forever no chance to birth. Chapter 2 Me and Julian were a pair envied by everyone in university. He remembered my every class time, when cold my thermos always warm. I knew he doing experiment no time eat, passing cafeteria always would bring ribs he loves eating. We chatted literature, also chatted macroeconomics, were lovers, more soulmates. Graduation year Hale family bankrupted by opponent snipe, Father Hale white hair overnight, forced jump building by creditors. Julian forced drop out, took over astronomical debt. When I found him, he curled in corner of rental room, wrist knife wound hideous, blood flowed a floor. Father gone, mother sick, debt like mountain crushed him, he got severe depression. I approached him, he raised knife roared let me roll. Moment blade entered my shoulder, he however suddenly awake, holding me wailing cry. Death not afraid, still afraid living? I hid from family processed drop out, accompany him carry together. Seven years, I pieced broken him back bit by bit. We set up stall, delivered food, took odd jobs, balanced accounts together in countless early mornings. Night paid off last debt, he used glass ring polished half year propose to me. Ring circle rough, but was most precious thing I wore. At wedding, he cried speechless in front of everyone, “Hazel, this life I absolutely not fail you.” After marriage, we loving sweet, only regret was no child. These years hard work overdrafted our bodies, pregnancy for us abnormally difficult. Injections, egg retrieval, failure, try again… every time out from hospital, lower abdomen hung cold pain. At this time Tara brought child find me, We knew since childhood, her father rotten gambler, mother ran with man when she very small. Parents pitied her, brought her home take care, we ate together lived together, until college entrance exam then separated. I smilingly stuffed a big red envelope to child, blame her, “When married, also not tell me, let me prepare dowry for you.” Her eyes dodged, suddenly said, “Remember junior year, I went find you? That time you guys rented a house.” I apologetic nod, “Those few days wronged you alone in rental waiting me, lab too busy, I also didn’t take you good stroll.” “One night, you didn’t come back,” She interrupted my words, voice very light, “He took me as you.” She pushed child towards me, “This is Julian Hale’s son.” I stood in place, tinnitus covered all sounds. Julian reaction after knowing back home, was fiercely gave Tara a slap, then smoked whole night on balcony. Next day, he eyes red hugged me, “Hazel, that night I drunk knew nothing, I absolutely not recognize this child.” Day Paternity Test result out, mother-in-law holding Tommy laughed can’t close mouth. Julian however only cold face, “Except Hazel’s child, others don’t think enter Hale family genealogy.” Tara cried sad, she saying these years alone bringing child not easy, if not desperate absolutely impossible come find us. Julian impatiently threw her a check, let her disappear forever. Tara picked up check left, life seemed restored original state. Julian still accompany me go hospital, considerate to me minute, hold tight my hand when injection, wipe tears for me when failed. I gradually put down knot, after all in this matter, Julian not know, and Tara also didn’t pester much. Three months later, IVF finally successful. Just when I holding prenatal checkup report, excited call Julian, across traffic flow road, I saw him. He one hand holding jumping Tommy, other hand tightly holding Tara’s waist. He lowered head, gently kissed Tara’s lips. Chapter 3 I stood in place, paper in hand gripped deep wrinkles, finger calling phone trembling. I tried hard keep voice calm, “Julian, where are you?” Voice other end phone revealed hurried, “I meeting in company, go back accompany you later.” “Check result how? Successful?” Successful, but I rather not. See me silent, Julian thought failed again, comfort me, “It’s okay Hazel, big deal we DINK, I won’t blame you.” Opposite road, Julian while calling me, while rubbed Tommy’s head, Tara smilingly snuggled in his arms. Like extreme a happy family of three. A tear smashed on back of hand, I pain to speechless, watching helpless they disappear in my sight. Trance back home, report sent by finance impressively less $10 Million. Under questioning, other side then stammering informed, “President Hale lit sky lantern for new secretary Chen auctioned $6 Million gem ring, also bought villa car.” I in study, staring financial report sat till late night. Until door lock rang, Julian pushed door in, bringing a body of chill. “Why not sleep yet?” He wanted hug me from behind, dodged by me trace less. “Angry?” He smilingly handed a bunch roses, “Meeting dragged too late, sorry.” But he forgot remove thorns on roses, also forgot I don’t like roses, rose is Tara’s favorite flower. I turned computer screen to him. His smile froze on face, but pretended calm, “Company recently invested a new project, need liquid funds.” “What project needs light sky lantern, auction 6 million ring?” Julian’s Adam’s apple rolled once, “Doing business, always need clear some connections…” “Villa and car, all for clearing connections? I then know Tara’s connection so big.” “You all knew.” Room fell into dead silence. Half晌 (while) later, Julian sighed, “Tara alone bringing Tommy live in rental, she has no job, living environment bad.” “Tommy always is my son, I can’t watch him suffer, I do this all for child.” I face cold indifferent, “So you use company money raise them?” Julian face sank, “Company is my Hale assets, is me one hand built up, I have right decide how use!” I looked at him, suddenly felt incomparable stranger. “Julian Hale, do you still remember day company registered, who paid registered capital?” He stunned. “Is me sold all dowry jewelry, plus money I saved working three jobs.” “Company first order, is me accompany client stomach bleeding exchanged.” “Most difficult time, is me mortgaged house left by grandpa then passed.” “Now you say, company is you one hand built up?” Julian face changed and changed, finally turned into a irritable anger, “Yes, you paid, but I also gave you Mrs. Hale position, this not enough?” “And Tara forever can’t get this title, what wrong I compensate her.” “Besides, yourself can’t pregnant child, could it be want my Hale family end line?” Bruise left by ovulation needle still faintly aching, I laughed out tears. Sperm deformity rate greater than 98%, is main reason I always can’t pregnant. I took off that glass ring he personally polished, smashed pieces on ground. I sued Tara, want her spit out what ate in, Bought trending online expose her, let her reputation ruined. Tara didn’t live few days good life, then beaten back original form, company also can’t stay. She used knife against throat, knelt on ground beg me, “Hazel, I won’t snatch your Mrs. Hale position, beg you let go us mother son.” She tears voice down, at moment Julian appeared, wiped neck. Force not heavy, watching however very scary. Julian rushed over fiercely gave me a slap, picked her up ran hospital. When back, he full eyes tired, “Hazel, divorce, not for Tara, for Tommy.” “You forced them roadless to go, I can only give them a title.” I coldly threw out prenatal checkup report, Law, during woman pregnancy, husband cannot divorce. Based on what, my fought all strength legitimate child once born no dad, while mistress illegitimate child can step on my skeleton enjoy life. Julian looked at ultrasound image, face floated a trace joy, no longer mention divorce. He seemed turned back to that considerate husband. Until Tara’s son pushed down from third floor by someone, First thing Tommy wake up, was identify me in front of police, “Is Auntie Hazel, pushed me downstairs.” “She said, I die, Daddy then only belong her.” Chapter 4 Company third floor surveillance artificially destroyed, Only person suspected only me. Police investigated me, finally because evidence insufficient, gave up prosecution. I used connections, asked best lawyer help me investigate truth. But Julian however determined is me, Day I came out from police station, he forcefully choked my neck, eyes ice cold. “How you bear heart hand on child! You not fit be human!” I painful gasp not up air, hard easy then broke free. That day on, Julian started whole night not home, said want redeem sin for me. I touch Tara once, he then twist break my wrist. I say a sentence truth online, he then hold press conference invert black white, accuse me is that third party. Public opinion reverse, netizens verbal criticism pen punish me, bitterly scold my shameless. Parents helped me explain, doxxed by netizens, suffered poison beat. After a live stream of Tara, parents brake line cut by someone, car accident. Pay in hospital then found, my all accounts frozen by Julian. Found him time, he doing with Tara entangled in bed, heat not scattered. “Tommy wants a sister.” He tone normal like saying weather. I whole body cold, only repeat, “My parents in hospital, need money.” “Apologize.” He buttoning shirt, eyes not lift, “Admit mistake to Tara, admit is you pushed Tommy, money immediately arrive account.” “Julian Hale, that is people you called parents three years!” “Parents?” He light laugh, “When they gave Tara eat leftovers, use as servant order, didn’t treat selves as elders.” “If not they harsh to Tara, Tara as to desperate come find us.” These all Tara rumors when live stream, Julian believed. I thought of bowls soup mother boiled for Julian, passbook father secretly stuffed him when he start business. Also thought childhood family poor, mother wore new made cotton coat on Tara body, while I wore Tara old clothes. Just when I grit teeth bow head to them, hospital notified bad news. Sky spin earth turn, Tara blocked at door, “Haven’t apologize want go? Don’t want life saving money?” I used all strength slapped her a slap. Julian returned this slap for Tara, fiercely pushed me away. Lower abdomen hit cabinet corner, severe pain accompanied warm dampness instantly spread. Julian looking full floor fresh blood, suddenly white face, crazy like picked me up rush hospital. Child not kept. When surgery light extinguished, Julian knelt bed side slap own face. I stared pale ceiling, there nothing, like that piece suddenly empty in my heart. At funeral I pain almost faint, but flow not a drop tear. Julian accompanied me a long time, didn’t meet with Tara. He tried like before chat with me, but I only quietly sitting, not speak a word. Later he stimulate me, deliberately love with Tara, I also only feel numb. I seem no longer love Julian. Lawyer at this time gave me an investigation report. I flipped material to end, fingertip ice cold, truth more shocking than I thought. Eve Hale family bankruptcy back then, biggest that sum loophole fund flow, terminal account holder is Tara’s father. Material inside also clamped a Paternity Test report.

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I repeatedly had the same strange dream. In the dream, I had a brief moment of pleasure with a man, entangled every night. But I didn’t know him. Later, I reported a female classmate for cheating on Finals, causing her to almost fail graduation. The female classmate was furious, called her high-ranking uncle to back her up. Everyone thought I was finished. I looked up, saw that man, thought to myself, indeed finished. Last night in the dream kissed too hard, broke his lip—— Wait. Why is there really a wound on his lip?! … Chapter 1 The moment Julian Cole appeared, I thought I was dreaming again. Pinched my thigh hard, then confirmed it wasn’t a dream. Madison stood beside him, triumphant: “Lena, my uncle is here, it’s not too late for you to apologize to me now.” I didn’t listen to what she was saying at all. Just stared at Julian’s face. How could this be? He looked exactly the same as the man in my dream. Outstanding features, meticulous suit. Most deadly is, his mouth—— A little red on the corner of his mouth. Exactly the spot I bit broken last night, in the dream. Is this a coincidence? “Lena, did you hear me?” Madison was a bit impatient, raised her voice, “I told you to apologize! Also want you to publicly declare, reporting me for substitute exam is pure slander, you deliberately splashed dirty water on me!” I withdrew my gaze, looked at Madison baring fangs and brandishing claws. “I refuse.” “You crazy! Do you know who my uncle is?! He is a shareholder of Bovan Corp, as long as he moves a finger, the offer you just got from Bovan will be gone, later banned by several companies united, you are completely finished!” “Then let it be finished.” I raised my head, looked at Julian, Word by word said, “Anyway, I will absolutely not give in.” Came out from the Dean’s Office. Classmates around all guilty dare not look at me. Because just now, they all gave false testimony. Madison found a substitute to pass the exam, this matter, everyone knew. Including the advisor and some professors. But everyone chose to turn a blind eye. Even after I reported, actively gave false testimony for Madison. Only one reason: Madison is a famous privileged student in our school. The Cole family was already rich. Since her uncle Julian took over family affairs, the Cole family’s ascent speed was like riding a rocket. From the airport to the amusement park in this city, all built by him. There are also many big enterprises, Julian also invested. Offending Madison, equals offending Julian. Although this person in charge is less than thirty years old, he is already a high-ranking big shot. No one dares to mess with him. Only me, is a thorn. Once the report is established, Madison very likely can’t graduate. She panicked, called her uncle who was on business trip abroad to back her up. Roommate followed behind me, advised earnestly: “Why bother? Almost graduated, endure it and it will pass.” “You endure if you want, I won’t.” “Sigh, her uncle is awesome, this is also no way.” “When she copied your thesis, you didn’t say that.” Roommate choked, couldn’t refute. Madison is in the same dorm with us. She is arrogant and domineering, puts no one in her eyes. But only, bullied me a bit harder. At first I didn’t understand why. Later knew, it was because of a senior Jasper. Madison once had a good feeling for this senior. One day, I accidentally wore the same coat as the senior. Everyone booed saying we were couple outfit. Senior smiled, only said three words: My honor. Madison therefore hated me. Yes, just for this little thing. In fact, I didn’t even have that senior’s WeChat. Madison later liked many boys, Only hating me this matter, never changed. I returned to the dorm, continued organizing evidence of Madison’s substitute exam. Around, roommates already started gossiping. “Did you guys see Julian today?” “Saw! He is even younger than I thought.” “Heard he is only seven years older than Madison.” “Too handsome, oh my god, anyone know if he is married? Have a partner?” “Heard Madison say, there is. But, even single not our turn, this kind of person too far from us.” “Also right.” Listening to their conversation, I slightly lost in thought. Thought of that strange dream I often had recently. In the dream, “Julian” took off his meticulous coat, I also threw away all defenses. Sinking, venting. We couldn’t speak in the dream, only relied on actions to possess each other. But strange is, before today, I didn’t know Julian. How could I dream of him? Chapter 2 Thinking back and forth, only one possibility. Maybe I accidentally glimpsed his photo at some inadvertent moment? I thought I forgot, subconscious remembered firmly for me. Then, projected into the dream. Only this possibility. As for the wound on Julian’s lip. Should be just a coincidence. Wet dream although hard to speak, but as long as I don’t say, no one knows. In order not to dream of this person again, until dawn, I then slept. Noon, I was patted awake by roommate. “Lena, don’t sleep, someone looking for you.” “Who?” “Julian Cole.” I immediately opened eyes, met roommate’s gossiping expression. “He is just downstairs our dorm, you hurry up.” I simply washed up, then went downstairs. Julian’s height too superior, back very straight. Even standing in the corner, still attracted most people’s eyes. He sized me up, said: “Insomnia last night?” My eardrum seemed shaken a bit. Because of those dreams, I had countless times guessed what his voice should be like. Now finally heard. Deep, carrying magnetism. “How do you know?” I asked. “Your dark circles are quite heavy today.” “Oh, what’s the matter looking for me?” “I heard Madison say, you want to publish her matter online?” “If the school continues to shield her, I will do so.” Julian pondered for a moment: “Company is fighting a PR war recently, can you make an exception, conditions as you open.” “No.” I refused very simply, “Bow head to people like you once, later can never turn over.” “People like us?” Julian raised eyebrow slightly, somewhat didn’t understand. “Yes, you privileged class, package yourselves bright and shiny every day, actually under the skin is rotten meat, all rely on sucking ordinary people’s blood to live.” Julian was not angry. But he was silent for a moment, asked a baffling question: “Is this how you see me?” “Nonsense, you and Madison are a loving family. Little niece like that, you as her elder, could be any good person?” Dropping this sentence, I turned ready to go upstairs. Julian suddenly called me again. “Lena.” “What else?” He paused slightly, said: “Rest early tonight, have a good sleep.” Early sleep is impossible early sleep. Tonight I still have part-time job. Madison was not alarmist. I really might lose the offer, and can’t find a job in a short time. Therefore, saving money to go to other cities becomes very important. Convenience store open 24 hours, just happen I have night shift today. Standing guard until 6 am, I finally off work. But I was really too sleepy. Eyelids heavy as if can stick anytime. No, maybe, I really fell asleep. Because I saw Julian. Black Maybach parked on the unmanned roadside, he was looking straight at me. Is a dream. Must be a dream. I walked straight over, said: “Don’t you only appear in night dreams? It’s already six o’clock, why still here?” Tested personally, I only dream of him when sleeping at night. Not during the day. Julian didn’t speak. This is normal, because in the dream, no matter what we say, the other party can’t hear. Looking at his ascetic look, my teeth itch with hatred. “You say you a good person, why so abominable in reality?” I reached out to rub his face. He didn’t resist either. Even patted the leather seat, signaling me to get in the car. I decisively drilled into the car, directly straddled on him. Familiar posture. We tried many times in the dream. Julian also habitually positioned legs, adjusted angle, let me sit more comfortable. “Your niece bullied me, advisor shielded her, you also shield her. “But you simply don’t know what she did to me. “I just accidentally bought the same dress as her, she cut my dress to pieces. “She said I shameless, wearing fake. But where do I recognize that brand? Even if it’s a knockoff, it’s also bought with money I saved.” Julian’s eyes trembled lightly. “Now, I just reveal a fact, you want those companies to ban me…” Anyway “Julian” can’t hear, I indulged in pouring out grievances in reality. Finally, bit hard on his shoulder. “I don’t want to dream of you anymore, this is the last time.” Julian suddenly grabbed me, strength very big. “No, I don’t agree.” I stunned a bit. How did he speak? Wrong, how can I hear him speak? Wait, head so messy—— Just then, Julian spoke again. “Lena, you not asleep, this is not a dream.” This time, I heard very clearly. Meanwhile, there was knocking sound outside the car window. “Uncle, such early morning, call me here for what?” Madison mumbled. Chapter 3 Not a dream. This really is not a dream. Brain crashed for a moment, I quickly got off Julian, hid by his legs. Madison knocked again. “Uncle, where are you? Why hiding in the car not coming out?” Good while, rear window slowly rolled down. But only rolled half. Julian leaned forward, blocking most of the window, letting Madison not see clearly inside the car. “Uncle ah, you woke me up at 5 am, exactly what matter?” “I can’t sleep, want to ask you something.” Madison shocked: “Can’t sleep? You wouldn’t stayed here whole night right?” She looked around, no bars or clubs either. Just a convenience store. “What exactly do you want to ask? If it’s about the Finals, I promised you, absolutely no substitute, just my classmate deliberately framed me, you must not let her go.” Julian stared at her. “I went to school to check surveillance yesterday afternoon, found it was already deleted by someone.” “Surveillance definitely will be deleted after some time la.” “Then why, other recordings of the day are there, only the time period you entered the exam room was deleted?” Madison blinked, said: “Coincidence ba. Uncle, have you eaten breakfast? I go buy for you.” “Answer me.” Julian’s voice not loud, but full of oppression. I also almost scared by him. Madison guilty, eyes wandering. But soon, she seemed to see something novel, said: “Uncle, why is there a lady’s earring on your collar?” Bad. Is my earring. Just now when kissing accidentally fell, just caught by suit collar. “Uncle, did you hide a woman in car? Or just came back from a woman? Say such good thing, should I tell grandparents?” Madison excited bad, stretched head want to look into car. I tried hard to curl up body, unsure if can dodge her sight. Suddenly, Madison smile froze. “Wrong… that earring I seem to have seen… is Lena’s!” Julian clenched earring in palm, not letting her look carefully. But Madison soon grinning: “Must be same style, my uncle’s taste not that bad.” Julian frowned: “Didn’t your parents teach you? Not allowed look down on classmates.” “I said facts ah, she just grades better, actually very poor, poor forget it, pretend what backbone ah, obediently be my follower not good嗎——” “Shut up!” Julian suddenly very angry. “Apologize to her.” “Apologize what? She not here again.” “Apologize, don’t let me say again.” Madison pouted: “Sorry.” “Wait for me there, I handle something then come.” Madison obediently went to side “stand punishment”. Julian closed window, I then straightened up. “Sorry, I didn’t expect she would be so rude.” “It’s okay, used to it.” My indifferent expression, instead made Julian’s lips tight pursed. “…Does she always treat you like this?” “Mm, today counts as restrained.” “Sorry, I will criticize her well. For previous misunderstanding, I also apologize to you. Her parents always told me, she has good relationship with classmates, never bully people, also absolutely won’t cheat… I believed, is my fault.” “Your family education I don’t evaluate, let’s talk about the dream thing.” I went straight to the theme, “Do you also dream of me every night?” Julian nodded. Sure enough Shared Dreaming. And, only when we both fall asleep, will dream of each other. This is why, I only dream of Julian when sleeping at night. Because he has regular schedule, daytime high intensity working. As for reason of dreaming, no solution. “Maybe said open today, won’t dream again ne.” I said optimistically. “You don’t want dream of me?” “Don’t want.” “Why?” “I really can’t like you Cole family people.” Julian silent. I pushed him: “Your little niece can’t wait, you hurry get off.” “Lena, I ask again, do you want to get off with me?” What ghost question is this. Of course not ah. Seeing my resistance, Julian asked again: “Just so don’t want others know our relationship?” “Don’t talk nonsense, we have no relationship.” “Relationship in dream, is also relationship.” “At most just a Friend with Benefits, who would publicize with FWB ah? You quick go down, later I good slip away.” Julian lowered eyelashes. Long time later, he said: “Fine, I know.” His smile somewhat self-mocking. But should be I saw wrong. He got off, led Madison away. Estimated people walked far, I then opened door ready to leave. But foot just stepped on ground. A sight above head nailed me. I looked up, met wrong Madison gaze right on. “How is it you?” Madison asked in disbelief, “That earring, really is yours?” Matter to this, deny again no meaning. I silent not speak. Madison collapsed: “I was just curious, what secret my uncle hid in car, just used excuse go toilet slip back, didn’t expect… is you!” Voice just fell, Julian also sensed wrong, followed over. He brows tight frowned, looks like Madison going to be unlucky. But I lazy intervene their family affair. Said to Julian: “You explain ba.” Then head not back left. Don’t know what Julian said to Madison later. Anyway next three days, I didn’t see Madison, also avoided some troubles. See her name again, was in school notice. Madison was disciplined. Because Final exam found substitute, also unauthorized deleted surveillance, school decided, cancel her diploma, give stay school one year probation. Whole school discussed. Julian coming out also didn’t work? Soon, everyone got another heavy news. This punishment, was Julian forced school to issue. School originally wanted minimize big matter, after all spread out reputation not good listen. But Julian personally brought people check surveillance, recover data. Finally confirmed, that day appeared in exam room, was a girl look very like Madison. Substitute saw matter exposed, also could only admit. After notice came out, teacher called me to office a trip. Once enter door, those advisors who used to ignore me, all changed to fawning smiles. “Lena, before was teacher wrong blamed you.” “Lucky have you report, corrected our school bad atmosphere.” “Lena, rate you an outstanding graduate okay?” What play is this again? I looked around, saw Julian, understood. These teachers not apologizing to me. But doing for Julian to see. Julian pushed Madison a bit: “You too, apologize.” Madison looked at me unwillingly: “Lena, sorry… blame it!” She suddenly raised volume, hate not bring all students passing outside over to eat melon. “I also want report, Lena mind not right, seduce my uncle! “I saw with own eyes, she got off my uncle’s car!” Julian after adult didn’t live at home much. Also not understand this little niece much, only knew big brother big sister in law spoil her very much. Therefore, he surprised than anyone. How can have such shameless person in this world. Bias this person, is still his junior. “What nonsense are you talking?!” Julian eyes forest cold. “Uncle, I don’t mean blame you, must be Lena means brilliant, let you ghost confuse heart, otherwise how could you help her, suppress me? We are family ah!” Madison said righteously, “You look carefully at this Lena, dress no taste, family still poor, this kind of person beg along street I lazy pay attention to her a glance, she actually want climb your bed, enter our Cole family door——” “Slap!” A loud noise, interrupted Madison words. Office instantly quiet. Even students eating melon outside door dare not breathe loud. No one expected, Julian slapped Madison. Under public eyes, this slap had no restraint. Madison face soon floated red mark. “How Cole family raised such waste like you.” Julian word by word said. His tone no wave, eyes also no temperature. But, just make people shudder not cold. Turns out superior angry is like this. He won’t quarrel, also won’t pop out dirty words. But every word he said, like a knife hanging on people head. Madison finally reacted. This uncle perennial business trip outside, not as easy fool as she thought. No wonder, when she begged parents come out, instead scolded by parents a meal: “Your uncle say what is what, remember, provoke him we all no good fruit eat!” Madison originally didn’t understand. Now understand. Their whole family, all rely on uncle face to live. This has nothing to do with seniority, only ability. Madison scared tears came out. She plop sound, knelt in front of me: “Sorry Lena, I know wrong, beg you help me persuade uncle…” Pity, I don’t plan forgive. I didn’t even look at her once, said: “No other thing, I go first.” Julian suddenly turned head look me. “Not plan listen to me clarify a bit?” His tone eased down, solemnly said, “Is I want chase Lena, then pester her, has no relation with her.”

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Night before engagement, I found signed Adoption Papers in Julian Vance’s pocket. Adoptee column wrote his fallen comrade’s widow’s name, he became that child’s father. I didn’t choose pretend generous, threw papers in front of him asking for explanation. Julian smoked all night on balcony, early morning walked into living room said to me: “I admit, I owe Walker, I have to give that child a home.” Loved him eight years, now for other’s child let me give up, I not reconciled. I put on dress, let Engagement Party proceed as usual. His brother however halfway suddenly rushed out said to Julian: “Captain, Scarlett took child on roof threatening jump, said child no dad can’t live!” That glass of celebratory wine hung in mid-air, fiercely fell on ground. Julian like lightning rushed towards door. I red eyes, shouted behind him: “Julian Vance, today if you step out here one step, I treat you dead!” His steps paused, still left engagement party. … Chapter 1 I stood in place, hand still holding wine prepared to toast my parents. Banquet hall music stopped. Everyone’s eyes fell on me. Julian’s parents face pale, walked over held my hand. “Quinn, this beast! We go tie him back!” I shook head, put wine glass back on tray. “Uncle Auntie, let him go.” My parents walked over, my mom’s tears spinning in eye sockets. “What is this? Where put our Carter family face?” I walked down stage, said to my parents: “I send you back.” Whole scene messy a ball. Julian’s brother Cole, face full guilt standing. “Sister Quinn, I not intentional, Scarlett side really want life.” I looked at him, didn’t speak. Cole and Julian grew up wearing one pair pants, also knew sacrificed comrade, Walker. They treated Walker’s widow Scarlett as relative need protection. But relative won’t pick other’s engagement party time jump building. I picked up coat, left this place. Phone in pocket vibrated, again and again. I didn’t look. I knew is Julian. He will explain, will apologize, will tell me Scarlett mother son emotion how unstable, he must go. Love eight years, I too understand him. He treat brotherhood bigger than sky. Walker was for cover his jet then crashed. This guilt like a mountain, pressed him three years. I past also thought, he take care Scarlett mother son is should be. Until he want put that child under his name. Until today, I then understood. Some responsibility, long crossed line. Back home, I took off dress, changed into white coat. I am Naval Medical Center surgeon, Scarlett want jump building, sent definitely is our hospital. I took car key, drove to hospital. On roof, cordon already pulled up. Julian holding that child called Leo, Scarlett sat aside, wrapped in blanket, eyes red swollen. Julian saw me, holding child stood up. His eyes had apology. “Quinn, you came, today matter, sorry.” “How is person.” I interrupted him, looking at Scarlett. “Fine, just shocked, child also scared.” I nodded: “That good.” I finished, turned leave. Julian pulled me. “Quinn, you don’t like this, Walker died for me, I can’t ignore them mother son, they too pitiful.” I threw off his hand: “Julian, I not angry, I just feel, our engagement party, seems not as important as a sister-in-law known three years and her child.” “No! Quinn, in my heart you most important! But they want die!” “Police said they can’t die.” I calmly looked at him. Julian lips moved, didn’t say words. This time, Scarlett holding blanket walked over, timidly looking me. “Dr. Carter, sorry, all my bad, I not inten… intentional, I just saw you guys engagement, I then thought of me and Walker, I at once collapsed.” She cried whole body trembling, whole person crumbling. “I ruined your engagement party, I sorry you.” Julian immediately stuffed child into Cole arms, supported her. “Don’t say, all passed, your body important.” Look me eyes, brought a trace blame: “You look her like this, you can’t understand a bit?” I didn’t speak, turned left. Walked out hospital gate, night wind blew on face. I then found, my hand always trembling. Chapter 2 Next day, Julian brought breakfast find me. I opened door, person blocked at door. He handed breakfast to me: “Quinn, I apologize to you for Scarlett, she yesterday was mental breakdown, not intentional.” “She herself can’t apologize?” Julian stunned a bit. “Her state very bad, Leo also fever.” “Julian, we don’t talk her, talk us. Engagement party what do? Relatives friends how explain?” He silent. After a while he said: “Wait limelight pass, we make up.” “Make up?” I looked him: “You feel, this is thing can make up?” “Then what do? Thing happened. Quinn, I know you aggrieved, but Scarlett she just lost husband, now alone bring child, we more understanding, okay?” Again understanding. I took breakfast, put on cabinet at door. “I knew, you go back, they mother son need people take care.” Julian sighed relief, thought I conceded. “I knew you soft heart. You rest assured, wait they stabilize, I definitely good compensate you.” He left. I threw that breakfast intact into trash can. Then I went work. At Pediatrics door, I saw Julian holding Leo, Scarlett follow aside, face full anxiety. Seeing me, Julian expression somewhat unnatural. Scarlett then immediately lowered head, a look of done wrong thing. I didn’t care, directly went my office. Afternoon, Dr. Lewis (Chief of Pediatrics) came find me. “Little Carter, Scarlett that child you go look, heart seems have some problem, want do a consultation.” I frown: “I am Thoracic Surgery, not Cardiac Surgery.” “I know, but you are our hospital best skill, his that situation bit complex, you help look.” Dr. Lewis is my teacher, I hard refuse. I went ward. Leo lay on bed, face wax yellow. Scarlett sat bed side, saw me tears came down again. “Dr. Carter, beg you, save Leo, he is Walker only root.” I picked up medical record, flip check report. “Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), defect not big, but position bad, surgery risk very high.” Julian stood aside, brows tight locked. “Risk how high?” “30% intraoperative mortality.” I closed medical record. Julian face changed. Scarlett directly paralyzed on ground. “How could like this… how could…” Julian helped her up, looking me, tone carrying command: “Quinn Carter, you must do this surgery, and must succeed!” I looked him. “Julian, I am doctor, not God. I can only tell you risk, can’t give you guarantee.” “I don’t care!” His voice loud up; “Walker died for me! His son I must keep! You if no confidence then find military best expert! No matter spend how much money!” Whole ward people looking us. I didn’t speak. This time, Scarlett suddenly grabbed my white coat. “Dr. Carter, I beg you, I know you blame me, blame me ruined your engagement party. You if hate me, you aim me, child is innocent, you can’t because me, not try best save him ah…” Her words like a knife. Surrounding discussion sound rang up. “Turns out is her ah, just that male pilot ran away on engagement party fiancée.” “Tsk tsk, this time hard handle, will this doctor abuse public power for private revenge ah.” Julian face iron green. He looked me, word by word said: “Quinn Carter, you if dare take child life joke, I not end with you!” My heart instant cold to bottom. I look him, look again Scarlett, nod. “Good, this surgery, I do.” I said: “But, you want sign a Liability Waiver, and, want upgrade surgery risk level, notify hospital all related departments prepare for worst.” Julian stunned. Scarlett also stopped crying. “What meaning?” Julian asked. “Meaning is, I want let whole hospital know this surgery risk how high, is you Julian Vance, is you demand I must do. If child die on surgery table, responsibility not me, on you.” I every word said very clear. Julian fist clenched tight. He looked me, eyes full disappointment and anger: “Quinn Carter, I didn’t expect, you actually this kind person!” I laughed. “You now knew?” I slapped medical record on his chest: “Decided well, then go process formalities.” Finished, I turned left ward. My hand in white coat pocket trembling grip not fist. Chapter 3 After that, we fell into cold war. Julian didn’t contact me again. I also didn’t contact him. He probably busy taking care Scarlett mother son, busy preparing for that surgery. Our unit assigned wedding house long decorated well, after engagement prepared move in. I alone went new house. House very big, also very empty. All furniture were we picked together. I sat on sofa very long. A week later, surgery arranged down. Pre-op talk, me, Dr. Lewis, Julian and Scarlett all there. I said all possible risks once, including post-op complications and worst result. Scarlett listened face pale. Julian signed. Finished sign, he looked up me: “Quinn Carter, I believe you.” I didn’t care him. Surgery day, Julian and Scarlett guarded outside surgery room. I changed surgery suit, walked into sterile area. When washing hands, I looked self in mirror. Eyes covered bloodshot. This week, I almost didn’t sleep. I watched Leo all case materials, imaging films not less hundred times, simulated dozen surgery plans. This not for Julian, but for white coat on my body. Surgery proceeded eight hours. Very difficult. Defect position more tricky than imaging showed, around full important blood vessels and nerves. I every step like walking on knife tip. When I stitched last stitch walked out surgery room, legs all soft. Dr. Lewis supported me a hand. “Hard work, Little Carter, very successful.” I nodded. Julian and Scarlett immediately rushed up. “How is it?” “Surgery very successful, child already transferred ICU.” I said. Scarlett joy extreme weep, hugging Julian cry and laugh. Julian looked me, eyes very complex. “Quinn, thank you.” He walked over, wanted hug me. I retreated step, dodged: “No need thank me, this is my job.” I took off surgery cap, voice very tired: “Julian, I today come want tell you, that house, I don’t want.” He stunned. “What meaning?” “Our unit assigned house, before marriage property right under your name, now, I don’t want.” “Why? Surgery not successful? This is our home!” “I afraid one day, Ms. Scarlett’s child midnight fever again, you will feel she more need a home than me.” Julian face changed. “Quinn Carter, you must speak like this? Must stab me at this time?” “What I said not fact?” “That different! That is human life!” “My parents face on engagement party, not dignity? My eight years feeling, not sincere heart?” He asked by me speechless. Finally, he took deep breath: “Good, Quinn Carter, since you think so, then I do for you see!” He looked me, word by word said: “From today, I let Scarlett move in live, I let them live guest room.” My brain instant became blank. “What you said?” “I said, I let Scarlett move in live!” He raised voice, like persuading me, also like persuading himself. “She alone bring child, I not relieved! Child just finished big surgery, need people take care! Let her live under our eyelids, I can watch them, also can let you relieved! Like this fine right!” I looked him, like looking a madman. “Julian, you crazy!” “I not crazy! I very sober! I can’t let Walker’s son displaced!” He every word smashed on my heart. I suddenly felt very tired. A kind exhaustion permeated from bones. “Good.” I said. “You let them move in ba.” Julian probably didn’t expect I would agree, stunned. I took out key from pocket, put on chair in front him. “This key return you.” “Later, here is you and your comrade widow home.” “Wish you live happy.” I stood up, walked out this corridor I once full expectation. Moment closed ICU isolation door, I seem heard him smashed chair inside. My tears, finally fell down. Eight years. Ended. Chapter 4 Me and Julian broke up. Didn’t tell anyone, including my parents. I moved back hospital single dorm. Julian didn’t come find me again. Maybe, he just busy moving house for Scarlett mother son. In his eyes, I probably just throwing temper, few days I myself will return. Days passed, work worked. Leo recovered very well, a week later transferred from ICU to ordinary ward. This is hospital, look up not see look down see, always can bump. Julian supported Scarlett, Scarlett holding child, walking in corridor. They looked like family of three. Every time saw me, Julian eyes dodge, lips moved, again nothing said out, finally just twisted brow center together, turned head away. Scarlett then buried head lower, a look of guilt uneasy. Our department people look me eyes all carry sympathy. Dr. Lewis find me talk. “Little Carter, you and Julian exactly what happened?” “Broke up.” Dr. Lewis sighed: “I know you aggrieved. But Julian that child nature not bad, just too value righteousness, you tolerate a bit more.” I didn’t speak. Everyone let me tolerate. But who come tolerate me? That day, I finished a big surgery, already late night. I tired even finger can’t lift. Walked out surgery room, my hand suddenly started uncontrollable tremble. I dead pressed, but how also can’t stop. This is long term high intensity work and mental pressure excessive caused Neurological Tremor. For a surgeon, what this means, I clearer than anyone. I leaned wall, body slowly slide down. This time, a pair leather shoes stopped in front me. Is Julian. He probably came see Leo. He looked me, eyes had a trace panic. “What wrong with you?” He reached hand want support me. I slapped away his hand. “Don’t touch me.” My voice all shaking. He saw my trembling hand, face changed. “Your hand…” “Thanks to you.” I looked him, word by word said. He stiffened. “I… I didn’t know would be like this.” “You now know.” I supported wall, stood up, step by step walked out. He didn’t chase up. Back dorm, I took a Valium, hand then slowly stopped. I looked my hand. This pair hands once was my biggest pride. It can precise cut skin, separate tissue, suture vessel. It can pull people back from death line. Now, it useless. I submitted resignation letter to Director. Reason is, health reason, apply transfer clinical post. Director very shocked, repeatedly retain. I refused. Day finish procedures, I packed things, ready leave this place I worked six years. In hospital lobby, I met Scarlett. She holding Leo, complexion very good. Seeing me, she stunned a bit, immediately walked over. “Dr. Carter, you want go?” I nodded. “Heard you resigned, is it because… because me and Julian?” She bit lip, eye rims red again: “Sorry, all my fault. If you stay, I can take Leo go, go far far.” I looked her. “No need. Wish you happiness.” I pulled luggage, walked pass her side. “Quinn Carter!” Julian voice came. He chased from behind, grabbed my luggage. “Where you go?” “No relation with you.” “Is it because I let Scarlett move new house? I let her move! I now let her move! You come back, okay?” He almost begging. “Julian, late.” I force threw off his hand. “From moment you for her gave up our engagement party, late.” “From moment you forced me do that high risk surgery, even doubt my character, late.” “From moment you for take care them mother son, turned our home into your home, late.” “Now, my this pair hands useless, can’t do surgery, you satisfied?” I raised my still slightly trembling hand, show her. His pupils fierce shrank. Whole person like hit by lightning, dumb stood in place.

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