After handing the company over to my husband, Everyone’s address to me changed from Miss Sterling to Mrs. Vance. I was also happy to lie flat at home. Until three years later, my husband picked me up for our wedding anniversary, I saw at a glance that he, who usually only drinks Kopi Luwak, actually had a Dunkin’ Donuts bag in his car. He watched me staring at the bag and explained: “This was given to me by the new Receptionist at the company, she said buying coffee recently is very cheap, bought too much, so casually gave it to me.” “I was also too embarrassed to refuse her face.” I looked at him with folded arms: “Is the little girl pretty?” Hearing my sarcasm, Julian Vance acted uncharacteristically: “If you get jealous randomly again, get the hell out of the car!” Really been a long time, long enough for him to forget that the ‘Sterling’ of Sterling Enterprises is not his ‘Vance’. Chapter 1 I opened the window, the takeout bag smoothly fell into the trash can next to it. Julian slammed the brakes, ignoring traffic conditions, quickly stopped, ran to the trash can. I saw his vicious eyes before getting off, and that silent curse word. Watching Julian, who has mysophobia, rummaging in the dirty trash can with both hands, my heart felt a burst of nausea. I quickly sat in the driver’s seat, Julian’s cursing voice still in my ear: “Wasting food is shameful do you know!” A person with high blood sugar from years of social drinking, saying me throwing his cheap coffee is wasting food. One foot on gas, his voice thrown behind head. Back home, Julian was not as irritable as imagined. Still good voice good air explained: “Wifey, don’t be angry, you left me on the street today we count as even.” I didn’t pay attention to him, looking at the Haute Couture dress my best friend sent me. Julian seeing my attitude was angry out of nowhere. “Serena, haven’t you noticed you are old and ugly these years?” Married ten years, I never heard such mean words from Julian’s mouth. I looked at myself in the mirror, indeed aged a lot, these years flying domestic and abroad for my dad’s illness, exhausted physically and mentally, long lost mood to dress up myself, comparing with Julian’s well-dressed look, I appeared overly old. My mouth however refused to spare people: “Yes ah, so you now go find young ones.” Julian frowned: “Don’t go wronging people little girl, I just want to remind you should also pay attention to maintenance, don’t be like an auntie all day, look at what you are wearing!” I didn’t even name names, he defaulted who I was talking about. “I definitely not as pretty as the new receptionist.” I also angry out of nowhere. Does only sleeping together count as cheating? A husband appreciating young girl’s beauty, accepting young girl’s showing good is normal? “Serena, these years I bowed down and scraped for your family, poured all my heart blood, I don’t expect you grateful to me, only beg you don’t find trouble for me anymore, I am also very tired, I also need rest.” Really? Controlling other people’s company, very tired? Hypocritical. “Then how about this, tomorrow I go back to company help you.” I tentatively asked. Julian smiled, could see contempt and disdain in this smile. Tone however still incomparable gentle. “No need wifey, you already took care of dad for eight years, now many things in company you don’t understand. Husband earning money raising you not good?” “Husband working for your family, you are the boss. Husband is your worker for a lifetime.” I this boss almost becoming a commander without soldiers. All this is thanks to my dad. Initially insisted finding me a Trophy Husband, saying women can’t inherit foundation. Later even forced Julian to me. He said all surnamed Vance (or similar logic in localized context, maybe just “he is family”), giving him not count giving outsider. Julian ability super strong, but family background pitiful, my dad toughly said this is best son-in-law candidate. Julian however did the opposite. He didn’t pester, even more no joy of flying on branch. Contrarily, he performed very fearful. Knelt at my door three days three nights, said thank Mr. Sterling appreciation, Miss not fancying me is should be, but I later definitely try best help Miss. I couldn’t help look him differently, barely accepted his existence. In later getting along even completely fell in love with him. Less than two years after our marriage, my dad stroke coma, until now not awake. Julian also from initial worry, became current waiting, waiting my dad swallow breath, whole Sterling Enterprises will be all his. Pity ah, how could my dad not leave a back hand. Chapter 2 I still went to company. Long time no come, company already changed big look. Receptionist immediately greeted: “Mrs. Vance good!” I frowned: “Why not call me President Sterling!” Receptionist showed unnatural expression, obviously current President is already Julian. I also didn’t make it difficult for her: “Heard new receptionist came, why I didn’t see?” Receptionist hesitated unwilling to say. “Lisa, even I don’t care company business anymore, but still have right let you leave.” Receptionist scared immediately explained: “Madam, is President Vance personally transferred receptionist to his office as secretary this morning.” So impatient. I immediately rushed upstairs, that sound after sound of Madam called me very irritable. At Julian office door heard two people giggling sound. I broke door in, two people’s expression however no trace of panic. That girl called Chloe even happily welcomed up: “Auntie, why you came?” “Auntie?” I doubted. Julian however a serious look: “You go out first.” I not angry but laughed: “Julian, you told that little girl I am your mom ah! Come call Mom listen!” Julian face ugly: “She misunderstood herself, I will explain clearly to her.” “You come do what?” My dad’s company still can’t come: “Come company of course to work.” Julian unexpectedly didn’t stop: “Good, you work, I ask leave.” Picked up clothes then walked out. Soon I understood why he so straightforward. Because in company no one listens to me. No matter what I do everyone not cooperate, passing break room I heard employees still discussing my air drop. “A woman enjoy happiness at home not good? Insist come company mix, what she understand?” “Isn’t it, still Old Mr. Sterling has eyes, look how good President Vance does now.” “Don’t say money raises people, you look at her want temperament no temperament want figure no figure. President Vance not divorcing her is mercy.” To rectify and clean up, I started working day and night, luckily there is a veteran employee always helping me, I successfully signed a order. At Monday’s all staff meeting I just wanted announce this good news, heard outside noisy. “Not good, Serena President Sterling signed order exploded! Company directly lost ten million!” I immediately checked computer, really so. I looked at that veteran, his face showed successful smile. I haven’t had time to flare up only felt face burning hot. I covered face, Uncle Ben hand hitting me hasn’t put down. “Old Sterling how gave birth to you this disgraceful thing, can’t keep his property not say, still lost ten million! Company is for you to mess around?” Finished my other side face also emerged slap mark. “Today I teach you for Old Sterling, hurry take your things roll out for me, dare mess around again don’t blame me not care past affection.” “Not me,” my hand pointed at that employee: “You should come explain a bit.” That old employee face full grievance: “President Sterling, can’t push to me when accident happened ah, I bowed and scraped in company decades, haven’t suffered this grievance. Chairman Ben, like this I can’t work on.” Uncle Ben more angry not hit one place: “Initial Old Sterling decision too correct, from today you not allowed step into company one step.” With Uncle Ben’s decision, I can no longer stay in company. When I holding things left company, like stripped naked paraded street. Everyone pointing fingers at me. “Long said she no good, look now gray slip left, like rat crossing street.” “Hurry go home take child, learn what independent woman that set, don’t know how much overtime we have to add to recover loss, she simply is disaster star.” Back home, Julian sat on sofa with high interest waiting me back. He long knew happened things. Julian couldn’t hold back smile, handed me a document “Serena, you look at this.” Chapter 3 《Share Transfer Agreement》 I didn’t open: “Julian, you give up heart, I won’t sign.” Julian laughed: “You not look, then I have to tell you what content is.” He couldn’t hide pride: “Two days later is our ten year anniversary, Dad told me before marriage, as long as we married ten years, he will transfer all shares under his name to me. Still two days, I am Sterling Enterprises biggest shareholder.” I stepped forward snatched that agreement, despairingly paralyzed on ground. No wonder, no wonder these years he treated me so good, recently however so abnormal, not only had lover, also let me lose face in company, laughable is I also made mistake myself, helped him establish authority. Uncle Ben said right, I really am a waste. Julian finally revealed his claws hidden ten years: “You just stay home well, I want go vacation with Chloe.” I swept all water cups on table to ground: “Julian, you now pretend not pretend right!” Julian choked my neck: “Facing your old face I already disgusting to die.” “Do you know, first time I saw you I wanted step you under foot. Based on what you so sunny bright, and I only because bad background have to be played by you guys like dog, I now finally can revenge, you just wait see how I climb on Sterling Enterprises Chairman position.” His hand more and more force, I breathing difficult constantly struggled. Slowly lost consciousness. In confusion still heard Julian said in my ear: “That year first time slept you I even recorded video posted online. I even captioned for you, ‘Rich family daughter taste also just so so’ many likes. Hahahaha…” Too terrifying, I really didn’t expect my side actually hid a poisonous snake. Hibernated ten years, finally showed his poison fangs want put me to death. Dad, you really spent eyes, saw wrong person. I wailed one sound, fainted. I was woken by phone ringtone. Is foreign doctor, I hurriedly answered, doctor tone full of anxious: “Is it Miss Sterling? Your father condition now very bad, we want immediately proceed rescue, need your on-site signature, when can you arrive?” “Wait me, I immediately contact my private jet, three hours, can you guys rescue first!” Doctor difficult said: “We definitely try rescue, you family better hurry come.” I immediately prepared depart, but found Julian locked villa door. I held last trace hope dialed his phone: “Julian, my dad critical, beg you let me out. Even you hate me again, your everything is my dad gave you, you just look at his face let me go save him.” Chapter 4 Julian fire more prosperous: “What called he gave me, my everything all obtained by my own effort! He long should die, wait till today then die too late!” Initially built this house, for safety used best materials, now however is cage locking me. I took home all tools smashed window, motionless. I had to jump down from second floor bathroom exhaust window. Downstairs green plants pierced my legs, blood dripping. I didn’t care pain, immediately contacted our family private jet. But was told one day ago, President Vance already took secretary went vacation. I immediately checked nearest flight, no ticket, nothing. Now my dad is my only life straw. I lay on ground cried loud, so many years grievance poured out. A strange phone rang: “Serena, I come pick you.” Sat on Gabriel’s private jet, I then found my legs hurt so heavy. He face full heartache helped me bandage: “Julian this bastard really too excessive, wait we back I definitely good help you teach him a lesson.” I sighed a breath “These years he treated me still quite good.” Gabriel expression as ugly as ate shit. “So, wait we back I will give him a quicker death method.” Arrived hospital, I regardless everything rushed to ward, saw only empty bed, and on instrument that one line after another flat line. I pounced up, crying non-stop: “Dad, how you just not want me, I suffered so big grievance, still waiting you wake give me justice.” Gabriel stepped forward wanted help me up, but I whole person like pumped away will. “Serena, don’t like this, still have me, I can help you, can help you snatch back everything.” I wiped tears, now not time for sadness, even lose I also want fish die net break with these people: “We go back now, tomorrow is all shareholders meeting, we go back expose Julian conspiracy.” Right, I still have bottom card my dad gave me. I absolutely can’t admit defeat. Back country, I straight ran law firm, took out that document. Luckily, time still in time. I walked into conference hall, everyone looked at me with strange eyes. Julian fearless, his face wrote two big words ‘Confidence’, under drive of interest, even I say what everyone still will agree him be Chairman. Chloe stood beside him, whispering with him. Voice loud surprisingly: “Turns out she is your wife, last time I thought was your mom.” Below came sneering sound. Uncle Ben first attacked: “Serena, last time matter I already let you go, today you come do what again!” I raised document in hand: “Uncle Ben, he has transfer book, I also have.” “If I not agree then contract in Julian hand is waste paper.” Original thought Uncle Ben attitude would change, but didn’t expect he look not look, directly called security: “Frame her out for me!” Outside door came old voice: “Old Ben, I not here, you just treat my daughter like this?” Chapter 5 Familiar voice let me immediately turn back, after seeing clear comer my eyes instantly filled tears. Ten years, my dad finally woke up. “Dad!” I shouted loud, immediately flew to his side. Have a unreal feeling, I really felt I dreaming. I touched my dad that warm hand: “Dad, you not died, great, great.” My dad touched my head. “Serena, no cry, Dad first help you solve that beast!” My dad stepped forward two steps, Julian legs already scared soft. He fawning opened mouth: “Dad, great, you finally woke, you don’t know these years me and Serena always looking forward you get better.” “Is looking forward I get better, or looking forward I die ah!” Julian expression unnatural: “Of course looking forward you good.” ‘Slap’ Gabriel stepped forward gave Julian a slap. Julian angry said: “You count what thing, dare hit me.” Looking these people all looking down on him eyes, he suddenly exploded. “Old immortal, you today even stand here so what? You look at watch, 10 AM, your that transfer book already effective.” “You and your daughter both have to roll out for me!” My dad ignored him, instead looked Uncle Ben: “Old Ben, this matter how you look?” Uncle Ben reluctantly answered: “Brother Shen ah, you coma so many years, many things should hand to young people hands.” My dad laughed, laughed own eyesight bad: “So many years, I just cultivated you these white-eyed wolves!” “Old Ben, did you forget back then was me picked you to company, gave you a mouthful rice eat, now my daughter in trouble, you just so drop stone down well! Really worthy my good brother ah!” Uncle Ben also not afraid him: “Brother Shen. Now wood already became boat, say what all late.” My dad knocked cane: “Yesterday night I contacted lawyer, cancelled this transfer book, now in your hands is waste paper!” “Old Ben, I originally wanted look at our so many years sake give you some face. Now looks is no need.” My dad shouted to outside door: “Police comrade, come in.” Uncle Ben repeatedly retreated: “Just because I said your daughter few sentences, you find police come catch me? Still have heavenly principle king law or not.” Police showed ID: “Hello. We are city Economic Crime Investigation, received report, you these years illegally transferred company property, please cooperate our investigation.” Uncle Ben loud refuted: “You guys this is slander. Slander!” But still taken away. Julian saw this scene still have what not understand, immediately slide kneel to my dad side: “Dad, Dad, I wrong, I shouldn’t temporary ghost confuse heart! You ask Serena, I these years treat her good or not.” He turned back look me: “Serena, these years I to you can say hundred obedient ah. Just because I temporary confused made a small mistake. You guys just can’t forgive me?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390539”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I married a “deaf” man. Every message I sent was like a stone sinking into the sea. Every meal I cooked ended up in the trash can. Last winter, my car broke down in the suburbs. In the freezing night of -4°F, I sent him over a dozen voice messages. My fingers were purple from cold, my throat hoarse from shouting, but there was no response. Finally, a passing truck driver helped me tow the car. That late night he came home, saw me shivering wrapped in a blanket, and just said faintly: “Don’t message me so late next time, I was in a meeting.” My father had a sudden Heart Attack, I was crying calling 911 while dialing his number non-stop. Twenty-seven missed calls, like twenty-seven slaps in the face. Until a month later, Julian Vance finally called back: “Phone was on silent. By the way, where did you put my blue tie?” Chapter 1 My hand holding the phone was trembling, father was still in ICU under observation, but Julian asked about that blue tie. “In the leftmost grid of the closet.” My voice trembled. “Looked, not there.” His tone revealed habitual impatience, “You come back a trip.” Rain was falling outside the window, I glanced at my father covered in tubes in the monitoring room. Mother patted me with red eyes: “Go, I am here.” I gripped the steering wheel, remembering our wedding day, when Julian put the ring on me, his phone vibrated in his pocket, he took it out and looked at it in front of a hall full of guests. The emcee smoothed things over, he said: “What if there is an urgent matter?” That blue tie was bought with my first month’s salary for him. When he first tied it on, he kissed me, said he would cherish it forever. At that time his phone was on silent, only ringing for me alone. Pushing open the long-lost home door, the living room filled with unfamiliar perfume smell. Julian’s suit jacket casually draped on the sofa, next to a small lady’s handbag. Bedroom door ajar, woman’s delicate laughter came: “When will she come back?” “Who cares about her.” It was his voice, carrying indulgence I had never heard. I pushed open the door. Sheets messy, my pillow fell on the floor. He and a young woman snuggled together, that blue tie was tied to the bedhead, tethering a plush toy. Air solidified. The woman reacted first, grabbed clothes to cover her body, but no panic on her face. She was beautiful, that kind of carefully watered beauty. “Who are you?” She raised her chin asking. I looked at my husband. He frowned, not guilt, but displeasure of being disturbed. “Found the tie?” I asked calmly. Woman sneered, turned to him: “This is that Live-in Maid of yours?” Julian didn’t deny, just said: “You shouldn’t have come in directly.” Shouldn’t come in. Shouldn’t disturb his affair when my father is critically ill. Shouldn’t in this bedroom I stayed up late to decorate, bump into him using the tie I sent to tie a toy sent by others. Woman got out of bed, walked straight to me. She was taller than me, perfume smell choking. “Listen,” her red lips moved, “He loves me now. You better be sensible, roll out yourself.” I looked at him. He sat on the edge of the bed, head down lighting a cigarette, as if this was just an irrelevant interlude. “Did you hear?” Woman pushed my shoulder. I still looked at my husband, looked at this person I waited for in the wilderness of -4°F, this person who cared where the tie was when my father was dying. “This tie,” I said, “I bought it.” Woman was enraged, maybe by my calmness, maybe by my attitude of ignoring her. She raised her hand, fiercely slapped my face. Burning pain exploded. I stumbled a step, held the door frame. “Enough!” Julian finally stood up, but walked to her side, put his arm around her shoulder, “Why did you hit her?” This sentence hurt more than that slap. Twenty-seven missed calls didn’t hurt like this, waiting in ice and snow didn’t hurt like this, father’s monitor ticking sound didn’t hurt like this. I looked at his gesture of protecting her, looked at that woman proudly leaning in his arms. “Dad’s heart stopped once this morning.” I said softly. He stunned a bit, brows frowned deeper: “Is it appropriate to say this now?” I bent down, picked up my pillow on the floor, patted off dust. Then walked over, untied that defiled blue tie. Silk ice cold, still remaining unfamiliar perfume smell. “Appropriate.” I folded the tie neatly, put on bedside table, “I came, just for this.” Turning around, I heard woman whispered: “Crazy.” Chapter 2 I stopped steps, back to them, voice very light: “Julian Vance, do you still love me?” Air stagnated few seconds, I heard lighter opening closing sound. “Love.” He spat out a word, so matter of course, yet so absent-minded. I slowly turned around, looking at him. He leaned by window, in smoke curling, expression blurred. “Just,” he paused, like stating a simplest fact, “I love Tiffani more.” He called so intimately. That woman named Tiffani snuggled into his arms, mouth corner hooked victory arc. “But I don’t want divorce.” Julian added, tone calm like discussing weather, “Isn’t it good like this? You are still Mrs. Vance, she will understand.” Tiffani coquettishly punched his chest, but didn’t refute, just looked at me with that kind of pity and provocative eyes. I fell silent. Rain outside window heavier, densely beating glass, like countless fine needles stabbing heart. Father’s pale face in ICU, frozen fingers in snowy night, and those twenty-seven unanswered call tones, at this moment wove into a cold net, tightly entangled me. Julian seemed to misunderstand my silence as some kind of acquiescence, tone even eased a bit: “I know you paid a lot for this family these years, I am also used to having you. We can maintain status quo, you need Mrs. Vance identity, I need you manage this home, take care of my daily life. Tiffani she is rather willful, can’t do these.” Tiffani hummed lightly, with a bit acting spoiled meaning: “People don’t want to learn those.” I raised eyes, swept their faces one by one. Julian’s matter-of-course calmness, Tiffani’s unconcealed pride. This bedroom, this home, was once place I poured countless effort and love, at this moment filled with disgusting hypocrisy and betrayal. “Julian,” my voice dry, but unusually clear, “Do you remember when married, what you said to my father?” He slightly stunned, brows habitually frowned, seemed recalling a distant and unimportant small matter. “You said, you would take care of me, not let me suffer grievance.” I said it for him, voice very light, “Now, do you feel I haven’t suffered grievance?” Tiffani impatiently curled lip: “Is it interesting to say these old stories? Julian loves me, what use you holding an empty title?” I ignored her, just looked at Julian: “So, your so-called love, is letting me live like a shadow between you and her, handle miscellaneous things for you, watch your affection?” Julian put out cigarette, tone brought his habitual impatience: “Then what do you want? Divorce? Your father still in hospital, you need Vance family resources and connections. Leaving me, how do you deal with following things? Be realistic.” Chapter 3 I looked at him, suddenly laughed. “So you are sure I dare not divorce, can’t leave?” Tiffani rolled eyes, voice delicate but with thorns: “Otherwise? You leave Julian, who else can you rely on? Your half-dead dad?” Julian didn’t stop her, instead like found stronger argument, tone even carried a trace of earnestness for my sake: “I know you are angry. But making trouble, no good for anyone.” I took deep breath, that unfamiliar perfume smell in air made my stomach churn. “Julian, do you think, I will always stand in place waiting for you? Like an old furniture, you use smoothly, even covered in dust, reluctant to throw, but absolutely won’t look twice?” He frowned, seemed my ungratefulness finally exhausted his last patience: “What exactly do you want to say?” “I want to say,” I word by word, clearly, “Your resources, your connections, your charitable Mrs. Vance title, I don’t rare anymore.” Tiffani like heard sky big joke, exaggeratedly Ha-ed once, snuggled tighter: “Julian, listen, is she crazy with anger?” I ignored her, continue looking at Julian: “From today, we bridge return bridge, road return road. Divorce agreement, I will let lawyer send to you.” Finished, I turned and left, not looking at them once. Pillow I don’t want, this home, I also don’t want. “Stop!” Julian’s voice came with anger, “Sarah, don’t give face not want face! You think divorce is so easy? How to divide property? Who pays your dad’s medical bills? Think clear consequences!” I didn’t stop, walked straight to door. Behind came Tiffani’s sharp instigation: “Julian, look at her attitude! Really ungrateful! Divorce then divorce, scare who! Without you, what thing is she!” And Julian’s suppressed anger voice: “Sarah, you will regret! Without me, you and your dad, are nothing!” I opened door, cold air surged in, carrying freshness of rain water, flushed away suffocating filth behind. I didn’t turn back, just faintly, didn’t know if they could hear, said a sentence: “At least, I can still be a human.” I went straight back to hospital. Mother saw me back, hurriedly stood up: “Found tie? Where is Julian?” I gently held her hand, that rough palm made my eye sockets sour. “Mom, later we rely on ourselves.” Mother stunned, eventually asked nothing, just held my hand tighter. Third day afternoon, I was getting water in water room, a familiar and ear-piercing voice sounded behind. “Yo, really a filial daughter, guarding here.” Tiffani wearing a set of expensive suit, carrying limited edition handbag, stood there toe high spirit high. Her gaze swept thermal bottle in my hand, full of contempt. “Look at your look, gray head dirt face, no wonder Julian doesn’t want you. He said, seeing your face loses appetite.” I tightened bottle cap, didn’t want argue with her outside father’s ward, turned want go. She however stepped blocking me, lowered voice, tone vicious: “Your dad lying here half dead, is it you angered? Upper beam not straight lower beam crooked, is it your dad also like you, not know measure, then ended up like this?” “Tiffani!” I fiercely clenched fist, “You shut up! Here not welcome you, get out!” “Should get out is you!” She sneered, voice raised again, “Dead skin rely on Mrs. Vance position, also not look if you worthy! Julian said, wait your dad closes eyes, sweep you out door.” I angry trembling all over, pushed away her blocking arm: “You get out!” Just moment my finger touched her arm, Tiffani eyes flashed a trace plot succeeded slyness, she followed momentum stumbled back few steps, high heels happened to twist, emitted an exaggerated scream, heavily fell sitting on cold ground. “Ah! Sarah sister, why you push me?!” She instantly changed face, eye rims red, tears came just come, a look of about to weep, weak helpless. Almost simultaneously, corridor end came hurried footsteps. “Tiffani!” Julian strode over, face obvious anxiety. He didn’t even look at me, straight rushed to Tiffani side, carefully supported her up, tone was tension I never heard: “Fell where? Pain or not?” Tiffani snuggled in his arms, sobbing, adding oil and vinegar: “Julian, I good heart come see Uncle, Sarah sister she indiscriminately scolded me, also moved hand pushed me, my foot so painful.” Julian raised head, gaze filled with disgust and anger. “Sarah! How you became so vicious? Tiffani is good intention, you actually moved hand on her! If she hurt anywhere, I absolutely won’t spare you!” “Julian,” my voice surprisingly calm, carrying a numbness after complete despair, “Are your eyes and your ears same, just decorations?” He stunned a bit, seemed didn’t expect I would have this reaction. I no longer looked at him, nor looked that woman proudly sobbing in his arms, bent down lifted thermal bottle on ground. “Here is hospital, need quiet.” I turned around, facing ward direction, back to them, word by word clearly said, “Want act, roll back to your bed act.” Finished, I straightened spine, step by step walked to father’s ward, no longer cared any voice behind. I knew, from this moment, I and past, completely severed. Chapter 4 Father’s condition temporarily stabilized, but still not out of danger. Mother’s strong held spirit visibly withered, bloodshot eyes and sudden white hair on temples made my heart knife twisted. This afternoon, I was softly comforting mother awakened by nightmare, ward door was gently knocked. I looked up, unexpectedly saw a familiar figure. Jonah carrying a fruit basket and a thermal bucket of soup, standing at door, smile gentle: “Auntie, Sarah.” “Jonah?” Mother somewhat surprised, immediately showed first sincere smile these days, “Why you came?” “Heard about Uncle’s matter, come look.” Jonah walked in, put things on bedside table, very naturally looked at me, “Also see how you guys are.” He and I are Childhood Sweethearts grew up together neighbors, later his family moved, contact gradually less. But that friendship still there, especially in this difficult moment, his appearance like a wisp warm wind. “I boiled some chicken soup, Auntie you drink some, supplement spirit.” Jonah opened thermal bucket, rich aroma diffused. He carefully served soup for my mother, also asked my father’s condition, concern in tone sincere and fitting. Mother held his hand said many words, spirit looked much better. I stood aside, watching Jonah patiently listening look, tight heart strings for many days, also slightly relaxed a bit. Later mother tired, deep slept. Me and Jonah light hand light foot walked to bench in corridor outside ward sat down. “Hard for you, Sarah.” He looked at me, eyes carrying heartache, “Face so bad.” I shook head, wanted squeeze a smile, but somewhat powerless: “Okay, can hold on.” “Have anything, must tell me.” Jonah tone solemn, “Don’t hard carry alone. Childhood you bullied by people, all found me help you beat back.” Thinking of childhood fun things, my face finally had a trace real warmth: “That time you fought very fierce.” “Now same.” He smiled, immediately serious said, “Dealing with bastard, reason useless time, have to use some other methods.” I knew he meant something, heart astringent. Just wanted say something, a bone piercing cold gaze shot from other end of corridor. I subconsciously turned head, saw Julian. He didn’t know came how long, standing there, face gloomy like sky before storm. He hand also carried a fruit basket, probably doing show, didn’t expect bump into this scene. His gaze dead locked on me and Jonah. He strode over. “Who is he?” Chapter 5 Julian’s voice pressed very low, carrying dangerous breath of mountain rain coming. I haven’t had time open mouth, Jonah already stood up. He figure tall straight, not inferior to Julian, at this moment gentle smile on face faded, replaced by a kind steady, not retreating calmness. He stepped forward, trace less blocked me behind him half body position. This protective posture, natural and firm. “Mr. Vance, pleasure.” Jonah opened mouth, tone alienated and polite, “I am Sarah’s friend, Jonah Hill.” Julian sneered, gaze crossed him, still dead staring me, sarcasm in words almost overflowed, “Sarah, I actually didn’t know, when you had such a considerate friend? In place like hospital, can also chat so happy?” He deliberately emphasized considerate and happy two words, as if I did something unforgivable. A chill rushed up from bottom of heart. He can mess with other woman on our wedding bed, can care about his tie when my father critically ill, can indulge his lover come hospital humiliate me, slander me, now, actually because my normal conversation with old friend, put on a pose of catching adultery asking crime? Absurd making people cold heart. I just about refute, Jonah however step ahead me open mouth, his voice still steady, but carrying unquestionable power: “Mr. Vance, please mind your words, also please recognize your current identity.” He paused, clearly spat out following words, “A person about to become ex-husband, seems no position and qualification, to question Sarah’s friend situation.” Julian’s face instantly became ugly to extreme. “Matter between me and her, not turn you an outsider interrupt!” Julian tone grim, stepped forward, seemed want bypass Jonah to grab my arm. Jonah movement faster, he didn’t have intense physical conflict, just again slightly sideways, blocked me completely behind, used own body separated Julian approaching oppression. “Person absent when she needed husband, no qualification call self insider.” Jonah’s voice cold down, “As for now, under circumstance Sarah clearly expressed not welcome you, I as her friend, have responsibility ask Mr. Vance leave, don’t disturb patient rest, also don’t come harass her again.” Julian like heard some joke, but anger in eyes almost spray out, he dead stared me behind Jonah, “Sarah, you just watch like this? Find a wild man give you backing? Grow ability!” Wild man. These three words too ugly. I slowly walked out from behind Jonah, met Julian that pair eyes twisted by jealousy and anger. “Julian,” my voice not loud, but unusually clear, echoing in corridor, “When you and Tiffani lay on our bed, when you let her come hospital insult me, push me, curse my father, you already personally tore up all qualifications as husband.” I watched his suddenly changing face, continued word by word, “Now, here, Jonah is my friend, is guest coming to visit my parents.” I took deep breath, said final decision: “And you are that unwelcome outsider.” “Please leave.” Julian froze in place. He fiercely glared us once, especially gaze like knife scraped over Jonah, then fiercely turned, heavily smashed fruit basket in hand beside trash can, head not back strode away. Footsteps disappeared at corridor end, depressed atmosphere dissipated. Jonah turned, worried looking at me: “Okay right?” I shook head, body somewhat weak, but heart had a kind unprecedented ease, as if unloaded thousand pounds burden. “Okay,” I even smiled to him, “Thank you, Jonah.” He looked at me, eyes gentle and firm: “Later, have me.” “Drink some water.” Jonah didn’t know where got a bottle opened mineral water, handed front me. I took over, small sips drank, slightly cool water slid dry throat, slightly smoothed inner waves. “He always like this?” Jonah voice very light, carrying restraint, “That unreasonable.” I pulled mouth corner, wanted laugh, but felt incomparable bitter. “Before just ignore, like treating air. Now probably feel, even things he don’t want, should cover dust in place, not picked up by others.” “You are not thing, Sarah.” Jonah tone unusually serious, he looked at me, gaze focused and earnest, “You are Sarah, is that Sarah childhood would climb tree help me pick kite, would argue with me face red ears red for a math problem, would secretly share breakfast to stray cat. You never are anyone’s accessory.” His words like a warm current, quietly soaked my dry cracked heart field. We sat side by side on bench, outside window sky color gradually dark, city lights lit up one after another. Silent for moment, I turned head, looked at his distinct outline side face. I took deep breath, mustered courage, softly asked that question hovering in heart long time: “Jonah, do you like me?” Moment asked out, my heart missed a beat, somewhat nervous, also somewhat relieved. Jonah seemed not surprised my straight ball. He slowly turned head, deep eyes under light appeared exceptionally bright, inside no slight dodge, only a piece magnanimous and gentle sincerity. “Yes.” He answered without hesitation, voice deep and clear, like a stone thrown into my heart lake, rippling layer layer ripples. Although had premonition, personally hearing this answer, my heart still fierce trembled. He looked at my slightly widened eyes, continued slowly said: “Not sudden impulse. Maybe earlier than I realized myself. Maybe was childhood when you took that hit for me, maybe was later moving, you secretly cried red eyes but still smiling said goodbye to me, just that time, we were too small, later missed again.” His words carried traces of time and faint regret. “I know now not best timing.” He tone became solemn, body slightly turned to me, forming a focused posture, “You just experienced these, Uncle still in ward, you need time and space to process, to heal. I don’t wish give you any pressure, more don’t want take advantage of emptiness.” He paused, eyes carrying a kind careful earnestness, but also full of unquestionable firmness: “But Sarah, can I request you, give me a chance?” “Give me a chance stand by your side, as a suitor identity, re-know you, take care you, accompany you. Let me prove, you and Uncle not isolated helpless, you worth being cherished, being treated well.” His words simple unadorned, no flowery promises, but every word knocked on softest place in my heart. I didn’t answer immediately, just gently nodded, voice somewhat choked: “Okay.” One word, light light, but seemed used my all strength at this moment, also carried some expectation for future. “Thank you.” He said, voice carrying relieved warmth, “I will work hard, not let you regret giving me this chance.” This time, ward came mother slight cough sound. I immediately stood up, Jonah also followed stand up. “Quick go in see Auntie.” He soft voice said, “I come again tomorrow. Have anything, call me anytime.” Back to ward, mother already woke up, looking out window. She turned head, looking at me, eyes gentle and complex, gently sighed: “Sarah, Jonah is a good child, just, you have to think clear.” I walked to bed side, held mother’s hand, feeling that familiar, callus covered warmth. “Mom, I know.” I soft voice said, heart was unprecedented clear, “I just want give myself a possibility to start over.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390538”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Everyone in Manhattan knew, I was sick of Julian Vance, that psychopath. He fell in love with me at first sight, I avoided him like flood and beasts. First time, he tackily presented a whole villa of red roses, I didn’t even look and burned them all for fertilizer. Second time, he snatched Scarlett family’s contract, brought apology gift to door threatening marriage proposal, I sneered and closed door release dogs watch him embarrassed. Third time, he kidnapped my fiancé, recorded torture video, to warn others scare away all my suitors, I directly rushed into Vance Enterprises, smashed his office, kicked broken his leg. … I thought we would fight forever. Until father accidentally died, Scarlett family bankrupt, that night I was sold into Underground Fight Club. Tree fell monkeys scatter. Only this madman, brought people straight destroy the den, protected me kill out a living road. Warm blood splashed on face, I looked at man’s familiar paranoia between brows, love grew crazy. Everyone including me was certain, no one loves Scarlett more than Julian. So when Tiffany came to door provoke, my first reaction was she had hysteria, overestimating herself. Until, she took out a Prenatal Checkup Report and Paternity Test result. Chapter 1 “Miss Scarlett, seeing these, do you still want to deceive yourself?” Opposite woman raised chin high, eyes full of pride. My breath stifled, face slightly sank. Documents can be fake, but she dares to come to door fearlessly, then there must be some truth. But… Julian, betrayed me? In an instant, countless scenes flashed in my mind. That figure taking me break out from blood and storm, 999 times passionate courtship everyone in city saw, careful protection, tears of joy at wedding… New York knew, Julian spoiled Scarlett to extreme. I am wife Julian begged hard for, I am his life. Such Julian, would betray me? Tiffany sharply caught my moment of lost mind. Smile on her lips more prosperous, like showing great mercy, showed me photos of her and Julian one by one. “This one, is memory Julian presented me 999 red roses after celebrating our small home renovation finished.” “This one, is I aggrieved Julian accompany you to Turkey, he then pushed full week work, accompanied me from Australia to North Pole played all over.” “This one, heard you that day period pain uncomfortable? Julian went out buy medicine for you, didn’t forget go from Downtown to Uptown circle a big round, send me that pineapple cake I acted spoiled said want eat first.” … Air sticky and heavy. I looked at photos, expressionless, stomach however a burst churning. I then remembered, Julian who used to wish stick with me every moment, these two years reported how many times business trip to me. Among these, which are pure work? Or, all are lies. Tiffany smiled maliciously: “That day of your birthday, I ‘accidentally’ fell down stairs, Julian then pushed your birthday party, took care of me all night.” “Night before your wedding anniversary, I drank myself drunk, cried to Julian say how much I love him, that night, he like a crazy horse dead hooped me in arms did again and again, also refunded flight ticket to Maldives with you next day.” “Last year your dad death anniversary I also went oh, you definitely can’t imagine, after that day ended you went home alone, how Julian couldn’t wait press me in car fiercely love.” … I carefully looked every inch of picture. Man in photo expression from cold to drunk doting, that familiar face more look more strange, split. Tiffany’s showing off voice still continued, but I completely couldn’t hear clearly, dead staring photos. Julian in photo as usual carried absent-minded shallow smile, but like a silent slap, fiercely fan on my face. I pulled mouth corner. “Tiffany, right?” “I guess, Julian must have warned you repeatedly don’t do small actions, right?” I raised eyes, lightly swept Tiffany slightly changed face. “You did homework not bad, know I can’t tolerate a grain of sand in eyes.” “Julian tired dead alive hide from me, you however pains taking hook him, took these photos, find me showdown…” “What? Want watch me and Julian big tear a round, completely break, so let you take chance rise?” Tiffany proud expression instantly broken. Her eyes emerged jealousy hate, but soon hooked lip sneer. “Yes so what? Scarlett, I love Julian, see him first glance I loved him, I willing pay everything for him! Now I succeeded, he also loves me!” “Julian loves you love hard, but he can get unprecedented relax here with me.” “I understand his love, I love his paranoia crazy——we are natural pair!” Tiffany slowly pushed out a private room key card again, eyes flashing can’t wait excited smile. “Tonight 10:30, Christie’s Auction Room A1, Julian long put words, every piece I fancy will belong to me.” “I let you see with own eyes, who his true love exactly is!” “You wouldn’t dare come right Scarlett? Heh, don’t let me look down on… Ah!” Woman’s exquisite hairstyle makeup poured through by hot coffee, like an embarrassed dog. Tiffany simply didn’t expect I would directly move hand, instantly lost voice scream. Surrounding people attracted by scream, one after another looked at us, pointing fingers. I didn’t care surrounding sight, slow orderly put down cup. “You think who you are, also worthy interfere my action?” “Good calculation, Tiffany, your jumping up down look also enough be a fun.” I turned leave. Tiffany hands busy feet messy wiping coffee liquid on body, look twisted resentment: “Scarlett what you proud of?! You think you still that say one not two Scarlett family big miss? You are that biggest joke!” “Tonight you love come not come! But even you deceive yourself also can’t change fact Julian not love you! You are just a pitiful worm kept in drum…” Behind cursing voice gradually far, weaken. I stepped out gate. Sun warm, only whole body chill piercing bone. I admit, Tiffany bet right. Before she pay price for dirty things done, I always should with my that deep affection twenty-four filial good husband, Julian—— Touch a touch. Chapter 2 Room A1 door according my order, left a hidden gap. When I rushed to door, Julian was throwing thousand gold for Tiffany. Natural full green Jadeite bangle, royal Ruby necklace, world master painting orphan… all income bag. Tiffany surprised continuously low cry, excitedly kissed man beside a mouthful, cheeks slightly red. Julian however eyes doting look her, hand that Sky Lantern paddle symbolizing wealth and power never fell down. Standing around two, all Julian’s brothers. Every piece treasure auction down, they all coincidently tease booing. “Brother Julian action is generous! Tonight this scene, estimate not less than $1 Billion? Really ten thousand gold for beauty a smile ah!” “Our Brother Julian to Tiffany is really nothing to say, before also because Tiffany a sentence, then sent Aegean Sea island, asteroid naming right… really top romance!” “Also our Tiffany charm big, now who in New York don’t know Tiffany is Julian’s heart tip pet wa!” … A piece happy harmonious. I slowly scanned those few people spoke. No exception, all familiar faces. Daytime still respectfully call me Sister-in-law people, now all surrounding Tiffany side, try best fawn. Look their appearance, seem practiced this set extreme. I felt a heart sank and sank, nails dead embedded palm, then barely endured impulse push door in. Turns out, everyone knows. Whole world knows Julian has new love, whole world keep mouth shut. Only me, always kept in drum. I dead glared Julian mouth corner hooked smile. Every day before today, he smiled like this, said love me. He hugged me in arms, spoil me like treasure like pearl, promise me this life not fail. Heart mouth pan up dense pain, accompanying something broken sound. I expressionless looked man not far, but more look more strange. In crowd unknown who subconsciously blurted out—— “Yes ah, I remember, Julian pursuit that one posture also just so so right…” Scene atmosphere instantly solidified. Julian sank face, warning eyes one by one swept people beside. “I said, what can mention, what can’t mention, mouth want have a door.” “Can’t control mouth, I don’t mind help you sew up!” “Play return play, if anyone dare play to Scarlett face… you know my means!” Julian expression deep dark terrifying. Brothers one after another claimed yes, fear bowed head, dare not talk much. Me outside door, look this scene, only felt ironic. On phone screen, still displayed message Julian sent an hour ago—— “Kiss kiss wife, recently company took a big order, tonight have to overtime again.” “Baby no need wait me, sleep early, don’t boil bad body, love you (heart)” I almost vomited sound—— Turns out miss in his mouth, is while coaxing me sleep, while throw huge money accompany others honey mix oil. And his love me, is cover sky cover sun deception, is turn me this official lover into puppet, under totally unaware circumstance reduced to everyone laughing stock! Inside door sounded Tiffany delicate persuade peace voice. “Brother Julian don’t be so serious, brothers followed you so long, all clear your bottom line, won’t mess around.” “You don’t know how scary your cold face is! Quick smile a smile~ return my handsome Brother Julian…” Julian cold face instantly broke merit. Just a moment, room ice snow melt. With Julian once again light card light lantern, atmosphere directly reached climax. Brothers one after another booing “Kiss one”. Julian also mood very good, a hold buckled woman shy in arms, head down, deep kiss… Room again burst a burst cheers. I looked lively in front, trance, as if returned seven years ago. Second day Julian love at first sight to me, then presented a whole villa red roses. He bought my friends, brought me to that flower sea, presented deep affection confession. I disgusted man frivolous feeling and childish trick, contemptuous smile after, a fire burned all roses as fertilizer. Since then, our “you chase I flee” then became play act New Yorkers talked with relish. Julian every attack vigorous. But until now, I then know, turns out this heat equally can give others. I dialed Julian phone. Chapter 3 Phone rang, room a quiet. I cold eye watch Julian expression slightly congeal, signal people around quiet. “Wifey? Why so late not sleep yet, suddenly call…” “Julian Vance, I want you now immediately right now come back.” Man voice other end phone paused, still is as usual doting tone. “What? Baby can’t sleep?” “But I here still have things…” I directly interrupt him—— “Julian, come back.” I watched not far, Julian hugging Tiffany, no move at all. I hoarse voice, continue said: “Julian, I last…” “Brother Julian~” A delicate嗲 (coquettish) call interrupted me. I suddenly paused. Julian expression instantly froze. Phone came rustling muffled sound. Outside phone, I cold eye watch Julian hurriedly let go Tiffany, cover tight microphone. “…Scarlett I here signal not too good… company things too many, I go back later…” Julian hung up phone. This is still his first time actively hang up my call. Everyone says Julian loved Scarlett miserably, but only myself clear how deep he loved. After marriage Julian wished not separate with me a moment. Even go company work, phone also often hang, one hang is whole day. I trance remembered, Julian seems long time didn’t long talk with me. People drowning in love often easy ignore details of love. Until cruel truth exposed, past wrong details like bubbles one by one emerge, one by one broke. If I didn’t come personally uncover his mask today, future similar coldness today only will more and more. I will be like kind of woman once most pitied, wild thoughts for Julian, self doubt, lost soul. I force closed eyes. Inside room, Julian gloomy face question Tiffany. “Why suddenly speak? Scarlett almost heard!” Tiffany curled lip, pique turned head. “I also not intentional ah… not all because Brother Julian you said can’t expose, I don’t want cause trouble for you, also followed fear tremble, always nerves tense…” Tiffany eyes contain tears, aggrieved and helpless. “You know, I only want stay by your side, want nothing.” “See you all day nervous, I also thought leave, return you quiet, but I can’t twist my heart, what more now still have baby…” Met Tiffany charming teary eyes, again heard baby, Julian anger instantly dissipated. He helplessly softened tone. “I didn’t really blame you… don’t cry, still pregnant child, pay attention body.” “Big deal I go back spend more mind, explain with Scarlett.” “She not that suspicious heavy, won’t think much.” Julian again warned crowd tonight matter absolute confidential. I couldn’t listen anymore, directly pushed door enter—— “So you just rely on my trust unscrupulous? Julian Vance?” Chapter 4 Full room dead silence. Julian froze in place. Tiffany leaned in his arms, innocent look at me, only eyes leaked a trace provocation. A brother voice break deadlock—— “Ai sister, sister-in-law, is like this, time ago company busy, Brother Julian see us work hard, tonight specially bring us relax…” “You treat me fool?!” I smoothly grabbed a glass cup on table smashed over. “Crash” sound, glass on ground fried four split five cracks. No one dare open mouth speak again. “Scarlett, listen me explain…” Julian instantly recover spirit, crisp clean let go person in arms, fast step walk towards me. I watched pushed away Tiffany, expression unbearable, eyes flashed insidious jealousy. Until Julian stood in front me, as usual hooked intimate fawning smile, try pull my hand. I think not think directly threw off him, conveniently returned a slap—— “Slap!” Julian head biased to one side, expression unpredictable. Immediately have brother indignant prepare step forward, but by Julian cold voice stop—— “Retreat!” Brother swept by Julian eyes, stammered retreated back. He turned again gently held my hand. “Didn’t hit pain right?” Julian mouth corner still carried a trace tease, wind light cloud pale look as if nothing happened, no betrayal, no deception, still love me like crazy. I suddenly born a burst fire, fiercely pushed him away, same time from side drew out a dagger. This is a dagger appearance exquisite, blade arc design make it more easy stab into human body. Julian this madman not follow common logic, others marry exchange rings, he however gave me a knife. I now still remember, on wedding, he unprecedented serious gaze and word by word solemn vow—— “Today I finally as wish married this life most loved woman, Scarlett, I give this heart to you, this life must not fail you.” “If betray, you just use this dagger directly gouge my heart!” These years I carefully maintained this unique love token, but never thought one day really will use it. Heart weeping blood, I face however more calm. “Julian, you know my character, dirty things, I don’t want.” “Nothing need say, divorce.” Julian figure stiff a moment, eye bottom rare emerged rage color. “Scarlett, do you know what yourself saying?” Julian face gloomy like water. “Don’t make trouble Scarlett.” “I admit I made a small mistake, I can send her away, I can guarantee let her never appear in front of you again, but you can’t…” I suddenly force push dagger forward a hand. Julian extinguished voice. He stunned looking my red eye sockets, lips mumbling, but finally dumb speechless. I strong suppressed fingertip tremble. Blade tip almost stabbed Julian chest. “Julian, you so understand me, feelings gone can divorce, you know I absolutely won’t continue pester.” “But you insist choose use this way… let me Scarlett become joke in everyone eyes!” “Julian Vance, you really deserve die!” Looking that face accompanied day and night sleep, my stomach churned terrible, expression more cold stern. Suddenly, Tiffany screamed, caught off guard pounced here. “Not allow you hurt Brother Julian!” “Stab——” Blade instantly dyed red.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390537”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Dating for seven years, my boyfriend Julian Vance never wanted to go public with me. But on Thanksgiving, he unprecedentedly sent me an invitation. Inviting me to attend his Family Gala. I was overjoyed, ran through several malls to buy a suitable door gift. But the moment I opened the gate of the Vance family villa in The Hamptons, I saw Julian lying on the belly of the woman beside him, listening to fetal movement. Surrounded by neat and tidy Vance family members. The woman saw me first, smilingly pushed away Julian’s head, came over to pull me: “Oh, came so early.” “Introduce to everyone, this is the Doula I newly found, Sarah.” … The moment Julian looked up and met my eyes, the smile froze on his face. From his shocked expression, I clearly realized, It wasn’t Julian who invited me today, but the woman beside him. Even the dress on me, exactly the same as hers, was her handiwork. The woman looked at Julian’s expression, said with interest: “Julian should recognize this Doula, right?” Julian’s hand shook, almost knocked over the tea cup at hand. This panicked and helpless look forced me to face reality, I was the “Third Party”. Even invited to home by his wife personally to be humiliated in public. “Should be a new intern in our department, not too familiar.” Julian explained awkwardly. Seven years of relationship, turns out I am just a not too familiar colleague. Julian face gloomy, scolded me angrily: “What are you doing running here?” “Usually not attentive at work, privately fawning on leaders you have a set.” “Hurry roll (get out), I don’t buy this.” Simple few sentences cleared himself clean. People present showed contempt to me one after another. “Running to others’ home on Thanksgiving, wearing same clothes as others’ wife, what heart is this.” “Don’t know if her dress is rented or tax deduction.” “This kind of cheap girl even wearing real goods looks fake.” I haven’t recovered, the woman pulled my hand gently said: “Everyone don’t say a little girl like this, Julian you are also true, why so fierce to girls.” Saying pulled me to dining table, but only let me stand with servants behind her. She held my hand sighing: “Little girl’s hand is really tender, no wonder men like.” Immediately spat a mouthful of phlegm in my palm. The disgusting sticky touch in palm couldn’t match the shame in my heart at this moment. And Julian watching all this happen didn’t say a word, Turned head to chat with his sister. His sister didn’t know when already opened the gift bag I brought, tone exaggerated: “My god, this is Dior style from several years ago right, this thing still someone buys?” “Eh, this style looks like for my mom.” “Damn, you wouldn’t really harbor thoughts of pleasing the matriarch to ascend as Vance family daughter-in-law right.” “Trouble you see clear your own identity okay.” People in the room burst into laughter. My brain completely crashed, only left dense stinging pain in heart. I fled under excuse of washing hands, but got lost in Vance family garden. While looking for exit, I received a call from Julian. Didn’t expect before I got angry, Julian scolded me first covering head covering face. “Sarah where did you find my home address? Still wear same clothes as Giselle to provoke her? You really have ability.” “I warn you, Giselle is a very kind and beautiful girl, don’t you think about hurting her, otherwise I…” “Why lie to me.” I interrupted him asking back. Julian paused, indifferent said, “I didn’t lie to you, just didn’t tell you Giselle’s existence that’s all.” “Besides, I did this wasn’t it because didn’t want make you sad?” “Afraid I sad, so hid from me having family and children with others?” Told me DINK (Double Income, No Kids), non-marriage, unwilling to publicize personal relationship, But behind my back had wife, children, family happy and harmonious. I even started doubting if he really had feelings for me in these seven years? Or just treated me as a tool for relief. “I can’t explain clear to you this person, I let your mom talk to you.” Said then hung up phone on his own. Again like this, every quarrel he would push me to my mom. Even too lazy to say one more sentence of explanation. And my mom thinks Julian is rich, as long as I don’t break up with him, she has no objection even if he beats me to death. Actually, acquaintance between me and Julian originated from an accident. That year me and brother graduated high school together, Mom for letting brother go to expensive third-tier college, Wanted me give up going to New York University (NYU). In restaurant I angry to crazy, hysterically quarreled with my mom, Finally even fainted because heart attack. Moment consciousness about to dissipate, I heard Julian’s deep voice. He told me he is professional cardiac surgeon, let me not worry, hand everything to him. In blurred consciousness, what I smelled was the extremely nice woody scent on him. During three months hospitalization, I truly knew this Dr. Vance. Wearing white coat he was both careful and professional, To elderly who don’t understand pharmacology, illiterate, he would explain patiently, To anxious, irritable patient families, he would also use simple easy understand explanation make them relieved. Often neglected at home me, fell in his care, My heartbeat accelerated again, Just, this time seemed because of heart moved. I never chased anyone, only could under guise of thanking savior, Send Thank You Cards, flowers, various novel small gifts to Julian. In the gap year after discharge, I also often found excuse go hospital find him. Even for him, applied for medical major. But Julian was dull, until colleagues around reminded him, I seemed like him, he then startled. I till now can’t forget, the day we got together, I holding health tea I boiled myself outside operating room, waited him more than ten hours, Wait him finish that most important surgery for his career, first one say congrats to him. Julian came out from operating room, saw was me squatting on ground, holding health tea slept dead. He gently picked me up, face was indescribable tenderness. “Sarah, let’s be together!” I that time excited to forget self, forgot ask him. Being with me, exactly is like, or moved. Just now think, probably moved more than like. While thinking wild thoughts, a white figure flashed in front of me, comer is Giselle. “Sorry Miss Giselle, intervening you and Julian not my original intention, when I was with Julian, didn’t know he had wife.” I said full of apology. She however light laughed, tone relaxed: “Just a foot washing maid, what I have good to care?” “You wouldn’t think I invited you today is to give you a show of strength right?” She laughed exaggeratedly: “Oh my god, you look up yourself too much.” “I just heard Julian say your business good, really wanted let you come take care of our baby.” “And I also quite curious what that hate-to-marry little fan girl in his mouth looks like.” “Just seeing today, seems also just so so.” I clenched fist, coldly interrupted her. “Oh, since like this, then I indeed have nothing good to apologize, Doula you please hire someone else.” Said I turned want go, she however called me, wrote me a $500 check. “Today’s wage, don’t let people say Mrs. Vance renege on debt, but correspondingly.” She handed over a bill. “During time you and Julian together spent are our couple joint property, now also please you return them all.” I looked at bill detailed to a bottle of water, a condom, couldn’t help bitter smile. Turns out every penny he spent on me was carefully calculated. “He sent me things, I all returned gifts of equivalent value.” “If want calculate, does he also have to return those gifts.” She contemptuously smiled: “Sure, if you can get receipts of all things.” They just certain I loved Julian, never would care about giving, more impossible keep receipts. But Julian clearly knew my family background not good, university tuition and living expenses all saved by my own part-time work. Yet deliberately used thing I care most to ridicule me, bill crumpled in hand. Giselle still continued: “Might as well tell you a fact, me and Julian knew each other after you met.” “But so what? Still not hinder I am the main wife.” “And you, even wore same clothes as me, loved same man, others also will feel you are stolen.” I angry whole body uncontrollable trembling, gritted teeth squeezed out a sentence, “Qing Dynasty fell no one notify you? Still main wife.” “Just a rotten cucumber, only you treat as treasure, I don’t want.” But panicked footsteps still betrayed me, Giselle’s arrogant voice with laughter sounded behind: “Exit is over there.” I embarrassed turned back again. But walking walking suddenly walked into a path carefully decorated. Various colors fresh flowers neatly stacked on both sides of road. Hand folded paper cranes hung full branches. Even have fireflies captured from unknown where flying in flowers. My heart uneasy, finally when walked to end of path, “Bang” a sound, fireworks exploded over my head. Julian pushing cake, behind him were Vance family members and business partners holding various gifts. Whole garden dressed up like Alice in Wonderland. Everyone saw comer is me, all stunned. Julian even more impatient said: “Why is you, why haven’t you left?” A reporter came to shoot asked, “Who is this?” Julian faintly replied: “Irrelevant person.” I embarrassed wished find a crack in ground drill in. Before I awkwardly exit, Giselle walked out from behind me. She pretended surprise: “Wow, these all prepared for me?!” Julian face just irritable now only left full tenderness: “Yes ah, happy birthday to my baby, our Vance family greatest hero!” People around smiling stepped forward send blessing, and I squeezed to side most corner. Watching such warm picture, I suddenly remembered. Start from fourth year of relationship, Julian became very cold to me, even often not return night. I thought he work busy, specially on his birthday, personally learned make cake send to hospital give him. He however because my sudden visit without advance notice exploded rage. Smashed whole cake on me said: “This is hospital, not your home.” “Celebrating a birthday want everyone cooperate you, where you come so big face ah?” “Don’t lose face here, hurry roll home for me.” But now for Giselle birthday, he not hesitate invite all business partners, invite whole city reporters. Giselle under Julian urging, face full happiness closed eyes make wish. Man lowered eyes look her bottom of eyes is unmeltable tenderness. Completely different from that high above look when looking at me. I sneered, just want silently exit garden, heard Giselle scream out. “Julian, Vance family heirloom Emerald Necklace missing!” “Today come here all own family, except…” Everyone’s sight followed Giselle gaze look at me. “This woman when came today wore same clothes as Mrs. Vance, also fawns on Mother Vance, afraid not really stole necklace delusion replace Mrs. Vance right?” “Sigh, Mrs. Vance just heart too kind, always thinking help poor students, but don’t know current little girls, you first second spend money sponsor her, she next second take money hook your husband go la.” “Tsk tsk tsk, looking quite fresh a little girl, how is this look.” My hair stood up, hurry explain: “Not, I didn’t.” Julian looked Giselle red eyes, looked again face panic me, face solemn few points. “Also possible people many eyes mixed, accidentally lost, everyone look around first?” Giselle bean big tears rolled from cheek: “Julian, you clearly know how much I treasure this heirloom necklace, how could I casually lose.” “Are you questioning me for her now?” Julian immediately panicked helpless, hugging her coaxing. Giselle not buy it, forcefully pushed him away. “I also don’t slander her, have or not, search her body then know.” Julian busy nod, cold voice called bodyguards. Next second, few bodyguards dead pressed me on ground, in front of everyone started tearing my clothes.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390536”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The female colleague who joined the company with me called me sister all day long. She could always get various weird snacks, and every time insisted I taste the first bite. I thought this was a girlfriend friendship exclusive to me, every time moved to eat clean. Until that day I had a severe cold, tonsillitis inflamed couldn’t even swallow water, first time refused her feeding. Result that afternoon, she along with few colleagues who mooched food, collectively food poisoning entered hospital. She called me, tone fierce: “It’s all you harmed us hospitalized, you have to be responsible for this!” I was confused: “You brought snacks yourself ate into hospital yourself, what does it have to do with me?” Hearing this she was more angry: “If not you didn’t help me taste test this time, how would I dare eat these almost expired stuff!” “Cut the crap, look at our sisterhood sake, I can not call police, but you must compensate money!” Is this human words? Turns out I treat her as workplace bestie, she treats me as lab rat?! … Chapter 1 I just sat at my cubicle, Jessica from next door leaned over, face full of smiles. “Chloe, quick taste! Ghost Pepper Beef Jerky, limited edition!” She excitedly shoved a bag of red to black beef jerky in front of me, that pungent spicy smell choked me to sneeze three times in a row. I covered my throat, apologetically waved hand. “Jessie, I have tonsillitis today, doctor said must avoid spicy food, a bit spice can’t touch, throat like swallowing blades.” Smile on Jessica’s face froze instantly. Tone became somewhat stiff, carrying a bit sarcasm. “Chloe, this is not interesting right? I good heart good intention left first bite for you, you also too not give face? Is it look down on sister?” Surrounding few colleagues who usually love mooching food also gathered around, seven mouths eight tongues helping. “Chloe, this is your wrong. Jessica usually treats you how good, have any good food all think of you, how you so spoiler?” “Exactly, girls don’t be too pretentious, eat a bite won’t die.” They one word I one word, all accusing my fault. Jessica seeing this, directly picked up a piece of beef jerky again want send to my mouth, carrying force. “Quick eat a bite, eat then this matter flip page, we still good sisters.” If usual, I might eat to not let her embarrassed. But today I really uncomfortable, head dizzy brain swollen, really no energy handle her emotional blackmail. I fiercely pushed away her hand, tone tough: “I said can’t eat! Jessica, you share to others eat, don’t waste.” Finished, I put on mask, turned back to process documents. Behind came Jessica heavy cold snort, that is some kind of anger of losing face. “Good heart treated as donkey liver lung, later I have good things never think of you again!” Then is her voice greeting others, deliberately raised very high, as if demonstrating. “Come come come, since someone not know appreciation, then we share! This is good stuff, who eat who has fortune!” Few greedy colleagues immediately surrounded up, some even grabbed two pieces in one breath. “Still have to be Jessie atmospheric! Unlike someone, pretend what high cold!” “Exactly, later we eat alone, greedy her to death!” Listening their pointing mulberry scolding locust, fire in my heart also rushing up. Just because refused one feeding, in their mouths, I seemed became some treacherous villain. But I didn’t want argue at this time, afraid they use topic make fuss, again force me eat that bag of beef jerky. But things they ate originally heavy spicy mouth, smell also big, not a while harmed my throat inflamed again. No way, I could only ask leave go home afternoon. Just walked to door, heard behind a sarcasm: “Really delicate, like a princess!” Couldn’t help roll eyes, this workplace sisterhood really is plastic! I muddled lay whole afternoon, woken by phone vibration. Look message, I instantly awake. Jessica and them actually food poisoning entered hospital?! I a burst of after fear, if I ate, also afraid hard escape a calamity. At night, I was pulled into a new group, group name called [Victim Crusade Alliance]. Group total six people, except me, remaining five all colleagues entered hospital today. Leading is Jessica. She sent a photo of herself on hospital bed with IV drip, face wax yellow, looking indeed miserable. [@Chloe, you don’t play dead! We almost lost life, you don’t even have a greeting?] [Doctor said is severe bacterial infection, old lady almost vomited bile out!] [Chloe, usually look you honest obedient, didn’t expect scheme so deep. You yourself escaped a calamity, just watching joke beside right?] I looked at screen, full head question marks. I didn’t eat because I sick, how became scheme deep? I haven’t had time refute, Jessica sent a long voice message. Voice although weak, but malice in tone didn’t reduce a bit. [Chloe, today that bag of beef jerky, I originally gave you first. According to our previous convention, all you eat first, you eat finish fine everyone then eat.] [Today bias you refused, everyone then poisoned.] [So, root cause of this accident lies in you! Is you didn’t fulfill your obligation as taste tester!] I finished listening this voice message, brain wrinkles all smoothed. What robber logic is this? My fire instantly also came up. [Jessica, you speak some reason. Snacks you brought, also you distributed to everyone. I didn’t eat because sick, this also blame me? Could it be I ate for you guys, poisoned is me, you guys then happy?] Jessica seconds reply: [You constitution good ah! You are iron stomach! Before so many expired, leaking air ones you ate all fine, how bias today pretentious? You just intentional! You knew that thing problematic, intentionally not eat, want harm us die!] I stunned, this time my brain really has something wrong. I fingers trembling typing: [What you say? Before gave me eat also expired?] Next second, Jessica rapidly withdrew message, but still that rogue face. [Less nonsense! Now result is we five lying in hospital, medical fee added up already spent over thousand, follow up still have various fees, say less also need five thousand.] [Everyone is colleague, also don’t want do things absolute. This five thousand dollars you pay, this matter count finished. Otherwise, don’t blame us not polite!] Heart instantly cool half, this is sincere friend I thought. Since entered company, Jessica always treated me very good. She has a relative open imported food supermarket, always can bring various flashy packaging, full foreign language snacks to company. Every time would leave first bite to me, colleagues all said she treat me as biological sister. Under such atmosphere, I felt lucky, met sincere sister in workplace. Even sometimes snack taste a bit strange, I also thought is exotic flavor. But turns out, I was calculated by her for whole half year! I deep breath, screenshot chat record save. Then, I directly quit group chat. Chapter 2 Next morning early, I just walked into office, felt atmosphere wrong. Receptionist who usually greet me when seeing, today lowered head pretend not see me. Passing pantry, could still hear whispers inside. “Did you hear, Marketing Department Chloe intentionally poisoned colleagues.” “Not poison, is know situation not report, watch colleagues eat bad stomach helpless.” “Oh my god, usually look quite honest, know person know face not know heart ah…” I pushed door in, voice stopped abruptly. Two colleagues gossiping awkwardly held cups scattered. I cold face returned to cubicle. Desk was poured a pile garbage. Computer screen pasted a sticky note, wrote three big words with red pen: Harmful Spirit. I dead clenched fist, nails embedded into flesh. This is Jessica’s means. Although she in hospital, but she operated in company many years, that ability of stirring gossip is first class. Just one night, she molded me into a workplace vicious villain. I didn’t clean desk, instead directly took photo. Just then, Department Manager Dave walked over. Manager Dave is a smiling tiger, also Jessica’s distant uncle. This is also one reason Jessica unscrupled in company. “Chloe, come my office a trip.” Entered office, Dave sighed, a look of earnest words and heavy heart. “Little Lin ah, yesterday matter troubled very big ah. Company high level all alarmed, after all at once fell five, belongs to major safety accident.” I straightened waist: “Manager Dave, this matter has no relation with me. Snacks Jessica brought, I didn’t eat a bite, also didn’t handle distribution.” Dave waved hand, interrupted me. “Focus now is colleagues emotion very big, spearhead all point to you.” Dave paused, eyes carrying a trace oppression. “Jessica and them insist is you didn’t fulfill reminder obligation, although this saying in law not necessarily stand firm, but in company public opinion, you already lost.” “My suggestion is, you go hospital see everyone, advance medical fee. Also not much, just few thousand dollars. As long as everyone anger gone, this matter I help you press down, otherwise…” He meaningfully looked at me once. “Otherwise colleague relationship made so stiff, later work also hard carry out. Year end promotion, afraid also hang.” This is blatant threat. Use future force me submit, take blame pay bill for his niece. But I since small is a stubborn seed, no obligation bow head! I suddenly laughed. “Manager Dave, you said right, this matter indeed must have an explanation.” Dave thought I soft, face full satisfaction: “This is right, then you afternoon ask leave go hospital…” “However,” I interrupted him, took out phone, clicked recording function, “Before going hospital, I have to go Health Department a trip first.” Dave smile solidified on face: “You go there do what?” I shook phone, eyes ice cold. “Jessica personally admitted in group, she gave me eat before also expired food, this belongs to long term attempted poisoning.” “Also, suggestion you just let me advance medical fee, does it represent company admits this belongs to work injury? Or is you personal shielding relative?” Dave face became iron green, fierce slapped table. “Chloe! Do you still want work?!” “Want work ah.” I looked at him without retreat. “But I don’t want be sucker. Manager Dave, is five thousand dollars important, or you and Jessica’s future important?” Walked out Dave office, I straight ran pantry. From trash can, took that bag of Ghost Pepper Beef Jerky out. I carefully looked a bit. Under that string unknown text on packaging bag, vaguely had a smeared black mark. I used wet wipe wiped, although blurred, but still can identify original spray code date: 2023/12/31. Now is 2025. Actually expired whole two years! Anger instantly straight rush top of head, Jessica simply is intentional! I put snack into ziplock bag pack well, then straight ran hospital. Haven’t entered door, heard Jessica proud voice come out. “Relax, my uncle side already pressured her. Chloe that coward, usually even a fart dare not let, this time definitely scared gall broken.” “Wait she send money, we settle this medical fee, remaining money us few split equally, just right I fancied that limited edition bag long time!” Colleagues also hard hide pride: “Still have to be Jessie awesome, this kind get rich way can think of. But five thousand is it too little? I see Chloe usually wear quite low key, but things used not cheap, family should have foundation.” Hearing here, I sneered. In their view, I am a workplace punching bag. That is they haven’t seen look I flip table before. Parents felt my temper fiery, insist force me come work temper nature. Otherwise, confiscate my right to manage family Real Estate Portfolio. I originally just wanted be a quiet worker, but treated by them as easy bully. Then this nature, I also not suppress! I a kick kicked open ward door. Voice in room stopped abruptly. Jessica and those few colleagues sitting together eating fruit, complexion look much better than when selling miserable in group. See me enter, Jessica first stunned, immediately face hung rogue smile. “What, thought through? Money brought?” She reached hand, a look of matter of course asking debt. I strode over, smashed that ziplock bag containing expired beef jerky in hand, fiercely on Jessica face. “Money none, but this thing, you better open big your dog eyes see clearly!” Jessica ouch a sound, covered nose. “Chloe you crazy?! Dare hit people?!” I pointed that bag thing, sternly shouted: “Jessica, look yourself date on it, full expired two years! You take this zombie meat give everyone eat, what is your intention?!” Hearing this, female colleague beside face sudden change, leaned bedside retch. Other few colleagues also scared face like earth color, terrified look at Jessica. However, Jessica just glanced that bag, face no trace guilt or panic. “Expired so what?” She raised chin, used a look at idiot eyes look at me. “Chloe, you don’t shout here. This thing my relative gave, people said is aged flavor, understand or not? Besides, before those expired you ate not also fine?” I was shocked by her shamelessness speechless for a moment. “You also know before gave me eat also expired? You take me as poison test lab rat?” “You think you are what golden branch jade leaf?” Jessica cold sneer: “Before those expired things, you ate fine, then your constitution is cheap! You can test poison for me, is your existence value!” I laughed in anger. Actually heard this kind speech as if brain not developed. “Jessica, you are committing crime!” “Less take law scare me!” Jessica arrogance higher than me. “I tell you, now lying on bed suffering is me! My body how precious do you know?” She suddenly covered stomach, started dry howl there. “Doctor said, this poisoning hurt my vitality, later might affect my fertility function, even affect me marry into wealthy family!” “I originally next month go blind date, other side is a rich second generation! If blind date yellow, my lower half life glory wealth who responsible?” She fierce looked up, dead staring me, eyes flashing greedy essence light. “Five thousand dollars that was price just now! Since you now this attitude, still dare throw garbage at me, then we recalculate account!” “My youth loss fee, fertility risk mental comfort fee, future wealthy wife potential loss fee…” She extended a finger, shook in front of me. “$100,000! Less a cent no way!” Air instantly solidified. That female colleague forgot vomit, open mouth big looking Jessica, obviously also scared by this number. Jessica however speak more energetic, as if already saw that 100k income. “Chloe, don’t feel much. This 100k buy out our grudge, I also not sue you intentional injury.” “Otherwise, wait my uncle make you reputation ruined, you can’t mix in industry, loss is not only 100k!” I forced down anger. Keep rational, anger solve no problem. I took out phone, pressed stop recording button, then shook in front of Jessica. Chapter 3 “Jessica, you this life indeed have chance live in place with people serve, but not wealthy family, is Prison.” “This recording, plus that bag of zombie meat expired two years, and words you said in group yesterday. You guess, what police will say?” Jessica face changed, reached hand want grab my phone. “You dare record! Give me phone!” Her movement big, directly pounced over. I retreated a step, backhand is a punch fiercely hit on her face. “This slap, is hit for my stomach used as trash can by you for half year.” “Next, we see in court!” Jessica beaten confused, covering face eyes flashing, strong support momentum: “Chloe, take a broken recording want threaten me? I tell you, useless! You harmed us poisoning is fact!” “Fact?” I raised that ziplock bag, shoved date on packaging bag to other colleagues face. “Fact is she gave you eat zombie meat expired two years! Wang Qiang, didn’t you vomit just now? Li Na, aren’t you still preparing pregnancy? Look yourselves, this is her so-called good heart!” Wang Qiang face iron green, pointing Jessica hand shaking: “Jessica! You… you really gave us eat expired two years stuff? Are you still human? I treat you as sister, you feed me as pig?” Li Na even screamed, grabbed pillow smashed at Jessica: “Jessica! You thousand knives kill! If my body broken affect pregnancy, I fight with you!” Seeing alliance about collapse, Jessica beaten hold head run like rat, but suddenly like thought of something, loud roared: “Are you guys crazy? Believe her or believe me?!” “She says expired then expired? This packaging bag she dug from trash can, who know if she tampered herself, intentionally alter date frame me.” “Besides, even thing problematic, that is my relative pitted, I also victim! But Chloe different, she ate so many times before all fine, explains she long knew this thing problematic, even maybe had antibody!” “She today intentionally not eat, is watching us go die! She this is know situation not report! Is indirect murder!” Jessica panting rough air, tone full of temptation: “You guys think clear! If I go in, you get not a penny medical fee, still have to pay own pocket treat illness!” “But as long as bite dead is Chloe harmed us poisoning, this money she has to pay. You want send me in vent anger then carry debt yourself, or let Chloe this traitor pay money, everyone split money together?” What a shock. This section retarded speech forget it, actually even how calculate me loud conspired. But her words obviously moved other colleagues. Wang Qiang looked at Jessica, then looked at me, eyes gradually became greedy. “Sister Jessie said… seems also reasonable. Chloe, you usually ate all fine, why bias today not eat? Did you long know this batch goods problematic?” Li Na also immediately turn gun head: “Right! If you told us earlier this thing expired, would we eat? Root cause, is you want harm us die!” “Jessica also good heart do bad thing, but you Chloe is heart vicious!” Turn eye, spearhead originally point Jessica again aimed at me. Jessica proudly smiled. “Chloe, now is you alone, against all of us.” “Either pay money private settle, 100k, we not pursue your responsibility of know situation not report.” “Or, we joint name sue you, also expose you online, let you reputation ruined!” I laughed, laugh their naivety. “I already sent beef jerky residue and packaging bag to third party institution test. Although result not out yet, but I took photo.” “Oh, I almost forgot, your relative’s supermarket, I haven’t visited yet, I go look in a while.” Jessica panicked. “You… what you mean? I warn you, don’t mess around!” She fierce appearance inside weak shouted, voice however bit empty. “Literal meaning lo.” I left this sentence, turned leave. Behind came Jessica exasperated roar: “Chloe! You stand still for me! If you dare make trouble, I let my uncle kill you!” My steps not stop, heart however more certain. Jessica this reaction, explains that supermarket absolutely problematic, and is kind big problem can’t stand check.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390534”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

On New Year’s Eve, I sent a message to my husband: “Where are you?” For the first time, he didn’t reply instantly. At 00:00, I called him twelve times until he picked up. His voice was irritable and fierce, like a cat caught stealing fish stepping on its tail: “Are you done? Isn’t it just not replying to your message?” I gripped the phone tight, my lower abdomen twitched violently. Half a year ago when I caught him sexting, this young business upstart had red eyes, smashed his phone in front of me. “Nina, there will never be a next time.” I believed him. Since then my messages were always pinned to top, his whereabouts reported anytime. Until tonight. Ringing in my ear was his cold voice. “Nina, shouldn’t your checking on me stop now?” His tone was frivolous, the tone controlling the whole situation on the negotiation table. “I deal with business worth hundreds of millions every day, go home still have to deal with your paranoia?” From the other end of the phone came echoing laughter: “Mr. Liam is too hard.” “Sister-in-law, men have to socialize outside.” My lower abdomen began to tighten regularly, like a hand grabbing inside. I forced my voice: “Just right, I’m tired too, let’s separate.” … Before he could speak, I hung up. Used my last strength to dial 911. Address reported very slowly, squeezing out word by word. Blood soaked the hem of my nightdress, sticking to my skin. Fireworks exploded in the distance, illuminating the window. I lay on the floor, looking at the cracks in the ceiling. Suddenly smiled. So good, Nina. You are going to be free. They say marriage is a tomb. Actually they don’t know, under the glamorous appearance, inside it really flows river of blood. Phone vibrated, Liam’s message popped up on screen. “If you really can’t stand it, then divorce!” Wedding photo chat background stung my eyes painful. In the photo, I held the camera, he held a basketball, smiling like owning the whole world. From campus to wedding dress, everyone said we were like a fairy tale. But the fairy tale rotted at the root half a year ago. The day I caught him going to get a room with an intern, he lay on my pregnant belly, crying and trembling. “I was just lonely looking for someone to chat, didn’t really betray you.” “Nina, forgive me, just this once.” I touched my belly, heart softened into a pool of water. Who can really love only one person for a lifetime? I closed my eyes, swallowed that nausea back forcefully. Everyone says marriage relies on trust to maintain. But once trust is broken, it can never be pieced back together. As long as he is not in front of my eyes, those scenes will drill in. Finally such days, came to an end. Knock on the door sounded. I crawled over, used all strength to twist open the door. Person in white coat looked down at me, voice very urgent. “The baby… arm is already out.” Words behind, I couldn’t hear clearly. Last thing seen before eyes, was few words he sent on phone. [Not coming home tonight, don’t call me either!] Then, everything completely went black. Chapter 1 Woke up, child was gone. Said it was precipitous labor, rescued all the way, stopped breathing just before getting off the ambulance. Doctor asked me if there was anyone else to contact. I stared at the ceiling in a daze. “Can call my lawyer.” Phone connected, I heard my dry voice. “Help me draft divorce agreement.” Unexpectedly my adoptive mother called first. I just remembered, the lawyer I found, is the family lawyer of the Harrison family. Adoptive mother blamed me immediately: “Nina, about to be a mom, why still so impulsive?” My nose suddenly sour. I was adopted by the Harrison family at eight, adoptive mother treated me like biological daughter, I was also spoiled as princess by my brother. Back then I insisted on marrying Liam, adoptive mother angry smashed the bowl. She said we are Harrison family anyway one of New York’s Elite Four, which wealthy young master introduced to me is not better than Liam that poor boy? But I just loved him, I used my life to force adoptive parents to agree to my marriage. Later, Liam succeeded in business, I also lived a good life, I really didn’t go back to Harrison family again. Now hearing her words in my ear, tears fell instantly. I opened my mouth, too tired. But those rotten, sticky nausea in throat, still squeezed out. Listened to my intermittent narration. Phone that end silent for a long while. Hung up phone, I had a kind of collapse after relief and severe pain. Body like hollowed out, consciousness sinking heavily. Liam’s parents came, they don’t know where got news to see grandson. I forced myself to tell them already gone. “Nina you wait, mom and dad call him now, make him kneel and apologize!” I squeezed out a bitter smile. I heard this sentence until ears growing calluses. Every time I quarreled with Liam, they persuaded like this. But what use afterwards? Child is already gone. “Mom and Dad, please tell Liam, I want to divorce him.” Liam’s parents frowned: “Can’t say this, child gone can still have again.” “Nina, we spoil you, but you can’t make trouble every few days, forget it you rest well.” I make trouble? I closed eyes, turned head not speaking. They chattered and left. Day of discharge, I received divorce agreement. Lowered eyes, unlocked phone. Liam’s last message, still stopped at that New Year’s Eve. So many days. He didn’t come, no call, didn’t ask a word. Is it didn’t know, or knew? Feel this is another time I “make trouble”, waiting for me to actively soften and beg for peace? Sunlight shone warmly on body. I suddenly felt, a thorn in my heart, seemed to be gouged out with that child, Along with blood and flesh. Left, only a desolate calm. Out of hospital, I held that light yet heavy document in arms. Back then, I started willfully, now should also be me drawing a period personally. Just arrived home door, a strange woman walked over. She carried supermarket shopping bags, naturally stopped at door, pressed fingerprint. Click, door opened. She saw me, revealed a subtle smile. “Sister-in-law? Don’t you recognize me? I am Lila.” Her voice very soft. Is that voice on New Year’s Eve phone call. That beige knit cardigan on her, was home wear I bought a size larger when pregnant. Liam’s voice drifted from inside: “Nina, you played disappearance while pregnant, now finally willing to come back?” Saying, door opened, his gaze carelessly swept my abdomen. There flat nothing left. Expression on Liam’s face cracked little by little, voice suddenly dry, trembling: “Where is the child?” Chapter 2 My throat like blocked by cotton. Turns out his parents told him nothing. “Sister-in-law, you gave birth?” Lila leaned forward, face was just right surprise and blame. “Such big matter, how can not let Brother Liam know?” I ignored her, walked straight into living room, slapped divorce agreement on coffee table. “Let’s divorce.” Liam seemed just recovered, brows frowned slightly: “Just because I wasn’t by your side when giving birth, you want divorce?” That already hollow place in heart, still stung cold by these words. Lila followed in, naturally stood beside Liam. “Sister-in-law, don’t be impulsive. You rest, I go cook for you.” She turned to smile at Liam: “Mr. Liam likes my Sweet and Sour Ribs most, right?” Liam subconsciously nodded. Lila looked back at me: “Sister-in-law, let me take care of you these days, Brother Liam a big man understands nothing.” “No need.” I raised eyes, looked at them, “Child is no longer here.” Living room instantly dead silent. Liam sneered: “Nina, to anger me, you even tell such lie? “Child about to full term, how possible say gone then gone?” His eyes looking at me dyed with distrust: “Just because I didn’t reply your message in time on New Year’s Eve, hmm?” His logic made me want to laugh, but corners of mouth heavy couldn’t lift. Turned head watching Lila leading shopping bags walk to kitchen, watching her skillful gesture opening my cupboard. “She, lived here these days?” Liam hand holding cigarette froze in mid-air, meaning vague: “Don’t know, I was drunk.” Seeing me not speak, he roughly pulled my wrist: “If not you pushed me so tight, would I miss child birth?!” He piled all faults back on me familiarly. I lowered head, bit lip: “Told you, child died.” Liam stunned, seemed didn’t understand what I was saying. “Ouch, burned me to death.” He suddenly got up, ran to kitchen. I walked over, saw him carefully holding Lila’s wrist, flushing under tap. “Why so careless? Here all red.” That distressed tone, that gentle expression. Long long ago I also saw. I turned around, didn’t want look anymore. Returned to bedroom, started mechanically packing my own things. Opened bedside table drawer, fingertips touched a box of condoms. Not the brand we usually use. Liam didn’t know when followed in, meeting my eyes full of broken light and shadow, pretended not seeing. My nose tip panicked a trace of sourness, a burst of nausea surged up. Rushed into bathroom, I retched at toilet. Tears physiologically bubbled out. Raised head, wanted pull a tissue, sight fixed. On towel rack, casually thrown a set of sexy black lingerie. In trash can, also a ball of water-stained black stockings. I in bathroom, facing those black fabrics, cried without sound. Tears flowed hot, throat couldn’t emit any sound. Unknown cried how long, I pulled door out. Smell of food drifted from dining room. Lila sat in my seat, tone natural like hostess: “Sister-in-law, I specially stewed soup for you, tonifying qi and blood.” I didn’t move. Liam lowered head slowly eating a piece of rib, head not lifted: “Ignore her.” Looking at this “home” I personally decorated, now everywhere revealing strangeness and invasion feeling. Stomach another burst of churning. “Liam, remember sign divorce agreement.” Finished, I turned walked to door. Didn’t look back once. Walked out of building corridor, winter cold wind scraped face like knife, sunlight swayed people dizzy. I don’t know how I returned to hotel. Woke up again, phone popped up video sent by adoptive mother. First a burst of noise, followed by Lila’s voice carrying crying tone: “I am mistress, I destroyed Liam and Nina family…” She hung a board on neck, two capitalized words: [BITCH] Chapter 3 I tightly held phone, tears fell簌簌 (susurratingly). Turns out, adoptive mother always remembered me. She let me go home, but I decided divorce with Liam first. Otherwise, I have no face see her. Lila was fired soon, heard left very ungracefully. Waited few days, Liam side no movement, I went directly to his company. Pushed open office door, only Lila there. “Unexpected right, I blessed by disaster, Brother Liam let me be his secretary.” “Pity ah, you never understand, man’s heart, pushed farther.” I looked at her proud face, heart a piece numb. “His heart, I didn’t want long ago.” Voice just fell, footsteps sounded in corridor. Lila hurriedly raised hand fiercely slapped herself, stumbled fell on ground: “Sister-in-law, you calm down, I never dare again.” Liam pushed door in, eyes cold, fiercely pushed me away. “Nina! Are you done?” My back heavily hit door frame. Abdomen unhealed knife wound tearing pain, made my eyes black. I heard my teeth chattering sound: “Sign, divorce. I leave immediately.” Hearing divorce two words, Liam eye rims red. “If I don’t agree?” Lila unknown when walked to window, half body leaned out, turned back teary eyes. Liam instantly panicked: “Lila, I know you suffered grievance, I will decide for you.” Lila crying said see again next life, turned flipped out window. Next second, only heard huge roar, she fell on protruding air conditioner unit downstairs. “Lila!” Liam rushing over back figure no trace hesitation. He disregarded safety flipped out window, picked her up horizontally, voice trembling: “Don’t fear, I send you to hospital!” When he passed me, abdomen knife wound pain made me stand unstable, forehead full cold sweat. Vision blurred, I awkwardly reached out, wanted pull his sleeve. But fingers haven’t touched, Liam seeing me approach subconsciously fiercely pushed me once. That night, a carefully concocted post detonated internet, spearhead pointed at adoptive mother and Harrison family. [Head of Four Elite Families Harrison family bullies people, forces people film humiliating video!] Harrison Group stock price fell badly. Phone screen lit in darkness, is Liam. I stared at that line words, gums biting sour. Then, I sent him a location. “Talk.” “You appoint this kind of place meet?” Behind me, is silent cemetery, cold white street lamps shining rows of tombstones. “Matter to now, I just want divorce.” “Divorce what? Do you want let child have no father?” Liam fingertips scarlet, carelessly flicked ash: “Or, you want use this trick manipulate me again?” My nasal cavity sour, choking, pointed not far behind. There, a brand new small tombstone. No photo, only a line small words, and date engraved lower right corner— Exactly New Year. He followed my finger looked, pupils fierce shrank. “Saw clearly? Your child is here.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390533”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After discovering I was pregnant, I slammed the pregnancy test report in front of my playboy boyfriend. Julian Hale lit a cigarette, blew smoke rings at me, tone frivolous. “Seeing as you’ve been with me for seven years, I’ll give you two choices.” “Either get an abortion, I compensate you $1 million, and you can continue to stay by my side.” “Or give birth, you take this bastard, and roll as far away as possible.” Adults of course choose all. So I took the $1 million, Disappeared from his world without a sound. Chapter 1 I was choked by the smoke rings and couldn’t stop coughing. Everyone’s eyes in the VIP Lounge were focused on me. Julian looked at me with interest, wanting my answer. I looked at him calmly and spoke. “I choose the million.” My answer obviously satisfied Julian. Julian sneered, “Still obedient, Mia, as long as you are obedient, there will always be a place for you by my side.” He waved his big hand, signed $1.5 million on the check. Buying out my seven years of youth, not a loss anyway. Teasing sounds rang out in the lounge. “Worthy of being by Brother Julian’s side for seven years, just sensible and smart.” “Unlike mine, making noise every day wanting me to marry her, not looking at her own status!” “I say, looking for women still have to learn from Brother Julian!” The little girl in Julian’s arms was unhappy. Pouting asked, “Sister Mia has a place in your heart, what about me?” Julian smiled dotingly, drank a mouthful of wine, fed it mouth-to-mouth to Lila. “You are different from her, you are my heart’s treasure.” Lila is indeed different from me. Different from me clinging to Julian’s side desperately, Lila just passed by Julian who was buying birthday gift for me at the flower shop door. Just one glance, one glance ten thousand years. Julian fell in love with her at first sight. Even disregarded it was my birthday that night, absent from my 29th birthday party. No explanation. Julian completely disappeared from my life for a month, then brought Lila back. I spent seven years to have a place in Julian’s heart. But she only spent seven seconds. Lila smiled and handed me a glass of wine, “Sister Mia, I just came to Brother Julian’s side, understand nothing, please take care of me in the future!” I took the wine glass, doctor’s instruction in the afternoon flashed in my mind. Blurted out, “Pregnant women can’t drink alcohol.” Lila was not satisfied with this answer, she looked up at me, a pair of deer eyes looked harmless, innocent and charming. “But isn’t the child going to be aborted? Or Sister Mia actually doesn’t like me, so refuse to drink the wine I gave?” I subconsciously looked at Julian, Julian frowned at me, “Mia, you won’t play obey publicly defy privately with me right, put away your little thoughts, drink it for me now!” I took the wine glass and drank it all. Wine choked me coughing non-stop, Lila still not giving up. Poured me three more glasses successively. Julian then satisfied, Lila sat in his arms, looking at him smilingly. “Brother Julian, don’t you have something else haven’t said?” Julian hooked lips smiled, “Little jealous spirit, I didn’t forget.” Finished he knocked on the table, face serious. “From today on, Lila is your sister-in-law! I already proposed to her.” Julian raised Lila’s hand, same style diamond rings on their hands shining dazzling light. Voice just came out, cheers in the lounge constant, loud enough to shake the sky. Lila looked at me, eyes full of innocence. “Sister Mia, are you unhappy?” Her means seemed low-level to me, these years women around Julian varied, high and low means I have seen all. Julian is not blind, just he willing to indulge her. “Mia, call sister-in-law.” I squeezed out a smile, word by word said. “Hello sister-in-law, wish you happy engagement, happiness and perfection, long and lasting.” Finished, to prove my sincerity, I picked up a bottle of wine, drank it all. Julian is a romantic prodigal, countless women by his side. He once declared, won’t stop for any woman. Once I didn’t believe in evil, struggled till head broke blood flow came to his side. Thought could move him with love. I indeed was the woman stayed longest by his side. But now Lila’s arrival broke everything. Julian indeed will stop for others. Just that person was never me. Amidst bustling noise, I smilingly took pregnancy test report and check walked out. Not disturbing their good time. Chapter 2 Winter’s first heavy snow fell quietly. This is the seventh year I’ve been with Julian. He is still young, dissolute, romantic playful, craving excitement. But I am no longer young, picked up phone. Julian sent a message. “Remember to send me abortion certificate after done.” I know he afraid I obey publicly defy privately, but seeing this sentence, heart still couldn’t help dull pain. Actually before coming already prepared mentally, either marry, or break up. But no need me open mouth, Julian already made choice. Phone popped Lila’s Instagram Story. “From love at first sight to lifetime protection, Mr. Hale, please take care of me later.” Picture is two people ten fingers interlocked wearing rings. Many people liked and commented 99 (forever) below. I followed liked, took out diamond ring bought seven years ago from pocket. When bought, I myself didn’t expect, actually could entangle with Julian for seven years. Finally haven’t sent out. I bitter smiled once, threw pregnancy test report and diamond ring together into trash can. Opened phone, dialed a string of numbers. “Mm, I thought well, this time, change me leave him.” Hung up phone, I went home. Maybe baby in belly unwilling leave like this, or maybe those few glasses of wine down stomach. My abdomen came cold sharp stinging pain. I lay on bed curled into a ball, whole body cold sweat, consciousness vaguely returned to past. Knowing Julian, was my 18 year old year’s small miracle. That year I just admitted to college, escaped from beside that father who drank alcohol like life daily, gambled and domestic violence. I thought I could escape everything sad and painful. But not out three months, my father found me. Said raised me to 18, time to repay. I naturally refused, but me a thin weak girl never ate full meal since small, how beat tall big thug. I was beaten nose blue face swollen, hand and leg both broken. He robbed living expenses I earned working day and night, even my student loan. I desperately lay in alley, that moment, I really felt dying also nothing bad. Is passing Julian discovered injured me, sent me to hospital. I not grateful him, really, at least that time I not grateful him. I full chest resentment, based on what I suffer all this. Hate heaven hate earth, hate why he saved me, my desperate life still have what hope. Julian seemed saw through my everything, after I fasted again. He carried my collar, pushed me to hospital top floor rooftop. Roaring wind constantly swirled in my ear, I froze trembling. He expressionless looked at me. “You not want die? I help you! You think you die your gambler dad can get retribution?” Death one step away from me, I suddenly felt unfair. Julian said right, I did nothing wrong, based on what want me die. I tremblingly grabbed his hand, word by word said. “I don’t want die, I want live!” His face bloomed a brilliant incomparable smile, hugged me into arms. “Then live well!” After that, Hale family sponsored me in name of poor student. And my gambler father accidentally passed away because car accident. College four years, I inextricably fell in love with Julian. Graduation day, I gave myself as gift to Julian. Julian didn’t refuse. I formally stepped into Julian’s life, became one of his countless women. That time, I once really thought me and him could have future. Chapter 3 Next morning early, I got up went hospital. Booked earliest abortion surgery. Surgery went very fast, short one hour. That small life I once expected, me and Julian blood connected small life. Just disappeared like this. I sent surgery completion report to Julian. Julian didn’t reply. Observation no problem, I took taxi back home. Just entered room, saw Julian holding Lila sitting on sofa I carefully selected. Julian carefully peeled grape skin fed to Lila. Seeing me arrive, Lila touched belly smiled at me. “So coincident, Sister Mia, I also pregnant.” I covered cold abdomen, looked up at Julian. Julian doting smiled, “Little dummy, your Sister Mia child aborted today.” Looking at my pale face, Lila stuck out tongue, covered mouth pretend surprised. “Sorry, Sister Mia, I forgot Brother Julian didn’t want your child, you already aborted, really pity, if he still alive, maybe could accompany my baby!” Heart like instantly cut a hole by knife, everywhere bleeding. Julian called my child bastard, but treasured another woman’s child like jewel. Even brought another pregnant woman home on the day I lost child. Start to end, he didn’t consider my feeling. Or maybe my feeling not important to him. Because not love, so not care. Love and not love really obvious. Julian nonchalantly ordered me. “Lila just pregnant, she still young understand nothing, you just miscarriage rest, take care of her at home.” “Lila already moved to master bedroom, I have to watch her these few days, your things I already let people move to servant room.” I calmly looked at him, “You guys hire a nanny, I no time take care pregnant woman.” Lila face unhappy, “Sister Mia, others come I not assured, Brother Julian told me, he has life saving grace to you, use you assured.” “Now such simple thing you push three block four, white-eyed wolf don’t have this way of doing!” I didn’t speak, just looked at Julian self-care. “You also think like this?” Julian lit a cigarette, smoke blurred his expression. This man I once deeply loved, accompanied seven years. Now actually also became unrecognizable. Long time, he opened mouth said. “Mia, obedient.” Last trace luck in bottom of heart thoroughly shattered, I used all strength squeezed out a half-smile expression. “Since is what you want, then I give you.” Then, we owe no more. Chapter 4 Lila’s first request, was cook a lunch for her. She shouted want eat Beef Wellington. A high difficulty dish slow work fine work. Lila smilingly looked at me, “Heard Brother Julian say Sister Mia especially good at cooking, later me and baby have gourmet luck, just right saved nanny money.” I dragged weak body after miscarriage, busy in kitchen three hours. Served out, Lila wanted me personally serve into bedroom. Opened door, this bedroom I slept seven years already big change. Everything belonging to me thrown on ground like garbage. Original blank wall hung Julian and Lila group photo. Lila wearing thin strap nightdress, face shy. Chest spring light leaked, Julian hand put on it. Seeing me arrive, she commanded me put on bedside table. I just about leave, she called me. “Sister Mia, this Beef Wellington too salty, baby still small, can’t eat so salty.” “You make another portion for me!” I saw it, Lila is sincere want torture me. Julian looked at my pale face, broken record spoke a word for me. “Lila, how about I order hotel takeout?” Lila looked Julian once, then looked me once, suddenly started dropping tears. “But people just suddenly want eat, I also can’t control myself, baby also want eat!” “Brother Julian, do you blame me matter many? All me bad, I shouldn’t let Sister Mia cook for me!” See her shed tears, Julian face heartache, hugged Lila in arms comforted again and again. “Mia, go make another light portion.” Whole afternoon, I back and forth, tirelessly made three times. Full stood five hours. Whole body like fished out from water. Just returned servant room, haven’t had time pack my luggage packed like garbage. I paralyzed on bed curled into a ball hugging belly, abdomen came bone piercing pain. Like someone holding countless needles stabbing on it. Heart but more painful than it. Haven’t waited me sleep, Julian suddenly kicked open my door. Face was anger unable to conceal. He grabbed me up from bed, fiercely smashed on wall. “Mia, did I say don’t move your those little thoughts!” I pain to tremble, face puzzled looked at him. “I moved what little thoughts?” Julian patted my face, “Still pretending with me now, who told you Lila allergic to mango?” “Mia, I never thought your mind actually so deep, also right, back then lowly climbed to my bed, I should have known your ambition not small!” “You think you harmed me and Lila child death, I can let you have child? You dream, Mia, child born from your belly, forever is bastard!” Didn’t listen my explanation, he dragged me like dead dog to Lila front. Completely ignored my body already hit by corners to blue purple. Julian put me before Lila window, fiercely kicked my knee, forced me kneel on ground. Voice unable conceal disgust. “Kowtow apologize to Lila and baby!” Lila lying on bed, face red unable breathe look, speaking but didn’t affect half bit. “Sister Mia, I know you lost child very sad, but you also can’t harm my child, he is innocent!” Finished she threw into Julian arms, face full sorrow despair. “Brother Julian, our child won’t have matter right, save our child!” Julian hugged her in arms, “Lila, fine, I already contacted ambulance, five minutes arrive.” I supported body hard, word by word said. “Julian Hale, I didn’t add other things in Beef Wellington!” “I swear, if I say one sentence lie, let me die bad death.” Julian sneered, a kick to my stomach. Adult man kick without holding back force, I straight flew out. Back hit on wall, spit out a big mouthful blood. See me spit blood, Julian just cold eye watching. “Death near, still want stubborn mouth, Mia, when did you become so vicious? I really regret saved you back then!” “If Lila and child have any matter, Mia, I will let you know what is regret too late!” I like a dead dog, lying on ground. Mouth constantly gushing fresh blood. Actually not only Julian regret, I also regret. Regret meeting him, more regret loving him. Put in life best seven years. Irrigated sun belonging to others. Looking at his back figure holding Lila decisive leaving without hesitation. Back then Julian just like this took me towards new life. Now also him personally send me despair. Julian Hale, you me henceforth no need meet again.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390532”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My mother was a breathtaking beauty who could topple kingdoms, yet she ended her life in a sanitarium. Before she died, she repeated one sentence: “Scarlett, remember, hide your face well. Never let a man fall in love with you because of your face.” That year I was eight, half-understanding. But I listened to her. From then on, heavy bangs and deliberately applied dull foundation became my norm. In the eyes of others, I was an out-and-out ugly woman. And today, is my 100th blind date. Chapter 1 “Miss Scarlett, is there some misunderstanding?” The man opposite pinched his nose, looking at me with disgust. “I admit my family is pushing hard, but not to the point of being desperate, right? Look at you, hair greasy enough to fry vegetables, glasses thick as beer bottle bottoms, and this complexion… Miss Scarlett, do you have liver disease?” “And you are an orphan, no proper job, just relying on writing some novels online no one reads to scrape a living. While I, graduated from Ivy League, iron rice bowl in state enterprise, have house and loan. The gap between us is wider than the Grand Canyon.” Sparse customers in the cafe cast their gazes in unison, with undisguised ridicule and meaning of watching a show. Ten years, from when I started disguising myself at sixteen to today at twenty-six, I’ve heard such words if not a thousand times, then eight hundred. “So?” I asked calmly, long accustomed to this scene. Seeing me so calm, the man seemed a bit annoyed, voice suddenly rose: “So, if you want to marry me, don’t dream about a big wedding, you have to bring a car worth over 20k as dowry, do all housework after marriage, and immediately prepare to have a son. After all, what value do you have besides having children?” I took a deep breath and smiled: “Sir, you look like a human, why don’t you act like one?” “Stop!” He slammed the table, voice raised an octave, “Want to leave? Treating me like a monkey? Wasted my whole afternoon, want to just let it go?” He picked up the iced Americano on the table, eyes full of vicious pleasure, “I’ll teach you today what self-knowledge means!” Cold liquid mixed with ice cubes poured over my head and face. Coffee dripped down my hair, lenses blurred, embarrassed to the extreme. Snickering around pierced my ears like needles. I trembled all over. Just when my brain went blank, not knowing how to react, a hand with distinct knuckles handed over a tissue. I looked up blankly. Against the light, I couldn’t see his face clear, only felt it was a very tall figure, with a reassuring oppressiveness. “Need help?” His voice deep and pleasant. Before I answered, he already turned to the man who splashed coffee on me, eyes indifferent but with unquestionable majesty: “Apologize to her.” “Who are you? Meddling in other’s business!” Mr. Wang shouted fierce in appearance but weak inside. The man didn’t speak again, just took out his phone, dialed a number, concisely said a few words: “West Side Wang’s Real Estate, let them disappear from New York tomorrow.” Mr. Wang’s face instantly turned from red to pale, he seemed finally recognized who the man in front was, bean-sized sweat beads rolled down from forehead, legs soft, almost knelt down. “Mr… Mr. Sterling… I, I have eyes but didn’t recognize Mt. Tai! I didn’t know this lady is your friend…” He stammered explaining, then turned to me, bowing desperately, “Sorry! Miss Scarlett! Sorry! It’s my dog mouth can’t spit ivory! You are magnanimous, don’t lower yourself to my level!” I haven’t recovered from this dramatic change, that man called “Mr. Sterling” already took off his suit jacket, draped over my wet body. “I am Lucas Sterling.” He introduced himself, gaze falling on my face, in those deep eyes, there was no trace of dislike, only calm scrutiny. I awkwardly took off glasses to wipe, whispered: “Thank you.” “Miss Scarlett, right?” He asked. I nodded. “Interested in getting married?” I suddenly looked up, thinking I hallucinated. Cafe quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Lucas Sterling, this name thunders in New York business circle, helm of Sterling Group, top tycoon countless socialites flock to. Such a person, wants to marry me? An “ugly woman” just publicly humiliated? “Why?” I asked dryly. He looked at me, eyes calm like a deep pool: “I need a wife, a quiet, dutiful wife who doesn’t cause trouble. I think you are very suitable.” I looked at his calm waveless eyes, thought, maybe, there really are men in this world who don’t look at faces. I nodded as if possessed: “Okay.” Chapter 2 My marriage with Lucas Sterling had no grand wedding, no blessings from friends and family. We didn’t even notify my family. I only told my dad I got married, let him not arrange blind dates for me anymore. He was relieved, didn’t even ask who the other party was. Life after marriage was incredibly calm. Lucas was a perfect husband. He gave me a Black Card with no limit, let me spend at will. He remembered I don’t eat cilantro, it never appeared on the menu at home again. When I curled up on sofa with period cramps, he would clumsily make me a bowl of Hot Chocolate, although taste hard to describe, that intention warmed me hot. He found I like writing, specially renovated a study for me, with most advanced equipment and a whole wall of books, all works of writers I like. When I stayed up all night writing novels, he would silently drape a blanket over me, then put down a cup of warm milk. He never interfered with my career, even when I became slightly famous for my novels and established my own studio, he let his assistant handle all complicated legal and tax issues for me. He never disliked my appearance, once I was unhappy home because of ridicule, he clumsily comforted me: “In my heart, you are the most beautiful.” Gradually, I fell in this tenderness. I felt I was the luckiest woman in the world. I married a man who doesn’t love me, but got respect and considerateness more reliable than love. I started to be greedy, I wanted more. I started learning to be a real wife. I learned to make soup for him, match ties for him, massage his temples when he was tired. He never refused, nor showed extra joy, just eyes would become very deep, then touch my head, say: “Thank you for hard work.” Until that car accident happened, I completely believed I was special. That day was our third wedding anniversary. I went to company to pick him up, but car was hit by an out-of-control truck on way home. Car severely deformed, he was stuck in driver seat, forehead bleeding, but tightly holding my hand: “Scarlett, don’t fear, I am here!” When rescuers arrived, car front started smoking, signs of fire. Lucas disregarded his leg stuck, desperately said to rescuers: “Save my wife first, she has claustrophobia, can’t stay in ambulance.” No one knew my problem, not even my dad. It was once I took elevator with him, elevator malfunctioned, I trembled with fear in darkness, held tightly in his arms comforted for half an hour. I thought he forgot. He remembered. After being rescued, he disregarded his injuries, insisted accompanying me until confirming I was safe and sound, then pushed into operating room. Doctor said, to protect me, he had second-degree burns on back. Outside ward, I cried choking. At that moment, I firmly believed this man loved me. Even if not intense love, must have love. Otherwise, who would willing risk life for an irrelevant person? This dream, I dreamed for full three years. Until at the end of hospital corridor, I heard conversation between him and his mother. That day, I sent soup to him, walked to ward door, heard quarreling inside. “Lucas, when will you stop messing around? For that woman, you don’t even want life? Look at that thing you married, ugly and can’t be shown in public, our Sterling family face all lost by you!” It was Mrs. Sterling’s sharp mean voice. My hand holding thermos froze in mid-air. Then, I heard Lucas’s voice, calm, but with a trace of tired cruelty. “Mom, I said long ago, marrying Scarlett is to disgust you guys. As long as you don’t agree Bella entering door one day, Scarlett is my Mrs. Sterling one day. More you hate her, more I want put her in that position.” “So what if Bella’s dad is a murderer? I love her person! Isn’t Scarlett just a shield, what are you angry about?” “As for this car accident… just an accident. But also good, let her be dead set on me, later even Bella comes back, she can also be dutiful, won’t give me trouble.” Boom—— Something exploded in my brain. Shield. To disgust you. Let her be dead set on me… Thermos in hand “Clang” fell on ground, boiling chicken soup spilled all over. Ward door opened. Lucas saw me, a trace of astonishment flashed in eyes, but soon recovered calm. Mrs. Sterling behind him, mouth corner hooked a smile. I looked at Lucas, the man I loved for three years, asked word by word: “Is what he said true?” He was silent. And his silence was the loudest answer. I smiled, tears flowed down uncompetitively. Turns out, I am not lucky, I am just… pathetic. Chapter 3 Heart death, often just a moment thing. I didn’t cry, didn’t make scene, calmly went home, then found best private detective in New York. I want to know, who that woman called “Bella” is. Three days later, a detailed file placed in front of me. Bella, an ordinary rural girl, Lucas’s first love girlfriend. University two loved vigorously, but when discussing marriage, because Bella’s father was murderer, mother was dancer in night club, met fierce opposition from Sterling family. To force family compromise, Lucas planned this “absurd” marriage with me. He deliberately chose “ugly” me, to humiliate and confront his family. In file, there was a photo of Bella. Long hair to waist, eyebrows gentle, wearing white dress, smiling peaceful and quiet. Indeed cloud and mud difference with me living in gutter. I burned file, then sent message to Lucas. [Let’s divorce.] He called back soon, voice carrying unquestionable command: “Scarlett, don’t make trouble.” “I am not making trouble.” My voice calm like dead water, “Lucas Sterling, you are free, can go marry your First Love.” Phone other end was long silence. “I don’t agree.” Long time, he coldly spit three words. “Why?” I smiled, “Is shield not useful anymore? Or, your play hasn’t acted enough?” “Scarlett!” He called me by full name, with suppressed anger, “I said, don’t make trouble. Wait I discharge, we talk well.” Talk? What else good to talk? I hung up, blocked all his contact ways. Next day, I drafted divorce agreement, went to hospital. Haven’t arrived his ward, met Bella in corridor. She makeup exquisite, carrying Hermès bag, seeing me, a trace contempt flashed in her eyes, then actively walked over. “You are Scarlett right?” She looked me up and down, “I am Bella, Lucas’s friend.” Friend? I lazy act with her, bypassed her want to go. “Stop.” She blocked in front of me, face still hanging gentle smile: “Miss Scarlett, do you know? Bird occupying magpie nest won’t have good end. That position, originally was mine.” “Is it?” I looked at her, “Then watch well, now, I don’t want it.” I slapped divorce agreement into her arms, “Trouble you, pass to him for me. Tell him, from now on, we owe nothing.” Bella’s face instantly became ugly. I lazy look her one more glance, turned and left. Chapter 4 Divorce not overnight thing, Lucas disagreed, I could only go legal procedure. I moved out of that home carrying my three years dream, checked into a hotel. During period, Lucas found me few times. He blocked at hotel door, face gloomy, grabbing my wrist. “Scarlett, what exactly you want?” “Divorce.” I looked at him calmly. “I said I don’t agree!” He almost gritted teeth, “You want leave me so much?” “Lucas, don’t you think asking this sentence is ridiculous?” I threw off his hand, “From beginning to end, which day did you hope I stay by your side?” He was asked speechless by me. Tug of war lasted half month. Until Mrs. Sterling’s birthday banquet. I didn’t want attend, but Mrs. Sterling personally called, tone unkind, inside outside words all threats, if I don’t go, she let my studio can’t survive in New York. I went. I still that “ugly” dress up, out of place. Lucas stood in center of crowd, surrounded by stars. And beside him, stood smiling beautiful Bella. Talented man beautiful woman, match made in heaven. Bella wore a pure white evening dress, sat before piano in center of banquet, played a piece Lucas liked most. Piece ended, applause like thunder. She stood up, shyly looked at Lucas, said: “This piece, is first piece Lucas taught me. Today is his mother’s birthday, I offer Buddha with borrowed flowers, wish Auntie Sterling happy birthday, also wish me and Lucas… can be lovers finally become family.” Everyone’s eyes focused on me, with sympathy, ridicule and schadenfreude. Mrs. Sterling smiled satisfied. Lucas frowned, but said nothing. I picked up a glass red wine, step by step, walked to them. Under everyone’s astonished gaze, I poured that glass wine from top of Bella’s head, slowly down. “Miss Bella,” I looked at her embarrassed appearance, smiled, “I also heard story of dove occupying magpie nest. But in story, magpie drives away dove, not some cat or dog. You, also worthy?” Banquet hall dead silent. Bella screamed, tears falling down, pitifully hid behind Lucas, “Lucas, I… I didn’t mean it… I just love you too much…” Lucas face iron green, he looked at me, eyes cold as ice, “Scarlett, apologize!” “I not wrong, why apologize?” I looked straight into his eyes, “CEO Sterling, your First Love publicly provoked your legal wife, you turned blind eye. Now I fight back, you come blame me? Don’t you think double standard too severe?” “You!” He was blocked speechless by me. “Crazy woman! You are simply crazy!” Mrs. Sterling trembled with anger, pointing at my nose scolded, “Security! Drive this shameless woman out for me!” I didn’t wait security move, turned myself, head high chest out walked out of this disgusting place. That night, New York rained pouring rain. I walked alone on street, letting rain wash my face, couldn’t distinguish rain or tears. Three years marriage, a joke.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390531”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Year-end bonus arrived, I bought a surprise gift for my boyfriend and mailed it to his company. FedEx showed delivered. But he never came to ask me. A day later, he finally sent a voice message: “…Baby, did you buy me a gift?” He asked with extreme hesitation. I suddenly felt like testing him. Half-jokingly asked back: “No, did someone buy you a gift?” He laughed it off: “Maybe someone else sent it, I’ll go ask other friends…” My heart went cold. …Ask others? Who else would send him couple rings? Chapter 1 Realizing something was wrong, I deliberately asked again: “What gift is it?” Caleb Sterling hemmed and hawed. “…Not anything valuable, just a pair of sneakers.” He lied again. My heart trembled. The call on that end had already hung up. Restless all day. I knew, things were definitely not simple. At night he came home, looking normal. As if he had forgotten what happened during the day. I deliberately mentioned: “Where are the sneakers? Let me see.” He froze for a moment: “What sneakers?” After reacting: “Ah sneakers, colleague bought them, wrote my contact info, things already returned.” Finished speaking, he deliberately changed the topic. “I’ll go shower first, talk later.” Entering the bathroom, he clutched his phone tightly in his hand. Until sleeping at night, he still kept his phone close. Screen used privacy film, couldn’t see anything. I endured anxiety, quietly waited for him to fall asleep. Finally heard slight snoring. I held my breath, like a thief, fished out his phone from under the pillow. Fingerprint unlock. Together for eight years, this was my first time checking his phone. Nothing in messages. I kept an eye out. Swiped up phone screen, immediately appeared recently used apps. Besides some commonly used ones. I saw an almost forgotten app, Snapchat. Ghost-driven opened it. Message box inside was cleared long ago. But I remembered, Snapchat chat records won’t be deleted with message box unless set otherwise. I typed “Ring” in the search bar. Sure enough, a recent chat record appeared. …Found it. I clicked in with trembling fingertips. Heart pained fiercely. After asking me in the morning, Caleb immediately found this woman nicknamed Bella. Because of my denial, he was certain the gift was sent by this woman. [Baby, gift arrived.] […What gift?] [Couple rings.] [What rings? What are you talking about?] Caleb didn’t reply for a long time. Maybe realized, these rings weren’t sent by Bella either. He started to cover up the lie. [My project ended got bonus, bought a pair of couple rings for you, it’s my gift to you.] Other side replied instantly: [Thanks hubby~] Also added a cute emoji. I felt dizzy looking at it, world spinning. Caleb really seemed to find a mistress outside. But few seconds later, I overturned this thought. Because I saw Bella’s avatar. That was a wedding photo. And the groom was exactly Caleb… They… already married? I am the mistress? Chapter 2 Sleepless all night. I didn’t rashly ask Caleb. Instead pretended to know nothing. After he went to work, I took leave from company. Directly went to the house address mentioned in their chat records. Standing at the door brewing for a long time, finally pressed the doorbell. Opening door was a five or six year old boy. He looked at me curiously, turned back called: “Mom… someone is here.” Heart almost jumped to throat. Bella finally appeared. Face not much different from wedding photo. Wearing loose loungewear, face without makeup. Belly slightly bulging, at least six months pregnant. Holding a handful of unfinished chives in hand. Just like a wife waiting for husband to come home. I moved my gaze down. Saw the diamond ring on her hand. Exactly one of the couple rings I sent to Caleb. “Excuse me… who are you looking for?” She looked blank, hugging son asked. Throat dry and astringent. I asked: “Do you know Caleb Sterling?” Bella hadn’t spoken yet. Boy aside chirped: “Caleb Sterling is my dad! Do you have business with my dad?” Bella immediately followed: “Caleb Sterling is my husband.” Instantly sky collapsed. I almost couldn’t stand. “…How long have you been married?” Bella frowned slightly: “You… are who?” “I…” Before I could speak, phone rang. Actually was Caleb. I pressed decline, he persevered, kept calling. Moment picking up, came Caleb’s gloomy voice. “Scarlett, leave my house right now!” I gritted teeth replied: “Why? I want to figure things out today!” “Whatever you want to know, I can tell you, don’t trouble Bella, she is pregnant with baby, if she gets agitated and hurts the fetus, you can’t afford this responsibility.” His voice full of threat. Made me incomparably strange. Bella opposite still looked blank. “Do you have business with my husband?” “He went to work, won’t be back until after seven.” “Are you friends? Why not stay for dinner, I made extra dishes.” She smiled full of gentleness. I felt like stabbed in face by a knife. Painful almost breathless. Indeed, she is pregnant, a pregnant woman. If accident happens, consequences serious. Don’t remember how I left. Just arrived downstairs, saw Caleb rushing like crazy. Only then knew, he saw me through room surveillance. “You… didn’t say anything to Bella right?” “She is pregnant, Scarlett, count I beg you, don’t trouble her okay?” “Anything come at me.” Face full of pleading. Tears almost forced out. To maintain last dignity, I said: “Talk back home.” Finally home. He plopped kneeling down, caught off guard. “Scarlett, I sorry you, scold me beat me fine, as long as you calm down!” “…So child really yours? Bella also really your wife?” He face covered with tears, trembling nodded. I almost couldn’t stand, asked him: “So, who exactly is the mistress between us?” Chapter 3 He silenced for a long time. Finally told me truth. We two together for eight years. He cheated with Bella in the second year. “That time you were sent by company to London for business trip year and half… we gathered less left more, I am a man, need solve physiological needs.” “Bella was intern in my company, she confessed to me first…” “First time I was drunk, took her as you, didn’t expect hit once, pregnant with Leo.” “You also know my parents urged tight, let me marry quickly. I knew you focused on career, and because your parents divorced, you fear marriage, I didn’t want force you… Bella pregnant then, so…” I simply wanted to laugh in anger. “So you married her?” He silently defaulted. “Scarlett, but I love you, to Bella just responsibility… you have to believe me!” He tightly grabbed my hand. Stomach felt nauseous, I pushed him away. Man in front too strange. I business trip London year and half. He video called me every day. Reported where he went, doing what. As long as holiday, he immediately flew to see me. I still remember, Valentine’s Day he took three days off. With 102 degree fever, didn’t sleep day and night, just to rush downstairs my apartment on Valentine’s Day, give me surprise. I can’t forget till now. His face pale, taking out prepared gift, saying love me look… But also in this year. He not only cheated, but also married another woman. Treated me as fool to cheat. Following full six years, his every overtime business trip, was returning to that small home. Beginning of this year, he and Bella had second child… Happiness I thought, actually more fragile than bubble. All fake. “Scarlett…” Caleb cried out of breath. “Beg you forgive me, I really can’t live without you!” I quietly looked at him, only felt ironic. “You still want be with me?” He nodded desperately. “Then what about your wife and kid?” “I already agreed with Bella, we are Open Marriage, she won’t manage my business.” “As long as you don’t find her, don’t trouble her, she won’t trouble us either.” I laughed. Fiercely threw off his hand. “Caleb Sterling, Qing Dynasty died long ago, you still want three wives four concubines?” “Get out!” I grabbed ashtray on table, smashed hard on ground. Then used all strength drove him out of house. He still begging bitterly outside. A while later, dry voice came from outside. He didn’t act anymore, said to me: “Scarlett, Leo has fever, can’t without dad accompany, I have to go over…” Immediately, outside completely silent. I only felt head heavy feet light. Sweated all over. Thermometer measured, actually fever to 104 degrees. Groggily, slept whole night. Woke up again, Caleb hadn’t returned. I thoroughly slept sober. Impossible sink in this triangle relationship anymore, I want clear relationship with Caleb completely. Recalling Bella’s Snapchat ID. I actively added her friend. Straight to point said: [Do you know Caleb Sterling stepping two boats? Let’s meet.] Long time later, Bella replied: [Okay.] I went to her house again. This time, I let Bella unplug surveillance once enter door. I didn’t want hide from Bella. Told her whole story. “We both kept in dark, both victims, so let’s join hands, must make scum pay price!” Bella listened quietly, face expression bland. “Finished?” “Scarlett, you really think I don’t know your existence?” Chapter 4 That instant, my scalp numb. Bella smiled weirdly at me. “Your relationship, I knew long ago.” “Then you…” “Now Caleb is my husband, no matter when you together, you are mistress.” “Woman he loves most is me, we are legal couple, why should I help you deal with my husband?” I dumbfounded. “But he stepping two boats!” She laughed. “He continue entangle with you, also for our family.” “…What meaning?” “You wouldn’t really think he still likes you right?” “He with you, just coaxing you, aiming for your dad’s company cooperation business, frankly speaking, just for your dad’s resources.” “Oh right, also, now I pregnant, he heartaches me, afraid hurt me, can’t touch me, can only play you this free one.” She smiled brilliantly at me. “Speaking of which I have to thank you, help me serve my husband, so he won’t go outside find those dirty goods.” I simply couldn’t believe my ears. Bella face expression more and more hideous. “No matter how he plays with you outside, I just need know, he loves me most, loves our family most enough.” “Scarlett, you are the thorough fool.” “Five years ago you car accident, stayed in ICU one month, he said important project business trip, actually accompanying me waiting delivery, accompanying me every day, he personally stewed soup for me, wiped body, washed feet.” “Three years ago you pregnant, finally miscarriage, you sad half life almost gone, actually not accident at all, was me let Caleb add Mifepristone in your water!” “Oh also year ago, he borrowed fifty thousand from you, said lend brother startup, actually not at all, but paid down payment for our new house, this house bought with your money.” Bella voice sharper and sharper. “You are just a blood bag he raised, Scarlett, you are the most pathetic person!” Anger overflowed chest, I almost crazy. Raised hand want slap her. Leo aside suddenly rushed over. Kicked and beat my leg. “Old witch, not allowed bully mom!” “I tell dad, let dad fix you!” I bound hands feet. This moment, Bella actually rushed at me like crazy. “Scarlett, be sensible hurry leave Caleb! We are family!” “Caleb off work soon, you hurry get out! Don’t delay our family three parent-child time!” I stumbled few times, pushed out door by her. After anger was deep despair. Body couldn’t stop cold sweat. High fever not fully retreated. Eyes rolled back, I fainted. Open eyes again, I lay in hospital bed. Sky dark. Phone had message from Caleb. [Scarlett, company business today, I come back later.] He reported to me like usual. As if nothing happened. My heart thoroughly cold. Half day later, phone message reminded. On Snapchat, Bella sent few photos. Today is Leo birthday. Their family celebrating for Leo at home. Not only Caleb and Bella. Also Caleb’s family, and his best childhood friends. Turns out… everyone knew their relationship. Only me kept in dark. Treated as fool to cheat. Body shaking uncontrollably. I collapsed crying loud. Prepared thoroughly showdown breakup with Caleb. But Caleb didn’t return whole night. Next day, I went to company with black eye circles and weak body. Just sat at desk. Outside actually came noise of big quarrel. I didn’t expect, actually was Bella…

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390530”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

“Everyone else can finish, why can’t you?” Ms. Miller’s voice echoed in the conference room. Dozens of pairs of eyes looked at me. I looked down at the report in my hand. Monthly Quota completion rate: 32%. Lily: 115%. Josh: 108%. Even the intern who just came three months ago had 95%. Only me, 32%. “If it’s like this again next month, you should consider your options.” I didn’t speak. Three years, every month was like this. I thought it was my inability. Until the day I resigned, I finally saw that Quota Allocation Sheet. Chapter 1 The AC in the conference room was full blast, but my back was covered in sweat. Ms. Miller threw the report on the table, voice not loud, but every word nailed into my ears like a spike. “Grace, tell us, why are you last again?” I stood up, palms sweating. “This month the clients——” “Clients?” Ms. Miller interrupted me, “Lily’s clients have no problem? Josh’s clients have no problem?” I opened my mouth, couldn’t speak. “Sit down.” Ms. Miller waved her hand, “Same excuse every month, I’m tired of listening.” I sat down. Conference room very quiet. I could feel colleagues’ gazes, some watching the show, some sympathetic, and some——gloating. “Alright, meeting adjourned.” Ms. Miller stood up, “Grace, you stay.” Others left one after another. Lily passed by me, whispered “Good luck”. I didn’t know if she was sincere or polite. Door closed. Only me and Ms. Miller left in the conference room. “Grace.” Ms. Miller sat opposite me, tone softened, “I’m not targeting you, you know that.” I nodded. “But your performance, really can’t be justified.” “Ms. Miller, I visited twenty-three clients this month——” “Result?” I silent. “Signed how many?” “Two.” “Two.” Ms. Miller repeated, “Lily visited fifteen, signed eight. You tell me, where is the problem?” I wanted to say, Lily’s clients are all old accounts, renewals, easy to talk. My clients? All new developments, never closed before, furthest in neighboring city, four hours round trip. But I didn’t say. Useless to say. “Grace, I’m doing this for your own good.” Ms. Miller stood up, patted my shoulder, “Young people need more grinding, understand?” “Understood.” “Work hard next month.” “Okay.” I walked out of the conference room. Voices came from the break room. “Scolded again?” “Yeah, dead last every month.” “Why hasn’t she left yet?” “Maybe thick-skinned.” Laughter. I stopped. That was Lily’s voice. Lily who just said “Good luck”. I didn’t go in. Turned back to my cubicle. Opened computer, screen showed this month’s client visit record. Twenty-three. Twenty-three all cold calls. Some companies I went three times, they wouldn’t even look at the quote. Some companies I just finished opening, they said “No need”. Also some companies, I took two hours bus there, arrived found they moved. I wasn’t not trying. I just didn’t understand, why others finished easily, I tried my life but couldn’t. Phone rang. It’s Mom. “Grace, did this month’s bonus come?” I held phone, didn’t speak. “Grace?” “Mom, I’m busy, call you later.” Hung up phone. I looked at computer screen, next month’s client list. Ms. Miller just sent over. Twenty-eight. All new clients. I clicked open Lily’s list. Twelve. Eight renewals, three referrals from old clients, only one new client. I put two lists side by side, looked for a long time. Then closed the page. Forget it. Maybe it’s really my inability. Off work, receptionist Katie stopped me. “Grace, package for you.” I took it, mom sent it. Opened to see, a Puffer Jacket. Inside a note: Cold weather, keep warm. Don’t work too tired, health important. I stood at company door, looking at that jacket. Mom doesn’t know I’m last every month. Mom doesn’t know I haven’t had a raise in three years. Mom doesn’t know I’m called “waste” in company. I stuffed jacket back into bag, walked out company door. Raining outside. I didn’t bring umbrella. Just walked to subway station in rain. Chapter 2 Year end. Company started issuing Year-End Bonus. I didn’t hold hope. But still couldn’t help calculating secretly. Joined three years, base salary $4,000. According to company rules, bonus based on annual performance. My annual completion rate average 35%. Proportionally, should get one month base salary right? Four thousand. Not much, but at least can buy mom new clothes. That afternoon, Finance sent message in group chat. “Year-End Bonus issued, please check.” I opened bank app. Balance: $4,273.66. Didn’t change. I refreshed. Still didn’t change. I went to ask Finance. “Grace right? You have no bonus this year.” “Why?” “Performance not up to standard.” Finance looked down at computer, didn’t lift head, “Your annual average completion rate less than 40%, according to rules no bonus.” “But——” “This is decided by Ms. Miller, any problem find her.” I stood at Finance office door, stunned for long time. People queuing behind. “Make way please.” I moved aside. Lily passed by me, holding a stack of checks (or symbolic envelope). “Grace? Why standing here?” I shook head, “Nothing.” Lily smiled, “Bonus not bad this year, five months salary.” Five months. Her monthly salary ten thousand. Five months is fifty thousand. I have not a cent. “Congrats.” I said. “Thanks.” Lily walked far, “We dinner tonight, you coming?” “No, I have things.” I returned to cubicle, sat down. Opposite Josh counting money (digitally checking). “Eighteen thousand, not bad not bad.” Beside Wendy leaned over, “Me too, seventeen thousand.” Everyone discussing how to spend bonus. Some say change phone, some say travel, some say buy bag for wife. No one asked me. Maybe they knew I had none. 5:30 PM, Ms. Miller came out of office. “Grace, come in.” I followed her into office. Ms. Miller sat down, signaled me sit too. “Finance told you about bonus?” “Told.” “Any thoughts?” I looked at her, didn’t know what she wanted to hear. “No thoughts.” “Grace.” Ms. Miller sighed, “Not that I don’t want to give, your performance really not good. Company looks at results, understand?” “Understand.” “Look at Lily, exceeds quota every month. Look at Josh, rookie can do 100%. You?” I lowered head, didn’t speak. “You been here three years, performance always bottom. Honestly, other companies would have fired you long ago.” “……” “I always protected you, you know? Every time boss asked, I said you are improving, you are trying. But you?” Ms. Miller voice raised. “Do you deserve me?” I raised head, looked at her. Her expression was disappointment. I didn’t know if that was real disappointment, or acted disappointment. “Ms. Miller, I…” “Forget it.” Ms. Miller waved hand, “Go back reflect well. Next year like this again, I can’t keep you either.” “Okay.” I stood up, walked out. “Grace.” I stopped. “I am for your own good.” “I know.” I walked out office, back to cubicle. Computer screen lit, next January client list. Thirty-five. All new clients. I scrolled down, wanted to see Lily’s list. Permission not enough, can’t see. I closed page, started packing. Mom still waiting for my call. She asked how much bonus issued. I thought, said: “Five thousand, not too much.” “Enough enough, keep for yourself.” Mom very happy, “Dad and I don’t lack money.” “Mm.” “Grace, work smooth?” “Smooth.” “That’s good, that’s good.” Hung up phone, I sat on subway, looking at pitch black tunnel outside window. Five thousand. I don’t even have five hundred. Back home, roommate Jenna already cooking. “Back? Ate yet?” “No.” “Just right, cooked more, eat together.” I put down bag, sat at dining table. Jenna brought two dishes out, “What wrong? Face so bad.” “Bonus didn’t issue.” “Huh?” Jenna stunned, “Why?” “Performance not up to standard.” “But you overtime every day.” Jenna frowned, “Remember you visited twenty plus clients last month?” “Twenty-three.” “Still didn’t issue?” “No.” I picked a bite of vegetable, “Colleagues got five months salary, I not a cent.” Jenna put down chopsticks, looked at me. “Grace, do you feel something wrong?” “What wrong?” “You arrive earlier than others, leave later, visit more clients, why performance worse than others?” I silent. “Have you thought, problem not on you?” “But… indeed my completion rate low.” “Completion rate low?” Jenna sneered, “Do you know what clients others assigned?” I stunned. “You assigned all new clients, they assigned all old clients. How high can new client signing rate be? 20% is good. Old client renewal? Above 80%.” I held chopsticks, didn’t speak. “Grace, don’t be silly.” Jenna sighed, “Are you being targeted?” “No way…” “No way?” Jenna looked at me, “Then tell me, why hardest clients always give you? Why furthest areas you run?” I wanted to refute, but couldn’t speak. Because she spoke facts. “I advise you, check.” Jenna said, “See how your company’s Quota is allocated.” “How to check?” “Find a way.” That night, I insomnia. Lying in bed, brain full of Jenna’s words. Targeted? No way. I have no enmity with Ms. Miller. Why she target me? But… Why hardest clients always give me? Why my completion rate always bottom? Why joined three years, never got bonus once? I took out phone, opened company intranet. Where is Quota Allocation Sheet? Searched long time, couldn’t find. Permission not enough. I dug out client list Ms. Miller sent me, looked carefully once. Thirty-five. All new clients. One in neighboring city, bus three hours. One famously difficult, last sales rep ran half year, signed none. Another one, just signed by competitor last year, now let me snatch back. I flipped previous emails again, found Lily’s client list last month. She accidentally mass sent, intended for Ms. Miller, sent to group. Twelve. Eight renewals, three referrals, one new client. That one new client, affiliate of company’s biggest old client. I stared at these two lists, looked for long time. She 12, I 35. She 8 renewals, I 0. She run half hour arrive, I run three hours. I suddenly wanted to laugh a bit. So it’s like this. So it’s always been like this. Chapter 3 After New Year’s, I returned to company. Carrying an indescribable mood. Jenna was right. I want to check clear. First day back, Ms. Miller held a meeting. “New year new look, hope everyone exceed quota this year.” She looked at me, “Grace, you need to push harder this year.” “Okay.” “Last year’s matter not mention, strive get bonus home this year.” “Okay.” I didn’t say much. After meeting, I found Katie from Admin. Katie came a year earlier than me, nice person, relationship okay. “Katie, want ask you something.” “What?” “Company’s Quota Allocation Sheet, where can see?” Katie stunned, “Why ask this?” “Just… want understand.” “Allocation Sheet only Dept Manager and HR can see.” Katie lowered voice, “Do you feel something wrong?” I didn’t speak. Katie looked around, pulled me to corner. “Grace, I tell you, don’t spread.” “What?” “End of last year, I helped HR organize files.” Katie voice lower, “I saw your department’s allocation sheet.” My heart raced. “Your target… is three times others.” “What?” “Your monthly Quota is $300,000, Lily is $100,000, Josh is $120,000.” Katie looked at me, “Do you know what this means?” I stood there, brain blank. Three times. My target is three times others. “No wonder you bottom every month.” Katie sighed, “300k target, even top sales can’t finish.” “Why?” My voice trembled, “Why me?” “I don’t know.” Katie shook head, “But check yourself, don’t be pitted and still help count money.” I stood in corridor, dazed for long time. Three years. Three years, I overtime latest every day, ran most clients, result? Bottom every month. Scolded every month. Treated as waste every month. Not because my ability bad. Because from beginning, game rules were unfair. Afternoon, I found excuse went to HR. “Lisa, I want see our department’s Quota Allocation Sheet.” HR Lisa looked up, “Look this for what?” “Want understand, have direction to strive.” Lisa hesitated, “This needs Dept Manager approval.” “Ms. Miller business trip, back next week.” I said, “Just one look, no photo.” Lisa thought, clicked open computer. “Look yourself, I go pour water.” She left. I quickly walked to computer, opened file. [2024 Sales Dept Quota Allocation] Grace: Monthly Target $300k, Annual $3.6M. Lily: Monthly Target $100k, Annual $1.2M. Josh: Monthly Target $120k, Annual $1.44M. Wendy: Monthly Target $100k, Annual $1.2M. … I scrolled down. Whole department, only me target is 300k. Others highest Josh, 120k. My target is 2.5 times of highest. 3 times of average. I clicked Client Allocation Sheet again. My clients: All Category D (Never closed), Category E (Lost clients). Lily’s clients: 80% Category A (Renewal), 15% Category B (Referral). Josh’s clients: 50% A, 30% B. Only me, 100% D and E. I stood there, hands shaking. Three years. Three years, I always thought it was my problem. Ability not enough. Not hard enough. Not smart enough. Turns out from beginning, I was set up. Door sounded. HR Lisa back. “Finished?” “Finished.” I turned walk out. “Grace.” I stopped. “I let you see nothing.” “I know.” I walked out HR, back to own cubicle. Sat down. Opened computer. Screen this month client list. Thirty-five. All D and E. I stared at screen, stared long time. Then, I opened LinkedIn. Chapter 4 That night, I told Jenna what I saw. Jenna listened, silent long time. “Three times.” She said, “Your target is three times others.” “Yes.” “No wonder you bottom every month.” “Yes.” Jenna looked at me, “What you plan?” “I don’t know.” “Leave.” “What?” “Resign.” Jenna said, “Wait for what? Wait them treat you bottom for three five years?” I silent. “Grace, listen.” Jenna put down chopsticks, “You in this company three years, no raise, no bonus, scolded waste every month. Think stay longer, any change?” “…No.” “Then hesitate what?” “I fear…” “Fear what?” “Fear can’t find job.” I said, “Performance so bad here, how write resume?” Jenna laughed. “Performance bad? Target 300k, completion 30%, that’s 90k. Lily target 100k, completion 100%, that’s 100k. Where you bad?” I stunned. “Besides.” Jenna said, “Your performance data here, calculated by their target. Change company, normal target, don’t believe you can’t finish?” I thought. Seems so. “Go, Grace.” Jenna said, “Don’t hang on a crooked tree.” That weekend, I updated resume. Wrote company name, wrote position. In performance column, I hesitated long time. Finally wrote: Monthly Average Signing Amount $90,000. This is fact. 300k target, 30% completion, 90k. I applied few companies. Two replied. One competitor in same industry, scale bigger than current. One startup, established two years. Booked interviews for both. First interview, they asked: “You signed 90k monthly at last company, why leave?” I said: “Want change environment.” They nodded, “Expectation for target?” “Normal is fine.” “Our sales monthly target 80k to 100k, adjustment based on resource. What do you think?” 80k to 100k. Not 300k. I said: “Okay.” They asked few more questions, chatted about my client development experience. Finally said: “Our HR will contact you.” I walked out that company, mood complex. Turns out normal target is like this. Turns out I’m not waste. Second interview also smooth. Startup boss interviewed personally, questions more direct. “Why leave last company?” I thought, decided tell truth. “Because Quota unfair.” He raised eyebrow, “How unfair?” “My target three times colleagues, clients assigned all hardest.” He silent a bit, “This kind thing… not rare.” “I know.” “Can you adapt startup pace?” “Can.” “We don’t talk twists and turns, good performance take more, bad take less.” Boss said, “But target fair, you do how much gets how much.” “Okay.” “When can you start?” I stunned. “You hired.” Boss smiled, “Base salary $6,000, target 80k, accept?” Base 6000. Two thousand more than now. Target 80k. Quarter of now. “Accept.” I said.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390529”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel