I was maliciously infected with a disease. In retaliation, I seduced Caleb Taylor, a wealthy heir. Four months later, Caleb became my boyfriend. On Christmas Eve, after a date, I deliberately lured Caleb to a hotel. The next day, Christmas Day, Caleb received a gift box. At the very bottom of the box was a greeting card, with a terrifying message: *Welcome to the world of the virus.* This was my special Christmas gift to Caleb. That Christmas night, someone knocked on my door. I opened it, and it was Caleb. He was panting heavily, his face etched with panic. I feigned concern and surprise. “What’s wrong, Caleb? We still have a while before we’re supposed to go out. Why are you here so early?” Caleb’s eyes were red-rimmed, his brows deeply furrowed. He bent down and hugged me in the entranceway. “Ava, I’m so scared.” He buried his face in my neck, and I gently patted his back, soothing him. “I’m here. What happened?” My tone and actions were tender, but a cold smile played on my lips. Caleb pulled me inside and showed me the Christmas gift box. He didn’t notice my eyes flicker when I saw it. He took out the card from the very bottom and held it out to me. “Look, I don’t know who sent this to me. Do you think… I really got infected?” Holding the card that had been in my hands just that morning, I narrowed my eyes. Turning to Caleb, I held his hand and calmly reassured him. “Don’t worry, it’s just a prank.” After over a year of manipulation and deception, Caleb truly prioritized me above all else. See? His first reaction to trouble wasn’t to go to his family, but to come straight to me. 3. This “prank” was so disturbing that Caleb told his family. When Chloe Taylor, Caleb’s sister, heard about it, her reaction was strange. “Bro, this kind of disease spreads in peculiar ways. Either you’ve been messing around, or… could it be Ava who infected you?” “What are you even saying?!” My heart jolted at Caleb’s sharp, furious retort that echoed through the phone and shocked me, sitting on the couch. Caleb’s brows were tightly furrowed as he snapped, “Don’t you dare accuse Ava! Not even as a joke!” A sigh of exasperation came from the other end of the line. “Fine, fine. Guess someone’s just jealous and trying to mess with you.” The moment Caleb hung up, he quickly shuffled over to me in his slippers. “Ava, you have to believe me. I’ve never cheated! Not before, not ever. I’ve always been faithful, I swear!” Of course, he hadn’t been messing around. I was the one who infected him. For several days, Caleb remained deeply uneasy. Even when I tried to get close, he pushed me away. Had he found out? No, that couldn’t be right. I couldn’t take it anymore and confronted him. “Caleb, what’s going on? Are you trying to cut me out of your life?” Caleb, still wearing a mask, tried to approach me, then instinctively pulled back. He mumbled an apology. “No, Ava, it’s not like that. I’m just afraid of ‘what if.’ If I really am infected, then… maybe we should break up.” I stepped closer, pressing him back, until he had nowhere left to retreat, pinned against the wall. I ripped off his mask. “First of all, this disease isn’t transmitted through saliva.” A muffled, weak voice responded, “I know. I just… I can’t shake this feeling. I don’t want you to be in any danger.” I tilted my head up and kissed his lips. “I don’t care. Even if you really have it, I don’t care.” *Hah. Of course, I don’t care.* *The sooner you’re infected, the sooner you can join me in hell!* 4. Two weeks later, Caleb went for a hospital check-up. Nothing. Four weeks later, another check-up. Still nothing. He hadn’t been infected. *What luck. He actually dodged it.* *What a pity.* I was tired of playing this game with him. It was my birthday that day. Caleb had arrived at my place early, cooked a huge meal, and was waiting for me to come home. When he saw I still wasn’t back, Caleb went into the bedroom to look out the window at the street below. I texted him back: *Just arrived at the gate.* In the time it took him to turn around, Caleb noticed the medical records and medication on the table. He picked them up to examine them. The more he read, the more horrified he became. His hands clutched the documents tightly, the veins on his trembling fists bulging. I walked into the bedroom, saw the scene, and instantly understood. “So, you found out.” Caleb sharply turned to me, staring intensely, his eyes bloodshot. “Why?” I gave a cold laugh. “Why what?” Caleb held up the medical records and rushed towards me. “Why did you hide your illness from me? Why did you send me that kind of gift box on Christmas? Why… did you trick me into going to that hotel?” The room fell eerily silent. Suddenly, I burst out laughing. I took a step forward, looking up to meet Caleb’s gaze. “You really are lucky, aren’t you? As for *why*… go ask your dear sister, Chloe Taylor!” “Go ask her if she remembers Anya Miller!” Caleb listened, his face filled with shock, then he abruptly turned and left. 5. Caleb sped down the road, screeched into a bar, and dragged Chloe out. Chloe, who had been in high spirits, was annoyed and about to curse him out. But seeing her usually gentle and cheerful brother’s grim face, she didn’t dare utter a sound. Caleb pulled Chloe to a quiet spot. Chloe, still bewildered, was about to ask what was going on. “Tell me, who is Anya Miller?” Chloe froze for a moment, then her face stiffened. “How do you know about her?” Caleb roared, “Don’t you dare try to change the subject! What exactly did you do to Anya Miller?!” Back in college, Anya Miller and I were in the same year, but different departments. Back then, my name was Anya Miller, not Ava. At that time, there was a senior who was very popular with the girls, and he and I grew quite close. I liked that senior, and Chloe liked him too. Chloe was spoiled and arrogant, a real princess with a terrible temper. No, she was worse than that. She was a truly nasty piece of work, enabled by endless pampering. Chloe gathered a few people to corner me outside my dorm. They threatened me, telling me to stay away from Daniel, or I’d regret it. I wasn’t going to back down. I was an orphan with no family. Why should my feelings be dictated by others? Surely, these people wouldn’t actually dare to do anything to me on campus, right? But I was wrong. I was too naive. Those people put dead mice in my bed, poured red ink all over my closet. My dorm room became a living hell for my roommates. They shoved me into a foul-smelling ditch, taking countless humiliating, ugly photos. They spread rumors around school that I was selling myself, that I was involved with shady characters off campus. Chloe herself never appeared during any of this. I went to the teachers, but they couldn’t do anything. I went to the school administration, only to be warned about my own conduct. Why? Why was I suffering, yet no one helped me? “Chloe Taylor’s family donated a whole building to the school. Can *you* do that?” “Oh, I forgot. You’re just a parentless orphan, aren’t you?” The terrifying faces of Chloe’s cronies were right in front of me, mocking, jeering, filled with pure malice. Yes, I couldn’t. I was a poor student, an orphan with no one to back me up. How could I ever fight against them? I distanced myself from Daniel. But Daniel found me. “Anya Miller, I like you. I don’t believe any of those rumors, they’re baseless, they’re just trying to slander you!” I looked at Daniel, exhausted. “Then, Daniel, can you help me? I’m scared, I’m really scared. I don’t know what to do anymore.” Daniel hugged me, his broad, warm hand gently patting my back. “I’ll help you. Don’t be afraid.” Isolated and helpless, with no one to turn to, I clung to the only lifeline I saw. Days passed, much calmer. I thought Chloe had seen Daniel protecting me and decided not to harm me further. Until that day… It was a departmental outing. I drank a little, which was unavoidable, and texted Daniel. When I went to the restroom, a hand suddenly clamped over my mouth from behind, dragging me into another private karaoke room. I struggled with all my might, but the person behind me was incredibly strong. I couldn’t move them. In that moment, I wished for just one person to appear, anyone, as long as they could save me. But there was no one. The hallway was empty. I watched, helpless, as the door slowly closed. The music in the room was deafening. No one would hear my cries for help. The person behind me blindfolded me, then roughly and savagely forced a debilitating drug down my throat that made my body go completely limp. I was violated. The next day, I took emergency contraception and rushed to the police station to report it. They found nothing. For three agonizing weeks, I felt like I was being tormented in hell, but they couldn’t find a single lead! Three weeks later, I started feeling nauseous, vomiting, and generally unwell. I went to the hospital, and the doctor told me I had been infected with a disease. When the results came back, the doctor’s somber tone and sympathetic gaze made me collapse in the hospital corridor. I felt a chill spread through my entire body. So many patients came and went around me, so many people, yet I felt completely alone. Like I was the only one abandoned by this world. When I saw those people on campus again, one of the girls leaned close to my ear and whispered, “That’s what happens when you cross Chloe Taylor.” I snapped my head towards her. “You guys? This is illegal! I’ll report you!” I thought no matter what, they wouldn’t do something this harmful and illegal. But I was too naive. She looked straight ahead, her breath on my ear like a viper’s hiss. “Go ahead and report us. It’s been so long, do you have a single piece of evidence?” It turned out that from beginning to end, Chloe Taylor had orchestrated everything. She had kept her hands clean, never once appearing herself. Simply because I hadn’t yielded to her wishes, she wanted to destroy me. 6. “SMACK!” A stark red handprint bloomed on Chloe’s face, the sound sharp and clear. Chloe’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Bro!” Caleb was dizzy with rage, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “Don’t call me bro! How could you do something like that? How could you harm someone over such a petty thing?!” After composing himself, Caleb sat down, leaning his head on his hand, and questioned her, “When you called me, asking for my help, was it all a lie? Was it just to harm Anya Miller?” Chloe lowered her head, knowing she was in the wrong. Back then, Chloe, wanting to get back at me, knew that what she was doing was illegal and needed help destroying evidence. So, Chloe called Caleb, crying. “Bro, someone outside of school is bullying me! Can you find some people to help me deal with her?” Caleb, who was far away overseas at the time, had no idea how many terrible things his sister was doing behind his back. Always doting on his sister, Caleb only knew she was being bullied by bad people. Without a second thought, he found some guys to help. “Just make sure to keep things in proportion.” He never imagined *this* was the kind of help she needed. Caleb was incredulous. “You deliberately lied to me to destroy someone else’s life? Chloe! How spoiled have you become all these years? How can you lack even basic human decency and morals?!” “Hahahaha, so, I was the one who pushed her into hell with my own hands. I was the one who harmed her!” With a crash, the glass in Caleb’s hand shattered on the floor, splintering into pieces. 7. A hesitant, slow knock echoed at the door. I opened it, and it was Caleb again. He stepped inside, looking at me urgently. “Ava, I’m so sorry, truly sorry. I didn’t know Chloe wanted those people to do something like that. I’m truly sorry. It’s my fault, it’s Chloe’s fault. I’ll drag her here tomorrow to apologize to you. I’ll do anything you want!” I violently shook his hand off, sneering. “Apologize? If an apology could fix things, what about all the suffering I’ve endured for years? What about my prime years, now reduced to perhaps less than a decade of life?! My whole life has been ruined by your family!” Caleb’s eyes were red-rimmed. “Ava, whatever it takes to make you feel better, I’ll do it.” I took a step forward, a sarcastic smile playing on my lips. “What makes you think you can atone for Chloe’s sins? Fine. Why don’t you try getting this disease yourself and see my pain?” Caleb choked on his words, stammering. “I… I…” “Hah, you can’t, can you? I knew it.” I turned away dismissively, unwilling to look at him any longer, and walked back into the house. My arm felt warm as Caleb grabbed it. “Ava, can you tell me? Did you genuinely like me when you first approached me, or was it…” Caleb’s eyes flickered, filled with hope. I only found it laughable. I lazily tilted my head, letting out a soft scoff. “Of course, I deliberately approached you. You didn’t really think you were charming enough to make me fall for you, did you?” The grip on my arm loosened. Caleb recoiled as if in pain, muttering, shaking his head. “So you planned to get close to me all along? Is that right?” “What else?” Caleb’s lips twitched slightly, his voice hoarse. “Then, did you… ever like me, even a little?” My expression remained unmoved. “No.” The hope in his eyes vanished, and his gaze dimmed. “Fine. Fine. So you’ve been acting this whole time, playing with my emotions!” Caleb left.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299147”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

Five years into working at The Skyline Club, I found myself arrested and taken to the police station. Three days later, in the interrogation room, I saw Julian Vance, whom I hadn’t seen in five years. “Ms. Hayes, I’m Julian Vance, your attorney here to bail you out.” I looked up at the man before me. He wore a perfectly tailored, crisp Kiton suit, an Aurora diamond fountain pen clipped to his chest pocket. Golden-rimmed glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, and his gaze swept over me from behind the lenses. Calm, professional. “Julian.” I froze. Subconsciously, I glanced down at myself. My smoky makeup was half-melted by the harsh fluorescent lights, cheap cosmetics streaking down my cheeks. My flimsy fishnet stockings were ripped with several large holes, and my bare feet were covered in tiny cuts. In that instant, an overwhelming wave of humiliation washed over me. That trembling “Julian” made him look at my disheveled face. His expression remained unchanged. “According to regulations, I need to confirm your basic information.” “Your name, place of birth, and ID number?” My throat constricted. “Julian, you know all of this, don’t you?” Julian’s gaze was devoid of warmth as he corrected me. “Ms. Hayes, here, I’m just your lawyer and client. Please call me ‘Mr. Vance.’” My face drained of all color. Julian took a document from his briefcase and slid it toward me. “Before we begin, you need to sign some necessary retainer papers.” His long fingers tapped the signature line on the document, his voice calm. “Sign after you’ve confirmed everything is accurate.” I took the heavy, expensive pen, my hand trembling. I scrawled my name, barely daring to look up at Julian. Julian retrieved the document, then opened my police report from three days ago and my past records. “Records show your first arrest for soliciting a man at The Skyline Club at age 22. As of now, this is your fourth time being summoned by the police for similar activities.” “Due to your prior record and the severe nature of the case, you could face 15 days or more in penalties.” Julian’s words were like a cold, sharp blade, relentlessly slicing through my already tattered pride. I lowered my eyes, my fingers clenched so tight they turned white. “Mr. Vance, are you here to help me or to judge me?” Hearing this, Julian closed the file, his tone still icy. “Sign the bail agreement, and I’ll process your release.” “Consider it the last time I, as your… ‘family friend,’ help you.” I looked at Julian’s placid face and was suddenly overcome by an overwhelming sense of helplessness and self-loathing. It was as if, in front of him, I would always be at a disadvantage, always so pathetic. I signed my name again in the blank space. Then, I watched Julian rise crisply, turning to leave without another word. The cramped interrogation room instantly fell silent, leaving me alone. Half an hour later, a female officer opened the door, unlocking the handcuffs on my wrists. “Don’t leave New York soon, and keep your phone on.” I nodded dazedly, following Julian out of the interrogation room. Outside, seeing Julian’s retreating back, I couldn’t help but remember five years ago. It was November 7th. I had learned that Julian was handling a transnational lawsuit in Sydney. I chased after him, sending him a message. 【Julian, I need to see you. Can we meet?】 Julian replied:【Okay.】 I quickly sent another:【I’ll wait for you on MacDougal Street.】 But I waited for six hours, from broad daylight until dusk. Instead, I saw Julian and a female colleague engrossed in conversation.

That female colleague wore a well-fitted camel coat, a distinctly men’s scarf covering most of her face. And Julian, usually so aloof, was gently smiling as he plucked a jacaranda blossom from her long hair. In that moment, I ran. It wasn’t until my flight back home was about to take off that I received Julian’s message. 【I’m here. Where are you?】 I didn’t reply. I deleted Julian’s chat. For the next five years, we never saw each other again. Until today… Just then, a familiar female voice interrupted my thoughts. “Julian, what took you so long? Mom’s waiting for us to come home for dinner.” I looked up to see a woman intimately linking arms with Julian, looking up at him and smiling. Julian showed no resistance to her touch. Perhaps sensing my gaze, the woman looked in my direction. Our eyes met, and I froze. It was my sister, Violet Hayes, who had disappeared for five years! Seeing Violet, elegantly dressed in designer brands, I rushed forward. “Sis, you’re back!” Violet frowned, looking at me. “How dare you still call me ‘Sis’?” “Working at The Skyline Club, did you ever think about Mom and me?” Hearing Violet’s words, I was confused. “Sis, what are you talking about?” “You ran off abroad alone. Five whole years. Did you know Mom got sick? If I hadn’t…” My words were cut short by Violet. “Are you going to say you worked in that kind of place because you were paying for Mom’s medical treatment?” “Can you stop spouting such blatant lies?” “When Dad had his car accident, and Mom fell ill, you ran off with a man! If I hadn’t been studying and working abroad, sending money back all these years—” The word “died” remained unsaid. I was stunned. “Sis, what are you saying?! I clearly—” Violet interrupted me again, her voice cold. “Julian and I are getting married soon. You don’t need to put on a show for us in front of him.” “I know you used to like him, but he’s your brother-in-law now.” “Don’t go after him again, understand?” With that, Violet linked arms with Julian and drove away. I watched them leave, rooted to the spot. I couldn’t understand how my sister, Violet Hayes, could tell such bold-faced lies. Five years ago, after Dad’s car accident and Mom falling ill, Violet secretly left the country. The few times she contacted me from abroad, it was always to say she was in trouble and needed money! Mom was hospitalized long-term, undergoing three major surgeries, and Violet never once showed concern… Just then, my cracked phone screen lit up with a call. It was the hospital. I quickly answered. A polite female voice came through the line. “Ms. Hayes, your mother’s hospital bills have been overdue for a week. Please settle them as soon as possible. Otherwise, the hospital can’t guarantee continued medical services.” I awkwardly promised. “I’ll pay it soon.” I hailed a taxi and went home. After showering and changing, I cooked chicken congee for Mom before rushing to the city hospital. After paying the overdue hospital bills, I went to the ward. I immediately saw my sister, Violet Hayes, there. I hurried forward. “Sis, why did you lie in front of Julian today?” Violet scoffed. “I’m your sister. It’s none of your business what I do.” “If you dare expose me, I’ll ruin you!”

With that, she grabbed her bag and left. I stood there, hearing Mom’s weak voice. “Autumn, don’t argue with your sister. It hasn’t been easy for her these past five years!” My wrist ached faintly from the handcuffs, the chafing a reminder of three days in custody. I suppressed the pain and looked at Mrs. Hayes. “Mom, haven’t you seen how she’s dressed now?” “Does that look like it ‘hasn’t been easy’?” “Do you know she’s about to marry Julian Vance?” Mrs. Hayes’s eyes darted away, clearly knowing everything. “Your sister getting to be with someone she loves makes me happy, dear.” But my chest felt heavy, as if stuffed with cotton. Mom clearly knew I had once loved Julian too. I couldn’t help but ask. “Mom, when Dad had his car accident and you fell ill, Sis took all the family’s money and left the country without a word. Don’t you blame her?” Mrs. Hayes shook her head, her voice low. “No, I don’t blame her. I never wanted your sister to stay and suffer.” I froze for a moment, then asked, my voice trembling. “What about me, then?” Mrs. Hayes remained silent, avoiding my gaze. Sometimes, silence is the answer. My heart felt like it was bleeding. I took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within, and spoke again. “Mom, now that Sis is back, let her take care of you from now on.” “No.” Mrs. Hayes refused without a second thought. “Your sister has never suffered hardship since she was little, nor has she taken care of anyone. Besides, she’s getting married soon. How can she take care of a sick person like me?” Sister can’t take care of her? But how can I? I had never felt so utterly disappointed. “Mom, I wasn’t born knowing how to take care of people either.” Mrs. Hayes didn’t respond, nor did she acknowledge my suggestion about Violet taking care of her. She just kept talking about how difficult things were for Violet. How much Violet had suffered struggling alone overseas. And that I should be more accommodating to Violet. I listened silently, offering no response. Only after Mom fell asleep did I leave. Just outside the hospital. The strong wind tousled my hair, and raindrops slapped my face like a series of harsh blows. By the time I took the bus back to my rented apartment complex, I was completely soaked. I trudged up to the top floor, breathless. As I took out my keys from my canvas bag, I looked up and saw Julian Vance’s tall figure standing at my door. His sharp suit and tie looked completely out of place in this run-down neighborhood. Seeing Julian again, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. “Julian, you…” Before I could finish, Julian cut in. “I found your address from your records. How did you end up like this?” I looked down at my soaked, cheap clothes, my throat dry. I feigned composure, my hand trembling as I unlocked the door, and replied. “Like what? I think I’m doing just fine.” Hearing this, Julian seemed annoyed. “Do you even know what ‘fine’ means?” “You and your sister are from the same parents. She worked hard abroad, got into Melbourne University, and earned her degree.” “And you? All these years, you’ve only caused trouble, just wasting yourself away.” Julian’s harsh reprimand felt like a series of slaps, making my face burn. I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Julian, do you know that all the money my sister used for her studies abroad, I gave it to her?” In that moment, Julian was utterly disappointed. “You’re lying again. When Violet was abroad, I visited her regularly. “I know perfectly well whether she used your money or not.”

In that moment, I was speechless. I knew any further explanation would be useless. Julian wouldn’t believe me, so I simply stopped talking. Seeing that he still hadn’t left. I broke the silence. “Do you want to come in and sit down?” Then, I opened the door and stepped inside. Julian followed her in, scanning the room. The cramped room was sparsely furnished. Only a bed, an old table, and a chipped wardrobe. There was nowhere to sit. Suddenly, Julian’s eyes darkened. He immediately spotted the bedhead, covered with clippings of his photos from newspapers. I followed his gaze, realizing I had completely forgotten about them. I hurried to tear down the photos. “Don’t misunderstand. My place is so run-down, so I just used these newspaper clippings to cover the mold on the wall.” Julian didn’t expose my lie. I felt his gaze on me, like a knife slowly carving away at my self-esteem. “Do you have anything else? If not, I won’t keep you.” Julian pulled out a card and handed it to me. “There’s ten thousand in here, enough to live on for a while. Don’t do anything illegal again.” “Find a decent job.” I clenched my hand, my palm bleeding from my nails digging in. I pushed Julian’s hand away. “No thanks. I can earn my own money. I don’t need your help.” Julian looked at my stubbornness, a flicker of something unusual in his eyes. “This money is from your sister.” My heart seized. I couldn’t help but ask. “Julian, can I ask you something?” “Seven years ago, when I confessed to you, you said I was just a kid. But why are you now with my sister, who’s only two years older than me?” Julian was silent for a moment, then looked into my eyes, speaking each word distinctly. “Your sister is different from you.” With that one sentence, my heart utterly died. I stood there, stunned, unable to speak. I could only watch as Julian placed an invitation and the card on the table beside me. “Violet and I are getting married on September 30th.” “Your sister hopes you can dress appropriately and attend our wedding.” So Julian had come specifically to give me money, afraid I would embarrass them at the wedding. My emotions were a messy tangle. After Julian left, I walked to the table and tucked both the invitation and the card into a drawer. I wouldn’t go looking for humiliation. After doing everything. I lay on the bed, and an overwhelming wave of fatigue swept over me. I had a dream, of more than a decade ago, the first time I met Julian. Julian was wearing a dark overcoat, smiling as he asked me. “Little girl, what’s your name?” In that moment, my heart melted. I woke up the next morning. I was roused by the ringing of my phone. Still half-asleep, I grabbed the phone from my bedside table and answered. My sister Violet Hayes’s impatient voice came through the line. “Hello! What are you waiting for? Mom had an accident, the bed is all wet!” “I’m on my way.” I skipped breakfast, washed up quickly, and rushed to the hospital. As soon as I entered the ward, I heard Violet’s sharp voice. “I told you already, we have no relationship anymore. Can you please stop bothering me?”

Mrs. Hayes’s face was pale. She struggled to sit up and tugged at Violet’s sleeve. “Violet, Mom missed you so much. Every night I dream of you.” “These five years you’ve been away, Mom could only look at your SnapChat, not daring to call you, afraid of disturbing you.” “Now that you’ve finally found your place, Mom is happy for you.” Violet’s face was full of impatience. “Everything I have today, don’t I owe it all to myself? What could you two do to help me?” Mrs. Hayes was speechless. After a long while, she couldn’t help but cautiously ask. “Is the wedding all ready? When will it be? Mom can help prepare…” Before she could finish, Violet cut her off, her eyes full of disdain. “How can you attend my wedding looking like this?” “You just lie in a hospital bed all day. What if you have an accident at the wedding? Do you want me to lose face in front of Julian’s family?” “Let me tell you, from now on, I only have one mother, and that’s Mrs. Vance.” Mrs. Vance, Julian Vance’s mother. I couldn’t stand it anymore and pushed the door open. “Sis, how can you talk to Mom like that?” “I’m your sister. It’s none of your business how I talk, is it?” Violet said, then slammed the door and left. I watched her retreating back, suppressing my anger, and was about to comfort Mrs. Hayes. But I met my mother’s gaze. “Autumn, don’t be so harsh on your sister.” “She was just spoiled as a child; her nature isn’t bad.” My fingertips clenched. “Mom, Sis is practically disowning you. Are you still going to defend her like this?” Mrs. Hayes didn’t answer, weakly saying. “Autumn, Mom has wet the blankets. Can you help Mom change them?” Seeing Mom’s head full of white hair, I still couldn’t bring myself to blame her further, and neatly changed the bedding. After everything was tidied, I left for work. That evening, at The Skyline Club. After finishing my makeup and changing into my red slip dress for work, I came out to find Liam Foster, the head manager, leaning against the dressing room door. Liam saw my pale face, his expression worried. “Feeling unwell?” I nodded. “Just came from the hospital, a bit tired.” A flicker of concern crossed Liam’s eyes. “If you’re tired, rest. Don’t aim to be number one here; aim to leave.” “You’ve earned a lot of money over the years. Why don’t you think more about yourself?” “Your sister is back now; it’s her turn to carry Mom’s burden.” Liam knew about my family situation and that my sister was back, so he couldn’t help but advise me. My heart warmed. “Yeah, I’ll try to think more about myself.” Liam then slipped me an anti-hangover pill. “Tonight, you’re assigned to The Platinum Suite. The clients there are high-profile individuals, so they shouldn’t cause trouble. But still, take this, just in case.” “Thank you.” Over the years, Liam had taken good care of me. I sincerely thanked him, then headed to The Platinum Suite. At the door of The Platinum Suite. I knocked and entered, immediately spotting Julian Vance sitting among a group of men. He wore a dark suit, his face under the golden-rimmed glasses looking cool and distinguished. My body stiffened. And Julian, at that moment, looked up, our eyes meeting. Then, a colleague next to him asked. “Julian, you know her?” All those with him were prominent lawyers, sharp-eyed enough to know everything with just a glance. Julian subtly shifted his gaze from me. “Not well.” Not well… My expression faltered slightly, then I quickly regained composure and walked inside.

Now, it was true, Julian Vance and I weren’t close. I suppressed the dull ache in my heart and spoke. “I’m Autumn Hayes, number 108. It’s an honor to be in The Platinum Suite to serve you all.” As soon as I finished speaking, the man sitting next to Julian waved me over. “Come here.” I walked over and sat between him and Julian. I recognized this man; his name was Carter Stone, Julian’s partner, and he often appeared in newspapers with him. Carter smiled and instructed. “Remember not to touch Mr. Vance. He’s very principled; he doesn’t let any other woman near him except his fiancée.” So, everyone knew Julian was only special to my sister. I nodded stiffly. “I understand.” The next moment, I heard Julian’s displeased voice. “Carter, mind your own business.” Carter shrugged. After a few rounds of drinks, the people in the suite were tipsy, and a group of prominent lawyers started playing spin the bottle. Carter picked up the bottle and spun it. The neck pointed at me. Carter, his face flushed from alcohol, eyed me up and down. “Autumn, have you ever been taken out overnight by a client?” My face instantly burned crimson. I fought hard not to look at Julian. “I choose dare, I’ll drink.” Then, I picked up the brandy on the table and downed it in one gulp. My stomach instantly felt like it was on fire, burning with pain. Carter spun the bottle again. It rotated once and again pointed at me. “Julian, do you want to ask Ms. Autumn a question?” Julian finally looked at me at that moment. His eyes were indifferent, as if I were merely a stranger. “I have nothing to ask.” “Then I’ll ask for you!” Carter seemed to be getting carried away and asked me again. “How much do you charge for an overnight stay with a client? How many men have you been with?” Without thinking, I picked up the glass, about to drink. But Carter snatched the glass from my hand. “You already drank once! You can’t drink again now! You have to answer.” Hearing this, I bit my lower lip hard. “Two thousand a night. Three men.” As I spoke, I saw Julian’s gaze shoot toward me, the anger in his eyes clear. I immediately lowered my head, not daring to look at Julian again. If he weren’t here, I could have handled any intrusive game question with ease. But today, I just couldn’t do it like before. Carter didn’t want to stop and spun the bottle again. It stopped, still pointing at me. “Oh, no, Autumn, it’s you again…” Before Carter could finish, Julian cut him off. “Enough! That’s it for tonight.” With that, he picked up his suit jacket and walked out of the suite without even a glance at me. Seeing Julian suddenly angry and leaving. Carter was somewhat surprised. He turned to me and asked. “What exactly is your relationship? This is the first time I’ve seen him like this.” My fingertips clenched slightly. “Just a hostess and a client.” Carter didn’t ask further and followed Julian out. The others in The Platinum Suite also dispersed. I was the last to leave the suite, my stomach churning for some reason. Tonight was the only time I hadn’t been harassed or forced to drink, yet it was the most humiliating. Julian must be so disappointed in me. Back in the main hall. Liam handed me a stack of cash wrapped in brown paper. “This is your commission for today, a total of one thousand.” He then asked. “How were the clients today? No one laid a hand on you, did they?” I took the money and shook my head. “Thanks for arranging it. The clients today didn’t lay a hand on me.”

After saying that, I was about to walk out. Liam couldn’t help but call out to me again. “Autumn.” I looked back, puzzled. “What is it?” Liam hesitated for a moment, then gathered his courage. “If it’s possible, would you consider me?” I was startled, and before I could answer. Liam forced a light smile. “It’s fine, I just asked. It’s okay if you don’t want to.” As soon as he finished speaking, a familiar voice came from not far away. “Julian, look, Autumn has quite a few admirers.” I looked over and saw Julian and the others from The Platinum Suite also at the entrance. Carter Stone sneered and said to Julian. “That man is Liam Foster, the head manager of the club. Managers at places like this are quite promiscuous. If the girl agrees, she’ll have a hard time.” Julian followed their gaze and saw my face flushed, standing beside Liam. A strange anger welled up in his eyes. “Let’s go. It has nothing to do with us.” Julian’s car arrived. He didn’t spare me another glance, got in, and drove away. I stood not far away, my heart feeling like it had been hollowed out. Nothing to do with him… Just then, my phone suddenly rang. I answered. Mrs. Hayes’s weak voice came through. “Autumn, Mom has something to tell you.” “Okay.” I rushed to the hospital. As soon as I entered the ward and saw Mrs. Hayes, I quickly asked. “Mom, what happened?” Mrs. Hayes saw me, a look of difficulty on her face as she spoke. “Mom needs you to kneel and swear that you will always take good care of your sister from now on.” “No matter what she does, you must forgive her, or you will die a horrible death!” I heard this and froze. I knew Mom had always favored my sister, but I never imagined she would ask me to swear such a deadly oath for her sake. “Mom, am I your real daughter?” I couldn’t help but ask. Seeing my reaction, Mrs. Hayes raised her hand and slapped me across the face. “You were born from my womb after ten months. If you’re not my daughter, whose daughter are you?” “Swear it now, or we’ll cut ties as mother and daughter!” Cut ties as mother and daughter! Hearing those words, my heart utterly died. “Okay, I swear! But once I take this oath, you will truly no longer be my mother.” Mrs. Hayes’s eyes were dull. She didn’t speak, just stared at me blankly. And I, numb, knelt on the floor, raising my index and middle fingers, enunciating each word. “I swear that I will take good care of my sister, Violet Hayes, and forgive her no matter what she does, or may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!” The moment my words fell, the tension in Mrs. Hayes’s heart finally eased. After a long while, Mrs. Hayes said again. “You can go now. I need to rest.” I slowly got up, turned, and left. I never imagined that this departure would be a permanent farewell. That evening, as I was working. Suddenly, a group of uniformed police officers walked up to me, showing their badges. “Autumn Hayes, we’ve received a report. You’re suspected of murdering your biological mother. Please come with us for questioning!” My mind reeled, my eyes wide with disbelief. “What are you saying?” “Your mother was found deceased at 7 AM this morning. You were the last person seen with her before she died.” “Your sister reported it. You can say whatever you need to at the station.” After being taken back to the New York City Police Department, my mind was a blur. It wasn’t until the interrogation. I learned that after I left, someone had pulled out Mom’s breathing tube and administered illegal drugs to her. My mind suddenly flashed back to Mom’s last words: No matter what Violet Hayes does, you must forgive her! I understood everything now. It had to be Violet… I quickly told the police. “Can you investigate my sister, Violet Hayes? This morning, I was called to the hospital by my sister.” “Also, can you help me find a lawyer? I want to see Mr. Julian Vance!” 10. The police, seeing that I didn’t seem to be lying, told me in a professional manner. “We will investigate all the leads you’ve provided.” That afternoon. The detention room door opened. “The person you wanted to see is here.” I was led to the visiting room. As soon as I entered, I saw Julian Vance in a dark suit, sitting behind the table. I quickly explained. “Julian, I didn’t hurt Mom. You have to believe me.” Julian looked at me, his eyes filled with disappointment. “The evidence is stacked against you now. How do you expect me to believe you?” I was stunned. “What evidence?” Julian placed his phone in front of me and played a video. It was a video of me in Mom’s hospital room. The video showed my mother and me arguing about something. I explained. “My mom made me promise to forgive my sister no matter what she did.” “At this point, are you going to blame everything on your sister?” Julian asked. I was stunned. I refused to give up, explaining again. “Julian, I’m really being framed! When I went to the hospital, Mom was perfectly fine…” Julian, seeing that I still wouldn’t admit it, said in a deep voice. “Autumn Hayes, do you have any conscience? You killed your own mother. It’s either the death penalty or life imprisonment!” Hearing his resolute voice, I couldn’t speak another word. Julian spoke each word distinctly. “If you confess now, you might get a reduced sentence.” My eyes instantly welled up. “Julian, how can I confess to something I didn’t do?” Julian stood up. “I’ll come back when you’ve thought it through.” With that, he turned and left. I watched his retreating back, at a loss. Just then, the officer said someone else wanted to see me. The person who walked in was Violet Hayes. As soon as I saw her, I immediately stood up. “What did you do to Mom? How did she die?” Violet looked at me, smiling sweetly. “What could I do? Wasn’t it you who couldn’t stand her, so you pulled her tubes and put her out of her misery?” “I should thank you. From now on, I have no burdens whatsoever.” Hearing this, my pupils contracted sharply. “You know this is murder, right? I’m going to tell the police!” Violet laughed. “Go ahead and tell them. My husband is the best gold-standard lawyer in the country! Do you think the police will believe you, or me?” “And I have something to show you.” Violet pulled out her phone. “This is what Mom left for you before she passed.” In the video, Mrs. Hayes’s face was ashen, speaking each word distinctly. “Autumn, Mom knows she’s been a burden to you all these years, which is why you wanted Mom to die.” “Mom doesn’t blame you.” Seeing this, my head buzzed. My fingertips dug into my nails, my palm bleeding. I never imagined that the first time I heard my mother’s instructions, it would be to frame me. “Mom… why would you do this to me? Am I not your daughter anymore?” Only despair remained. After Violet left, I stayed alone in the detention center, in agony. After a week of being dazed and confused. The officer told me that my case was so severe it had spread throughout New York City. No lawyer in New York City was willing to take my case; not even legal aid wanted to touch it. But Julian Vance came to see me again. Visiting room. As soon as I entered, before I even sat down, I heard Julian speak. “Have you thought it through? Are you willing to confess?” I looked at him, my face pale, repeating my previous answer. “How can I confess to something I didn’t do?” Hearing the same answer as last time, a flicker of annoyance crossed Julian’s eyes. “Autumn Hayes! You’re still unrepentant even now. Do you know how many people outside want you to get the death penalty?” I lowered my gaze and asked. “What about you?” 11. Julian unconsciously averted his gaze, falling silent. The room was quiet. What else was there to understand? I clung to a last shred of hope, asking Julian. “Julian, do you really not believe me at all?” Julian heard the hope in my voice and his gaze returned to my face. He couldn’t help but remember the little me, always trailing behind him, her voice soft and sweet. “Julian, when I grow up, I want to marry someone just like you.” “Julian, I like you so much. Let’s be together when I’m an adult, okay?” “Julian, don’t worry about your bar exam, I’ll take care of your mom…” Thinking of these things, a strange pang of pain pierced Julian’s heart. Seeing Julian fall silent again, I smiled bitterly. “I understand. It’s fine.” “But since no one is willing to take my case now, Julian, can you be my lawyer?” I could go to jail, but I didn’t want to go to jail with a bad name. Julian, however, refused without hesitation. “I won’t take the case of someone like you.” One sentence completely crushed my heart, stripping away my last hope. My clenched hands trembled slightly. Then, I heard Julian say. “Violet’s and my wedding has been postponed. I’m now Violet’s lawyer; she has filed a lawsuit against you.” Hearing this, I suddenly understood. So this was why Julian had come to see me, to make me confess. I felt as if I’d fallen into an ice cellar, lowering my eyes in self-mockery. “Only now do I understand, Julian, you truly don’t like me.” Julian didn’t answer me, but stood up. “I will personally ensure you’re sent to prison, for your sister.” After he left, I suddenly laughed. I didn’t understand why I was laughing. Perhaps it was for my twelve-year, unrequited love. I was led out of the visiting room by the officer, but at the door, I saw Liam Foster. Liam saw me, his eyes filled with worry. “Autumn, I know you’re innocent! You took care of your mother for six years; you couldn’t possibly murder her!” My eyes welled up. The Julian I had loved for over a decade didn’t believe me, but Liam, who I’d known for five years, firmly believed in me. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have the chance to start a new life with him. “Liam, thank you for believing me.” “But I’m sorry, I have to cancel our plan to eat tiramisu.” And the promise to date him was also cancelled. Liam’s eyes immediately reddened. “Don’t say that. When you get out, I’ll make it for you again.” I shook my head. “No, I’m actually quite alright now.” “The life I lived at The Skyline Club was worse than being in jail. At least in jail, I don’t have to entertain clients, and I don’t have to worry about not having money for Mom’s treatment.” Liam, however, wouldn’t give up. “I will find evidence to prove your innocence!” “Wait for me!” After he left, I was sent back to the detention room. Soon, the day of the trial arrived. I sat alone in the defendant’s dock, facing Violet Hayes, the plaintiff, and a sharply dressed Julian Vance. I just watched. Julian meticulously presented all the surveillance footage, videos, and other evidence, explaining each point to the judge. I felt as if I couldn’t hear anything. In my mind, there were only snippets of my past with Julian. His praise for my delicious breakfasts, his gratitude for me taking care of Mrs. Vance. And the way he rejected me. And now, the way he was desperately trying to convict me. “Does the defendant have anything else to say?” My eyes were red-rimmed as I looked at the video of my mother before her death, displayed behind Violet. I then looked at Julian across from me, the corners of my eyes red. My own mother used her death to frame me; how else could I argue? “I plead guilty.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299146”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

My wife, Serena Evans, had an unblemished surgical record. Yet, she managed to turn my minor wrist fracture into a permanent disability. The very next day, her “best friend,” Julian Cole, replaced me as the Chief Physician. That same day, he posted online: “Thanks to someone for prioritizing friendship over her man. May our journey together be filled with storms and triumph.” The accompanying photo showed him with his arm wrapped around my wife, a smug grin plastered across his face. I scoffed and commented: “Teaming up with an idiot? You’re guaranteed storms alright.” A second later, Serena’s furious call came through. “What the hell did you mean by that comment? Delete it right now!” “Your hand’s useless now, so you’ve become a psycho, is that it? Julian just started at the hospital; he can’t handle you slandering him like this.” “I’m telling you, if you don’t delete that comment today, we’re getting a divorce.” Divorce? I was thinking the exact same thing. Serena didn’t even realize that mixed in with the medical malpractice waiver she signed on my behalf, was our divorce agreement. Cautious as she usually was, she’d never make such a rookie mistake. But right then, all she cared about was Julian’s promotion; she had no time to spare for anything else. I requested a medical malpractice investigation from my supervisor. But they told me they’d investigated immediately. Serena’s procedure had been flawless; everything was just an accident. I laughed. The protocol to avoid being misjudged in a medical malpractice investigation? I had taught it to Serena. Now, she was using it against me. A moment later, Julian’s promotion to Chief Physician was announced on the WhatsApp group. Julian, who was always at the bottom of the pile in terms of performance, was suddenly ranked first with a massive lead in the official results. I looked closer and realized that all those patients were ones I couldn’t follow up with after my hand was crippled. Their most complex surgeries were already done, leaving only simple post-op recovery. Anyone could see this was a classic move, a perfect snatch-and-grab. Julian, ever the hypocrite, posted in the group: “To be appointed to such an important position just two months into the hospital makes me truly humble. You are all my seniors, and I humbly ask for your guidance moving forward.” Serena quickly replied: “Julian, you’re the most promising cardiothoracic surgeon I’ve ever seen. No position is too important for you; don’t underestimate yourself.” My colleagues also started showering him with compliments. “Dr. Cole, you’re too modest. Is it so hard to admit you’re excellent?” “Good thing it wasn’t Dr. Reed who became Chief, or we’d all be miserable.” I’d always had a reputation for being tough in the hospital. Because in the medical field, even the smallest oversight can be a matter of life or death; there’s no room for messing around. But I’d also made quite a few silent enemies because of it. Still, I never imagined that the first ones to badmouth me would be my own apprentices, The very ones whose mistakes I’d covered countless times. Lost in thought, another message popped up: “Alex Reed is so irresponsible. He’s faking a disability to slack off, leaving several difficult surgeries to Chief Cole.” “Only Chief Cole, with his good temper, would be willing to take on such a mess.” I sneered. What kind of “mess” gets you promoted to Chief overnight? What kind of “mess” lets you steal someone else’s entire surgical portfolio? Just because of a few complicated surgeries I hadn’t had time to do, they were calling me irresponsible. Not wanting to hear any more from these idiots, I exited the group chat. But moments later, Serena’s call came in, her tone cold and business-like. “Alex, I need you to finalize the treatment plans for those difficult surgeries within two days.” “On the day of the operation, you’ll assist Julian throughout the entire procedure.”

Ha. Not a peep when they were snatching my position. Now that they’re in trouble, suddenly they remember me? I scoffed, too annoyed to even reply. Serena exploded: “Alex, what is this attitude? Are you blaming me for crippling your hand, so you’re deliberately trying to make things difficult for me? Do you think I wasn’t devastated when my surgery failed? Instead of comforting me, all you can think about is your Chief position.” “You’re a doctor yourself, yet you couldn’t even protect your own hand. What right do you have to be angry?” “I haven’t even asked you to thank Julian for taking over your mess, and you have the audacity to throw a tantrum and refuse to cooperate with our work.” I was incredulous. She knew I’d gotten into that car accident in a panic after receiving her urgent call! Just as I was about to retort, I heard Julian’s voice from her end. “Alright, alright, don’t get angry because of me. Helping your husband clean up his mess was my choice. Let me talk to him.” I couldn’t be bothered to even acknowledge him. I just hung up. Serena called back, a dozen times, but I ignored every single one. She was truly spoiled rotten. Destroying my career to pave the way for her affair partner wasn’t enough; now she wanted me to write plans for him and assist in his surgeries, just so he could take all the credit. That manipulative witch! She must be out of her mind. Since the hospital couldn’t resolve this, I had to take it higher. I dialed my parents directly. “Mom, Dad, I lost. My time working at the ground level needs to end early.” “Have all the Northwood City hospitals reassigned to my name.” Serena and I came from mismatched backgrounds. My parents had strongly disapproved of our marriage from the start. But I’d insisted on marrying her. My parents, helpless, had only made one condition: I had to hide my identity for two years. If Serena didn’t betray me within those two years, The Reed family would officially accept her as their daughter-in-law. Who would have thought that in less than six months, Serena would reveal her true colors? Betraying me, and betraying our marriage. After talking to my parents, my mood finally lifted a little. I’d just hung up when my phone rang again. I thought it was my parents, forgetting something, but when I answered, my mother-in-law’s voice blared through. “What did you do to upset Serena again? You don’t make any money all day, so where do you get such a temper?” “I’m warning you, go and pacify Serena right now, or I’ll have her divorce you in a minute.” Every argument Serena and I had was like this. She couldn’t be bothered to explain things to me, so she’d push me off to her mother. Back then, my parents didn’t support my marriage, and the $50,000 I put up for the wedding, which was everything I had, made my mother-in-law feel slighted. She always felt her daughter could do better, and she’d resented me ever since. “Divorce me” had almost become a catchphrase for Serena and her mother. In the past, every time I heard that, I’d be in agony and quickly humble myself to save the marriage. But this time, I was tired. There was no point in holding onto a marriage devoid of dignity. My friend and I went on a long-overdue trip out of town. It was the first time I hadn’t contacted Serena for over a day. That night, for the first time during a cold war, she reached out to me. “I know you’re this angry because you can’t work with me anymore, right?” “Alright, be a good boy. I’ll help you find a job closer to me, okay?” I almost burst out laughing. How utterly pathetic must I have been in the past for her to think she had such immense charm? “No need. And stop bothering me.”

With that, I turned off my phone. All I wanted now was to get the divorce finalized. Over the next few days, Serena kept sending me job postings. There were positions for pharmacy receptionists near our hospital, then patient escorts for $50 an hour. Finally, she even sent me a job posting for a hospital cleaner, with a message: “I know the cleaning supervisor, I’ll ask her to consider your hand and give you light work.” “This is the closest job to me. What do you think? Want to consider it?” Her tone was utterly serious. I couldn’t even find an excuse to pretend she was joking. So, in her eyes, I was only fit to be a cleaner now. I sneered, replying coldly: “Julian went to school for Hospitality Management. Wouldn’t *he* be a better fit for this?” Serena’s impatient voice note quickly came back: “You’re still jealous of Julian, aren’t you? He went from a hospitality major to where he is now, and you’re here mocking him instead of recognizing his hard work and talent. Let me tell you, Julian is my best friend, and I won’t allow you to slander him. If you insist on competing with him, then you’re not fit to be my husband.” “He works hard, and I don’t?! Serena, do you even have a heart? Can’t you see how much I’ve sacrificed for our home, so your mom wouldn’t look down on me? How could you just give away my position?” I practically screamed it, my voice raw. I’d always thought Serena, despite her temper, at least saw my efforts for her. But I never imagined she only saw me as a stepping stone to elevate another man. She only ever thought from his perspective. What kind of “friend” does that? Are they *really* just friends? Serena sighed and said: “I just think you’re capable, you can survive anywhere. But Julian is different, he needs my protection.” I gave a bitter laugh. “So, you’re finally admitting you intentionally botched the surgery, aren’t you?” My words left Serena stunned, speechless for a long moment. Three years ago, I came to this small hospital for her. Back then, I thought as long as we loved each other, as long as we worked hard enough, any difficulty would be overcome. But the truth proved I was too naive. Some people aren’t worth your efforts, and some are destined to only walk a short path with you in life. The next day, I returned to the hospital to complete some handover procedures. My right hand was completely useless; I couldn’t perform my current duties and had to resign. But as soon as I walked in, I was surrounded by a group of people. I looked closely and realized they were all families of patients I had treated. Seeing Julian smiling brightly behind them, I understood immediately. He’d probably told the families something. They approached aggressively, their words far from polite. “Dr. Reed, we all came to this hospital specifically for your treatment. How can you be so irresponsible, just refusing to operate?” “Yeah, right? So what if someone took your Chief position? You’re refusing to provide treatment plans just because of that? How petty can you be?” I tried to explain that Julian was their new doctor and they should talk to him. Julian, at that moment, casually let slip a remark. “He couldn’t have run out of ideas, could he? Maybe he’s faking his disability to avoid responsibility.” At his words, the patient families grew even angrier, no longer listening to anything I said. The leader of the group marched over and ripped off the bandage from my hand. My weak, somewhat atrophied hand was exposed to everyone.

A hush fell over the crowd for a second, then someone scoffed: “Huh, who knows if he’s faking it?” “Let’s see if he reacts to pain; that’ll tell us if he’s faking.” Julian offered, fueling the fire. The leader immediately understood, grabbed me, and threw me to the floor. He stomped viciously on the back of my hand. Excruciating pain shot through my ruined hand, but I had no strength to pull away. I could only let out a guttural, desperate scream. Julian suddenly rushed forward, as if to intervene. I found it strange, and sure enough, Serena’s voice quickly rang out behind me. “What are you all doing?!” Julian, at that moment, cried out in surprise and stumbled to the ground. “Alex, I was trying to help you! Why did you shove me?!” Everyone immediately started talking amongst themselves. “Didn’t he say his hand was useless? How does he have the strength to push someone?” “He really is just trying to shirk responsibility, isn’t he?” Serena’s gaze at me became incredibly complex. But it was only for a second. She rushed over, and immediately slapped me across the face. “Alex, what the hell is wrong with you?! Julian was being kind enough to help, and you pushed him!” I hadn’t even reacted when Julian pulled Serena’s hand to his mouth, gently blowing on it. “Did you hurt your hand, darling? Why do you always lose control when it comes to me?” “Alright, don’t be angry. Alex is jealous that I took his position, I can understand that. Just let him vent on me a few more times; I can take it. Don’t make a big deal out of this, it’s not good for him, or for you.” His words sounded so kind and magnanimous. They not only made Serena look at him with tenderness but also made the patient families sigh in admiration. “They’re both doctors, but their character is so different.” In the end, it was Julian who repeatedly promised them that he would get the treatment plans from me. Only then did they reluctantly leave. Some even grabbed my collar before leaving, threatening me: “If those treatment plans aren’t out today, you can tell your family to prepare for your funeral.” A notification popped up on my phone from HR, telling me to clear out the hospital apartment. This was the apartment Serena and I had applied for together. Now, having to move out, I truly felt that Serena and I were over. I planned to clean it out myself, but Serena caught up, offering to help. I couldn’t care less. Anyway, she was now the sole owner of that apartment. But when I stepped back inside, I knew why Serena had chased after me. The chili plants and mint I’d personally grown on the balcony were gone. The couple’s mugs and matching aprons in the kitchen had been replaced. The wallpaper, sofa, and bed throughout the entire apartment were now in Julian’s preferred style. Even the photo of Serena and me graduating from medical school, which used to hang in the living room, had been replaced by a photo of Julian and Serena on the day he became Chief. I didn’t need to pack anything. This small home, once decorated by Serena and me, was completely unrelated to me now. Three short days. That’s all it took. All my belongings were packed into a single suitcase, left abandoned outside the apartment door. Along with Buddy, the pet dog Serena and I had adopted together. Serena was DINK, so we’d adopted Buddy. She used to say he was like our child. Now, she’d thrown our child out with me. The thick summer air choked me, making it hard to breathe. “Buddy,” I called out. Hearing my voice, Buddy’s chubby body trembled, and he stood up. Seeing it was me, he whined excitedly, as if wanting to get close like usual. When he realized his head couldn’t squeeze through the bars of his crate, he just sat obediently, wagging his tail incessantly.

My nose stung uncontrollably, and the surging emotions could no longer be suppressed. I rushed into the living room. “Why did you throw all my things outside? I’m still your legal husband, aren’t I?” “Everything else aside, you know Buddy was abandoned because of his disability, he’s terrified of being left behind. How could you throw him outside?” “Julian is afraid of dogs.” Serena’s bland statement choked all my words in my throat. “Julian’s current apartment is too expensive, that’s why I let him move in. It’s just to save money.” She added, as if granting me a favor. Her cold demeanor completely extinguished my heart. Picking up Buddy, I struggled to push my suitcase out of the apartment. As I passed my old office, I heard my former colleagues passionately discussing surgical plans. A sense of indescribable melancholy filled me. That night, I meticulously prepared all the surgical plans for my patients. I believed that as a doctor, I had a clear conscience towards my patients. How Julian would complete the surgeries afterwards was no longer my concern. The next day, I contacted the most authoritative medical dispute arbitration recommended by my mother. I slapped the drafted lawyer’s letter in front of Serena. “Dr. Evans, aren’t you known for your zero-failure surgeries? How can you let me be a blemish on your record?” “For your sake, I absolutely *have* to win this case.” Serena frowned, glanced at the lawyer’s letter in her hand, and disdainfully tossed it aside. Then she threw the surgical plans I’d written last night back at me. I opened them and saw that while the general direction was my writing, some minor details had been altered. And these alterations contained incredibly stupid, low-level errors that were obvious at first glance. I smiled. Whether this was Serena’s scheme or Julian’s, I no longer cared. I slammed the plans onto Serena’s face. “First, these patients are all Julian’s now. I have no obligation to write plans for them.” “Second, I keep drafts of everything I hand over. I taught you that rule, you haven’t forgotten, have you?” “Finally, your current position is one I let you have. Now, your so-called ‘best friend’ wants to steal *my* position too. Fine, take it all. I just wish you, who are undeserving of your positions, don’t crash and burn. Otherwise, it’s the patients who will suffer.” “Oh, and I suggest you take that lawyer’s letter seriously.” “As I always taught you, vigilance prevents disaster.” With that, I didn’t bother to look at Serena’s face, a canvas of disbelief and guilt, and strode out of the hospital. While waiting for the traffic light, I received a call from my lawyer. “Mr. Reed, your divorce proceedings have encountered some issues.” “We’ve found that your wife, Ms. Serena Evans, took out a $150 million loan in your name during your marriage to help a Mr. Julian Cole establish Cole Medical in Riverbend City, building over a dozen private hospitals.” “Unless this debt is settled, your divorce proceedings will be difficult to finalize.” I hadn’t even processed this astounding news when a heavy truck barreled towards me. My mind went blank instantly. I felt like my insides had been utterly pulverized. But the next second, the truck reversed, deliberately driving over my right hand again. My already battered hand was mangled beyond recognition, practically glued to the asphalt like ground meat. The pain was gone; I even started thinking absurdly: how would the paramedics even scrape my mangled hand off the asphalt? Through my fading consciousness, I heard the truck driver speak into his phone, addressing someone on the other end: “Ms. Evans, it’s confirmed this time. It’s completely ruined. It won’t affect Mr. Cole anymore.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299145”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

I had a fling with a younger guy back in the day. Once I had him hooked, I dumped him. Later, he became a billionaire CEO. He found me, broke and bankrupt, and married me. Everyone said I hit the jackpot. But they didn’t know he brought different women home every single night. I didn’t cry. I didn’t fuss. But it drove him mad. He retaliated by getting his mistress, Serena, pregnant. I stayed calm, cool as ice. He slammed me against the wall. “Chloe, do you actually love me or not?” Later, Serena and I broke our water at the same time. I fell to my knees, telling him I loved him, begging him to take me to the hospital. He hugged me tight, a cruel smile on his face. “I knew it!” “You liar.” He shoved me away, hard. He scooped up Serena, then walked out without a backward glance. “I’ll send you to the hospital later. The pain of childbirth is your punishment!” All I saw was his retreating back as he rushed away. My lower abdomen ached as if all strength had been drained from me. I collapsed heavily to the floor. Amniotic fluid gushed out, soaking my thighs, spreading a wet stain on the ground. Weakly, I raised a hand, calling out to a maid nearby, my voice hoarse. “Please, take me to the hospital…” The maid looked at me, her face full of dilemma. “Mrs. Miller, Liam specifically told us we must wait for him to return. I wouldn’t dare…” “You wouldn’t dare?” I clutched my abdomen, my voice trembling from the pain. “If anything happens to me or the baby, Liam will never forgive you. Take me now!” The maid, terrified, finally scrambled to her feet and rushed out. She had barely reached the door when Liam’s personal assistant, David, blocked her path. “David, Mrs. Miller is in labor. She needs to go to the hospital right away,” the maid stammered nervously. David glanced at the fluid on the floor, then at my contorted face, his tone calm. “Mr. Miller said to wait for him. Mrs. Miller is just using her pregnancy to manipulate us again. Help her back to her room to rest.” “If we delay any longer, the baby will be gone! Will you take the blame?!” I desperately pushed myself up, pointing a trembling finger at him. David offered a polite, fake smile, his eyes devoid of any warmth. “Mrs. Miller, Mr. Miller is with Miss Serena at the hospital, making sure her baby is safe. He said to wait for him to return.” “You know Liam’s temper. No one dares to cross him.” “I’m in labor! The baby can’t wait!” The agonizing contractions returned, like a knife twisting and tearing inside my abdomen. I curled into a ball, cold sweat instantly soaking through my clothes. “What are you waiting for? Help Mrs. Miller to bed, now.” David snapped, his voice sharp. Two maids immediately rushed forward, ignoring the intense pain in my abdomen, roughly grabbing my arms and dragging me towards the bedroom. At that moment, I suddenly felt a warm liquid gushing out. I looked down—it was blood! “Blood! I’m bleeding!” Frantically, I grabbed a maid’s hand, screaming. “Take me to the hospital, quickly! Any later and the baby will really be in danger!” “Mrs. Miller, I can’t make that decision. I’ll call the family doctor over first.” The maid pulled her hand away, guilt written on her face. “I don’t want a family doctor! I need to go to the hospital!” “Mrs. Miller, please don’t get angry. I’ll go ask David right away.” The maid finished speaking and ran out in a panicked hurry. The pain in my abdomen was like a knife carving into my very bones. Cold sweat, mixed with blood and amniotic fluid, soaked the velvet blanket. Time ticked by, but no one came. Dragging my bleeding body, I painfully shifted to the edge of the bed and grabbed Martha, who had just walked in, by the hem of her uniform, crying out. “Martha, please, go check! I can’t hold on any longer…” Martha nodded, her face full of sympathy. “Mrs. Miller, just hold on. I’ll go hurry them up now.” But as she turned, David blocked her. He slowly walked towards me. His gaze swept over the blood-stained blanket, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. It was quickly replaced by cold indifference. “Let Dr. Miller take a look first.” As he spoke, Dr. Miller quickly entered with his medical bag. Several maids immediately stepped forward and pinned down my struggling limbs. “Let go of me! I need to go to the hospital!” I twisted my body desperately, tears mixing with cold sweat. “The baby can’t wait!” Dr. Miller, expressionless, examined me. Then he took out a few white pills and instructed Martha to give them to me. “What’s that?” I shook my head wildly. “I won’t take it! Are you trying to kill my baby?!” “It’s medication to delay labor. The contractions will lessen after you take it.” “No! That will cause the baby to be oxygen-deprived!” Dr. Miller remained coldly impassive, not saying another word. “Dr. Miller, your wife is also about to give birth, isn’t she? If she were lying here right now, would you make her take this medication? Aren’t you afraid of karma?!” I endured the intense pain and looked at David again. “David, if anything happens to me and the baby, you’ll be the murderer! Liam Miller won’t let you get away with it!” Dr. Miller and David exchanged a glance. Just as David was about to agree to send me to the hospital, his phone suddenly rang. It was Liam. He answered the call, responding respectfully, the hesitation on his face completely gone. “Mrs. Miller, you heard him.” His voice was filled with helplessness. “Mr. Miller said to absolutely wait for him to return. It’s not that I won’t help you, it’s that I truly don’t have the authority to decide.” With that, he gave Martha a meaningful look. Two maids immediately held down my shoulders, forcibly prying open my mouth. Martha took the opportunity to pop the pills in. I struggled to vomit, but the pills still slipped down my throat. Tears streamed silently down my face. I looked at the ceiling and suddenly burst into hysterical laughter. The laughter only made my tears flow harder. “This is excellent. Remember this day! If anything happens to my baby, I will become a vengeful spirit and drag you all down to hell with me!” “Mrs. Miller is unstable. Give her a sedative shot. Don’t let her hurt herself or the baby. Martha, keep an eye on her.” David frowned, then, after speaking to Dr. Miller and Martha, he turned and left. I stopped struggling, letting the thick needle pierce my arm. Turns out, in Liam’s heart, his mistress was far more important than his own flesh and blood. To save her baby, he would let his own child struggle on the brink of death. The despair I felt in that moment was equal to my regret for having been so determined to marry him. I thought if I was good enough, he would see it. Sometimes, for a fleeting moment, I believed he loved me. But now I knew: if he doesn’t love you, he just doesn’t. Even carrying his child couldn’t earn me a shred of his concern. I caressed the rising curve of my abdomen. Amniotic fluid and blood had long since soaked the entire bed. I slowly closed my eyes, tears once again wetting my face. “Liam Miller, if anything happens to my child, I will never let you go!”

Perhaps the medication had taken effect, as the pain of the contractions gradually lessened. But the blood still gushed from below. I lay weakly on the bed. In a haze, I suddenly heard Martha calling Mr. Miller’s name. Hope instantly ignited in my heart. Had he finally softened and decided to send me to the hospital? He still cared about me and the baby. So I gathered all my strength and shouted into Martha’s phone. “Liam Miller, quickly! Tell someone to send me to the hospital! The baby really might not make it!” Martha had put the phone on speaker, but what came through was Serena’s soft yet arrogant voice. “Sister, you really need to hold on. Liam is still here with me. He can’t spare a thought for you right now.” She paused, then instructed Martha. “Martha, make sure you take good care of Mrs. Miller, okay? Make sure she listens to Liam.” “Serena, let Liam take the call…” Before I could finish, someone clamped their hand over my mouth, leaving me to only make muffled sounds. Martha smiled fawningly into the phone. “Don’t worry, Miss Serena, we’ve already given her the delay medication. Mr. Miller’s instructions will definitely be followed.” “That’s good.” Serena’s voice was filled with triumph. “If Sister is still in pain later, I know a method that can both stop the pain and help her last until Liam gets back.” “What method?” Martha urgently asked. I held my breath, staring intently at the phone, wanting to hear what twisted idea she’d come up with next. The voice on the phone suddenly turned sinister. “First, hang her upside down, head first, feet up. After five minutes, the baby will slowly retract. Then, find a rope and tie it tightly below her abdomen. That will naturally help her last longer. If that still doesn’t work, then…” She deliberately raised her voice: “Like, stitch her up. In short, no matter what method you use, you must wait until Liam returns.” I desperately shook my head, but only muffled sounds came out. Martha stood frozen, her face ashen, only managing to force out a sentence after a long moment. “Miss Serena, isn’t that… inappropriate? Something bad could happen…” “How could it?” Her voice was full of disdain. “Where I’m from, to make sure the baby is born at a ‘good time,’ people often do this. Babies are resilient, you know.” She paused for two seconds, then continued. “Liam is right here next to me, and this is his idea. He’s the one who asked me to call and tell you. He said he needs to properly fix Chloe’s jealous streak. And he said to protect my baby at all costs. If you go soft, and anything happens to me, Liam will never forgive you.” Ignoring the gushing blood from below and the pain of the contractions, I violently broke free from the maids and screamed. “No! Liam wouldn’t do this to me and the baby! You’re lying! You evil woman! Martha, don’t listen to her!” But the next second, two maids roughly pressed me back onto the bed. Tears streaming down my face, I looked at Martha, pleading desperately. “Martha, you’re a mother too. Can you really be so heartless towards my baby?” Martha was trembling, sweating profusely, even the hand holding the phone was shaking violently. Serena was relentless. “Liam said he’ll divorce her soon. You need to think carefully about who’s more important, me or her.” Then the phone was abruptly hung up. After a moment of silence, Martha suddenly spoke to the maids. “Let go of Mrs. Miller.” A surge of joy filled me. I thought she had finally taken pity on me. I weakly reached out to her. “Martha, quickly, to the hospital. Any later and it will be too late.” But she sharply turned her face away, avoiding my gaze, and instructed the maids. “Get some ropes.” “Martha, what are you doing? You can’t do this!” I stared at her, horrified. But she acted as if she hadn’t heard me. Then two maids forcefully pinned me down on the bed. Ropes savagely bit into my hands and feet, instantly leaving raw, bloody marks. Every movement felt like my flesh was being ripped open. “Mrs. Miller, this is for your own good. Please, bear with it.” Martha threw out this sentence, then shouted to the maids again. “Bring the metal frame!” “For my own good?” I looked at her, tears streaming uncontrollably. “Don’t believe Serena’s lies! No matter what, Liam wouldn’t treat me like this! He swore he’d never hurt me!” But no one listened. Not a soul. Not until the metal frame was finally wheeled into the room. They grabbed my arms and forcibly dragged me towards the frame. A long trail of blood instantly marked the floor. The baby in my womb seemed to sense the danger, suddenly kicking wildly in my belly. The agonizing contractions returned, and I could barely breathe from the pain. Then, they hung me upside down on the metal frame, head first. My head pounded, the baby violently kicking my abdomen. Black spots danced before my eyes. Tears streamed down my forehead, mixing with my damp, sticky hair. “Liam Miller, please come back and see me! Are you really so heartless?” “Liam Miller, I really can’t hold on any longer. The baby will really…” As my consciousness blurred, I thought I saw Liam walking towards me, smiling. Just like before, he kissed my forehead, his voice tender. “Chloe, I’ll protect you and our child from now on. Don’t cry.” “Chloe, I’ll give up everything for you, even my life.” I reached out, my hand trembling, but I couldn’t grasp him.

The excruciating pain from the rope constricting my lower abdomen violently yanked me back to consciousness. Moments later, a maid brutally pulled me down from the metal frame. My back slammed hard against the floor, as if my bones would shatter. The rope binding my abdomen dug into my flesh, intensifying the contraction pain. The more I curled up, the tighter the rope bit, as if it was crushing my internal organs. Just then, a tearing, plummeting pain suddenly erupted from below. My hand trembled as I beckoned Martha. “Quick, I’m really giving birth…” Jenny, a maid who had just entered, suddenly gasped and screamed. “Martha, the baby… the baby’s crowning! Get her to the hospital, fast!” Martha’s face went white, but she just spun around in confusion. I stared at her, weak and in pain all over. “Please! Any later and the baby will be gone!” She suddenly raised her hand, her eyes cold. “Get a needle and thread. First, sew up her lower body.” “No!” Jenny rushed to the bed, spreading her arms to protect me. “Mrs. Miller and the baby will die! You’ll have to step over me first if you want to sew her!” “Do you dare defy Mr. Miller’s orders?” Martha scolded sharply. “But there’s so much blood!” Jenny cried, her voice choked. “Martha, how can you be so cruel?” “If we upset Mr. Miller and Miss Serena, we won’t even be able to save our own lives!” “Tie her up! Don’t let her interfere!” Two maids rushed forward, dragging Jenny towards the metal frame. Tape was slapped over her mouth. Her eyes bloodshot, she struggled desperately. The metal frame was knocked to the ground, hitting her back hard. She curled up on the floor, her body convulsing violently, and remained motionless for a long time. Enduring the pain in my lower abdomen, I screamed, my eyes red. “Let her go! You monsters! I hope you all rot in hell!” The next second, tape was sealed tightly over my mouth. Martha took the needle and thread, lifted my dress, and plunged the long needle into the flesh of my lower body. Excruciating pain instantly spread through my entire body, like a sharp knife carving into my flesh. I shook my head wildly, tears mixing with cold sweat. The maids held down my hands and feet tightly, making it impossible for me to move even an inch. “Mrs. Miller, it’s a cosmetic stitch, won’t leave a scar.” Martha’s face was expressionless, her needle still pushing deeper. “No anesthetic is better for you. Childbirth is much worse than this, anyway. You’ll get through it. We’ll send you to the hospital once Mr. Miller returns.” I looked at these inhumane people, closed my eyes, and gave up struggling. Just then, the door was violently thrown open. “What are you doing?! Stop it!” Liam’s sister, Sarah,’s stern voice echoed from outside the door. The air in the room instantly froze. The maids hurriedly released me, all lowering their heads in unison. Martha stood frozen, her face pale, her hands stained with blood, smearing her uniform. Liam and Sarah had grown up together, their parents having passed away when they were young. Liam’s success today was half due to her efforts. In the Miller family, her word carried more weight than Liam’s. Sarah’s gaze swept over the purple bruises on my abdomen, the blood-soaked bed, and the half-finished, bloody stitches in my lower body. Through the fresh blood, a glimpse of the baby’s hair was visible. She stumbled, clutching the doorframe, her voice trembling. “Who gave you the audacity?! How could you be so wicked?!” “It… it was Mr. Miller who said we had to wait for him to return…” Before Martha could finish, Sarah raised her hand and slapped her twice, hard, drawing blood from the corner of her mouth. “That wretched woman again! She’s behind this!” Sarah was trembling with rage. “I don’t have a cold-blooded brother like him! And the Miller family certainly doesn’t have an animal who hurts his wife and child!” “She’s Mrs. Miller! How dare you treat her like this! If anything happens to her and the baby, I swear I’ll make you pay a hundred times over! You’ll rot in jail! Get her to the hospital, now!” The maids scrambled to untie the ropes from my body. The moment the ropes loosened, I felt a sudden relief in my abdomen. Immediately, more blood gushed down my thighs, and the excruciating pain below remained. Sarah rushed over, crouching beside my bed, her voice shaking uncontrollably. “Chloe, I’m so sorry I’m late. You’ve suffered so much. You have to hold on! Please, don’t give up!” I looked at her red-rimmed eyes, wanting to reach up and wipe her tears away, but then my vision suddenly went black. In a daze, I felt myself enveloped in a warm embrace, carrying a faint, clean scent. Sarah’s tearful voice whispered in my ear. “Chloe, look at me. Don’t sleep. I’m taking you to the hospital right away!” I wanted to respond, but no words would come out of my throat. I only heard a maid’s sudden scream nearby. “Blood! So much blood! The baby… I think I saw the baby’s head moving!” Sarah suddenly looked up, pointing her blood-stained right hand at Martha, roaring. “What are you waiting for?! Call an ambulance! Quickly!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299144”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

Everyone knew that Julian Blackwood, the most prominent man in the city, had married a mute woman. For ten years of marriage, Julian never once acknowledged me as his wife. They all said: “Mr. Blackwood married you; you should be grateful.” I swallowed every mocking word, every scornful glance, simply because I loved him. But the day I found out I was pregnant, I saw him in bed with my half-sister. They pushed me to the brink, cornered me until I had nowhere left to go. I jumped from the high-rise— Yet, Julian’s eyes burned red. He bowed his proud head, begging me, desperate for me to return to him. Pushing open the bedroom door— The overwhelming smell of alcohol and clothes strewn everywhere screamed at me, reminding me just how intense things had been in here. My legs buckled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down my face. Tiffany Miller chuckled as she looked at me. Calmly, she put on her clothes, then sashayed towards me. “Aurora, clean this mess up. Don’t let Julian find out. If you dare utter a single word about what happened today…” Tiffany paused, touching the necklace around her neck, her eyes turning vicious. “I can’t guarantee your mother won’t ‘have an accident.’” I frantically grabbed Tiffany’s arm, my eyes pleading, signaling that I would obey her. Tiffany smirked, glaring at me. “Right. You’re mute. It’s not like you can say anything anyway.” Tiffany left, triumphant. I leaned against the door, sliding down to the floor, powerless. My hands fell limp, and the doctor’s report slipped from my grasp. “Congratulations, your baby is two weeks old.” The doctor had said, flipping through the report. I touched my belly, incredulous. A wave of immense joy washed over me. I’d always had trouble conceiving. I never thought I’d have a baby of my own. On the way home, my heart pounded with anxiety. I wondered if Julian would dislike this child because it was mine, if he would despise it as much as he despised me. But I never imagined I’d come home to find my half-sister and my husband sleeping together. I knew Julian didn’t love me. But he didn’t have to humiliate me like this. My heart felt like it was clutched by an invisible hand, squeezing the breath from me, threatening to suffocate me. Slowly, I cleaned the room, tears dripping onto the floor as I numbly wiped them away. I tore the pregnancy test report into tiny pieces and flushed them down the toilet. I walked to the bed. Julian lay there, eyes closed, brows furrowed. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, still hazy with drunkenness. Julian reached out, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me beneath him. He nuzzled his nose against my face, then whispered in my ear. No matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t push him away. My eyes stung, and I bit my lip hard, refusing to let the tears fall. Then Julian called out, “Tiffany.” The name plunged me into an icy abyss. My blood froze, and my heart felt pierced by countless shards of glass. Raw and bleeding, tears traced paths down my cheeks, then disappeared into my hair. “Aurora.” Julian’s voice in the morning pulled me back from sleep to reality. He gripped my wrist tightly. Just waking up, he looked annoyed. His eyes were deep, his aura heavy. “Didn’t I tell you not to climb into my bed again?” Julian’s voice was arctic. I shook my head frantically, signing to him. “No, you pulled me in yesterday.” Julian’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Aurora, I’m not *that* desperate.” I froze for a moment, then lowered my head. Seeing me like that, Julian impatiently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. He turned, pulled out a checkbook from a drawer, signed a check, tore it off, and flung it at my face. The paper was light, but it struck my heart with brutal force. Julian glanced at me. “Aurora, don’t let this happen again.” My eyes were numb, and I forced out a bitter smile, tears welling up. The scars on my heart felt like they were being ripped open again. Just when they’d started to heal, they were raw and bleeding once more. “Julian Blackwood, I’m not doing this for money.” Tears streamed down my face as I signed.

Julian grabbed my hand, looking displeased. “Don’t play the innocent woman. Take it, just take it. What’s with all the signing first thing in the morning? It’s irritating.” I opened my mouth weakly, but no sound came out. My face was streaked with tears. Julian stood up, a clear look of disgust in his eyes. The door slammed shut with such force that my body trembled. Downstairs, everyone was already seated at the dining table. Mrs. Blackwood looked at me with disdain, her voice sharp and sarcastic. “My daughter-in-law is even lazier than I am.” I signed an apology to everyone. But not a single person looked at me, not even a glance. I sat down dejectedly, trying to make myself as small as possible. Suddenly, a bowl of hot soup splashed onto my hand. My hand trembled with pain, turning visibly red. “Oops, Aunt Aurora, I’m so sorry.” It was Julian’s niece, Stella. She apologized with her mouth, but her eyes held a sly glint. She winked at me, feigning innocence. “It doesn’t hurt, does it, Aunt Aurora? I thought you’d scream in pain.” I was about to raise my hand to protest. “It’s just a bowl of soup. How hot could it be? Just eat your breakfast. It’s disgusting first thing in the morning.” Mrs. Blackwood looked at me impatiently. I clenched my hands, then looked up at Julian. He was quietly eating, completely unconcerned by what was happening to me. I pressed my lips together, suppressing the bitter ache in my chest. “Don’t let it bother you, Aurora.” Lily Blackwood, Julian’s sister, gently applied medicine to my hand. Looking at this young girl who bore a striking resemblance to Julian, tears involuntarily fell from my eyes. Perhaps she had touched the softest part of my heart. It was a pity such a kind girl had a congenital heart condition. A pang of tenderness flashed in my eyes. She smiled at me, her eyes curving into crescent moons. In the Blackwood family, she was the only one who didn’t look down on me, the mute. “Hello, Mrs. Blackwood.” Tiffany beamed, her smile fawning, as she entered the Blackwood home. The two chatted merrily. Tiffany could talk easily with everyone in the family; she seemed more like a Blackwood daughter-in-law than I ever could. My heart felt like it was being pricked by a thousand tiny needles, the pain so intense I could barely breathe. Tiffany pulled me aside. She took out a bottle of pills. “Aurora, find a way to make Lily take these.” Tiffany’s expression was sinister. “No! She can’t take those randomly.” I frantically waved my hands, refusing. Tiffany touched the necklace around her neck. “It seems you don’t care much about your mother after all.” My body stiffened. Tiffany shoved the pills into my hand. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I bit my lip hard, a salty, metallic taste spreading in my mouth. But Lily still didn’t escape that night. I grabbed Tiffany, tears streaming down my face, signing my questions. “Why? I didn’t make her take them! Why?!” Tiffany smirked. “I knew a fool like you couldn’t do it.” She pushed me away violently, then walked off triumphantly. *Smack!* “Aurora, you truly have a cruel heart.” The pills were found in my room, making me undeniably the murderer of Lily Blackwood. Julian was silent, his eyes slightly red. If you looked closely, you could see his hands trembling slightly. Lily was his beloved sister, and now, because of me, he had lost her forever. I crawled to his feet, tears streaming down my face like a broken dam. I signed. “Julian, I’m sorry.” Julian’s eyes turned bloodshot, filled with a fierce rage. He grabbed my throat, his hands tightening.

My face turned crimson from lack of oxygen. My hands fell limp, and the light in my eyes seemed to dim, fading into nothingness in an instant. Tears fell uncontrollably, one by one. Julian’s eyes were dark and cold, the icy stare piercing my heart like an ice pick. It felt as if a sharp knife was twisting repeatedly in my chest. Each turn was enough to send me to hell. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, Julian tossed me aside like trash. I gasped for air. “Aurora, I’ll give you one more chance. Just say you didn’t do it, and I’ll believe you.” A storm of hatred and despair raged in Julian’s eyes, but he suppressed it, burying it deep inside. I shook my head desperately. Tiffany touched her necklace, giving me a warning look. I wanted to tell the truth. But my mother’s life was in Tiffany’s hands. I couldn’t risk it. I sat there, stunned. I couldn’t forgive myself. A huge stone seemed to weigh down on my chest, making it hard to breathe. Tiffany rushed over, hugging Julian’s arm. “Julian, the evidence is right in front of us. I never thought my sister would do such a thing.” She shot me a glance, her hand going to the necklace around her neck. Despair flashed in my eyes. The pain inside me was like darkness, slowly devouring me. I collapsed to the floor, like a lifeless puppet. Julian’s eyes grew colder and colder. His deep gaze was like a still, dead pool. “Aurora, you will pay the price for what you’ve done.” Lily Blackwood’s funeral lasted five days, and Julian made me kneel for all five days. During that time, I stayed there, kneeling. The scornful stares and pointing fingers of those around me slowly gnawed at my soul. Tiffany, assuming the air of a hostess, managed everything in the Blackwood household. Tiffany raised her hand and fiercely pinched my chin. “Aurora, Mrs. Blackwood, this position will soon be mine. You’ll end up like your mother, thrown out.” I glared at her, my eyes filled with hatred. Tiffany dug her nails into my flesh. “Aurora, you don’t know, do you? Lily thought of you even as she died, worried you’d be bullied. But I just watched her take her last breath.” I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, wildly flailing my hands. “Why? Why did you kill her?” Tiffany sneered, her eyes sinister. “Everyone who stands in the way of me becoming Mrs. Blackwood has to die.” Her hand went to her abdomen. “Aurora, I’m pregnant.” Tiffany raised an eyebrow, looking at me triumphantly. I clutched my chest. My heart felt pierced by countless shards of glass. I wanted to scream, but no sound would come out. In that moment, I wanted to die with Tiffany. Then my heart wouldn’t have to suffer so much, and Lily wouldn’t have died in vain. Hatred blinded me. I used all my strength to shove Tiffany. She hit her head on a table, bleeding profusely. “Aurora, what are you doing?!” Julian rushed in, his voice angry, his eyes sharp and filled with rage. Tiffany lay weakly in Julian’s arms. “Julian, my head hurts so much.” I laughed, laughing like a madwoman, the blood at the corner of my mouth making it even more terrifying. I opened my mouth, screaming soundlessly, my chest aching. My lower abdomen cramped, and I had to curl up. I felt something warm leaving my body. I reached out my hand, wanting to call out to Julian. But he just held Tiffany and walked away without a backward glance. Tiffany looked at me, a defiant smile on her face. I collapsed to the floor, completely losing consciousness. In a daze, I felt someone kick me hard. Then I heard Tiffany’s voice. “That slut was actually pregnant. Good thing the baby’s gone now; saves me the trouble.” A man’s voice immediately followed. “Evil woman, you don’t deserve to carry my child.” It was Julian’s voice. I wanted to open my eyes, but I could only see a blurry figure. I wanted to raise my hand, to beg him to save our child, because no matter what, Julian, it was *your* child. But all that waited for me was a long silence and Julian’s inaction. A bucket of cold water was thrown over me, chilling me to the bone. I jolted awake. I found myself naked, with a man lying next to me. A torrent of curses and blows rained down on me. The man knelt on the floor. “Grandma Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood, it’s not my fault! This woman seduced me first.” Julian’s face was livid. He kicked the man. Ignoring everyone, he scooped me up, shoved me into the bedroom, and roughly threw me onto the bed, breathing heavily. “Aurora, you’re utterly depraved!” “Depraved?” I managed a bitter laugh. The thought of my child filled me with hate. I wanted to escape this man, this murderer who had turned a blind eye, who had watched my child die. In my despair, a smile suddenly bloomed on my face. Under his cold gaze, I slowly made a gesture. “Julian, let’s get a divorce.” 4. His expression froze, his eyes filled with shock. But soon, he sneered. “Divorce? Aurora, you’ve disgraced me completely. And now you have the nerve to ask for a divorce?” The pain in my abdomen had long since numbed me. I stared at him with resentment. “Julian, I don’t know anything. I woke up like this.” Julian’s eyes were full of scorn. “Aurora, do you really think I’ll believe that?” Julian restrained me, his eyes showing disappointment and hurt. “Aurora, why?” My heart was dead. I waved my hand. “Julian, you don’t love me. Let’s get a divorce.” He took a deep breath, his eyes hardening with ruthlessness. “Aurora, I won’t let you get rid of me. You’ll never think about divorce for the rest of your life. Not unless you die, or I die.” He threw me onto the floor. The bone-chilling cold enveloped me. Julian locked me up. From then on, I never saw him again. Until— Tiffany and Julian appeared together beside me. Tiffany leaned against Julian, looking frail, her swollen belly stabbing at my eyes. I thought of the child I had lost. My heart felt squeezed by an invisible hand, making it impossible to breathe. My eyes were vacant, but the look of profound grief vanished in an instant. Now, I carried too many burdens. Every night, I dreamt of my lost child and Lily. Guilt and self-reproach filled my heart. Tiffany smiled triumphantly, gently stroking her belly. “Aurora, Julian and I are together now.” I weakly raised my hand, signing. “Congratulations. You got what you wanted.” Tiffany pinched my arm, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “Aurora, you and your mother have bad luck. Oh, by the way, your mother didn’t make it through last night. She died.” Tiffany yanked my mother’s necklace off her neck and threw it to the ground. The necklace shattered into pieces instantly. I pounced on it, carefully gathering the fragments in my hands. A storm instantly swept through my world, leaving behind nothing but ruins. I clutched the fragments tightly to my chest, crying hysterically. My eyes were bloodshot. In that moment, I wanted to die with Tiffany. I pushed her, making her stumble. I bit down hard on her wrist until I tasted blood in my mouth. Julian pushed me away forcefully. “Aurora, what are you doing?!” I laughed, like a lunatic, the blood around my mouth making it even more terrifying. Tiffany cried. “Julian, my sister must be…” Julian raised his hand. Several men in black appeared, restraining me. Julian gently stroked Tiffany’s cheek. “Take it out on her as you wish.” Slap after slap landed on my face. Soon, my face was swollen and unrecognizable, blood trickling from the corner of my mouth. My ears buzzed. In a daze, I thought I saw my mother. I saw her smiling gently at me. I missed her so much. Tears flowed from the corners of my eyes. My whole body trembled with pain, but I could only cry silently. Tiffany and I were half-sisters. My mother and father had been married for over a decade, yet Tiffany was only a few months younger than me, which was laughable. My mother’s health deteriorated day by day, and my father divorced her, then turned around and married Tiffany’s mother. My mother was confined to a nursing home, and if I didn’t obey, her medication would be stopped at any moment. So, I had no choice but to listen to Tiffany. I had harmed everyone. My mind was in a haze. I crawled to Julian’s side, humbly grabbing his pant leg. I opened my mouth, wanting to beg him to let me go. But he kicked me away. His disgusted eyes pierced me. I thought of the time Julian’s eyes were injured. Perhaps that was the happiest time of my life. Back then, he would gently hold my hand and promise me—

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299143”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

The Protagonist Refused to be a Puppet After I lost my memory, I realized something was really off. My seemingly innocent brother secretly slipped into my bed in the middle of the night. My successful businessman uncle kept sending me clothes. My cold, sophisticated Professor Thorne gave me unsettlingly intimate instructions. And Jax, the infamous bad boy from the other side of the tracks, pinned me against the wall and whispered, “Eighty bucks for the night.” I figured there had to be some huge misunderstanding, so I gathered them all together, planning to set things straight. But to my shock, they just exchanged knowing smiles, looking at me like a lamb ready for slaughter. “All four of us? Playing *that* kind of game? How thrilling,” one of them purred. I paused for a beat, then slapped each of them across the face. “Thrilling *now*?” I woke up, and my memory was completely gone. All I remembered was my name, Anya. Everything else was a blank. I looked around. It was a cozy bedroom, tastefully decorated. On the nightstand, there was a photo. Tiny script at the bottom read: *To my dearest Mom, Dad, and little brother.* So, a family of four. Just as I put the photo down, I heard footsteps outside the door. My bedroom door was suddenly pushed open. “Sis, dinner’s ready!” It was a tall, lean teenager with a fair complexion and a bright, open smile. He grabbed my wrist with an alarming familiarity, pulling me out of the room. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go!” This must be my brother. Liam. At the dinner table, the family felt so harmonious, so picture-perfect. I quietly ate my food, listening to them chat. “Liam will be a senior next year. It would be great if he could get into Anya’s college. You two could look out for each other.” Liam nodded dutifully, “I’ll definitely get in.” He then flashed me a smile. “You have to wait for me at school, sis.” He looked so innocent, just a typical teenager. But even then, something about his words felt off, and his eyes held a disturbing glint I couldn’t quite place.

Late that night, I lay in bed, drifting in and out of sleep. Suddenly, I heard faint rustling in the room, and a blurry figure moved past. I startled, sitting bolt upright, but a hand clamped firmly over my mouth. “Shhh, quiet. Don’t let Mom and Dad hear.” It was Liam. I was still wondering why he was in my room so late when he lunged at me, pressing me back onto the bed. I gasped. “What are you doing?” “Heh.” He gave a wicked smirk. “What do you think I’m doing? I’m doing *you*.” What kind of talk was that?! I pushed him away. “I’m your sister!” “Not just my sister. You’re *my* woman.” His words hit me like a shockwave. Without thinking, I kicked him squarely off the bed. “Get lost!” “Anya, what are you playing at? You’re just a slut who’d sleep with anyone—Ah!” He didn’t even finish his sentence before I delivered another kick. This one landed right in his crotch. I watched him curl up, howling in pain, then I flexed my ankle and clicked my tongue. “So small.”

Liam’s behavior last night made me realize that everything around me was definitely off. Even though I couldn’t remember anything right now, we were siblings. There was no way I was *that* kind of person. I walked out of my room, my expression heavy. Passing the bathroom, I ran into Liam brushing his teeth. I gave him a slow, wicked smile, my gaze dropping pointedly to the very spot I’d brutalized the night before. *Plink.* His toothbrush clattered to the floor. I feigned surprise. “What’s wrong, little brother? Why are you foaming at the mouth?” Liam’s face was pale. He took two steps back, seemingly intimidated, looking like he wanted to scream but didn’t dare. No fun. I turned and walked away, bored. It was the weekend, so Mom and Dad had already left for work, leaving just Liam and me at home. After breakfast, he plopped onto the couch and started playing video games. I looked at the unwashed dishes on the table, annoyed. “Liam, come wash the dishes!” But he didn’t even look up from his phone. He said, “Didn’t you always do the housework? You’ve always been the one doing the chores around here, haven’t you?” So, it turned out I used to be a free maid. I thought for a moment, then plopped down next to him. “Fine, let it all go to hell. No one’s doing anything.” He suddenly froze, staring at me with a strange expression. “Anya, you’re different. You never used to refuse me. You…” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Are you playing games? Trying to get my attention?” “Huh?” “Don’t act dumb. You want my attention, right? Don’t bother, I could never like you.” I looked at him like he was an idiot. Seriously, how could someone so utterly ordinary be so unbelievably arrogant? He went on, “But, even if I don’t like you, doing other stuff isn’t off the table. After all, you’re so desperate for a guy, aren’t you…” His hand, once again, snaked towards my collar. I grabbed his hand, twisted it, and he cried out in pain. I offered a slight smile. Some kids just need a good reality check… or another punch.

Before college started, I went to the hospital alone. The results came back normal. The doctor said I likely had temporary amnesia caused by an unknown reason. Just as I stepped out of the hospital, I heard a shout. “Anya!” I turned and saw a mature man in a sharp suit. I didn’t know who he was, so I stood there, unmoving. He walked closer to me and asked, “Why are you at the hospital alone? Are you feeling unwell?” I shook my head. “I’m fine.” He grabbed my wrist. “Then Uncle Marcus will take you home.” So, this was my Uncle Marcus, the CEO of Sterling Enterprises, the successful and promising man my parents always talked about. But the way he looked at me, with an uncomfortable invasiveness, made me frown and pull my hand away. “No thanks, I called a ride.” He froze. “Anya, are you still mad? What happened that day was my fault, and I apologize. But you have to believe me, you’re the only one for me. I’ll take care of you for the rest of my life.” As he spoke, he put an arm around my shoulder. I shoved him away and stomped hard on his foot. “Uncle, aren’t you a bit old to be playing the innocent card?” He bent over, groaning in pain. I took the chance to put some distance between us. “I know you’re busy with work, but maybe take some time for skincare and hit the gym? Your crow’s feet are practically racing each other across your face!” Honestly, my uncle wasn’t a bad-looking guy. I just couldn’t understand why all these men seemed to have some secret, twisted connection with me. He winced, then managed a pained smile. “Anya, if it makes you feel better, you can hit me a few more times.” “You’re a glutton for punishment.” “I am.” His eyes were filled with a disturbing adoration. “You never used to hit me before. I never knew you could be so beautiful when you’re angry.” I scoffed. Seriously, who asks for that? I gave him another kick, then turned and walked away without looking back. Back home, I found a package. It was from Uncle Marcus, paid for three days ago. I unwrapped the high-end gift box, only to find a piece of intricate lingerie inside. At the same time, I got a message from him. He’d sent me three PayPal transfers: $5000, $2000, and $1000, saying it was my spending money. Attached was a lengthy, gushy confession. I didn’t even read it. I tapped my phone a few times. I accepted all three transfers, then immediately donated every single cent to a charity organization. I screenshotted the donation receipts and sent them to him. *Uncle Marcus, send more! Charity work needs your support.* As for the lingerie, I sent it right back to him with a note: *I think you’d look much sexier in it, Uncle Marcus.*

Before I knew it, it was the first day of classes. I packed my bags and headed back to college. When I pushed open my dorm room door, my three roommates, who were busy gossiping, suddenly stopped and all stared at me. Their eyes were filled with wariness. Clearly, we weren’t on good terms. I shrugged, gesturing for them to continue. I found the only empty bed and slowly started unpacking. The room was silent for a moment, then one of the girls spoke up. Chloe. “Let’s just talk. Why bother with *her*?” “Yeah, she’s so shameless anyway, she wouldn’t care what people say.” Maya chimed in. The other two looked awkward. “Come on, Brianna, don’t say that.” They must have been talking about me. Suddenly, I was curious. “Are you guys talking about me? Spill the tea.” “What are you playing at?” They looked surprised. “Everyone knows you confessed to Jax from the other school, got rejected, and then wouldn’t give up, practically begging him to sleep with you! Today, his school is playing our school in basketball, and everyone’s going to be laughing at you!” “Yeah, how could *we* be roommates with someone as shameless as you?” Brianna added. Their words dripped with contempt. I silently pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts. Sure enough, I found Jax. But strangely, the chat history was empty. “We’re going to the basketball game now. Anya, I’m warning you, you better not go. No one’s going to care if you get booed to tears.” The three of them walked out of the dorm. I thought for a moment, then pulled my laptop out of my bag. I logged into SnapChat on my computer and clicked on my chat history with Jax again. Sure enough, there were some synced messages. They were few, but enough for me to realize that things weren’t at all as they described. Jax had been sending me flirtatious messages. From what I could see, *I* was the one being pressured. So, Jax must have deleted the chat history from my phone and then slandered me, claiming I’d seduced him. What a manipulative jerk! I put my laptop in my bag. I decided it was time to confront that scumbag at the basketball court.

I wasn’t very familiar with the college campus, so I twisted and turned until I reached the gym. Suddenly, an arm shot out from around a corner. He wrapped it around my waist, smoothly pinning me against the wall. A cocky, arrogant face was inches from mine. He grinned. “Anya, you actually dare to show up at the basketball game? “You’re that desperate to see me, huh?” I guessed he was Jax. So I said, “I’m here to watch how badly you lose.” “Then you’ll be disappointed. With your school’s basketball skills, there’s no way you’re beating me.” He was confident and arrogant. “Once I win the game, you’ll have to celebrate with me. “Don’t go back to your dorm tonight. Spend the night with me. Don’t worry, I won’t stiff you.” He held up a hand, showing eighty with his fingers. “Eighty bucks for the night, how about it? “That’s the kind of price you’d pay for a hooker, and a cheap one at that.” He smiled as he uttered those stinging words, his eyes looking at me like I was the lowest form of entertainment. I raised my hand and slapped him. “You hit me?” He looked utterly incredulous. “Anya, aren’t you scared I’ll make those photos public?” Oh, so he had something on me, huh? I smirked, then slapped him again. “That’s what you get.”

This university’s facilities were top-notch. The indoor basketball court was huge, and the bleachers were already full, even the aisles were packed. The game between the two schools had the students hyped, but the name I heard most often was Jax. Rumor had it his family had serious ties to the local underworld, and he was known as the infamous bad boy of the other school. “Excuse me, could you let me through?” I called out to a student blocking the way. He turned around and exclaimed in surprise: “Anya’s here!” At that shout, I instantly became the center of attention. “Anya actually showed up?! Hasn’t she humiliated herself enough? She’s utterly shameless.” “You don’t understand, that’s true love. Even after a thousand rejections, she still loves Jax like her first crush!” “First crush? The kind where she throws herself at him for sex?” There were plenty of whispers, but they also instinctively cleared a path for me. I walked down the steps as if deaf to their words, easily reaching the front row. Jax saw me too. He deliberately blew me a whistle, then silently mouthed two words. I could read his lips: “Eighty bucks.” He was still trying to humiliate me, utterly full of himself. So I mouthed four words back to him. “Your face is swollen.” That’s right, I’d slapped him twice, left and right, and now his face was slowly turning red and puffy. He clenched his jaw and glared at me. I raised an eyebrow. What are you looking at? You can’t even beat me. Jax was right, our school’s basketball team was pretty weak. I watched the score widen, surrounded by shouts of “Jax is so hot!” It wasn’t long before he secured the victory. Basking in the cheers of the students, he walked up to me. “Anya, why are you still bothering me?” The guys around him started booing and jeering, and everyone’s gaze was hostile. Rumors spread like wildfire, but trying to extinguish them is a losing battle. In their eyes, I was just a desperate, promiscuous girl. No one would listen to my explanation, at least not right now. So I stood up and challenged him: “Jax, do you dare to play me one-on-one? “Most baskets in a set time wins.” He froze for a second, then burst out laughing. “Are you serious? You, Anya, challenging *me*?” I nodded. He suddenly roared with laughter, and the crowd around him joined in. A delicate girl challenging a highly skilled male basketball player? Utterly delusional. I even heard someone say, “Is she trying to get Jax’s attention? Or maybe create some ‘accidental’ physical contact?” Ignoring their malice, I calmly repeated myself. “Do you dare to play me?” He looked at me with disdain. “Fine, but there has to be a stake, right? Otherwise, what’s the fun?” “What do you want to bet?” “If you lose, you have to dance for everyone. And it’ll be… a strip dance.” It was blatant humiliation, but under everyone’s watchful eyes, I calmly nodded. “Okay. What if *you* lose?” “Me lose?” He laughed. “What do you want me to do?” I pointed to the court. “If you lose, you’ll get on your hands and knees, bark like a dog, and crawl three laps around the court.” “Anya, are you out of your mind?!” He clearly hadn’t expected me to be so bold. But if he wanted to humiliate me, he needed to be prepared to be humiliated himself. I asked him one last time, “So, do you want to play?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299142”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

  My best friend and I were both heartbroken on the same day, but unlike me, she insisted on dragging me into her twisted version of a “romantic ending” and dying together. Ignoring my protests, she set fire to my house. When she saw me burning alive, skin blistering and flesh charred, she panicked and ran. I survived with severe burns and lay in the hospital for three long months. The day I was finally discharged, I discovered she was marrying my wealthy ex-boyfriend. When I confronted her, she brushed it off with a sweet smile: “Don’t overthink. I married him to punish the scumbag and get revenge for you.” But her actions told another story. She sold all the wedding jewelry and told her husband I had taken them to buy gifts for a boytoy. She maxed out his credit cards, claiming it was to pay off my gambling debts. When she got pregnant and slept with her husband’s driver, she nearly bled to death—then told everyone I had gone to a hotel with a bunch of male models, and she miscarried while trying to “save” me. In the end, her husband sold me off to the Golden Triangle. There, they cut out my kidney and tortured me until I died in agony. But when I opened my eyes again, I was back on the very day she had her affair and miscarriage. ***** Alexia always used me as her excuse whenever she met her lover. She told her husband, Paul Eveline, that I was the one calling her out—sometimes saying I’d been beaten by a wife for being a mistress and needed comfort, sometimes that I owed loan sharks and begged for help. She even said that I was being treated for a dirty disease and needed her by my side. If Paul hadn’t once stormed into my house in my past life, spitting venom and condemning me for all those fabricated sins, I never would’ve known just how “colorful” my life had become in her lies. And now, his number was flashing on my phone again, vibrating relentlessly. The moment I picked up, his furious voice exploded in my ear. “Hedy! It’s the middle of the night—why are you keeping Alexia with you again?” “I’ve tolerated you long enough! After we broke up, you wanted to ruin yourself, fine. But must you keep sucking the life out of Alexia? She’s your best friend, not your mother!” “She’s married now, and pregnant. Can’t you have some shame and stop bothering her every damn day? Do you even know how pathetic you are?” “What is this, revenge because I dumped you? Are you trying to destroy my family? Alexia is pure and innocent—if you dare exploit her again, don’t blame me for being ruthless! Send her back right now!” His voice was so loud and venomous that my ears rang. The truth was I hadn’t had any contact with Alexia ever since she set me on fire. But Paul never believed that. I received his calls almost daily. At first, hearing his accusations, I actually thought Alexia was really punishing him on my behalf. It wasn’t until he barged into my home in a rage, beat me black and blue, stuffed me into a sack, and sold me to the Golden Triangle that I realized I had been nothing but a scapegoat. Remembering the flames she lit, the slander she spread, and his merciless revenge—a surge of hatred burned in my chest. ‘Paul, this time, you’ll see with your own eyes what your so-called “pure, good wife” really is.’ Curling my lips into a cold smile, I answered the call. “Alexia is busy right now—she’s unclogging the sewer. She won’t be back anytime soon.” Then my face hardened. Without waiting for his reply, I hung up and switched off my phone. But only moments later, pounding fists rattled my door. The lock had barely turned when a powerful force slammed it open, throwing me back. Before I could react, several bodyguards pinned me to the ground. And Paul stormed inside, footsteps heavy and furious, tearing through my home in search of Alexia.   My small two-bedroom apartment had been turned upside down by his men. Yet he still found nothing. “Didn’t you say Alexia was unclogging a sewer? Where is she?” His face flushed red as he stormed up to me, voice booming with rage. Seeing him like this, a wicked satisfaction curled in my chest. Revenge tasted sweet. I raised my brows, speaking slowly, almost lazily, “I only said she was unclogging a sewer. I never said it was in my house. Maybe she’s unclogging one at your driver’s place. Why don’t you check there?” Paul’s eyes went cold. He grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked hard. “Drop the sarcasm,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I’ll ask you one last time—where are you hiding Alexia?” Alexia’s whereabouts had always been a secret. I was nothing but her scapegoat—how could I possibly know? Through gritted teeth, I answered, “She’s a grown woman with hands and feet of her own. Why would I know where she goes? I’m not her mother!” Not getting the answer he wanted, Paul’s eyes turned vicious. He released my hair only to strike me hard across the face, the blow leaving my head ringing. Rage flared through me—yet beneath it, an even greater anticipation stirred. ‘You’re angry already? You’ve seen nothing yet, Paul. The worst is still waiting for you,’ I muttered internally. He loomed over me, striking my face again and again with his palm, as he sneered, “You think keeping your mouth shut means I can’t deal with you?” He reached into my pocket, pulled out my phone, and powered it on. Holding it up to my face, he unlocked it with the facial scan, then scrolled straight into my contacts. When he spotted my emergency contact, a cruel smile spread across his lips. He dialed. “Hello? What’s wrong?” On the other end, my husband, Leopold, answered with his usual gentle voice. I opened my mouth, desperate to speak—but one of the bodyguards clamped a hand over it, suffocating my words. “You’re Hedy’s husband, right?” Paul’s voice was cold, dripping with disdain. “And who the hell are you?” Hearing an unfamiliar man, Leopold’s tone sharpened, his calm was instantly replaced by unease. Paul met my eyes, mocking me as he replied, “I’m Hedy’s ex. But don’t worry—I’m married now. I’ve got no interest in her anymore.” There was a short silence, then Leopold demanded, “Then why are you calling me with her phone?” “No real reason. I just thought you should hear the truth about your lovely wife.” Paul began his assault, every word a dagger meant to bury me alive. “Do you know how she got those burn scars? She tried to set herself on fire when I dumped her and wanted to die with me. If my wife hadn’t tried to save her, she’d already be ashes.” “When that failed, she threw herself at man after man, desperate for company.” “She’s lived off my wife for years—sold her wedding jewelry to buy gifts for boytoys, gambled away her money, maxed out my credit cards, made my wife pay her debts.” “She even got caught playing mistress and was beaten by the man’s real wife.” “Oh, and she was at the hospital recently, getting treatment for a dirty disease. If I were you, I’d go get tested.” “Tell me, doesn’t it shame you to be married to a filthy woman like her? Don’t you feel pathetic being cuckolded? If I were you, I’d be dead already.” Each word was venom, each sentence a blade, hacking at my dignity until nothing remained. On the other end of the line, Leopold fell into a long, chilling silence. My heart twisted. Since the day we married, our relationship had always been good…

  Leopold was always upright and kind, gentle and attentive to me. He never once despised the burn scars on my body. Instead, he told me I was an angel who had survived the flames, and that for the rest of my life, he would shield me from the wind and rain. With him, no matter how badly we argued, he never gave me the cold shoulder or lost his temper. He would always coax me patiently, again and again. But this time… after hearing Paul’s lies, he said nothing. Not a word. When Paul hung up the call, triumph lit his face. “Well? Still not going to tell me where Alexia is?” The guard finally released his hand from my mouth. I glared at Paul, fury burning in my chest. “You’ve broken into my home, restrained me, assaulted me, and spouted lies. Every one of those things is against the law.” I wanted nothing more than to tear this fool apart. At my defiance, his rage deepened. “Against the law?” He sneered. “Then let me show you what real breaking the law looks like!” He barked an order at his men. “Smash her place to the ground!” Obeying instantly, the bodyguards began to wreck everything in sight. In minutes, my once neat little apartment became a wasteland of broken furniture and shattered glass. Nothing was left intact. Grinding my teeth, I spat, “Paul, with such blatant lawlessness, aren’t you afraid of the law catching up with you?” He laughed coldly, full of scorn. “The law? The law punishes leeches like you. You’ve bled Alexia dry for years—don’t you know how much you’ve stolen from her? Everything in this place was bought with her money. I’m smashing my own things. What crime is that?” His words rang with righteous fury, as if he weren’t a criminal but a judge passing sentence on the guilty. I checked the time. Less than thirty minutes until Alexia’s miscarriage. The real show was about to begin. Forcing down my rage, I smiled faintly and drawled, “Why don’t you wait a little longer? Your dear wife will be contacting you very soon.” My calmness only made him more frantic. His eyes burned with rage. “Still stubborn? Fine! Today, I’ll utterly destroy your reputation!” “Take her out!” The guards dragged me to the gate of the apartment complex. The commotion quickly drew a crowd. Dozens of eyes turned on me, whispers swelling into a storm. Paul seized the opportunity, loudly broadcasting my so-called sins for everyone to hear. And the crowd believed every word. “This is disgusting. She’s already at this age and still leeching off her pregnant best friend? That’s basically murder!” “Exactly! Her friend is just too kind. If it were me, I’d have kicked her out ages ago.” “Classic fake friend—pretending to care while scheming behind the scenes. My wife had one just like her, and drove her into debt and depression. Even now, she’s still on antidepressants!” “She’s a vampire, that’s what she is. First her family, then her friends, then her husband. Whoever meets her is cursed!” “And she’s filthy too—already married but still chasing after male models, playing mistress. Sharing a community with a tramp like her was just bad luck!” Spittle and curses rained down, painting me as some vile, irredeemable villain. Paul looked down on me, his smirk full of provocation. “Well? Still want to keep that hard mouth of yours?” He thought he had me cornered. That I would crumble under the weight of shame. Instead, I laughed coldly, lifting my chin in defiance. “A dignified tycoon—and this is the best you can do?” “What’s a few neighbors cursing me out? Even if they spit until their throats dry, all I need to do is move somewhere else, and it’s over.” “If you really want me ruined, Paul, you should’ve called some internet influencers. Let them livestream it all. That way, maybe—just maybe—you could make me infamous across the entire country.”   Paul’s expression darkened. He gritted his teeth and said, “Fine. You want it big? I’ll make it big for you!” Without another word, he pulled out his phone and made another call. My heart surged with anticipation. Yes. Stir it up. The bigger, the better. Let the whole world witness the scandal of your perfect, wealthy family. With his influence, it didn’t take long before a swarm of online streamers rushed to the scene, all raising their phones, livestreaming with eager faces. “Everyone, we’ve just caught a huge piece of gossip! See this woman right here? Don’t be fooled by her innocent looks—she’s rotten to the core!” “She once tried to drag her best friend into a suicide pact after a breakup. Her friend risked her life to save her, and she lived. But instead of gratitude, she became jealous of her friend’s better life, and has done nothing but cause trouble since!” “For years, she’s been leeching off her friend. Whenever she had no money, she runs to her. Pregnant and heavily burdened, her friend still runs errands for her, cleans up her messes, even drags herself out in the middle of the night to fetch her when she’s drunk out of her mind.” “And what does she do in return? Nothing! She spends money like water, treats her friend’s generosity as her due, even pawns her friend’s wedding jewelry to buy gifts for boytoys! She maxed out her friend’s credit cards to pay off her massive gambling debts!” “Her private life is a disaster. Already married, yet constantly fooling around, seducing men, knowingly becoming the mistress. She’s been chased down and beaten by wives multiple times!” “I heard that she even contracted a filthy disease. She went to the hospital in secret, dragging her friend along to cover for her—who knows how many men she infected before that?” “Everyone, remember her face! If you’ve got guts, slap her if you ever see her. If not, just stay far away—don’t risk catching something from her!” The streamers piled lie upon lie, weaving tales out of thin air, exaggerating every word. Soon, every livestream platform was boiling with curses. “Holy shit, her friend and husband must be saints to put up with trash like her!” “This isn’t even a woman—it’s a walking tumor!” “Right? Keeping her alive is like letting a plague spread!” The scandal fermented at lightning speed. Within minutes, my photo was plastered across the internet, shooting straight onto the trending hot search. “Leeching Woman.” “Toxic Friend.” “Slut.” Ugly labels piled onto my name, one after another, until they became my new identity. As the streamers fanned the flames, the onlookers’ emotions exploded. One by one, they began hurling eggs and rotten vegetables at me. Some who had been eating nearby even smashed their beer bottles at my feet. Like a lamb before slaughter, I stood in the middle of the filth, drowning in insults, reeking of garbage. And then—through the chaos, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd. It was Leopold. At the sight of his face, my lonely heart finally found a refuge. To me, Leopold had always been my strongest support. No matter what grievances I faced outside, he would patiently comfort me, help me, shield me. He was not only my husband—he was my safe harbor, my home. At that moment, all my defenses fell. I wanted nothing more than to run into his arms, to collapse into the warmth I trusted most. So I did. But the moment I reached him, he shoved me away. The force caught me off guard. I stumbled back, losing balance, and crashed heavily to the ground.

  Shards of broken beer bottles dug deep into my palms and thighs. The sharp pain shot straight to my brain—yet compared to the agony in my heart, it was nothing. ‘Even Leopold… doesn’t believe me anymore?’ “Hedy,” he said, his face dark with fury, his eyes filled with disappointment, “I never thought you were this kind of person.” “For all these years of marriage, I treated you like a treasure. Whatever you wanted, I gave. I never lost my temper at you, never let you suffer even the smallest grievance.” “I learned massage and therapy just to care for you better. I kept you warm, clothed, tended to every need—terrified that you might be even a little unwell.” “And you? What did you do?” “You went behind my back, sucking your best friend’s blood, gambling, destroying your own reputation and dignity!” “The body I worked so hard to nurse back to health—you ruined it with your filthy, shameful acts!” “Hedy, you’re not just degrading yourself—you’re trampling on our marriage!” The man who had always been so gentle, for the first time, was completely unhinged. His voice was raw, each word like a blade, cutting me deeper than any wound on my body. Seeing him like this, my chest tightened painfully. Holding back tears, I forced myself up and tried to explain, “Leopold, I—” But before I could finish, his palm cracked harshly across my face. “Shut up! Don’t you dare say my name—you’re not worthy!” With that, he tore the wedding ring off his finger and flung it at me. “Let’s divorce.” The cold finality in his voice pierced my heart deeper than the slap. The man I had once thought was my shelter—just shattered my last piece of faith. I froze, feeling empty, like my soul had been ripped away. Paul seized the moment, sneering. “Hedy, now do you understand what it feels like to be disgraced and ruined?” “A greedy, scheming, dirty woman like you—did you really think you deserved anyone’s love? You didn’t even deserve Alexia’s kindness!” “Thank heavens I dumped you. Staying with a disgusting leech like you would’ve been the biggest shame of my life.” “The only useful thing you’ve ever done was bringing Alexia into my life. From now on, you can choke on the contempt of everyone around you. I’ll make sure Alexia cuts all ties with you. Without her, let’s see how you survive!” His words hit like stones, and the crowd erupted in agreement. The barrage of insults multiplied—comment feeds, streamers, onlookers—thousands of voices united in cursing me. The crushing weight of being condemned by all… it was suffocating. Even though I had braced myself, I still couldn’t hold back. I broke down. And then—Paul’s phone rang. The caller was Alexia. He answered instantly, only to be met with her sobbing voice, “Hubby… I… I lost the baby…” Paul’s eyes reddened in an instant. “What happened?!” Alexia stammered between tears, “It was Hedy… She insisted on going to a hotel with a bunch of male models. I tried to stop her, but she pushed me down… she’s the reason I miscarried!” Her words made the crowd gasp. As for me, standing at the very heart of the storm—I finally let out a long, shaky breath. It’s starting. The end has finally come.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MyFiction” app 🔍 search for “398315”, and watch the full series ✨! #MyFiction #B×G #BestFriends #Rebirth #Revenge #Bully

  The first time my childhood sweetheart’s werewolf traits awakened, his friends called me to help calm him down. But what they didn’t know was that I heard him say: “I really don’t want to waste my first time on her. A werewolf’s love is for life. Whoever we mark first becomes our only mate. When Pearl gets here, I’ll have to resist, even if she begs me to let her help.” But he waited and waited, and I never came. What he didn’t know was that his older brother’s bodyguard had been blowing up my phone. “Miss Jasper, the young master marked you as his mate a long time ago. Please, I’m begging you, can you come and kiss him?” It turns out, five years ago when I died in a skiing accident, his brother saved me. He performed a blood bond, giving me half of his own werewolf lifespan to pull me back from the brink of death. That night, I wrapped my arms around his brother’s neck, my voice a low, seductive whisper. “Come on, Justin. Don’t hold back. Tell me… how many years have you been secretly in love with me?” *****   My childhood sweetheart, Noah, comes from a family of werewolves. After their twentieth birthday, every full moon sends them into a powerful heat. And according to their ancient laws, the first person they mark becomes their one and only mate for life. I always thought that when the time came, Noah would choose me. So when his friends called me on the night of his first transformation, telling me he was in agony and needed me, I rushed over without a second thought. But as I reached the door of the private room, I heard Noah’s voice, tight with frustration. “God, I really don’t want to waste it on Pearl.” “I want to go after Karen, the most popular girl in school, but she’s not the easy type.” “Not like Pearl. She’s like a pathetic little lapdog who comes running whenever I call.” “When she gets here, I’ll have to resist, even if she begs me to let her help. The last thing I need is to be shackled to her for life after one mistake. She’d have me wrapped around her little finger forever.” I stood frozen outside the door, my mind a complete blank. I couldn’t believe it. The boy I’d grown up with, the boy I adored, saw me as nothing more than that. His friends, all of them the type to kiss up and kick down, burst out laughing. “So, she’s just a toy to you.” “Should I call and tell her not to come? Save her the trouble of trying to climb into your bed and trap you. Honestly, man, you get what you pay for.” But Noah stopped him. “No, don’t,” he said, his voice strained with discomfort. “If we tell her not to come now, how would that make her feel? Even if she is just a toy, she’s one I’ve cared for since we were kids. I don’t want to hurt her.” He let out a ragged breath. “When she gets here, I’ll just… see if I can hold back. I don’t want to spell things out for her, but maybe this will finally make her understand.” In that moment, I wanted to storm in there and scream at him. You don’t want to hurt me? You call me a dog in front of your friends and let them laugh at me, and you think you have the right to my devotion? But I held back. Why waste my breath on someone who didn’t value me? I turned and walked away, a humiliating retreat. Don’t cry, I told myself. Don’t you dare cry. Then, I remembered a different call. I pulled out my phone and dialed the number of his brother’s bodyguard. “That offer you made earlier… to help Noah’s brother? Is it still on the table? Send me the address. I’m on my way.”

  Half an hour earlier, the bodyguard had called and revealed a truth Noah had deliberately kept from me. “Miss Jasper, do you remember five years ago? When the second young master, Noah, took you skiing and you fell into that ravine?” “The eldest young master, Justin, led the search party. It took us three days and three nights to find you, buried under the snow. You were frozen solid, like a statue of ice. You weren’t breathing.” “Master Justin told Noah that a werewolf can give half of his lifespan to his mate through a blood bond on the night of a full moon. It’s another form of marking. Once performed, that person becomes their eternal mate.” “But Noah… he refused. He couldn’t bear to let you die, he just held your body and sobbed, but he wouldn’t do it.” “In the end, it was Master Justin who saved you. As luck would have it, that night was a full moon. To save you, he performed the blood bond himself, giving you half of his life. In doing so, he marked you. For the rest of his life, you are the only one he can ever be with.” “Noah begged him never to tell you. For the past five years, Master Justin has endured every full moon alone. He never disturbed you, and he forbade any of us from ever revealing what he did.” “But tonight… tonight is different. He’s been gravely injured, his life is on the line. And with the full moon… he won’t make it without you. Please, I’m begging you. Can you come help him?” My mind went completely blank. I had died once? Five years ago, I had actually died? Noah, the boy who had cherished me my whole life, refused to sacrifice for me. But his brother, Justin—the cold, intimidating man everyone called the Ice King—had pulled me back from death’s door. Even so, my heart had been stubborn. “I’m sorry,” I had told the bodyguard. “Noah needs me more tonight.” I was willing to be ungrateful, to ignore the man who saved me, all to rush to Noah’s side. And my reward? To be called a pathetic lapdog. A worthless toy. God, I was such a fool. I deserved to be treated like dirt. But not anymore. I scrubbed away the humiliating tears, my knuckles white as I clutched my phone. “Is it too late to repay my debt?” I asked the bodyguard, my voice shaking. “If Justin really needs me tonight… I’ll be there. And I’ll give him everything he needs.” The bodyguard’s voice was choked with relief. “It’s not too late! Not at all! Miss Jasper, I’m sending you the location right now. If the master wasn’t so badly hurt, if his life wasn’t on the line, I would never have disobeyed his orders. The family punishments are severe.” I understood. Justin probably just wanted to save my life, not to have me clinging to him forever out of obligation. And I just wanted to repay the debt. It wasn’t about being heartbroken by the younger brother and immediately running into the arms of the older one. It was just… a debt.

  I never expected what I’d find when I arrived at the hospital’s VIP wing. Karen, the most popular girl in school, was standing outside the door, frantically trying to push her way in. “Let me in! It’s the full moon, isn’t it? How do you know Justin doesn’t need me? Justin! Please, just let me in and help you!” A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Noah had called her “not the easy type,” yet here she was, throwing herself at his brother. The bodyguard who had been blocking her saw me and immediately opened the door, his eyes welling with tears of relief. “Miss Jasper, you’re finally here. Please, come in. The master really needs you tonight.” Karen’s face twisted with a vicious mix of envy and hatred. “Why does she get to go in?” she shrieked. “He’s only in this condition because he was saving her! She’s a jinx! How can you let her near him again?” I froze. Saved me again? What does she mean? The scene inside the room was chaos. I saw Justin, bare-chested and lying face down on the bed. His face was flushed with fever, his short hair soaked with sweat. His fingers were curled tightly into his palms, fighting the waves of heat rolling through him. His back was wrapped in thick white bandages, now stained a horrifying, spreading crimson. A doctor stood beside him, shouting in desperation. “For God’s sake, man, stop fighting it! I’m begging you, just find a woman to help you! We just changed these dressings and they’re already soaked through! How much blood do you have to lose? On a full moon, a werewolf’s blood is already agitated, and your clotting ability is shot. I’ve given you the strongest coagulants we have, and they’re doing nothing!” “You have to relieve this fever, or you’re going to bleed to death before morning! Where is this girl you said could save him?” The bodyguards by the bed had already seen me. In unison, they turned and bowed a full ninety degrees, their expressions a mixture of reverence and gratitude. “Doctor,” one of them said. “She’s here.” At their words, the man who had been suffering his own private hell on the bed suddenly opened his eyes. They were a deep, mesmerizing crimson, burning with a fierce, restrained desire. His gaze, powerful and sharp, landed on my face, and his expression shifted to shock, then fury. “Who brought her here? Get her out!” One of the bodyguards bowed his head. “It was me, sir. If Miss Jasper can help you tonight, I will accept any punishment. Besides, you were injured this time saving her life. Again.” “You’ve risked your life for her twice now, and you won’t even take the credit. You might not feel wronged by it, sir, but we do. On your behalf.” I stole a glance at the formidable man on the bed. Though I’d grown up with Noah, I had always been terrified of Justin. He was known as the Ice King for a reason. Even the most arrogant heirs and troublemakers in our circle turned into meek little boys in his presence. His power and aura were absolute. I usually went out of my way to avoid him. But now, that same terrifying man was gripping the bedsheets, his toes curling in agony, his whole body radiating a palpable heat. His ragged, shallow breaths filled the room. The contrast was jarring, almost… alluring. A fallen king on his sickbed was a dangerously captivating sight. “Wait,” I said, my voice small. “You said he was hurt because of me… again?” A bodyguard started to speak, but Justin cut him off with a roar. “Shut up! Say one more word and see what happens!” Then, he turned his voice on me, forcing a tone of gentle dismissal. “Pearl, you should leave. I don’t need you here.” Another bodyguard spoke up, seemingly fearless. “Sir, stop pretending. Stubbornness won’t win you a wife. You act all tough, but your heart is soft when it comes to her. Did you think we were blind? When Miss Jasper is in danger, you’d walk through fire for her. You literally did.”     It wasn’t just one; all the bodyguards in the room started chiming in, a chorus of fearless truth-tellers. “Exactly! Last full moon, who was it that spent the whole night staring at a picture of Miss Jasper on his phone? You were so out of your mind with fever you kept whispering her name. I bet you were dreaming of her, too.” “And the month before that! You parked your car outside her dorm building and sat there all night. How many times did you almost get out and go in, only to force yourself to stay put? Job himself would have tapped out.” “If we don’t say anything, she’ll never know! Are you really planning to suffer like this for the rest of your life?” “Shut up,” Justin said, his gaze dropping. “I can handle it.” The doctor practically exploded. “Handle it? Handle my ass! You keep ‘handling it’ and you won’t live to see the sunrise!” He turned to me. “Young lady, what are you just standing there for? Do something! Help him!” The bodyguards all bowed to me again, their faces pleading. But I was at a loss. “What am I supposed to do? I… I don’t know how.” The doctor, snipping away the blood-soaked bandages, didn’t even look up. “Kiss him!” My face flushed a deep crimson. Standing there, at the head of the bed, with everyone watching… how could I kiss a man who pushed everyone away? Suddenly, a bodyguard shouted, “Miss Jasper, do you know how the master got hurt? Two days ago, there was a fire in your university’s auditorium! You were trapped inside, weren’t you? You passed out from the smoke inhalation and almost died.” “It was the master who saved you. Because of the mark, he can sense when his mate is in danger. He ignored everyone’s warnings and ran into the burning building to find you. As he was carrying you out, a flaming beam fell and hit him across the back. His whole back was on fire.” “But he gritted his teeth, held on through the pain, and used the last of his strength to get you out. And what happened then? Your precious Noah swooped in and took all the credit. He saw his brother carry you from the flames and snatched you out of his arms. If he was so worried about you, why didn’t he run in there himself?” What? I couldn’t believe it. That was how Justin had been injured? I remembered waking up from the smoke inhalation two days ago. Noah was sitting by my bedside. I had assumed… I thought he was the one who saved me. My head was spinning with too much new information to feel shy or awkward anymore. Saving him was all that mattered. Acting on pure instinct, I leaned over Justin, fixed my eyes on his lips, and pressed a firm kiss against them. “Don’t,” he growled, his voice harsh, pushing me away with his words. But his hands only gripped the sheets tighter, his throat working as he swallowed hard, his eyes a terrifying shade of red. The sight of him, so powerful yet so vulnerable, was an invitation to sin. His voice turned colder. “Pearl, do you have any idea what you’re doing? You usually act like you can’t get far enough away from me. Don’t do something you’ll regret just to repay a debt. And don’t listen to them. It’s useless. You can kiss me all you want. I feel nothing.” But the doctor suddenly cried out in excitement. “It’s working! The bleeding is slowing down! Miss Jasper, keep going! Kiss him again! His body is a hell of a lot more honest than his mouth. Kiss him like you mean it!” The doctor’s words were a direct slap to Justin’s stubborn pride. His face looked deeply uncomfortable, and in a move that stunned me, he buried his head in the pillows. Was he… blushing? His ears were so red they looked like they were about to catch fire.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MyFiction” app 🔍 search for “398314”, and watch the full series ✨! #MyFiction #B×G #Werewolf #UnrequitedLove #SecretCrush #Revenge

  My sister smashed the necklace the CEO had given her. “Who needs your cheap stuff? Don’t you dare insult me! I’m nothing like those gold-digging opportunists who cling to power!” Standing by, I crouched down to pick up the broken pieces. The CEO kicked my outstretched hand. “Get her to wear it, and I’ll pay for your dad’s medical bills.” My sister glared at me. “You’re truly pathetic, Lena. So desperate for money and status, sucking up to rich people like this?” But if I missed this chance, my dad’s surgery costs would be completely out of reach. I stubbornly held out the necklace to my sister. She closed her eyes, a picture of haughty arrogance. I didn’t manage to get her to wear the necklace. But the CEO still paid for Dad’s medical expenses. From that day on, both my sister and I were tied to Andre. But we were worlds apart. His blatant favoritism towards her was known to everyone. And I was just the “gold digger” who shamelessly clung on. Years later, my sister returned from studying abroad. I was currently held close in Andre’s arms. “Your sister is back.” I understood instantly. “Right. I hope you and Tiffany will be happily ever after.” ***** Andre kissed my forehead in satisfaction. “Such a good girl.” He leaned against the headboard, his gaze distant. “If only your sister were as compliant as you.” A sharp, tearing pain spread through my chest. I didn’t reply, just quietly got up to get dressed. Andre suddenly grabbed my wrist. His grip was too strong, making me wince in pain. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” “What should I say?” I whispered. He scoffed, letting go of my hand and falling back onto the bed. “Before your sister left the country, she asked me to take good care of you.” My pupils constricted. The ache in my heart became sharper, clearer. The only reason I could stay by his side was because Tiffany, my sister, had granted it to me. Of course. In Andre’s eyes, I was just a replacement for her. “Your sister is always like this. She’s soft-hearted with everyone else, but always so cruel to me.” Andre’s voice carried a hint of wistfulness and an undeniable fondness. I tried to go to the bathroom, but he grabbed my hand again. “Stay with me a little longer.” Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating his handsome profile. I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him. My sister had accidentally spilled hot coffee on his hand. His hand was red and scalded, but he just smiled and said, “It’s okay, as long as you’re not burned.” “Hmph, I wasn’t going to apologize anyway. You rich people are all so arrogant and self-centered.” I was startled and wanted to apologize. But Andre seemed even more interested. “You hate me?” “Yes, I hate spoiled rich kids like you who have nothing better to do all day.” My sister let out a soft huff and stomped her foot. Andre just laughed. I shrank behind my sister, watching the amusement and indulgence in his eyes. Only one thought ran through my mind: he… he’s actually a good person. Later, I found out he had fallen for my sister at first sight. And when he spoke of it, he didn’t even remember I was standing right behind her. My thoughts snapped back to the present. I saw Andre. He lit a cigarette and spoke. “I’ve already arranged for your father’s ongoing treatment.” “Thank you,” I nodded. “No need to be so polite.” He exhaled smoke. Through the hazy smoke, his gaze fell on my face. “If you want to thank anyone, thank your sister. I’m only willing to look after your family because of her.” … The sound of running water filled the bathroom. I poured cold water over my head, trying to suppress the sobs rising in my throat. When I came out, he was still there, which surprised me a little. Andre leaned against the doorframe, fiddling with his phone. “Tomorrow, I’m picking up your sister. Arrange my schedule for me.” “Okay.” He suddenly walked over, picked up a towel, and began to dry my hair. His movements were clumsy, pulling at my scalp. It stung. I closed my eyes, not struggling. Noticing my furrowed brows, he finally softened his touch. “Sorry, I’ve never done this before… I just wanted to learn, so I can dry your sister’s hair later.” “It’s fine. Just be a bit gentler, or Tiffany will get mad at you.” I said, forcing a smile. He hummed softly, and his movements did indeed become much gentler. The next day at the airport. I followed Andre early in the morning to pick up my sister. Tiffany emerged in a vibrant red dress, captivating and radiant. Everyone’s eyes were drawn to her. Including Andre’s, beside me. He practically sprinted forward, taking her luggage. “Are you tired?” His tone was one I had never heard him use before—so gentle. My sister gave a casual “Hmm,” her gaze sweeping over the crowd and landing on me, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Lena, you came too?” “Tiffany, long time no see.” I stepped forward to greet her, my smile polite but distant. On the way back, my sister sat in the passenger seat. Andre occasionally turned to chat and laugh with her. He had never been so talkative with me. Their conversation flowed effortlessly from the weather abroad to mundane daily gossip, trivial yet natural. I sat in the back seat, like an invisible person who didn’t exist at all.

  Back at the house, my sister motioned for me to pick up her luggage and follow her. I did as told. When we reached her “princess room,” she suddenly turned around and slapped me across the face. “Lena Harvey, you are utterly pathetic.” “I was studying abroad, working on my career, and you were back here sleeping your way to the top. You, Lena, you’re just as cheap as your mother.” Tiffany was my father’s first wife’s daughter. A year after their divorce, my father met my mother through mutual friends. They found each other suitable and started dating. But Tiffany always believed my mother was a mistress. Even though my mother tried to win her over, treating her better than she treated me, her own biological daughter. But Tiffany was never satisfied. She loved to humiliate me and my mother in front of others. Calling my mother a mistress, and me, the mistress’s daughter. From a very young age, I suffered endless glares and humiliation because of these unfounded rumors. All the bullying I endured at school came directly from Tiffany. When Dad went to school to complain on my behalf, Tiffany would always retort: “Dad, why does she get bullied while no one else does? Isn’t it because there’s something wrong with her?” The stinging pain on my cheek pulled my thoughts back to the present. “What, cat got your tongue?” Tiffany looked down at me, condescendingly. I still didn’t say anything. Over the years, I had long understood my situation. I couldn’t afford to upset Tiffany. Otherwise, Andre would be displeased, and Dad’s medical funds would disappear. Tiffany wouldn’t care whether Dad lived or died. Seeing me still keeping my head down, she sneered. She walked into her walk-in closet and began to rummage through her clothes. “Here, iron this for me. Make sure it’s perfectly pressed. I hate wrinkles.” I softly replied, “Okay,” and exited the room. In the hallway, I ran into the housekeeper. Their gaze held a hint of sympathy and helplessness, but quickly shifted away. After all, no one would look up to a materialistic “gold digger.” While ironing the dress, the steam accidentally burned my wrist. A red blister immediately formed. I stared at the red mark and suddenly remembered a time when Andre was drunk. He had mistaken me for Tiffany. He kept mumbling drunkenly, “Tiffany, don’t leave.” His grip back then had also been painful, but I didn’t push him away. Sometimes, people are so greedy that they can’t bear to expose even a fake affection. Andre appeared then. His gaze fell on my reddened wrist. “What happened to your hand?” “I accidentally burned it,” I answered honestly. He anxiously grabbed my wrist, carefully examining the red swollen area. I was so startled I could barely breathe. “Who told you to iron it?” His voice was suppressed, hiding something. “Tiffany.” I still told the truth. He smiled, letting go of my hand. “She’s still as bossy as ever.” I didn’t reply. He turned to leave but suddenly stopped. “Hand over that project you’re working on to your sister.” My eyes widened abruptly. By the time I fully registered what he said, he was gone. Why? A project I had dedicated half a year to, working day and night, pouring countless efforts into—just like that, I was supposed to hand it over? But I knew I had no right to refuse. Tiffany and I, in Andre’s eyes, were worlds apart. Late that night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I got out of bed, wanting to go out for some fresh air. But I saw Andre in the living room. He was sitting on the sofa, smoking. The moonlight outlined his profile. “You’re still awake?” He saw me and instinctively put out his cigarette. “I got up to get some water.” He nodded in silence. Then, as I turned to leave, he suddenly murmured to himself. “I’ve waited so long, but now that she’s back, I feel… it’s just not the same.” My heart seemed to skip a beat. I thought I had misheard him. Andre looked up at me, his eyes filled with struggle. “If… if I said I couldn’t bear to let you go, would you think that was strange?”

  That night’s conversation, Andre and I both pretended it never happened. Tiffany started working at Andre’s company. She immediately became my direct supervisor. I took her around, familiarizing her with company procedures, but she just looked at me impatiently. “This is boring. That’s enough.” “But, there’s still…” I tried to explain, but she cut me off. “Isn’t that what you’re for? Don’t you, my subordinate, have the ability to assist your superior’s work?” Tiffany rolled her eyes at me, then smiled again. “Oh, right. All you’re good for is pleasing men in bed.” The moment those words left her mouth, the office fell silent. Everyone around us gasped, covering their mouths in shock and awkwardness. But Tiffany still wasn’t satisfied. She walked closer, her heels clicking, looking down at me. “What? Haven’t you told your colleagues that your mother was a home-wrecker? You and your mother, you’re two peas in a pod.” “My mother isn’t a mistress,” I retorted, meeting her gaze. She covered her mouth and scoffed. “You’re still denying it? Right, people like you are so shameless.” … The spectacle quickly spread throughout the company. After work, Andre called me to his office. His office was also filled with some of his friends. They all looked at me with mocking expressions. I thought Andre would issue a public statement to stop the rumors. But he only said: “You shouldn’t have made your sister angry.” I bit my lip, trying hard to hold back tears. Andre continued, “Your sister has been very good to you. If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t even have had money for college — Lena, you need to be grateful.” I looked up, my eyes red-rimmed. Yes, I knew. If it weren’t for Tiffany, we wouldn’t have received financial support from Andre’s family. Dad would have died long ago from lack of medical funds. And I would have dropped out of school early due to poverty. Now, Andre’s lecture was just to make sure I didn’t resent Tiffany. As I left the office, I could still hear the laughter inside. “Oh, Andre, you’re really ruthless. She’s such a delicate beauty, how could you be so harsh?” “Yeah, aren’t you afraid you’ll actually scare her off?” “Even though Lena is more soft-willed and has no bottom line compared to her sister, she really is so obedient to you.” Andre replied nonchalantly. “She’s nothing like Tiffany. They’re like night and day, really.” “If she didn’t look so much like Tiffany, why would I even keep her around?” At those words, another burst of laughter erupted. I quickened my pace, escaping in a hurry. That project was ultimately given to Tiffany by Andre. Tiffany just signed her name at the end, and all the credit went to her. She instantly became a rising star in the industry. When people spoke of her as an industry new star, they couldn’t help but mention me. “These two sisters, one is a daring and ambitious woman, and the other is just a clinging vine who attaches herself to power.” “Lena Harvey just rode on her sister’s coattails and isn’t even grateful.” The rumors, like vines, tightly wrapped around my neck, constricting more and more. At the celebration banquet. Tiffany was surrounded by people. She held a champagne glass, smiling radiantly. Someone raised a toast in praise. “Ms. Williams is truly capable! Our CEO is so lucky to have such a brilliant and capable partner by his side.” Andre smiled in response. But his gaze unconsciously swept over the crowd and met mine. I smiled at him and turned to leave. I didn’t see his tightly furrowed brows after I left. I moved through the banquet like a transparent person. Tiffany was a born leading lady; even stolen credit she could explain away eloquently and righteously. As for me, I didn’t even have the right to defend myself. Tiffany’s reputation soared. Andre’s family elders softened their stance, stating that as long as Tiffany performed well in the next quarter, she would be allowed to join the family. Upon hearing this, Tiffany put on a proud and aloof act, as if deeply insulted. “Do you think I should be happy? What’s so great about you? You just have better luck than me.” “I won’t exert myself to please you just to get into the Morley family.” “I study hard, I work hard, it’s all for myself, and has nothing to do with anyone else.” Her words left Andre’s family elders with pale faces, completely speechless. Andre quickly stepped in to smooth things over. His eyes were full of admiration for Tiffany. “Tiffany is just like that, real and unpretentious. Grandpa, please don’t take it to heart.” I stood by, watching the scene, finding it utterly absurd.   From then on, Tiffany thrived like a fish in water. Andre indulged her every whim. Tiffany never hid her dislike for me. She deliberately transferred me to a peripheral department, where I handled insignificant chores every day. People who used to work closely with me gradually distanced themselves. I didn’t care about any of this; I just quietly worked, trying to earn as much as I could. Dad’s recovery was going very well. I planned to take him away from this city once he was discharged from the hospital. The prerequisite was having enough money. Tiffany didn’t remain smug for long. Andre had spoiled her, making her too self-confident and a bit too impatient for quick results. On an overseas project, Tiffany, in her pursuit of speed, skipped the risk assessment and signed the contract directly. As a result, Andre’s company not only had to freeze hundreds of millions in initial investment but also had to pay double the penalty for breach of contract. When the news reached the company, the entire conference room fell silent. I sighed. I had warned Tiffany to do a risk assessment. But she had scoffed at the time, “What I choose to do is none of your business.” That day, Andre called me into his office. He looked at me, silent for a long time. I had probably already guessed what he was going to say. I smiled and spoke first, “I understand what you mean.” He nodded. “Everyone is watching. Someone has to step up and take responsibility for this.” I said nothing more. Andre paused, carefully choosing his words. “Tiffany lacks experience; it’s inevitable she’d make mistakes. And you, as her subordinate, didn’t properly advise her, which is your fault to begin with.” “She looks strong, but she’s really just a little girl who cries a lot. If people start pointing fingers and blaming her, I’m afraid she…” He didn’t finish his sentence, but I understood. I looked up, “Okay.” Consider it repayment for his kindness. Andre nodded in satisfaction, pulled a document from his drawer, and placed it in front of me. “This is a statement. It specifies that you concealed risk data during the follow-up, which led to the project failure.” I hadn’t hesitated at first, but at the crucial moment, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of doubt. Concealing risk data, what a serious charge. If the company pursued legal action, I could go to jail. He sighed, speaking casually. “I won’t let you go to jail, don’t worry.” I laughed. My laughter echoed in the office, sounding particularly ironic. “Alright.” I lowered my head, signing my name with careful strokes. As soon as I walked out of the office, I ran straight into Tiffany. Her face was a bit haggard, but her makeup was flawless. “You shouldn’t feel like it’s unfair. If you hadn’t deliberately neglected to warn me, I wouldn’t have made such a huge mistake.” I ignored her, walking straight past her. I pulled my clothes tighter. The air conditioning made me shiver. My phone vibrated then—a call from the hospital. “Ms. Harvey, your father is doing very well. He can be discharged next week.” “Okay, thank you.” I stumbled into the stairwell, crouched down, covered my face, and cried, trying to muffle the sound. I submitted my resignation to the company that day. HR was a bit surprised. “But Mr. Morley didn’t say he was firing you.” “This is what he wants.” Seeing my reply, HR didn’t say anything more. After all, everyone knew I had “made a big mistake.” Andre found out about my resignation a few days later. At the time, I was at the hospital, accompanying my father. Andre called. “I didn’t tell you to resign.” “This is the best solution,” I replied. He fell silent on the other end. After a long pause, he spoke again. “Alright, you can lay low for a while. Once this blows over, I’ll transfer you to another position.” “No need to trouble yourself.” I was very polite. Andre caught the hint of distance in my tone. He sounded displeased. “Are you blaming me?” “No, Mr. Morley. You’ve been kind to me. If anything, I should be thanking you. Why would I blame you?” I felt a little weak. Everything that had happened recently had truly exhausted me. “I owe you nothing. From now on, we’re even.” The sun shone down, warm and comforting. In the distance, car horns blared. I left the hospital with my father, heading for the airport, ready to start a new life.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MyFiction” app 🔍 search for “398313”, and watch the full series ✨! #MyFiction #B×G #Sister #regret #Bully #rich

“This is Julian Thorne, and I want to confess my love to someone special.” Sleepless in the dead of night, I turned on the radio, only to hear the deep, resonant voice of my husband, Julian Thorne, who suffered from selective mutism. I’d been married to Julian for three years. For the first two years, we could still manage a few clumsy conversations, but in the last three months, even face-to-face, he couldn’t utter a single word. “It’s been three years since we last met, and I’m really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.” The voice from the radio clearly wasn’t talking about me. “I love you, Willow.” Julian’s voice had never held so much emotion. The confession ended quickly. Then came the host’s envious praise. But I sat propped against the bed, stunned, unable to recover for a long time. Our families had arranged for Julian and me to meet, and I fell for him at first sight. Yet, Julian always wore an indifferent expression. Only when we first met did his mother explain. “Audrey, you must understand… Julian has selective mutism.” I called his mother. “Audrey, still up so late?” My nose burned, and a hint of a sob escaped my lips. Julian’s mother sounded flustered. “What’s wrong? Did Julian upset you?” “Did you know Willow Evans was back?” I froze. So, I was the only one who didn’t know. “I’m sorry, Audrey… I wasn’t honest with you three years ago. Julian’s selective mutism started when his ex-girlfriend, Willow Evans, left.” “I had no choice but to push him to find a new girlfriend…” “It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? The heir to the powerful Thorne empire, rendered speechless… But Audrey, don’t worry, no matter what, I’ll keep that boy in line.” I don’t remember how I hung up the phone, or how I spent that lonely night. I looked up a lot of information on the condition back then. One cause listed was: “Suffering a major external shock.” I didn’t understand. I tried to subtly ask Julian’s family, but got nowhere. Later, I tried everything: psychological counseling, electroshock therapy, food therapy, even some alternative chakra healing. I even took Julian to comedy shows. Unfortunately, while I was laughing my head off, he remained stiff, completely silent. It wasn’t until his proposal that he seemed to muster immense resolve and uttered two words. “Marry me.” As happy as I was then, that’s how miserable I felt now. Yes, I couldn’t cure Julian’s selective mutism because I wasn’t his cure. A bitter feeling welled up inside me, and fear slowly crept in. His cure was back, so what about me? My loosely clasped hands slowly tightened, a stubborn defiance rising within me. If Julian didn’t love me, there was no reason to remain trapped in this marriage. He wouldn’t divorce me, but what about *me*? If that was the case, I would file for divorce, completely freeing Julian and his… cure. After making up my mind, I carefully got myself ready. Three years ago, for Julian, I’d given up the chance to study medicine abroad. Maybe it wasn’t too late now. An hour later, I was out the door, planning to head to the nearby mall to buy some new clothes. “Ma’am, this is the last one left of the dress you tried on. Would you like to buy it?” I nodded, pulling out my card from my purse and handing it to the sales associate. “I’m so sorry, another lady wants to pay extra for this dress… Would you mind… giving it up?” I followed the sales associate’s gaze to a vibrant girl in high heels. She was happily chatting with a man. I stood up and took two steps forward, only to meet the man’s eyes. It was Julian! So that girl… must be Willow. Julian’s face instantly turned serious. He opened his mouth, but still couldn’t speak. He looked at me expressionless, then tapped his phone with his right index finger. I was all too familiar with that gesture; it meant he wanted to communicate via text. “What are you doing here?” “Are you following me?” “Go home.” Three messages popped up consecutively, crushing my last shred of hope. Willow, beside him, hugged Julian’s arm and asked with a smile, “Julian, who is this? A friend?” Then she gently swayed, starting to flirt. “Can she let me have this dress? I really want it.” Julian gave a soft, gentle smile and patted his phone reassuringly. He didn’t even ask me, just took out his card and handed it to the sales associate, signaling to pay. “Just a friend.” Those words felt like a block of ice, raising goosebumps all over me. I could barely stand. So… so my three years had only earned me a single word from Julian: a… friend. The lights in the mall crackled ominously. I subconsciously looked up, and the overhead light fixture suddenly came loose. There was a deafening crash, followed by a sharp pain in my back. In that single instant, I felt a dampness beneath me. I trembled as I touched it, and my hand came away covered in blood. The entire store erupted into chaos. Screams and phone calls buzzed in my ears. But when I looked up, all I saw was Julian scooping Willow into his arms, anxiously looking around. “Call an ambulance! An ambulance!” I had never seen Julian so panicked.

“Excuse me, sir, but could you please let this lady get into the ambulance first? The next one will be here shortly, and her injuries are more critical.” The paramedics carefully moved me, semi-conscious, onto a stretcher, but an enraged Julian blocked them. “Save her!” Then I felt a shove, and I fell heavily to the floor from the stretcher. The pain jolted me fully awake. I watched, helpless, as Julian gently placed Willow onto the stretcher. “Sir, she only has a sprained wrist, it’s not serious!” “You’re needlessly hogging medical resources!” “Willow’s hands are important! She’s a doctor!” I was astonished. This was the longest sentence Julian had spoken in almost two years, yet not a single word was about me. Julian finished speaking and immediately pushed the paramedics into the ambulance. I leaned against a nearby display rack, gasping for air. But every breath seemed to pull at the wound on my back, making the pain even worse. I didn’t know if the wound hurt more, or my heart. Hadn’t I given up becoming a doctor for Julian? How could someone else’s hands be more important than mine? What was I to him, then? A mechanical smile twitched at my lips. I was just a friend. I fainted from the pain. When I woke up in the hospital, the first thing I did was send Julian a message. “Let’s get a divorce.” Just as I sent it, Julian walked in, pushing the door open. He was carrying two gift boxes from the same brand I’d seen earlier today. He placed the gift boxes on a nearby cabinet and sat directly on the chair by my bed. Julian took out his phone, probably saw my message, but his face remained unruffled. The hospital room filled with suffocating silence, but my phone chimed. It was Julian’s messages. “You like this brand. I picked out two dresses that suit you.” “When you’re discharged, I’ll have their entire collection brought to the house. You can buy the whole store if you want.” “Willow is a doctor. Her hands are very important to a doctor, that’s why… I was so nervous. Please don’t be angry.” I lowered my head, staring at the phone in front of me. Message after message came in, and in an instant, tears blurred my vision again. I finally couldn’t help but ask, “You can talk to her, so why can’t you talk to me? When we’re face-to-face, you still send messages?” “Are you doing this on purpose?! Is this emotional abuse?!” I looked up, tears streaming down my face, my voice choked. Julian’s expression remained as calm as still water. After an unknown period of silence, he lowered his head and typed again. “I’m sorry, I have selective mutism.” Then he pulled a document from his pocket and handed it to me, signaling me to sign it. I looked at it. It was the property transfer deed for the house we lived in. “This is compensation.” A sudden ringtone broke the silence. Julian’s face tightened. He quickly picked up the phone. His phone had excellent soundproofing; I couldn’t hear who was on the other end. But the next second, Julian replied, “I’ll be right there.” It was Willow’s call. My heart already knew the answer. I didn’t hesitate anymore. I took out my phone and searched for the online court app. I filled out the complaint form, both our personal details, and the marriage certificate. For the separation agreement, I uploaded the property transfer deed and opted not to accept mediation. As I pressed the “submit for judgment” button, I felt a long sigh escape my chest. Countdown: thirty days. “Property transfer center, 3 PM. Transferring the house.” A week after being admitted to the hospital, I received Julian’s message. That week, Julian hadn’t sent any messages or called, nor had he visited. I was gradually getting used to life alone. I arrived at 3:30 PM, but Julian, uncharacteristically, was already waiting in the lobby. He hated tardiness, but there wasn’t a hint of impatience on his face. As soon as I arrived, a VIP counter attendant came to greet me. Julian had even thoughtfully prepared a bouquet of flowers, and next to it was a small velvet box, likely containing jewelry. The attendant stepped forward to pull out a chair, but Julian stopped him, indicating he would do it himself. This surprised me. I pondered for a moment before speaking. “Actually… you don’t have to do all this.” Julian even had a faint smile on his face, shaking his head gently. He seemed to put in a great effort before managing two words. “It’s fine.” Rare gentleness and communication. The procedures were quick. “Go home first, I still have to work late.” A strange feeling built within me, reaching a peak. I stepped out and had just hailed a cab when I realized I’d forgotten my handbag. I had to go back for it. I saw Julian still standing in the lobby, holding an even larger bouquet of roses than before. Willow came in through the main entrance, and he immediately went to meet her. They embraced. Julian affectionately patted her head. “Mr. Thorne, please come this way for your new property purchase.” “You mentioned wanting to buy an estate, right? After transferring this apartment, you now meet the purchase limit criteria and can buy another one.” “Mrs. Thorne, watch your step.” Willow leaned her head against Julian’s shoulder, both walking happily into an inner room. It was the height of summer, yet I’d never felt so cold. So cold that I couldn’t stand, so cold that cold sweat beaded on my back and forehead. So, I was the one who had been cast aside.

“Ms. Sinclair, your husband, Mr. Julian Thorne, has not responded to the relevant requests in this lawsuit. We connected with him on the phone, but there was no response, so it will be treated as tacit agreement to the divorce petition.” “Therefore, your lawsuit has been processed by this court. You have thirty days from the date of your application to withdraw it. If you do not withdraw, the marriage relationship between you two will be terminated.” The court operator’s voice was completely flat. Perhaps this was just one of countless simple lawsuits they handled every day. I took a deep breath, and even with trembling hands, I replied, “Understood.” I took a cab home and quietly surveyed everything. Then I started packing Julian’s things. I wasn’t planning to move out; I intended to clear out everything related to him. “Mrs. Thorne, you have a card.” A knock on the door. It was the delivery person’s voice. He only handed me an envelope. “I’m not Mrs. Thorne anymore.” I took the card and suddenly spoke. The delivery person paused, then smiled awkwardly. I opened the envelope. Inside was a handwritten card. The handwriting was Julian’s. I opened it, and Julian’s voice came out. “I miss you, I like you, I love you…” Before I could react, a hand snatched the card from my grasp. I stumbled, almost falling, and looked up to see a dark-faced Julian. “Don’t mess with my things.” My phone screen lit up. It was his message. Before I could reply, Julian had already turned and gone downstairs. “Julian Thorne! You’re going too far!” I was furious, and I ran downstairs after Julian, stomping my feet. “I didn’t go through your things! How dare you disrespect me!” “I don’t care what your relationship with your so-called Willow is, but you have no right to insult or humiliate me!” A piercing screech filled the air—the sound of tires skidding from an emergency brake. I felt a sudden, sharp pain in my side. Before I could even see clearly, a car slammed into me, sending me flying. With a loud thud, I hit the ground hard. I struggled to get up, but then a face with elaborate makeup and sunglasses zoomed into view. Her red high heels rolled over my right palm. “Ah—!” A strangled scream tore from my throat. Before my vision blurred completely, I saw Julian running from behind, looking frantic. His expression was utterly different from his usual cold, aloof demeanor. He nervously took Willow’s hand, examining it carefully, then let out a huge sigh of relief. Until I lost consciousness, he hadn’t even given me a second glance. “Ms. Sinclair, your SVIP privileges at Thorne Hospital have been revoked. I’m afraid we’ll have to move you to a private room.” “My apologies, just confirmed, there are no private rooms available either. You may have to wait for surgery in the hallway.” “Also, your right hand… the injury to your palm is very severe… you need immediate surgery, otherwise… you might not be able to perform delicate movements in the future.” Even in my dazed state, those words jolted me awake. “Ju… Julian… where is he…?” “Get… my phone…” I urgently tried to get up to find my phone and contact Julian. “The number you have dialed is currently switched off.” A whimpering cry escaped my throat. I slammed the phone down with a loud bang, and a sharp, throbbing pain in my right hand gnawed at my nerves. “Ms. Sinclair, we found Mr. Thorne. He’s… with Dr. Willow Evans in the psychological counseling room. He said Dr. Evans was startled, and Mr. Thorne instructed that no one should disturb them…” I covered my eyes with my left hand, blood and tears mixing and soaking my sleeve. “I hate you… I hate you…” “I hate you so much! Julian Thorne!”

I survived the night in the hallway, clinging to a pain pump, before finally getting scheduled for surgery. I felt pain in both my body and soul, so much so that I was almost numb. “I’m sorry, Ms. Sinclair, due to the comminuted fracture in your right hand and the delay in surgery, some muscle tissue has necrotized. You may not be able to lift heavy objects in the future.” The doctor gave a wry smile. “I know you’re also a medical professional, so… you probably won’t be able to hold a scalpel again.” “Would you like to speak with Mr. Thorne? The Thorne family has always been a giant in the medical field. If you seek treatment abroad, there might still be a chance.” I shook my head, looking at my bandaged right hand, which I couldn’t even bend now. “Can you please buy me a new phone? I want to call the police.” Before I could finish, the door burst open. It was Julian. His originally grim, tense expression softened with a hint of surprise when he saw me, covered in bandages and hooked up to an IV. He opened his mouth but still couldn’t speak. So, he grabbed a paper and pen from nearby. “I didn’t know you were so seriously injured last night. I’ll contact international specialists for your right hand.” I snorted, finding it somewhat amusing. “No need. I’ll heal my own hand.” Julian frowned slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with my reaction. I wanted to ask about the divorce, but then thought it wasn’t necessary. Julian pulled out his checkbook from his inner jacket pocket, wrote down a figure, and placed it on the table. “This is compensation for you. I hope you don’t blame Willow.” When I saw Willow’s name, I started to tremble uncontrollably. “Get out! I don’t want to see you again, Julian Thorne!” “What Willow? I will definitely call the police. I don’t lack money!” I picked up the check from the table, tore it in half, and angrily slapped it onto Julian’s chest. Julian froze, as if he’d never seen me lose my temper like that. “I won’t let you hurt Willow.” Those words pierced my heart like a thorn, impossible to extract. Julian left, leaving me trembling from head to toe. “Ten more days… Ten days, and we’ll have nothing to do with each other.” “Ms. Sinclair, these are flowers Mr. Thorne sent for you.” Julian had sent flowers for three consecutive days. I didn’t look at them, just mumbled a dry acknowledgment. I leaned on a crutch, quickly packed my things, and prepared to leave the hospital. As I pushed open the door, I realized that the entire hospital hallway was enveloped in a sea of flowers. They were identical to the red roses Julian had been sending these past few days. My heart skipped a beat. How did Julian know I planned to be discharged today? But the next moment, the words of other patients in the hallway shattered my illusion. “Mr. Thorne from Thorne Corp is so sweet. To make Dr. Evans feel comfortable, he sent flowers to all the patient rooms and redecorated her entire floor.” “It must cost tens of thousands every day. Rich people’s romance is truly something else.” “Shh! Lower your voice, Mr. Thorne’s wife is also hospitalized here.” I steadied myself, my face pale, leaning against the wall, then let out a self-deprecating laugh. A chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” broke out. I instinctively leaned over to look down. That’s when I saw that the ground floor lobby had also been redecorated with vibrant red roses. Julian and Willow Evans stood in the center. “Willow, will you stay with me forever?” Julian knelt on one knee, saying those age-old lines. Willow blushed shyly, accepting the ring box he offered. Everyone around them applauded and congratulated them. Julian kissed Willow’s lips. I instinctively touched my own lips. How long had it been since he’d touched mine? In just over a thousand days, I couldn’t even count anymore? Next to me, Julian didn’t just seem to have selective mutism; he also had an extreme fear of germs. At this moment, I felt as if the world was a massive, absurd play. My ex-husband, who suffered from selective mutism, was publicly proposing to his ex-girlfriend. Turns out, not being loved was the real sin.

I lingered outside for a while, bought a new phone, reported the incident, and gave a statement to the police. I finalized my master’s application plan for the fall semester with a study abroad agency and bought a ticket for a flight to the States in ten days. I planned to undergo treatment while continuing my studies. It was seven in the evening when I got home. Looking at the half-packed house, covered in a thick layer of dust, I knew Julian hadn’t returned. After eating something, I continued clearing out my belongings. The door clicked open. It was Julian. Julian watched my actions, his face returning to its cold expression. He seemed to sense something was different about me today, but couldn’t pinpoint what. He didn’t pause, walking directly into the bedroom, where I heard a rummaging sound. Then he rushed out, scattering his neatly packed clothes and various items I’d organized. “What are you doing?!” I stepped forward, but his hand blocked me, and I fell to the floor. “Where’s the voice recorder?!” It was Julian’s voice. How long had it been since he spoke to me? “What voice recorder? I didn’t take anything.” I said, watching the bandage on my right hand slowly soak with blood again. Another rummaging sound. I looked up. I’d never seen Julian so disheveled. He was frantically sweating, his tie askew, and his coat stained with dust. “Where’s the voice recorder!” Julian stopped, looking down at me. “I told you I didn’t see it!” I had never been so assertive. I used my left hand to push myself up, wobbling, and stood eye-to-eye with Julian. Julian seemed a bit flustered, and anger began to boil. He clenched and unclenched his fist, then slammed it into the nearby glass sliding door. The glass shattered to the floor. “My voice recorder, where is it.” Julian took a few steps closer, still relentlessly questioning. Blood dripped from his right hand. I’d never seen Julian so manic. I mustered my courage and shoved him away, intending to limp out the door. “This is Julian Thorne, I’m eighteen, and I want to confess my feelings to Willow Evans.” “Willow, today is our two-year anniversary. I hope we’ll stay together forever.” “Willow, we’ve been together for three years. My wish this year is still to be with you always.” “Willow… why did you leave?” “Willow, I’m getting married.” Julian crashed into a pile of clutter. A worn voice recorder rolled out from somewhere. A red light flashed repeatedly, and it began to play its contents. It was Julian’s love letters to Willow, starting from his youth. “Goodbye, Willow, I hope to see you again.” “Goodbye.” “Goodbye.” The recorder seemed broken from the impact, repeating “Goodbye” over and over. Julian quickly got up and picked it up, frantically pressing the power button, but it was no use. My departing footsteps halted. I slowly turned around, leaning against the shoe cabinet by the entrance. Tears streamed down my face. “Julian Thorne.” “Why did you marry me if you didn’t love me?” Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He seemed to want to say something but didn’t. “Let me explain, Audrey.” A message flashed on his phone. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to calm down. I brutally stifled the bitterness rising in my heart. “Leave. Take all your things and get out of my house.” Julian’s lips were pressed tightly together. He just clutched the voice recorder, still repeating that single phrase, and walked past me out the door. “I’m sorry.”

I didn’t see Julian for the next few days. But before I left, I had to go to the hospital one last time for a dressing change. The hospital corridor now proudly displayed Willow Evans’s profile, updated and hung among the other specialists on the ground floor. I glanced at it a few times and was shocked by her published paper. It was my university graduation thesis! I repeatedly checked the name and date; they were both around the same time as mine. “Ms. Sinclair, hello.” A female voice pulled me back to reality. I turned and saw Willow Evans. “Care for a chat?” She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head toward a nearby waiting area. I looked at Willow Evans, and indeed, everything about her was perfect. Her white lab coat was impeccably ironed, and every strand of her wavy hair seemed meticulously styled. Willow smiled and spoke. “That day the court called, Julian didn’t answer. I did.” She blinked, feigning a touch of grievance. “I didn’t know that not speaking meant agreeing to a divorce. Ms. Sinclair, you won’t blame me, will you?” I was silent for a few breaths, then shook my head. “No. I wanted the divorce. Not being entangled is better for me.” Willow didn’t seem to care about my answer, immediately chiming in. “And also, the car accident that day was truly an accident. I apologized to Julian, and Julian promised me everything would be fine. I suppose… Ms. Sinclair won’t hold it against me, right?” I stared at her, saying nothing. Deep down, I knew many things couldn’t be resolved by me alone, and Julian defending Willow was what I expected. “You saw it, didn’t you? That paper.” Willow continued, her tone sinking slightly. “Yes, it’s just as you think. Julian… knew I was doing research and voluntarily gave it to me.” “Thank you for taking care of Julian these past three years. I was doing research abroad and couldn’t be with him constantly. Later, I found out that my sudden departure… caused him to develop selective mutism.” Willow rubbed her forehead, feigning distress, but then immediately broke into a smile. “But he’s improved so much in the short time I’ve been back!” I lowered my gaze, unconsciously stirring the coffee the nurse had brought me. “Are you here to boast about how much Julian loves you?” I put the spoon down and drank the bitter black coffee in one gulp. “There’s no need. I don’t care about Julian’s past, present, or future. I don’t like a mute man.” “I hope you make good use of the man I left behind.” I ignored her, stood up, and walked directly to the payment counter. “Ms. Sinclair!” Willow seemed displeased with my reaction. She stood up and tried to grab my right hand. Her grip was painfully tight. I forcefully shook her off. “Bang!” Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a familiar tall figure: it was Julian! He helped Willow, who had just bumped into the railing, back up. “Julian, it’s fine, it’s fine. I’m not that… delicate. I just lost my footing.” My steps faltered, then I decided to ignore them and walked quickly forward. But Julian slapped me. The resounding crack echoed in the hospital corridor, drawing the attention of nearby patients and staff. Julian seemed a bit surprised himself. “You…” He looked at his palm, but his expression quickly returned to cold indifference. “A-pologize!” I clutched my stinging right cheek, unable to stop a bitter laugh. Every time Julian truly spoke to me, it was always about Willow. What was it about Willow that I lacked? But it didn’t matter anymore. “Julian! How could you hit Ms. Sinclair!” “It’s okay, Julian. Ms. Sinclair doesn’t need to apologize.” Julian still wanted to insist, but Willow skillfully draped herself over his arm and spoke softly. Julian, that block of ice, began to melt again. I once believed that if I was just considerate enough, Julian would eventually accept me. If I just scoured every text, Julian’s selective mutism would eventually be cured. I had fantasized a lot. But the Julian in reality had never belonged to me.

My flight to the States was at 4 PM. I received the court’s divorce decree at noon. From this moment on, I was completely free. “Meet me at the cafe downstairs from the company at 1 PM.” It was a message from Julian. I thought about it and decided to go. I arrived at the cafe early, with my luggage and the divorce decree in hand. I waited from 1 PM until 1:30 PM, then from 1:30 PM until 2 PM. Julian, who had specifically asked to meet, had stood me up. I sent Julian several messages, all of which went unanswered. Finally, I received a brief two-word reply. “Busy.” “Hello, is this Ms. Sinclair?” “I’m Mr. Thorne’s assistant. Mr. Thorne asked me to tell you that he suddenly had something urgent come up and couldn’t make it to meet you.” I didn’t respond. This was within my expectations. “Mr. Thorne… also asked me to tell you that he found a specialist in the UK for your hand bone and muscle repair, and arrangements will be made for your treatment.” “Also, he transferred another twenty million to your account for living and treatment expenses during this period.” I held the phone with one hand and my luggage with the other, standing up. The “no need” on my lips remained unspoken. Looking up, I saw Julian and Willow Evans sitting at an outdoor cafe across the street, chatting and laughing. Willow smiled shyly, and Julian dotingly brushed stray hairs from her face. The sun was beautiful today, casting a golden glow on both of them. Julian seemed to have never been so happy in the past three years. I quickly stopped myself from letting my thoughts wander. “Ms. Sinclair, are you listening?” His assistant on the other end of the line was still speaking. I resolutely pressed the red “end call” button, paid the bill, and quickly walked out the door. I walked directly over to Julian and Willow, slamming the divorce decree—which I’d clutched in my hand the entire walk—onto their table. Juice and coffee splashed instantly, staining Willow’s dress. My right hand was grabbed by Julian again. He didn’t even glance at the document. After a few seconds of pause, Julian seemed to realize that arguing with stubborn me was pointless. He immediately walked to the other side of the table and carefully wiped her dress with a tissue. “Are you okay, Willow?” I stood quietly for a moment, then hailed a cab to the airport. “Passengers traveling to the States, please check in at Gate T1.” “Audrey Sinclair, I think you should apologize to Willow.” A message came in from Julian. Without a moment’s hesitation, I blocked and deleted his contact. I handed my ID, passport, and visa documents to the security officer. The officer eyed me suspiciously. “Just got divorced today?” I checked my luggage, then looked up and smiled. “Yes, that’s right. Divorced.” The air conditioning on the plane was quite strong. I asked the flight attendant for a complimentary cashmere blanket and wrapped myself tightly. I drifted off to sleep, not even hearing the announcement for takeoff. Only one thought remained in my mind. “Julian Thorne, goodbye.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299141”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy