My best friend, Chloe, spent her entire life devouring billionaire romance novels. She was convinced that one day, she’d marry into high society. I used to think she was just talking big. But to my absolute shock, she actually managed to hook up with Arthur Sterling, the wealthiest man in the city. Their romance was a whirlwind, ending in a surprise wedding. For two weeks straight, the news was plastered with clips of their extravagant ceremony. When she FaceTimed me, she was on her honeymoon in Hawaii, lounging in Arthur’s arms with a beaming smile. “Babe,” she giggled, “Arthur and I talked it over. Next month, as soon as we get back from the honeymoon, you’re moving in with us!” Arthur chimed in from the side, “My wife’s friends are my friends. We’re family now.” A month later, I stood in front of the Sterling estate, luggage in hand. I smiled at the butler and said, “Hi! I’m Chloe’s best friend. I’m moving in to stay with her!” The butler froze. “Chloe? Who is Chloe? Mr. Sterling has always been single.” 1 The smile on my face instantly vanished. “You’ve got a great sense of humor, sir,” I let out a dry laugh. “Chloe! Arthur Sterling’s wife! I met you at the wedding reception—I even handed you a pack of expensive cigarettes. Stop teasing me.” The butler looked at me with a completely stone-faced expression. “I don’t have time for jokes. There is no Chloe here. Only Mr. Sterling and I live in this house. If you keep making a scene, I’m calling the police.” With that, he moved to shut the gate. “Wait! Don’t close it!” Panic set in. I grabbed the iron bars of the gate with one hand and frantically pulled out my phone with the other. “I have proof! It was a massive wedding—how could you just forget? Are you suffering from dementia or something?” I pulled up Instagram, scrolling through my saved folders for the livestream of the wedding. I remembered taking screenshots and sending them to Chloe, crying happy tears of envy. But as soon as I clicked the link, a pop-up appeared: [This content has been deleted or does not exist.] My head started spinning. How was that possible? Refusing to believe it, I opened my browser bookmarks to several news articles: “City’s Top Billionaire Spends $100 Million to Marry Cinderella” and “Chloe: The Girl Kissed by God.” The moment I clicked them, every single link went dead. “How… they were working last night…” The butler watched my every move with cold indifference. “Miss, faking news and spreading rumors is a crime. Are you that desperate to climb the social ladder?” “I’m not making this up!” I screamed, my fingers trembling as I switched back to WhatsApp. “I have our chat logs! Look! Just one minute ago, she sent me a message!” On the screen, the chat box with Chloe’s selfie as the profile picture was clear as day. [Babe, I just put on a face mask… the butler will let you in…] “Just you wait! I’m calling her right now!” My voice cracked with desperation. “When she comes down to get me, you’re fired!” The next second, a cold, robotic female voice came through the speaker: “The number you have dialed is not in service. Please check the number and try again…” I went numb. Out of service? I looked at the WhatsApp screen again. She was literally just talking to me a second ago. A terrifying chill crept up my spine. Instant replies on chat, but a dead number on the phone? What kind of horror movie was this? The butler’s expression didn’t shift an inch. He gave me one last look, full of pure disgust. “Get lost. If you stay, I’m calling security to throw you down the hill.” BAM! The gate slammed shut. I stood there in the blistering sun, yet I felt like I had fallen into an ice cellar. What was going on? Chloe was clearly inside—why was the butler denying it? Why did all the news vanish? Had something happened to her? Was Arthur Sterling keeping her prisoner, erasing her existence so he could pretend to be single again? My scalp felt tight with fear and rage. No, I couldn’t leave. If I left, she’d be truly alone! Gritting my teeth, I dragged my suitcase to the center of the driveway and sat down. I didn’t believe for a second that Arthur wouldn’t come out eventually. Sure enough, ten minutes later, a black Maybach slowly approached. I recognized it—it was the same car Arthur used to pick Chloe up on their wedding day. In a moment of blind heat, I lunged forward, spreading my arms wide to block the car! “Arthur Sterling! Get out! Where are you hiding Chloe?!” The driver turned pale and was about to hop out to curse me out when the rear window slowly rolled down. It was him—Arthur, Chloe’s new husband. I rushed to the window and roared, “Mr. Sterling! Your butler says you’re single and that Chloe doesn’t exist! We FaceTimed two weeks ago while you guys were in Hawaii! What the hell is happening?!” Arthur’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. “Chloe? Hawaii?” I thought he was playing dumb and was ready to explode, but he simply signaled his staff to open the gate. “Since you’re here, come inside and explain yourself. I’d very much like to know…” “Exactly who this ‘Mrs. Sterling’ is that you’re talking about.” 2 The moment the gate opened, I didn’t even wait for Arthur to get out of the car. I bolted toward the villa with my suitcase. The butler tried to stop me, but I shoved him aside. “Don’t touch me!” I knew the layout of this place perfectly. On the wedding day, I had spent hours in the master suite on the second floor with Chloe. “Chloe! Come out!” I kicked the bedroom door open. I rushed in, my eyes frantically scanning the room. Nothing. No Chloe. There wasn’t even a single trace of a woman living there. “How…” Refusing to accept it, I threw open the walk-in closet. “The closet! Yes!” I remembered it clearly! On the wedding day, there were two entire walls of Hermès bags behind this door! I had hugged a Himalayan Birkin and screamed while Chloe laughed, telling me she’d give me one. Whoosh— I pulled the closet doors open with sheer force. My hands froze in mid-air. Empty. Only a few dark, custom-tailored suits hung there, lonely and cold. No Hermès. No Chanel. “Impossible… this can’t be…” I knelt on the floor, my hands frantically feeling the bottom of the wardrobe, trying to find a single long strand of hair or a stray earring. But there was nothing. The place was as sterile as a model home. Arthur leaned against the doorframe, his voice flat. “Have you seen enough, Miss Woods?” I slumped on the floor, my mind a mess. Was this a long con? Was the Arthur Sterling that Chloe met an imposter? But… this villa was real. Could a con artist be so powerful that they could rent out the wealthiest man’s estate just for an act? And if it was a scam, why was the real Arthur Sterling living here now? “I don’t believe you!” I scrambled up, pointing at Arthur. “You’re the scammer! You hid everything, didn’t you? I’m calling the police! I have video evidence! You were on a honeymoon in Hawaii two weeks ago!” Arthur looked at me like I was an incurable lunatic. He took out his phone and dialed 911. “Hello, this is Arthur Sterling. I have a trespasser at my residence. Please send someone over.” Ten minutes later, the police arrived. “Officers! I want to report a missing person! Chloe Sterling is gone! He did something to her! I have proof! They were in Hawaii two weeks ago!” The officers looked at me, then at Arthur. Arthur looked purely exasperated. “Officer, I’ve been in the city for the past two weeks handling a corporate merger. I haven’t been to Hawaii in over a year. You can check my travel records.” The officer checked his terminal immediately. Two minutes later, he turned the screen toward me. “Miss Woods, the system shows that Mr. Arthur Sterling has no record of leaving the country in the last three months.” BOOM! It felt like a lightning strike in my brain. No travel records? “Impossible! I saw it… the waves, the sand…” The officer put the terminal away, his expression stern. “Miss Woods, filing a false police report is a crime. Since you seem genuinely confused or perhaps scammed, I’ll give you a verbal warning this time. Leave now, or we’ll process you for disorderly conduct.” I stood there, frozen, my hands and feet ice-cold. A massive wave of terror swallowed me. Arthur stood to the side, his eyes as indifferent as if he were looking at a bag of trash. “Butler, show her out. If she ever sets foot on this property again, call the police immediately.” The butler stepped forward, roughly pushing my suitcase toward the door. “Miss Woods, after you.” I bit my lip so hard it bled, shaking with rage. I couldn’t accept this! Everything was real—why was it suddenly turning into my own personal delusion? I dragged my heavy suitcase out, looking back at every step. As I passed the large porcelain vase near the foyer, my suitcase wheel clipped the edge of the trash can. Clatter. The trash can tipped over. A pile of crumpled papers rolled out. The butler barked at me, “Stop playing games and get out!” But just then, a crumpled-up receipt caught my eye. Looking at it, the blood in my veins turned to ice. It was a convenience store receipt. Item: Orange Crush Menthol Cigarettes. Time: Yesterday, 2:30 PM. That was Chloe’s favorite brand of cigarettes. I secretly snatched the receipt and tucked it away, walking out of the villa without making another sound. 3 At dawn, I called Chloe’s former coworker, Maya. “Maya, it’s Avery! Where’s Chloe? Has she contacted you since the wedding?” There was a pause on the other end, followed by a sharp yell: “Avery, are you crazy? Chloe doesn’t even have a boyfriend, let alone a husband!” My heart dropped. “The wedding livestream last month? Arthur Sterling? You didn’t see it?” “You’re delusional,” Maya interrupted impatiently. “She quit her job and moved back to her hometown last month!” Before I could react, she hung up. With trembling hands, I called Chloe’s mom. “Auntie! Something’s happened to Chloe! Arthur Sterling is denying everything! You have to come to the city!” Chloe’s mom was silent for five seconds. “Avery… what kind of nonsense is this? Since when did Chloe get married?” I froze. “The dowry! Didn’t he send you $1.5 million?” “What dowry? Child, do you have a fever?” Her voice grew urgent. “Chloe told me last month she was going to the countryside to clear her head. She even sent photos! What boyfriend? Don’t go ruining her reputation with this talk!” Click. The phone went dead again. I was completely stunned. Had even her own mother been bought off? I didn’t believe it. I took a cab straight to my own mother’s house. The second I walked in, I grabbed my mom. “Mom! Chloe’s in trouble! Everyone is lying to me!” I poured out everything that had happened. My mom listened, then touched my forehead. “Avery, when did Chloe get married? Why don’t I know about this?” My brain felt like it was exploding. “Mom! Stop joking! We watched the livestream together last month! You even said Arthur was handsome!” My mom frowned. “Last month you were working overtime, and I was watching my soap operas. When did we watch a livestream?” I pulled out my phone and shoved it in her face. “Look! Here’s the evidence! Chloe brags about her trophy wife life every day! Yesterday she even told me to come over!” My mom glanced at it and sighed. “Avery, this is just that ‘Marry a Billionaire’ roleplay game you girls used to play as kids. Stop it before you cause real trouble.” Roleplay? I stared at the screen. A massive question nearly drowned me. If it was roleplay, what was that wedding? If I was dreaming, how did I know the exact layout of the Sterling bedroom? More importantly, if Chloe didn’t hook up with Arthur, I wouldn’t even know who that man was! And the most critical question: Where was Chloe now? Suddenly, I remembered something. There was one more place that could prove it! I ran out and hailed a cab. “The Grand Plaza! Everlasting Weddings!” Chloe’s wedding was handled by the biggest wedding planning company in the city. I didn’t believe a company that size could just vanish into thin air! Ten minutes later, I stood in front of a door covered in official government seals. [Everlasting Weddings is closed for restructuring due to poor management.] The date on the seal was exactly two weeks ago. The day after Chloe’s wedding ended! I looked through the glass doors. The place was a wreck—chairs flipped, documents scattered everywhere. They ran? The city’s biggest wedding planner gets a $100 million contract from a billionaire and then goes bankrupt the next day? I pulled out my phone and dialed the owner’s number. “The number you have dialed is not in service…” Another dead number! A chill ran from my toes to the top of my head. Everyone and everything related to that wedding was being erased one by one. This only proved that something was definitely wrong. I refused to give up! There had to be something they didn’t clean up! “The spa! Yes!” I remembered! A week before the wedding, Chloe took me to a top-tier luxury spa for a treatment. To show off, she loaded $75,000 onto a VIP card for me! “Babe, keep this card. Use it whenever you want. It’s on Arthur’s black card anyway!” I rushed to the spa. “Check the balance on my membership card!” The receptionist tapped a few keys. “Miss Woods, your VIP card has a balance of $74,800.” I felt a surge of pure joy! Over 70 grand! I was a regular office worker making $3,000 a month—where would I get $75k to load a spa card? “Quick! Show me the transaction history! Who loaded it?” The receptionist turned the screen. “You loaded it yourself, Miss Woods.” I froze. “What do you mean I did? Chloe swiped her card! Arthur Sterling’s secondary card!” The receptionist looked confused. “Chloe? We don’t have a member by that name.” “Impossible!” I roared. “Check the security footage! Chloe and I came here together!” The manager came over, looking annoyed. “I’m sorry, Miss Woods, security footage involves client privacy. We can’t just show it.” “Oh, you won’t show it?” I sneered, pulling out my phone. “Then I’m calling the cops! I’m reporting suspicious funds of nearly a hundred grand. The police have the right to see it!” Twenty minutes later, the police arrived. And walking in behind them was Arthur Sterling. He had that same look of weary pity. “Miss Woods, how much longer are you going to keep this up?” “Shut up! Watch the footage!” At the officers’ request, the manager reluctantly pulled up the footage from that day. Everyone stared at the screen. On the screen, I walked through the door. I was… completely alone. I pulled a black card out and handed it to the receptionist, my mouth moving as if I were talking to someone. But by my side, from beginning to end, there was no one. The room went dead silent. The officers looked at me with a mix of sympathy and caution. Arthur sighed and stepped forward as if to pat my shoulder. “Miss Woods, go to the hospital. I’ll cover the bill.” I stood there, paralyzed, shaking. Was I really alone? Was I truly insane? Had I made all of this up in my head? But just as the police were about to take me away, I realized something. I looked up and stared at Arthur Sterling. “Arthur, stop acting. I know where Chloe is.” 4 Arthur’s hand stopped in mid-air. His eyes narrowed. “Miss Woods, do you even hear yourself?” The officer frowned and reached for my arm. “Miss Woods, let’s go to the station and calm down.” I shoved the officer’s hand away and pointed at Arthur. “You’ve all been tricked!” “The footage shows me alone, but that actually proves Chloe was there! Because that day, Chloe never got out of the car!” I talked fast, pinning Arthur with my gaze. “Chloe drove me here that day. She stayed in the car to take a call and told me to go in and load the card first! She gave me the black card and told me the PIN! If I’m crazy, if I’m delusional, how could I possibly know the PIN to Arthur Sterling’s secondary card?” Arthur’s face finally changed. That split second of stiffness was all I needed to see. The officer turned to Arthur immediately. “Mr. Sterling, explain. Why does Miss Woods have your card and your PIN?” Arthur was silent. He looked at me, his eyes turning dangerously dark. “Miss Woods, you stole my card, and now you’re playing the victim?” “Stole?” I sneered, pulling the crumpled convenience store receipt from my pocket. “What about this? Did I steal this too? Orange Crush Menthol Cigarettes! Yesterday at 2:30 PM, bought at the convenience store right outside your estate!” Arthur’s pupils shrank. He blurted out, “My driver bought those!” I laughed, now certain of my theory. “Really? Because yesterday at 2:30 PM, your driver was at corporate headquarters delivering documents for you! It’s on the HQ security cameras! So you tell me… who bought the cigarettes?” Arthur stepped forward, reaching for the receipt. “Avery Woods! You trespassed and dug through my trash? Give that to me!” “Why are you panicking?” I stepped back behind the officer. “Arthur, why do you think I lured everyone to this spa? It’s called a distraction!” I held up my phone, showing a call in progress with my mom. “While we were arguing here, I had my mom go to that convenience store! You’re a billionaire, you can control the news and buy off spa managers. But that convenience store is a national franchise with cloud-synced security. You can’t delete it!” Arthur looked genuinely panicked now. His high-and-mighty elegance vanished, and a thin layer of sweat broke out on his forehead. “Avery! Don’t you dare!” “Why wouldn’t I?” I yelled into the phone. “Mom! Send the footage! Let the police see who bought the cigarettes yesterday! Once the footage is out, we’ll know exactly where Chloe is!” Ping. A WhatsApp notification. My mom sent a video. My heart was racing. My hands shook. I won! The truth was coming out! I clicked the video and held the screen up for everyone. “Arthur Sterling, open your eyes and look! Is this Chloe?!” The next second, the smile on my face froze. A bone-chilling cold rushed from my feet to my skull. In the footage, the person buying the cigarettes… was me.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390562”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was a professional tour guide, leading a group through the mountains with my colleague, Miley, when disaster struck. Our van skidded off the road and plunged into the center of a frozen lake. Later, at the awards ceremony held by the Winter Rescue Team, Miley’s eyes were red from crying as she took the stage. “I want to thank Captain Miller. To save us, he deliberately put his own wife last in the rescue order. Such selflessness is truly rare.” I listened, dazed and confused. “Rescue has a strict priority protocol,” I muttered to the person beside me. “I was pinned against the window by the water pressure; I was just harder to reach.” The survivors nearby began to chime in, their voices filled with awe for my husband. “You don’t even know, do you? You were actually closest to the rescue hatch. But Captain Miller wanted to avoid any talk of favoritism. He didn’t want people saying he prioritized his wife, so he pushed you back and pulled us out first.” My heart skipped a beat. I looked up at Ethan Miller on the stage. My husband was frowning, his face a mask of stern righteousness. “Miley was already suffering from severe hypothermia,” Ethan declared. “I had to save her first.” “Avery is my wife. She, of all people, should understand and support the demands of my job. How can she be so selfish as to hold a grudge over personal feelings at a time like this?” I touched my lower abdomen—a place that would never carry life again. I thought of the three hours I spent waiting in that dark, freezing lake, and the baby I lost to the ice. “I see,” I whispered to myself. “So, being the family of a ‘hero’ means being the one person who is ignored.” “Well, I’m done being family.” 1 I stood up to leave. Ethan’s expression shifted instantly. “Avery! What are you doing? Sit down!” I looked at him, my eyes burning with a clarity I hadn’t felt in years. “Captain Miller, since everyone is here, I’d like to ask you one thing.” “I was the closest to the hatch. I was also pregnant. By every standard rescue protocol, I should have been the first one out. Why did you push me back? Why did you leave me for last?” Ethan’s face turned a violent shade of crimson. He clearly didn’t appreciate being challenged in front of his peers. He gritted his teeth, glaring at me. “Avery, you’re a rescue spouse! You should understand the concept of the greater good! I avoided rescuing you first to protect your reputation as much as mine! I did it for your own good!” I pointed at Miley. “And what about her? She’s your childhood sweetheart. Why didn’t you ‘avoid favoritism’ with her? Why was she the very first person you pulled to safety?” Ethan’s face went from red to a deathly pale. His hands balled into fists as he struggled to keep his temper. “Avery, have you had enough? Are you saying you’d be happy if Miley had died?” Beside him, Miley burst into fresh sobs. “Avery, I’ve been sickly ever since I had my son five years ago. If I had stayed in that water any longer, I would have died. I’m sorry I’m not as strong as you.” At the mention of “the son,” Ethan’s face darkened like a thundercloud. “Avery, you’re fine now. No one died in this rescue. Stop looking for trouble where there is none!” No one died? I let out a cold, hollow laugh. I touched my stomach. Was the life of my unborn child not a life? 2 Three days ago, when the van hit the water, panic erupted. As the senior guide, I immediately sent our GPS coordinates to Ethan and directed the passengers on how to break the windows. Miley, the intern guide who only got the job through Ethan’s connections, was useless. She just sat there whimpering, “We’re going to die… oh god, we’re all going to die…” When the water reached the waist-level of the seats, I saw Ethan dive into the water. I was about to climb out of the shattered window when a shadow pushed me back in. I swallowed a lungful of freezing lake water. By the time I regained my bearings, Ethan was gone. I bit my lip against the cold and started lifting the tourists out through the gap. One, two… The water reached my chest. A sharp, stabbing pain bloomed in my lower abdomen. I looked down into the murky water and saw a faint, dark red cloud blooming around me. I was two months pregnant. Ethan knew. I found an emergency oxygen mask in the glove box and strapped it on. The sound of the rescue boats came and went. I heard Miley’s hysterical crying and Ethan’s calm, steady voice: “Don’t be afraid. I’ve got you!” The tourists were taken away, one by one. The water eventually topped the roof. I was the only one left. But after Ethan’s boat sped away for the third time, it never came back. By the time my oxygen ran out, I was certain I was dead. It was another rescue team that eventually found me. When they pried the van open, I barely had a pulse. When I finally woke up in the hospital, Ethan was by my bed, his eyes bloodshot. He squeezed my hand, his voice thick with emotion. “Avery, I’m so sorry. You were pinned in such a difficult spot… the rescue was too complex. I had to save the ones who were easier to reach first…” He cried so convincingly. He looked so haggard. I believed him. I even felt sorry for him. “It’s okay,” I had whispered then. “You saved so many people. It’s just… our baby…” I cried for days, drowning in guilt and grief. Then came the ceremony. Ethan had insisted I attend. “Avery, please come. You were the guide; you were part of the rescue. Having you there makes me feel at peace.” I had just finished two rounds of emergency treatment. I was physically hollowed out. But seeing the hope in his eyes, I agreed. I wanted to witness his moment of glory. Until today. Until Miley, in her “innocent” little voice, accidentally let the truth slip. I realized then that the shadow who pushed me back into the sinking van… was my own husband. 3 Ethan was still shouting at me in the hall. “Avery, stop being so unreasonable! Think about how this looks! Don’t forget, you were the guide. You’re legally responsible for this accident!” Speaking of responsibility, my eyes stung again. I hadn’t wanted to take Miley on this trip. She joined the company a month ago and was still on probation. She only got on my team by clinging to Ethan’s sleeve. “Avery, please, just let me shadow you!” If she had just followed orders, it would have been fine. But she loved playing boss. Before we left, she went behind my back and told the driver to change the route. “Take this shortcut,” she told him. “The tourists will get to the site earlier and have more time for photos. Avery said it’s fine.” The driver was hesitant, but she blocked him from calling me. “This is Avery’s call. Why would I lie to you?” By the time I realized we were off-course and passing the lake, it was too late to turn back. The weather had warmed, and the ice was thinning. Before we could retreat, the ice groaned and gave way. The driver and I had already told the truth to the company, the insurers, and the police. But now, Ethan was publicly pinning the blame on me to save Miley. The crowd began to mutter. “Yeah, the tour company hasn’t paid us our settlement yet.” “If it wasn’t for Captain Miller, we’d be dead.” “She doesn’t even think about her own mistakes, she just complains about being saved last? She’s lucky she didn’t drown!” Suddenly, I was the villain. Ethan looked at me with a spark of triumph, as if he had finally brought me to heel. “Avery, you should apologize to everyone on behalf of your company. Don’t try to ride my coattails just because I saved people. Learn some ‘professional distance’!” The crowd chanted: “Apologize! Apologize!” I looked at them—the people I had pushed out of the car while the water froze my bones. They had called me a saint in the water. Now, they were throwing stones. Finally, I spoke. “The company is investigating. The truth about whose fault this was will come out soon enough.” “But I, Avery Smith, have a clear conscience regarding my job and my soul.” I looked at Ethan one last time. “Congratulations, Captain Miller. You stepped over the blood of my miscarriage to become a hero once again.” I lifted my left hand, slid the wedding ring off my finger, and placed it on the table. “From today on, you don’t have to worry about ‘favoritism.’ I’m no longer your family.” I turned and walked out. No hesitation. Behind me, the room exploded into chaos, but Ethan’s voice was the loudest, roaring for me to come back. Miley’s voice followed, sweet and sharp: “That’s the sacrifice of a hero’s family! I guess some people just aren’t cut out for the role.” 4 Back at the house, I started packing. My phone buzzed—a text from Ethan. “I’ll let today go, but you owe Miley an apology. I’ll handle the media, just stop talking.” I didn’t reply. I blocked him. While gathering my documents, I found a manila envelope tucked at the very bottom of a drawer. It was worn at the edges. Inside were photos. The first: Ethan and Miley on a college campus, wearing matching outfits, heads pressed together, smiling. The second: Miley holding a newborn baby. Ethan stood beside her. They looked like a perfect family of three. My breath hitched. I kept digging. I found a copy of a birth certificate. Name: Leo Vance. Date of birth: Five years ago. At the bottom of the envelope was a DNA test result. Client: Ethan Miller. Conclusion: The DNA analysis supports that Ethan Miller is the biological father of Leo Vance. My world shattered. Ethan and Miley had a child? I never knew. We got married four years ago. That meant Miley had his child a year before we even wed. No wonder he took such good care of them. No wonder he was so desperate when she fell into the water. It wasn’t about “professionalism.” It was about ensuring his son wouldn’t lose a mother. My child and I were just props for his “Perfect Hero” persona. “Avoiding favoritism?” What a noble lie. 5 A week later, I moved into a small studio. I hired a lawyer and sent the divorce papers to Ethan’s office via overnight mail. Three days later, my phone rang from an unknown number. “Avery…” It was Ethan. “Come home. We need to talk.” “There’s nothing to talk about.” “I’ll agree to the divorce,” he said, his voice deep and weary. “But we need to figure out the details.” I figured it was better to settle it once and for all than to let it drag on. When I arrived at the house, both Ethan and Miley were in the living room. Miley immediately ran up and grabbed my arm. “Avery, the company is firing me! They’re saying it was my fault! Please, you have to help me!” I looked at Ethan. “You tricked me into coming here to help her?” Ethan looked a bit embarrassed. “You wouldn’t have come otherwise. Miley loves being a guide. That accident… it was an accident. The company can fine her, but firing her is too much.” He pushed a document toward me. “Avery, you were the lead. Just sign this statement. Take the hit for her.” I glanced at it. It was an Accident Disclaimer. “I, Avery Smith, admit primary responsibility for the Frozen Lake incident, including the unauthorized route change…” Ethan looked at me sternly. “Avery, you’re the wife of a hero. You should have some dignity and take responsibility.” I smiled, picked up the paper, and tore it in half. Ethan’s face twisted. “Avery! What is wrong with you? I’m trying to be reasonable!” “The police have a record. The insurance company knows the truth. You think you can just pin a crime on me with a piece of paper? You’re dreaming.” I pulled out the Divorce Settlement. “I’m only signing this today. Nothing else.” Ethan looked at the papers and sneered. “You really want to leave? All because I didn’t save you first?” I looked at Miley cowering behind him. “Ethan, since you and Miley already have a son together, isn’t it better if I just step aside and let you be a family?” The room went dead silent. Ethan’s hand shook as he grabbed my wrist. “What… what do you know?” I pointed toward the study. “The birth certificate. The DNA test. I saw everything. No wonder you weren’t sad when I miscarried. You already had a son to carry on your name.” I felt a bitter laugh escape me. “Ethan, we’re done. Give the papers to my lawyer. Don’t contact me again.” 6 A week later, I was back at work. The company had given me one last chance despite the pressure. I designed a safe, reliable route through the West Mountain foliage. But the day before the trip, my coworker Leo rushed in, shoving his phone in my face. “Avery! Look!” It was the top trending topic on social media: #BlackHeartedGuideAverySmithBackOnTheJob The thumbnail was Miley’s pale, tear-streaked face. The title: “Frozen Lake Survivor Speaks Out: She used my career to buy her own innocence.” In the video, Miley sobbed into the camera. “That day, the lake wasn’t on the itinerary. Avery told me privately that the commissions were higher on that route… I trusted her. After the accident, I suffered from severe PTSD. I never expected her to tell the investigators it was my idea… I have no way to defend myself…” “I know Captain Miller saved everyone and left her for last… she must be bitter. But I did nothing wrong!” The comments were a bloodbath. “Poor Miley! A single mom being bullied like this!” “How is she still allowed to be a guide?” “Avoid her tours if you want to live!” Then, a second trending topic: #RescueCaptainConfirmsWifesMisconduct It was a clip of Ethan at the awards ceremony. “Avery, stop being unreasonable. You’re a guide; you’re responsible for this!” The two videos worked in perfect harmony. One played the victim; the other played the “righteous hero” willing to condemn his own wife for the truth. My phone exploded with death threats. The tour group canceled. My boss called me in, his face grim. “Avery, I can’t protect you anymore. Sign this resignation and get out before the mob burns this office down.” I didn’t argue. I signed. But as I walked out, I saw a notification: Miley’s Studio announces “West Mountain Safe Tour.” She had stolen my route, my plan, and my career. 7 I went straight to the Rescue Team training base. “Was that video your idea or hers?” I asked Ethan. He frowned. “Miley was wronged. She’s just telling her truth.” “Truth?” I almost laughed. “Ethan, you pushed me back into that car. You intentionally left me to die. Is that the truth?” “What do you think happens to your ‘Hero’ image if I call for a formal internal investigation? ‘Hero Captain Murders Pregnant Wife to Save Mistress.’ How does that headline sound?” He turned pale and dragged me to a corner. “Avery, are you insane? You can find another job! If my reputation is ruined, I’m finished!” “You did this to yourself!” “How much money do you want?” he hissed. “Just name it. Take the house, the car, whatever! Just stop this!” Money. That’s all it was to him. “Ethan, you didn’t save Miley because you love her,” I whispered. “You saved her because she has something on you. Something lethal. Right?” His eyes widened in terror. He actually took a step back. I had my answer.

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My mother dropped out of school as a teenager to work in a factory so she could put her three younger brothers through college. Thirty years later, my uncles are all highly successful professionals. My mother, however, was recently diagnosed with Stage II stomach cancer. The surgery costs $45,000. Case files in hand, I went to each of their homes to beg for help. My eldest uncle said, “My cash is all tied up in the stock market. Ask me again when it rebounds.” My second uncle said, “I just bought a new villa; money is tight. Go talk to the youngest one.” My third uncle simply blocked my number. Three months later, my mother’s condition deteriorated to terminal Stage IV. As I knelt in the hospital corridor, sobbing, a notification popped up in our family group chat: “Grandpa’s 80th birthday is coming up. Each household must contribute $7,000 for the banquet. No excuses, and no one is allowed to miss it!” I stared at my phone and laughed until I cried. 1 The family WhatsApp group was as rowdy as a wet market. The message was sent at 11:00 PM last night by my eldest uncle, Arthur. His tone was absolute. “Dad’s 80th is the top priority for the Miller family. We’ve booked the ballroom at the Kempinski. Every household contributes $7,000. Transfer it to my account by next Friday. Attendance is mandatory.” A string of “Received” followed immediately. My mother, Rose, stared at the screen, her fingers trembling. My name is Iris. I work in corporate communications; my mother is a grocery store shelf-stocker. Of the $45,000 needed for her surgery, we had saved $12,000 and borrowed $8,000. We were still $25,000 short. Over the last three months, I had practically worn out the doormats of my three uncles’ houses. Arthur Miller is a tenured professor living in a luxury condo downtown. When I visited, he didn’t even leave his study. “Iris, it’s not that I don’t want to help,” he said, adjusting his glasses. “But my portfolio is deep in the red. Selling now would be a massive loss. When the market turns, I’ll see what I can scrape together.” My second uncle, Ben, runs a successful renovation firm. His wife, Linda, poured me a glass of water and sighed. “Iris, we really can’t. We just upgraded to a detached villa, and the mortgage is suffocating us. Your youngest uncle’s business is booming—you should ask him.” My youngest uncle, Charles, deals in wholesale construction materials. He’s the wealthiest and the most heartless. I couldn’t even get a face-to-face meeting. I called him three times: the first two times he was “busy,” and the third time, he blocked my number. My mother lay on her hospital bed, trying to comfort me. “Forget it, Iris. We’ll figure something else out.” I looked at her gaunt face, and my heart twisted in a vice. Just then, the phone buzzed again. Linda tagged my mother in the group chat: “Rose, since it’s just you and Iris in your house, the $7,000 per household rule applies to you too. No objections, right?” followed by a smiley face. Something inside me snapped. I grabbed my mother’s phone and typed: “Aunt Linda, my mom is in the hospital with terminal stomach cancer. We are $25,000 short for her surgery. Can we sit this banquet out, or maybe contribute a smaller amount?” The group went dead silent. Then, Arthur’s wife, Martha, jumped in: “Rose is sick? Oh dear, you should have said something sooner. But the birthday banquet is a major milestone for the patriarch. Everyone has to show their heart. If you’re short on cash, just borrow some for now.” Charles’s wife, Sherry, followed immediately: “Exactly. Dad only turns eighty once. Besides, if Rose hadn’t put the brothers through school back then, none of us would be here today. Logically and morally, she owes this $7,000 more than anyone.” I stared at the words “back then.” Back then, my grandparents prioritized their sons over everything. My mother had the highest grades in her class, but she was forced to drop out to work in a textile mill. She earned a meager wage, kept just enough for bread and water, and sent every other cent home to fund her three brothers’ tuition until they all graduated from university. I laughed. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. “Iris, what’s so funny?” my mother asked worriedly. I wiped my eyes and looked down at the screen. “Nothing, Mom. We’ll pay.” I hit send. 2 Seven thousand dollars was nearly a year’s worth of my mother’s salary. I maxed out two credit cards and begged my best friend for a loan just to transfer the money to Arthur. When I posted the receipt in the group chat, a wave of “Rose and Iris are so filial!” messages flooded the screen. Not a single person asked if we had enough left for the surgery. At the Kempinski ballroom, my grandfather sat at the head table, basking in the spotlight. My three uncles, dressed in designer suits, stood around him with their families—a perfect picture of a happy, successful clan. My mother and I were seated at the very back, in the corner. After thirty minutes, my mother started breaking out in a cold sweat. I helped her toward the lounge. As we passed behind a decorative screen near the head table, I heard Arthur’s voice. “Dad, after paying for the banquet, we have about $30,000 left over from the contributions. I found a high-yield investment vehicle, 6% annual return. If we put it in for a year…” “Arthur, let’s hold on,” Charles interrupted. “My new project needs some bridge funding…” “Charles, don’t be like that,” Ben chimed in. “We agreed the leftover cash would go into Dad’s retirement fund.” I stopped in my tracks, peering through a gap in the screen. My grandfather, glowing with health, waved a hand. “You brothers figure it out. Just don’t fight. My only wish is that no one gets treated unfairly.” No one gets treated unfairly. My blood ran cold. I led my mother to the lounge. We had just sat down when Linda walked in. “Rose, you look terrible. Maybe you should head home?” she said, though her tone was anything but caring. “But then again, it’ll look bad if you’re missing from the family photo. Dad was just saying he hasn’t seen you in ages.” My mother forced a smile. “I just need a moment.” “Good.” Linda lowered her voice. “By the way, Rose, I heard you’re still short on the surgery money. Why don’t you just sell the old house? It’s small, but the location is prime. You could get $50,000 for it easily. Your health comes first, right?” I snapped my head up. That house was the only thing my father left us. It was sixty square meters of sanctuary—our final safety net. “Aunt Linda,” my voice was raspy, “if we sell the house, where is my mother supposed to live during her recovery?” Linda blinked. “She can rent. It was just a suggestion. It’s your lives.” She turned and left. My mother’s hands were shaking violently. “Iris… maybe the house…” “Mom!” I cut her off. “We are not selling the house. I will find a way.” Midway through the banquet, the emcee announced the next segment: the grandchildren’s tributes. My cousins went up one by one, presenting luxury gifts: designer belts, jade carvings, custom calligraphy. Finally, it was my turn. All eyes fell on me. I walked up to the microphone empty-handed. “Grandpa, I wish you a long and healthy life,” I said, my gaze sweeping over my three uncles. “I didn’t bring an expensive gift today. Instead, I’ve prepared a story I’d like to share in front of all our relatives.” The room grew quiet. My grandfather nodded, smiling. “Iris has a thoughtful heart. Go ahead.” I took a deep breath and gripped the mic. Mom, I’m sorry. But today, I’m tearing this mask off. 3 “Thirty-four years ago, there was a young worker at the Red Star Textile Mill named Rose Miller.” My voice amplified throughout the hall. “She started at sixteen, working triple shifts. The machines were so loud they made her ears ring; the cotton dust clogged her lungs. She made $200 a month.” “She kept $30 for food. The remaining $170 was sent home, without fail, every single month to her three brothers in college.” “Because her father told her: ‘You’re the big sister. You have to support them. Only if they graduate will the Miller family bring honor to our name.’” “She worked for eight years. She funded three degrees: one in Finance, one in Engineering, and one in Business.” “The brothers graduated. They got high-paying corporate jobs and married into wealthy families. She stayed a factory worker. When the mill closed, she became a grocery clerk, standing on her feet for ten hours a day.” “She married a simple blue-collar man. He died young, leaving her with a daughter and a tiny, old apartment.” “She never asked her brothers for a dime—until this year, when she was diagnosed with cancer.” I kept my voice steady, but the room was dead silent. Arthur’s face turned a deep, bruised purple. Ben was sweating profusely. Charles finally looked up from his plate. My grandfather’s smile was frozen. “The surgery costs $45,000,” I continued. “I went to my three uncles. Arthur said his money was in the stock market. Ben said he just bought a villa. Charles blocked my number.” “Last week, the family chat announced Grandpa’s 80th birthday. $7,000 per household. No excuses.” “While my mother lay in her hospital bed, I maxed out my credit cards to scrape together that $7,000.” “Today, I want to ask my three uncles one question on behalf of my mother.” I turned to them, enunciating every word: “Can we have some of that monthly $170 back? With interest? I don’t need $45,000. Just $25,000—enough to pay for the surgery.” The silence lasted for a heartbeat, and then the room exploded. The older relatives began to whisper and sigh. The younger generation looked on in shock. “No wonder Rose looks like a ghost.” “How could Arthur and the boys do that?” “I remember how hard she worked back then… it was brutal.” SLAM! Arthur slapped the table and stood up, pointing at me. “Iris! What are you talking about? You don’t wash your dirty laundry in public! Is this how your mother raised you?” “Dirty laundry?” I looked him in the eye. “Uncle Arthur, I think letting your sister die over a bill you could pay with your pocket change is the real ‘dirty laundry.’” Ben tried to play peacemaker. “Iris, let’s talk about this later. It’s Grandpa’s big day, let’s not make it unpleasant. We can discuss the money privately.” I smiled. “Ben, it’s been three months. Did you ever try to ‘discuss’ it with me? Other than telling me to sell my home, did you ever give us a second option?” Charles barked at the emcee, “Cut the mic! Get her off the stage!” But no one moved. All eyes were on them. My grandfather began to cough violently, clutching his chest. “Dad!” “Grandpa!” Chaos erupted around the head table. My mother, hearing the noise from the lounge, stumbled out. When she saw the scene, her eyes rolled back, and she nearly fainted. I rushed to catch her. Martha, Arthur’s wife, charged at me. “Iris! you ungrateful brat! The Miller family raised your mother, fed her, clothed her! It’s her duty to give back! How dare you come here and demand repayment! Have you no shame?” “Clothed her?” I held my mother upright, my spine straight. “My grandmother told me herself: Mom was cooking, cleaning, and raising those three boys by the age of ten! At sixteen, she gave every cent to this family! The Millers didn’t raise her—she raised the three Miller sons!” The truth was too sharp. Some of the older relatives who knew the history looked away in shame. “This is a rebellion!” Arthur screamed, shaking with rage. “From this moment on, you are no longer my niece! You and your mother are dead to the Miller family!” “Fine,” I said, my voice eerily calm. “We’re done. But pay her back first.” “Thirty-four years. $170 a month. Calculate the interest at a standard bank rate. Once we’re settled, we’ll walk out that door and never step foot in a Miller house again.” “Why don’t we do the math right here, in front of everyone?” The ballroom fell into a heavy, suffocating silence. My grandfather looked at me with a mix of disappointment and fury. My mother leaned against me, weeping silently. My phone buzzed with a text from my best friend: “Iris, that was savage. But how are you going to finish this?” 4 The banquet ended in a disastrous mess. The moment we got home, my mother collapsed. She curled up on the sofa, drenched in a cold sweat from the pain. I frantically got her medication, the fire in my heart growing hotter with every passing second. My phone began to vibrate incessantly. First, Aunt Linda: “Iris, you went way too far today! Grandpa’s blood pressure is through the roof! Is this how you talk to your elders? Apologize in the group chat immediately!” Then, Sherry: “Iris, let me tell you, this is extortion! Calculating interest? That money back then wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes today! Your mother gave it voluntarily. You’re the most shameless girl I’ve ever met!” Finally, a voice note from Arthur: “Iris, you have twenty-four hours to publicly apologize in the chat. Admit you were young, impulsive, and lying. Otherwise, don’t expect the Miller family to ever help you with a single cent again!” I didn’t reply to any of them. I silenced my phone and went to the kitchen to make conch for my mother. I was just putting the pot on the stove when there was a knock at the door. I looked through the peephole—it was Uncle Charles, his face grim. I opened the door just a crack. “Charles. Something you need?” “You think you’re clever, don’t you?” He looked me up and down. “Think you can embarrass us in front of the whole family and get away with it?” “I told the truth.” “Truth?” He scoffed. “Fine. Even if she gave us money, so what? She was the eldest sister—it was her job to help. Now that we’ve made it, she wants to come and pick the fruit from the tree she didn’t grow? Life doesn’t work that way.” I looked at his self-righteous face and felt an overwhelming exhaustion. “Charles, my mom doesn’t want to ‘pick fruit.’ She just wants to live.” My voice was flat. “The $25,000 for the surgery is nothing to any of you. You could find that in the cushions of your sofas.” “It’s our money! Why should we give it to her?” Charles snapped. “You think we don’t have expenses? Your cousin is going to study abroad next year—that’s sixty grand a year! Your uncle Ben has a massive mortgage! You think life is easy for us?” “So, my mother’s life is worth less than a semester abroad or a guest bedroom in a villa?” I asked. He flared up in anger. “Don’t you dare try to guilt-trip me! I’m telling you, Iris, this isn’t over. You ruined Dad’s birthday and our reputation. I’ve got your number. You work at that marketing firm, right? I know your CEO.” I looked at him and smiled. “Uncle Charles, please, go ahead. Tell the CEO. Tell the whole city how the Miller brothers are letting the sister who raised them die because they’d rather buy a third car.” “You…!” Charles raised his hand. I stared him down. “Go ahead. Hit me. I’ll call the cops and get a medical report. We’ll see who loses more face then.” “Fine, Iris. You’re a cold one. We’ll see how this ends!” He slammed the door. I leaned against the door and slowly slid to the floor. If the “family” card wasn’t going to work, I had to change tactics. I pulled out my phone and opened the voice recorder. The conversation with Charles was crystal clear. I backed up all the threatening voice notes and messages. Then, I opened my laptop and logged into the city’s most popular local forum. I registered a new account: “Evening Breeze.” Title: A True Story: The Sister Who Dropped Out to Raise Her Brothers is Now Dying of Cancer, and They Are Letting Her Rot. I didn’t exaggerate. I laid out the timeline, the facts, the dollar amounts, and the conflict at the banquet. I ended with: “I’m not asking for donations. I’m asking for justice. I want to ask everyone: Is the ‘Elder Sister as Mother’ role just a death sentence to be sucked dry and discarded? Is family really this fragile when money is involved?” I hit post. The moment it went live, my palms were sweating. I knew this was the point of no return. But looking at my mother, clutching her stomach in her sleep, I didn’t regret it. Within ten minutes, the comments began to flood in. The first one read: “I’m in tears. These uncles are monsters! OP, we’re behind you! Expose them!” 5 The post went viral. In two hours, it had over a thousand shares and hundreds of comments. Several local news blogs reached out for permission to repost. I gave it to them. By the next morning, the topic “Billionaire Brothers Abandon Dying Sister” was trending locally. My phone was buzzing nonstop with media requests and messages from supportive strangers. The family group chat remained dead silent until 10:00 AM, when Ben finally broke. He called me, his tone uncharacteristically warm. “Iris, honey, it’s Uncle Ben. That post online… you wrote that, didn’t you?” “I did.” “Oh, Iris, you’re so impulsive! Family squabbles should stay behind closed doors. Why make it look so ugly for the world?” He sounded fatherly. “People are calling my office asking questions… it’s affecting the business.” “Ben, my mother can’t wait for ‘closed doors’ anymore,” I interrupted. “Everything in that post is fact. If it’s ugly, it’s because of what you did, not because I wrote it.” He choked for a second. “Iris, I know you’re upset. Look, I’ll figure out a way to get the surgery money. Just delete the post, okay? Uncle is begging you.” “How will you figure it out?” I asked. “Does Aunt Linda agree? What about your mortgage?” In the background, I heard Linda screaming: “Ben, don’t you dare! Why should we pay? She’s the one who started this…” The line went dead. Typical. At noon, Arthur showed up at our apartment complex. He called me from the curb. I went down but stood several feet away. “Iris, delete that garbage right now!” He was shaking with rage. “Do you have any idea what this is doing to me? The university board called me in! They’re talking about ‘professional conduct’ and ‘public image’!” “Uncle Arthur, you only care about your image,” I replied. “My mother’s life isn’t as important to you as a word from your dean, is it?” “You…!” He gasped for air. “Fine! You won’t delete it? I have ways to make you! Your mother still needs the hospital, right? I can make sure she’s blacklisted from every private clinic in this city!” I pulled out my phone and hit play on the recorder. “Uncle Arthur, I just recorded that. What do you think would happen if I sent this to your dean? Or posted it as an update?” Arthur’s face went white. He pointed a trembling finger at me but couldn’t find a single word. Finally, he turned, got into his BMW, and floored it. I knew they wouldn’t give up. First, the hospital called. My mother’s lead surgeon told me that the department had received a call from “above” suggesting we transfer to a different facility. Then, my boss called. The company had decided to give me a month of “unpaid leave” to “settle my family matters.” They were trying to use the weight of the world to crush me. They wanted to force me to bow, to delete the post, to admit defeat. I sat on a bench outside the ward, looking at the grey sky. On the forum, the post had over ten thousand comments. Most were supportive, and some people had even started “doxxing” my uncles. In the evening, an unknown number sent me a message. It was a photo of my mother’s old textile mill ID and a few blurry photos of her when she was young, standing with coworkers. The text read: “Iris, enough is enough. If you keep this up, I can’t guarantee that your mother’s ‘unseemly past’ won’t be made public.” Unseemly past? I zoomed in on the ID. It was just a young girl with a tired smile. I felt a chill in my bones. To save their money and their pride, they were willing to smear their own sister’s character. Uncles, I thought, you forgot one thing. A person with nothing to lose doesn’t fear the storm. You, however, have everything to lose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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