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

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

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

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

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

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

After suffering from heatstroke, I felt extremely dizzy and hurriedly asked for leave in the company Slack channel. But as soon as I sent it, my colleagues exploded! “It’s snowing so hard today, I’m freezing to death, what kind of heatstroke do you have?” “Chloe, everyone is working overtime on the weekend, yet you fake illness to slack off, do you have no shame?” I looked out the window in astonishment. The sun was shining brightly, not a cloud in the sky, where was there any sign of snow? I thought they were joking with me, but soon, my boss Mr. Sterling video called me. He sat in his office, behind him the floor-to-ceiling window showed a vast expanse of white snow, without any trace of special effects. While behind me was a sunny day. “Great Chloe! I wondered how you could get heatstroke in this heavy snow? Turns out you faked illness to play in another city! I announce you didn’t pass the probation period, you’re fired!” I realized something must be wrong, hurriedly climbed out of bed, wanting to go to the company to check. My condition prevented me from driving, could only take an Uber to the company. But until I was hit and killed by an out-of-control truck, I didn’t see a single snowflake! Opening my eyes again, I was reborn to the moment I was about to ask for leave. I suspected people in the company were deliberately deceiving me, kept an eye out, asked in the group: “How is the weather today?” Mr. Sterling immediately @everyone: “Heavy snow, slippery roads, low visibility, everyone be careful on the way…” … How is this possible? If the boss united with colleagues, wanting to find an excuse to fire me, at least they should deceive me after I proposed asking for leave, right? I was fine at the dinner last night, impossible for them to predict in advance I would have heatstroke. Looking at the cloudless sunny sky outside the window, my already uncomfortable body felt even worse. “Received, thanks Mr. Sterling for reminder, arrived safely at company.” “Car stuck halfway, could only find a place to park, need half an hour to walk to company in this heavy snow.” “Still me smart, didn’t drive…” Colleagues in the group responded one after another, someone even posted photos. In the photo, that Millennium Park I often visit, was completely covered in snow, gloomy sky still fluttering with goose feather-like snowflakes. But in my previous life when I rushed to the company, I didn’t see snow at all! Just puzzling what was going on, Mr. Sterling @me in the group: “Chloe, people in your department are all here, when will you arrive?” “Everyone in the company is working overtime for the big project in your hands, get here in 10 minutes, won’t fine your money for being late this time.” Weekend overtime, indeed because I negotiated a big deal for the company. If I could persist working, I wouldn’t have asked for leave in my previous life. Plus the fear of being hit and killed by a car halfway, I dared not rush to the company rashly. But if I still use heatstroke as an excuse to ask for leave, the outcome will definitely be firing. My mom’s medical expenses depend entirely on the bonus of this deal, I must keep this job! I pretended not to see the message in the group, put it aside first. Then shook my head, dispelling those messy thoughts in my mind. I am very sure, my city is not snowing! As long as I find solid evidence of no snow, Mr. Sterling and others can’t use this absurd excuse to fire me. I hurriedly opened the Weather App on my phone, instantly dumbfounded. App showed my area is having a blizzard, simply ridiculous! Even if the boss has great power, he can’t make App data fake, right? But I didn’t see a single snowflake! At this time Mr. Sterling’s call came directly. I dared not ignore, pretended to just wake up. “Why does your voice sound so hoarse? Chloe, are you feeling unwell?” I can’t let the boss find an excuse to fire me, in desperation could only admit first: “Mr. Sterling I’m sick, feeling terrible, can’t go to company temporarily.” “Sick so serious? Must be didn’t pay attention to keep warm and froze.” “Then rest well at home, pay attention to stay online, let colleagues contact you, just don’t delay project progress.” Boss’s tone was very easygoing, no meaning of making things difficult. This made me even more confused. Not long after, HR in the group @me: “Mr. Sterling said you are sick, helped you ask for leave. Chloe, provide medical record and video, I help you process leave procedure.” I frowned in difficulty. I have heatstroke, this state simply can’t go to hospital, where to get medical record? Thought about it, I directly sent a selfie video to the group. “I woke up sick, haven’t had time to go to hospital yet.” My face was scary white, looked like a patient anyway, should be able to fool through, right? “No.” “Chloe, medical record can be supplemented later, but video must show something indicating your location.” “I remember we live in the same community, there is a large flower bed downstairs, retake a video on the balcony, capture both you and the flower bed.” I immediately climbed out of bed, went to balcony to shoot. But just touching sunlight, I sensed something wrong! My side sunny high, hot to death. If video sent, they didn’t see snow, wouldn’t they still attack me like in previous life? Are they deliberately making things difficult for me, wanting to find an excuse to fire me? I had doubts originally, my body always healthy, even if weather suddenly warms up, shouldn’t heatstroke suddenly. I even suspect they poisoned me, staged this to set me up! Only problem is I’m an intern, boss can fire me directly, I can’t defend rights, why would he spend such effort conspiring with whole company to deceive me? HR urged in group again: “Chloe hurry up shoot, I have other things to do.” I was dizzy with anger, couldn’t help exploding: “I didn’t use filter, can’t you see from this face I’m sick? Why still want me shoot other things?” “Just because I’m an intern, you deliberately target me?” HR sent a string of question marks. “Chloe what are you saying? Leave procedure is like this, everyone has to follow, what meaning for me to target you?” “You can shoot that flower bed standing on balcony, not difficult, is it because you have ghost in heart so stress response?” Other colleagues started mocking me one after another. “Just came less than two months, negotiated a big deal, feels different from us, wants privilege.” “Hehe, was fine at dinner last night, how come suddenly sick can’t work?” “We work overtime on weekend tired to death, she as project leader is resting, really interesting.” HR’s wording became stricter. “Chloe, send video within 5 minutes, otherwise I treat as absenteeism.” “Company rule, intern absent once will be fired, forfeit all salary and bonus!” I couldn’t help laughing in anger. Came for firing me, didn’t even act anymore. Just want video? Good! I shot one directly according to request sent over. Sure enough, just sent video to group, colleagues exploded again. “Chloe, everyone gave up holiday to overtime for you, you fake illness to travel, shameless?” “Our side heavy snow turned into blizzard, your side not a piece of snow, clearly not in same place, are you treating us as fools?” Boss also sent few angry emojis in a row. “Chloe, you so irresponsible?” Previous life I was foolishly deceived by them, dragged sick body to company to verify, resulting in death halfway. This life I retorted directly: “You are treating me as fool!” “Flower bed downstairs shot clearly, I am in my own community. Could it be whole city snowing, only missed my community, and has nearly 90 degrees high temperature?” “You want to fire me, please find a better excuse!” “I already screenshotted all our conversations, I’ll post to internet now, none of you can sell company products anymore!” My temper rose, left group chat directly, called best friend for help. After listening to my narration, best friend froze for several seconds before replying: “Chloe, are you sick confused? City is snowing ah, I’m trapped at home, date with boyfriend cancelled.” I was instantly struck by lightning. Could my best friend also be bribed? Impossible! My bonus not enough for boss to stage such big play! I hurriedly called my mom. Even if whole world deceives me, my mom won’t deceive me. Call just connected, mom said with concern: “Chloe, must wear cotton coat going out today, snow is so heavy, I feel cold at home…” So is it me having problem? Whole city snowing, only I can’t see? Absolutely impossible! Previous life when I took taxi to company, driver wore thin shirt, also said no snow, and looked at me like fool, didn’t understand why I asked such question. But fact is so weird… I afraid mom worry, perfunctory few words hung up, then asked others I know for verification. Result everyone insisted snowing, including my ex-boyfriend Julian who kept clinging to me like a pervert refusing to let go. I opened Instagram, full screen local people posting snow videos and photos. My whole body gradually cold to bone marrow, back oozing cold sweat, didn’t understand what happened exactly. Chapter 1 “Seeing lie of faking illness poked, started playing dead?” “Hehe, simply treating us as fools, even if plan go out play deceive us, at least check weather forecast right?” “She planned quite well, didn’t you see that flower bed looks exactly like original community? Estimate spent lot effort finding this community.” “Still clamoring hang us on internet, haha, is she angry from shame, anxious mental problem?” Looking at screen full of messages attacking me, I no longer felt angry, bottom of heart burst of deep fear. No one deceived me. In their eyes, I am the one lying! Boss sent a video shot in office to group, colleagues then stopped attacking me. Because boss started getting angry. “Chloe, open your eyes look clearly, except you, everyone in company is working at station.” “Snow outside window you can also see clearly.” “Given your irresponsible deceptive behavior, I announce you are fired, no need come to company in future!” I tried hard to control trembling fingers, clicked video to look. I contacted AI before, can determine video is real, no AI trace. That means, world in my eyes, and world in their eyes completely different! “Sorry boss, I know wrong.” “I didn’t go to other city travel, beg you give me another chance, I can rush to company within half an hour!” I don’t know where problem appeared. Only chance to clear misunderstanding, keep job, is I rush to company explain face to face. Could it be even if I stay with them, still see completely different picture? I forced myself support dizzy brain and weak sick body, went downstairs with fastest speed. When exiting building door my legs soft, almost fell, a kind aunt supported me. “Little girl, are you okay?” I subconsciously asked: “Auntie, is it snowing?” Auntie immediately let go of me, looked at me weirdly. “Little girl your brain no problem right?” “I hot wearing single layer, how can snow?” My perception no problem! Even if I sick broken brain, really hallucinated, but body feeling won’t lie. I clearly can feel scorching sun, flat ground can’t step on any snow. Flower bed downstairs also clean. Then where is problem exactly? I and auntie just now, and HR all live in same community. HR certain snowing, but me and auntie didn’t see… Weird feeling spread in my heart again. I dizzy head swollen brain, almost supporting wall all way, difficultly walked to community gate, drilled into taxi parked roadside. “Go to Skyline Tower.” Half hour drive, felt incomparably long. My sour swollen brain uncomfortable terrible, almost couldn’t maintain consciousness, could only hold on enduring torment. “Almost there little girl, 25 dollars, pay first.” Driver’s voice made me sober a bit, looked up, saw outside window was “Millennium Park”. Photo colleague sent in group morning, Millennium Park was already covered by heavy snow. But in my eyes, those big words under sunlight shine, appeared incomparably clear. Suddenly, a crisis feeling emerged in my heart! “Master, watch out for traffic!” Previous life was when near company, I was hit and killed by an out-of-control truck. And this life I set off much later than previous life, logically shouldn’t meet that truck, but uneasy feeling in heart grew stronger. “Little girl don’t fear, I am old driver for many years.” “Road no snow, absolutely won’t accident.” I irritably wanted remind again, boss phone suddenly called. I hurriedly answered: “Mr. Sterling, I almost at company.” Driver supplemented: “One intersection left.” Boss voice carried doubt: “One intersection?” “Are you stuck now?” I shook head: “No, not many cars on road.” Boss laughed coldly: “Chloe, you still treating me as fool?” “Blizzard getting bigger, half city roads paralyzed! Several streets near company blocked full cars, clients finding us hard move inch, you say not many cars?” Just no ah! I anxious to death, but didn’t know how explain. Anxious moment, I saw a familiar big truck rushing straight at us! I immediately shouted out: “Master, step on gas!” This life driver more experienced than previous one, reacted in instant of life death, forcibly accelerated avoided truck impact. Bang!

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390528”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

A week before New Year’s Eve, I noticed my boyfriend seemed like a different person. Not only did his lifestyle change, but he became more mature and steady. Even his hobbies changed, preferring meditation and green juices over extreme sports. Regarding intimacy, he became disciplined and courteous, never greedy. I thought he grew up, finally willing to settle down and build a small family with me, ignoring those Insta-models outside. As a result, when I came home early to celebrate his birthday, I overheard him on the phone. “Bro, hold Chloe steady for a while longer, I’ll come back later, thanks for your hard work.” Boyfriend spoke: “Okay, by the way, what brand of protection do you usually use? Chloe seems allergic.” Hearing this, my breathing quickened. Turns out those changes weren’t illusions. Without me knowing, my boyfriend’s twin brother quietly took his place. Chapter 1 Xavier on the phone stuttered, “Bro, why you asking this? I usually don’t use any with her, anyway she takes birth control.” Sebastian spoke: “Just asking.” “Did she nag you? Women are like this, always insatiable. Just pretend not hearing, cold her for few days she will be obedient.” Although Xavier firmly believed Sebastian wouldn’t be interested in me, he was still a bit uneasy. “Bro, how about you move out, less contact with her, communicate online, who let Bella insist I accompany her to travel, we are still on the road.” Sebastian said in low voice: “Got it.” I stood in dark, held breath. Turns out Xavier went to accompany Bella to travel. At this moment I only felt funny. They said any ambiguity and romance between them, was true brotherhood. Yet preferred let twin brother replace him stay alone with girlfriend, also didn’t forget secret duo trip with Bella. Such truth made my brain blank, I subconsciously wanted leave here, but accidentally touched robot vacuum on ground. Next second, lights on. Sebastian noticed me immediately. My heart almost jumped to throat. Difficultly looked at Sebastian, carefully observed, he indeed different from Xavier. Sebastian eyes deep, hard to fathom what he thinking. Xavier eyes contained smile, all the time calculating how to lie deceive me. Just I thought he about to show cards, he said: “Is this cake bought for me?” I lifted cake, written Xavier’s name on it. Not wait me speak, he already took cake: “Thanks I like it very much, I almost forgot today is my birthday.” Sebastian and Xavier are twins, today indeed is his birthday too. I subconsciously said: “Happy birthday.” Sebastian hugged stiff me, dropped a kiss on my lips. I took deep breath, don’t know when they switched, but during this time I and him indeed did everything. My heart pounding, hastily took out gift from pocket. “For you.” Is a tie, I bought for eighteen thousand. Color bright, Xavier’s favorite color, but Sebastian may not like. But he expressionless opened, grabbed my wrist, tied it up. His big hand put on my lower back, constantly wandering, desire in eyes deepened. “…” No, not claim like meditation? Next second, I was carried into room by him, dense kisses fell on my body. My hands gently tied by tie, pressed over head. I wanted struggle, but blocked back by his words. “I took birth control, won’t let you allergic in future.” Chapter 2 When did I discover Xavier not right. Just because he suddenly wore protection when sleeping with me. This put in past impossible. Originally just doubt, but more not right was, always harmonious us, inexplicably painful after finished. Because this, I made a fuss with him. Unexpectedly next day suddenly red and swollen. I determined he did some strange move, angry directly rushed into his office question. Until later, I knew was myself allergic to protection. After that, Xavier didn’t touch me for a continuous week, considerate to me, personally applied medicine for me. Always noble young master personally cooked for me. Heaven knows, I saw him cooking for me, how horrified I was. After all together with Xavier these years, he never cooked, let alone soup! I thought then, this was sign of prodigal son return, didn’t expect, even boyfriend is non-original. After allergy healed, Sebastian changed another material protection. I allergic again, but symptoms lighter. Seeing red swelling on my body, his face emotion very bad, I thought he would lose temper, result heard him say: “Sorry, I will pay attention next time.” I silent. In daily life abused by spoiled young master, I never heard apology. “No… no problem…” Sebastian distressed hugged me, kissed with me, I was kissed face hot, waist soft. Same time thought in heart, Xavier kiss skill how became so good. Actually not became how good, just gentle. Xavier used to only bite me. Especially my collarbone, painful to death. Day after day, his every behavior inexplicably more attractive to me than before. Day off, he no longer ran to clubbing with sisters, instead held me in arms teaching me painting. He bit my ear, little by little teach me how to draw. Voice苏麻 (tingling), let my heart pounding. No! Continue like this, I really gonna fall in love with him. Play love with Xavier, no good ending, after money after face enough. However other side insisted I sink, I work, he massage shoulder for me. I entertainment, he hold accompany me. Even in bed, he also never forced me, even finish, will seriously help me clean, no matter how late. I flattered, hurriedly analyzed with sisters. Finally draw conclusion. “He loves you, he wants marry you!” Hearing this, honestly I was happy. But carefully think, possible? A playboy spiritual cheating every three days, really will settle down? Now seems, won’t, not only won’t, even sold his own girlfriend. Person considerate to me, always is Sebastian. Xavier’s twin brother. My heart bitter. But since this is his own choice, why don’t I enjoy it? Chapter 3 Next day, I woke up from Sebastian’s arms, whole body naked, skin close to him, under palm is his perfect chest muscle. I didn’t hold back swallowed saliva. Sebastian closed eyes, rubbed on my face, voice slightly hoarse: “Awake ah, hungry or not.” Voice just fell, my stomach growled. Sebastian heard, corner of mouth hung smile, he got up wrapped me with quilt, directly princess carry me up, my hands hugged his neck, “Baby, will you always like me?” Man lie without blinking eyes. Sebastian naturally said: “Of course will.” Saying, he brushed teeth dressed clothes for me, breakfast he already sent someone buy good, very rich. I sat on chair, staring at him: “Xavier, I found you changed recently.” Sebastian fingertips stiff, spoke with some pause. “Where changed? Changed more like by you?” Sebastian learned Xavier’s witty words, eyes flowing looking at me. Clearly same face, feeling given to me very different. “You used to not so gentle.” Sebastian long eyelashes trembled lightly, forcefully kissed my wrist. “Baby, I just want your experience better.” Man can’t provoke, more can’t let him compare with another man. I just put down chopsticks, he hugged me into room. If not detected his hand stretched into my clothes, his serious appearance, only make people think he is doing serious business. Sebastian fully exerted force asked me: “Now good, or before good.” I closed eyes, eyebrows slightly wrinkled: “Now good now good.” Sebastian forcefully pinched my waist, forehead sweat drops fell down. Wait everything end, I lay on bed playing after-event phone. And Sebastian went bathroom took shower. Coincidentally his phone vibrated, popped up Xavier message. [Bro, how you and Chloe now? Did she suspect you.] [Bro, I will try to come back early, I brought gift for you.] Below attached photo. Xavier and Bella’s two hands pasted together, palms upward, same time holding a crystal rose, glowing pink. [Bro, this crystal good looking right, you like I bring a flower back for you.] Xavier hand and Sebastian nothing different, even palm lines same. I hooked smile,恶趣味 (bad taste) typed a line words. [Who are you ah, my boyfriend is taking shower.] Other side paused for long time. Next second, bathroom door wide open, Sebastian lower body wrapped towel, he saw I reading his phone, flustered walked over. I naturally said: “Someone keeps calling you Bro, who is he ah.” Sebastian suppressed complex emotion in eyes: “Is neighbor younger brother.” I held back smile, if Xavier knows he became neighbor younger brother in Sebastian mouth, wonder what reaction. “He said he wants give you gift hey, that crystal really pretty.” Sebastian hugged me, kissed my side face: “Hubby buy for you.” And I seized opportunity put bug in his pocket. This was used to collect Xavier cheating evidence before. Discover once, fifty million compensation. Sebastian phone held in hand rang constantly, messages non-stop. I guess Xavier gonna anxious. Few seconds he directly called Sebastian. Sebastian naturally said: “I go answer call, you rest a while.” I looked at his back, smile in eyes slowly disappeared. Chapter 4 “Bro, what you and Chloe doing? How she use your phone send message to me.” In hallway, Sebastian listened to this probing tone, unhurriedly: “My clothes dirty, incidentally took a shower.” Xavier sighed relief: “Like this? Just right I want end travel early, come back tomorrow.” Sebastian didn’t utter sound. Xavier suddenly a bit anxious, “Bro, I played enough, outside I knew Chloe’s good, will you agree let me marry her?” Xavier voice more said more empty, inside probe undisguised. “Will, as long as you willing.” Xavier completely sighed relief, what kind woman Sebastian never seen, how possible fancy woman his own brother slept. He actually suspect his own Bro? Xavier exchanged few more pleasantries, found excuse hung up. After Sebastian returned, I found opportunity took bug away. Face full ignorance asking: “Xavier, what happened? How you look preoccupied?” Sebastian cupped my face, low voice asked: “Chloe, will you always accompany me?” “Of course ah.” Sebastian still very stubbornly asked: “Then you like current me, or previous me.” Even this question, three hours ago, he just asked. I lips tip slightly pursed, “Both like.” How can I give Sebastian accurate answer. If Sebastian doesn’t want play, me and Xavier can still together. But if he still wants play, pressure only on Sebastian. Sure enough, hearing this answer Sebastian, expression became trance. He subconsciously hugged me, like hugging thing about to lose. Reluctant under, two people again sticky kissed together. He pulled down zipper of my lower back dress, again pressed up. However next second, doorbell rang. Just brewed atmosphere gone. This house was given by Xavier to me, irrelevant people won’t come here. Only one possibility, Xavier returned. However此刻 (this moment) room full of paper balls flying, obviously not suitable receive guests. He advanced again. I looked up at Sebastian, his throat rolling: “I go open door.” Sooner or later face this matter. After open door, Xavier’s hiking suit not yet changed. After he saw roses all over floor, smile on face disappeared. I looked at him, said: “Big Brother, you have any matter?” I know Xavier has twin brother. Xavier squeezed out smile, chest cavity full of anger, Chloe actually didn’t recognize him. Bottom of heart exactly has him or not ah! “I come find him, a bit matter.” Xavier stared dead at Sebastian, “Come out chat.” Xavier fists placed at side about to clench tight. I hooked smile, still adding fuel to fire, I hugged Sebastian arm, kissed his side face once. “Hubby, you come back early, I wait for you at home.” Almost one second, Sebastian directly pushed me away. Xavier fist smashed on his face. I pretended surprised, screamed. “What you doing? Don’t hit my boyfriend!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390527”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

On New Year’s Eve, the Billionaire Heir picked me up, dying, and brought me home. He stroked my smooth, jade-like back, his eyes gentle as if looking at a rare treasure: “From now on, your name is Vivia, meaning full of life.” “This is a lucky name, you must pray for me well.” “In exchange, for every wish you make, you must sacrifice one thing.” I nodded blushing, thinking I met salvation. At that time, I didn’t understand that my name meant exchanging my life, bit by bit, for the woman lying in the ICU. At eighteen, I wished to wear a backless dress. He peeled the skin off my back to patch her burned body. At twenty, I wished to see the Aurora. He dug out my eyes to replace her ulcerated corneas. At twenty-two, I wished to marry him. He drained my bone marrow to extend her failing life. This year, I am twenty-four. He held the critical condition notice, holding my hand trembling: “Vivia, make a wish, she is just one step away from waking up.” In the cold light of the scalpel, I closed my empty eye sockets. My only wish this year is. Please blend my heart into pieces. Chapter 1 The shadowless lamp in the operating room was dazzlingly white. But I couldn’t see. There were only two pitch-black holes in my eye sockets. When I was twenty, I wished to see the Aurora. Lucien Sterling dug out my eyeballs with his own hands. He said Sienna’s corneas were ulcerated, she would be scared if she couldn’t see. “Vivia, be obedient.” Lucien’s fingers rubbed my collarbone, fingertips burning hot. “This is the last time.” “Sienna’s heart has failed to the limit, the doctor said only you can save her.” “Your heart match with hers is perfect, simply a spare part God specially prepared for her.” I lay on the cold operating table, limbs buckled by leather straps. Hearing “spare part”, I pulled the corner of my mouth and smiled. Turns out, I am just a spare part container. “Speak.” Lucien’s fingers tightened, pinching my chin. “About to operate, don’t show me this dead face.” “Aren’t you most obedient? Make a wish.” “As long as Sienna can survive, I’ll give you whatever you want.” “Even the title of Mrs. Sterling you always wanted, I can consider burning it to you.” Burn to me? Really generous. I opened my mouth, throat dry and hoarse, every sound pulled raw pain. “Lucien.” “If I give you my heart, can I be free?” Lucien chuckled lightly. “Of course, I will find the best Private Mausoleum to bury you.” “Every year on Memorial Day and your anniversary, I will bring Sienna to see you.” “We want to thank you, for using your life to fulfill our love.” A wave of nausea in my stomach. I took a deep breath, heart hitting ribs. Thump, thump, thump. It was still beating for this man, really cheap. I endured the tearing pain in my throat, intermittently squeezed out voice: “I don’t want a grave.” “Nor want you to visit me, that would make me sick.” Lucien’s hand stiffened. “Don’t give face not want face, then what do you want?” I lifted my empty eye sockets, facing the direction of his voice. “My only wish this year is.” “Please blend my heart into pieces.” Next second, a big hand choked my neck. “Vivia! You looking for death!” “Blend heart? You’d rather destroy it than give it to Sienna?” “Your life I gave! Your name I bestowed! Which piece of meat on your body didn’t grow for Sienna?” “How dare you be so vicious! Do you want Sienna to die?” I opened my mouth wide to breathe. But only inhaled the smell of disinfectant. “Cough cough…” Lucien let go, wiped his hand on clothes. “Vicious woman, looks like I treated you too well.” “Doctor! Prepare surgery immediately!” Anesthesiologist walked over with syringe. “Mr. Sterling, general anesthesia now?” Lucien looked at me, voice cold. “What anesthesia?” “Didn’t she want to blend her heart?” “Then let her be awake, feel well how the heart is dug out.” “Give her muscle relaxant.” Doctor sucked in a cold breath. “Mr. Sterling, this… this will torture her to death alive…” “Open chest surgery without anesthesia, that is Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts)…” “Do as I say!” Lucien kicked over the instrument tray. Metal tray smashed on floor, making a loud noise. “This is punishment for her vicious curse.” “I want her to remember, even reincarnating in next life, don’t forget who gave her this cut!” Liquid flowed into body. My tongue numb, fingers couldn’t move, eyelids heavy. But I could hear, could feel. Scalpel cutting skin. I heard sound of flesh separating. Pain. Really fucking painful. Scalpel cut open chest skin, heat of blood gushing out scalded me to tremble. I couldn’t move, staring with empty eye sockets. Consciousness trance. I seemed to smell roast meat. Eighteen years old New Year’s Eve. Lucien took me to hospital. That day was my coming-of-age ceremony. I wore the white sweater he gave. “Brother Lucien, can I make a wish?” At that time, my back was smooth and clean. I blushed, pulling his shirt corner. “I saw princesses on TV wear backless dresses, I want one too.” Lucien touched my head, smiling said. “Good, Vivia can have whatever she wants.” “Brother Lucien will satisfy you right now.” Then he called doctor, pressed me on operating table. “Sienna burned her back in fire, she loves beauty most, now breaking mirrors at home all day.” “Your back is most like hers, skin also most tender.” “Since you want to wear backless dress, then give this skin to Sienna.” “Anyway you are orphan, wearing such noble dress on you is waste too.” I struggled desperately, crying begging him. “Brother Lucien! I don’t want! I don’t want to be skinned!” “Hurts so much! Brother Lucien save me!” Lucien stood outside observation window, holding cigarette, looking at me. “Good girl, bear it and it will pass.” “This is your blessing, growing on Sienna, is your life’s greatest glory.” That day, I was peeled a whole piece of back skin. Fainted from pain, woke up from pain again. Later wound scabbed, left winding scars. That red backless dress hung at my bedside. Always reminding me, this is price of wishing. Chest severe pain clearer and clearer, chest retractor stuffed in. Crack, rib broken. I trembled all over from pain, cold sweat mixed with blood water flowed into eye sockets. So painful. Really so painful. Lucien, if you knew back then the one who saved you was me. Would you have a little bit of heartache? Chapter 2 “Mr. Sterling, you go wait next door first.” Alfred’s voice sounded at door. He held ginseng soup. “Blood smell too heavy here, don’t clash with your nobility.” Lucien turned to leave, steps paused. “Feed her some ginseng soup.” Alfred stunned. “Mr. Sterling, this… this soup is for Miss Sienna to nourish body.” “Give her drink.” Lucien said. “Her body too weak, I fear she die on operating table.” “If heart stops beating over three minutes, activity won’t be good.” “Hang this cheap bone with a breath, must last until heart taken out.” Alfred sighed, helped up my head. Ginseng soup poured into mouth, carrying bitterness. Is this last meal before execution? Alfred looked at my full body scars, eye rims red. He leaned to my ear, voice lowered. “Miss Vivia, actually…” “Actually Miss Sienna simply looks down on your organs.” “Last time changing cornea, Miss Sienna threw a big temper.” “She said… she said things from Orphanage are dirty, carrying a poor acid smell.” “If not really can’t find matching source, she wouldn’t want to install this dirty thing on herself.” Dirty? My blood dirty, skin dirty, eyes dirty. But it is these “dirty” things, pieced together current Sienna. That person held in palm by Lucien, is pieced together by me. Lucien, don’t you feel disgusting? That pair of eyes you kiss every day, was what I once cried begging you not to dig. That back you stroke, was what I once rolled on bed in pain exchanged. Who exactly do you love, Sienna, or this shell composed of my flesh and blood? Beep—Beep—Beep— Alarm sounded next door. Lucien face pale. He pushed door rushed out, roaring at walkie-talkie. “What happened!” “What happened to Sienna!” “Wasn’t fine just now! How did these wastes watch!” Shouts came from walkie-talkie. “Mr. Sterling! Bad news!” “Miss Sienna sudden ventricular fibrillation! Blood pressure undetectable!” “Heart function total failure, must transplant immediately! Can’t wait a minute!” Lucien returned, kicked open door. He red eyed, staring at me. And that doctor peeling blood vessels. “Faster! Still dawdling what!” “Didn’t hear Sienna dying! Dig the heart out directly!” Doctor hand shook. “Mr… Mr. Sterling, vessels not fully isolated yet, if cut forcibly will massive hemorrhage…” “And donor vital signs still there, this… this is murder…” “I let you dig!” Lucien rushed over, pushed doctor away. He reached for that dripping blood scalpel. “She lived for this moment originally!” “As long as can save Sienna, what about murder?” “If Sienna dies, I want your whole family buried with her! As for this bitch…” He pointed at me. “What difference dying early or late?” “Her life is to pay debt! If not for Sienna, she would have frozen to death in orphanage long ago!” Heh. Pay debt. What did I owe you? I felt no pain, only cold left. Turns out in his heart, I am not human. I am just a meat lump growing a heart. “Lu… cien…” I squeezed out a bit gas sound from throat. Lucien movement paused, turned look me. I faced him with those two blood holes. I want him look at me. Look at the savior he is killing with his own hands. “That year’s… fire…” I gasping like thread. “You said… Sienna saved you…” “You said she gave you gas mask… carried you down ten floors…” Lucien stunned, sneered out. “What? Want claim credit beg me let you go now?” He leaned down, pasted my face. “Vivia, ever had a truth in this mouth?” “You are just a greedy for life afraid of death orphan, for survival any lie can tell!” “Sienna back burned rotten to save me! That is iron proof!” “You? Where were you then?” “You probably scared hiding in some dog hole stealing life!” No. Not like that. Back burned rotten, was because Sienna greedy for money, smashed when saving bags. Person carried you down was me. Person gave you gas mask was me. Because no mask, person smoked blind eyes, smoked bad throat by thick smoke, also me. My back no burn, because I protected you on back. When you woke up. I already fainted in hospital corner. And Sienna, wearing my clothes, holding my token, lying by your bed. “Is me… saved you…” “I have… token…” I wanted grab his hand. “Shut up!” Lucien grabbed metal tray smashed on my face. Clang sound. Tray smashed my forehead. Blood flowed into empty eye sockets. Became blood tears. “You despicable villain, don’t even deserve mention that night!” “Don’t think use this clumsy lie delay time!” “Doctor! Do it!” “Ignore steps! Cut directly! Dig for me!” He turned, rushed next door. That moment. I completely gave up. What use explain? He believes Sienna, not me. Then die with this secret. Let him use savior’s heart, save a thief who stole everything. Let him live in lies this life. This is most vicious revenge to him. Chapter 3 Zzz— Sound of vessels cutting exceptionally clear. Something draining. That is my life. Chest empty a big piece, cold wind poured in. “Taken out! Heart taken out!” Doctor shouted. “Activity perfect! Beating powerful!” “Quick! Send next door!” Monitor pulled into a straight line. Beep— I died. Died in bell of New Year’s Eve. Died on last day of twenty-four years old (Ben Ming Nian). I floated in mid-air, watching doctor holding heart rush next door. Lucien waiting in corridor. He looked at that heart. That is my heart. Once throbbed for him, humble for him. Now, he finally got it. But couldn’t wait to install it into another woman’s body. “Great! Sienna saved!” He trembled all over, followed doctor next door. Passing door, his foot tripped by sheet. Lucien looked back at corpse. I lay there lonely. Chest is a blood hole. But I didn’t die peacefully. My right hand dead clenched into fist, pressed on chest. Like wanting to protect that heart. “Bad luck.” Lucien frowned. “Dead already, still pose this chaste martyr look for who?” “Still want cover that heart?” “That is daddy gave Sienna, you cheap life worthy take away?” Little nurse cleaning corpse, scared trembling. “Mr… Mr. Sterling, respect dead, we send to morgue…” “Wait.” Lucien walked in. He looked at my clenched right hand, eyes sank. “I see she death nature not change, dying still want steal something from Sterling family take away.” “What hidden in this hand?” Little nurse shook head. “Don’t know… too hard, can’t open…” “Waste.” Lucien snorted, grabbed my stiff wrist. That is hand he once held. Also hand he once whipped. Now, he wants to break this dead person’s hand personally. “Open for me!” He forced break my fingers one by one. “I want see, what treasure hidden in this dirty hand!” Stiff palm opened. No gold silver jewelry. No antique. Only a medallion black from blood soaking. Only half piece. Break sharp, cut my palm flesh rotten. Flesh and medallion stuck together. Lucien froze. He stared dead at that half medallion. That is Heirloom Locket. Sterling family heirloom. But this jade special. Its edge has two deep tooth marks. That was ten years ago, in sky-filling fire. Lucien choked desperate by smoke, mark left biting jade with teeth. He said: “This half for you, if we can live out…” “We be together forever.” Unique in this world. “This… this is…” Lucien’s hand started trembling. He flustered pulled another half medallion from neck. Trembling put two jades together. Click sound. Seamless. Kylin roaring sky, patterns connected. This jade, he looked for ten years. Sienna said lost. Because Sienna knew all details, because Sienna back had burn. He never suspected. But why? Why this token. Would appear in hand of this “substitute” he peeled skin, dug eyes, pumped marrow, finally personally dug heart? And dead clenched in palm by her till death, even bone broken not willing let go? Lucien looked up. Looking at that pale corpse. Looking at those two empty eye sockets, as if crying blood tears accusation. Looking at that empty chest cavity. “Mr. Sterling! Surgery started!” Next door came doctor excited shout. “Heart implantation very smooth! Miss Sienna has reaction!” That moment. Lucien looked at blood stained Heirloom Locket. Again looked at that heart being sewn into Sienna body next door. A scream resounded through operating room. He personally killed savior. And use her heart, save a thief stole everything. What did he do! Lucien rushed into next door operating room, pounced on operating table, stop doctor suturing action. “Take heart out! Take it out!” “That’s not Sienna’s! That’s Vivia’s! Return her! Return her quick!” Chief surgeon protected Sienna chest, shouted: “Mr… Mr. Sterling? Are you crazy?” “Vessels already anastomosed! Heart already restarted!” “Force take out now, Miss Sienna will die! This heart will be wasted too!” Lucien action froze, hand suspended above heaving chest. There, thump, thump, thump. Is Vivia heartbeat sound. Through skin, he seemed see that heart beating, transporting life for another woman. Wasted… Lucien knelt before operating table. He hand clutching pieced Heirloom Locket, edges pierced palm, blood fell on floor. “How could be… how could be you…” He looked up next door, there lay a corpse, chest opened a black hole. Few minutes ago, he still humiliating her, dislike she die not decent, even personally broke her fingers. That is his savior, girl he swore love with life. “Mr. Sterling… Miss Sienna woke up!” Anesthesiologist voice broke silence. On operating table, Sienna opened eyes, face started ruddy. “Lu… Lucien brother…” Sienna reached out, want touch Lucien face. “I had a long dream… dreamed you didn’t want me…” “Luckily… heart still beating… you saved me?” Lucien looked up, eyes full bloodshot, staring dead at Sienna. Sienna fingers shrank. “Lucien brother… what wrong? Too tired?” “That Vivia ne? Surgery… smooth?” Mentioning this name, Lucien stood up fiercely, grabbed Sienna wrist. Sienna screamed: “Lucien brother! You hurt me! I am Sienna!” “What wrong with you? Did that bitch say something bad before dying?” “Don’t believe her! She is a liar full mouth lies…” Slap! A slap on Sienna face. Sienna beaten confused, half face swelled instantly. “Liar?” Lucien raised blood stained Heirloom Locket, shoved to Sienna eyes, voice hoarse: “Sienna, tell me.” “This jade, whose exactly?” Sienna saw that jade, face instantly pale. Her eyes wandering, want shrink hand. “This… this how…” “This… this is mine… didn’t I lose it then…” “Did that bitch pick it up?” “Right! Must be she stole! Lucien brother, she dare steal your money, steal jade what count!” “Till now you still lie!” Lucien choked Sienna neck, wound split, blood seeped. “This has my tooth marks! World only two pieces can puzzle together!” “This jade broke out from Vivia hand!” “Dead can’t break open! You say she stole?” “Sienna, you played me fool ten years!” Lucien hand tighter and tighter. He looked at this face, mind flashed Vivia desperate eyes before death. Is him, for this counterfeit, personally pushed benefactor to hell! “Urgh… Lu…” Sienna rolling eyes, desperately beat Lucien hand. Monitor issued alarm. “Mr. Sterling! Can’t kill her!” Doctors rushed up pull Lucien. “That heart! That is Miss Vivia heart!” “If you choke her dead, Miss Vivia heart also dies!” This sentence made Lucien sober instantly. He let go, watching Sienna panting, watching that violently beating heart. That is only trace Vivia left. If Sienna dies, Vivia really gone. Lucien stepped back two steps, leaned on wall, emitted a laugh. “Ha… haha…” “I not kill you.” “Sienna, I not kill you.” He looked up, eyes gloomy. “You must live well.” “Use Vivia heart, live well for her.” “But this debt, we count slowly.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390526”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Husband died in a plane crash. I cried until I fainted, waking up to endure the grief and identify the body. The staff frowned in confusion. “Ma’am, your marriage certificate is obviously fake.” “The system shows Gavin Sterling’s legal wife is Lila.” I was stunned. Just as I wanted to ask more, a capable female voice came from behind. “Hello, I am Lila, here to claim Gavin Sterling’s body.” I watched helplessly as she took Gavin’s body away. Stunned for a while before chasing up, collapsing and questioning. “Who exactly are you? I’ve been married to Gavin for five years, gave birth to three children, how could I not be his wife!” Lila’s eyes carried blatant pity. “Gavin is actually the heir to the Sterling Empire, and I am his arranged wife.” “The three sons you gave birth to didn’t die young, Gavin gave them to me long ago. Don’t worry, I will raise them well.” “I just transferred $100,000 to your account, consider it your compensation.” I was so angry my heart attacked, the postpartum hemorrhage recurred, and I died from excessive blood loss. Opening my eyes again, I returned to the day Gavin gave me the fake marriage certificate. I tore the certificate into pieces and threw it into the trash can. “Do you think I can’t tell this is fake?” “Let’s end it here, I’m going back to my hometown for New Year and blind dates.” Chapter 1 I didn’t care about his stiff face, ready to go back to the room to pack luggage. But just turned around, my wrist was grabbed by Gavin, he hugged my waist. “Don’t go!” His voice full of pleading. “I didn’t mean to lie to you about the marriage certificate… it’s me too useless, only took one Uber order today, simply couldn’t afford the $50 license fee, so I bought a fake one.” I looked at his slightly red eyes, a surge of ridicule rose in my heart. Rich people really have good acting skills. If not for Lila telling me his true identity in my previous life. I would really think he was a poor boy with only me in his heart. I didn’t expose him, but followed his words. “You can’t even afford a $50 marriage license, what qualification do you have to be with me?” “Gavin, I’m not young anymore, I just want a stable life.” Finished speaking, I pretended to be sad and pushed him away, ran into the room and locked the door. Took out my phone and called my mom. “Mom, I plan to quit my job and go back to hometown, you ask Auntie to introduce me some dates.” Mom’s voice excited. “You finally thought it through! Several factory owner sons in town like you, I’ll set up a meeting when you come home for New Year!” Hung up the phone, I looked down at my young and healthy body. No ugly scars on belly, no dense stretch marks on legs. Couldn’t help crying out in excitement. Luckily everything is still in time. This time, I will never be a breeding machine for their wealthy couple again! Booked ticket home for tomorrow, I went to the Nightclub to resign. Before, to start a family with Gavin earlier, buy car and house, I threw away all face and dignity, worked as a bottle girl. But in previous life, he only hugged me crying when my stomach hurt, never even bought me a few dollars painkiller. Just walked into the bar, colleague pulled my arm. “Sarah, that ancestor of Sterling family came to spend today, let’s hurry scoop some from their fingers!” “Don’t you always hope to earn more money to raise your poor guy?” I haven’t had time to explain I came to resign today, was pushed into the private room. Gavin sat on the main seat, a diamond on his watch could buy my life. Surrounded by a group of rich second generations appearing in financial interviews lighting his cigarette. Even though knew his true identity long ago, my heart tip still trembled at this moment. I hurriedly lowered head wearing mask, afraid he recognize me. Gavin spoke, voice carrying irritability. “That one outside thinks I have no money, wants to go back to hometown for blind dates.” A burst of laughter erupted around. “Brother Gavin really looked wrong person, such gold digger how worthy to bear Sterling heir.” “Actually said Brother Gavin no money, such stupid woman’s child better not be retarded.” Amidst rising and falling ridicule, my heart ice cold, fingers clenched tight. Lila smilingly patted his shoulder, gestures full of elegance and calmness. “You have to give the little girl some sweetness.” “Sarah graduated from famous university, high IQ, did such undignified work for you, affectionate and righteous, I like her genes, you coax her well then hurry have a child.” “Let her have three, I’m traditional, more children more blessing.” My blood seemed to solidify, bottle slipped from my hand. In previous life I suffered endlessly from frequent childbirths, once wanted to commit suicide. Didn’t expect all this just because of Lila’s casual words. I only felt sourness in heart, body weak. Ran out of private room without hesitation. Back home, I started clearing useless items. 99 paper roses folded by Gavin, countless soda tab rings, wall full of wedding dress sketches. Every anniversary he would guiltily hug me tight. “Sarah, I am too poor now, can only give you my sincere heart.” “After marriage I will work hard to earn money, definitely buy you real roses and rings, take you to shoot most luxurious wedding photos!” He is not without money, just unwilling to spend a cent on me. I laughed self-deprecatingly. Threw these broken things once treated as treasures, all into trash can. Gavin came back, looking at things in trash can, suddenly grabbed my wrist. “Sarah, why did you throw our tokens of love? Did you know something?” He stared at me suspiciously, not letting go any expression on my face. “Where were you just now?” I pretended nonchalant smile. “I’m going back to hometown tomorrow, definitely been packing at home.” Seeing my expression no dodging, Gavin breathed sigh of relief. He held up the Cup Noodles in hand, excitedly like offering treasure to me. “Sarah, hubby went out driving Uber, earned you a bowl of noodles!” “You hurry eat while hot, I’ll just drink your leftover soup.” He prepared to coax me with a bowl of noodles? I laughed self-deprecatingly. I am really cheap in his heart. “You eat yourself, I have to catch train tomorrow, sleep first.” Lazy to waste words with him, I turned back to room, but blocked by him. “Sarah, did you learn bad from women in bar? Why suddenly so money-worshiping?” “I always wanted to have a child with you, so didn’t give you expensive gifts, want save money to give our child better life.” Mentioning child, my heart stung endlessly. In previous life I risked life giving birth to three children, haven’t had time to look at them, taken by Gavin to his wife. Our biological mother and son can’t recognize each other for lifetime. I closed eyes, forcefully suppressed heart sourness, pushed him away hard. “We really broke up.” I locked myself in room again. Gavin kept banging door, voice anxious. “We been together three years, you said would struggle with me!” “I love you enough to give my life to you, how can you bear to abandon me? I beg you don’t go…” In his begging cries, my tears also slid silently. Dignified Sterling heir hiding identity, living in leaking basement, playing poor rental love with me. This is the love he gave me. But I don’t need it anymore, this life I just want to live well. Midnight I suddenly woke up, walked out room to drink water. Vaguely saw Gavin leaning against narrow window. In smoke, his brows irritable, talking on phone. “Sarah still wants to go back, she should be serious.” Lila on other end sneered disdainfully. “A birth tool, worthy of our Crown Prince being so troubled?” “If really can’t, let her go, we are not non-negotiable on her.” Smoke between Gavin’s fingers flickering, long time before spitting a sentence. “Sarah is different.” My steps paused, heart suddenly surged a trace of obscure expectation. But next second, heard his cold voice. “She is young, beautiful and free.” My heart suddenly fell to bottom, as if torn to pieces. Gavin added carelessly again. “Besides you don’t understand, watching her willing to degenerate for me, working dead tired every day just to raise me, quite novel.” “Such stupid and fun woman not many now.” My breathing seemed stopped. These years I drank desperately, stomach pain want to die dare not tell him. Afraid he worry, afraid he stress. But turns out he saw all in eyes, even treated me as joke telling his wife. I covered mouth dead tight, afraid myself can’t help crying out. Lila said seriously. “Women who don’t ask you for money are most troublesome.” “If you really pretend poor having child with her, have to coax her lifetime.” Gavin eyes flashed a ruthless look. “I won’t let her go.” “Woman played rotten by me Gavin Sterling, who dares to take over?” I inexplicably heart tight. Wanted sneak back room, Gavin suddenly hung up, looked up at my position. “Sarah, I already saw you.” Smile on his lips so gentle. I couldn’t help retreating in panic, turned to run. Gavin caught up in few steps, pulled me into arms. I simply stopped pretending, slapped his face, red eyes shouted. “Your wife can’t birth herself, I won’t help you bear children, go find others!” “Let me go.” “Sarah don’t make trouble.” Gavin frowned slightly, helpless and doting. “Me and Lila are commercial marriage, didn’t touch her few times, you are true wife in my heart.” “Usually not giving you money, just because I want to have cleanest love with you.” “Outside so many women want climb my bed, I only have child with you, what else you want little ancestor?” He pretended poor dragging me three years, caused me suffer countless bitterness, in his eyes actually grace to me. I laughed in anger, eye rims unconsciously sour. I took deep breath, voice not loud but clear. “But I think you dirty.” Gavin suddenly grabbed my shoulder, nails digging into my flesh. “Say it again!” I endured shoulder pain, stubbornly refused to change words. His fist suddenly brushed my face, smashed hard on wall. “I coaxed you so humbly, you just don’t appreciate.” “Except that broken paper of marriage certificate, I can give you anything!” But I just want legal identity. Suddenly my arm stung. Looked down, Gavin injected a tube of liquid into my body. “What are you doing!” I screamed lost voice, wanted struggle, but found myself using no strength. Gavin carried me princess style, kissed my forehead. “Don’t fear, just medicine let you rest well.” “Sarah, I absolutely not allow you leave me.” I didn’t have time to speak, next second fell into coma. Chapter 2 Woke up again, I lay in a luxurious villa. Wrist locked to bed head by a gold chain. Wanted sit up, found myself sore all over. Gavin sat by bed, putting on watch unhurriedly. Seeing me wake, he brought a bowl of bird’s nest. Scooped a spoon tasted at mouth, confirmed temperature suitable then fed me carefully. “Lie well, doctor will check your body later.” “I will come back every night, you get pregnant ASAP, my elders urging tight.” I looked at chain on hand, collapsed waved overturning bird’s nest. Bird’s nest spilled on his 7-figure haute couture suit, he wasn’t angry at all. Just held my hand checking carefully. “Not hurt right? I will heartache.” I used all strength slapped him again, palm numb. “Let me go home! This is illegal!” Gavin face instantly red swollen, but just smiled indifferently getting up, covering quilt for me. “Sarah still silly cute.” “I took your phone. You don’t want eat then continue rest, so have energy make baby with me at night.” He instructed nanny take care me well, then turned left. After he left, I lay on bed staring blankly at ceiling. Thinking how to contact outside world. At this time door opened. It was Lila. She casually put crocodile skin Hermès on bedside table. “I am Gavin’s wife, he let me persuade you.” Recalling her pity to me in previous life, I grabbed her hand begging. “Mrs. Sterling, I don’t love Gavin anymore… you find someone else.” Lila pushed away my hand, eyes complex. “To me anyone bearing is same.” “But Gavin only wants you, I have no way either. Miss Sarah, Gavin had many female companions before, I can see he is serious to you, rich second generation grew up in luxury, actually accompanied you squeezing basement eating instant noodles.” “Me and him indeed no feelings, if you can help me complete task of continuing lineage, I really thank you.” Realizing she didn’t plan help me, my eye rims red. But I decided to try again. I slowly nodded, pretending convinced look. “I think about it again.” “Mrs. Sterling, I didn’t eat breakfast, not used to your nanny’s craft, can I cook myself in kitchen?” Lila somewhat hesitant. I hurriedly supplemented. “You can watch me aside.” She then nodded, helped me unlock gold chain. Just entered kitchen, I tightly grabbed Lila, poured oil on gas. Kitchen instantly ignited big fire. She struggled desperately, but still couldn’t break free from me who worked daily. I took out his phone called Gavin. “Villa on fire, come quick.” Before he spoke, threw phone into fire. Fire soon spread to whole villa. Me and Lila both choked breathless by smoke. Few minutes later, Gavin rushed into sea of fire. “Sarah! Sarah!” He shouted my name loudly, but stunned when seeing unconscious Lila beside me. He hesitated few seconds, picked up Lila. “She is Lin family eldest miss, can’t have accident.” “Sarah you hold on, I come back save you immediately!” Watching his hurried back, I smiled relieved. Climbed to balcony jumped down from window. Floor not high, I just knee broke bit skin. While no one discovered me, hurried ran away from back door, hailed a taxi. “Hello, I want go to station.” Gavin Sterling, see you never. Chapter 3 Gavin just put Lila on ambulance, wanted rush back in save person. Firefighter stopped him. “Fire too big Mr. Sterling. According to our experience, person inside might already…” Gavin spat mouthful blood on ground, fainted. “Sarah…” In coma, he kept chanting Sarah name. Just woken by doctor, Gavin pulled out IV on hand, ignored hospital and wife persuasion came to fire scene. Firefighters cleaning this ruin. They searched whole day, only found a soda tab ring. Ring already deformed black, edge sharp, cut Gavin palm. Blood seeped, he felt no pain, just asked numbly. “Where is deceased body? I want see her again.” Firefighter sighed. “Not found.” “Metal tab burned like this, Miss Sarah probably only left handful ash.” Gavin stomach churned. He pushed away everyone, sped car to highest, ran seven eight red lights, went to bar Sarah once worked. He stumbled to bar counter, grabbed a newly opened strong liquor, poured down throat. Alcohol like hot knife, burned from throat to stomach bottom, chest severe pain more obvious. He coughed violently, eyes red, physiological tears flowed with liquor together. Since then, bar became Gavin home. He wore wrinkled expensive shirt stained with unknown dirt, stubble, eyes unfocused. Like a stray dog curled in corner, pouring bottle after bottle. Lila came find him few times. First time, she wore Chanel suit, makeup exquisite. Gavin in slum alley entrance, robbed by two punks of watch worth 7 figures on wrist. And he just paralyzed in sewage giggling. Lila angry trembling, let bodyguard drive away punks, tried drag him onto Maybach. “Gavin Sterling! Look at you like what now!” “For a birth tool, you don’t even want Sterling family?!” She screamed question, nails almost pinched into his arm meat. He fiercely threw her off, strength big made her stumble back. His red eyes stared at her, inside was bone-deep hate and madness. “I locked Sarah well, if not you this fool she wouldn’t die.” “Is you killed her!” Second time was at Sterling Group board meeting. He absent from crucial annual report meeting. Lila attended representing him, helped him suppress all doubts and dissatisfaction. After meeting, she found him in that bar. Gavin paralyzed in sofa, feet full of empty bottles. Private room filled with heavy disgusting alcohol stink. Lila stood at door, didn’t approach again. She looked at this man once decisive in business field, making opponents fear wind. Now only left a shell without soul. Her chest heaving, unwilling and angry. “Those uncles in board restless again, always clamoring replace you.” Her voice very cold. “This time I helped you deal with. But you are Sterling true helmsman. How long you want be like this?” Gavin no reaction, just poured another mouthful wine. Liquid flowed down his mouth corner, wet shirt front. Lila closed eyes. She took out a stack photos from Hermès clutch, slammed heavily on him. Photos scattered, slid on ground. “Your Sarah didn’t die.” She word by word, voice not loud, but made Gavin sober instantly. His unfocused eyes suddenly condensed, almost pounced, trembling hand grabbed scattered photos. Top one is a thin woman back view, holding arm of a man looking gentle simple. Woman side face profile, he can trace with eyes closed. Is Sarah. No burn, even complexion better than when with him. She slightly looked up, saying something to man beside, lips seemed have trace extremely faint smile. That smile like red hot iron, burned Gavin heart suddenly constricted, almost suffocated. “Sarah went back hometown living very well, looks like completely gave you up.” Lila looked down at him, tone mocking. “Gavin Sterling, you want die want live here, acting love saint for who see?” “She simply doesn’t care. She about to become other’s bride, live this life stable happy.” String named reason in Gavin brain, completely snapped. “No! Impossible…” He painfully beat his own head. “She can only be mine, how dare she find others!” He fiercely smashed wine bottle in hand on ground. Loud noise, glass shards and residual wine splashed. He swayed stand up. Too long no normal meal and rest, his eyes black for while, but he dead grabbed sofa back. Few seconds later, he looked up. That pair once decadent unfocused eyes, now bright amazing. “Where is she?” His voice hoarse cracked, but carried a unquestionable oppression. Lila reported Sarah hometown address. Gavin finished listening, didn’t look her again, stumbled rushed towards private room door. He dialed assistant phone. Assistant surprised and happy. “Mr. Sterling, finally contacted you!” “When you come company? Recently Sterling stock price…” Gavin interrupted him. “These things talk later.” “Now start my private jet immediately, I want find Sarah. She didn’t die!” Assistant wanted say something, Gavin directly hung up. Ten minutes later, plane took off. Gavin stared at Sarah photo. “Sarah…” He muttered low, bottom of eyes surged bound to get. “You can’t escape.” “This life, next life, life after life… you are mine.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390525”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Cousin Chase suffered from kidney failure and needed $50,000 for a transplant. Aunt Brenda tagged everyone in the “Family Reunion” group chat, asking for donations. Relatives cried about their hardships one after another, symbolically donating $20. Only my mom took everything on herself: “We are all family, why scrape together? I’ll pay the $50,000 surgery fee.” Watching my mom enjoy the relatives praising her as “The Saint” and “Living Bodhisattva”. My heart skipped a beat. Since I can remember, my mom has been the “Saint” praised by relatives, preferring to eat chaff and swallow vegetables herself, just to dedicate selflessly. Especially for cousin Chase’s family, as long as they cry poor and sell misery, my mom would scour property from me to give them. Sure enough, next second, my mom called me, asking for $50,000. After being refused by me, she directly brought cousin’s family to break into my house. Sitting on the floor wailing: “You must pay the $50,000 for your cousin’s treatment!” “Otherwise, where do I put my face?” Chapter 1 Aunt Brenda wiped her non-existent tears. “Luna, your cousin is only 23, the doctor said if he doesn’t get a kidney transplant, he will die!” “You are successful now, making money, just take the money out, save your cousin!” I looked at Chase aside, face pale, thin out of shape. Indeed looked like seriously ill. But that sinister look in his eyes made me shiver. I subconsciously protected my 6-month pregnant belly: “I don’t have money.” “How can you not have! I see you just don’t want to save him!” Aunt Brenda immediately screamed sharply, eyes quickly glanced at the house, exchanged a look with my mom. Took out documents prepared long ago. “How about this, Auntie won’t make it difficult for you, don’t you have a house?” “Sign this paper, transfer the house to your cousin, we use it for mortgage, get a loan for surgery.” “When your cousin gets better, makes money, then return the house to you.” I picked up the file to look, it was an agreement giving full authority of the property to Chase. As long as I sign this, Chase can dispose of my house worth $200,000 at will. This is not borrowing money at all. Clearly planned to rob my house! I put the file back on the table. “Impossible! I won’t sign!” Aunt Brenda’s face sank: “Luna, are you leaving him to die?” “We said we would return it to you later, how can you be so cold-blooded! Watching your cousin die?” I almost laughed in anger. Every time said borrow, but never seen return. “Why don’t you mortgage your own house, insist on robbing mine?” My mom climbed up from the ground, scolded me sternly: “How do you talk to elders! If mortgage their house, where will your cousin live later?” “How can you be so vicious!” I looked into my mom’s eyes: “I am vicious?” “Mom, I am your biological daughter, I am pregnant!” “Given the house to them, with a big belly, what should I do?” My mom frowned tight: “Can you be same as him?” “He is your cousin, the only male heir of our Chan family!” This sentence again. The only male heir. So, I deserve to be their blood bag. “I don’t have money.” My attitude very firm: “Won’t sign either.” Aunt Brenda turned face on spot: “Carol, look at the good daughter you raised! Such a vicious heart, deliberately wanting to harm my Chase to death!” My mom rolled her eyes, plopped kneeling down, hugging my legs crying: “Luna, mom begs you… just sign it…” “Your cousin can’t die…” “If he dies, our Chan family line ends…” This trick again: cry, make scene, threaten suicide! Aunt Brenda’s family of three stood aside, watching coldly. My heart felt blocked by a stone, pressing me breathless. “Mom, get up.” My voice dry. “No!” My mom continued crying: “If you don’t sign I won’t get up!” “Then you just kneel.” I pried her hands open, about to return to room. She suddenly smashed her head against the wall. Huge dull sound hit my heart fiercely. Her head full of blood, screaming loud: “If you don’t agree, I die here today!” I froze on spot, cold all over. My mom, for others, threatened me with death. Took mom to hospital to bandage wound. Back home, Aunt Brenda’s family already left. Fruits and supplements in fridge already emptied, even stored ribs disappeared. Only left a mess in the house. I with big belly, cleaned until midnight. My mom didn’t mean to help at all. Even with a black face, constantly scolding me. “How did I raise such a selfish daughter like you!” “Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda, this is also accumulating virtue for the child in your belly, don’t you understand this principle?” “I already promised in front of all relatives, I will pay your cousin’s surgery fee.” “You embarrassing me like this now, how can I face relatives later?” “You really, lost all my face!” … I finally couldn’t bear it, red eyes shouted: “For your face, you have to suck my blood, force me to sell house?” “Mom! Do you want to force me to death?” My mom froze for a few seconds, then turned angry from shame: “I am the recognized Saint, Living Bodhisattva! Is it wrong for me to help relatives?” I laughed with tears flowing: “Saint? Living Bodhisattva?” “Mom, your face, your so-called Saint persona, are all exchanged by drinking my blood, cutting my flesh!” “I am your daughter, not your blood bag!” “Even less your tool to earn face!” My mom chest heaving violently, pointing at me, fingers trembling: “You…” “You unfilial daughter!” “Knew earlier you are such selfish person, should have strangled you to death when born!” Finished, slammed door into guest room. Door vibration made my heart twitch in pain. Since childhood, I lived under shadow of mom’s “Saint”. As long as Aunt Brenda came to cry, cousin sick, cousin needs tuition. My mom sent all money at home to them. My shoes wore holes, money from selling bottles picked for half a year, wanted to buy a pair of new shoes. My mom turned around stole my piggy bank, subsidized cousin to buy $80 new sneakers. In college I worked day and night for living expenses, but cousin wanted to buy $300 game console, mom stole my money to give him without a word. I collapsed crying, questioning her why. She put on a face educating me, people can’t be selfish, all family, need help each other. But, all her joy of helping others, was built on depriving my interests. I returned to room tiredly, opened phone. All Aunt Brenda’s words in group condemning me leaving them in lurch, selfish. Even specially tagged me: “As long as you sign, then apologize to us, we won’t count with you.” My mom apologized one by one, saying didn’t educate me this unfilial daughter well. She definitely will gather surgery fee for Chase. Midnight, I got up passing guest room door, still could hear her mumbling phone call, guessing discussing how to force me sign. My heart ice cold. Husband sent abroad for business trip, I alone with big belly, no one to help. In case something happens, what to do. Thinking of this, I ordered pinhole camera overnight. Next day, taking advantage of mom mysteriously going out, hurried let master install it. Until night, mom came back carrying big and small bags of luggage. Smilingly said: “You with big belly, not convenient, mom come take care of you for a few days.” I felt a chill in heart. Pregnant till now, she never said come take care of me. Something wrong must have a demon. But, I never expected, my biological mom, would go this far for an outsider. Chapter 2 After a day, Aunt Brenda’s family came with a few rotten fruits. Enthusiastic as if the dispute day before yesterday was my hallucination. Making my heart hairy. Few people exchanged looks obscurely. Aunt Brenda smilingly reached out to pull me. “Luna ah, day before yesterday was Auntie too anxious, our fault, don’t take it to heart.” I withdrew hand, didn’t speak. She dry laughed twice, continued: “We went back thought about it, letting you give up the house, indeed not appropriate.” “We are all family, need understand each other, help each other.” “You are a girl, later inevitably need natal family brothers help, this is also for your good.” I watched her acting quietly. Her eyes rolled: “So, we thought of a good way, no need you pay money, also can help your cousin, accumulate virtue for child in your belly.” Seeing I didn’t answer, she embarrassed for few seconds, said to herself: “We asked doctor, if use family member’s kidney, no need spend money buy kidney source, can save a big sum.” My mom nodded repeatedly: “Right! This is a good way!” Aunt Brenda looked at me: “So, we came today, just to take you to do a matching test, in case matched, no need spend your money, and can save your cousin!” “We give you another $500 nutrition fee, worth your half month salary!” I protected belly, trembling all over. Turns out, this is the way they thought of! Their abacus, played too loud! $500, exchange my one kidney! I still have to be grateful, thank them for charity nutrition fee! Saying, she wanted to pull me to test. I stepped back directly, avoiding her. “I won’t go.” “Luna!” Uncle Bob stood up, voice unquestionable: “This blood, you don’t draw, have to draw!” Chase looked sinister: “Cousin, do you just hope I die?” My mom voice suddenly raised: “Luna! How did I raise such an ungrateful wolf like you!” I covered belly, looking at three sanctimonious people, unbelievable: “I am pregnant 6 months!” “Don’t you know, if donate kidney, must abort the child?” My mom shoulders shook, dared not look straight into my eyes. Aunt Brenda waved hand, face full of indifference. “Don’t worry, we arranged everything, as long as match successful, we arrange abortion surgery, very fast.” “After surgery, few days can donate kidney.” I red eyes, voice choked. “This is my child! Is a living life!” Aunt Brenda impatient: “Child can bear again!” “You are 28, why still so insensible?” “Is the money-losing goods in your belly important, or your cousin’s life important? Why can’t you distinguish?” I looked at this room of people more terrible than devils, holding phone in hand, trembling wanted to secretly call police. A slap suddenly hit my face, center of gravity unstable, fell on sofa, phone landed. Uncle Bob face twisted, pointing at me scolding: “I educate you well for your mom!” “Why you so selfish!” “Your child gone can conceive again, but your cousin’s life only one!” “Why you so vicious! Not giving your cousin a way to live!” My mom stepped forward, lips moved, said nothing. Aunt Brenda picked up my phone, suddenly screamed: “Not good, this damn girl wants to call police!” Everyone face changed. Uncle Bob face gloomy, voice like evil ghost crawled out from hell. “I knew you wouldn’t be obedient.” “Since so, don’t blame me being impolite!” Before I could react, was held by arms. “What are you doing? Let me go!” I struggled desperately: “This is kidnapping! Is illegal!” “Mom! I am your daughter! Beg you, save me!” My mom eye rims red, dodged sight: “Luna, just go check, count mom begging you…” A cloth with pungent smell covered my mouth and nose. My vision started blurring. Before completely losing consciousness, heard Aunt Brenda’s voice say, “Carol, since all need check, then you also go check.” Chapter 3 Open eyes again, I lay in my own bedroom. Inner arm a patch of bruise, huge needle hole stung my eyes painful. “Awake?” Aunt Brenda’s face magnified in front of eyes, smile creepy. Family occupied bedroom, drove my mom to sleep on living room sofa. They confiscated my phone, not allowed me go out. I finally understood, why that day my mom specially ran back pack luggage, but claimed to take care of me. At that time, they already decided to imprison me! I protected belly shouting: “Let me out!” “You are illegal detention! Is illegal!” Uncle Bob pressed cigarette butt on floor. “Don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!” “Stay obediently, release you naturally when matching result comes out in few days!” Three days in a row, I begged mom for help countless times, begged her give me phone, begged her help me call police. But she just looked difficult: “Luna ah, just listen, just donate a kidney, not painful.” My heart died completely. Few days later, result finally came out. Aunt Brenda holding few papers, eyes shining: “Matched successfully!” “Son, you are saved!” Family of three wept with joy. No one saw my mom dodging, hiding her own matching report. Uncle Bob took out donation consent form put in front of me: “Hurry sign.” Family took turns persuading me. Aunt Brenda said, wait I donate kidney, their family work like cattle and horses for me. Uncle Bob said, I don’t donate, not Chan family member, later die not let me and mom enter ancestral grave. Chase eyes sinister: “You think, you can escape?” They approached step by step, I retreated step by step towards door direction. Just when I was about to touch doorknob, Aunt Brenda suddenly screamed: “Bad! She wants to escape!” Uncle Bob face changed, grabbed me back, pulling my hair pressing to ground: “Damn girl! Dare escape, I beat you to death!” I clenched fists dead tight, unwilling to sign. Crying looking at mom: “Mom! I am your biological daughter!” “You just watch helplessly they force me and child to death?” “Mom… beg you, save me…” My mom stunned aside, lips trembling: “Child… can want again… you still young…” My face pain, Aunt Brenda hideous face magnified in front: “Don’t dawdle! Sign quickly!” My mom hand extended, retracted again. “Don’t… don’t hit her… she still pregnant…” Uncle Bob snorted, pushed me towards wall: “Pregnant what! Anyway this bastard seed all aborted!” I hit wall, belly hit table corner hard. “Ah! My belly!” I curled up in pain, bright red blood flowed from between legs. “Mom…” I reached out, voice weak: “Send me hospital… child…” My mom wanted rush over support me, pulled by Aunt Brenda. “Don’t believe her! She just doesn’t want donate kidney, deliberately faking!” My voice weak, trembling all over: “Not faking…” “Beg you… save my child…” Aunt Brenda eyes rolled: “Miscarriage just right! Saved abortion surgery money!” “Quick! Take chance now, let her sign!” She excitedly greeted: “Also, let her sign house authorization too!” My mom knelt in front of me crying bitterly: “Luna, just sign it…” “Sign mom send you to hospital…” I started consciousness blurring, felt someone holding my hand writing something. Signed, my mom shouted: “Quick! Send her hospital!” “Rush what!” Aunt Brenda snatched file, holding property deed: “Hurry transfer house! Or what if she regrets!” My mom face difficult: “But Luna she…” “Can’t die!” My mom dragged away by Aunt Brenda. Moment door closed, she looked back at me once. Eyes had struggle, but finally turned and left. I used all strength, crawled towards door direction bit by bit. Dragged a long blood trail behind. Crawled to door, supported body hard, opened door. “Help… me…”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390524”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After my eyes recovered, I immediately ran to find my husband Mason Sterling, wanting to tell him this great news. But at the door of the private room, I heard Mason chatting with his brothers. “Mason, Penelope has been blind for two years. You let Liam pretend to be you and live with her for two years just to be with your first love. Aren’t you afraid that one day he and Penelope will turn fake into real?” “Afraid of what?” Mason sipped his wine, laughing wantonly, “Liam has great self-control. Once a beauty stripped naked in front of him and he remained indifferent. How could he touch your sister-in-law?” “Besides, your sister-in-law is also frigid. As long as Liam doesn’t actively provoke her, she will never have thoughts in that regard.” Everyone joked after hearing this: “Don’t know whether to pity sister-in-law or Liam for a moment. Two stunners sleeping in one bed but doing nothing, just chatting every day, thinking about it feels a pity haha.” Laughter rose one after another. I glanced at Liam drinking alone in the center of the room. Cold and noble, indifferent and distant. Such a superior man left unslept, indeed a bit of a pity. Chapter 1 Thinking back now, actually I should have discovered some clues earlier. During the two years I was blind, “Mason” was much colder to me, didn’t talk as much as before, carrying a sense of alienation everywhere. Because I was blind, even if I had opinions in my heart, I was too inferior to speak up. While thinking, the door of the house clicked open. Behind me rang Liam’s deliberately lowered voice: “Penelope, I’m back.” Liam and Mason’s voices were originally similar, and Liam deliberately imitated Mason’s voice, no wonder I didn’t hear it for two years. I raised my eyes, blank gaze inadvertently fell on the handsome man in front of me. The famous ascetic god in the Upper East Side, always unrestrained. Can’t figure out why he was willing to cooperate with Mason and act with me for two years? But since they love acting, then I will accompany them to act to the end. I pretended not to see, fumbled to walk in front of Liam, took the initiative to hug his waist. “Hubby, you are finally home.” I tightly hooped his waist, hand not forgetting to touch his hard abs. For two years, Liam has been restrained and polite, even sleeping in the same bed with me, he deliberately kept a distance, never been so intimate with me. Seeming surprised by my enthusiasm, he stiffened for a moment, voice a bit tight: “Penelope… what’s wrong with you today?” I squeezed out some tears, pretending to be aggrieved and asked him: “Mason, since I became blind, you haven’t touched me again, do you dislike me?” Liam’s expression stagnated, lowered his tone to comfort me: “No, you thought too much… You injured your eyes and body in the car accident two years ago, I was afraid you couldn’t handle it.” “My body is healed, I can handle it.” I fumbled, reached out to unbutton his shirt, hand touching his solid chest muscles. “Hubby, two years, you also endured quite hard right?” Liam’s Adam’s apple rolled, voice slightly hoarse: “…Mm, it’s okay.” I blew a breath on his Adam’s apple, “How about we…” Before words finished, his phone rang. “I’ll take a call first.” Liam breathed a sigh of relief, took the phone to the balcony. I hid by the window, hearing Mason’s lazy voice from the speaker: “Liam, tomorrow is Grandpa’s birthday, I’ll switch with you for a day.” Liam paused for two seconds: “Okay.” “Haven’t switched shifts with you for several months, tell me what happened with you and Penelope recently, so I don’t expose myself then.” On the phone, rang the teasing voices of Mason’s brothers. “Mason, you have to be busy dating your first love, and also take care of sister-in-law, who is more important to you exactly?” Mason smiled sarcastically, uninhibitedly said: “How can your sister-in-law compare with Serena? Your sister-in-law threw herself at me for so many years, couldn’t drive her away. Serena is the one I chased hard to get, if not for Grandpa liking your sister-in-law, I wouldn’t have married her back then.” I listened to his words in a daze, feeling incomparably self-mocking in my heart. Yes, I threw myself at Mason for many years. From sixteen to twenty-six, I tirelessly chased him for ten years. Finally got my wish to marry him. But the one sharing my bed every day was his good brother. For two years, I lived like a huge joke. Chapter 2 That night, I took the initiative to hug Liam and slept all night. I clearly felt that Liam’s body was stiff all night. Waking up the next day, Liam was gone. Only saw Mason appearing by the bed dressed formally, smilingly opened his mouth: “Awake? Hurry up wash and dress, come with me to attend Grandpa’s birthday banquet.” I lazily stretched my waist, deliberately coquettishly said: “Hubby, you poked me all night last night, poked my waist so painful~” Mason’s smile instantly froze, face became extremely ugly. On the way taking me to Sterling Manor, he was silent all the way, face covered with dark clouds, as if shrouded in a layer of frost. When entering the hall, he still pretentiously held my hand, forcing a smile to Grandpa: “Grandpa, wish you happiness as vast as the East Sea, longevity as old as the South Mountain!” Grandpa was very happy to see me, pulled me to chat about family affairs for a long time. At the birthday banquet, many different people came, I not only saw Liam who hugged me to sleep last night, but also saw Mason’s first love, Serena. Serena’s gaze provocatively fell on my side, full of disdain and sarcasm. I pretended not to see anything, directly ignored her. Halfway through the banquet, I went to the restroom. Coming out of the restroom, saw Serena walking towards me head-on. At the moment of passing by, with a splash, Serena poured all the red wine in her glass on my head. “Oops, really sorry, my hand shook accidentally just now.” I calmly picked up the mop at the restroom door, raised it, and fiercely flung it on her face. “Ah!” Serena screamed in breakdown, “Penelope, what are you doing!” I pretended to apologize with hindsight: “Oops, really sorry, my eyes can’t see, just wanted to use the mop as a cane, did I hit you?” Serena covered in filth, angry raised her hand to slap me. I raised the mop again and flung it towards her face. “Stop!” Two voices sounded simultaneously behind. Mason and Liam strode over with dark faces at the same time, followed by several servants. Serena threw herself into Mason’s arms like a pear blossom bathed in rain, crying and complaining: “Mason, your wife hit me with a mop just now, you have to vent for me!” “Penelope, apologize!” Mason’s voice extremely cold. I fumbled, stumbled and threw myself into Liam’s arms: “Hubby, sorry, I just can’t see, I didn’t mean it, don’t be angry with me okay?” Mason stood aside, glaring at me with an iron green face, complexion bad to the extreme. Liam patted my back, lowered his voice said: “Not angry, you don’t need to blame yourself.” Peripheral vision glimpsed, Mason’s face was black enough to drip ink. A trace of pleasure flashed in my heart, I deliberately lay on Liam’s chest, sniffled: “Hubby, I’m soaked all over, uncomfortable to death, can you help me take a bath? Best also help me massage my waist…” Liam’s hand patting my back stiffened, tone a bit stiff: “Not impossible…” “Chen Ma!” A trace of displeasure and hostility flashed between Mason’s brows, sternly interrupted us, “Take Madam to bathe and change clothes!” Chapter 3 After changing clothes, I accidentally bumped into Mason and Liam chatting in the corridor. Mason looked unhappy, sternly questioned Liam: “Liam, aren’t you always uninterested in matters between men and women? Why would you have a reaction to Penelope?” Liam lit a cigarette, silent for a moment said: “I am human, not god, no matter how desireless, a woman with good figure constantly drilling into my arms, I will also react.” Mason seemed unable to believe, complexion bad to extreme: “But Penelope is clearly also a cold person, how could… Liam, you have to promise me, no matter how big the temptation, you absolutely cannot touch Penelope! No matter how I play, she is still my wife.” “You still know she is your wife?” Liam casually blew a smoke ring, expression sarcastic, “For two years you only cared about accompanying your first love in romantic affairs, have you cared about your wife for a day?” Mason was silent. Liam sneered: “Since you like Serena so much, might as well divorce Penelope.” “Can’t divorce!” Mason reacted excitedly, “I grew up with Penelope, still have feelings for her… But, I chased Serena for so many years, she finally accepted my pursuit, I don’t want to let go either…” “Heh,” Liam pinched the cigarette, disdainfully sneered, “Scumbag.” I didn’t listen further, turned and left. Mason Sterling, you neither want to give up your first love, nor want to abandon your wife. But in this world, where is such a good thing? … Banquet ended, Mason sent me home. About to arrive home, saw Liam waiting at the door. After handing me to Liam, Mason left without any nostalgia. After getting home, I went straight into the bathroom. A few minutes later, I shouted in the bathroom: “Hubby, I accidentally fell just now, bumped my shoulder, can you come in and help me apply some medicine?” Soon, the bathroom door clicked open. Liam walked in holding a tube of ointment. I was loosely wrapped in a bath towel, hair half wet, water stains still dripping on my skin. Liam stared at me frozen for two seconds, hurriedly looked away, pretending to squeeze the ointment in his hand. I pretended to slip, plop fell into his arms. Bath towel slid down to feet with a whoosh. Two hot bodies fitted together. Liam’s ear tips crimson, awkwardly wanted to push me away: “Penelope, you…” I directly blocked his lips. Liam stiffened for a moment, finally gave up struggling, pressed my head responding with a passionate kiss. Between panting, I reached out to unbuckle his belt, tone ambiguous: “Hubby, we’ve been married so long… it’s time to have a baby.” Liam’s Adam’s apple rolled and rolled, throat hoarse badly: “…Okay, listen to you.” Saying that, he carried me into the bedroom. Phone rang at this time. Liam hung up the phone directly. “Aren’t you going to answer…” Words not finished, but swallowed all by him. From afternoon to late night, Liam was like a hungry wolf just opened to meat, demanding tirelessly. I was tired directly to sleep. In a daze, I heard Liam answering a call with lowered voice. “I know.” “Won’t touch her.” “Don’t trust me? Forget it if don’t trust.” “Swear what? I never believe in superstition.” After hanging up, Liam leaned to my ear, softly asked: “Penelope, why do you only like him?” Actually I wanted to tell him, won’t like anymore in future. But I was too tired, fell asleep groggily. Chapter 4 After opening meat, Liam was like a hungry wolf who tasted sweetness, knowing the taste every day, insatiable. For full two months, he ignored proper business, devoted himself to me. And Mason, heard accompanied first love to vacation abroad, haven’t seen for two months. This day, I felt unwell, Liam took me to the hospital. Unexpectedly, bumped into Mason and Serena just returned to the country at the hospital entrance. “What a coincidence,” Serena greeted first, tea-artfully said, “I have poor appetite recently, always want to vomit, don’t know if played too much abroad, pregnant. What about you guys, come to hospital for what?” Liam glanced at her, tone cold: “Penelope feeling unwell, bring her for a check.” Mason afraid of exposing, remained silent all along, eyes staring dead at my neck full of red marks, face scary cold. I pretended not seeing anything, calmly walked past them. At the moment of passing by, Serena suddenly screamed “Ah”, tremblingly fell into the pool aside. Mason face changed suddenly, immediately jumped into pool fished her up. Serena soaked all over, crying out of breath: “Mason, your wife knocked me down! I clearly didn’t offend her, why she provokes me repeatedly?” Mason cold face, sternly scolded me: “Penelope, apologize to Serena!” I only felt funny. He is always like this, convicted me without asking reason. “But why apologize for things I didn’t do?” Mason eyes gloomy, voice cold as if dipped in ice: “If not you then who? Serena just walked past you, would she jump down herself? Are your eyes blind, heart also black?” So many years, no matter how I poured heart and lung to him, in his heart always put Serena first. I sneered: “Absolutely won’t apologize.” “Not up to you!” Mason kicked my knee hard, forcing me plop kneel on ground. He pressed my head, forcing me to kowtow and apologize to Serena. “Let her go!” Liam rushed up, pulled Mason’s hand away, bottom of eyes wrapped with anger: “Don’t touch her!” Mason gritted back teeth, face ugly to extreme. During dispute, I suddenly felt a dizziness, as if all strength pumped away, fell straight back. Before falling to ground, two exclamations sounded simultaneously. “Penelope!” Liam quickly supported my limp body, Mason scooped me from his arms. “Penelope, what’s wrong?” “Penelope, wake up quick!” “Sorry Penelope, I shouldn’t be so fierce to you, wake up quick…” Mason picked me up, burning with anxiety rushed to emergency room. At emergency room door, Mason stared coldly at Liam, voice cold as frost: “Liam, explain to me, what’s with those red marks on Penelope’s neck?” Liam sneered: “At this time, shouldn’t you care about her body first?” Just then, emergency room door opened. Doctor took off mask walked out: “Nothing serious, patient just pregnant, emotional fluctuation too big caused fainting, will wake up later.” “What did you say…” Mason like struck by lightning, face full of shock.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390523”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

On New Year’s Eve of our third year of marriage, my CEO husband took me back to his family estate for dinner. At the dinner table, I and his foster sister, who was pregnant out of wedlock, both set our eyes on a bowl of Tiramisu. I prefer savory, but she likes sweet. (Note: Changed Tiramisu context slightly, or maybe use “last piece of dessert” generally, but keeping “Tiramisu” as the specific trigger). Let’s say it was a special Soufflé limited edition. Husband hesitated, then gave that bowl to his foster sister. That night, I didn’t argue or make a scene. Until I returned home, I proposed divorce to him three times in a row. My CEO husband finally felt something was wrong. He realized and asked me. “Just a bowl of dessert, is it worth you making a scene?” I stroked my three-month pregnant belly, nodded calmly. “Yes, just a bowl of dessert, why only give to your foster sister, not to me?” One sentence, made my husband stunned on the spot. Chapter 1 He remembered the night three days ago. At the Sterling Estate reunion dinner table, finally served a bowl of handmade Soufflé, which was specially ordered by Grandma Sterling to nourish the “pregnant woman”. Serena stared eagerly at that bowl, muttered in a low voice: “If only it was extra sweet, I crave sugar.” Harrison Sterling almost didn’t hesitate, directly moved that bowl to Serena, tone gentle enough to drip water: “Serena wants sweet? You cushion your stomach with this first, I’ll have someone make more.” Serena smiled like a successful fox, but her eyes looked at my showing belly, mouth saying softly: “Then what about Sister-in-law? That was specially saved by Grandma for her.” Harrison didn’t even look back, casually clipped a piece of cold rib for me: “Your Sister-in-law is generous, doesn’t lack this bite. Her appetite is good, eats anything.” At that moment, I heard the sound of something completely snapping in my heart. Coming back to senses, looking at Harrison dazed in front of me, I stood up. “Harrison, that’s not a problem of dessert.” I stood up, went to the foyer to pick up the suitcase packed long ago. “Serena wants the whole world, you can give. That’s your freedom, also your Sterling family tradition. But you can’t always snatch things from my bowl to fulfill her grievance.” Hearing my words, he stood up fiercely to stop me, tone impatient. “I say again, Serena’s mom died early, she lived under others’ roof for so many years, mind sensitive. You are Mrs. Sterling, what’s wrong with yielding to her a bit? Such small matter also needs to be brought up, Scarlett, when did you become so mean?” He walked towards me, wanting to reach out and pull my arm. I dodged sideways. “Harrison, do you know what disgusts me most?” I looked straight into his eyes, saying word by word. “Is your taken-for-granted sacrifice. You sacrifice my emotions, sacrifice my dignity, to feed that ‘weak’ parasite. Here with you, whoever is sensible should suffer, whoever is strong should take anger. Such days, I had enough.” He stunned, hand suspended in mid-air, face iron green. “You want to go?” He sneered, tone carrying threat. “Scarlett, without Sterling Group’s support for that bid of Lin Real Estate, can your brother hold up? If you step out of this door today, don’t expect I will pick you up.” “No need to pick, see you at City Hall.” I dragged the suitcase walking out. Sound of suitcase wheels rolling across the floor appeared exceptionally harsh in the quiet living room. When walking to the door, I stopped, hand subconsciously covered lower abdomen. There breeding a new life, less than three months, just a small embryo. Harrison thought I regretted, tone softened a bit: “Put down the suitcase. Tomorrow I accompany you to buy that set of Red Diamonds you looked at for a long time, this matter counts as turned over.” I didn’t look back, just back to him, laughed softly. “Harrison, do you think I lack that diamond?” I pulled open the gate. New Year’s cold wind instantly poured in, blowing my coat rattling. “Scarlett!” He roared behind. I didn’t answer, plunged into the cold rain of winter night without looking back. Chapter 2 Moved into best friend Zoe’s studio apartment, it was already 1 AM. Zoe wearing pajamas, dumbfounded looking at the huge suitcase behind me, then looked at my pale face, half a day popped a sentence: “Really divorcing?” “Really divorcing.” I changed slippers, whole person sank into soft sofa, let out a long breath. “Then Harrison knows…” She stared at my belly, hesitating to speak. “He doesn’t need to know.” I closed eyes, put hands in pockets. That night, I slept exceptionally heavy. But early next morning, harsh doorbell woke up my morning. I opened door, saw not Harrison, but Mrs. Sterling. She wore an exquisite dark purple dress, followed by two black-clothed bodyguards, standing gloomily in the narrow corridor. “Scarlett, is this your Lin family’s upbringing?” Her first sentence opening mouth, carried a knife. I leaned on door frame, didn’t even plan to invite her in. “Mrs. Sterling, any advice?” “Serena moved fetal gas last night, kept calling your name.” Mrs. Sterling sneered, eyes full of contempt, “Harrison threw a tantrum because of you, hasn’t gone to company till now. You go back with me now, apologize to Serena, I can not count this with Lin family.” Listening to this absurd request, I suddenly wanted to laugh. “She moved fetal gas, because I didn’t feed that bowl of dessert into her mouth?” I straightened body, eyes turned cold. “If so, then you should hire a nanny, not find me. Also, I already drafted divorce agreement, trouble you tell Harrison, move faster.” Mrs. Sterling’s face instantly became extremely ugly, she raised hand, fingertips trembling pointing at me. “Are you crazy? For that little matter, you don’t even want position of Mrs. Sterling?” “Yes, I dislike that position… too dirty.” I was about to close door, bodyguard behind Mrs. Sterling suddenly stepped forward, blocked door crack with body. Meanwhile, elevator door at end of corridor opened. Harrison walked out with gloomy face, hand clutching an opened kraft paper bag. He strode to me, smashed papers inside on my face. That was my Pregnancy Test Report. “Scarlett, pregnant with my seed still want run?” He stared at me gritting teeth, bottom of eyes flashed a trace of near crazy hostility, “Do you think you can run away?” Chapter 3 “Mom, you go back first.” Harrison’s voice hoarse badly, eyes like nails pinned on me. “Harrison, look at her like what…” “I said, go back!” Harrison suddenly raised voice, Mrs. Sterling was startled, resentfully took people away. Room fell into deathly silence. Harrison walked to me step by step, smashed that stack of papers heavily on coffee table. That was file he retrieved from private hospital, top page, boldly printed gestational weeks and values. “Pregnant two months.” He bent down, hands supported on sofa armrests, whole person like a mountain about to collapse, shrouding me in shadow. “Scarlett, you grew ability. Pregnant with Sterling family seed, you dare mention divorce?” I looked at that pregnancy test, heart surprisingly calm. “This child surname Lin.” I pushed his shoulder stood up, looking straight into his bloodshot eyes. “Start from last night when you handed that bowl of dessert to Serena, he has nothing to do with you.” Harrison breathing became rapid, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, force big like wanting to crush bone. “Scarlett, you think I didn’t sign divorce agreement, you can run away? Go back with me, go now!” He pulled hard, I didn’t stand firm, waist hit heavily on marble countertop. A burst of sharp stabbing pain instantly spread from abdomen. My face white, cold sweat swooshed out, subconsciously bent waist. “Let go…” I gritted teeth, palm dead supporting belly, vision getting darker. Harrison hadn’t detected wrong yet, just about to continue flaring up, but at moment lowering head, whole person thoroughly froze. A touch of bright red blood color, was silently soaking on white carpet along edge of my pajama pants. Woke up again, was in hospital. Harrison just pushed door in, seeing me awake, eyes faintly showed guilt. He carried my previously favorite cake, stood by sickbed. “Scarlett, I didn’t know…” If changed to three months ago, I might be moved by his look. But now, I moved fingers. “Mr. Sterling, giving gifts costs money not heart. If you really feel owe, sign on divorce agreement, that is really giving me ‘face’.” Harrison’s face instantly sank. He was about to speak, phone in pocket suddenly vibrated crazily. He looked at screen, brows subconsciously tightened, but didn’t answer. Ringtone stubbornly rang, appearing exceptionally harsh in quiet living room. Second time, third time. “Answer it.” I smiled, hand picked up nail file aside, “In case Serena scared excessive again?” Harrison hesitated two seconds, still slid to answer key in front of me. “Brother Harrison… my stomach hurts so much…” Serena’s voice leaked from receiver, carrying tremor, and background noisy hospital broadcast sound, “Doctor said… said situation not too good… I so scared…” I watched Harrison’s expression, from original awkwardness rapidly switched to anxiety. His originally straight spine slightly leaned forward, that’s posture ready to sprint anytime. “Which hospital?” He asked while already turning to walk towards door. “Let nurse take you to VIP room first, I arrive immediately.” He walked to door, hand on doorknob only remembered I still in room. He looked back at me. “Scarlett, I go go back back, she prenatal check uncomfortable.” Door closed. Before he finished, I already heard elevator descending prompt tone. I sat on sickbed, looking at that cake, backhand booked abortion surgery. Chapter 4 10 PM, I scrolled to Serena’s post. In photo is a fair slender hand, back of hand pasted hemostatic patch after infusion, background is Sterling Estate unique agarwood table. On table placed a bowl of steaming tonic, caption is: “Even busy again, will rush back late night to send this mouthful of warmth. With you, I not afraid.” Although didn’t mention name, but pattern of that bowl of tonic, exactly same as the set I used in Sterling family before. Below many so-called “Socialite Circle” sisters liking and watching, someone asked sarcastically: “Isn’t this Sister-in-law’s exclusive set of official kiln? How Sister Serena also used?” I sat on bed, stared at that photo for three seconds. Then, I raised fingertip, properly liked this post, and replied a sentence: “Tonic nice, looks like Mr. Sterling very attentive. Wish you hundred years good harmony, early birth noble son.” Message just sent half minute, my phone almost bombed paralyzed by private chats from all roads. That bit of messy matter originally hidden under water, by my hand of “generous” like, directly tore off last fig leaf. Harrison phone called in ten minutes later. Just connected, his roar penetrated eardrum: “Scarlett, what nonsense you making? Delete comment immediately!” “I am sending blessing ah, Mr. Sterling.” I took phone further away, tone brisk like chatting what to eat tomorrow. “What, could it be one in Serena belly, isn’t the ‘dignity’ you always waiting for?” “You—” “Don’t rush, tomorrow charity banquet, we still have to show face together.” I interrupted him, directly hung up phone. Next day, when charity banquet ended, rain outside falling like someone poked a hole in sky. Serena carrying her fishtail skirt full of broken diamonds, stood at hall entrance weak like wind can blow down. Harrison exchanging pleasantries with few real estate big shots, eyes however glanced at her from time to time. “Sister-in-law, Brother Harrison said rain big, let me hitch your car back.” Serena walked over, smiling harmlessly, voice thin enough to pinch out water, “You don’t mind right?” I calmly pulled open car door, sat straight in. Serena consciously drilled into passenger seat, car cabin instantly filled with that cloying perfume smell on her body. Car drove out parking lot, wiper swinging crazily, vision still blurred. Serena stared at phone, suddenly laughed once: “Sister-in-law, your like last night, made Brother Harrison vent a good fire at me, said I shouldn’t post randomly. Actually I wasn’t intentional either, just felt that tonic soup tasty…” “Focus sit your car.” I interrupted her, leaned on back seat closing eyes rest mind. Just at this time, harsh braking sound without warning tore open rain curtain. A out-of-control dump truck behind bumped up like crazy cow. Violent impact force instantly pushed our car towards guardrail. Sound of metal twisting, glass shattering, and Serena that sharp scream, all mixed together. I felt seatbelt fiercely strangled into flesh, lower abdomen a burst of heart-drilling colic. Don’t know how long passed, car door crazily pried by someone from outside. It’s Harrison. His car always followed behind. He face full blood, hand shaking not shape, first tore open passenger seat twisted door. Serena protected by airbag, but forehead broke, holding belly crying loud: “Brother Harrison… my child… save our child…” Moment Harrison hugged her out, gaze met me in back seat. I also looking at him. My half body stuck in seat, cold sweat flowing down temples, that warm, sticky liquid at leg root flowing out along ankle. Harrison hand froze half second in air. “Scarlett, you wait me, I put her down first, doctor arrive immediately…” His voice trembling, but still picked up Serena, turned rushed to ambulance already arrived. Serena lay on his shoulder, across rain curtain, gave me a look of holding victory ticket. That moment, my heart thoroughly cold. I gritted teeth, used all strength pushed open already loose car door, hand supporting cold floor, crawled out bit by bit. Rain mixed with blood haloed on ground, red to black. Passing medical staff rushed to support me, I waved away their hands, from carry-on bag fished out that crumpled divorce agreement. That was thrown on table by Harrison last night, I smoothly stuffed into bag. Ambulance blue light swayed my eyes painful. Harrison settled Serena, ran towards me face full panic. “Scarlett! You don’t move! I take you on car now!” I paralyzed in rain, looking at his look of wishing pain for me, only felt funny. I didn’t speak, just tremblingly extended right hand, fiercely wiped on my bleeding thigh. Bright red fingerprint, heavily pressed beside male signature on agreement. “Harrison, no need choose.” I threw that blood stained paper at his feet, voice hoarse unlike words. “Place beside you too crowded, I not staying.” I supported last breath got on another ambulance. Second before door closed, I saw Harrison pick up that paper, whole person face pale.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390522”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel