My brother’s esports Captain hated the cutesy aesthetic. The first time he ever spoke to me, the guy glared at my strawberry-pink satin chemise. “Just speak normally,” he growled. “Stop with the baby voice.” That was until the day I walked in on him, voice deliberately pitched high, frantically cooing “Baby” and begging for “kissy-face” with his online girlfriend. 1 After a massive blow-up with my parents, I packed a bag and fled to my older brother’s esports training house. Jake Carl, my brother, looked thoroughly defeated as he led me into the team’s massive base. A few of the guys who’d been mid-game immediately stopped and crowded around. “Jake, man, seriously?” one whistled. “Pulling girls this young? That’s cold.” Jake kicked the guy in the shin. “Get your head out of the gutter. This is my little sister, Daisy. Say hi, Dee.” My brother gently ruffled my hair. “Hello, everyone,” I said softly, instinctively straightening the bangs Jake had messed up. I didn’t let my voice go too high, but I couldn’t help the naturally gentle tone. The boys instantly devolved into Neanderthals, jumping around, clutching their chests dramatically. “Oh my God,” one exaggeratedly gasped, “her voice is too sweet! I’m melting.” Jake pushed them away with an expression of sheer disgust, shielding me like a protective hen. “Go melt somewhere else. Her voice is natural, okay? Don’t flatter yourselves.” The training room door slid open. Someone muttered, “Captain’s here.” The joking, clamoring boys instantly snapped back to their stations, headphones on, silence returning with terrifying speed. Jake’s face tightened when he saw the man. Aaron Stone scanned the room, his gaze snagging on my pink outfit for a few tense seconds. His voice, like his impossibly handsome face, was entirely devoid of warmth. “Everyone’s adding three hours of drill time.” No one dared to move. The air thickened into a concrete slab. Aaron Stone. Captain of the FLY team. A superstar, a reigning esports legend whose skill was only rivaled by his supermodel looks. And yet, his personality was notoriously cold, arrogant, and terrifying. Sensing his gaze still on me, I took a small breath and stepped forward, offering a perfectly polite greeting. “Hello, Captain.” Aaron lowered his eyes. His voice was flat. “Just speak normally. Don’t use that fake high-pitched voice.” I froze, stunned, my cheeks burning. When Aaron had gone, Jake gave my shoulder a consoling pat, his voice lowered. “Dee, don’t take it personally. Aaron isn’t a bad guy, he just… naturally dislikes girls who lean into the cutesy, saccharine aesthetic.” The other guys chimed in. “Don’t worry, Daisy. He hates baby voices and frilly skirts, but we love it, haha.” Jake immediately reverted to defensive mode. “Last warning. My sister just started college, she’s pure as snow. Don’t even think about it.” He turned back to me, adopting a weary, older-brother voice. “Don’t bother with these creeps. Anyone who hangs out with me can’t be good people.” Miles, the loudest one, rolled his eyes. “Chill, Jake. She probably has a boyfriend already. Just hasn’t told you.” My heart stuttered. I clenched the phone in my hand, hiding the constant stream of messages popping up from my internet boyfriend. Jake scoffed with immediate confidence. “Impossible. My sister is the best-behaved kid I know.” 2 That night, stubbornly refusing to go home, I finally convinced Jake to let me stay. Worried about me checking into a hotel alone, he found a spare bedroom at the base and threw a few necessities in. “I’m right next door, Dee. Shout if you need anything.” “I will. Thanks, big brother.” Only after closing the door did I feel safe enough to open my phone. The unread messages from my pinned contact hit 99+. “Baby~ We haven’t duo-queued yet today.” “Baby, did you go out for dinner? It’s okay, I’ll wait for you.” “Baby, it’s been two hours… I, I kinda miss you.” “HAHAHA, Baby, someone on the forums just said if your girlfriend doesn’t text back for three hours, she’s cheating. How ridiculous! I don’t believe that at all.” I was just about to feel relieved, when I tapped the next message—a voice note. It was a deliberately husky, low whisper. “Baby, is that guy better than me? Will he buy you every single skin? Will he remember your cycle? Does he have an eight-pack?” “Transfer: $131.40.” “Transfer: $520.00.” “…Baby, do you… do you still want me?” I quickly typed an explanation to soothe his anxiety: Don’t worry. I’m visiting my brother and haven’t had a Carlce to look at my phone. He texted back, too excited to spell correctly. “Hehe, I knew my Baby still loved me. Baby, you sound a little sad, though.” I had no idea how he gathered my mood from a seven-word text, but I told him the truth anyway. I had a fight with my parents. And my brother’s friend seems to really dislike me. His response was immediate and righteous indignation. Dislike you? Who does he think he is? How can anyone have such terrible taste. He needs to go look in a mirror. If he ever says anything to you again, I’ll roast him alive. My online boyfriend’s trash-talking skills were genuinely the best I had ever seen. The summer after graduation, I’d been hiding away, binge-playing games. After a fifteen-game winning streak, I was matched with a group who were chatting loudly but playing terribly. We lost. The group immediately ganged up on me and one other guy, blaming us for the loss. I was never good at arguing, and every attempt at an explanation was brutally interrupted. Just as I was about to give up, the previously silent guy spoke in a low, flat voice. “I’ve seen toilets in bathrooms, but never in someone’s mouth.” The group got defensive. “Hey! Don’t curse!” He chuckled softly. “I didn’t curse.” When the group caught the implication, they turned snarky. “Why are you defending her? You simping?” “You’re so good at passing the blame—are you all chefs?” The guy took on three people and didn’t falter, spraying them with verbal fire until they were beaten, apologetic, and gone. I realized then that despite his sharp tongue, the man was actually a very sweet ‘online puppy’ who knew how to cheer people up… Sensing my distraction, he suddenly got clingy. Baby, I want to see you. I tried to divert the topic. On a strange impulse, I typed: You said you have an eight-pack. Is that true? He sent a shy emoji. If I do, can we meet? I hesitated. What if you meet me and don’t like me? How could that happen? Am I crazy? He quickly added, a little anxiously. Baby, no matter what you look like, I will instantly fall in love with you. I realized he was worried I was avoiding meeting him because of my appearance. I couldn’t blame him. He’d asked to meet at least a dozen times, and I’d deflected every single one. Undecided on what to reply, and noticing my battery was low, I prepared to go borrow a charger from Jake. The moment I opened the door, I walked straight into a human wall. I looked up and met Aaron Stone’s cold gaze. The close proximity was jarring. His face was stunningly chiseled—thin eyelids, dense, dark lashes, a high nose, and a small, striking mole on the bridge. Bold and provocative. “J-Jake… Captain Stone, hi.” I quickly corrected myself, feeling intensely awkward as I realized I was in a strawberry-pink satin chemise with a matching bow clip in my hair. His most hated, textbook ‘cutesy girl’ ensemble. 3 Aaron Stone’s brow furrowed, a nearly imperceptible tic. “Daisy Carl?” I blinked, surprised he even knew my full name. “You can stay here,” he said, his voice flat. “But we need ground rules.” “Okay.” “First, don’t try to buddy-up. I have zero interest in befriending college kids.” I nodded. “Second, minimal interaction. Try to avoid crossing paths if you can.” “Got it.” “Third, no cooing or batting your lashes. Keep the syrupy act out of my sight.” “Right.” I watched Aaron walk away toward the bathroom. Jake, who had heard the door, poked his head out and handed me the charging cable. “Did Aaron yell at you again?” I shook my head. Jake yawned. “ Aaron just doesn’t know how to speak kindly. Tons of girls who confessed to him ended up crying. Be a good girl, ignore him, and go to bed.” Back in my room, my online boyfriend sent a picture. Long, lean fingers lifting the hem of a t-shirt, knuckles pale. Under dim light, the eight-pack abs looked sculpted and defined. The shot moved lower, where the light faded, hinting at a powerful, impressive shape. Having been raised by my very traditional grandparents in the village, I was a sheltered good girl who barely spoke to boys. I’d certainly never seen this kind of visual provocation. My face felt like it was on fire. I buried my head in a pillow. After a long pause, I managed to type a compliment. That’s big. Jake had been obsessed with bodybuilding lately, constantly asking me to feel his bicep. Praising a guy’s muscle size couldn’t be wrong, right? It’s decent. Only about 18. I was baffled. Wait, I thought you were 21? Had he lied about his age? The Typing… bubble flashed endlessly. Baby, you really care about that number? Actually, I was talking about the dormant state. 21 isn’t impossible if I put in the work, though~ You can inspect the merchandise when we meet up. I’d never be able to show my face if I lied… not the one up top… Staring at the completely disjointed conversation, my face flushed again. I was belatedly processing the implication. You dirty old man, I thought. I typed a frantic: Good night. I didn’t sleep well that night. In my dream, after weeks of persuasion, I finally agreed to meet my online boyfriend at a private movie theater. But he wasn’t there. As my anxiety grew, someone tapped my shoulder. I spun around, excited. Instead of my clingy online puppy, I was met with Aaron Stone’s stern, handsome face. I tried to run, but he pulled me back, caging me between his arms. He slowly leaned down, his intimidating presence fully eclipsing me. “Daisy Carl,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Ready for that inspection?” I woke up with a gasp. Later, while washing up, I couldn’t shake the feeling—whether it was the nightmare or not—that the base’s bathroom tiles looked exactly like the background in the ab picture my internet boyfriend had sent. 4 During my Calculus class, my phone buzzed. Jake’s voice note came through: My battery’s dying. Stay put at the gate, I’ll be there in two secs. I had to rush to the campus entrance. Moments later, a white Ferrari pulled up, drawing envious stares from every student walking by. I wasn’t interested in the car, searching instead for Jake’s beat-up scooter. The driver rolled down the window. “Daisy Carl. Your brother got pulled over for not wearing a helmet.” Even with the dark sunglasses, Aaron was instantly recognized. A few students nearby screamed his name and rushed over. “Captain Stone! It’s Aaron! I’m your biggest fan!” “Get in,” Aaron commanded curtly. I reached for the passenger door, but he stopped me. “The back.” Once I was settled, Aaron tapped the gas, giving the frantic crowd an apologetic wave. “The passenger seat is reserved for my wife.” It sounded like an explanation, but also like a boast. “Oh,” I squeezed the ribbon on my skirt, desperately trying to keep the conversation going. “She must be very beautiful.” Aaron was silent for a moment. His voice was husky. “She’s pretty shy. We haven’t met in person yet. But no matter what she looks like, she’s the most beautiful woman in the world to me.” Jake had mentioned that Aaron came from an immensely wealthy family; he did esports purely for fun. A guy like this being in an online-only relationship must mean it was an arranged, commercial marriage, right? There was no way he was online dating like me… Noticing his slightly downcast expression, I clumsily offered comfort. “Maybe you’ve met, but just didn’t recognize each other.” “Impossible. People who are in love have a connection. I would know her instantly.” Talking about his girlfriend, Aaron’s lips quirked into a rare, faint smile. It was stunning. But when his gaze fell back on me, it chilled instantly. “Jake said you were my fan?” Why did my brother have to run his mouth about everything! “Find a new gamer to crush on,” Aaron said dismissively. “Hope you understand—my girlfriend wouldn’t want a female fan staring at me for more than ten seconds, every time.” “My apologies.” I quickly looked out the window, embarrassed. The drive to the restaurant was silent. Once we were inside, the other boys swarmed me. Without Jake to fend them off, their attention felt overwhelming. I recognized Miles, the one who’d been the most welcoming. The others laughed knowingly. “Captain, report: we have a toad trying to flirt with the sister.” I instinctively looked to Aaron for help. “We don’t forbid dating in the team,” Aaron said, not even looking up. His clear, sculpted fingers were tapping away on his phone. “Baby, you forgot your morning kiss today.” [Kiss emoji] [By the way, Baby, I ran into a girl recently whose voice was a little like yours. But don’t worry, I never even gave her the time of day. She was clearly faking the whole sweet thing. Yours is the real deal.] [Baby, aren’t I the best? Can your loyal puppy get a hug for a reward? Still dreaming of the day we meet…] 5 During the lull before the food arrived, Miles suggested a game and invited me to join. I couldn’t decline, so I quickly paused my chat with my online boyfriend. I’m out with friends right now. I’ll message you later. He instantly transformed into a worried wreck. Baby, honey, how many friends? Boys or girls? It’s fine, I’m not jealous. Just asking. Five or six. All guys… The next second, Aaron Stone shot up from his seat, startling me. One of the teammates asked, “Aaron, want to add the sister and play a fun round?” I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anticipation. As a secret fan of his skills, I wanted the Carlce to play with my idol. Aaron replied flatly. “I don’t play casual games.” I showed him my game screen, trying to prove myself. “Actually, my skill level is pretty decent. I won’t drag you down. See?” “Sorry. I don’t add girls. And don’t forget the ground rules.” Aaron didn’t spare my phone a glance. He stood up and walked out, clearly demonstrating his personal boundaries and fidelity. The teammates took the rejection in stride. “Don’t be sad, Daisy. We can still carry you, even without the Captain.” Miles, seeing my disappointment, leaned in and murmured a consolation into my ear. I instinctively pulled away. I didn’t like physical closeness with strangers. “Sister, Jake said you never play games, so let’s start with something easy…” Miles cut himself off abruptly, staring at my screen in disbelief. “Wait, Daisy, your online time is higher than mine!” “I play secretly,” I whispered, “Don’t tell my brother.” Miles’ mouth twitched. He let out a strained chuckle. “You’re a pretty unique kind of good girl, aren’t you?” After the round finished, the boys looked at me with stunned excitement. “Whoa, the real-life version of the velvet glove wielding a claymore! Sister, with that innocent face, how is your gameplay so brutal? You’ve got a little of Captain Stone’s style.” “Too bad the Captain didn’t join. He would have Carlged his mind about you.” Jake finally arrived, holding a traffic ticket and a brand-new green helmet. The guys, being good sports, quickly Carlged the subject, not mentioning my secret gaming habit. Full and slightly tipsy, we headed back to the base. Everyone was laughing and chatting, except for Aaron, whose personal weather system was oppressive. He was glaring at his phone, looking ready to burn a hole through the screen. Jake was confused. “Who pissed off our boss?” Miles shrugged. “No idea. But whoever can make Aaron Stone look this miserable is a serious threat. I bow to her!” “Let’s all be careful not to poke the bear,” Jake warned. “Especially you, Dee. Stay clear of the Captain.” “I will.” “By the way, Dee, you’ve been out for a few days. When are you planning on making up with Mom and Dad and going home?” I dropped my head, silent. Jake sighed. “You’ve always been the most obedient one, Dee. Why are you so stubborn about this?” “I’m tired, big brother.” I forced a sweet smile for Jake and walked straight to my bedroom. In the time it took to eat dinner, my online boyfriend had sent over a dozen messages. I started patiently replying to each one. He sent a crying emoji. [Baby, Wife, I lied. I’m jealous. I really care, and I’m super duper spiral-level unhappy.] [Those wild boys out there are all bad news. Don’t give them your contact info.] My internet boyfriend was so agitated he was making typos. [Why didn’t anyone step in to stop the harassment!!! If I were there, I wouldn’t let them get away with it!]

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390124”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

It was the tenth anniversary of our relationship. My fiancée, Veronica Brook, had just posted a photo album in the company’s work chat. They were engagement photos—of her and her assistant. The caption read: [Thanks for all the well wishes, guys. We’ve done the shoot, can the wedding be far behind?] I didn’t lose my mind. I didn’t call her, screaming. I simply posted a calm comment: [Wishing you both a blessed life together.] The very next second, her call came through. Her voice was ice-cold, instantly accusing. “We were just taking some relaxed photos, Leo. Did you have to be so sarcastic?” “The entire company is watching! You’re deliberately trying to humiliate him, aren’t you? You need to write a handwritten apology to Jordy right now! Or I’m calling off the wedding!” I let out a cold laugh. “I quit. No one is going to bother your little love nest with him ever again.” … After commenting on my fiancée’s social media, I turned off my phone and got back to my work. When I finally finished the task at hand, I noticed Veronica had called me dozens of times. It was almost comical, considering she was a woman who could easily go months without a single text or call to me. I frowned, hanging up on her latest incoming call. The next moment, my messaging app exploded: [Leo Chad, are you serious? It was a joke. Who are you giving the silent treatment to?] [Didn’t you hear me? Apologize to him immediately, or you can watch me cancel our wedding!] In the past, the mere mention of canceling the wedding or breaking up—her ultimate threat—would have instantly turned me into a groveling doormat, begging for her forgiveness. But not this time. Not anymore. I typed a few characters onto the screen. [Suit yourself.] The messages stopped. I figured Veronica was probably so enraged she’d thrown her phone across the room. A few minutes later, I checked her profile again. Every trace of me, our photos, our couple profile picture—all gone. Her cover photo was a solid block of black. Her latest post, just a minute old: [It’s exhausting having the wrong people in your life.] I smiled. She’d been pulling this passive-aggressive card for years. I was finally bored of the performance. Just as I was about to exit the app, a notification popped up. I’d been tagged. It was Jordy Yu. He had screenshotted my comment in the work chat and posted it to his own feed with a weepy-eyed emoji. [This is all my fault for being insensitive and making a joke like that. I publicly apologize to Leo, please don’t let this cause a fight between you and Veronica.] The post was clearly designed for my benefit. I frowned, ready to type a blistering reply, but Veronica beat me to it. Her comment was already pinned: [Some pathetic losers lack the capability to achieve anything and then project their insecurities onto others. Don’t worry about it, sweetie. I’ll always stand by you.] Wow. My fiancée publicly took engagement photos with another man. And I was supposed to just stand there and take the abuse. That dream was getting a little too big for my sanity. The work chat, meanwhile, was an absolute dumpster fire. Everyone was scrambling to kiss Veronica’s ass: [Vee, don’t be upset. Everyone here sees and understands your and Jordy’s relationship. We know you have nothing to hide!] [Exactly! Some people have a sick mind, trying to publicly shame a colleague. Shameless!] That last comment was quickly made a pinned announcement. Veronica clearly agreed. Ten years of commitment, all to lead to this. It was meaningless. She knew how much those engagement photos meant to me. After months of pleading, she’d finally agreed to go with me that day. But we hadn’t even been there five minutes when she claimed Jordy had a stomach ache and rushed off to bring him medication, leaving me stranded. I waited alone in that boutique bridal shop until midnight. She never showed. In the past, I would have absolutely lost it in the group chat. But now, I offered a simple, gracious blessing, and she still found a way to spin it as a deliberate act of spite against Jordy. It confirmed what I already knew: when someone wants to hate you, everything you do is a flaw. I rubbed my temples, trying to ward off the dull ache. My phone rang. “Mr. Chad, your appointment for the marriage license is tomorrow. Please remember to bring your documentation.” I froze. Right. Tomorrow was the day Veronica had promised we’d finally get married. But now… I couldn’t do it. “I’m sorry,” I said, “please cancel that for me.” The staff member sounded slightly surprised. “Sir, you’ve reserved this time slot many times. Canceling again might put you on a permanent blacklist.” I repeated without hesitation. “Cancel it.” She was right. Veronica had given me countless promises. And every time, I had played the fool, waiting for her outside the courthouse. Every time, I was disappointed. The third time, Jordy’s apartment supposedly lost power, and she rushed off to change a lightbulb for him. The seventh time, he was grazed by a car while crossing the street, and she spent the day at the hospital with him, playing the attentive nurse. The twelfth time, she didn’t even bother with an excuse, simply claiming she had to use the restroom and then vanishing. I knew, deep down, every cancelation was a date with Jordy. But I loved her, so I chose to play deaf and dumb, time and again. I genuinely believed my endless patience would eventually earn her respect or understanding. I was wrong. It only emboldened her, allowing her behavior to become increasingly reckless. If this was the outcome, then the relationship was over. I walked aimlessly until I found myself in front of a familiar storefront—a high-end men’s boutique I used to frequent before we met. They specialized in custom-tailored Italian suits, and I used to pick up a new one almost every week. But ever since I started dating Veronica, I’d put every spare penny into her. My clothes now were years out of date. I’d sacrificed my own needs for hers, only to be thrown away like trash. I let out a bitter sigh and walked up to the counter, pulling out my membership card. “I need two custom suits, please.” The associate politely took the card, then frowned and handed it back, looking apologetic. “Sir, there seems to be insufficient funds on your account.” “That’s impossible,” I said, shocked. “The last time I checked, there was nearly a hundred thousand left.” The clerk pulled up the transaction history. “It was your wife who made the purchases, sir. She ordered several new custom sets. Here’s the record.” Seeing the size chart, the names of the styles… it all clicked into place. No wonder the account was empty. Veronica had been using my card to buy custom-made clothes for Jordy. I remembered seeing him around the office, thinking how familiar his clothes looked. They were doing this in the open, utterly shameless. I took a deep breath and walked out of the store. I hadn’t even reached my car when Veronica’s call came in. “Where are you? Get to the office right now. Jordy isn’t feeling well, you need to handle his client meeting tomorrow.” She immediately sent over a thick stack of commercial reports. I didn’t even open the file. I deleted it. Jordy was “sick” every other week, especially when a task required real effort. And every time, the work inevitably fell into my lap. I would pull all-nighters, pushing myself to the point of exhaustion, dark circles under my eyes making me look like a panda. And Veronica never once showed gratitude. In fact, if I didn’t perform perfectly, she’d chew me out mercilessly. I was quitting. I had no patience for her bad habits anymore. “Can’t he handle it himself? He has hands and feet. We’re all adults. Why should someone else pay for his incompetence?” Veronica was stunned. Every time she had issued an order, no matter how much I inwardly protested, I’d never dared to refuse. Now, I was not only disagreeing, but I was being harsh. Just as she was about to explode, Jordy’s voice, soft and wounded, cut in. “Forget it, Vee. My problems shouldn’t burden Leo. It’s my fault for always getting sick.” Instantly, Veronica’s tone transformed into a gentle, soothing one I’d never heard directed at me. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you be overworked. You should rest when you’re sick, darling.” The next second, her impatience returned, aimed squarely at me. “I’m giving you this job because it’s an opportunity for growth! Do you know how many people would kill for this project? Don’t be ungrateful!” The familiar manipulation was hilarious to me now. If it was such a great opportunity, why didn’t she give it to her precious Jordy? I recalled a time when I had a crippling fever, barely able to speak, and I’d begged her for a single day off. Her response? She called me lazy, a faker, and threatened to fire me if I dared to call out sick. I was only finally allowed to leave the office when I passed out at my desk. “Well, then. You should give Jordy the chance to grow, too. Good luck to him.” Veronica’s anger intensified. “What is that attitude? I’m telling you! I haven’t forgiven you for what you did in the work chat the other day. Are you trying to break up with me?” There it was again. The threat of abandonment. In her mind, my love for her was her ultimate weapon. She could command me, dismiss me, and never consider my feelings. But I was too tired to coddle her. “Sure. I agree.” Veronica, who had been brimming with smug certainty, shrieked. “Do you know what you’re saying?! You’re breaking up with me!” “Who else would even want a loser like you?!” Jordy quickly chimed in. “Come on, Leo. You can’t joke about this. I know you’re upset about the engagement photos, but you can’t treat Vee like this!” “It’s my fault for getting sick. I’m the one who caused this unhappiness…” Veronica pounced on that opportunity. “Leo Chad, what do you want? You’ve been causing trouble for days. Are you ever going to stop?” I didn’t answer. I leaned back against the sofa, wondering what other audacity she could possibly dredge up. When I remained silent, Veronica took a deep breath. “Listen to me. This report is urgent. Jordy has to close the deal tomorrow.” “If you rewrite the report, I’ll marry you right now. How about that?” So, marriage was merely a bargaining chip she used to manipulate me. I laughed, the sound hollow, and hung up the phone. While packing up my things at the apartment, I accidentally knocked over a delicate ceramic doll displayed in a cabinet. Veronica adored it; she would sit at her desk and meticulously arrange it for ages. I once reached out to touch it, and she screamed, swatting my hand away. “Don’t touch it with your filthy hands!” I retracted my hand, embarrassed. Watching the doll shatter into a pile of white fragments, my heart tightened. Though I resented Veronica, I never wanted to destroy her things. I knelt to pick up the pieces, but noticed something underneath—a photograph. I carefully lifted it. The image on the back made my vision swim. It was a candid, intimate photo of Veronica and Jordy. They were arm-in-arm, bathed in the setting sun, their smiles wide and brilliant. A small inscription was written below: [My Heart’s True North, Jordy.] Her beloved toy, the one she cherished so much, represented another man. And I, the fool, had even brought her snacks while she sat and admired it. I truly was an idiot. This relationship had been rotten to the core for a long time. If Jordy was her “Heart’s True North,” what was I? A necessary placeholder? A convenient meal ticket? I’d been disillusioned for a while, but realizing all my years of effort were nothing but a punchline still stung. The grief was a sudden, sharp ache in my chest. When we first got together, we had a sweet, consuming love. Veronica was completely focused on me. If I desired something, she’d move mountains to get it for me. We traveled the world, took countless happy pictures, and were the model couple among our friends. But everything changed when Jordy showed up. She started by complaining about him—how clumsy he was, how he messed up simple tasks, how he was a constant inconvenience. Yet, her lips always curved upward when she talked about him. I felt a flicker of unease, but trusting her, I chose not to interfere. I never imagined my generosity and trust would lead to this betrayal. I packed every last thing that was mine. I took one final look at the apartment—a place built on my hopes and hard work—and walked out for good. That night, just as I was drifting off to sleep, my phone received a picture message. The photo showed Veronica, looking flushed and wearing very little, nestled into a man’s embrace, smiling coyly. The accompanying text: [Your fiancée is being well-cared for. Rest easy.] It was a blatant taunt. If I’d seen this a day earlier, I might have crumbled. But now, I saw it for what it was: trash. I deleted the message, blocked the number, and then slept like a baby. It felt so good not to have to go to the office. But I wasn’t going to coast for long. I reached out to an uncle who owned a firm in a different sector, completed my onboarding, and started fresh. Everything was going smoothly. Even the air on the drive home felt clean. That feeling lasted until I ran right into Veronica and her circle. Veronica’s best friend, Sallyt, who usually gave me the cold shoulder, was beaming at Jordy. I still vividly remembered the last time I’d seen her. She’d deliberately ordered ten thousand dollars worth of food to test me, then, after I paid, openly mocked me for living beyond my means. Veronica hadn’t stopped her; she’d chimed in with, “He just loves to show off, what can I do?” They’d laughed together, ignoring my humiliation. I had foolishly wondered if I had done something wrong. Now, seeing Sallyt’s sycophantic smile, I finally understood. Even if I’d spent a million dollars on that dinner, she wouldn’t have respected me. In her eyes, I was simply a guy sponging off Veronica. Sallyt happily accepted a gift Jordy handed her, grinning ear to ear. “You are so generous, Jordy! So much better than that cheap waste who uses women’s money to pretend he’s a big shot. Vee, you two should just get married!” Veronica giggled and lightly shoved her. “Don’t be ridiculous. We’re just friends.” Sallyt raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Who are you trying to fool? I saw you two kissing in the movie theater! You think that’s ‘just friends’?” I inhaled sharply. They were that brazen? Kissing openly in public? Did Veronica have any respect for me, her fiancé? Even more galling, the gift Jordy had just handed over was purchased with my card. I’d just gotten a new charge notification on my phone. Who was the “cheap waste” now? The company Veronica was so proud of was a venture I had practically built from the ground up. While she was out shopping, watching movies, and getting manicures, I was at business dinners drinking until my stomach bled, groveling for investments. And now, she was enjoying the fruits of my labor while letting her friend insult me. “That loser is going to throw a fit if he hears that,” Veronica sighed dramatically. “But what can I do? I’m stuck with him like a bad rash.” Stuck with me? She needed to remember who gave her the status and wealth she enjoyed today. Sallyt pouted. “You’re too kind, Vee. That useless boyfriend adds nothing to your business and isn’t nearly as presentable as Jordy. You’d be crazy to marry him!” Veronica sighed again. “What choice do I have? You know how dramatic and extreme he is. If I break up with him suddenly, I’m afraid of what he might do.” I laughed. She was just reluctant to let go of the financial benefits I provided. And yet, in her telling, I was the desperate one clinging to her. I didn’t need to stay and listen to any more of this charade. As I turned to leave, I accidentally bumped into a passerby, and I apologized profusely. The small disturbance drew the trio’s attention. Jordy covered his mouth in mock surprise. “Leo? What are you doing here?” Veronica frowned and then, catching sight of my slightly rumpled clothes, she sneered. “Who gave you permission to stalk me?” I was stunned. I instinctively shot back, “Are you kidding me? I have nothing better to do than stalk you?” Jordy quickly jumped in. “Leo, don’t talk to Vee like that. I know you’re upset about seeing me, I’ll leave right away. I don’t want to cause her any more distress…” He looked at Veronica, a perfect picture of an abused puppy. I couldn’t take it anymore. I slapped him, hard, across the face. Veronica’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Are you insane?! You hit him! I swear, I’m going to—” “Veronica Brook, we’re breaking up.” I looked her right in the eye and spoke the words calmly.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390123”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My ultimate life goal? To be a pampered sloth. Not just any sloth. I want to be the kind that only eats air-freighted ingredients, wears custom couture, travels with an eight-person security detail, and whose life is henceforth devoid of all stress and inconvenience. A top-tier, kept slacker. Unfortunately, I was just Daisy Holt, the second daughter of the Holt family, forever living in the perfect shadow of my older sister, Stella. Then, on the eve of her engagement to Lachlan Shaw—a formidable prince of the New York financial circuit—my sister was reborn. She sobbed to our parents that her fiancé was a monstrous control freak, that marrying him meant stepping into a gilded cage, and she’d rather die than lose her freedom. I was about to offer a platitude when a line of text flashed before my eyes, like a streaming comment or a social media pop-up: [Here we go! The ‘She Runs, He Chases’ forced-love trope! The heroine says he monitors her social life and restricts her movements. Pure hell!] Listening to my sister’s hysterical protests, and reading the plot leak, I felt a thrill that brought tears to my eyes. Restricted social life? Perfect, I’m a recluse! Restricted movement? Fantastic, I’m a homebody! Where my sister saw a nightmare, I saw a bespoke slice of heaven tailored specifically for my low-energy, highly anxious existence. When I saw Mom and Dad preparing to break the engagement for Stella’s “freedom,” I dropped to my knees with a theatrical thud. “Dad! Mom! If my sister doesn’t want to jump into the fire,” I declared, my eyes shining with genuine, tearful sincerity, “then for God’s sake, let me take the dive!” 1 I suspect my sister, Stella Holt, was, in fact, reborn. Otherwise, I couldn’t explain how the woman who had been demurely flaunting her three-carat engagement rock the day before, woke up weeping and begging to call the whole thing off. In the living room, she was currently pouring out her heart to our parents. She claimed that Lachlan Shaw, the New York elite’s darling, was a velvet-glove tyrant—a secret, obsessive control freak. She hadn’t even met Lachlan in person yet. I was about to interject when the comments flashed again: [Wait, why did the heroine just reset the timeline?] [It’s a sick, obsessive forced-love story. If the heroine doesn’t marry him, what am I supposed to read?!] [Hold up, commenter above, maybe a fresh start is good for her. The heroine loves her freedom. I mean, can you imagine that life? Food has to be air-freighted, clothes are all private custom orders, even the brand of toothpaste is dictated by the hero. A life with no choices and no turbulence? How could she possibly survive that?!] My eyes lit up. This world, I realized, had gone completely mad. I don’t love freedom! That life—the one with no turbulence and pre-selected high-end everything—is the ultimate dream I, a socially anxious, lazy-to-the-bone human, have been striving for! But the madness didn’t stop there. Mom and Dad, faces etched with sympathy, helped Stella up and righteously declared they would break the decades-old agreement. They were willing to risk bankruptcy and earn the ire of the entire New York financial circuit to protect their daughter’s “precious independence.” Excuse me? Isn’t there another daughter? The trope of the substitute bride? Did no one read the handbook? As Dad’s hand trembled, reaching for the phone to make the fateful call, I executed my perfect, dramatic kneel. “Dad! Mom! Stella doesn’t want him,” I pitched my voice with just the right amount of desperate piety. “I’ll marry him. Will that work?” The living room fell silent for two seconds. Mom swiftly pulled Dad’s arm away from the phone. “Oh, honey, you forgot about Daisy! If she’s willing to marry him, that’s just perfect! Don’t make the call, honey. The contract never specified which daughter.” Dad dropped the phone like a hot potato, visibly relieved. The family drama was solved, and everyone was suddenly delighted. 2 That evening, I was happily packing in my small room, humming to myself. Comments: [Who is this random extra popping up and stealing the heroine’s spotlight?] [She looks genuinely thrilled. Does she really think losing her freedom will be easy?] [Hmm, is it just me, or is the Holt family’s attitude toward the two sisters drastically different?] [Replying to the comment above: I noticed that in the living room. And look at the rooms! Stella has the master suite with an ensuite bathroom; Daisy is in a converted nanny closet. Definitely playing favorites.] [Why not? Stella is the heroine. The world should revolve around her.] I ignored the bickering comments and carefully organized my meager possessions. A knock came at the door. Stella stood in the doorway, her gaze flickering nervously. “Are you really going to take my place and get engaged to Lachlan Shaw?” My heart stuttered. Was she about to backtrack? “Well… should I not?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. Stella didn’t answer directly. She bit her lip and continued, “Lachlan is a terrifying person. You have no idea. His ruthlessness in business could drive a man to ruin.” Business ruthlessness had nothing to do with me. “But… does he hit people at home? Does he make you do chores?” Stella paused, shaking her head with a strained, bitter smile. “Ten times worse than that.” My stomach tightened in anticipation. The next second, I heard her dreaded warning: “He will monitor your social life and restrict your movements!” Sigh. Is that all? Well, never mind then. Social life? I’m low-energy. No thanks. Going out? I’m a couch potato. Leaving the house is what actually kills me. Stella looked confused by my sudden visible relief, and she clearly wanted to say more. I quickly used the excuse of being tired and shut the door. All my life, if Stella was unhappy, Mom and Dad would inevitably find a reason to criticize me. I was desperate to escape that shadow, and this was my one and only chance. 3 The next day, our whole family boarded a private jet to New York. Our family certainly couldn’t afford a private flight; the arrangement was a courtesy of the Shaw family. The engagement ceremony was ostentatiously grand. In the waiting lounge, I met the legendary Lachlan Shaw for the first time. And I swear, I was a total S-W-O-O-N. Based on Stella’s horror stories, I’d prepared myself for someone vaguely decent-looking but ultimately menacing. I certainly didn’t expect a tall, broad-shouldered, impossibly handsome man radiating the kind of effortless power that only comes with old money. I hit the jackpot. At the ceremony, he took my hand and smiled gently. “Walk with me, my fiancée.” I felt my heart thunder in my chest. Comments: [I’m done. The hero is so hot. Five minutes of possession, please!] [OMG, did anyone else notice the heavy emphasis on the word my? So commanding!] [Guys, stop shipping this! Can’t you see Stella in the audience? She’s about to cry. This was supposed to be her ceremony!] [The commenter above has issues. She gave it up herself, remember?] After the ceremony, my sister pulled my parents over to say goodbye and, rather oddly, tried to shake Lachlan’s hand. I immediately grabbed her hand instead. “Stella, thank you. I remember everything you said. And so does your future husband, by the way!” Lachlan looked at me, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. Stella bit her lip. She looked conflicted—partly resentful, partly relieved. 4 That night, Lachlan took me back to the Shaw family’s Manhattan penthouse. Gazing at the enormous room with its sprawling city views and private balcony, I asked uncertainly, “Is this… really for me?” When he confirmed it, I nearly burst into tears. But the real shocker was yet to come. Seeing how much I loved the space, Lachlan immediately called the house manager to draw up a contract, intending to transfer ownership of the penthouse to my name. Happiness had arrived too quickly. It felt unreal. “You’re giving me the apartment, too? Seriously?” Lachlan pressed a soft kiss to the top of my head. “As long as you never leave me, everything I own is yours.” I instantly swore a silent oath to the high heavens, mentally bowing to my new sugar daddy. Comments: [That’s the vibe! The dark, controlling male lead is SO satisfying~] [I’m not jealous at all. She got a multi-million-dollar penthouse, but she lost her precious freedom. Waaah!] [Seriously? Why does she deserve this? All of his possessions should belong to Stella, our true heroine! This random girl is so shameless.] [Okay, I need to punch the commenter above.] I signed the contract, then happily drifted off to sleep. In that half-asleep state, I couldn’t shake the feeling of a burning gaze watching me from the side of the bed. 5 The flawless first day must have lulled me into a false sense of security. The next morning, I woke up to find my personal luggage had been neatly taken away by the housekeeper. Just as I was mentally preparing for a dramatic Downton Abbey confrontation, a maid came to escort me to the dressing room, saying Lachlan was waiting for me there. The “dressing room” was easily twice the size of our family’s entire living room. I stared at the racks and racks of designer gowns, bags, and shoes, all meticulously arranged by color. The realization that I would henceforth only cry Prada tears over my Gucci problems made me chuckle out loud. “What’s so funny?” Lachlan had walked up beside me, holding a simple, sleek dress. I waved dismissively and asked if all these clothes were actually mine. He lowered his lashes and looked at me, his eyes dark with intensity. “These clothes were all purchased last night based on your measurements… I’ve imagined you in every single piece. From now on, only I will decide what you wear. Is that acceptable?” My eyes instantly welled up. I lowered my head, overwhelmed. This is when the comments went absolutely ballistic: [It’s happening! In the original, the heroine, Stella Holt, immediately flips out and calls him a sick control freak, causing their relationship to instantly sour and leading to the hero’s descent into full-blown obsession.] [The original was just toxic drama for the sake of it. The hero wasn’t malicious. He just wanted to say that he and his fiancée belong exclusively to each other.] [OMG, look! Daisy is having a much bigger reaction! She looks like she’s crying in anger, and the hero thinks she hates him. His face is already turning cold!] Seeing this last comment, I snapped my head up. I was met with Lachlan’s dangerously guarded expression. 6 His lips were pressed into a thin line, and the light in his eyes was slowly dimming. The air pressure around him plummeted. [Oh, no, she’s crying! He definitely thinks she finds him twisted!] [For heaven’s sake, explain yourself! You were enjoying this! Don’t mess this up for all of us!] [Wait, is she playing him? Pretending to go along, then planning an escape? Clever girl.] I saw the hurt beneath Lachlan’s carefully constructed mask of hardness, and my heart genuinely ached for him. I wasn’t angry! I was touched! I grabbed his hand and looked up at him, tears streaming down my face. “I… I’m just so incredibly moved.” “No one has ever been this good to me. Not ever.” “My parents only ever had eyes for Stella. My clothes were always her hand-me-downs. My room was the maid’s quarters. Even my name, Daisy, was chosen because Stella means ‘Star,’ and they wanted me to be ‘quietly happy’—to never compete with my sister’s brilliance.” “I have never owned anything this beautiful, and I couldn’t have imagined that someone would prepare all of this for me overnight.” I grew more emotional with every word, my tears flowing freely. “Lachlan, you are too good to me. I’m afraid this is all a dream.” Lachlan froze. He gently reached out, wiping the tears from my cheeks with his thumb. His movement was tentative, almost a careful exploration. “So… you don’t hate me for trying to control you?” I shook my head like a bobblehead. “Hate it? Not at all! Please, I beg you. Micro-manage me to death!” The storm cloud vanished from Lachlan’s eyes, and the corners of his mouth lifted in a smile he couldn’t quite contain. He pulled me into a tight embrace, resting his chin on my hair, and let out a deeply satisfied sigh. “Daisy,” he whispered. “You are wonderful.” [??? This is not the plot I signed up for.] [Well played, I have to say. Reverse manipulation! She just overloaded the hero’s CPU.] [This is genius-level strategy! Sisters, take notes! When faced with the CEO’s forced love, don’t resist—cry and tell him he’s too good to you!] [Taking notes now. I’ll use this when I reincarnate.] In the following days, I experienced what could only be described as a celestial existence. Mornings, I slept until my body decided it was done. Lachlan was already at his office, but my breakfast was always hot, with dozens of international and American options to choose from. After eating, I’d curl up in the penthouse’s private cinema or play games in the dedicated gaming room. In the afternoon, a professional aesthetician and a massage therapist would arrive for my in-house spa service. In the evening, Lachlan would be home on time to eat dinner with me. He really was true to my sister’s word about “monitoring my social life.” He bought me a bespoke new phone, then recorded his own fingerprint/Face ID into it right in front of me. “I will check your phone whenever I want,” he stated. I nodded obediently. “Of course. And the password is your birthday.” He paused, then lowered his head and kissed my forehead, a chuckle in his voice. “Good girl.” [Awww, I can’t take it! What is this perfect little romance?] [Heroine: I don’t have a social life. You’re checking nothing but the weather app.] [LOL. I bet she has fewer than twenty contacts, and ten of those are customer service bots and official brand accounts.] The comments were spot on. My only social interaction was texting my mother. The content was always simple. Mom: [Daisy, dear, how are things? Is Lachlan treating you well?] Me: [Very well.] Mom: [That’s good. Your sister has been a little down lately. Could you mention to Lachlan—you know, have him introduce Stella to a good, wealthy man? She sacrificed so much for you.] I nearly snorted a mouthful of cherry juice at the word “sacrifice.” I immediately handed the phone to Lachlan. “Look, my mom wants you to find a rich guy for my sister.” Lachlan took the phone, scrolled through the messages, and his brow furrowed. “They talk to you like this often?” “Pretty much,” I shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m used to it.” He said nothing, only taking my phone and promptly blocking both my parents’ numbers. Then he looked up at me, his gaze serious and intense. “From now on, I am your family.” “You only need to rely on me. All right?” What was I supposed to say to that? I launched myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck and tackling him onto the sofa, shouting with pure, unadulterated devotion: “Yes! You are my only family! My one and only, Daddy!” Lachlan: “…” [HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!] [‘Daddy?’ What is her thought process?] [Lachlan Shaw: I treat you like a wife. You treat me like a father/sugar daddy. The power dynamic is completely scrambled!] 7 Days turned into weeks, and my relationship with Lachlan grew deeper. I realized he wasn’t a freak at all. His so-called “control” was more like a clumsy, intense, singular focus. He restricted me from going out because he thought the outside world was unsafe and that I might encounter danger. As a result, every time I (was forced by him to) step outside, I had an eight-person security detail. The spectacle was like a presidential motorcade. He controlled my diet because I had a sensitive stomach and was a picky eater. He hired a team of professional nutritionists and chefs, who prepared endless variations of healthy, delicious food. After a month, my face was noticeably rounder. As for restricting my clothes… I looked at the overflowing racks of designer bags, shoes, and clothes, and my only thought was: Please, increase the intensity. Don’t ever stop! One day, as I lay on the sofa eating air-freighted cherries, Lachlan handed me an engraved invitation. “There’s a charity gala tonight. I need you to accompany me.” My brow furrowed immediately. “Can I skip it?” I hated those social events—they were noisy, exhausting, and required a lot of fake smiling. Lachlan gently pinched my cheek. “No, you can’t. This one is important. Many key partners will be there.” “Come on, just go for me.” Since he put it that way, I reluctantly agreed. That evening, dressed in a custom, star-colored evening gown Lachlan had personally selected, I walked into the ballroom on his arm. The pairing of the handsome mogul and the beautiful debutante instantly captured the entire room’s attention. Feeling slightly self-conscious, I instinctively shrank closer to him. Lachlan noticed, leaning down to whisper in my ear: “Don’t be nervous. Just stay glued to my side.” He led me around to greet several important business associates. My role was simple: smile, nod, and act as a beautiful, silent accessory. Just as I was about to find a quiet corner to raid the dessert table, an unwelcome guest appeared. My sister, Stella Holt. She was wearing an ethereal white dress and perfect makeup, and she was accompanied by a gentle, artistic-looking man. When she saw me, a flash of pure envy and resentment crossed her eyes, quickly masked by an expression of deep, sisterly concern. “Daisy, what are you doing here?” Before I could speak, Lachlan cut in, his voice cool and flat: “She is my fiancée. Where else would she be?” Stella’s face went white. She bit her lip. “Lachlan, I know you have immense power, but you can’t do this to Daisy! She is young! You shouldn’t treat her like a bird in a gilded cage!” [Oh, snap! The original heroine is here! She brought her Male Lead No. 2 with her!] [This guy must be Orion Nash, the sensitive painter from the original plot, representing freedom and art.] [Here we go! The classic showdown! The older sister brings ‘freedom’ to rescue the ‘imprisoned’ younger sister!]

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390122”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The college student next door hit my car with his bike for the thirteenth time. He was flushed, his worn-out sweatshirt emphasizing his status, his hands rubbing together nervously. In the past, I’d always been lenient. I’d waved it off. But this time, he barely glanced at me. “Guys should be cool about stuff like this, right? It’s just a scratch. You’re rich, you wouldn’t seriously stick it to a poor student like me, would you?” Suddenly, I felt a deep, profound sense of exhaustion. “Let’s go through the legal channels,” I said, my voice flat. “Full compensation, including the previous nine incidents. Total: three million dollars.” He froze, then his face contorted. He pointed a shaking finger at me. “Three million? You’re just trying to take advantage of me because I’m poor!” “My girlfriend’s a lawyer. I’m not scared of you.” I didn’t think much of it until the day of the preliminary hearing. A perfectly manicured woman was cooing, stroking his arm. “My baby finally decided to announce my official status as his girlfriend, did he?” “As a reward, how about I send him and his corporate stooge of a lawyer straight to the cleaners? Sound good?” The woman speaking was my wife—Veronica Stone—the undefeated litigator, who was supposed to be in Zurich on a high-stakes case. … 1. “Seriously? But he’s so loaded, and he acts like such an arrogant prick.” Cody spoke with a heavy, performative self-pity. “I’m just a student. How could I ever win against him?” Veronica leaned in and pressed a loud kiss to his cheek. “You don’t trust anyone else, but you trust your girlfriend, right, hmm?” “Who is your girlfriend? I’m the Veronica Stone. The most feared litigator in the city. I’ll make him grovel, baby. How about that?” Cody finally cracked a smile. “Deal.” “Take down that pretentious old guy!” “Anything for my man. I’m utterly obsessed with you, my love.” I watched the two of them for a long moment, then slowly reached for my phone. Veronica saw my name flash on her screen and instinctively frowned. She waited a beat, then moved slightly away from Cody and answered. “What is it, Grant? Did you miss me already? I just left.” Her voice was sickeningly sweet. “Where are you?” I cut straight to the chase. She paused for a fraction of a second. “In Zurich, of course. I text you every day, don’t I?” she said, her tone suddenly clipped. “I have to go. My client will throw a fit if I keep him waiting.” I watched her smile vanish, her expression snapping back to stone-cold professionalism as she hung up. Cody immediately leaned in. “Who was that?” Veronica gave him a quick peck. “No one important. What, are you jealous?” I stood there, just out of their line of sight, watching them play the part of two smitten young lovers. My heart seized up, a cold, heavy ache settling in my chest. I didn’t show up in court that day. I sent my assistant instead. That evening, I went home. I sat on the sofa, scrolling through old photos of Veronica and me, every memory of our life together turning to ash in my mind. Veronica graduated top of her class and rocketed to the top of her field. Everyone called us a power couple—the golden boy and the brilliant barrister. Until that day, I had believed them. I gave a short, self-mocking laugh. Then, a text notification flashed on my phone. Cody. He was gloating. “What’s the point of having so much money, you ugly bastard? No one even loves you.” “My girlfriend is beautiful and she adores me.” Following the text were a dozen intimate photos: hands intertwined, faces pressed together, the easy, comfortable familiarity of a true couple. The final image was the official verdict. He’d won. I stared at the judgment slip. Every word on it felt like a direct, personal sneer. Before I could process it, Veronica called. “Grant Harrington, what is wrong with you? A man almost thirty trying to ruin a nineteen-year-old kid?” Her voice was laced with moral outrage. “How could you be so vicious as to demand three million dollars?” I smiled then. So, she knew the opposing party was me. She knew the entire story, yet she still chose to use her formidable skill to secure his victory. A true tier-one lawyer. I hung up without a word and called my company attorney. “I’m sorry, Mr. Harrington, but we simply couldn’t beat your wife.” “That’s fine,” I said. “I have another case. I might need your help again.” My attorney paused. “What case? Why not go through Veronica?” I spoke slowly, deliberately. “A divorce case.” “She is the opposing party.” 2. Veronica finally came home three days later. I gave her a cold look, then turned to walk away. “Oh, come on, honey. Are you still mad?” “I know my temper was bad the other day, and I apologize. It was just an impulse. Seeing Cody reminded me of when I was in college, struggling just to afford food. I felt sorry for him.” She carefully avoided any mention of her relationship with Cody. “We don’t need that money, Grant. Think of it as charity. We helped a poor kid.” I simply stood there, watching her. She tugged my hand and insisted we go out. As a peace offering, she wanted to buy me the expensive watch I’d been considering. I didn’t want to go, but I had been cooped up in the house too long. We walked into The Chronos Gallery. The sales associate rushed over. “Mr. Harrington, great to see you! And Mrs. Harrington, welcome back!” She enthusiastically showed me the new limited-edition timepieces. Veronica hooked her arm through mine. “Honey, I know this is your favorite brand. Pick anything you want. It’s on me. My way of saying sorry for being such a pain.” The associates were whispering nearby. “Veronica is so good to you, Mr. Harrington.” “You two are always featured in Town & Country as the city’s ultimate power couple.” A power couple? I let out a short, cynical laugh. My desire to shop had vanished. I just grabbed the closest watch I saw. Just then, Cody appeared, rushing over with an expression of manufactured delight. He threw his arms around Veronica. “Winnie, what are you doing here?” “Wow, that watch is gorgeous!” He reached out and immediately grabbed the one in my hand. The sales associates froze, exchanging uneasy glances. I looked at Cody’s face. He clearly knew who I was now—Veronica’s husband—yet he showed zero inhibition. No. He probably knew from the start. I chuckled, then pulled the watch from his grasp and held it out to him. “Nice, right? Half a million dollars. You couldn’t earn this if you worked yourself to death for ten years.” Cody’s smile faltered, and his eyes dropped. He didn’t say anything, just stared at Veronica with a look of wounded, self-pitying vulnerability. After a moment, he spoke. “I can’t afford it. I know that.” “But you don’t have to look down on me, Mr. Harrington. So what if I’m poor? Do the poor not deserve to live?” “I’ll go. I won’t bother you rich, high-and-mighty people anymore.” Veronica’s brows furrowed. The patience she’d used to placate me was gone. “Who says he can’t afford it? I’ll buy this watch for him.” She reached into her purse and threw a cheap plastic novelty watch—the kind you’d find in a vending machine—into my lap. “You wear this instead.” “Go home and think about yourself. When did you become such a snob, looking down on people just because they’re struggling?” “You’re just a parasite, Grant, riding on the back of your family’s money. Ten years from now, Cody will be twice the man you are.” She turned and chased after Cody, leaving me alone in the gallery. The sales associates looked at me with a mixture of pity and awkwardness. I watched her back, and my heart gave a strange, small contraction. It was a dull, persistent ache, like being pricked with thousands of tiny needles. I lowered my eyes, masking my expression, then pulled out my phone. I took photos of the watch’s purchase record and a picture of Veronica and Cody hugging in the street below. “Attorney Palmer,” I texted. “Adultery evidence.” 3. “Received.” I saw the confirmation from Attorney Palmer, then dropped my gaze and put the phone away. The store associate timidly approached me. “Mr. Harrington, that watch is a global limited edition. It’s gone now. Do you… do you still want to keep your photo up?” My eyes drifted to the photo displayed on the shelf near the register. It was a picture of Veronica and me, taken right after college graduation. I had spent my first three months’ salary, saved from eating instant noodles, to buy her the cheapest watch in that store. When I gave it to her, she had cried and hugged me, saying: “Grant, I swear I will love you forever. We are going to have the most successful, most beautiful future together, I promise.” Years later, Veronica no longer wore that watch, but it remained in my closet. Every time I saw it, I was transported back to that moment, utterly immersed in the future she had promised. Now, we were both successful and wealthy. That photo felt like a physical slap across my face. “Mr. Harrington?” the assistant prompted. Her voice yanked me back from the memory. My gaze fell on the smiling, clueless man in the photo—the man who never imagined a day like this. “Tear it down,” I said. “It doesn’t matter anymore.” A useless photo. Just like a useless relationship. I turned away, twirling my phone in my hand, and walked out of the store without looking back. I spent three hours by the ocean, watching the tide roll in and out. Seven years—from our first date in college to our wedding—played out in slow motion in my mind. The dull ache in my heart, which had been churning like the water, finally subsided into a cold, complete stillness. I sent her a text. “Tomorrow is our seventh anniversary. I think we need to talk.” Veronica didn’t reply. Cody, however, posted a story. He showed off the limited-edition watch Veronica had just given him, with the caption: “The one who truly loves you will cross any obstacle to bring you joy.” “In love, only the unloved one is the side piece.” A moment later, I saw Veronica’s ‘like’ underneath the post. I gave a bitter laugh. She had time for social media but no time to answer my text. It didn’t matter. I no longer cared. Just then, my phone rang with a video call request. It was Cody. “Guess where I am, Grant?” “You rich people are something else. Your dog eats better than I do. Why should an animal live better than me?” In the video, Cody was standing inside my villa. My Siberian Husky, Snowball, whom I had raised since he was a puppy, was being held tight in his arms. “What are you doing? Let him go.” Snowball was aggressive with strangers. He struggled violently in Cody’s arms, perhaps recognizing my voice. He thrashed harder. Cody clamped down on his neck. Snowball twisted his head and bit Cody’s hand hard. I watched Cody’s triumphant expression warp into a sneer of rage. “Stupid mutt.” “Humans look down on me, and now you look down on me too.” Cody violently slammed Snowball down, then kicked the dog hard in the ribs. I grabbed my keys and ran like a madman. “Don’t you touch him!” The ten-minute drive from the ocean to my house took me five. But I was still too late. I burst through the front door and saw Snowball lying on the marble floor, his eyes wide with tears, whimpering softly. It was the sound he made only when he was in excruciating pain. My heart was instantly pierced. “Cody! Let him go! Get away from him!” Cody turned and grinned at me. “Mr. Harrington is home. Your place is huge, man. But your dog is a little naughty.” “Oh, right. You came rushing back like that just for this dog, didn’t you?” He looked down at Snowball, his eyes turning cold and vicious. He laughed at me. “Hold on. I’ll send him down to you right now.” The look on his face filled me with a sudden, suffocating sense of dread. “No—” 4. But it was too late. Cody stood on the second-floor balcony and, right in front of me, tossed Snowball over the railing. Thump. I watched, helpless, as the dog I had raised and loved like family hit the ground and lay there, lifeless. “Snowball!” I screamed, a raw sound of sheer despair. I saw his eyes. They were slowly closing. His paw was stretched toward me, as if he wanted one last hug. But he was too far. The place he fell was too far away for me to reach him. Then, his eyes finally closed. The immense pain blanked my mind for a few seconds. Hatred and sorrow twisted into a single, overwhelming knot. Cody looked from the corpse of Snowball to me, and he began to laugh maniacally. “He’s dead? Good, the bastard deserved it.” “Why should an animal live better than me? I didn’t mean to kill him at first, but—” I sprinted up the stairs, pure animalistic rage driving me. I lunged at Cody, my hand raised high. “Who told you to touch him? Who gave you the right?” My fist never landed. A figure slammed between us. Veronica glared at me, her face a mask of cold fury. In all our years together, I had never seen her look at me that way—for another man. “What are you doing, Grant!” I was shaking, barely able to speak. I pointed a trembling finger at Snowball’s corpse below. “Who let this man in my house? He just threw my dog to his death!” Cody shook his head at Veronica. “I’m sorry, Winnie. The dog suddenly went crazy and bit me, then it jumped over the railing on its own.” He held up his hand, exposing the puncture marks from Snowball’s teeth. Veronica’s eyes hardened. She shoved my shoulder hard, forcing me to stumble back. “Your dog! If Cody is seriously hurt, I swear I’ll make you pay.” The sharp corner of a decorative coat rack caught me in the gut. The pain doubled me over. Veronica didn’t even glance at me. She grabbed Cody’s hand. “Are you okay?” Cody shook his head, looking pitiful. “I didn’t mean it, Winnie. I’ve just never been in such a big house, and I was looking around.” “The dog just lunged at me. I—I—” He was cut off by Veronica, who called her driver to take him to the hospital immediately. I grabbed at her pants, trying to suppress the nausea and the searing pain in my stomach, clinging to one last, desperate hope. Maybe Snowball could still be saved. “Take Snowball to the vet. Emergency. Please.” She didn’t look at me. Her voice was flat, emotionless. “It’s just an animal. It’s dead. Good riddance.” Watching them leave, the tears finally fell. They were not for Veronica. They were for Snowball, and for the seven years of my life I had wasted on a lie. Before Cody turned the corner, he looked at me, a victorious sneer plastered on his face. He mouthed two words. I understood them perfectly. “Side piece.” The unloved one is the side piece. 5. I woke up in the hospital three days later. My assistant was sitting beside the bed. He looked like he wanted to say something but held back. “Boss—” Veronica hadn’t visited. Not once in two days. I closed my eyes and spoke, my voice raspy. “Call the police.” Assistant: “Yes, sir.” Veronica arrived soon after the police left. Her face was dark, her eyes burning with irritation. Her first words were a reprimand. “He’s a college student, Grant. He hasn’t even graduated. You called the police? What about his future?” I looked at her, my expression blank. “The moment he killed my dog, he chose his future.” “I want him to be held accountable for what he did.” Her voice was cold. “I never thought you’d become this kind of man. You rich people really have no souls.” “I’m here, Grant. You can’t touch him.” “You know what I’m capable of. I never lose a case. And I won’t let Cody lose this one.” She turned and left. A day later, I received a court summons. Veronica, acting on Cody’s behalf, was suing me for willfully allowing my pet dog to injure a person. For any other lawyer, this case would be impossible to win. But she was Veronica Stone. She had never lost a case. She was the standard-bearer for the entire legal profession. People used to envy me for having such a brilliant wife. I never imagined she would weaponize that brilliance against me. Sure enough, the verdict came down. I lost. Completely. The court ordered me to pay Cody $100,000 for mental distress, medical bills, and emotional trauma. Furthermore, I was found guilty of allowing a pet to intentionally injure a person, and if the plaintiff did not forgive me, I could face a fifteen-day detention. I stared at the judgment notice. Although I’d convinced myself I was over her, a faint, cold pain still registered in my chest. I hadn’t believed Veronica could be so utterly ruthless toward me. She was so concerned about protecting Cody’s reputation that she never considered the consequences for mine. If that’s how it is, then so be it. Veronica, I want absolutely nothing to do with you ever again. I called Attorney Palmer and sent over the final piece of evidence of Veronica’s infidelity. …….. Veronica smiled when Attorney Palmer came to see her. “Grant realized his mistake, didn’t he? I only did this to teach him a lesson. I wouldn’t actually let him get detained.” “Tell him I’ll be home tonight. As for what happened before—” Attorney Palmer interrupted her before she could finish. “Ms. Stone, this is from Mr. Harrington. Please take a look.” Veronica’s smile widened. “Is he trying to surprise me?” “Oh, Grant. He didn’t need to go through all this trouble. He just needed to—” Her voice stopped as the documents slipped out of the envelope and onto the floor. She stared at the papers, frozen.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390121”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was at Landon’s parents’ house for dinner. His mother, all graciousness and pearls, was serving him soup. “I’ve done a preliminary seating chart for the engagement party next month. Do you see anything you want to adjust?” My hand, poised to lift a piece of chicken, froze. Landon took the phone and answered dismissively. “Mom, whatever you think is best.” The dining room quieted for a beat. His mother laughed, trying to smooth over the awkwardness. “Calla, honey, why are you being shy? We’ve reached this point now.” Landon finally looked up. “Mom, engagement is on the table, yes, but the bride isn’t Calla. “Delilah is coming home soon. We’re going to start over.” My spoon clattered into the soup bowl, and a splash of hot liquid scalded the back of my hand. Landon’s mother rushed over, dabbing my skin with a napkin. “Oh dear, Calla! This… Landon, what kind of joke is this?” Landon put down his chopsticks. “It’s not a joke. Calla knows. We had an agreement from the beginning—when Delilah came back, we’d end it.” I slowly pulled my hand away. The red burn was already starting to sting. “That’s right,” I said. “We did.” His mother’s eyes were tearing up. “But your past few years…” Landon answered for me. “It was transactional, Mom. We both got what we needed. Don’t overthink it.” I nodded, lowered my head, and took a sip of the soup. It was rich and savory, but my throat was tight, making it hard to swallow. It felt like all the swallowed years of hurt and silent humiliation, finally, it wouldn’t go down. 1 Landon lit a cigarette once we were in the car. The window was half-down, and the early autumn wind whipped inside, making my eyes water. “Are you upset?” he asked. “No. Just surprised it’s happening so fast.” He exhaled a plume of smoke. “Delilah’s flight is next Wednesday. We need to clear things out before then. I have a few things at your apartment; I’ll swing by tomorrow to get them.” “Okay.” “The things you left at my place, I’ll have them boxed up and sent to you.” “Okay.” He was quiet for a moment. “Calla, don’t be like this.” “How should I be?” I finally turned to face him. “Should I cry? Should I demand an explanation? Or should I ask you, like I did before, why you always choose her over me?” Landon crushed out the cigarette. “We had an agreement, Calla. From the jump.” He repeated the phrase, as if trying to convince himself. “You remember, don’t you? The day Delilah left for Europe, you came to me. I was clear: when she comes back, we stop.” I remembered. I remembered it all too well. I had thought I would be satisfied. But the human heart is a greedy thing. Five years of silent longing had made me foolishly hopeful. What if? “I didn’t forget,” I said flatly. Landon’s jaw tightened. “Do you have to use that tone?” “What tone should I use?” I laughed. “Should I thank you for letting me be Delilah’s stand-in for three years? Or thank you for finally proving that I can never win against a ghost who’s been three thousand miles away?” The car pulled up outside my apartment building. Landon didn’t unbuckle his seatbelt. He looked at me. “I won’t take the apartment back; you can stay as long as you need. I’ve also wired a substantial amount of money to your account. It’s for your time, your…” “Severance package?” I finished for him. He didn’t deny it. I nodded and pushed the door open. The night air was cool. I hugged my arms as I walked toward the building, hearing him call out behind me. “Calla!” I looked back. He was sitting in the car, his face flickering in the streetlamp’s harsh light. “We can still be friends,” he said. I smiled. “Landon. The one thing I’d never stoop to is being your damn friend.” 2 The beginning of my story with Landon wasn’t something I was proud of. I was his girlfriend, Delilah’s, best friend. And I’d been secretly in love with him for five long years. I confessed my teenage crush to Delilah. A month later, she brought Landon to me, introducing him with a dazzling, innocent smile. He was her boyfriend. The day Delilah left for her graduate program overseas, I went to the airport to see her off. She hugged me, crying. “Calla, keep an eye on Landon for me. Don’t let any other girls get close to him.” I promised I would. Then, I watched her walk through security, turned around, and went straight to Landon. He was wasted that day, sobbing on my living room sofa like a puppy that had been abandoned. I knelt in front of him, my fingers brushing away his tears. “Landon. She doesn’t want you right now. But I do.” He opened his bloodshot eyes. Then he kissed me. It was savage, laced with liquor and a desperate, bitter edge—a raw act of vengeance against a phantom. When he woke up the next morning, he looked at the bloodstain on the sheets and was silent for a long time. “Calla. I don’t love you.” I said I knew. “When Delilah comes back, we stop.” I said okay. You see, I knew it was a losing bet from the first moment. But I played anyway. I bet that three years would be long enough for one person to get used to another’s presence. I bet I could win against a shadow a continent away. Clearly, I lost. I lost everything. 3 The day Landon came to collect his things, Delilah was already back in Boston. When I opened the door, she was standing there, effortlessly radiant, her arm looped through his. “Calla, long time no see.” It had been three years. She hadn’t changed at all—still bright, outgoing, like a sunflower perpetually facing the sun. And I was already forgetting what it felt like to stand in the light. “Come in,” I said, stepping aside. Landon didn’t look at me, walking straight to the bedroom. Delilah followed, surveying my apartment. “The décor is different. Didn’t you use to like warmer colors?” “People change,” I said. Landon emerged from the bedroom, holding a bag containing his clothes. Delilah went to him and, very naturally, took the bag and looked inside, pulling out a man’s shirt. “This doesn’t look like yours, hon,” she said, looking at Landon. Landon took it, looked, and then turned to me. “Why is your shirt in my bag?” My chest ached, but I forced a casual shrug. “Must have gotten mixed in when I did your laundry.” Delilah smiled sweetly. “Be more careful next time, Calla. Landon is very particular about his clothes.” She tossed the shirt back into the bag, as if it were something dirty. Then she seemed to remember something else. “Oh, Calla. Landon and I are having our engagement party next month. You should come, shouldn’t she, Landon? You’re our best friend, after all.” Landon frowned. “Delilah.” “What?” Delilah blinked innocently. “Calla wouldn’t mind, right?” I looked at Landon. He was looking away. “I’ll see. Work might be busy.” “Where are you working again? That little ad agency?” Delilah asked. “Still there,” I said. She gave me a look of pity. “Still? After all this time? Should I have Landon introduce you? He needs people at his company.” “No, thank you. I’m doing fine.” Landon finally spoke. “If you ever need anything, Calla, just let me know.” “I won’t,” I answered quickly. He glanced at me, his eyes unreadable. But Delilah was already tugging his hand. “Let’s go. Our parents are waiting for us for dinner.” They left. The moment the door shut, I slid down the wall, collapsing onto the floor. My knees hit the hardwood with a dull thud. But I didn’t feel the pain. The emptiness where my heart used to be hurt far more. 4 I didn’t go to the engagement party. But I received the invitation. Landon and Delilah’s names were printed side-by-side in embossed gold lettering, searing my eyes. That day, I worked late and bought a bottle of expensive bourbon on the way home. I drank alone in the silent apartment. Halfway through the bottle, my phone rang. It was Landon. I answered but didn’t speak. His voice was slurred. “Calla. Why didn’t you come?” “Didn’t want to. Do you need anything else? I’m tired.” He was silent for a moment. “I’m downstairs.” I walked to the window. The familiar luxury sedan was indeed parked on the street. He was leaning against the car door, holding his phone, looking up toward my window. The groom-to-be, in his tuxedo, was outside his ex-lover’s apartment. How utterly pathetic. “Come down. We need to talk.” “Talk about what?” I asked. “How the groom-to-be drank too much at his own party and suddenly remembered he had a spare woman he used for three years?” He inhaled sharply. “Calla, stop it.” I laughed, a harsh, dry sound. “How else should I be? Landon, you should be holding your fiancée right now, not harassing me.” “I don’t want to get engaged,” he suddenly said. I froze. “What?” “I don’t want to get engaged,” he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. “But I can’t—Delilah, her family… they’ve helped me so much. The company needs their resources right now…” I cut him off. “So you’re calling to tell me how conflicted you are? How much of a victim you are?” “I just…” He paused. “I feel awful about what I did to you.” That sentence was the final straw. I snapped. I screamed into the phone. “Landon! You feel awful now? For three years, you used me as her replacement, you called me her name, you even asked me, in bed, why I couldn’t be more like her—and now you feel awful?” “I…” I was crying, choking on my breath. “Do you know what the worst part is? The worst part is that I knew you didn’t love me, I knew you were just using me to fill a void, but I was so damn pathetic I loved you anyway!” “Calla…” “Get out!” I shrieked. “Go back to your engagement party! Go back to Delilah! I hope I never have to see you again!” I hung up and turned off my phone. Then I sank to the floor, shaking uncontrollably. Five years of longing, three years of sacrifice. Eight years of my life, exchanged for his pathetic “I feel awful” and someone else’s gold-embossed wedding invitation. 5 I took a sick day. My eyes were too swollen to face anyone, so I just slept. In the evening, the doorbell rang. I assumed it was a delivery, but when I opened the door, it was Delilah. She was holding a sleek gift box, smiling brightly. “You missed the party yesterday. This is your gift box.” I didn’t take it. “Is there something else you need?” She pushed past me, stepping inside and looking around. “Aren’t you going to invite me to sit down?” I stood in the doorway. “Thanks for the gift. You can go now.” “What’s the rush?” She sat on the sofa and opened the box. “Want to try one? This brand of dark chocolate—Landon picked it specifically. He said you liked dark chocolate.” I stared at her. The smugness of the victor was unconcealed on her face. “Delilah. Just tell me what you came here to gloat about.” She smiled. “Calla, you’re always so direct.” She stood up and walked toward me. “Fine, I’ll be direct. Thank you for looking after Landon for me all these years. “He’s a little boy, really. Needs to be coddled. It must have been hard for you while I was gone. “But I’m back now, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore.” “Oh, and one more thing,” she added, her smile fading slightly. “Landon came looking for you last night, didn’t he?” I stayed silent. “He was drunk and talking nonsense. Don’t take it to heart. We’re getting married. We can still be friends, right?” I looked at the hand she extended. Her nails were manicured and painted a pale pink lacquer. Exactly the color Landon loved. “No,” I said. Her face stiffened. “Delilah, not everything in this world can be fixed with ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘Let’s still be friends.’ “You took the person I loved most, and now you want me to smile and wish you well? Why should I?” “Took him?” She raised an eyebrow. “Calla, Landon was always mine. You just took advantage of my absence.” I nodded. “You’re right. I deserved this.” I met her eyes. “But don’t get too comfortable. A man who can sleep with another woman for three years behind your back—do you really think he loves you all that much?” Delilah’s face finally fell completely. “At least he’s marrying me,” she said, each word deliberate. “Calla, you’ll always be the understudy.” She left. The moment the door closed, I leaned against the wall and laughed. I laughed, and then the tears started again. She was right. The understudy. For three years, I had lived a joke. 6 I couldn’t sleep. Nights turned into blank, agonizing stretches. The moment I closed my eyes, Landon’s face was there. Sometimes the boy on the basketball court who smiled at me for the first time. Sometimes the man who cried in my arms when he was drunk. Sometimes the cold Landon who said, “When Delilah comes back, we stop.” They rotated, tearing my fragile peace to shreds. I went to a doctor. The diagnosis was mild depression. Recommended rest, recommended moving away from the source of stress. I laughed. Source of stress? Landon was the stress. But the city of Boston was huge, and everywhere I looked, there were traces of him. The restaurants we frequented, the stores we browsed, even the corner bodega had a memory attached to it. I decided to leave. When I submitted my resignation, my boss was surprised. “Calla, you’re doing great work. Why leave now?” “Need a change of scenery,” I said. He probed. “Did you find a better offer? We can discuss salary.” I shook my head. It wasn’t about the money. It was about survival. If I stayed, I was afraid I would genuinely break. The day I packed up my desk, a quiet colleague I rarely spoke to slipped me a small piece of paper with a phone number on it. “My friend runs a counseling center,” she whispered. “Call if you need to.” I clutched the paper, my nose stinging with emotion. Even a near-stranger could see I was falling apart. And Landon, who slept next to me for three years, never noticed when I was unhappy, when I was crying. Because he never cared. Those who don’t care, don’t look closely. 7 The day before I left Boston, I went to the bank. I wired the substantial sum Landon had deposited, every penny, back to his account. The note attached to the transfer was just one word: Settled. Then I deleted every form of contact I had for him. Phone, texts, email, social media. When I got to the last app, my finger hovered over the confirmation button. I didn’t press it. I told myself to leave one open. Just one window, so I could look in and see how spectacularly happy he was. See how the life I’d desperately dreamed of was so easily acquired by another person. It was pathetic. But humans are like that: the thing that hurts us the most, we need to stare at. As if watching the poison work will eventually make us immune. That evening, I got an unknown call. I answered. It was Landon.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390120”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My female neighbor insisted that my dad molested her, and directly brought people to smash my house. “I am a respectable woman, how can I live after being defiled by your dad!” “The old one has no shame, the young one is sinister and cunning, a family of beasts!” “Must compensate! Medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress damages totaling $500,000! Not a penny less.” More and more neighbors gathered around, all forcing me to hand over the person. Looking at the indignant crowd, I laughed in anger. I would like to hand him over, but my dad has been dead for ten years! Chapter 1 “My dad has been dead for ten years!” My words were like splashing a ladle of cold water into boiling oil, instantly exploding the pot. Karen was stunned for a moment, then that face crying like a pear blossom bathed in rain twisted into an exaggerated mocking expression. “Dead for ten years? Can he climb out of the grave to molest me after being dead for ten years? Daphne, use your brain when making up lies!” Standing next to her were two big burly men and a woman with curly hair, obviously relatives she called. One of the men with a face full of flesh had already smashed a crack in my door frame. The hallway was crowded with neighbors watching the fun, some holding phones recording, some pointing fingers, everyone’s eyes stabbing at me like needles. I tried to keep my voice steady: “I really didn’t lie to you, my father passed away ten years ago, his ashes are buried in Greenwood Cemetery, we go to sweep the grave every year. This house was bought by my husband and me not long ago, how could my dad live here?” Karen’s tears came just like that, she covered her face, shoulders shaking violently: “You still want to quibble! I saw it with my own eyes! Last night around eight, I came back from overtime, elevator was broken so I had to take the stairs, just reached the fourth floor corner, an old man hugged me from behind, hands reaching into my clothes…” She stopped here, seemingly unable to continue, sobbing. The middle-aged woman with curly hair next to her quickly supported her, glaring at me: “Don’t be afraid, girl, we are all here! This kind of shameless family needs to be exposed!” “I struggled desperately, he then let go and ran away.” Karen wiped a handful of tears, suddenly pointing at me. “He must be your dad! I saw him come out of your house with my own eyes, and saw you giving him money, giving him food, if not your own dad why you raise him? Pretending to be what philanthropist!” My heart sank. She was talking about the homeless man near the community garage. I did help him a few times, after the weather turned cool, I gave him an old wool coat my husband didn’t wear, and a beanie I bought too big. But I never thought this little act of kindness would become a knife stabbing at me today. “That is a homeless old man in the community, not my father, I just saw he was pitiful…” I explained. “Pitiful?” Karen interrupted me fiercely, voice suddenly rising, “Your dad pretends to be a homeless man, specifically squatting in the stairwell to molest women, this is called pitiful? This is called a pervert! This is called no respect for old age!” “Right! No respect for old age!” The curly-haired woman shouted along. “Whole family is not good stuff!” Another man echoed. The crowd of onlookers began to commotion, discussion getting louder and louder. “Can’t tell, a decent looking family…” “Know the face but not the heart, old man pretending to be homeless, this move is insidious enough.” “Karen is also quite pitiful, being by an old man… tsk tsk.” I felt blood rushing to my head, that suffocating feeling of being unable to defend myself grabbed my throat. “You can check! My father’s name was David, died of liver cancer ten years ago, I have the death certificate, cremation certificate, cemetery purchase contract!” Chapter 2 “Then take it out! Take it out now! Let everyone see if it’s true!” Karen immediately took the words, a flash of successful pleasure in her eyes. I turned to look at my husband Mark behind me, his face was iron green, fists clenched tight. I held his fist, advising him not to be impulsive. The house has already been smashed by them, doing it now would purely be giving the advantage to the other side. I signaled my husband to find the death certificate in the room. The room was quiet for a moment, leaving only Karen’s affected sobbing and neighbors’ rustling discussion. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my mood. I had met Karen in the elevator and talked. She said the house she lives in now is rented, and asked about my situation. When learning I bought the house with full payment, she threw a sentence: “Why rich people still live in this kind of old community.” “Save for children’s school fees.” I answered casually. In the elevator, Karen didn’t speak again, but her face was already not very good. I regretted saying these words, money should not be revealed, obviously Karen dared to ask for five million, must have guessed my family is financially well-off. Time passed second by second. An ominous premonition rose in my heart. Sure enough, five minutes later, Mark came out empty-handed, face ugly, lowered voice said to me: “Dad’s death certificate… is not in the drawer where documents are usually kept.” “What?” My voice was a bit tight. Mark frowned tight: “I searched the study, bedroom, didn’t find it, could it be put in wrong place after using it for some procedure last time?” Karen obviously heard our conversation, she immediately screamed: “Can’t find it? Ha! So coincidental? Daphne, your acting is really full set! First make up a lie of death without proof, now say certificate lost? You treat everyone as three-year-old kids?” “Really can’t find it! But we have other proofs! Cemetery contract! Photos! My dad’s medical records before death!” Karen relentless: “Those can all be forged! How easy is it to Photoshop now? I want to see the official death certificate! Issued by the police! Issued by the funeral home! Can’t take it out means it’s fake! You are just guilty!” The flesh-faced man who smashed the door beside her stepped forward, almost sticking to my face: “Little lady, don’t play tricks. My wife suffered such a big grievance, there must be an explanation for this today! Compensation! Medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress damages, five million! One cent less, I smash your house again!” “Right! Compensate!” “Hand over the person! Hand over that old rogue!” “Not hand over person then compensate! Otherwise call police catch you!” The crowd was incited, a few young people even started to squeeze forward. Mark protected me behind him, sternly said: “What do you want to do? Trespassing is illegal!” Karen cried and shouted, “When your dad molested me why didn’t he think about whether it’s illegal? I am a respectable woman, body not clean anymore, how can I live! Better to die!” She said and was about to hit the wall, held back tightly by the curly-haired woman. This scene aroused the onlookers’ sympathy even more. “Too pitiful…” “This family is really sinning, stay away from this family later.” “Call the police, let the police handle it.” Husband nodded to me. Seems husband understood my gesture when he went into the room to find the death certificate just now, he had already called the police. At first, when this group of people entered the house and smashed, we were afraid of provoking the other party, dared not call the police easily. I looked at this group of people coldly: “Police will arrive immediately! My dad indeed passed away ten years ago, this is a fact! You are now Extortion!” I don’t believe white can be said into black. Chapter 3 “Extortion?” Karen suddenly stopped crying, she took out her phone, started recording me, “Everyone look ah, this is the daughter of the molester! Refuse to admit! And bite back saying I extortion! I Karen walk straight sit straight, today is to seek justice! If you are innocent, take out the death certificate ah! Take it!” She approached step by step, phone almost shoved into my face. The crowd around also booed along. “Take it out!” “Where is the certificate?” “None means guilty!” My brain was buzzing, Mark went into the room to rummage through chests and cupboards again, but I knew hope was slim. That blue folder containing all of father’s documents after death, clearly always placed in the second drawer of the study, how could it disappear? “Give me some more time.” My voice was dry. “Enough!” Karen interrupted me fiercely, she turned off recording, a cruel smile on her face. “Daphne, I tell you, this matter is not over today. “Either, you take out five million compensation now; or, I immediately post the video just now online, with text: Rich girl assists father pretending to be homeless to molest female neighbor multiple times, afterwards refuses to admit.. “Guess how netizens will view you? Will your family business be affected?” I was cold all over. She came prepared. From insisting it was my father, to asking for five million like a lion opening its mouth, to now cyber threat, every step was calculated. She seemed not to care about the truth at all, she just wanted money. “You… you are framing.” I said weakly. “Framing?” Karen leaned close to me, using a voice only two of us could hear said, “Daphne, I know you have money. You drive Mercedes, live in large flat, the bags you carry are thousands of dollars. Five million is nothing to you, but to me, can change fate. You give money, I shut up, from now on well water not violate river water. You don’t give…” She stepped back, restored that look of victim’s sorrow, voice clear and loud: “You don’t give, I will come to your door to cry every day! Let the whole community, whole network people see, what kind of goods your family is! Old one no respect for age, young one sinister cunning, a family of beasts!” “You!” Mark rushed over, pulled back tightly by me. Move hand and it’s over. Once moved hand, we really have reason but can’t say clear. The atmosphere in the hallway had reached boiling point. Someone was shouting “Hitting people”, someone was calling police, more people holding phones shooting non-stop. The men and women Karen brought blocked my door, a posture of not giving up until achieving goal. I felt a burst of dizziness. Ten years, father has been dead for ten years. I never thought, one day he would be dragged into a dirty farce in this way, becoming a tool for others to blackmail me. “Found it?” I asked Mark in low voice. Mark shook head, eyes red: “I search again, could it be left in the old house…” “Too late.” I looked at the gathering crowd, looking at Karen’s face written full of greed and malice, knew today impossible to end well. Sure enough, siren sound from far to near. “Police here!” Someone shouted. Karen’s eyes lit up, immediately cried louder: “Officer, you must decide for me ah! I was molested, they still don’t admit!” Chapter 4 Two police officers squeezed into the crowd, looked at the messy doorway and crying Karen, then looked at me and Mark. “What happened?” The younger officer frowned and asked. Karen spoke first, adding oil and vinegar to tell the story once. Officer looked at me: “Is what she said true?” “Partially true.” I tried to organize language, “I did help a homeless old man, but he is not my father. My father passed away ten years ago, death certificate temporarily not found, but we can provide other materials, can also check records at police station.” Karen screamed: “Temporarily not found? Officer, she is delaying tactic! That old rogue must be hidden in her house! I demand search!” I really didn’t expect, Karen in front of police can still be so righteous. “Officer, can your device check if my father is already dead?” Saying, I reported father’s ID number. Officer nodded. At start, I recited smoothly, state code, city code, birth date all no problem, but reached last few digits I actually couldn’t remember no matter what. Karen seeing this, immediately made noise again, “Officer you look, I didn’t say wrong right!” Older officer rubbed temples: “All stop arguing.” He pointed at Karen, “You said molested, did you make statement? Medical exam?” “I… I haven’t had time, I only thought about reasoning with them.” Karen eyes flickered a bit. Officer looked at me again, “You said father died ten years, any other evidence besides death certificate? Relatives friends, former neighbors, all can testify.” “Yes! My mother, my uncle, and dad’s former colleagues, all can prove!” I was like grabbing a life-saving straw. “Those are all your people, of course help you speak!” Karen immediately refuted. Officer obviously saw this kind of wrangling scene a lot, he looked at the hallway blocked water-tight, said: “Here is not place to solve problem, you few, all follow us to precinct to make statement.” He looked at Karen, “As for you, if you insist on being infringed, need to formally report case, then go hospital for injury check.” “What about them? What if they run?” Karen relentless. “Can’t run.” Officer looked at me, “Ms. Daphne, since you said can provide proof, then please find death certificate or other strong evidence ASAP. Also, regarding that homeless old man, your community should have surveillance right?” Surveillance! I fiercely looked up. If really an old man molested Karen, and ran into my house, surveillance must capture it! Karen’s face changed for the first time, although recovered quickly, but that moment of panic didn’t escape my eyes. “As everyone knows, surveillance in stairwell broke long ago, you hurry let Daphne pay, don’t waste time anymore.” Karen wasn’t wrong, this community’s surveillance indeed always malfunctioned, when moved in heard neighbors introduce, most surveillance old and disrepair, especially those in hallway. Young officer said: “Broken can check previous, always leave some traces. Let’s go, all go to precinct, gathering here influence not good.” “No!” Karen suddenly got excited, “Go to precinct, they definitely find connections to suppress it! Are you seeing they have money, so want to shield them? I want solve here! Solve in front of all neighbors!” She shouted this, a few unknowing neighbors started to help again. “Exactly, having money amazing ah!” “Police need handle fairly!” Older officer’s face sank: “You are interfering with law enforcement, either follow procedure, or you mediate yourselves, but smashing other’s property already suspected illegal.” He pointed at the mess inside my house. Flesh-faced man shrank neck. Situation deadlocked for a moment. Just then, a burst of hurried footsteps came from stairs. Mrs. Lewis from HOA panted squeezing into crowd, followed by two building staff.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390119”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

On New Year’s Eve, I traveled three thousand miles back from a remote outpost, only to hear a girl at the station shouting my boyfriend’s name into her phone. “Jax, I’m off the train! Where are you?” A female voice came from behind, carrying the specific coquettishness of someone in love. My steps paused, subconsciously looking back. “I know, I know, your unit is busy… But I’m here, you can’t let me spend the holiday alone, right?” Her tone of acting spoiled sounded inexplicably familiar. Three years ago, I said the same words to Jackson Hayes. At that time he just transferred to Fort Bragg, and I was still in Walter Reed Medical School, every meeting required crossing half the country. I shook my head, secretly laughing at my sensitivity. World is so big, thousands of people called “Jax”. But next second, her voice suddenly clear: “Captain Jackson Hayes, if you don’t come out to pick me up, I’m going to hang a banner at your unit’s gate!” Jackson Hayes. My boyfriend is also named Jackson Hayes, same rank. … Ghost driven, I took out my phone, sent message to Jackson. [Jax, can you take leave tonight? I arrived in the city.] He didn’t reply. Girl beside me took her friend to checkout counter, she shook her phone: “Look, only five minutes, asking where I am again.” While laughing, she reached hand to family planning shelf, grabbed several boxes casually. Friend winked: “Playing so wild?” “Lyla, you and Jackson are very loving huh, so those complaints just now were showing off to me?” Girl frivolously said: “If I don’t satisfy him well, leave him to other old women?” Other customers in convenience store looked sideways, someone snickered. Girl didn’t care at all, twisted body walked out with friend. I finished checkout, followed behind them. December winter cold, this girl named Lyla wore a crop top inside coat, bare forearms exceptionally dazzling in cold wind. She looked only early twenties, face full of bright publicity. Completely different from me, always calm and introverted. Walked to roadside, Lyla’s friend took a taxi left. She hummed song continued walking forward, every intersection, our direction consistent. Hearing song she hummed clear, my steps unconsciously slowed. That was song Jackson sang at unit gala, he said that was song only for me. Lyla picked up phone dialed: “Jax, I’m almost there, wait me at gate okay.” That end don’t know said what, she seemed angry yet happy: “I wear a lot, not cold at all, if not believe you check yourself.” “You can put hand inside my coat, my top, and my…” I looked down at phone. No reply. Cold wind drilled into cuff, I shivered. Fingertip stopped on screen, I pressed call button. Mechanical female voice coldly replied: “The number you dialed cannot be connected for now.” I understood. When he executes mission, phones are uniformly kept. Must be like this. “Jax!” Lyla suddenly trotted few steps forward, pounced into a man’s arms. I slightly raised umbrella, looked forward. Just one glance, I was nailed dead on spot. Man wore civilian clothes, helplessly hugged Lyla tight, other hand rubbed her hair. “You ah.” He has a face carved into my marrow. Seven years old, we grew up in officer’s housing together, he stuffed his medal model to me: “Sarah, later my medals all give you.” Fifteen years old, he awkwardly let me throw away love letters from other boys: “Those people not good as me.” Nineteen years old, night before he enlisted, stood downstairs my house till dawn, said must wait him. Twenty-three years old, he selected into Special Forces, no news for three months mission at border, came back lost twenty pounds, first thing was find me at hospital. Last month, he stuffed savings card saved five years to me. “Sarah, wait my promotion this time down, we file marriage report.” Full twenty-one years, childhood sweethearts, we like two poplars growing side by side. But this second. Everything turned to ash. Chapter 2 Rain fell on umbrella surface, tick tock. Until they embraced turned walked towards base side gate, I just recovered from numbness. Phone lit up. Is Jackson. [In training, phone just distributed. What’s up?] Unexpected rainstorm, let my shoes water in. Wet cold touch spread from feet, my legs seemed filled with cement, stiff on spot unable move. I gathered army green coat, that was he gave me, same color as his training uniform. Shaking hand, dialed call again. Connected, but hung up. Jackson sent new message: [Leader beside, not convenient answer. Type if matter.] I bit lip, typed word by word. [In training, or accompanying other woman?] Just about send, brake sound rang behind. “Careful!” I no time react, brought down by an out of control bicycle. Sky spin earth turn, I fell sideways on wet slippery ground. Sharp wet cold spread along clothes, pain slow a beat climbed from knee to heart. Little soldier riding bike busy support me: “Comrade, are you okay?” I saw him wearing uniform, young face full panic, waved hand said: “Fine, you go.” Phone screen smashed, question I wanted send, no follow up. Found a hostel nearby, I took a hot bath. Went downstairs bought new phone, inserted card. Jackson sent new message: [Night training tonight, no video call, chat tomorrow, be good.] I blinked dry eyes, sat on bed edge blankly. I really don’t understand. Why? Why Jackson would cheat? And that girl, does she know she is third party? I opened social software. Although didn’t know specific spelling of her name, I still found her in Jackson’s following list. Her avatar photo, taken in Jackson’s dorm. Military quilt behind, was tofu block I taught him fold. He hugged me then said: “Sarah folded quilt is standard, I have to offer it daily.” Lyla is a travel blogger, fans not few. I scrolled down. Posts related to Jackson, earliest appeared in June. Lyla held man’s arm, background is hiking trail near base. Caption: [First date with brother, so happy!] That trail, was place we would go walk every time I came see him. Clearly he promised: “Sarah, this road I only walk with you, so every step memory is you.” July, Lyla and Jackson went seaside together. Exactly my birthday that day, Jackson said field training, post was accompanying Lyla “first diving”. I cold all over. Jackson didn’t show full face in any photo, but I recognized scar on his wrist, that was cut by glass blocking for me. Opened DM, I sent message to Lyla. [Hello, do you know Jackson has girlfriend? Did he lie to you he is single?] Less than half hour, Lyla posted new update. Dress in picture neckline opened very low, showing collarbone. [Tonight’s battle robe, spoiled to someone, he super loves.] I clenched teeth, cold trembling. Just last month, I went base visit, Jackson gently pushed away my hug. He frowned: “Sarah, you have hospital disinfectant smell on body.” Lyla replied DM. [Dr. Sarah, I know you.] [Feelings matter each rely ability, winner is king.] [But looking now, seems you lost ne.] Chapter 3 I sarcastically pulled mouth corner. Night before Jackson enlisted, he asked me to training ground behind housing. Under moonlight, he wore brand new uniform, saluted to me. “Comrade Sarah, I Jackson Hayes promise you, no matter walk where, you forever my rear.” His eyes bright scary: “Sarah, wait I come back, we file marriage report.” Long distance relationship few years, many people not optimistic about us, we didn’t scatter. When he executed dangerous mission, I dare not ask dare not guess, could only watch news daily. From private to lieutenant, then to Special Forces Captain. He said: “Wait you finish further study from Medical University, can apply transfer to our base hospital.” Just short few months. Happiness one kick away. But today, he let a strange girl sentence me lose. Lyla sent another DM. Is a secretly recorded video. Jackson wore civilian clothes, eyes blurred in bar. Lyla frivolously laughing: “Jax, what kind person is your girlfriend?” Bar music loud, but didn’t cover his reply. “Don’t mention her, same every day.” “Boring very.” He looked at lens, eyes my familiar gentleness: “Play something fresh today?” Lens shook, rang ambiguous kissing sound. Phone screen extinguished, reflecting my pale face. Rushed to toilet retched few times, I opened phone booked train ticket home. Packing luggage, right lower abdomen pain wave after wave, my forehead full sweat beads. Guessed maybe acute appendicitis, I directly took taxi to base general hospital. Flu high season, emergency crowded. I squatted outside clinic, pain couldn’t stand. 3 AM, finally got ultrasound report. Doctor asked me: “Acute appendicitis, need surgery. Where your family?” Coincidentally, Jackson phone called this time. I hung up. He persistent call again. In quiet clinic, phone unique ringtone impossible ignore. I picked up, was his anxious to lost composure tone. “I have a friend ankle sprained, how emergency handle?” That end came Lyla low sobbing. Last trace warmth scattered, I cold voice said: “Handle however you want.” “Sarah! You are military doctor, you listen yourself what you saying?!” Jackson roar came. I curled into a ball, exhausted suppress pain. Remembered he said: “My first aid knowledge all you taught, this life only use for you one person.” Jackson still saying: “She pain cried, you quick tell me how handle.” Eye sockets sour pain, I raised head, poured hot liquid back. Opposite military doctor took out surgery consent form: “Comrade, if family not come, you sign yourself also fine.” Jackson silent few seconds. “You… in hospital?” Not wait me answer, he certain said: “Is night shift right?” “Since you not resting, then answer me difficult ma? You playing what small temper?!” Tears finally smashed down, I gently smiled. “You said right.” “I just playing small temper.” “Jackson Hayes, me and you, end here.” Chapter 4 Phone was hung up by Jackson first. He sneered: “Not say then not say, not like must be you.” Broken tone in receiver and rain drop sound outside window interweaved, made people causeless feel cold. I put down phone, apologetic smile to doctor. “Sorry, let you see joke.” My voice hoarse: “My family can’t come, sign myself fine.” Open eyes again, I lay lonely in ward. Wound faintly aching. Phone added few messages. From hospital leader and parents. After reporting surgery situation to leader, I asked two more days leave. Only facing parents, I inevitably guilty. Mom tone very urgent: “Didn’t say come back today?” “Happened what accident?” Adult collapse, is even heart dead like ash also maintain normal. Deep breath, I relaxed said: “Base general hospital has expert lecture, I just right stay learn two days.” I explained again and again, Mom half believing hung up phone. Enduring pain sleep less than one hour. Jackson pushed open ward door. He put a bunch flowers aside, raised hand touch my face. “Sarah, how you last night…” His fingers have alcohol mixed floral perfume smell. Same perfume smell. I smelled on Lyla yesterday. I turned head, avoided. He lowered eyes, withdrew hand. “I didn’t know you came see me. Today couldn’t contact you, asked your hospital then knew you here.” He looked at back of my head, tone helpless. “Must you be like this?” He took out a medal box, stuffed into my hand. “Make up your New Year gift, don’t angry, hmm?” My palm a piece ice cold. Just five minutes before I entered operating room, Lyla posted update. Her side piled full gifts. She opened one by one, luxury bag, new phone, couple vacation package… Only this custom medal, she dissatisfied muttered: “This has what good looking, I want real one.” Person filming laughed dotingly: “Fine, you don’t fancy I take give comrade okay right?” I extended hand out bed edge, let medal box fall ground. Throat dry. “Jackson, let’s break up.” “Break up?” He unbelievable shook head. Light sneer: “Marriage report I submitted, you break up with me now?” “Sarah, you not child anymore, don’t be so unreasonable.” While speaking, phone in his pocket always vibrating. He took out, lowered head reply. Ward too quiet, let me one glance see clear gentleness and patience between his brows. I repeat: “Break up, withdraw report.” His face completely sank. “Don’t joke, this not funny at all.” I supported body sit up, gave flowers on cabinet to him. “Flowers also take away.” Maybe bought temporarily at hospital gate, inside even clamped two tulips I allergic to. Jackson stood unmoving, bottom eyes had impatience. I carefully looked him once. Face once printed on heart tip, how became different? “Stop fussing.” His voice ice cold. I light pulled lip corner: “Jackson, I saw Lyla.” “Not break up, let her be mistress whole life?” He froze. Chapter 5 Unsteady flower bunch fell ground, all dirty. “What Lyla?” Jackson stared tight at me, epaulets reflected cold hard light under ward lamp. “Who talked nonsense to you?” “Sarah, we together so many years, you have no trust in me at all?” I didn’t speak. Eye rims uncontrolled red. How could I not trust him? That person who set military insurance card password as my birthday, every time before mission wrote “will” give me keep, said “If I can’t come back, you live well”. That person who during border mission, took advantage short communication time only said “Sarah, I hear your breathing sound then solid”. How unknowingly walked apart? I how hope all this is fake. But position stabbed through deep in heart, reminds me must keep sober. He shared his medal to someone else half. So never can piece together complete loyalty. I took out phone, opened DM chat record with Lyla. “Jackson, don’t lie me anymore.” “You know, soldier most value discipline, feelings also.” He stared phone screen. Like nailed on spot, whole body stiff. That training uniform often worn, this moment lined him exceptionally embarrassed. I pretended relaxed: “Just like this.” “My family side I will explain, unit side… you fight report explain yourself.” “Things you gave before I will organize return you, I gave then all don’t want.” I turned head: “Seems also nothing much.” Once thought inseparable love, turns out really arrived cutting day, also just so. Twenty-one years side by side, turns out also just so. No wonder, he can say betrayal then betrayal. “I…” Jackson looked up at me, eyes full bloodshot, before I would heartache, now only feel ironic. He muttered: “I not… I didn’t want break up.” “I just…” I interrupted him: “Don’t explain to me.” “Jackson, don’t explain those details you violated discipline, I am military doctor, also soldier, I understand regulations.” About Lyla various things. All too disgusting. Those details like bullets, repeatedly fired in my mind. Beat once trust and vow into thousand holes, still remind me: Person you loved, unworthy this uniform. “Is me violated discipline.” “Sarah, but I didn’t really want how with her. Just… just pressure too big, moment confused.” Jackson voice hoarse bad: “This matter indeed me didn’t hold, is me shouldn’t.” “But we together so long.” “Sarah, you think, you really bear just don’t want me?” I closed eyes, swallowed blood taste in mouth. “Jackson, don’t apologize, don’t make me victim.” A apology, can’t make up my loss. Instead, make me look more like a betrayed fool. I don’t care his heart journey, don’t want hear his quibble and true fake unknown repentance. I want, is clean crisp cut off. “Sarah! I committed mistake, but did I kill or arson?” “I committed what monstrous crime, let you even look me once unwilling?!” Jackson suddenly excited, tightly grabbed my shoulder. Those hands, once ground blood blisters on training ground, once carried wounded in disaster relief, this moment make me sick. “I later won’t like this okay? I immediately clear with Lyla, later never see her okay?” “You look me, I loved you so many years, how can you be so cruel?!” His hand unconsciously trembling. “You can’t just judge me out, I just wandered mind, not not love you anymore.” He used face stick me, want call back those intimate memories once. But I smelled that perfume again. Turned head, I couldn’t help retched twice. He unbelievable red eye rims, voice trembling: “Sarah, you can’t treat me like this.” Didn’t get my response, he raised volume. “I just committed a mistake, why you just refuse loose mouth?!” “So many people commit mistakes, could it be you have no moment wander mind?” “Who lived used to unchanging life, all want try other, I just…” “I didn’t.” Tears finally couldn’t hold, fell from my eyes. “Jackson Hayes, I didn’t.” In blurred tears, I can’t see his face clear. Once I thought stable military love, turns out is “unchanging” he tired of. “I don’t want anymore, you go!” Finally couldn’t help collapse, I sternly scolded: “You roll! Don’t come disgust me! Don’t stain this uniform!” Those beautiful memories, I don’t want. Future he promised, I don’t want. Past and tomorrow related to him, I all don’t want.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390118”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Overnight, the family business went bankrupt, and mom and dad were both paralyzed in a car accident. I gave up my studies, used my tender shoulders to carry the heavy burden, and also carried their hope of survival. In three years. I sold plasma, worked as a human punching bag in underground fight clubs, and signed long-term clinical drug trial agreements. Working three high-risk manual jobs a day, just to pay off debts and gather high nursing fees. Until I was cleaning the exterior glass of a hotel at high altitude and saw. My parents, who should have been living in a nursing home, were holding Champagne, chatting and laughing with friends. “Mr. Sterling, you and your wife have been faking paralysis for three years, almost tired Nancy to death, isn’t it time to stop?” Dad snorted lightly, “Three years is too cheap for her. If she didn’t deliberately bring fresh flowers back, how could she cause Stella to get a rash. Not giving her some punishment is unreasonable.” “But Stella finally cured her pollen allergy, I plan to let Nancy go. On Stella’s birthday, we will announce our recovery to the public, and I will also restore her identity as the eldest miss of the Sterling family.” “But you recovering so fast, won’t Nancy suspect?” Mom said with incomparable confidence: “That silly girl, always looking forward to our recovery, happy too late, how would she think so much.” “Since Nancy was found back, she has been targeting Stella. This time counts as paying for her mistakes, we will compensate her double in the future.” I hung in mid-air. Sweat mixed with tears fell into my mouth, bitter and astringent. But Mom, there is no future. To get a sky-high compensation, I signed a death agreement. Chapter 1 Fifty-eighth floor high altitude. Wind blowing whirringly, slapping my face raw pain. My whole body was soaked with sweat, wind blowing made it even more biting cold. Safety belt tightly strangled my shoulder and back, I was like a puppet doll, blown swaying left and right. I laughed and laughed, vision blurred. The howling of wind covered my sobbing. Dad raised his glass and said: “Thank you friends for your cooperation these years, we have one last punishment for Nancy, hope you accompany me to act this play fully, no one intervene then.” People present froze. “Mr. Sterling, you still want to punish her?” “Yeah, after all she is your biological daughter, enough is enough. Aren’t you afraid she knows the truth and leaves you?” Dad sneered, “Precisely because she is biological, I have to change her unruly and willful temper properly.” “Relax, she won’t leave us even if beaten to death. Back then after she got lost, she crossed half of the country alone just to reunite with us, how could she bear to leave?” “But Stella is different, after all not biological, easy to have estrangement with us. We must consider her emotions, can’t let her suffer a bit of grievance.” Turns out my three years of painstaking effort. Was simply a thorough joke. My future, my dignity, even my life. Worthless in front of her grievance. Heart was fiercely gouged out a piece, even breathing carried dense pain. Just then, a call came in. “Miss Nancy, ten days later the institution will conduct Live Cryopreservation Experiment on you, these days you say goodbyes to family properly.” I wiped a handful of tears and said: “Nothing good to say goodbye.” Ten days later, is Stella’s birthday, also my birthday. When Stella was adopted home. Parents changed her birthday to the same day as mine. Just now I was still racking my brains thinking. How to open mouth, let them calmly accept this fact: My birthday, is also death day. Now seems unnecessary. “Okay then, according to our agreement, after you are frozen, $10 Million funds will be transferred to the nursing home’s account.” “Institution will send special person to manage account, ensure every penny used on your parents.” “Wait, here I want to add one more clause.” Chapter 2 I thought for a moment. “If my parents recover, use this money on people in need, please strictly check.” Mechanical female voice paused, “Okay, I will add this to supplementary agreement…” Although I was on the phone, my eyes stayed on parents. They wore Haute Couture. Navigating through the crowd with ease, smiling so brilliantly. But pierced me like ten thousand arrows through heart. After a long time, I stiffly climbed back to the top floor. In the lobby, Manager Wang handed me a few cash bills. “This is six hundred, half an hour job, actually dragged for two hours, I only pay you half an hour money.” If before. I would definitely argue strongly for deducted wages. After all money I earned with life, wished to break into two halves to spend. But now I numbly took it, didn’t utter a sound. I carried rope, walked out of hotel lost soul. Rip, a sharp sound rushed straight to eardrum. “You shameless thing, walk without eyes? This is custom made by my mom abroad, cost a million!” I then found hook at rope end, hooked on Stella’s dress full of diamonds. Sparkling dress stung my eyes sour and swollen. Every diamond on it, more expensive than me cleaning glass for an hour. Good thing I was dusty faced, wrapped tightly. Stella didn’t recognize me, parents coming to pick her also didn’t recognize me. Mom roughly pushed me away, hugged Stella, “Let me see, not hurt right?” “Mom, look he hooked my dress broken, want him compensate my dress.” Mom looked at me contemptuously, “Just his poor look, bankrupt also can’t afford your dress.” Dad coldly opened mouth, “Actually made my daughter cry, not hurry kneel down kowtow apologize to my daughter.” I lowered head stiff on spot. Trying hard to hold back tears about to burst from eyes. Manager Wang hurried over saw I caused trouble. Kicked my knee hollow, “Are you blind? Not hurry apologize.” I ate pain, plopped kneeling on ground. He pressed my head, knocked on marble floor thump thump dozen times. Fawningly said: “Mr. Sterling, you see this okay?” Roaring sound exploded in ears. My head buzzed dizzy. Dizzier than being crit hit few punches when sparring in fight club. Dad saw blood on my forehead, disgusted said: “Alright, don’t scare my daughter.” Mom softly coaxed Stella, “Good daughter don’t angry, mom custom make another one for you, next time see this kind person stay far away.” They hugged Stella walked past me, didn’t even spare half peripheral vision to me. Manager Wang viciously said: “Only Mr. Sterling generous, otherwise what you use to compensate?” I stood up gritting teeth, used sleeve wipe blood on forehead, “Big deal pay with life!” Finished ignored his astonished expression, stumbled left hotel. Night. I went to nursing home take care parents as usual. To save night shift nursing fee. I always personally serve them. Even nurse sister in nursing home praised me, actually learned full set nursing for them. Pushed open parents’ room, a disgusting smell came to face. Mom tears hitting bed board, face full shame said: “I really useless! Completely can’t control bowel movement, better let me die.” Dad trembling hand wiped a tear, “Nancy, is us dragged you down, you go, don’t care us.” They acted paralyzed patients’ collapse and helplessness vividly. Instead foiled me living like a clown. I silently walked over, wiped and changed for Mom. In three years this kind of thing, I did countless times. Skilled like an emotionless machine. Mom always loved beauty, before pretending paralysis she was famous temperament beauty in circle. Didn’t expect to punish me, actually made herself into this dirty look. Heart like torn a big hole, constantly pouring cold wind. I really want ask her, “Worth it?” Chapter 3 I took changed sheets and quilt cover to hand wash. Nurse sister looked at me sympathetically, “Nancy, your mom pooped on bed again?” I nodded. Before I couldn’t read sympathy in her eyes, now understood all. Whole nursing home, only me kept in dark like a fool, really ironic enough. I expressionless scrubbed sheets. Biting chill transmitted from fingertips to heart. Until skin on hands all scrubbed rotten. Looking at these hands with thick joints, full of scars. I couldn’t help dropping two lines of tears. Originally these hands were to paint my beautiful future on canvas. Pity now can’t even hold paintbrush. Half hour later, I returned to room. Mom looked at me carefully, “Sorry, Nancy, added trouble to you again.” She carefully examined expression on my face, suddenly nervously asked: “What happened to your forehead? Why pasted with band-aid?” Dad also anxiously said: “Quick let me see, you wouldn’t be bullied right?” Unscrupulously punishing me are parents. Red eyes heartaching me also parents. Parents’ love exactly true or fake. If true, why I can’t feel a trace warmth. I bitter smiled, “Nothing serious, I accidentally damaged a socialite’s clothes, her parents let me knock head broken then let me go.” “Lucky just let me kowtow, if really let me pay, I can only pay her with life.” Parents looked at each other, face became unnatural. This night, I slept on folding bed, heavy hearted like parents. Next day, I got up with dark circles. Helped them wash, massage, eat breakfast. Mom tentatively asked: “Nancy, do you have something on mind?” I pulled a trace smile on mouth corner, “My biggest mind matter is you guys healthy.” “Even use my this life to exchange, I also willing.” Mom stunned, panic in eyes, “Talk nonsense, our family all want be good.” Dad blurted out, “Right, wait we recover, will also become richest, that time you are Sterling family heir.” But Mom Dad. I don’t even want you guys anymore, want what heir. This position let give to Stella. From now on, your family of three love each other. “Nancy, tell you good news.” Dr. Lewis walked in excitedly said: “Foreign country developed a new drug, only need a week can let your parents stand up again.” Parents wept with joy, “Really?” I also instantly entered play, “Dr. Lewis, can recover to what state?” “No difference from normal person, but can’t overwork later.” “That really great!” But I difficultly said: “But, is… isn’t it cost lot money, I don’t have that much money now.” “Fee you don’t worry, our nursing home will fully responsible your parents treatment fee, today I send people take them abroad.” I immediately bowed deeply to Dr. Lewis, “Too thank you Director.” Since everyone acting. Then why not I accompany them do this play full. Just don’t know when they acting in front of me, will conscience hurt. Subsequently, I happily carried bag go work. Parents seeing me believed true, lifted heart finally put down. Dr. Lewis wiped sweat, “I still afraid Nancy question, prepared a pile speech, result she didn’t even ask.” Dad long exhaled, “I also worried, didn’t expect so smooth.” But Mom watching my distant back. Thin like anytime blown down by wind. Heart actually had a trace bear not. “No one hopes we recover more than Nancy, these years indeed bittered her, did we do too much?” “If not sharpen her temper like this, can she change back? You didn’t look those years she just came back, did how much evil.” “I always feel heart not steady, last punishment cancel ba.” “No, promised Stella matter must do, this matter you don’t care, I have own measure.” Chapter 4 Out of nursing home. I wandered aimlessly. Actually unknowingly walked near our previously sold villa. I saw from far, garden flowers blooming bright. Stella holding coffee, leisurely sitting on lounge chair playing games. At this time, parents’ luxury car drove into gate. Stella an arrow step rushed up. “Mom Dad, you finally back, today I let Nanny Zhang made steak air transported from New Zealand, let’s go taste together.” “Just drink the red wine I brought from France few days ago, how about it?” Mom looked at her with smile, “All listen to you, lucky have you, arrange us clearly every day.” Sourness in eyes surged down, stop couldn’t stop. When I ate steamed bun with pickles, they ate big meal in villa. When I sweat back earning hard money, they gathered in villa. … Reality just caught off guard fiercely gave me a slap like this. Hit me eyes seeing stars. I thought Stella ungrateful ran early. Result she under parents’ wings, raised like flower delicate. Dad took out a card handed to Stella. “Money in this card, all earned by your sister, count her compensation to you, treat as your pocket money this month.” If remember correctly. These three years, I totally earned more than five million. Thousand plus days and nights, I paid hardship ordinary people can’t imagine for this. Reluctant wear, reluctant eat, money saved penny by penny. Just like this treated as pocket money by Dad, turned hand gave to Stella. I dead bit lip, mouth full blood smell. This is kin I missed day and night, found back from far away. Originally wanted feel warmth of kinship on them, didn’t expect encountering three feet cold ice. I don’t know how I left. Until passerby reminded my phone ringing always. I then recovered, picked up phone. “Nancy, why not answer phone? Not coming this morning?” “Boss Li, later I not go fight club.” Boss Li obviously surprised, “Aren’t you very short money? Did you find more earning job?” I silenced. Really no way explain our family’s absurd matter to Boss Li. “Nancy, no matter say what, you have to come help me today, that guest came again, designated want you accompany him practice boxing.” “You also know, these years business not good do, look at sake I always took care you, come save scene quick.” Boss Li indeed helped me lot, every time assigned most earning job to me. I hesitated again and again then agreed. Arrived fight club, Boss Li let me change protective suit, also repeatedly instructed me. “Nancy, that guest still old rule, let you wear headgear, let him blind hit, you halfway can’t take off headgear.” Weird guests in fight club seen many, I also not surprised. That mysterious guest, I never knew who he is. Although he hit ruthless, but can give me three times price, this is enough. I actively wore black headgear. On boxing ring, relied on sound dodge left right. But guest this time seemed hit more excited, opened full fire on me. I dodge not in time, hit by his punch on lower abdomen. A muffled hum haven’t had time emit. Followed second punch hit my stomach again, sour water in stomach fiercely surged up. I hurt bent waist. His fists densely smashed on my head, thump thump sounding. My eyes black, hands feet soft, no power to parry. Can only let his fists fall on body. Such scene happens every day, I already beaten used to. Look at money sake, I always raw endured. This time is last time, just treat I paid back Boss Li favor. I don’t know how many punches I took. Only know pain, pain to numb, pain to even no strength moan. Coaxing laughter and whistles under stage endless. Last punch he hit on my temple. I finally couldn’t hold, head plunged ground. Just last moment my consciousness dissipated. Guest leaned close my ear said: “Sister, thank you for sparring, these three years I hit very happy.” “You still don’t know right, today this match is private booking Mom Dad specially arranged for me, they just sit under stage, watching helpless you beaten by me…” Blood water mixed sweat flowed into wound, pain like needle prick. But pain again compare not heartache. I finally understood. Dad’s last punishment is what. People present today, afraid all friends he invited to act. That string tight in brain thoroughly broke. Next moment, I fell into endless black hole, deeply fell in. Mom clenched fists tight, always staring me on stage. I fell on ground, she instantly panicked, “Nancy won’t have matter right?” Dad patted her hand. “Relax, Stella that little girl first time boxing, looks ruthless, actually hand no much strength.” “Let her vent anger, also counts last punishment to Nancy.” “Moreover Boss Li said Nancy as sparring partner very good at pretending, won’t have matter.” I woke up in hospital. Doctor said I broke three ribs. I sadly looked at ceiling, let tears wet temples. At this time, Dad’s text came. [Nancy, we about to board plane, you just wait a healthy Mom Dad back.] I input several times then deleted, finally replied nothing. Stayed in hospital few days, I arrived signing institution according agreed time. Just moment cryo chamber about to close. I received Dad message: [Nancy, we finally recovered, now immediately back country. You come airport pick Mom Dad.] I contemplated long time, tearfully typed a paragraph. [Mom Dad, afraid can’t do, I going. Now I return you to Stella, wish your family of three happy perfect.] Cold cabin door slowly closed. I fell into endless black hole again. Outside one after another urgent phone ringtone rang. Pity never get answer again…

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390117”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

28-year-old Lucas Sterling circled me in his arms, coaxing in a low voice. “Scarlett, give me a child, okay?” 35-year-old Lucas Sterling, when I was hanging by a thread, was caught by paparazzi hooking up with his little secretary in the hospital’s underground garage. Afterwards, Lucas was silent for a long time, lit a cigarette, his voice faint amidst the smoke. “Scarlett, don’t go trouble her, she’s young, doesn’t know better.” “I’ll compensate you.” I looked at the miscarriage report on my phone, numbly curved my lips. “No need, Lucas.” “Let’s… divorce.” Lucas’s hand holding the cigarette paused. “Scarlett, you’re not a child anymore.” “Consider the consequences before doing anything.” Consequences? I’ve considered them very clearly. Chapter 1 I put the divorce papers on the table, didn’t want to say anything more to Lucas, turned to leave. Lucas stubbed out the cigarette, reached out to pull me. “Scarlett, just a child.” “If you want, we can have another one later.” “Don’t bring up divorce at every turn.” My nose soured, blinked, trying not to let tears fall. “Lucas, he was eight months old, already formed!” Lucas sighed helplessly. “Unborn is just an embryo, can you not be so emotional?” I suppressed the surging emotions in my heart. “So did you think the same when you cheated with Summer? Lucas.” He gripped my wrist tightly, lowering his eyebrows. “Which man doesn’t do this?” “Cheating once, it counts as nothing, I promise you, Summer won’t appear in front of you again.” “Scarlett, we don’t need to go to the step of divorce.” Looking at Lucas’s self-righteous face, I closed my eyes, bitterness lingering in my heart. Cheating once? Lucas thought he hid it well. Actually I knew long ago. That time Lucas lied to me about a business trip, actually accompanied Summer to Malaysia to see the Kota Kinabalu sunset she always longed for. The young girl was bright and reckless, directly sent photos to provoke. She said. “Miss Scarlett, the sunset is beautiful, just Mr. Sterling is a bit fierce.” In that photo, Lucas kissed her wantonly under the warm sunset, the afterglow favored them. I was in so much pain I couldn’t breathe. I called Lucas, the phone was picked up quickly. His voice was hoarse, with lust. “What’s wrong, Scarlett.” I tried to make my voice sound normal. “What are you doing?” Lucas suppressed a groan, followed by very fast, very small sticky water sounds. My hand holding the phone trembled non-stop. I begged Lucas in my heart to tell me Summer was lying. “Exercising.” “Be good, I’m busy first, call you when done.” The phone was hung up abruptly. My heart completely cold, Lucas used action to tell me, he really cheated with Summer. I started unable to breathe, hands twisted together, numb all over. I was rushed to the hospital. In the hospital, the doctor told me I was pregnant. I pinched the pregnancy test sheet and cried for a long time. Later Lucas came back, I didn’t even have the courage to question him. Tears slid from the corner of my eyes. Lucas wiped my tears with his thumb. “Scarlett, just turn a blind eye, okay?” I was so angry my voice trembled. “Except divorce, there is no second possibility between us!” Lucas’s chest heaved constantly, he took a few deep breaths, suppressing emotions. “I won’t divorce you, Scarlett.” “You better kill this heart too.” “Calm down yourself.” Lucas threw the divorce papers into the trash can, slammed the study door loudly. Chapter 2 Snow fell heavily on the road. Lucas’s words lingered in my mind. He said “That’s just an embryo.” He said “Scarlett, don’t you have any fault?” Waves of pain came from my lower abdomen, tears smashed on the steering wheel. Couldn’t tell if sadness was more, or hate was more. Once, I was also the person Lucas protected on the tip of his heart. Lucas because of my sentence missing him. Would put down work at hand, cross half the country, knock on my door with my favorite flowers at dawn. In the second year with Lucas, I had a serious illness. Lucas, the young master who never believed in ghosts and gods, knelt 999 steps, knees knelt bloody, just to pray for my safety. Lucas to me, big to gold and silver jewelry, small to bit by bit companionship. Really spoiled me to the bone. The year I just married Lucas, wives in the circle bullied me for being young, scolded me behind my back as a market citizen from a small family, not presentable. I wasn’t willing to attend any important occasions with Lucas anymore. Later, Lucas knew the reason. He retaliated against those who chewed tongues behind backs. Lucas who always hid emotions, specially held a press conference to support me. Since then, no one dared to disrespect me openly. People in the circle envied me marrying someone who loved me so much like Lucas. I was also very lucky. Until later, Summer appeared. She was his university junior. Just sophomore. At first, Lucas just mentioned her more and more times. I asked him jealously. Do you like Summer. Lucas would kiss me. “Darling, why so jealous?” “She’s a little girl, temper is bad, how could I like her?” Perhaps at that time, Lucas’s heart had gradually tilted towards Summer. Just he didn’t know himself. We quarreled more and more because of Summer. Feelings were consumed completely in quarrels one after another. Lucas no longer hugged me gently, replaced by helplessness. “Scarlett, she’s a child, what do you calculate with her?” “I’m very tired, can you be mature?” Later, it was Summer’s blatant probing time and again. Person who loved me so much once, now indulged another person he loved to hurt me at will. Chapter 3 I returned to the villa, in the nursery prepared in advance, the small crib swayed with a gentle push. I looked for a long time, emotions burst. What’s the difference between an eight-month-old child and born? Clearly the doctor said the due date is next month. Clearly I planned everything, I read parenting books one after another at home. I bought him a Silver Rattle, even hand-made a Quilt, even the crib was polished bit by bit by designers and workers I found… I looked forward to this child’s arrival with full joy, I thought I would give him all my love, I wanted him to be happy forever. Clearly just a little bit. Just a little bit… Chapter 4 Summer came to find me because Lucas wanted to break up with her. Lucas said to her. “Summer, I will give you a sum of money, then you leave the city, don’t come back.” Summer unwilling. She cried asking Lucas if he ever loved her. Lucas kissed away her tears. “Summer, if I met you first, I would love you, just I already have Scarlett.” “Summer, don’t cry, I heartache.” After that Lucas never saw her again. Summer was forced anxious, don’t know how she found me. She came in pointing at my belly. “You think having a child can trap Mr. Sterling?!” “I tell you! You dream!” “The person Mr. Sterling loves is me! Is me!” I protected my belly backing up, wanted her to calm down. But Summer dazzled by anger couldn’t calm down. I called the nanny, wanted nanny to send Summer away. Summer pushed nanny to the ground, pounced on me. “Scarlett! Why don’t you go die?!” “You die, Mr. Sterling is mine alone!” I had no time to dodge, pushed to the ground by Summer, belly heavily hit the table corner. I sweated cold from pain. Summer like crazy, high heels kicked my belly fiercely one after another. She cursed asking me to die. I felt warm blood flowing to my thigh, panic occupied my heart, nanny climbed up pushed Summer away, called police for me, and called 911. Consciousness groggy, I dreamed a child waving at me. I couldn’t catch him no matter what. When I woke up, doctor looked at me hesitating to speak. I opened mouth, holding last trace of hope. “Doctor, my child…” Doctor sighed. “Sorry, Miss Scarlett, child didn’t keep.” Expected thing. Just hearing with own ears, I still couldn’t help emotional breakdown. Tears soaked pillow. Doctor advised me to restrain grief. Next day, TMZ exposed, Lucas and Summer hooking up in hospital underground garage. Chapter 5 I was like self-abuse, playing their video over and over again. Watching Lucas full of love, smilingly scooping her into arms. Watching Summer wearing silk nightdress, straddling him, few provocations, Lucas breath disordered. Urgent kiss, surging like waves. The Lucas I knew was restrained and gentle. Even if I once deliberately created romance wearing revealing dress, he would calmly evaluate, say this didn’t suit me. Heart seemed hollowed out a blood hole, throat gushed blood, even breathing was pain. I remembered our first night, I was nervous and afraid, movements clumsy. Lucas was not impatient, he coaxed me gently, voice steady like comforting a child. No lust fire, no loss of control, I thought it was his cherishing. But now looking, it was he didn’t want to invest passion, it was me to him, lacking fundamental attraction. Scenes of past, tearing whole body. I clearly realized, turns out Lucas never loved me. Doorbell rang non-stop. Just opened door. A slap already landed on my face. “Where is Lucas?!” Summer asked me angrily. Don’t know would think she came to catch adultery. I sneered. “How do I know?” Summer extremely angry, pushed me away walked into villa. “Lucas!” She shouted while searching. I let her roll out. Summer disregarded, until she pushed open that nursery door. Summer stunned, then held belly laughing loud. “Scarlett, look if you like a clown?” “Jumping clown!” “Hahahaha.” Summer laughed tremblingly, finished laughing, arms crossed leaning against wall looking at me. “Scarlett, I tell you, even I got rid of your child, Mr. Sterling simply doesn’t blame me.” “Do you want to know when you lay in operating room, how we had relations?” Summer approached me a step. “I called him, he blamed me at first.” “He said if your child had accident, he would kill me.” “I was so sad, how could he treat me like this?” “I cried, I cried crawling on his lap, I said, you kill me!” “I teased him while crying, you say is he too love me? Clearly you alive or dead uncertain, he still kissed me.” “He said, Summer, you really deserve to die!” “I pulled him sinking, did he not even sign surgery paper for you?” Summer eyes carried triumph. My whole body blood flowed backward. “Get out, Summer.” “What can you do if I don’t get out? Scarlett.” Summer twisted waist sat on sofa. “Right, forgot tell you, I’m pregnant.” “Mr. Sterling also knew that day, he even asked if he hurt me, also let me not say, avoid you can’t stand stimulation attack me.” My ears rang for a moment. “What did you say?” “I’m pregnant, Scarlett, you say is this your fate? Your child gone, my child came.” Summer poured herself a cup of tea. “I often think if God unfair, I liked Mr. Sterling at first sight, clearly I much prettier than you, you also just an orphan, even family don’t want you, you can have Mr. Sterling such perfect husband.” “Scarlett, I admit I jealous you.” “But now good, your child dropped, I pregnant, everything back to normal track.” Hate almost buried me. My child gone, Summer pregnant. No wonder… No wonder start to end Lucas protected Summer. No wonder our child killed by Summer, Lucas indifferent. Turns out, start to end, losing child only me one person. Damn! They all deserve die! Go to hell! I grabbed kitchen fruit knife want kill Summer. Knife about fall on Summer, caught by rushed over Lucas bare hand. Blood dripped down along knife edge. I tried pull out. Lucas held dead tight not let go. “Scarlett, are you crazy?!” Summer scared face pale, she fiercely pushed me to ground. “Mr. Sterling…” Lucas let go hand, knife fell ground. Summer looked at Lucas constantly bleeding hand, distressed dropping tears. She stepped my hand hard. I hurt speechless. “Scarlett, why don’t you go die!” Lucas pulled her. “Enough, Summer.” “She treated you like that…” Lucas frowned, bit impatient. “Stop noise, go hospital first.” Lucas looked me with pity and disappointment. “Scarlett, what difference you now with madwoman.” “You let me too disappointed.” Threw this sentence, Lucas took Summer leave. I watched their distant back, looked again knife on ground. “Lucas.” I softly called him. Lucas and Summer turned back same time. Next second, knife plunged into Summer belly. Summer softly fell down. Lucas reacted, subconsciously kicked me away. Lower back hit cabinet corner, hurt me vision black. Lucas ignored own hand wound. Tightly hugged Summer, trembling hand dialed 911. I laughed silently. Lucas saw me laugh, angry eye rims red. “Scarlett, if Summer and child in her belly have any matter, you spend rest life in jail!” I felt funny. When my eight months child killed by Summer, I wanted sue her. Lucas first step destroyed apartment surveillance, said to me. “Scarlett, ruin a girl bright life because an embryo, too cruel.” “Moreover you even no evidence, how you sue her?” He gently hugged me, sighed. “Scarlett, no need, we will have children later.” “I compensate you, okay?” Now for another woman, nervous to put ruthless words to me. Said want me sit jail bottom through. Tears slid down cheek. Lucas, I hate you.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390116”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The seller missed shipping a $50 cashmere sweater, so I applied for a “Refund Only”. Unexpectedly, the seller insisted I was trying to scam $50: “I hate scammers like you the most! The warehouse never makes mistakes, not a penny will be refunded, if you dare to apply for refund again I’ll expose your whole family online!” I was stunned, does the seller plan to ship only one sweater but earn double the price? A “Receive Only, No Ship” extreme seller, actually met by me? I backhanded reported the seller for false shipping, mailed a Cease and Desist Letter. Half a month later, the shop was permanently banned by the platform. The seller cried again saying he would give me ten times compensation begging for my forgiveness. Chapter 1 I paid $100 for two cashmere sweaters. But the FedEx package I received only contained one. I thought I missed picking up a package. Looking closely, I found the seller filled the same tracking number on both order logistics pages. That means the seller merged shipping. Saved himself a shipping fee. But missed sending me one sweater! What a joke operation. I quickly contacted the seller to explain the situation, applied for “Refund Only”. Unexpectedly, the seller insisted I wanted to get their clothes for free: “I hate scammers like you the most! The warehouse never makes mistakes, not a penny will be refunded, dare to apply for refund again I’ll expose your whole family online!” I was instantly confused. My finger applying for refund shook violently. There are many “Refund Only No Return” extreme buyers circulating on the internet. But a “Receive Only No Ship” extreme seller. Actually met by me? Chapter 2 I patiently sent the photo of the received sweater to the seller. “Received the package at 5 PM today, only one sweater inside.” “Your shop merged shipping, filled the same tracking number in two separate orders, but didn’t put the two clothes from two orders together to send to me. I paid $100, only received one, request refund of $50.” I expressed clearly enough. The seller still instantly rejected my $50 refund application. Next second, customer service message popped up: “Our warehouse has outbound records, freeloader, don’t think about scamming! “For freeloaders like you, we sue one accurate one, don’t blame me for not reminding you when you go to jail! Online shopping fraud is illegal!” I almost laughed in anger. Seller missed shipping items, yet so righteous? I expressed reasonable demands. But was easily labeled as a “freeloader”? Anger rushed up along my hair strands. I am a valued customer. Won’t take this crap! I told customer service again, after I opened the courier bag. There was one and only one sweater inside. Customer service immediately sent me a middle finger emoji. “Are scammers so arrogant now? Coming to boost performance on the first day of New Year? Rather than freeloading $50 here, better go work in a factory!” Seeing the message, my hands unconsciously clenched into fists. Wished I could fly in front of the customer service. Throw the sweater on his face. When I was ready to reply, the system showed customer service changed. New customer service attitude was slightly better than the previous one. “Hello dear, we need to verify the situation with the warehouse, will tell you result before 10 PM tonight.” I patiently waited for the verification result. Two hours later, I thought I could finally get a refund. Unexpectedly the notification received was still: [Your refund application was rejected by the seller. Seller note: No missed shipment.] I couldn’t hold it anymore. Staring at the thin sweater in hand fell into thought. Is the seller planning to deny till death? What new type of scam is this? Chapter 3 I didn’t plan to continue chatting with the seller. I directly contacted platform customer service. Explained the seller’s missed shipment situation. “The seller filled the same tracking number on two independent order pages, causing both orders to show as delivered. Actually I only received one sweater, requesting refund of $50.” I sent the delivery photo and order screenshot in order. Thinking refund would definitely succeed. Unexpectedly customer service actually asked me to provide an unboxing video! “If can’t provide complete unboxing video, here also can’t determine if seller missed shipment~” I really laughed in anger. Buying expensive electronics definitely record unboxing video. Who records unboxing video for a $50 sweater? I truthfully told customer service I didn’t record unboxing video. Official customer service replied me: “Then here also can’t help verify if seller has missed shipment behavior, thank you for understanding.” I stared at customer service’s words falling into thought. Since customer service asked me for unboxing video. Then I ask seller for packing shipping video. I messaged seller: “Since your warehouse verified no missed shipment, please send me a copy of packing shipping video.” After a minute, shop customer service sent a “disdain” emoji. “Our shop’s packing shipping video belongs to our internal data, not transmitted externally.” At this moment, I was very sure the seller had no packing shipping video at all. Without evidence, based on what ascertain warehouse didn’t miss shipment? Isn’t this purely deceiving consumers? Their so-called verifying missed shipment situation was just an hour interval. Found my chat box again. Sent me a sentence “No missed shipment” again without basis. Shopping online for ten years, first time met seller who missed shipment and refused refund! Chapter 4 I checked shop profile. Profile showed this is a new shop established just three months ago. All items in shop are sweaters. Style single, colors rich. Price far lower than shops selling similar items. I thought I picked affordable sweater relying on years of online shopping experience. Even collected this treasure shop at first time. Didn’t expect actually stepped into a big pit. A while later, seller customer service sent new message: “Unboxing video must start from goods outer packaging intact, we don’t recognize video filmed after opening packaging bag. “Unless you can provide real unboxing video, otherwise we won’t agree to your refund application. Smile.jpg.” I suddenly sensed something wrong. Seller seemed to guess from beginning I wouldn’t record unboxing video. So this shop deliberately used one sweater, earning double price? I won’t agree! I prepared to apply for return and refund. Page suddenly popped a new message. “If you want return and refund, send back both sweaters oh, we have special person for inspection, refund as many as sent back. “You send back one, not affecting secondary sales, we will only refund price of one. Stained with lipstick, perfume smell, our warehouse will reject all.” My finger clicking return and refund hovered in air. Meaning I not only won’t receive replacement sweater… Even return and refund, can only refund half of payment. Simply robbing my $50! Chapter 5 Matter to this point, this is not about $50 anymore. I suddenly remembered, weight of one sweater and two sweaters is different. By same logic, actual weight of courier package is also different. I quickly contacted FedEx courier. Asked weight when package sent out. Courier told me: “Package weight less than one kg, charged as one kg.” So weight shown on waybill is one kg. I checked specific weight record during transportation again. Sure enough found real weight. At previous station. Courier package weighed 1.5 lbs (0.71 kg). Shop page marked one sweater weight as 0.8-0.9 lbs. Counting weight of packaging bag and box. Exactly around 1.5 lbs. This weight data enough to prove seller only sent one sweater. I impatiently told this news to seller. Conveniently sent courier weighing screenshot to seller. Thought this farce could finally end. Unexpectedly shop customer service still coldly replied: “We verified, warehouse no missed shipment.” Customer service sent another screenshot. Picture clearly showed recent news: [Shock! Woman refunded without return 305 times in a month, sellers jointly sued, court sentenced!] Customer service also sarcastically said: “You understand right?” I laughed in anger. At this moment, she hadn’t realized yet. How painful price she would pay for this sentence. Chapter 6 I weighed the received sweater together with packaging. LCD screen showed 1.5 lbs. Consistent with weight when courier transported to last station. I sent courier weight screenshot to seller. “Courier sent out weight 1.5 lbs, I received also 1.5 lbs. One sweater about 0.8 lbs, this proves package you sent originally only had one sweater.” I thought this time seller no matter what must refund me. Matter of few minutes refund. Dragged for whole day. Really made people mentally exhausted. I planned to solve this small problem ASAP. Unexpectedly I still underestimated seller’s determination of “Receive Only No Ship”. Seller who was extremely unwilling to send packing shipping video just now. Suddenly threw out a 10-second shipping video. “This is our shipping video, video shows sent two, weight of each sweater varies, not 100% same weight. We also marked sweater weight for reference only, error exists, we sent two sweaters.” Simply too ridiculous! What error can differ by nearly a pound? I skeptically clicked open video. Date on top left showed three days ago. A pair of big hands picked up two packs of sweaters, put into package. Sealed bag, pasted tracking number, operation smooth. I zoomed in item info pasted on package. Indeed tracking number I received. Since seller sent two, I actually received one. Where did the lost one go? After sending this video, seller became more righteous: “Did you see? Our warehouse just distributed you two, you know in heart how many you received. “We provided shipping video, where is your unboxing video? Have it?” Seeing I didn’t reply, seller even cursed: “Unexpected right? We saved shipping video, otherwise really let you succeed in refund.” I watched packing shipping video three times consecutively. From video start to end. Indeed no trace of editing at all. I scratched head. Couldn’t understand no matter how. Chapter 7 I contacted courier. Other side confirmed goods not lost or damaged. Which means situation of losing one sweater halfway doesn’t exist. Seller and courier, must be one person lied. Seller uploaded this packing shipping video. Platform even straightforwardly judged seller no missed shipment. System immediately cancelled my refund application. Seller thought occupied reason, still constantly mocking me: “Warehouse no missed shipment, dear you can carefully check if there is another sweater in your home.” I pinched the only sweater falling into thought. I can buy expensive ones. But absolutely can’t accept seller selling me a $50 sweater with double price! I reported to platform customer service that authenticity of shipping video needs verification. Platform customer service sent message: “Need you provide unboxing video, otherwise we also can’t verify.” Unboxing video again. As if without unboxing video, can only admit bad luck! Customer service solemnly told me: “Here see shipping video provided by seller indeed packed two for you. “Clothes weight error is within normal range.” Clearly weight doesn’t match, just rely on a video appeared from nowhere. Seller can just not refund? I anxiously observed shipping video repeatedly. Video clear, watermark normal. Indeed can’t see a bit problem. Really want admit bad luck? After platform judged no responsibility, seller tone became more arrogant: “You not receiving is your own business, you not receiving doesn’t represent we didn’t send! “Now platform all gave result, what else you want quibble? You still want scam?” Seller sent three “rolling eyes” emojis in a row. I almost exploded in anger. I even found evidence of insufficient courier weight. In front of seller’s “packing video”, actually useless! After closing refund application page. Seller still perseveringly mocking me: “Don’t you know in heart how many received? “I tell you, I seen many like you!” Unbearable, I backhanded sent seller into blacklist. Chapter 8 I am Platinum Member of shopping platform. Recharged membership for five consecutive years. Credit score even full. This dispute judged seller no need refund. Not only lost $50. More means later I use this account again. Will be marked as “risk” user. Thinking here, my head hurt like cracking. I accessed VIP customer service line. Anxiously told other side: “I am dissatisfied with handling result of previous order dispute. Online shopping ten years, no need scam a sweater.” Platform customer service asked me again: “Was courier damaged or abnormal when received? Here can ask courier if missed.” I replied: “Package no damage trace, inside only one.” Platform customer service comforted me cool down. “Dear, here see you are our platform high quality customer, to guarantee your shopping experience, here can apply $10 no-threshold coupon for you, do you agree this handling plan?” Moment seeing message, I laughed in anger. Want use $10 coupon send me away? Don’t even think about it!

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390115”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel