While scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon a help post. [I only have 5 days left to live. How should I say goodbye to my owner so she won’t be sad?] [Should I pretend to run away and die secretly somewhere else?] The comments section was full of dog avatars. [This doggo thinks that’s a bad idea. Your owner will feel guilty forever.] [Yeah, I accidentally got lost once, and my owner looked for me for half a month. She even quit her job. What if your owner does the same?] [Sigh, if only we could talk to humans. We could just ask them how they prefer to say goodbye.] I froze. I commented: [If I were the owner, I would want to receive a ball made of my fur baby’s own fur. That way, when I miss him in the future, I can look at it, touch it, and have something to hold onto.] The original poster quickly thanked me. [That’s a great idea! But I don’t have much time left, so I can’t save up naturally shed fur. I’ll just have to pluck all the fur from my tail.] Not long after, my dog jumped onto my bed, carrying a fur ball the exact same color as him in his mouth. When I saw his bare, bald tail, I froze. 1. [OP, are you very sick? Why do you only have 5 days left?] [If you’re in pain, just whimper constantly or stop eating. Humans will notice and take you to the vet.] The original poster (OP) replied: [I’m not sick. I’m just too old. Dying of old age.] A user with a Golden Retriever avatar advised: [I still suggest you tell your owner. Let her be mentally prepared.] [You’ve lived such a long life; your owner must care about you deeply. If you die suddenly, she definitely won’t be able to accept it.] OP posted a sad emoji. [But I want Mom to cry less.] [I’m also very scared. After I die, Mom won’t be able to handle the blow and will die with me.] As soon as this was said, the comments section exploded. [Stop bragging. Your owner dying with you? I’ve lived seven or eight years and never seen a human die for a pet.] [Exactly. You think you’re so special. Just lying because humans can’t reach you here, right?] The comments got more aggressive. But the OP replied to each one with a good temper. [I’m not lying. Mom was very sick before. When she got sick, she would always hug me and say if I wasn’t here, she wouldn’t live either.] [So I exercised every day and ate lots of food just to live a few more years to accompany Mom. But I’m really too old now.] He posted a crying emoji. [I really hope Mom can live on happily.] 2. When I was reading this post, my best friend Sarah and I had just finished picking out a pet villa. Driving, Sarah said, “Lucky choosing you as his owner in this life is simply the greatest happiness a dog could have.” “A luxury pet playhouse for $2,000 a day, and you rented it without blinking. How many dogs get to live such a luxurious life?” I smiled. “Last time he saw dogs playing there on TV, he was so excited. I thought, if other dogs have it, my dog must have it too.” “Though it does hurt my wallet a bit. Two months’ salary gone.” Sarah rolled her eyes at me. “Stop pretending. Give you another chance, and you’d pay the deposit without hesitation.” The scenery outside the window blurred past. She sighed, “Time flies. In the blink of an eye, Lucky is almost 14.” I nodded in agreement. But my gaze was drawn back to the post where the OP asked: [Should I pretend to run away and die secretly? Would that make Mom feel better?] For some reason, I suddenly thought of Lucky at home, with his white muzzle. 3. So I commented: “I don’t suggest doing that. The owner will be heartbroken.” “I have a dog myself. If the day comes for him to pass away, I hope he can pass peacefully in my arms, not die pitifully in a place I can’t see.” I paused, then added another comment. “If you really want to make your owner less sad, why not make a felt ball out of your fur and give it to her? That way, when she misses you in the future, she can look at it, touch it, and remember you.” As soon as I posted this… Users with different dog avatars all sent me question marks. Only then did I realize that everyone was commenting from the perspective of small animals, while I was using a human perspective. Just as I wanted to delete and repost. The OP replied to me: [That’s a great idea! I’ll go make one for my Mom right now.] [But I don’t have time to collect shed fur. I’ll have to pluck the fur from my tail.] 4. He sent a string of four or five happy emojis. After replying with a “Good luck,” I opened the group chat for dog owners who often played with Lucky. I invited them to bring their fur babies to Lucky’s birthday party in 5 days. The group cheered. But my thoughts were pulled by that help post. I refreshed the post from time to time, wanting to see how the OP was doing. Maybe because I also had an old dog at home, even though I knew a person likely wrote the post, I couldn’t help but project it onto my own dog. Sarah laughed loudly. “Except for his age, what part of your Lucky is like an old dog?” “When he goes out to play, he runs faster than a two-year-old puppy. Energetic as a bull calf. Don’t overthink it.” I was amused by her string of adjectives. Thinking, yeah. Lucky eats well and drinks well. When I asked him a few days ago how long he could still accompany me, he chose the “10 years” card. Dogs don’t lie. Endless warmth surged in my heart. Clutching the new toy I bought for him, I wished I could fly home immediately. 5. But when I opened the door. And saw Lucky holding a fur ball in his mouth, offering it to my hand like a treasure… My whole body froze. Why was his tail bald? At the same time, my phone buzzed. It was the OP sending me feedback. [Sorry, my owner doesn’t seem to like the fur ball very much. Usually, when I bring her toys, she kisses me and praises me. But today she’s motionless, and her expression is weird.] A Tibetan Mastiff avatar replied first: [I bet you were afraid of pain and didn’t dare to pluck the fur!] The OP got anxious and threw a picture into the thread. [Look! Is that my fur in my Mom’s hand or not?!] [I’m about to die, would I be afraid of a little pain?!] When I saw the content of the picture clearly. I could hardly breathe. In the picture, a black fur ball the size of a ping pong ball rested on a palm. But what caught my attention… Was the small red mole on that palm. I shifted my gaze to my own palm. The bald tail, the identical fur ball. If these were coincidences. Then what about this red mole? 6. My heart felt like it was gripped by an invisible hand. I immediately clicked on the OP’s profile. [Bit an old man today. Mom was very angry. But I only bit him because I saw him taking photos up Mom’s skirt with his phone. Mom blamed me wrongly.] [Grandma and Grandpa passed away. Although they treated Mom badly, Mom is still very sad, crying secretly every night. When I find her, she cries even louder, saying she only has me left, asking me to accompany her forever. But I’m getting very old too, sigh…] Reading this. I reflexively checked the date. June 28, 2024. My parents died in a car accident that month. I checked the date of the biting incident. October 2, 2024. And last October, Lucky indeed bit someone. I paid $300 in compensation. My hands trembled uncontrollably. Before I could verify further. The OP sent me a private message. [Hello, my name is Lucky.] [Excuse me, are you a human?] Seeming afraid I would find him rude. He added another sentence. [This is a forum specifically for dogs. Usually, it’s dogs talking, but I feel your way of speaking is different from us.] [So I took the liberty to ask you.] [If it’s inconvenient, you don’t have to reply.] My eyes stung with tears. With trembling hands, I asked: [Why are you named Lucky?] The other side said: [Because when Mom found me, I had a broken leg. She hoped that even with three legs, I would be lucky and happy.] Tears smashed onto the screen instantly. Unwilling to give up, I sent another command. [Go pick up your favorite toy for your Mom right now.] After sending this sentence. I immediately looked at Lucky. I saw him tilt his head in thought. Then, he turned and ran toward his favorite yellow duck plushie. Watching him run toward me with a smile on his face, missing a hind leg. The last nerve supporting me collapsed completely. 7. I picked up Lucky on the road when I was suicidal after failing my college entrance exams. It was raining heavily that day, visibility was terrible. But just as I stepped onto the bridge. I saw a middle-aged man holding a knife, crazily stabbing the hind leg of a puppy. Lucky, back then, was only the size of a palm. One stab, and the tendon in his leg was severed. I never considered myself an animal lover. But in that moment. Watching Lucky tremble in pain, too scared to even yelp. The thought that I must save him burst out of me. So I spent the last $400 I had on me to buy him and took him to the vet. At that time, I had severe depression. When emotions hit, I would somatize, lying on the floor unable to move. Thinking of ending my life constantly. But every time I struggled to crawl to the kitchen and picked up a knife. I would hear Lucky’s sharp, miserable cry right on time. As if reminding me there was still a living creature in the house waiting for milk. Lucky was so small then. The bottle nipple was almost as big as his head. I didn’t delusionally think he would survive. I just felt that since I brought him back, I would raise him until I couldn’t anymore. So under his constant urging. I had to put down the thing in my hand and crawl over to feed him. But against all odds, he lived. Not only could he walk, but he was also particularly good at reading my emotions. Whenever I was down, or my parents called to berate me. He would wobble over to me and butt my head with his little milky head. Then make some laughable expressions.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389531”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After turning eighteen, I awakened as a succubus. My childhood friend signed a Master-Servant pact with me, but he refused to feed me. I crawled onto his bed in the middle of the night. “Julian, I’m hungry…” He pushed me against the wall, his voice full of hostility. “Can’t you control yourself? Don’t act like an animal.” He moved out and locked me in the dorm. But he didn’t know— That night, his bad-tempered roommate came back. “Come here. I’ll feed you.” 01 Hungry. So hungry I was about to lose consciousness. I didn’t even hear the sound of the door unlocking. Curled up on Julian’s bed, hugging his shirt, I frantically inhaled his scent. The bed curtain was yanked open. “Hey, Julian, what are you…” I retreated two steps, shoulder pressed against the wall, looking warily at the intruder. It was Julian’s roommate. His family was loaded, and he had a terrible temper. Xander was startled too. “Whoa? Sister, who are you?” Seeing I didn’t speak, he closed the curtain for me, lowering his voice. “Unbelievable. Bringing someone back to the dorm, Julian.” He walked further away, calling Julian’s name everywhere. He thought Julian was still in the dorm. Actually, Julian had left long ago. He dumped me here alone. Xander circled the room, found no one, leaned against the door, and called Julian. “Turned off?” He looked in my direction. “What’s the situation?” I knew Julian had turned off his phone. Because I called him many times. At first, he declined, then he turned it off. A moment later, Xander came back helplessly. He rested his hand on the bed rail, tapping twice lightly. “Sister, let’s negotiate. Can you go stay somewhere else?” But I smelled the aroma of food. This kind of aroma, I had only smelled on Julian before. I put down the clothes in my hand and slowly moved to the edge of the bed. Through the gap in the curtain, I saw Xander standing below. “Logically, I’m a guy, I should go out and let you stay. But I’m broke right now. No money means gender equality. I don’t want to sleep on the street. Besides, this is my dorm. Blame my dad for kicking me out…” Xander’s hand. Long fingers, distinct knuckles. I slowly opened my mouth. “Ah—” Xander screamed as I bit him. “Sorry, I was hungry.” I was embarrassed. Xander pinched his wrist, looking up at me, frowning. “Hunger is one thing, but don’t bite me.” 02 Xander didn’t live in the dorm often, so he had no snacks. He rummaged through Julian’s desk and found a cup of instant noodles. “Ramen, want some?” I sat on the stool, looking up at him, and shook my head. “I don’t eat that.” Xander leaned against the desk, crossing his arms, losing patience. “Aren’t you starving to death?” I stared at him for a while. “Eating that is useless.” No good. I was already starving. “Useless? Then what do you eat? What does Julian buy you?” “Salad with… essence.” Xander fell silent for a moment. “…Kinky.” He shrugged, spinning the ramen cup with one hand, passing by me. “You don’t eat, I eat.” I stood up abruptly, pressed my hands on his shoulders, and pushed him against the locker. Xander raised an eyebrow, tone surprised. “Look so cute, but so strong?” “No, I have to eat first.” I looked up at him, swallowing. “Can you let me kiss you?” “What are you saying?” He seemed to doubt his ears. Ignoring his shock, I grabbed his collar and looked up to kiss him. As soon as I touched his lips, I felt much better. He really was a meal replacement. But immediately after, I was pushed away. “What are you doing? You! Aren’t you Julian’s girlfriend?” Xander put one hand on my shoulder, the other wiping his lips with his thumb. The more he thought, the angrier he got. He paused, looking at me hesitantly. “Are you his girlfriend? You’re not a pervert, are you? Wearing a hoodie, sneaking into a boys’ dorm, force-kissing handsome guys. My life is ruined by my love for beauty…” He pulled down my hood and suddenly his eyes widened. “You are…” I quickly let go of him, hands covering the goat horns on my head. My face flushed red with shame and anger. “You discovered my secret, I have to kill you!” Xander, being choked by me, turned red, his voice squeezed out. He struggled to say three words. “…Pleasant Goat?” (A popular Chinese cartoon character) “???” 03 I used to be an ordinary girl. Went to school, took exams, got into college. But after my eighteenth birthday, I awakened as a succubus. My sister flew back from abroad specifically to explain this was a family bloodline thing. She even brought me a blond, blue-eyed hottie, saying it was my coming-of-age gift. I broke down on the spot. Got into college, finished compulsory education, and now you tell me I’m not human? The blond hottie asked if he could kiss me. “Huh?” I cried even louder. Julian came to find me then. Thinking the guy was bullying me, they got into a fight. Julian and I were childhood sweethearts. I had no parents growing up. Besides my sister, I only played with Julian. That summer evening, Julian and I sat side by side. I told him my secret. He held an ice pack to his face. When he smiled, he hissed in pain. “Ava, then sign a pact with me.” The ice pack was stuffed into my hand. Julian put his arm around my neck and lowered his head to kiss me. “I’ve liked you for many, many years.” I believed that Julian sincerely liked me back then. Later, we went to the same university. Until that time. We hadn’t seen each other for too long. I woke up in the morning, looked in the mirror, and two small horns had grown on my head. I screamed. My sister was nonchalant. “That’s our true form. It means you haven’t fed for too long.” I ran to find Julian immediately. He was happy at first, but seeing my horns, he frowned tightly. Eager to verify my sister’s words, I pounced and kissed him. Sure enough, I returned to normal. “I’m better! Julian, look.” He leaned against the wall and pushed me away coldly. “Get out.” I stood there, at a loss. From that day on, Julian’s attitude changed. “Don’t come near me again, and don’t follow me.” “We aren’t boyfriend and girlfriend. I never said you were my girlfriend.” “Can’t you find someone else?” He hated my traits, so he was unwilling to feed me anymore. But the less he fed me, the more obvious my traits became, and the more he hated me. A vicious cycle. After Julian avoided me for nearly a month, I had to climb into the boys’ dorm. Crawled onto his bed in the middle of the night. “Julian, I’m starving, can you…” Julian grabbed my wrist, pushed me against the wall, his voice full of hostility. “Can’t you control yourself? Don’t act like an animal.” My back hit the wall, and I cried out in pain. My eyes got wet. Julian sat up, silent. He liked talking to me less and less. I tugged his sleeve weakly. “Julian…” The fabric slipped from my fingertips. Julian got out of bed. “Enough. I’m moving out. Don’t follow me.” The door slammed shut. Then the sound of locking. He didn’t want me to find him again. The wind blew the curtains. He didn’t even realize I had climbed in through the window. 04 He also didn’t expect. His roommate came back to stay tonight. I decided to spare Xander. A boy who likes Pleasant Goat shouldn’t be too bad. Xander leaned against the ladder, his neck red from my pinching, but he didn’t care, posture lazy. He held my student ID, comparing it to me. “Ava Xu? The one always following Julian? Yeah, looks like her, except that one doesn’t have horns.” I swatted away his hand trying to touch my horns. “Have you read fairy tales? I’m a cursed princess. When hungry, I turn into a goat. If you do adult things with me, I’ll get better.” I said this with calculation. Cursed princess sounds much better than succubus. Xander didn’t quite believe my nonsense, or rather, he didn’t care about that. Listening to me, he narrowed his eyes slightly. “So you’re that kind of hungry.” He poked my forehead, threw the ID back to me, and climbed onto his bed in a few steps. “Go play by yourself. I’ll wear headphones and pretend I don’t exist.” Then he turned, pulled the quilt, covering up to his nose. “Holy sh*t! You followed me up? What for?” The space on the bed was cramped, atmosphere tense. I touched my lips with my fingertips and swallowed. “You smell so good. I want to kiss more, can I?” He turned his head away unnaturally. “Don’t start trouble.” When he spoke, his sharp Adam’s apple bobbed. Just as I wanted to press it with my hand, he grabbed my hand. “What do you want?” His voice was cold. I leaned closer, lifting my chin slightly. “You.” Xander’s ears turned completely red instantly. I moved closer slowly. Forced, he pressed against the wall, closed his eyes, then looked at me again. “Princess of Goat Village, are you really not Julian’s girlfriend?” “No.” I swore with three fingers. Xander lowered his eyes, holding my fingers, slowly tightening his grip. “Whether you were or not, starting now, you aren’t.” He grabbed my wrist, pinned it to the bed, lowered his head, and kissed me for a while. Propping himself up on his elbow, he looked at me and got up lazily. “Enough, right?” I touched the top of my head. The horns were gone. I hooked my arm around his neck and pulled him back forcefully. “Not enough.” Xander struggled to get up. Failed. He buried his head deep, caught my hand under the covers, voice muffled and husky. “Hey, it’s our first time meeting. Can’t you respect me a little?” “But you always want to run away. And…” I felt wronged too. “And I’m not full.” He closed his eyes, surrendering completely. “I won’t run. Let go first.” After getting out of bed, Xander told me to wait for him. Not long after, the dorm lights went out. When he came back up, he took off his shirt. He turned on his phone flashlight and placed it face down on the bed. In the dark environment, this cool white light illuminated his abs. Xander sat on the bed, lips curving slightly, signaling me with his eyes. “Come here. I’ll feed you.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389530”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After blocking him, he sent me my IP address with a straight face. “You’re at Lancaster University too?” “You better pray I don’t catch you.” “Or else, I’m going to f*ck you up.” 01 Reading these three anonymous messages, I was shivering in my English Literature class. Because the victim, the academic god Silas Vance, was sitting right in front of me. He looked focused, seemingly listening to the lecture, but in reality, the pen in his hand was about to snap. I could tell he was furious. He had been contacting me from different numbers for days. I ignored them all. So he resorted to crawling the web and digging out my IP address. Doomed. Silas Vance wants to “f*ck me up”? How exactly? I looked at his biceps, clearly sculpted from frequent gym sessions. Even under his loose sportswear, the muscle definition was visible. One punch, and I’d be in pieces, right? I sat on pins and needles for the entire class. As soon as class ended, I sprinted back to the dorm. The first thing I did was shut down my computer. After that day, I didn’t dare turn on my computer to play games for a whole month. 02 My feud with Silas Vance started two months ago. Silas was the perfect student, beating me in every competition. This year, sophomore year, I missed out on the scholarship again. Because Silas participated in the university’s computer software competition and got an A-grade award. Everyone in that competition was a genius, mostly grad students. I heard Silas’s aunt was the dean. Who knows what strings were pulled to get him into that team. Wasn’t this blatant nepotism? I was indignant. Just then, my childhood friend failed a class and came crying to me, begging me to write his paper. “Come on, isn’t Lancaster full of talent? Writing a paper is nothing to you. Just help me this once, I’ll give you five thousand bucks, and I’ll call you Daddy forever.” “I’m a Law major, you’re Computer Science. What do I know about…” Suddenly, I paused. Didn’t Silas minor in Law? Immediately, I agreed to my friend’s request. Not for the five thousand bucks. Mainly because I wanted a new son. That night, I registered a burner account and started my journey of flirting. I sent Silas a picture of a girl with a great body I found online. [Me: Hey handsome, wanna hang out?] Not long after, he replied. [Him: I like men.] Me: ? Then I saw the red exclamation mark. Blocked? Damn, bad start. Frustrated, I registered another burner account using my dad’s number. This time I was more cautious. I liked his tweets every day, commented occasionally. Until one day, he replied, asking if I was also into programming. I knew my chance had come. I pretended to be a straight guy, saying I was a Law major just interested in CS. Gradually, we chatted more and more. One ambiguous night. I “accidentally” sent him a mirror selfie, just showing my waist. Everyone who saw my waist praised it. Slim, curvy, and fair skin. [Me: God Silas, I lost so much weight recently.] [Him: What happened?] [Me: Can’t write my paper. Professor said if I don’t submit, I’ll fail again. It’s too hard (crying emoji)] “Typing…” appeared for a long time. [Me: Gotta go, might not have time to chat recently.] He replied instantly— [Him: Wait. I’ll help you. Send me the topic.] In the dark dorm room, I laughed maniacally under my covers. God Silas, just wait until I play you like a dog. … I promised Silas that if he helped me finish, we would meet up, and I might even date him. He was hooked, saying good morning and good night every day. Later, Silas sent me the completed paper in less than a week. Low plagiarism rate, clearly written with care. I thanked him. [Victim #1: When do we meet? Sunday works? Weather is nice.] [Victim #1: Is your waist really that slim? Feels like one hand could hold it.] [Victim #1: Can I see other photos?] [Victim #1: Why aren’t you replying? Did I offend you?] Just as Silas sent the apology. The next second, he received the notification that he was blocked. I could imagine the look of shock on his face. So satisfying. 03 My friend’s five thousand hit my account. I immediately bought a new pair of Jordans. Went to the basketball court, and of course, ran into Silas Vance. I was changing in the locker room. Shirt off. I thought the footsteps behind me were my teammates. “Who are we playing next? I don’t want to play forward anymore.” The person behind didn’t speak. I turned around and saw Silas staring at my waist. I jumped, quickly covering my upper body with my jersey. “What are you doing?” Silas looked away. “Sorry. You were blocking my locker.” I felt guilty, quickly putting on my jersey and leaving. To avoid Silas recognizing the online pic, I had sent a picture of my slim waist. Did he recognize it? But I used a filter on that photo. Judging by his reaction, he probably didn’t. Walked onto the court. Didn’t expect my friends had called Silas and his crew to play. I stared at Silas’s tall figure. Damn, how do I win against that? The whistle blew. I played uneasily. Thought I’d lose miserably, but Silas wasn’t that good. I dunked on him several times. Just now, in a face-off, I almost fell, and he gentlemanly held my waist. I scored a three-pointer and won the game. I actually beat Silas Vance for once? So satisfying. I lifted my shirt to wipe the sweat from my forehead. Silas was drinking water, but his gaze drifted over. I quickly put my shirt down. After the game, Silas asked if we wanted to grab dinner together. I said I was busy and slipped away. 04 Even though we were in the same class, I didn’t interact much with Silas. Half a month passed, and Silas hadn’t found me. Must have let it go, right? After all, Lancaster U is huge. How could he pinpoint me? School anniversary, holiday. I signed up for a hiking trip with my club, three days and two nights. I arrived late at the meeting point. Everyone had already been assigned rooms at the hotel. The club president pointed to a guy on the corner sofa: “There. You sleep with him tonight.” I looked over and met Silas’s deep eyes. I paused, shaking my head frantically. “President, are there any other rooms?” “No. Others are couples or girl groups. The only single guy left is Silas. You’re both guys, no problem.” Huge problem, okay? I was terrified he’d see my body. After dinner, the president organized some interactive games to break the ice. I deliberately sat far away from Silas. I sat next to the president, Ethan. Ethan was very gentle, taking care of everyone. Seeing me lose too much, he even took the penalties for me. Across the crowd. I locked eyes with Silas from afar. He was quietly drinking orange juice, his gaze like a dormant wolf. At the time, I didn’t understand why he kept staring at me. At night, back in the room. He closed the door and locked it. I came out of the shower to find him standing right outside the bathroom door. I was startled, tried to step around him. But he blocked the door, his gaze sweeping over my bathrobe at the waist. “Do you know Chuck?” “Huh? Who’s that?” I pretended to be calm, but was panicking inside. Chuck was my childhood friend. Silas stepped closer. “Lucas, stop pretending. “Or should I call you… Li Yue?” “……” Li Yue was the fake name I used when catfishing him. Doomed. I stepped back, slipped on the water. Silas caught me. His eyes were deep, teeth gritted. “It really is slim. I thought the mole on your waist looked familiar last time. “Lucas, was it fun playing me? Do you know how I spent this past month? “Remember what I said? What happens if I catch you?” I swallowed hard. “Didn’t you say you’d f*ck me up? Come on then if you dare.” He sneered: “Don’t cry later.” I clenched my fists, ready. When it comes to fighting, I’ve never been afraid. But Silas suddenly stepped forward and locked the bathroom door. Grabbed a bottle of body wash. ?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389529”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My childhood friend’s girlfriend is a chronic doomscroller, obsessed with the latest TikTok trend. She pestered him to play along: “Julian, you’re a year older than me. Why didn’t you come see me when I was born? Do you not love me?” Julian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He casually played along, then turned to his serious, old-fashioned uncle who happened to be there: “Uncle Adrian, how would you answer that?” Adrian, usually a man of few words, said: “I did go see her.” “Not only did I see her, I even held her when she was a baby.” As he spoke, his gaze slowly landed on me. 1. Julian and I were childhood sweethearts. For the first twenty years of our lives, we were inseparable. Not just me, but our parents and all our friends thought we were a match made in heaven. When I was 18, my parents brought up the idea of a marriage alliance with the Sterling family and asked for my opinion. I actually had feelings for Julian. If our families could unite, it would be a beautiful story. We were too young then, so the engagement was put on hold, but we went to the same Ivy League university. During those two years, our friendship was solid, but romance hadn’t quite blossomed. Everyone around us thought it was just a matter of time, and I allowed my feelings for Julian to deepen bit by bit. Until the winter of our sophomore year, Julian excitedly told me: “Elara, I met a girl I like!” It wasn’t me. He was so happy. Turns out, in the past twenty years, he never developed romantic feelings for me. Those hand-holdings and hugs were just what best friends do in Julian’s eyes. Feelings can’t be forced, and I wouldn’t debase myself. I took back my heart. So, under the surprised gazes of everyone around us, Julian started dating a girl from an ordinary middle-class family. The girl was pretty, a bit spoiled, clearly cherished by her parents. He introduced his girlfriend to everyone in our circle. My existence seemed a bit awkward. But our mutual friends weren’t optimistic about them. They always believed that once Julian’s novelty wore off, he would realize that he and I were the true match. Someone comforted me: “Elara, Julian is just looking for something fresh. He’s never seen such a naive and innocent girl. He’ll get tired of it after a while.” That didn’t happen. Julian dated her for two years. For two years, he paraded his girlfriend around town. Not only me, but my parents and his parents heard about it. My dad was so angry he wanted to go over and curse them out. My mom stopped him: “If we don’t become in-laws, we don’t. Why make it ugly? Is our daughter worried about finding someone?” “Is this about not becoming in-laws?” My dad was still angry. When the two families discussed the engagement back then, Julian couldn’t possibly have been unaware. He was an adult. At the very least, his attitude was tacit consent. Even though he and I were never officially together, we almost got engaged. It was my mom who said we were too young and should spend more time together. In terms of social etiquette, he embarrassed me and my family. But he and I were still friends. Our families had business dealings, and we had to maintain appearances. But we could only be friends. Tonight was Julian’s birthday. He booked a huge private room at a high-end club and invited quite a few people. I was among them. Of course, his girlfriend, Bella, was there too. 2. After Julian started dating, my contact with him decreased. But there were some historical issues. Before Julian met Bella, our chat history and interactions on social media weren’t exactly platonic. After he started dating, his girlfriend naturally had the right to check his phone. They fought about this a few times. Once, when Julian apologized to me, I learned that Bella had taken his phone and deleted my contact info. At that time, I hadn’t contacted him for a while, so I didn’t even notice. Bella wanted to enter Julian’s circle, so she inevitably heard about me. These rich kids who grew up together were somewhat exclusive, and someone must have told her something. I understood the situation and stayed away from Julian. For his birthday, I originally planned to drop off the gift and leave. But as soon as I entered, my gaze swept over a figure in the corner. I froze for a second, then my phone lit up. After reading the message, I silently found a seat and sat down. “Elara, you came?” Julian looked a bit surprised. “I heard you’ve been interning with your dad recently. I thought you wouldn’t have time.” I smiled and handed him the birthday gift: “Happy birthday.” “Elara,” Bella’s voice rang out, “Long time no see. Why the mature style recently? You look like you’re pushing thirty.” Bella was wearing a custom pink evening gown worth tens of thousands, her hair curled, looking exceptionally playful. She certainly didn’t lack emotional intelligence; she was doing this on purpose. I looked down at the women’s suit I was wearing and chuckled lightly: “Right? That means I look like a female entrepreneur.” Julian smoothed things over: “Elara, Bella is just joking. Don’t take it to heart.” Of course I didn’t take it to heart. Not everyone deserves a place in my heart. I sat a bit far from them, but my vision and hearing were good enough. Bella probably saw a new trend on TikTok and suddenly asked Julian: “Julian, you’re a year older than me. Why didn’t you come see me when I was born? Do you not love me?” After this sentence, not only Julian laughed, but the people next to him also laughed and teased: “Yeah, Julian, why didn’t you bring baby formula to see your future wife back then?” This teasing was well-intentioned. Bella was pretty, the innocent kind of pretty. Her personality wasn’t bad either. Having dated Julian for two years, she had some friendship with some of the people here. So her emotional intelligence wasn’t low. Julian replied casually: “I was busy getting spanked by my mom for not drinking my milk properly back then.” Laughter erupted again. Julian turned around and saw his uncle, who had unexpectedly said he would come to celebrate, was still there. He asked playfully: “Uncle Adrian, if it were you, how would you answer?” Julian’s uncle, Adrian Sterling. Five years older than us. A late child of the Sterling grandparents. He was the “other people’s child” since he was little. Although only a few years older, his seniority was there. Plus, Adrian’s resume was simply too outstanding. The rich second generation in the circle were quite afraid of him. I used to call him Uncle Adrian too. Julian probably just wanted to see what kind of brain circuit his steady and slightly old-fashioned uncle would have. Someone laughed: “Julian, don’t make it hard for Uncle Adrian. He’s busy with a myriad of affairs every day, where would he find time to date?” The next second, Adrian spoke: “I did go see her.” “Huh?” The man who usually didn’t smile much added softly: “Not only did I see her, I even held her when she was a baby.” Unnoticed by others, his gaze landed straight on me. “…” The others thought he was joking: “Hahahaha Uncle Adrian, didn’t expect you to be so good at playing along.” No one took it seriously. Except me. Adrian’s gaze didn’t move away. Even though I didn’t meet his eyes, I felt it was a bit blatant. After the party, I found my car in the parking lot. Only after getting in did I realize someone was already there. The driver hesitated to speak. Adrian’s light laughter came: “Mind giving me a ride? I didn’t drive tonight.” The car door closed, and I heard the person beside me say: “I can’t remember the way home. Miss Li, is it convenient to let me stay for a night?” 3. Adrian pretended to be drunk and leaned on my shoulder. His warm breath occasionally landed on the skin of my neck, making his presence very felt. I looked out the window, remembering the night Julian announced his relationship on Instagram two years ago. Saying I wasn’t sad would be a lie. Julian announced it less than a month after telling me he met a girl he liked. I was still thinking about how our families’ relationship should end. What caught me even more off guard was that at the same time, he took his girlfriend to meet our mutual friends. Maybe Julian just wanted to show how much he liked his girlfriend, but there were always people in the circle who didn’t like me. During that time, some sarcastic remarks naturally followed. Whether I cared or not, I couldn’t avoid being mocked. Adrian came back at that time. He seemed to be following up on a project in New York that hadn’t finished yet. During those days, I didn’t want to see anyone from the Sterling family, but Adrian just appeared directly in front of me. It was winter break. Adrian asked me if I wanted to go to the US with him to relax. I was stunned, not understanding what he meant. For a long time, Julian and I were a bit afraid of this uncle of his. Although only five years older, since I can remember, Adrian clearly didn’t play with us childish kids. Genes favored him; Adrian was so outstanding it left people speechless. As we grew older, he gradually became an existence to look up to. His courage and handsome appearance were clearly superior to his peers, and many girls liked him. I didn’t talk to him much. Many times, even if we had contact, it was because of Julian. So I didn’t understand why he invited me to New York. Adrian asked me: “Do you still like Julian?” I was silent for a moment, not knowing how to answer his question. “It doesn’t matter if you still like him. He’s just a man,” Adrian said. “You’ll meet more than one in your life.” I didn’t know if he was comforting me. “Julian likes someone else. Have you considered liking someone else?” Adrian looked at me and said in a very calm tone, “Considered me?” Shock overwhelmed my sadness more directly. Tears that were welling up now fell, but my eyes were full of speechless shock. Adrian gently wiped my cheek with a tissue, wiping away that tear. “Don’t cry for someone who isn’t worth it,” he paused, then added slowly, “Of course, you can treat it as a detox for your body.” “…” It was the first time I knew Adrian had such a sense of humor. He said: “If your initial intention for choosing Julian was to consider the marriage alliance between the two families, then my conditions overall should be better than his.” More than just a bit better. Adrian was almost certainly the next head of the Sterling family. Julian didn’t have this ambition, and his sophistication was far inferior to this uncle. “If you just purely liked Julian as a person, then he has withdrawn from the journey to win your heart. I think I’m not being immoral.” 4. Going to New York with Adrian to relax wasn’t because I was moved by his words, but because he asked: “Do you plan to enter the family company after graduation?” “I’m discussing a project in New York. Want to come and see?” Adrian’s ability was obvious to all. At that time, many people, including me, admired him. Admiration for the strong is a very normal mindset. I really wanted to see Adrian’s work. So even when he volunteered to be my marriage partner, I still went to New York with him. Adrian took me with him for two weeks. There was no adult romance. He taught me a lot like a senior taking care of a junior. I saw his strategizing and calmness in business. Without any personal feelings, choosing Adrian was far better than Julian. The benefits were more direct. “But, Uncle Adrian, Julian is your nephew.” The night before leaving New York, in the hotel’s lounge bar, I sat opposite Adrian, soothing jazz music playing in my ears. The bar’s lighting was dim, tinged with a hint of ambiguity. Adrian’s expression didn’t change. Those calm eyes landed on my face, meeting my gaze: “Yes, what he did wasn’t kind. You can consider becoming his aunt. In the future, you’ll be his elder.” “…” Be Julian’s aunt? I admit Adrian’s words were tempting, but I had other considerations for my life. Julian hurt me, but he couldn’t affect my next step in life. “Uncle Adrian, I have another question.” Adrian: “You can ask many questions. Also, you can call me by my name directly.” Call him by his name. I’ve called him Uncle since I was a kid, following Julian. Naturally, I treated him as an elder. But now, our relationship was heading in another direction, adding a sense of immorality. “What is your view… on me?” I paused. “Do you want to ask if I’m pursuing you for profit or something else?” Adrian asked back. Before I could answer, he said: “Elara, a five-year age gap shouldn’t be too big. Besides Julian, I can also be considered your childhood friend, right?” I was stunned. “I’m a few years older than you. Before you went to kindergarten, you often ran over to play with Julian. At that time, the adults at home were busy, and you and Julian both stuck to me quite a bit, remember?” Adrian said softly. His words triggered my memories. It seems kids always like to play with older kids. Julian and I pestered Adrian when we were little. But as we grew older, Adrian was busy with school, then with business. He became the best among his peers, and our relationship naturally changed. “When you graduated from high school, my brother and sister-in-law hoped you would be their daughter-in-law and discussed the engagement with your parents. At that time, you and Julian were close,” Adrian changed the subject, “But Elara, now he withdrew first. Even if I’m his elder, it’s not immoral for me to pursue a single girl, right?” Adrian took me home. During the half month in New York, he didn’t cross the line at all. That Chinese New Year, Julian and his parents probably were too embarrassed to come to my house for New Year greetings because of his relationship. The Sterling family sent Adrian over. That day, there were many people. No one knew that Adrian asked me in my bedroom: “Elara, have you thought about it?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389528”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Every time I kill someone. I inherit all the knowledge in their brain. On the eve of the SATs, I murdered my best friend. Because her grades had always been perfect. After the exams, I replaced her. And successfully got into an Ivy League university.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389527”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My brother sent a text to his girlfriend, but accidentally sent it to me: “Babe, I’m at the school gate, where are you?” I narrowed my eyes, a wicked smile curling on my lips. “Babe, I just walked out of the classroom.” The chat box showed [Typing…] for a long time. I continued to fire back: “Babe, did you wait just to walk home with me? I’m so moved!” “Babe, why aren’t you saying anything?” My brother, furious and embarrassed, finally replied: “Are you sick? That’s enough!” Five minutes later, he Venmo-ed me $50. “Please, don’t tell Mom and Dad I’m dating.” 1. SATs were finally over. Walking out of the exam hall, I turned off airplane mode. Notifications flooded my screen. Just as I cleared them, a message from my brother, Carter, popped up. “Babe, I’m at the school gate, where are you?” I instinctively shuddered. Frowning hard. What kind of possessed nonsense is Carter spouting? I stared at the message for a moment. Suddenly, I remembered overhearing him call someone “Babe” on the phone at home. I had suspected he was dating early. But I had no concrete evidence. Whenever I asked indirectly, he would deny it with that arrogant attitude of his. Today, he delivered the evidence right to my doorstep. A wicked smile floated onto my lips. I tapped out a reply: “Babe, I just walked out of the exam hall.” Calling my brother “Babe” made me nauseous. But thinking about how it would disgust him even more made me happy. As soon as the message was sent. I saw the “Typing…” bubble appear and disappear in our chat. Over and over. Ten minutes passed. I walked from the building to the school gate, and he still hadn’t replied. He chose to play dead. Ignore it. Pretend nothing happened. I wasn’t going to let him off that easily. I continued texting: “Did you wait just to walk home with me, Babe? I’m so moved.” “Babe, why are you so good to me!” I added sarcastically: “Babe, why aren’t you talking?” [Babe???] Finally, Carter couldn’t take it anymore. He replied furiously: “Maya, are you sick? That’s enough!” I laughed at the screen. “Babe, I discovered someone is dating early!” “Mom and Dad would be very interested to know, right?” Five minutes later. Carter Venmo-ed me. For once, his attitude softened: “I’m begging you, don’t tell Mom and Dad.” I remained unmoved. I didn’t accept the money. And I didn’t reply anymore. I could already see Carter standing at the school gate from a distance. I have to admit, my brother has good genes. Even in a crowd of students, that face and figure stood out. I slowed down. Hiding behind a pillar to observe. I wanted to see who my brother’s girlfriend was. Waited for five or six minutes. Didn’t see my brother’s girlfriend, but saw someone unexpected. A boy in a white shirt and black casual pants rode his bike and stopped next to my brother. The boy had handsome features and a clean, cool temperament. His side profile when he smiled slightly was dazzling than the sun. His name is Julian. He’s the school heartthrob and my brother’s childhood friend. Top-tier looks and IQ. Half the girls in school probably have a crush on him. Ranked first in the grade, he already got early acceptance to Harvard. Just standing casually in the crowd, he attracted countless gazes. So handsome it made me dizzy. In my view, my brother was chatting with Julian while scanning the crowd from time to time. I carefully dodged his line of sight. A moment later. A girl with a high ponytail suddenly appeared. She naturally hugged my brother’s arm. Her upturned face carried a sweet smile. I quickly took out my phone to record a video. The girl’s face wasn’t unfamiliar. I remembered her name was Bella. A famous beauty in school, an art student. Damn it! My brother actually eats this good! 2. I recorded a video. Took photos too. Sent one to my brother. In the distance, he looked down at his phone, his face darkening. My phone buzzed. He messaged: “Don’t you like Julian?” “I’ll help you chase him.” I raised an eyebrow. Didn’t expect my brother to use this to make a deal, trying to shut me up. Julian and we are neighbors. He treats me better than my brother does. Handsome, smart, good family background. Not only gentle to me, but also often gave me small gifts. Hard not to like him. He was born to be liked by girls. I am a mundane person, no exception. I sent an OK emoji. Then showed myself, jogging up to my brother and them. Pretending it was a chance encounter. “Brother!” Carter looked at me, face slightly sour. Bella hurriedly let go of his hand, blushing as she greeted me. Julian smiled at me, “How did the exam go?” I smiled back, “Pretty good.” Looking at their expressions, I asked, “Do you guys have plans?” Julian nodded: “Yes.” My brother’s voice was a bit cold: “We have something to do, you go home first.” I ignored his dismissal: “Count me in, I’m bored after the exam anyway.” “Okay?” This was directed at Julian. He was a head taller than me. His long, beautiful eyes lowered slightly, lips curving into a smile. Gentle agreement: “Okay.” “No!” That was my brother. “Maya, you weren’t part of the plan tonight. You can’t just butt in.” I looked at my brother quietly. The atmosphere was a bit off. Bella pulled my brother’s sleeve: “Actually, it’s fine.” Julian also spoke up: “It’ll be lively with Maya.” “She’s not a stranger.” Suppressing the annoyance on his brow, my brother dropped a “Whatever.” And walked ahead pulling Bella. Julian patted my head, leaned in close, and whispered in my ear. “Don’t be unhappy. Your brother just doesn’t know how to interact with you.” My heartbeat skipped a beat. Julian’s proximity surrounded me with his scent. I smelled the fresh laundry scent on his clothes. As for what he said. I didn’t respond. 3. My brother and I are fraternal twins. Our relationship has been terrible since we were little. Arguing and fighting were daily meals. Loving each other was a fantasy. When we were little, he lost me for five years. From age five to ten. I was “lucky” to be adopted by a “kind family.” Found by my parents at ten. When I accused my brother of deliberately losing me in front of our parents. What I got was their defense of him. “You remembered wrong.” “Your brother isn’t that kind of person.” “That was just an accident.” “You can’t blame your brother anymore, okay?” From then on, I hated my brother. Hated Carter. At my most hateful, I cursed him to fall down stairs, choke on water, choke on food, get struck by lightning… Various vicious thoughts hovered in my heart. Five years of disconnection didn’t bring deeper love and protection from parents, but a faint alienation. They felt I wasn’t as well-behaved and cute as when I was little. Felt I was taught badly during the five lost years. Petty. Narrow-minded. Calculating. Vulgar and mean. These were their private evaluations of me. Late one night after just returning home, unable to sleep, I crawled up to find Mom and Dad, and accidentally heard their conversation in the living room. My brain felt like it was hammered hard. Holding back sobs, I shed tears in the dark for a long time. I also saw the crack of the door opening in the next room. My brother heard it too. Through my tears, I saw him hesitate, wanting to approach me, then shrinking back. Finally, when he walked towards me, I immediately hid in my room. Locked the door. Since that night, I learned to pretend to be good. 4. I went to dinner with my brother and them. At the table, Julian took good care of me. Putting food on my plate from time to time. My brother was absent-minded. Didn’t know what he was thinking. Maybe thinking about how to kick me out of their circle. Bella was eating when suddenly she put down her chopsticks and waved towards the door. I turned my head instinctively. The moment I saw who was coming, my heart sank to the bottom. Chloe. The person I loathed the most. She was the one brought back to my home to replace me during the five years I was missing. When I came back, I made a huge scene to force her to leave my house. My rejection of Chloe, my brother knew perfectly well. Turns out all these years they kept in touch behind my back, their relationship so good they formed a small circle. I looked at my brother hatefully. He was looking at me, expression cold and mocking: “Told you not to come, you insisted.” My brother’s words were always so sharp and piercing. Julian frowned upon hearing this, kicking my brother under the table. Tone slightly heavy: “Carter!” I suppressed the gloom in my heart, staring at Julian’s side profile, heart feeling sour yet sweet. Only he would protect me. Chloe walked over smiling. “Sorry for the wait!” When her gaze swept over me, her smile froze slightly. Expression became cautious, calling my name unexpectedly: “Maya?” “You’re here too?” Maybe I’m biased. Or maybe sensitive. Chloe’s words made me slightly unhappy. I felt her subtext was that I shouldn’t be here. Usually, I wouldn’t give her a pleasant face. But in front of others, especially Julian, my temper was always good. I forced a smile. Nodded, and left it at that. Chloe looked at the seats, looking troubled. “Where do I sit?” Julian beckoned her: “There’s a seat next to me, sit here.” This was a table for six. I sat with Julian. My brother and Bella sat opposite. Chloe could have sat on my brother’s row, but as soon as Julian spoke, the corners of my mouth dropped instinctively. “Great, all my favorites.” Chloe naturally sat on Julian’s left, expressing happiness staring at the food on the table. She ate bite after bite. Appetite was good. “How did you guys do on the exam? Confident?” “We agreed to go to the same university, you have to respect the agreement.” Chloe chatted while eating. My brother smiled: “Don’t worry, no problem.” Bella echoed: “I think I can too.” Julian smiled faintly: “Good for you guys, looks like I’m going to school alone.” “You’re just showing off, genius.” “Too much! Harvard admits are forbidden from chatting with us!” They talked and laughed. Chatting about topics and stories I didn’t know. That familiar tacit understanding was like an invisible barrier isolating me. I ate silently. Chewing became more and more tasteless. Half the dishes on the table were ordered by Julian. Turns out they were all Chloe’s favorites. Listening to the laughter in my ears, my gaze fell on the tea cup at my hand. To cut the grease, also out of habit. I ordered tea. They all ordered sodas. Only I was out of place. At this moment, staring at the barely visible layer of oil floating on the tea, I had an urge to vomit. Turns out my brother, Julian, and Chloe, the three of them were so close. Even Bella and Chloe seemed like old friends. I wasn’t close to my brother’s girlfriend at all, in fact, met her just today. And it was under the circumstance of bumping into them and being forced to introduce. Their gathering of four, I was the fifth wheel forced in. Clearly, I am Carter’s biological sister. Clearly, I knew Julian first. But I became the extra one.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389526”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

In the sixth year of our marriage, Holden Sterling finally realized he didn’t love me. I let out a long sigh of relief. Great! My mission as the “female supporting character” is finally over. Holden handed me a black card with an eight-figure limit as alimony. Our son pouted: “I want to go with Auntie Bella too.” I let out another long sigh of relief. Great! Don’t have to raise the kid either. The System in my head also sighed with relief: [Host, you can go conquer the next target now!] 1. As his cold words fell. My eyes filled with tears: “Holden, we’ve been together for so many years, we even have a child, how can you…” I sobbed uncontrollably. The man lowered his eyes. After a while, he extended a finger and wiped the tear from the corner of my eye. Then, a bank card was placed in my palm. “Alimony,” Holden said indifferently. I covered my face with one hand, crying bitterly, while the other hand reached out to take the card. He turned to leave. Through teary eyes, I looked at his tall figure and suddenly spoke up: “Holden, we got the marriage license, we had the child. Now you say you’ve always loved Bella. What were you doing before?” I shouldn’t have said this. Because as a supporting character, my mission to make the male lead realize his true love was already complete. No need to add more drama for myself. But… Emotions inevitably stray outside the mission sometimes. Holden stopped. He turned his head slightly, his amber eyes scanning me calmly. I froze. Over the years, he had looked at me like this countless times. But afterward, he would pull me into his arms, his cool lips landing on my cheek. He would whisper: “Quinn, call me Hubby.” So I thought, there was at least some affection. Even love born of habit counts as affection, right? But looking at it now, with every glance, he was more certain. He didn’t love me. He didn’t love me at all. My hand dropped weakly. Holden didn’t speak again and walked away. 2. After a faint sense of loss, came a long sigh of relief. Like waiting for a verdict, the result finally arrived. My mission is finally f*cking over! I hummed a little tune while walking hand in hand with Leo at the mall. But the little boy, usually clingy to me, looked listless. Even when I took him to buy his favorite toys, his face was long. Only then did I realize something was wrong. I squatted down and asked him: “What’s wrong, Leo?” He sniffled: “Dad divorced you and went to find Auntie Bella.” I understood immediately. I pinched his cheek, “Don’t worry, no matter what, he’s your dad.” Leo looked down, tugging at the corner of my shirt. After a long while, he whispered: “I want to go find Auntie Bella too.” Hearing this, I froze. He took a deep breath, looked up, and stared straight at me with amber eyes identical to Holden’s: “Mom, Dad likes playing with Auntie Bella, and I like playing with Auntie Bella too. Can you let me go?” I looked at Leo in silence. The little boy didn’t seem to understand what his words meant. I asked: “Is Bella willing to take you?” Dimples appeared on his cheeks, “Of course Auntie Bella is willing. She said I’m the best kid in the world.” I didn’t know how to react for a moment. After a long time, I said slowly: “Then, she will be your mom. Are you willing?” Leo paused for a moment. Then he nodded: “It’s okay, Mom. Even after Auntie Bella becomes my mom, I will still come to see you with Dad.” I laughed self-deprecatingly: “Your dad won’t come.” Leo wrinkled his nose, then shook his head: “Mom, you just have to be good, like Auntie Bella. Dad will definitely be willing to bring me to see you. Then we can be together.” “Okay,” I said. He didn’t seem to expect me to agree so readily. He blinked a few times, then carefully put the jade pendant I just bought him into his pocket: “Yay! I’ll save this for Auntie Bella. It’s so pretty, she’ll definitely like it!” I looked calmly at the smile on his face. The System quickly spoke up in my head, comforting me: [Host, don’t be sad…] I said lightly: [It’s nothing. He’s Holden’s son. It’s not surprising they have the same tastes.] Besides, when I was pregnant with Leo, I had the System remove all sensations. I ate and drank as usual, experiencing no pain or adverse reactions. So for me, Leo is more like the mission target’s son than my own. Since things ended with Holden, keeping Leo around didn’t make sense. Since he wanted to leave, I didn’t need to stop him strongly. After sorting out my complicated thoughts, I let out another long sigh of relief. Don’t have to raise the kid! The System also sighed with relief: [Host, you can go conquer the next target now!] 3. While the Sterling father and son were figuring out how to please Bella. I was figuring out how to get the attention of my new target. Every family has its own difficulties. I sat at the bar, chatting absently with the handsome bartender. My peripheral vision kept glancing at the corner. The man was not far away, sipping his drink leisurely. I was unsure, whispering to the System: [He’s Holden’s best friend. What if I pretend to be drunk and throw myself at him, and he calls Holden?] Thinking of this, I got a headache again. If I knew this guy was the next target, I wouldn’t have gone against him before. Who told him to always badmouth my relationship with Holden? Every time Holden took me to their gatherings, Archer would casually bring up Bella. Making Holden zone out and me embarrassed. I sighed in my heart. Downed a few more drinks, then stood up, swaying towards the target. The target had his long legs crossed, slender fingers swirling the wine glass. Suddenly, the music exploded, and the crowd swayed, blocking my view instantly. I pushed through the crowd. Only to see the man sitting opposite him. The elegant and noble Holden. And the smiling Bella. In a daze. The target was gone. Someone tapped my shoulder. … The bartender handed me a set of keys: “Miss Yu, you dropped this.” I took it embarrassedly, “Sorry for the trouble.” He smiled and nodded, turning back to the bar. As he left. The tall man standing lazily in front of me, one hand in his pocket, revealed himself. Casting a shadow over my head. Archer lowered his eyes: “Looking for me?” “What?” “You’ve been peeking at me for a long time.” I stiffened for a second. The System hurriedly spoke: [Host, conquer, conquer him!] I silently complained in my heart. The persona I used to conquer Holden was a nineteen-year-old innocent, devoted little flower. Seven years later, what persona should I use for Archer? Just as I was about to speak. “Archer? What are you doing standing there?” Holden’s calm voice sounded, his steady footsteps getting closer. My face changed, and I immediately hid in the crowd nearby. I can’t let Holden see me! Now that I’m conquering Archer, the less Holden exists, the better. Just then, a force pulled me over. My forehead slammed hard into a man’s chest, a faint woody scent enveloping me instantly. “Who is this?” Holden saw me from his angle, frowning slightly. “A stray kitten,” Archer said lightly. “Don’t play around,” Holden’s voice was cold. Archer was nonchalant, “Mmhmm.” It seems Holden thought I was Archer’s fling. He usually hated me going to bars the most, thinking they were messy places. Once, when I celebrated a friend’s birthday at a bar, Holden gave me the cold shoulder for half a month. I had to try everything to coax him back. Archer spoke lazily: “Not going back yet? Aren’t you afraid Bella will get hit on?” Holden didn’t speak. I felt a gaze land on me. I couldn’t help but press closer to Archer, his fingertips hooking my hair. “Bella’s sister is here too,” Holden said indifferently. I paused. Almost instantly understood the implication. When I was with Holden, I often heard that Bella’s cousin liked Archer. However, there were few girls Archer was interested in, and he didn’t seem to care. Now it seems Holden and Bella want to help that girl chase Archer. That won’t do! This is my target! As Holden finished speaking, I quickly grabbed the corner of Archer’s shirt. Because of this action, both Archer and Holden looked over. The former raised an eyebrow lazily, “The kitten is clingy, won’t let go.” Holden had no intention of watching further. He turned to leave: “Suit yourself.” Archer called out to him: “Stop playing, isn’t your son waiting for you at home?” Holden stopped. “He’s only a few years old, you can leave him alone?” Archer sneered. “Quinn will pick him up,” Holden said calmly without turning back. “He probably said something to upset Quinn. In a few days, when she cools down, she’ll naturally pick him up.” “Oh? Why?” Archer asked with interest. Holden: “She has no one but Leo these past few years.” I hid silently in Archer’s arms. I understood the implication. Logically, after divorcing Holden, I would naturally hold onto Leo, otherwise I would have no one. With Leo, I could keep asking Holden for alimony and maintain contact. Only with the child could I keep my connection to Holden. 4. But… The System chattered in my brain: [Host, as long as you get Archer’s favorability to 50, then leave resolutely! Leave him for the female lead’s sister to comfort and heal. Then you can get the mission success reward: a healthy body for life and thirty million dollars.] Right, I accepted the mission to cure my illness. And my mission is to be a boring and uncharismatic woman. Through years of entanglement, make the male lead realize his feelings and be with the female lead. Then make the male lead’s bro realize his feelings and be with the female lead’s sister, completing the pairing. I’m just a ruthless tool for completing tasks! No time to play family dramas or tragic romances with them. I asked internally: [What’s Archer’s favorability towards me now?] System: [Currently not displayed, we’ll know when it changes.] I nodded indifferently. I could guess even without knowing, probably zero. Luckily favorability can’t be negative. Hearing Holden’s words, Archer laughed noncommittally. Just then. A gentle female voice sounded: “Holden, Archer, what are you chatting about…” She paused, obviously noticing me in Archer’s arms. Bella hesitated: “This is?” Archer leaned down slightly, whispering in my ear: “Miss, would you like to introduce yourself?” He asked politely, seemingly understanding. But only I knew, he was being bad! I shook my head frantically. Archer shrugged: “She’s shy.” Buried in his arms, I nodded in anger and shame. Bella was silent for a moment, then suddenly said: “Looking at the back, she looks a lot like Holden’s ex-wife.” Her words fell. The silence between the few people contrasted sharply with the noisy bar. Holden looked back coldly: “What?” Archer’s palm covered my lower back, raising an eyebrow, “Serious?” His lazy and playful look made Bella unsure. Her lips moved, just as she was about to smooth things over, Holden said lightly: “She wouldn’t come to a place like this.” “True,” Bella smiled and agreed, “Holden’s ex-wife is the good wife and mother type, of course she wouldn’t come to a bar.” “Please,” a clear voice rang out, “What era is this? What’s wrong with coming to a bar?” A girl walked over with her arms crossed, holding Bella’s arm, “Sis, that woman only stays at home and doesn’t go out. Good wife and mother my ass… didn’t see brother-in-law or that brat liking her much.” Bella pinched her cheek, saying helplessly: “How can you say that?” But there was no blame in her tone. They didn’t know that I once went to a bar for a friend’s birthday, and Holden gave me the cold shoulder. I stayed silent, catching a glimpse of Holden turning to leave. Bella froze for a moment, then followed. Before leaving, she dragged away her sister, Chloe, who kept glancing at Archer. The girl pouted, seeming to glare at me at the end? I shook my head secretly. It seems completing the mission is a heavy responsibility and a long way to go! Everyone was gone, I lowered my head and stepped back a few paces. I was prepared for Archer’s ridicule. After all, he had said many times that once Bella came back, there would be no place for me beside Holden. And I fought him hard back then. Now facts proved he was right. But Archer didn’t speak. His long fingers wrapped around my waist, leading me out of the noisy bar. The street at night was cool. Seeing me looking at him blankly, Archer raised an eyebrow and slightly loosened his hand on my waist. I immediately stumbled two steps. “Drunk like this, can you walk by yourself?” He slowly wrapped his arm around me again. …True. To create the plot of hitting on him while drunk, I did drink a lot just now. Archer dialed a number, “I’ll call a driver to take you home.” I froze, then grabbed his phone. Meeting his inquiring gaze, I stammered: “The house is empty, I heard there are thieves nearby…” System speechless: [Host, this excuse to stay over is too stupid.] I rolled my eyes internally: [He won’t agree anyway, okay? I just want to show my frailty appropriately. Staying over is not urgent at all—] “Then stay at my place?” Archer spoke. I looked up in surprise. The man lowered his eyes with interest, meeting my gaze. Me: “Oh, oh, okay, sure.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389525”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I stumbled upon a Reddit post. The OP wrote: “My family arranged an engagement with her to repay a debt. Now the wedding is coming up, but I’ve always seen her as a little sister. What should I do?” At first, I thought it was just some fiction. But the more I read, the more the female lead sounded like me. The comments section exploded. Everyone told him not to waste the girl’s time. Some even suggested that repaying a debt didn’t require marriage and urged him to convince his parents to adopt her as a daughter instead. After hesitating for a long time, the OP replied: “Okay, I’ll try.” But later. He fell in love at first sight with me, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. Me: ??? 1. Many details in the post matched my life perfectly. Initially, I wasn’t sure if the post was written by my fiancé, Ethan Vance. Until the next day, Mrs. Vance called. “Sophie, I have something to discuss with you. Is now a good time?” I had a premonition. I put down my work and walked to the window. “I have time. What’s up?” To avoid being too stiff, I added, “How have you been lately, Mrs. Vance? Is Mr. Vance’s knee pain any better?” Mrs. Vance’s tone was rarely hesitant. “We’re all fine.” “Here’s the thing. You and Ethan haven’t seen each other for a few years. I wanted to ask, how do you feel about the engagement?” How do I feel? I opened the window, playing with a branch, letting the cold air hit my face. “Mrs. Vance, I know Mr. Vance arranged the engagement because he wanted me to feel secure in your home. Back then, Ethan and I were young and didn’t really understand what it meant.” Giving up the engagement to become purely family with Mr. Vance? I had no objections. In fact, I looked forward to it. This way, Mrs. Vance would feel better and stop being prejudiced against me. My uncle was Mr. Vance’s secretary. Years ago, he took a knife for Mr. Vance during a mugging. Later, my uncle died in an accident while on a business trip. I was the only relative left. Mr. Vance was loyal and took me in. Worried I wouldn’t feel at home, he arranged a “childhood engagement” between me and Ethan. But things backfired. I was mocked as the “child bride” of the Vance family since I was little. Ethan always stood in front of me, arguing with others and shielding me from gossip. But as we grew up, teenage awkwardness turned his protection into annoyance. That summer, he had a huge fight with Mr. Vance: “If you want to repay the debt, marry her yourself! Why force me?” Living under someone else’s roof made me sensitive. I changed my college application without a word. I left and didn’t return to the Vance home for two whole years. At first, I couldn’t face them. Later, I was too busy to return. Suddenly leaving the Vance family’s influence and entering a new environment meant doing everything myself. For a long time, I was just adapting. But it was a good thing. It fostered my independence. True self-reinvention. 2. Coming back to the present. Those arguments felt like a lifetime ago. I had reconnected with Mr. Vance long ago. When Ethan wasn’t home, I visited Mr. Vance many times. But every time I mentioned breaking the engagement, he said to wait and see. I was going back this time mainly to start a business. I wanted Mr. Vance’s experienced advice on whether my idea was feasible. I didn’t expect that telling them a month in advance would cause such a huge reaction from Ethan, making him think I was coming back to fulfill the engagement. Thinking of something, I walked to my desk, opened the drawer, and took out my old phone. I tried searching for the OP’s account with my main account. Found out his account had blocked my main account. Everything was clear. I hadn’t been in touch with Ethan for too many years. He didn’t know I had changed all my accounts. The algorithm pushed his burner account’s post to my new account. Thinking of this, I felt a bit melancholic. When we were young and naive, we didn’t think being fiancés was bad. We even thought being together forever was wonderful. We didn’t understand. The word “forever” can sometimes weigh as heavy as a curse. In high school, he gained a clear understanding of responsibility. I, the designated fiancée, was like a cage binding his freedom. After growing up, I had been trying to break the engagement. Facing Mrs. Vance, I couldn’t be too obvious, or it would seem like I disliked her son. “Why ask this suddenly, Mrs. Vance? Is Ethan dating someone?” I knew. Mrs. Vance didn’t want me as a daughter-in-law. But she also felt guilty towards me. If not for working for Mr. Vance, my only relative wouldn’t have left me. Hearing this, she sighed in relief. “No, he’s not dating.” “I have an idea, I don’t know if you agree. You’re both grown up now, but haven’t experienced much. You shouldn’t be limited by a paper engagement. How about I adopt you as my daughter?” Hearing this, I smiled relaxedly. “That sounds great. I have no objections.” She was probably still worried, emphasizing, “Okay, when you come back, your Uncle… your Dad and I will take you to change the household registration. If we do it, we do it as real family!” I agreed happily. “Great! Remember to prepare a gift for me, Mom!” 3. A month later, I returned to Seattle. The airport was quiet at night. Dragging my exhaustion, I walked out with the crowd. “Sophie, over here!” I looked up and saw Mr. Vance, looking as refined as ever. Mrs. Vance beside him waved at me. Time hadn’t left many marks on their well-maintained faces; they looked as spirited as last year. I didn’t expect them to come specifically to pick me up. The joy of seeing family made me drop my luggage and run over. “Why did you come so late?” Getting closer, I realized Mrs. Vance looked a bit awkward, and Mr. Vance’s smile was forced. I understood immediately. They acted first and reported later regarding the adoption, hiding it from Mr. Vance. Thinking of this, I hugged them tightly without a word, excitedly saying, “Should I call you Mom and Dad now?” I called them Mom and Dad a few times, happily saying, “Finally, I can come home legitimately!” Mr. Vance kept a straight face. “Why couldn’t you come home before?” I let Mrs. Vance put a scarf on me, grumbling dissatisfiedly: “Don’t mention it. You and Ethan fought so fiercely back then! It was so awkward for me; I felt like a disaster. This is much better. I said there were better ways to repay kindness. Dad, you were too old-fashioned, insisting on some arranged marriage nonsense.” Mr. Vance’s furrowed brows finally relaxed a little, lost in thought. Clearly, he hadn’t considered many things. Mrs. Vance’s smile became much more sincere, urging: “It’s too cold, let’s get in the car and have some soup.” In the car. Mr. Vance’s face warmed up considerably. We tacitly didn’t mention Ethan. It was past nine when we got home. After eating and drinking, I threw myself onto the bed in my room. I had to say, I still liked the Vance family. Mr. Vance was my most solid support. The elder who would accept me as soon as I turned back. The next day, Mrs. Vance knocked on my door at ten. “Do you have time now?” I knew immediately what she meant. “To change the registration?” “Yes, your Unc… your Dad is waiting downstairs.” She smiled a bit unnaturally. Things went smoother than expected. After the paperwork was done and we returned to the car, Mr. Vance stuffed six property deeds into my hands. “I bought these for you years ago. Thought I’d give them to you when you got married.” Mrs. Vance said cheerfully: “I prepared jewelry and clothes for you. Go back and try them on. If they don’t fit, I’ll have them send another batch. The custom ones will take a while.” I hugged her arm, calling clingily: “Thanks, Mom~” This sentence made Mrs. Vance beam with joy. Some people, if they become daughters-in-law, don’t look right no matter what. But if they become daughters, it seems different. I remember overhearing her on the phone with a friend when I was little. She said: “I told Old Vance, our family isn’t short of money. I’d rather give her more compensation later than tie up my son’s life. But Old Vance got angry with me…” 4. Later, Ethan and Mr. Vance started fighting. Mrs. Vance argued angrily with Mr. Vance. “What did I say? We shouldn’t have set it up when they were young and ignorant. You said I was being snobbish. Now look, your son doesn’t even recognize you as his father!” That summer, only Mr. Vance and I were left at home. Whenever there was movement outside. He would subconsciously adjust his sitting posture. But neither Mrs. Vance nor Ethan came back. His loneliness became the root of my sadness. I never wanted to be a burden to others. I worked towards this direction. Wanted to do everything perfectly. In the end, I did nothing well. Now, I suddenly felt a bit grateful to the netizen who came up with the idea. Wandering outside for so many years. I could finally return home with peace of mind. Ethan, having avoided me for so long, could probably come home safely today too. … The conflict between me and the Vance family. Suddenly resolved! In a good mood, I wanted to find someone to talk to. I immediately asked my friend, Lana, to go to a place I didn’t usually like. While biting my straw and complaining to Lana about how hard it was to start a business, her eye started twitching. Confused, I blinked back at her and turned my head. As I turned, a figure approached. My head bumped directly into the person’s chest, my hair catching on his button. The person held my head, his cool tone carrying a soothing meaning: “Don’t move.” My heart trembled. After he untangled me, I was still a bit dazed, forgetting to thank him. Before I could react, a silver phone was handed to me. He said to me: “Can I get your contact info?” I froze, my gaze falling on his fair knuckles, wrapped in a band-aid. This inopportunely reminded me of Ethan. When he was in a bad mood, he liked to box or practice Jiu-Jitsu. The young master’s hands were too precious, often injured from excessive force. So every time he came back from the gym, I would pull him over to treat his wounds. The moment I looked up and saw Ethan. I was stunned, my heart tingling faintly. Turns out, saying “it’s fine” when not seeing him was easy. But upon sudden reunion, my heart’s reaction couldn’t lie to myself. The sentence “Can I get your contact info” belatedly rushed into my brain. I let out a short: “Huh?” Probably my confused expression was too exaggerated. It made him laugh. The fragmented light in his black eyes, almost gentle, made my heart skip a beat again. He pointed to the distance: “Truth or Dare. Can you help me out?” I followed his gaze. I just thought it was lively over there and hadn’t looked, but now I realized that table was full of acquaintances. 5. Thinking he just wanted me to help him cheat, I took out my phone and let him scan my QR code. He returned to his seat, and the group booed unhappily. Someone hit the person who came up with the idea with an inflatable hammer: “Asking such a handsome guy to get a girl’s WeChat, what were you thinking?” Because I started paying attention to them. Their words fell into my ears without omission. As Ethan sat down, his good buddy, Liam, pulled him and asked: “Sophie is coming back. It’s not right for you to keep hiding from her! Are you going back today?” Ethan tutted: “My mom said I can go back.” Liam grinned: “Told you posting online would find a good solution!” Lana, sitting opposite me, was stunned. I was also surprised. Are people so arrogant nowadays? We were only two tables away. Discussing me right in front of my face? Lana pulled my sleeve: “Wait, did he not recognize you???” I turned sideways, sipping my drink. Back then, Lana and I went to the same college. In the six years I avoided Ethan. Lana had no reason to meet Ethan either. This led to… The lighting was dim. He might… not have recognized me and Lana. For a moment, I almost didn’t know what expression to make. But the topic over there wasn’t over. Another friend, Kyle, pushed a drink to him. “So what if it’s a good idea? If she still wants to marry you later, will she call you Brother or Husband?” “Hey, what are you talking about?” Liam smoothed things over dissatisfiedly. Kyle laughed cynically: “Who couldn’t tell she liked Ethan back then?” “Someone with her registration in your book, if any scandal happens, it won’t sound good.” “I say just send her abroad. Save her from causing trouble and gossip!” Lana was furious hearing this, standing up abruptly.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389524”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My best friend and I transmigrated into a romance novel together. She became the unloved, simping wife of the scheming Second Male Lead. I became the stand-in lover for the psycho Villain. On the surface, we acted heartbroken and unrequited. Behind the scenes, we swiped their black cards and lived like queens. We lived this life of luxury for three years, until the real heroine—the “One That Got Away”—returned. Knowing that both the Second Lead and the Villain would go mad for her, my best friend knocked on my door late one night with a small bag. “I saved enough money. How about you?” Me: “Almost. But I can spend yours.” So, we planned the perfect fake deaths. Three years later, my best friend had the misfortune of running into her ex-husband at a nightclub. I panicked: “I’ll cover you! Run!” I turned around and slammed right into a solid chest. The psycho Villain calmly removed his tie and slowly bound my wrists. “You worry about running yourself first.” Chapter 1 When Liam Sterling suddenly came home, Chloe was in the middle of showing off her new pink diamond ring. Seeing Liam’s signature Maybach pull into the driveway, Chloe shoved me. “Quick, quick! Hide!” Feeling like an adulterer caught in the act, I scrambled into the walk-in closet. Just as I hid, Liam pushed the door open. Chloe, who had been happily flaunting her wealth seconds ago, now had red-rimmed eyes and a look of utter despair. Hearing the door, she gave a tragic smile. “So, you know how to come home.” Liam strode over to her. He looked down at her coldly. “Lily is missing.” “Chloe, I told you. Lily is just a student I’m sponsoring.” “If you have a problem with the Sterling family, take it out on me. Don’t target innocent people.” Chloe understood. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You think I kidnapped her?” Liam closed his eyes. “She disappeared right after calling you. I have no choice but to suspect you.” His phone rang. He answered, glanced at Chloe, and said, “Okay, I’m coming.” He turned to leave. Chloe lost control, rushing forward to grab his hand. “Liam, I swear I didn’t do it.” Liam’s eyes were like ice. “I will investigate. Until the results are in, I won’t see you again.” Tears fell instantly from Chloe’s eyes. “Can you leave tomorrow?” Her eyes were red, her tone begging. “Today is our wedding anniversary. Can’t you stay just one night?” Liam was silent for two seconds, but eventually pulled his hand away. “I’m sorry. The police have a lead on Lily. I have to go.” The door slammed shut. Chloe screamed brokenly, “Liam Sterling! Come back!” We stayed silent for two seconds, listening to his footsteps fade away. “Oh my god, finally.” Chloe wiped her tears and let me out of the closet. I applauded. “That was Oscar-worthy, sis.” Chloe rolled her eyes. “Cut the crap. The situation is bad. We need a plan.” “The heroine is back, and she’s starting her drama. My guy is already abusing me emotionally, yours won’t be far behind.” I asked, “You mean…” “We have to run,” Chloe said firmly. “If we don’t run now, we’ll have the money but no life to spend it.” Chapter 2 Chloe and I are both transmigrators. She married the scheming Second Male Lead, Liam Sterling, through a political alliance. For three years, he treated her like air. I was the stand-in for the psycho Villain, Adrian Locke. He kept me in a Manhattan penthouse for three years because I looked like his first love. We had no complaints about our roles. The Sterling family was old money and politics—untouchable. Adrian Locke controlled the underworld and legitimate businesses—a mad dog everyone feared. Their common trait? They were rich. Filthy rich. For three years, we acted heartbroken while secretly spending their money like water. But the game had changed. The heroine, Lily White, was back. According to the plot, Chloe’s husband Liam is Lily’s loyal knight. My boyfriend Adrian is even worse. Lily is his obsession. He would kill gods and buddhas for her. “If we don’t leave now, it’ll be too late,” Chloe said. “Lily isn’t simple. She staged this disappearance to frame me.” “Liam is just cold, but what about Adrian? That psycho is capable of anything.” I shivered. True. Once, Adrian took me to a poker game. A guy looked at my chest for too long, and Adrian had his legs broken and threw him into the Hudson River. I was just a stand-in, and he was that possessive. If he thought I hurt his precious Lily, I’d be dead ten times over. We had to go. Hurting my feelings is fine. Hurting my physical safety is absolutely not. Chloe looked at me. “Did you save enough?” I shook my head. “No. But I know you did. I’m planning to spend yours.” Chloe: “…” Luckily, she was my best friend. She was ready to be my sugar mama. We discussed escape plans. Only one was viable. Faking our deaths. We knew too many secrets about the Sterling and Locke families. If we didn’t “die,” they would never stop looking for us. “Who goes first?” I asked. “Me first, you later,” she said. “Why not me first?” I argued. “I want to get it over with.” Everyone knows the second person has to clean up the mess for the first. Chloe said, “Rock, paper, scissors.” She won. “Best two out of three.” She won again. I grumbled, “Fine, you die first!” Chapter 3 Chloe went off happily to prepare for her death. I went home to pack. I kept my most valuable items in the basement safe. But as soon as I entered the basement, someone covered my eyes. Adrian tied his tie around my eyes and whispered in my ear: “Where did you go?” He smelled faintly of blood and gunpowder. Probably just handled some “business.” Even after three years, I was instinctively afraid of him. My voice trembled. “I went to buy you a gift.” I opened my hand. A silver rose brooch lay there. It wasn’t expensive, but Adrian seemed happy. He picked me up and placed me on the Steinway piano. “What do you want to hear today?” I said obediently, “I like whatever you play.” Ten years ago, Adrian’s father hated his illegitimate son so much he threw him into an illegal asylum. Adrian was abused daily. He wanted to die. Until he found a rose garden in the asylum with an old piano. He played there every day, and a girl outside the wall would listen. That girl was Lily. … After I came to Adrian, he planted a garden of roses for me. He made me wear white dresses and listen to him play. Today, his music was erratic. Halfway through, he stopped violently, grabbed my calf, and pulled me into his arms. I slammed onto the keys; the discordant sound drowned out my gasp. Adrian kissed me. It was aggressive, possessive, chaotic. He said, “Next time, you don’t leave without my permission.” “Mm…” I answered obediently, but Adrian didn’t seem reassured. He tore my dress and crushed me into his embrace. … I have to admit, I was luckier than Chloe. Chloe only got the money. I got… other benefits. … But I couldn’t let Adrian know. When he held me, sweating, and kissed my cheek, I suddenly started crying. Adrian kissed away my tears, his voice low. “Why are you crying?” I asked, “Do you love me?” Adrian’s face went cold. For three years, he gave me everything I wanted. But we never talked about status or love. I was a stand-in. A stand-in needs to be beautiful and, most importantly, sensible. Asking a sugar daddy for his heart is very insensible. Adrian was silent. Silence was the answer. But I pushed. “Adrian, am I the woman you love most?” Adrian stood up and got dressed. Watching him head for the door, I cried, “Where are you going?” Adrian stopped. He turned back, his expression cold, as if the man who just made love to me wasn’t him. “Maya, you crossed the line.” Chapter 4 A canary has no right to question its master. I had performed well for three years. But today, I acted like I wouldn’t give up. I called him dozens of times after he left. He rejected every call. I breathed a sigh of relief. Great. Adrian was punishing me. That meant for at least three days, he wouldn’t answer my calls or come to the penthouse. My escape safety margin just increased significantly. I packed my valuables and moved them to a safe location. Late that night, Chloe came to find me. “Are you ready?” “Ready.” Chloe checked everything one last time. “Okay.” She nodded with satisfaction. “Time to die.” Chapter 5: Liam’s Perspective A lot happened that day. First, Liam’s men found an unconscious Lily in an abandoned warehouse in Brooklyn. Lily was clutching a pearl. Liam’s pupils shrank when he saw it. He recognized that pearl. On their wedding anniversary a year ago, to save face for both families, he bought Chloe a custom vintage gown covered in intricate embroidery and pearls. The pearl in Lily’s hand was from that dress. “Boss, could Mrs. Sterling really have…” his assistant whispered. Everyone knew it was a political marriage, but Chloe loved Liam obsessively. Jealousy is terrifying. Seeing Liam treat her coldly but Lily warmly, could she have snapped? Liam closed his eyes. “Hospital first.” On the way, Lily woke up. Seeing Liam, tears soaked her white dress. “Liam,” she said. “Thank you for everything, but we shouldn’t see each other anymore.” Liam asked gently, “Don’t be afraid. Did you see the kidnapper’s face?” Lily paused, then shook her head. “No, I can’t say.” She bit her lip, eyes misty. “Liam, everyone says you run New York, but I know you have difficulties too.” “I know her family helps your business… so please don’t fight with Chloe because of me.” Liam’s hand tightened silently. It was Chloe. It really was her. He had held onto a sliver of hope, but now it was gone. Lily watched his expression. She sobbed softly. “Liam, please don’t blame Chloe. She only did it because she loves you too much…” Just then, the phone rang. Liam could barely suppress his anger. “Hello.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389523”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I’ve always had a stutter, and my reactions are a beat slower than everyone else’s. It was a discussion about merging family assets. My brother, Harrison, asked me, “Who do you like? I’ll arrange it.” I looked at my childhood friend, the current top superstar sitting across from us, and my face flushed red. “I… I’m t-thinking…” “Alright, say no more. I get it,” Harrison interrupted. He didn’t even wait for me to finish, assuming I was hesitant. He turned and left. That night, a video of Asher West, the hottest actor in Hollywood, drunk and crying like a boiling tea kettle, went trending worldwide. “Her brother said she doesn’t like me! Even if it’s an arranged marriage, it won’t be me!” Me: ? I just wanted to say I was thinking it might be hard for him! 1. Asher is trending again. When the news broke, I was squatting in the wind, eating a salad. There were too many fans following his schedule this time. I had been camping out since I got off the plane just to secure this spot. Next to me was Bella, a die-hard fan of Caleb Cross for seven years. She had saved up for a long time just to see Caleb this time. Seeing the trending topic, she curled her lip. “So annoying. Who wants to see that plague god anyway?” I craned my neck to peek. It turned out Asher’s birthday was coming up. A wealthy fan had dropped a fortune to rent out all the digital billboards in Times Square to celebrate. Passersby took photos, and it hit the trending tab immediately. Checking the comments, Asher’s fandom was exploding: [My fave is too powerful!] [It’s our Lady Citrus again! Rich and generous!] [Sharing a fandom with Lady Citrus is truly a blessing…] DoubleCitrus—that’s me. I’m known in the fandom as the rich auntie. I’ve been supporting Asher since his debut. Every time I spend, I spend big. The fans affectionately call me “Lady Citrus.” Bella huffed. “Great, the Plague God’s fans are going to be insufferable again.” “Plague God” is the anti-fan nickname for Asher. Caleb Cross is filming in LA this time, playing the second male lead in a huge IP adaptation. The male lead is Asher. They have similar status in the industry, so they were already considered rivals. Now, acting as lead and second lead in the same show sparked massive debate. The two fandoms have been tearing each other apart since the cast announcement. Bella hates Asher with a passion. My phone buzzed in my pocket. Clutching my fan merchandise, I struggled to pull it out. Seeing the caller ID, I panicked and fumbled to hang up. “What’s wrong?” Bella looked over. “N-nothing,” I stammered. The screen lit up again. It was a text from Asher. Asher: [Your brother said you’re at the studio lot in LA. Where are you?] Afraid Bella would see, I shoved the phone back into my pocket. Suddenly, there was a commotion ahead. “Caleb is coming out!” Someone shouted, and the fans screamed, pushing forward frantically. Bella launched herself from a standing start, sprinting to the front the moment Caleb appeared. My reaction was too slow. I couldn’t squeeze past them. Someone bumped me hard, and I tumbled straight into a roadside ditch. The other fans were too busy snapping photos to care. I shouted twice, but no one looked back. Eventually, I crawled out of the pit alone. Too late to rub my sore hip, I immediately checked the camera I had been protecting like a baby in my arms. Not a scratch. I giggled. Brushing the dirt off my clothes, I checked the photo of Caleb I had captured in that split second. Perfect. It’ll be easy to Photoshop. 2. Half an hour later, downstairs at the hotel. Asher, wearing a black puffer jacket, a mask, and a baseball cap, saw my mud-covered state and his face instantly darkened. “What happened to you?” I hugged my camera and merch happily, my face practically screaming I went out to party. “I went to see Caleb. He’s so handsome!” Asher’s face under the mask grew even darker. “So, your brother said you were chasing a star. You’re chasing Caleb?” “Y-yeah.” I nodded honestly. Asher and I hadn’t seen each other for almost two months. He’s a top star now, constantly running schedules. Sometimes we don’t see each other for months. Last time was Christmas. He squeezed in a meal with me, then flew overseas overnight. This drama is his first major production after transitioning his image. The competition for the lead role was fierce. Asher fought hard for it. Because of this, he cleared his schedule and arrived in LA half a month early. I didn’t want to disturb his filming, so I hadn’t texted him much lately. I intended to keep this trip a secret from my brother, Harrison. But Harrison found out when I bought the plane ticket and immediately snitched to Asher. Learning the truth, Asher laughed out of anger. “Okay, fine. Harper Sutton, why did you even come to find me then?” “Harrison told me to.” I answered truthfully. Although I claimed to have online friends, Harrison never felt at ease about me. He told me to find Asher once I got to LA. I always listen to my brother. Ding— The elevator doors opened. I walked in quickly. Seeing Asher still sulking in the lobby, I waved at him. “Come in, I’m starving.” He walked in reluctantly but kept a foot of distance between us. Just as the doors were closing, a woman rushed in. “Hold the door!” I instinctively stepped back and bumped right into Asher. The woman heard the noise and looked over. I spotted it instantly—she was holding Caleb Cross merchandise. Reflexively, I grabbed Asher. “Huh?” Asher stumbled, about to speak, but I shoved his head down. When the woman looked again, she only saw a tall man burying his face in my neck, like a lover seeking comfort. She quickly averted her gaze, looking the other way. “What are you doing?” Asher mumbled, confused by the sudden move. He tried to struggle, but I held him down. “Don’t move,” I whispered conspiratorially in his ear. “It’s a Caleb fan.” “Do you have to… this isn’t appropriate…” Hearing that, Asher stopped moving. Two seconds passed. He suddenly let out a soft hmph. Then, he leaned into me, resting his chin obediently on my shoulder. I tried to step back, but he wrapped his arm around my waist. The bridge of his nose brushed my ear through the mask. It tickled and felt hot. He was practically pressed against my face as he articulated, word for word— “You think this isn’t appropriate?” Ding— The elevator finally opened. The woman, forced to watch the “couple” make out for the whole ride, practically ran out. I shoved Asher away immediately. “Y-you were too close!” We were alone in the elevator. Asher pulled down his mask and suddenly smiled. “Why are you nervous?” ? Nonsense! My face turned bright red. “I… I am not!” 3. I was a premature baby. I’ve stuttered since I was little, and my reaction time is slower than average. My parents were busy with work, so Harrison basically raised me. On my first day of elementary school, my brother told me earnestly, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand the teacher. The family donated money to the school. Just eat well and make some friends.” I nodded vaguely, noting it down. Later, it proved Harrison was overthinking it. I couldn’t make friends at all. Other kids didn’t like playing with a stutterer. They didn’t play with me, but because of my family’s wealth, they didn’t dare bully me either. I was young then and didn’t know what isolation was. I just thought the school lunch was delicious and the teachers were nice. If the kids didn’t play with me, I’d play by myself. Asher transferred in during third grade. He caused a sensation as soon as he arrived. I heard rumors that his mother was a “homewrecker.” Asher was an illegitimate child. I didn’t really understand what that meant. But I could tell he was isolated like me. When he first arrived, Asher was quiet. Rather than being isolated, it seemed more like he had isolated everyone else. Until one P.E. class, some boys, jealous of Asher, yelled at him to fetch the ball. Asher ignored them at first. Then the group of boys made up a rhyme, calling his mom a fox (a homewrecker) and him a little fox. Asher snapped and charged them. Even back then, Asher had exquisite features, a budding beauty. And I happened to appreciate beauty. Seeing Asher get punched in the face, I got angry. I ran over, picked up the soccer ball, and smashed it hard into the lead fatty’s face. Half an hour later, the three of us stood outside the principal’s office, waiting for our parents. Asher stood with a stoic face, hair messy, wiping a bloody nose. I stood beside him, puffing my cheeks, while the fat kid covered his head and wailed. I was annoyed. “D-don’t cry!” “Cry again, and I’ll h-hit you again!” The kid stopped howling. Asher looked at me in surprise. “D-don’t be afraid.” I held his hand. “My family… is super rich!” Harrison rushed over just in time to hear this and nearly blacked out. After figuring out the situation, he glared at Asher. “So you’re the kid who made my sister fight?” “Brother!” I didn’t stutter when calling Harrison. “He’s handsome!” Harrison’s face looked even worse. Neither of Asher’s parents showed up. He stood alone in the hallway, head down, looking small and lonely. The fat kid’s parents came in furious, wanting justice. But seeing Harrison in the office, their faces instantly changed to fawning smiles, eager to settle. The next day, I found Asher again, holding a cake made by our chef. Maybe because of the camaraderie from the fight, Asher didn’t scowl. He asked what I wanted. “I… I heard, if you have a Boss, no one bullies you…” I tried hard not to stutter. Asher looked annoyed, seemingly thinking of how to reject me. Until I continued— “So… so, you be my Boss!” Asher: “?” He looked at me for a few seconds. I hurriedly pushed the cake toward him. “Ice… ice cream cake. It’s yummy.” I wanted to say, if you accept me as your boss, you get ice cream cake every day. But when he opened the box, it was a mess. It was hot, and I forgot the ice packs. The cake had melted. Asher looked disgusted. But he took the spoon, and under my expectant gaze, took a bite. “Okay.” He agreed. From then on, I had a henchman. Later I learned Asher had transferred because of fighting at his old school. Classmates whispered that he was a mad dog. I didn’t know how to handle a henchman. So I asked my brother. Harrison thought I wanted a puppy, so he bought me a stack of Dog Training Manuals. The manuals worked. My relationship with Asher grew closer. Though occasionally, Asher would ask, “Do you really like shaking hands that much?” “Yeah.” I nodded seriously, extending my hand. “Paw.” Asher had no choice but to shake my hand. In middle school, we were in different classes. On the second day, a teacher called on me, exposing my stutter. After that, some annoying boys would mimic me during breaks. At first, I was too oblivious to care. But soon, the whole grade was talking about the stuttering girl in Class 1 who was loaded. When word reached Asher, he picked a time after school and took me to corner those boys. “You’re bullying my boss?” Asher was tall by then. Glaring at them in the corner, he really did look like a mad dog. “Apologize to her.” “S-sorry!” He scared the boy into a real stutter. Asher got angrier. “Apologize properly!” After that day, no one dared laugh at my speech. I practiced for a long time until I could speak normally in front of people. Only occasionally, with strangers or when nervous, would I still stutter. 4. Asher is so petty! I walked quickly into the room. Behind me, Asher asked casually, “Room service? or do you want to go to the restaurant?” “Don’t talk to me.” I pulled out my camera memory card angrily. “Busy editing photos.” Silence behind me. After I edited a set of Caleb photos and admired them for a while before posting, I noticed the room was too quiet. I turned around. Asher had fallen asleep on the sofa. Rumor had it he’d been filming night shoots for days. Today was his first break. I walked over, squatted down, and snapped a photo with my phone. Looking at Asher’s sleeping face, innocent as a baby, I smiled with satisfaction. I opened Twitter and switched to my alt account. My DMs were instantly at 99+. The newest one was from just now— [Lady Citrus, did you see the new paparazzi shots of Asher?!] Of course, I saw them. Not only did I see them, I saved them all. Happily, I started a new post and attached nine high-res edited photos of Asher, as usual. DoubleCitrus: [Today’s welfare pics~] I ignored the rapidly increasing likes and shook Asher awake. “Asher, I’m hungry. Let’s go eat.” Asher has a bit of a temper when waking up. He opened his eyes impatiently, saw it was me, and closed them again. “Mmm… give me five minutes.” Ten minutes later, hotel restaurant. I was debating between steak or pasta when a familiar voice sounded in my ear— “Hmm? Isn’t this Asher?” !!! I whipped my head around. Caleb Cross, who had just left surrounded by fans, appeared right in front of me, fresh as a daisy. Asher nodded at him coolly. “Yeah. Coincidence. You’re eating too.” Then he turned to me. “Whatever. Order whatever you want. Give me what you can’t finish.” Is that the priority right now?! Caleb’s gaze landed on me. Hearing Asher’s words, his look became meaningful. “And this is?” I winked frantically at Asher. Asher finally introduced me reluctantly. “Harper Sutton. My friend.” “Ah, Asher’s friend.” Caleb smiled, his eyes studying me. “Hi, I’m Caleb Cross. I’m filming with Asher, playing the second lead.” I know! I know! “Hi, hi.” I excitedly reached out to shake his hand. Mid-air, Asher intercepted it. “Can you fix this habit of shaking hands with everyone?” Asher coolly held my hand and pushed the ice cream the waiter just brought toward me. “Your favorite ice cream.” Then he glanced at Caleb. “Sorry, we need to eat. You have someone waiting for you too, right?” Caleb took the hint and nodded. “Right. Won’t disturb you then.” Before leaving, he turned and smiled at me one last time. I watched him walk to a corner table, reluctant to look away. The steak arrived. Asher started cutting it. I ate my ice cream, babbling. “Caleb is so handsome when he smiles…” “I saw him during the day, but there were too many people.” “Up close, he’s ten thousand times better looking than his photos!” “It’s so great. Just coming out for a meal with you and I meet my crush. I’m so happy…” Suddenly, my vision went black. Asher was annoyed. He covered my eyes with his hand. “Asher?” “I can’t see.” Silence. “Yeah. Don’t look.” I tried to resist, but he grabbed my hands. I opened my mouth to bite him, but he stuffed a spoonful of ice cream in. Grapefruit flavor. The citrus burst in my mouth. Sour, bitter. But after swallowing, the aftertaste was sweet. “Harper.” My vision returned. Asher let go and pushed the cut steak toward me. “How much do you know about him to say you like him?” I forked a piece of steak. Chew, chew. “Like is like. I know everything about him!” Asher paused. “Oh. And you too.” I smiled proudly at him. “I know everything about you too.” “Since we’ve known each other for so many years, I probably know you better than any fan.” Asher didn’t speak. He just stared at me for a long time. Then he looked away and chuckled dryly. “There’s plenty you don’t know…” I finished my ice cream. I looked at Asher with puppy eyes. Resigned, Asher pushed his portion toward me. “What’s the difference between your like for him and your like for this ice cream?” That’s different, surely. I thought about it. “Ice cream comes first.” Asher seemed to smile again. “Yeah. It’s good you stay like this.” I took a bite, tilting my head. “But you and Harrison barely make it to a tie for first with the ice cream.” “Oh, I’m truly honored.” Asher said flatly, taking a spoonful of the ice cream I had eaten from. “Come back and say that when you can tell the difference between me and ice cream.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389522”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel