After I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, my parents didn’t believe me, my brother mocked me, and the adopted daughter was triumphant. In my despair, I decided to end my life, when comments started floating in the air. “Here we go again, these female leads in tragedy novels are so sick, fantasizing about punishing their families through death.” “Just die already. Floating around as a soul watching your family regret everything must be so satisfying, right?” “Wanting to see their family love them after they become a ghost is the most disgusting part of these stories!” I blinked. Could I become a ghost? I quickly put on a red dress and embroidered shoes and hanged myself at the front door. When I opened my eyes again, I was floating in mid-air, radiating a murderous aura, smiling like a demon. Comments: “Damn, why does my back feel so cold all of a sudden?” Let it be cold. This is now a vengeful ghost story! Chapter 1 Looking at my own terrifying appearance in the red dress, I let out a genuine smile. I actually became a ghost. So, according to the plot, I should be floating in the air, watching my family regret and weep, beating their chests, while I secretly gloat before reincarnating. What’s the point of that? I was dying of cancer anyway, but I didn’t want to die in vain. Kidnapped for ten years, suffering untold miseries? Returning home for three years only to receive cold shoulders? I remember it all! Looking up at the villa’s main gate, my corpse swayed in the darkness before dawn. Red dress, embroidered shoes, disheveled hair, purple face—terrifying. The first maid to discover me burst into tears on the spot, forgetting all about making breakfast. Screams tore through the tranquility of the villa. Lights turned on one by one, followed by denser screams. Finally, my family was awakened, rushing downstairs wrapped in their pajamas. Chapter 2 My dad walked with authority, his voice commanding: “What’s all the noise?” The maids trembled, pointing at the gate. My dad took one look, and his face changed drastically. My mom and brother appeared too, their pupils flashing with shock and panic. But their first reaction wasn’t to rush over and take me down. Instead, they retreated several steps. Fear far outweighed care. I sneered continuously. If it were the adopted daughter, Sarah, hanging there, even if the body was rotting, the family would rush over without hesitation. Just then, Sarah walked down yawning, pouting and mumbling: “Mom, Dad, Lucas, what’s going on? It’s not even light yet.” My brother, Lucas, quickly covered her eyes: “Be good, go back to sleep, it’s nothing.” But Sarah was willful. She pried Lucas’s hand away: “What happened?” Then, she froze, having seen my swaying corpse. She screamed and hid behind Lucas. Lucas hugged her concernedly, comforting her repeatedly: “Don’t be scared, don’t be scared. It’s that psycho Bella. Hanging herself in the middle of the night, what bad luck!” My mom also patted Sarah’s back: “Good girl, go upstairs with your brother. We’ll handle it.” Sarah hummed in agreement, tears in her eyes as she went upstairs. But I clearly saw the hidden delight in the corner of her eyes. No matter how scared she was, seeing me dead made her happy. The comments exploded. “What a messed up family! Their biological daughter hanged herself and they are indifferent?” “Fck, I really want to hack Sarah to death!”* “Hehe, expected this. The female lead died for nothing. Told you not to play the ‘death makes them love me’ game!” “If they didn’t love you when you were alive, why would they love you when you’re dead? Too naive.” The comments were somewhat pitiful towards me. Little did they know, I wasn’t sad at all. From the moment I put on the red dress and hanged myself, this wasn’t some bullsh*t tragedy about gaining love through death! Chapter 3 My rage soared, and my ghostly aura became even more sinister. Suffering while alive, despised when dead. I really didn’t get a shred of love. Without hesitation, I lunged at my mom, intending to strangle her first! But I was bounced back, my soul nearly shattering. I was shocked. What happened? The comments were also shocked. “Holy sht, so that’s why! The female lead wore red to turn into a vengeful spirit! I thought she just wanted to die pretty!”* “Her mom believes in Buddhism and wears a blessed amulet consecrated by a master. It’ll be hard for the female lead to kill her.” “Is this not a tragedy novel? Charging money to read the rest immediately!” I looked at my mom’s neck, where a golden light flashed and disappeared. I remembered then, my mom had a habit of wearing an amulet. Thinking about it, it was ironic. My mom only started believing in Buddhism after I was kidnapped. She prayed day and night, hoping to find me. But when I was found, she favored Sarah. Her annoyance with me eventually outweighed her love. I smiled coldly, slowly floating up, and looked at my dad. My dad didn’t have an amulet. Chapter 4 My dad had calmed down completely by now. He ordered the servants to take me down, then made a call. Probably the funeral home car would arrive soon. “Not a word of what happened tonight gets out, or I won’t be forgiving!” He threatened the servants, then said to my mom: “Bella is beyond saving. I’ll have the funeral home take her for cremation ASAP.” My mom hesitated for a second, then nodded heavily: “Okay. Sigh, that girl, why couldn’t she think it through?” She didn’t want me dead, but now that I was, her sadness wasn’t even a drop in the ocean. My dad told my mom not to be sad. He even blamed me: “Bella deliberately wore a red dress and embroidered shoes to hang herself. Obviously to disgust us. I said long ago she was mentally ill!” I was indeed mentally ill. Kidnapped for ten years, physically and mentally shattered. Returned home for three years, thinking I could heal, but ended up completely broken. Could I not be sick? Since you made me sick, I’ll make you die! Chapter 5 Soon, the funeral home people arrived. My body was loaded into the car, and the family driver drove my dad along to the funeral home. I sat in the car, staring gloomily at my stern dad. I didn’t act immediately, just adapting to my ghost state. During this time, I found I could pull my dad’s clothes corner, which meant I could touch physical objects. But as dawn approached, a white light appeared in the east. I started to feel uncomfortable. Obviously, daytime wasn’t suitable for ghost activities. My lethality would be greatly reduced, and physical attacks like strangling or breaking necks wouldn’t work well. But ghosts harming people only need to use fear. Thinking this, I tried and willed myself to become visible. Dad was indifferent; he couldn’t see me. But I saw myself in the rearview mirror. Black hair, white face, red eyes—even I was scared. The driver, Uncle Wang, suddenly stiffened, hair standing on end, cold sweat flowing. He also glimpsed me in the rearview mirror. I quickly vanished. Uncle Wang was a good man. He drove me around for three years and often comforted me. I didn’t want to scare him to death. He rubbed his eyes hard, saw I was gone, turned his head to check specifically, then sighed in relief, trembling. Dad frowned: “What’s wrong?” Uncle Wang wiped his cold sweat, hesitating. Dad was displeased, telling him to speak. Uncle Wang finally said: “I… I seemed to see… Miss Bella.” Dad snorted: “Do you miss her? Can she turn into a ghost or something?” Uncle Wang dared not speak again. Dad smoothed his breath: “Even if she becomes a ghost, what’s there to be afraid of? She brought it on herself.” Uncle Wang sighed secretly and drove silently. That day, Dad handled my affairs and had the funeral home cremate me directly. I watched coldly from the side. When he returned to the corporate office and walked into his office alone, I revealed my white teeth. Night fell again, and the discomfort disappeared. Time to act.

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I was once a scientist specializing in bio-engineering. To further my research on interspecies breeding, I dissected a merman I had raised with my own hands. Five years later, I was captured. The merman I had brutally murdered descended like a god and abducted me. I wanted to say thank you, but a sedative was forced down my throat. Chained to a bed, the merman pressed his fingertips against my lower abdomen. “Professor, experiments are so fascinating. Let me explore the limits of the human body, shall I?” Chapter 1 During WWII, there was a form of water torture where water was forced into a prisoner’s stomach. I imagined the pain must be like this. When the distension became uncontrollable, the terror of my stomach exploding followed. I wasn’t afraid of death. I was only afraid of dying right now. “Caspian,” I gripped his wrist, my voice trembling uncontrollably, “Let… let me go…” “Let you go?” Caspian seemed to be waiting for those exact words. He suddenly raised his voice, pinning my wrists above my head with one hand. “Professor, isn’t that a little funny coming from you?” I froze slightly. Caspian held my waist, a smile playing on his lips. He spread his fingers and pressed his palm firmly against my swollen lower abdomen. “Professor Vance, did you ever let me go?” An ominous feeling surged in my heart. I dared not hide it anymore and said quickly, “I’ll die if you do this. Really, I really carried your spawn.” Caspian’s gaze suddenly changed. The hand pressing on my abdomen pushed down mercilessly. “No… Ah!” My scream echoed in the room. Pain surged like a flood, crushing me to the bottom of the ocean. Waves of heat exploded in my lower abdomen, the smell of blood rising. I could even hear the sound of the eggshell scratching my internal organs. Endless pain buried me. Before I passed out, I vaguely saw Caspian brushing away his wet bangs. “Professor, never trust anyone. That’s what you taught me.” His smile was still innocent, but his words were so cruel. “If you dare lie to me like that again, I’ll carve you open with my own hands, just like you did to me back then.” Chapter 2 Carve. What a cold, painful, and bloody word. But six years ago, I did indeed do that to Caspian. I still remember that day. The little merman was strapped to my operating table, his two small hands clenched into fists. Even though his claws could tear through metal, he didn’t struggle an inch. He just opened those eyes and looked at me quietly. As if this was no different from the past. I wasn’t about to dissect him cruelly; I was about to feed him milk, help him bathe, and comb his beautiful hair with a seashell comb. The scalpel I held could not fall. The voice in my earpiece was exceptionally cold. It said, “Professor Vance, think about the future of humanity. The human population has dropped off a cliff. Only by finding a method for multiple births can we change the fate of human extinction. We need the merman’s genetic data.” I looked at the little merman, my hand shaking. “He is just an experimental subject. Bred by humans, he must sacrifice for humans,” my superior was impatient. “If you can’t do it, send him to Professor Stone. Someone will do it for you.” Professor Stone, the notorious devil researcher. Creatures falling into his hands would suffer endless torture, living a life worse than death until every last bit of use was squeezed out. Caspian was destined to die. I couldn’t bear for him to suffer like that. The scalpel fell, blood splattering onto my eyes. Caspian was very polite: “Professor, you’ve made up your mind. Are you killing me?” I nodded, holding back tears. “Oh,” Caspian raised his hand and touched my eyes, “Don’t cry. Professor can’t bear it either. Professor said he would love me forever, right?” The scalpel in my hand sliced through the merman’s lower body. The beautiful fishtail was cut open, the blood scalding hot, burning my fingers. “Right?” Caspian was persistent. Mermen, what a mysterious and ancient species. They can live forever on love, or become immortal through hatred. I could no longer fulfill the love he wanted. What about hate? “Don’t be so sure,” I endured the pain in my chest. “After all, you are no different from other experimental subjects. So baby, don’t trust anyone easily again.” “Still calling me baby,” Caspian smiled, as if the knife hadn’t pierced his chest. “Professor just can’t let go of me. Even if we are experimental subjects, I’m your favorite. Otherwise, why would you only help me through my heat cycle?” “Right?” Caspian asked me. His tone was calm, his eyes gentle and firm. That was the look of someone who had been spoiled by my complete bias. “Right?” “Right?” “Right?” Receiving no answer, Caspian asked again and again, his voice on the verge of collapse. I only remember my hand getting steadier and steadier, until finally, I cut his throat. His clear voice became exceptionally hoarse, like an abandoned broken bellows. And the confidence in his eyes was on the verge of collapse. The sky outside the window was covered in blood red. The little merman slowly closed his eyes, and a crimson pearl finally rolled down from the corner of his eye. He nodded obediently, his voice so light it seemed about to be scattered by the wind. “Okay, baby remembers. Baby won’t trust anyone easily again.” “From now on, Professor is not Professor. Professor is just someone else. Really, I mean it.” Chapter 3 So… Caspian wouldn’t believe my words. He wouldn’t believe the hideous scar on my stomach. Chapter 4 It had been eight full days since that day. In the pitch darkness, I fiddled with the chains on my wrists, smiling bitterly. How much did he hate me to not even look at me? The window was pushed open a crack by a servant, letting in a sliver of light. I grabbed his sleeve. “Where is Caspian?” “Don’t rush,” the servant, wearing pure white gloves, pried my fingers open one by one, his movements cold as a machine. He served five dishes and a soup as usual. “Eat first. Eat well, drink well, recover well. The King will see you.” “Is he letting me go?” “He said he wants to humiliate you properly.” It wasn’t until I was forced to kneel in the courtyard by the servant and heard the moans coming from inside… That I suddenly realized. The weeping was lingering and touching, like a kitten’s claws gently scratching the heartstrings. And Caspian coaxed someone in a low voice, his timbre hoarse and deep. I knelt there, feeling dazed. Was six years that long? In my memory, Caspian had a clear, bright voice. He would whine and cling to me, rubbing my palm with his soft cheek. When I tried to crawl away, he would hook my calf with his cool tail and gently pull me back into his arms. “Professor, you look so beautiful when you cry, but I can’t bear to make you cry.” The boy’s eyes were bright, full of cherished love. “Kiss me, and I’ll let you go, okay?” A shallow kiss could soothe his unbearable, manic heat cycle. But six years later, my hands and feet were bound by cold chains, forced to kneel outside his room without dignity, listening to him being intimate with someone else. The good little fish I raised had turned into a bastard roe. He learned to be human. He was spiting me. I looked up. Dark clouds rolled in the sky; the sun had sunk early. Light rain fell pattering into my eyes. Humans should be honest. I admit. I broke. Taking a deep breath, I tore the iron chains apart and straightened up. The servants looked panicked, pointing swords at me one by one, but none dared to advance. I took a few steps forward and kicked the door open. Caspian turned his head, covering the person beneath him with the quilt, his eyes full of naked provocation. “What are you doing? Could it be…” “Do you know what true humiliation is?” I interrupted him directly. I lifted my foot and stepped on his bare shoulder. “Let me teach you. What you should be doing isn’t him, it’s me.”

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My period was two months late, so I called my ex-boyfriend. “I think I might be pregnant.” He sneered. “Is this a flex?” I said weakly, “No, it’s yours.” He warned me coldly, “Don’t think just because you’re pregnant I’ll get back together with you.” “I have a girlfriend, and she would mind.” After a few seconds of stunned silence, I smacked my forehead. “Sorry, my bad. I just remembered I got my period the day we broke up.” Chapter 1 Work had been insane lately, and I just forgot. Ethan went silent on the other end of the phone for a few seconds. Then he scoffed. “Boring.” He hung up impatiently. So he already had a new girlfriend. I couldn’t help but unblock him to check his social media. I wanted to see this new girl. In the photos, the usually serious Ethan was actually making funny faces with her. The girl had a sweet smile and dimples. She looked like the kind of girl who grew up surrounded by love. Since he had someone new, I shouldn’t keep his contact info. Just as I was about to delete him, a notification popped up. Ethan: [Transfer: $10,000.00] Me: [?] I was typing to ask why he sent money when he called. “Sarah, go to the hospital and get checked properly to see if you’re pregnant.” He spoke in the tone he used with subordinates: “If you are, take this money and get an abortion.” My heart felt like it had been pricked by a needle. “Didn’t I tell you? I’m not pregnant.” I regretted calling him earlier. “Besides, I got my period the day we broke up. Even if I was pregnant, you don’t have to worry about me pinning it on you.” Ethan’s voice rose, and I could feel his anger through the phone. “True. Even if it’s not mine, it could be someone else’s.” “Is that the kind of person I am to you?” Pregnant with someone else’s child two months after breaking up? And asking my ex to take responsibility? “You have a history, after all.” Ethan’s tone was contemptuous. “It’s normal to get lonely.” “Anyway, I’ve given what I should. Don’t come looking for me again.” He hung up violently. A new girlfriend just two months after breaking up. Who was the one who couldn’t handle being lonely? I tried to transfer the money back. Red exclamation mark. He blocked me on Venmo. I tried bank transfer. Limit exceeded. Luckily, Zelle worked. I found his account. The profile picture was unfamiliar. It was a cartoon character he used to despise. I double-checked it several times. He must have really found a girl he liked more. To do things he once disdained, like matching profile pictures. I transferred all the money back. Then blocked him everywhere. After doing all this, I felt drained. He broke up with me and found a sunny girl. Wasn’t this what I always hoped for? I should be happy. But why did everything feel so flavorless? Chapter 2 The next morning, I went downstairs to go to work. Ethan was standing in front of his car waiting for me. He walked straight toward me. “Get in.” “What are you doing here? I have to go to work—” Ethan frowned, his tone still cold. “Take leave.” He glanced at my abdomen. “I’m taking you to the hospital to check if you’re pregnant.” Because of my childhood trauma, I’ve always resisted hospitals. “Didn’t I tell you? I’m not pregnant.” His eyes were still suspicious. “The last time we were together, the condom broke…” I couldn’t help but retort, “Aren’t you a little too confident in yourself?” “I’m worried that if there really is a baby, I’ll be kept in the dark.” Men always think they possess superpowers in this department. “I said I’m not pregnant! Even if I was, it has nothing to do with you!” Being delayed for work made me irritable, and my voice rose unconsciously. Neighbors passing by glanced at us. My face heated up instantly. Ethan’s face darkened. “Get in. I’m taking you to the hospital. I already made an appointment.” “I can go myself.” I refused further contact. “I need to see the checkup with my own eyes to be at ease.” Ethan lowered his voice, speaking in a tone asking for a punch: “If you don’t come with me, I’ll keep blocking you here. It won’t take a day for you to become famous in this neighborhood.” I gritted my teeth and got in the car. As the car started, I thought for a moment. Picked up my phone to ask for leave. [Mr. Davis, I need to take the morning off to go to the hospital.] He replied instantly. Liam Davis: [Are you okay? Where do you feel uncomfortable? Is half a day enough?] I didn’t expect my boss, Liam, to be so caring. Three questions in a row. Quite different from his usual taciturn self. I typed tremblingly: [I’m fine, just a stomach ache. The morning is enough.] Liam Davis: [Approved. If you still feel unwell, take more days off.] Me: [Okay, thank you Mr. Davis.] Ethan, driving beside me, asked coldly: “Who are you texting so intently?” “Got a situation?” Seeing I didn’t answer, he continued: “No wonder you were so eager to cut ties with me! So you’ve already found your next target.” Ethan’s words carried a subtle malice. Making me uncomfortable. “I’m asking my boss for leave.” “Oh.” He glanced at my phone casually. “Never seen a boss care so much about a subordinate asking for leave.” He held the steering wheel, speaking in a knowing tone: “We’re both men. I can tell he has other intentions for you.” Although Ethan didn’t continue. I knew him too well. His micro-expressions, his tone. I could accurately interpret his implication. He wanted to tell me that my boss just wanted to play around with me, don’t be fooled. “Is that so? Then I’ll pay more attention to his behavior in the future.” “You!” He scoffed. “You’re amazing!” Ethan gripped the steering wheel tighter, veins popping. I didn’t know where his inexplicable jealousy came from. After all, when we broke up, he roared at me: “Sarah, if I break up with you, I’ll never care about you again.” Although he said that. Mutual friends told me he was still asking about me. Asking if I was doing well. Calling him last night was actually a gamble. Ethan might ignore me, but he wouldn’t ignore a “child,” right? But I was too anxious and forgot that possibility didn’t exist at all. Ethan slammed on the brakes. Inertia almost threw me into the windshield. Luckily the seatbelt held me. Only then did I notice the toy steering wheel attached to the passenger side dashboard. He even prepared toys for a child? That’s way too early. “Don’t overthink it.” Ethan said lightly. “That toy has nothing to do with you.” Chapter 3 His eyes softened for a moment. “It’s for my girlfriend.” Ethan smiled warmly. “She gets bored in the car, so I let her play with the steering wheel.” “Isn’t it romantic?” He asked me proudly. “Forget it, why am I talking about this with someone unromantic like you.” I hesitated, but decided to speak. “Um…” Ethan looked over smugly. “I wanted to remind you, if there’s an accident, the airbag might not deploy.” “Can you discuss with your girlfriend about changing to something else…” His smile vanished, voice squeezed from his throat: “Sarah, you really are allergic to romance.” Seeing his frown, I chose to shut up. Ethan continued driving, neither of us speaking another word. The silence was terrifying. Then Ethan’s phone rang. His face softened as he cleared his throat: “Hey, babe, what’s wrong?” I don’t know what the person on the other end said. Ethan spoke nervously: “Okay, okay, I’m coming right now.” After hanging up, Ethan turned to me: “Get out.” I looked at the road outside, incredulous: “Here?” “Yes.” He unbuckled my seatbelt without explanation and reached to open the door. I pressed his hand down, confirming: “There isn’t even a bus stop here. You’re making me get out here?” Ethan nodded indifferently. “My girlfriend has an emergency, I have to go to her. Go to the hospital yourself.” “Although it’s hard to get a cab here, the hospital is only two miles away. Treat it as exercise.” He pulled me out of the car. Before driving off, he rolled down the window and instructed: “Remember to tell me the results. It’s better for both of us.” Then left me with a cloud of exhaust. I laughed in anger. Called me out early in the morning, made me take leave. Then dumped me on the road and ran. Just as I was about to call a cab. My lower abdomen hurt suddenly. Luckily there was a public restroom nearby. Sure enough, my period came. So I didn’t go to the hospital. Instead, I went back to work. On the way, I texted Ethan. Told him I wasn’t pregnant. Then blocked and deleted him again. This time, it was really goodbye. Chapter 4 Maybe because it had been too long since my last period. This time it was exceptionally painful. Finally, after Liam signed all the documents. I prepared to leave his office, when my legs gave out. I fell forward. Just as I thought I was about to hit the floor. Pain didn’t come as expected. Liam held my waist and pulled me back. “Thank you, Mr. Davis.” He scrutinized my face. “Not feeling well? Did the hospital results come out?” “I’m fine, just my period.” I answered truthfully. The company allowed half a day of menstrual leave, but I had already taken the morning off and didn’t want work to pile up. Liam averted his eyes slightly, ears turning red. “You should take leave and go home to rest. I’ll arrange the work.” I remembered the shareholder meeting in the afternoon. If I quit now, the efforts of the past few weeks would be wasted. “No need, Mr. Davis. I can handle it.” I returned to my desk to prepare materials. But the pain got worse. I worried about fainting during the meeting. “Here.” I saw a box of Ibuprofen and two heating pads on my desk. Liam looked around unnaturally. Colleagues weren’t there. “I searched online. They said these help women in pain.” “Thank you, Mr. Davis! I really needed this!” Liam nodded. “Good.” His ears turned pink again. I suddenly remembered Ethan’s words. Does Liam really have ideas about me? But I dismissed it quickly. Liam was just a considerate boss. And he saw my hard work. Yes, that’s it. Finally off work, I couldn’t wait to go home and rest. Didn’t expect to see Ethan walking towards me downstairs. “Sarah, why didn’t you go to the hospital?” “Didn’t I tell you I wasn’t pregnant?” He seemed not to understand, pulling out a pregnancy test from somewhere, grabbing my hand: “Your word doesn’t count. Come with me.” “Since you won’t go to the hospital, test it in front of me.” It was rush hour, colleagues stopped to watch. I was annoyed by his unreasonable demand. Embarrassing me at my apartment wasn’t enough. Now at my workplace too? “I said no means no! I’m on my period, how can I be pregnant?” Ethan froze. “You’re lying. Your cycle starts on the 25th, not the 8th.” I felt powerless. “What, do you want me to take off my skirt for you to check?” “Can I?” Ethan asked seriously.

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Ethan used to be straight, but when I caught him cheating, he justified it righteously: “I’ve sacrificed so much for you. It was just one drunken mistake, can’t you let it go?” I said calmly, “Since you think it’s no big deal, then I’ll find someone to have a ‘drunken mistake’ with too, and we’ll call it even, okay?” He sneered and said, “Sure.” That night, Ethan called me all night long. I didn’t answer, so he sent message after message: [Sean, what do you mean? You really went out to find someone, didn’t you?] [Forget it, I know you wouldn’t.] [I was wrong first this time. Can I apologize?] He didn’t know that minutes before I saw these messages, I had just been pinned down by his cold, noble brother, his hand gripping my ankle as he kissed me fiercely. Chapter 1 Waking up in the morning, I stared at the handsome face sleeping next to me, my mind blank for ten seconds. Ten seconds later, I sat up abruptly. The blanket slipped from my chest, revealing marks all over my body. My mind went blank for another ten seconds. Calm down, calm down. Let me think… Last night, I had a fight with Ethan. The reason was that I returned from a business trip and found a pair of stockings in the sofa crevice. At first, Ethan denied it to death, saying it must have been left by a drunk female friend when he had friends over. He seemed to think I was an idiot. I was calm to the point of numbness, hearing myself ask him in a flat voice who was there that day, insisting on calling them one by one to verify. In the end, I pushed him until he exploded, shouting, “So I wasn’t gay before! My body just responds easier to women, what can I do?” Silence fell, deafening. I stared at Ethan expressionlessly. “Did I force you? From beginning to end, did I force you to be with me?” A trace of regret flashed across Ethan’s face. But when he spoke again, he was still self-righteous: “I’ve sacrificed so much for you, Sean. It was just one drunken mistake, can’t you just let it go?” “Sacrifice.” That word sounded familiar. Not long ago, Ethan had acute gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhea with a high fever, and was hospitalized. I was tied up with work and arrived a bit late. I walked in to hear Mia, inside the ward, complaining on his behalf: “How can Sean treat you like this? You’re so sick, and he just ignores you.” “Work? What work is more important than you?” “You didn’t even like men before. He turned you. Being together, how much pressure have you borne?” “You’ve made such a huge sacrifice for him. If he really cared about you, he should think about giving unconditionally to you.” “You said you pursued him, but why did you have to beg him to be good to you…” I thought Ethan should have said something for me at that moment, but he remained silent. Mia continued: “Ethan, with your conditions, what kind of excellent woman couldn’t you find? Why waste time with a man? Can he give you a complete family?” “Besides, my dad hates gays the most. He says people like that are perverts. If he finds out…” Mia was the daughter of Ethan’s boss. Anyone could see she had a crush on Ethan. Ethan wasn’t stupid; how could he not see it? But he wanted to please the boss, so he let her get close by any means necessary. Ethan wasn’t thirty yet, but his family was pressuring him hard to get married, constantly arranging blind dates. Mia gave him an idea: find a fake girlfriend to fool his parents for now, buying time. As for the candidate for the fake girlfriend, she naturally recommended herself. By the time I found out, Ethan had already taken Mia to meet his parents once. I was very uncomfortable. I knew Ethan had always been filial. He didn’t want to submit in his heart but couldn’t fiercely resist his parents. This made the pressure to marry the biggest trouble in his life. But taking a fake girlfriend home… I thought he should have discussed it with me, his real boyfriend, beforehand. Yet Ethan hadn’t mentioned a word. We had a big fight that time, ending with my compromise. Ethan kept coaxing me. First, he said he had no choice; his parents were pushing too hard. Second, he said Mia was the boss’s daughter, and since everyone was so enthusiastic, he couldn’t refuse. Third, he promised and swore it was absolutely just acting, with no boundary-crossing contact. Looking at him now, I really wanted to ask: And now? Is it still acting? How do they plan to act this out? How can they? I said, “That woman was Mia, right?” Ethan’s face turned pale. His lips moved, and finally, lacking confidence, he said, “I was really too drunk that day… There’s really nothing between us…” “Fine,” I found myself surprisingly calm. “Since you think it’s nothing, I’ll go find someone for a ‘drunken mistake’ too, and we’ll call it even, okay?” In an instant, Ethan looked like he was being choked, unable to speak or swallow. After a long while, he let out a cold laugh: “Sure, go find someone. Go find whoever you want tonight. Consider it what I owe you this time!” He obviously thought I said that just to spite him. I slammed the door and left. Chapter 2 After leaving home, I had nowhere to go, so I bought a six-pack of beer and drank by the river. The river wind was strong, blowing my small sadness into a balloon that filled my chest, causing a dull ache. Thinking about it, this was the seventh year I’d known Ethan. The year we graduated, we, two broke college grads, rented a place together in an old neighborhood where stomping in the hallway made paint peel off the walls. Just commuting took three hours a day. Every night after work, we were too tired to talk, sprawled on the sofa leaning on each other, playing music we both liked, spacing out, motionless for a long time. On nights with power outages in winter, with nothing to do, candlelight flickered in the room. Ethan would play the guitar and sing, laughing that he hadn’t practiced in a long time. Yet, with lowered lashes and a strum of the strings, every finger seemed to pluck at my heart. I realized, unbeknownst to me, I had fallen for Ethan. I liked his handsomeness, his positivity, and the genuine support and companionship he gave me during those hard days. But at the same time, I knew very well that Ethan was straight. When we first met, he had just broken up with his girlfriend of several years. He was so heartbroken back then; I didn’t know how many times I got drunk with him. So I never thought about confessing. Until one year, I met a man at a work event who pursued me crazily. I refused repeatedly, but he persisted. Once, when he came to block me at my home, he ran right into Ethan. I immediately decided to hold Ethan’s hand, declaring I already had a boyfriend and asking him to stop pestering me. This, however, completely exposed the fact that I was gay to Ethan. From then on, Ethan’s attitude toward me became ambiguous. I clearly felt the change. After thinking it over, I finally decided to make a move. Yes, I pursued him. I pursued him for a long time. Ethan hesitated, refused, but approached me again several times when I wanted to let go, starting a new round of push and pull. The process was agonizing. Luckily, in his words, he finally “couldn’t help himself.” Two years ago on New Year’s Eve, on this very riverbank, the atmosphere was too good. When Ethan pulled up the wide hood of his jacket to block the wind for me, I summoned the courage to lean in and kiss him, and he didn’t refuse. That’s how we got together. However, perhaps that kiss that changed our relationship was too light. It wasn’t earth-shattering enough, not thunderous enough, so it ultimately didn’t give our relationship a solid foundation. I mechanically poured alcohol into my stomach. Drunk, I couldn’t help but take out my phone and call Ethan. I cursed him uncontrollably: “You f*cking know to say you’re not gay now. When you kissed me back then, why didn’t you remember you were a straight man?” “Did I drug you or put a hex on you? Or did I tie you up and force myself on you? If your body prefers women, then get lost! Get lost! You’re not the only man in the world!” “Drunken mistake, right? You think I’m scaring you? I’m f*cking going to find someone right now! I’m going right now—” “Sean?” A deep, pleasant male voice came through the receiver, interrupting me. “Are you drunk? Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.” Adrian. Ethan’s cousin. They share a last name. My vision blurred, my hand shook, and I dialed the wrong number. The result of the wrong number was waking up with him lying on the pillow next to me. My insides churned. Looking at him, fragments of last night flashed through my mind. Adrian helped me through the door. I stumbled, dragging him down onto the sofa. I scrambled up, straddled him, cupped his face, and said, “Handsome, you look a bit familiar.” Adrian smiled, a very good-looking smile. “Do I? I’m your boyfriend’s cousin.” I thought for a moment, lowered my head, and whispered in his ear, “Then do you want to have an affair with your cousin’s boyfriend?” Adrian raised an eyebrow. “Looking for a ‘drunken mistake’ with me?” I asked, “Can I?” Adrian said seriously, “Doesn’t seem very appropriate.” Disappointed, I tried to climb off him, but he grabbed my waist. “Giving up so soon? Not going to try a little harder?” … Chapter 3 “Morning.” Soon Adrian woke up too, bidding me good morning as if nothing happened. I saw the mark on his shoulder and neck, clearly a bite. I remembered burying my face in the pillow the night before, sobbing and begging him to be gentle. Later, he turned me over to face him, and I bit his shoulder hard in retaliation, drawing blood on the spot. I was a bit embarrassed, especially since the previous night was too intense, making the current awkwardness even more awkward. “You okay?” Adrian spoke first. I mumbled a vague “Mmh.” Adrian asked, “Want a shower?” After hesitating, I nodded. Who knew when I lifted the quilt to get out of bed, my legs went soft, and I almost knelt. My face burned instantly. Seems it was my first time tasting the consequences of such indulgence… Suddenly, my body was lifted into the air. Adrian had come to my side at some point and picked me up bridal style. “What are you doing?” I opened my eyes wide. “Taking you to shower, aren’t I?” Adrian said, gently kicking open the bathroom door. How should I put it? I wasn’t exactly close to Adrian, but not strangers either. Because of Ethan, we had some contact. Also, Adrian had introduced a big client to my design studio. It was a top luxury villa design and renovation project. The client had ample budget, allowing me to really show my skills. Not only did I make a significant profit, but I also expanded my network with high-quality contacts. Although when I returned the favor, treated him to dinner, and expressed gratitude repeatedly, Adrian always maintained that he only acted as a bridge: “My friend is very picky. He looked at proposals from many designers. Choosing yours had nothing to do with me; your design simply moved him.” Regardless, his favor was a very significant stroke in my life. I also heard Ethan talk about him. Ethan’s feelings for this cousin, who was a few years older, were complex. If I had to say, probably a mix of admiration and jealousy. I could understand. Adrian was simply too outstanding. He attended a top world university, joined an overseas branch of a listed group after graduation, and was promoted rapidly due to his outstanding ability. Over two years ago, he was transferred back to the group headquarters. This year, he was appointed CEO of the group’s core business company. In his early thirties, sitting in this position, it was hard not to attract attention. Ethan said more than once that Adrian was very arrogant, as if he looked down on ordinary beings. I didn’t feel this strongly. My understanding of Adrian was shallow. My most prominent impression was that this was a man with excessively handsome features and an excessively cold temperament. But after last night, my view of him changed slightly. …At least in bed, he was quite intense. After showering, I wrapped a towel around my waist and sat back on the bed. My phone had died at some point. I pressed the power button for ages, no reaction. Seeing a charger plugged in on the other side of the bed, I crawled over to plug in my phone. In the process, the towel came loose. I quickly tried to get up and retie it. Just then, Adrian walked out of the bathroom. Seeing me on all fours on the bed, he walked over, tossed the towel aside, grabbed my ankle, and dragged me toward him. I reflexively kicked him twice. He pressed down on me from behind, kissing the back of my neck. His fingers slid down my spine. Water droplets from his hair fell onto my back one after another, tickling. I laughed and twisted my body. He flipped me over in one go and kissed my lips fervently. His shirt wasn’t buttoned yet, open wide. His bare chest pressed against mine; I could feel the intense beating of his heart. Tsk, looking so frigid, yet so easily excited? I dodged his kiss with some difficulty, “Mr…. mmn… Mr. Thorne…” “Still calling me Mr. Thorne?” Adrian paused. “Didn’t I teach you last night?” His eyes were too beautiful, calm yet hiding danger, making my brain crash. I swallowed. “…Adrian.” “Mmh.” Adrian was satisfied and lowered his head to kiss me again. I quickly blocked him. “No more?” Adrian looked a bit regretful. “I thought you were kneeling there specifically to seduce me just now.” I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Just as I was about to explain I was just plugging in my phone, my phone on the nightstand rang. It was Ethan. Chapter 4 In the end, I didn’t answer Ethan’s call. At this juncture, I didn’t know what I had to say to him. But after hanging up, I found that Ethan had called me many times while my phone was off. The times were sporadic, lasting from early morning until just now, as if he hadn’t slept all night. I admit, my heart clenched for a moment. A while later, Ethan sent a message: [Sean, what do you mean? You really went out to find someone, didn’t you?] Before I could reply, another one followed: [Forget it, I know you wouldn’t.] And another: [I was wrong first this time. Can I apologize? You know I can’t stand the cold war the most. We’re almost thirty, can we not do such childish things?] Ethan really changed, changed too much. He used to be a very sincere person. Now, for some reason, his words always revealed an inexplicable arrogance. Was it after he started accompanying leaders to various high-end places? Or after successive promotions, surrounded by people flattering him? I couldn’t remember. I stared at the messages on the screen for a while. Breaking up was certain, but I really wasn’t in the mood to deal with so many emotions right now. I could only find a time to talk face-to-face in a few days. So I replied: [Let’s both calm down first.] I threw the phone aside and found Adrian looking at me with burning eyes. I joked, “What is it, Mr. Thorne? Do you need me to take responsibility for you?” “Wasn’t that just now… never mind,” Adrian hesitated, then seriously pondered for a moment, asking back, “Can you?” I didn’t have a prepared answer for this, leaving me speechless. Adrian sat up from the bed, very disappointed. I watched him lower his head, slender fingers smoothing his lapels, buttoning his shirt one by one, then putting on trousers, rolling up cuffs, putting on a watch, tying a tie. Every movement was so pleasing to the eye. “So, until your next ‘drunken mistake’?” Finally, he asked tentatively. I laughed out loud. “Sure, you wait then.” … A few days later, a client treated me to dinner at a high-end restaurant in the city. About to leave after eating, I met Ethan’s mother in the hallway. She knew me. Back when I rented with Ethan, she came to visit him and always treated me as Ethan’s good friend. She enthusiastically pulled me to sit in their private room. Once the door opened, Ethan’s dad, Mia, and Adrian were all there. I learned it was Uncle’s birthday today. Ethan took this opportunity to invite his parents from their hometown to visit for a few days. Adrian, the cousin, was free, so he politely accompanied them. I said some polite words like “Sorry, I didn’t know beforehand, didn’t prepare a gift,” toasted Uncle, and sat in the empty seat next to Adrian. Sitting diagonally opposite were Ethan and Mia. Mia played the fake girlfriend very competently. Not only did she carefully select an expensive gift, but sitting next to Ethan, she also looked deeply in love with him. The sweet demeanor of wiping the corner of his mouth with a hot towel was so realistic I wanted to sneer. When Uncle and Auntie talked about marriage, Mia held Ethan’s hand directly in front of me, fingers interlocked. It was undoubtedly a demonstration to me. Soon, Ethan broke free from Mia’s hand. Meeting my gaze, he appeared uneasy and uncomfortable. I calmly lifted the wine glass in front of me and took a sip. Under the table, Adrian gently kicked me with the tip of his shoe, whispering in my ear, “What’s there to look at over there? Look at me.” I turned my head in confusion. A very good-looking, perfect face. So? My gaze swept down. A few seconds later, I realized. The tie he wore today was the one he used to bind my hands that night. In an instant, I felt my face “boom” with heat, my body temperature rising several degrees. Adrian chuckled low. I was slightly embarrassed and gently bumped his shoulder. Just then, I felt an intense gaze. Looking up, I found Ethan staring at me and Adrian, a few shallow creases between his brows. Uncle and Auntie were chatting enthusiastically with Mia. Adrian looked down at his phone, his other hand resting on the table, seemingly inadvertently lifting his pinky finger and hooking mine. Ethan stood up abruptly, the chair dragging on the floor with a harsh sound. “Sean, go out for a smoke?” His face didn’t look good. Uncle and Auntie looked at us strangely. I didn’t refuse, following Ethan out of the room to a small terrace. “What’s going on with you and my cousin?” He asked me almost impatiently. “What?” “What did you say?” Ethan raised his voice. “Someone like Adrian who keeps a cold distance from everyone, how could he touch your hand for no reason? Don’t tell me it was an accident!” “Then go ask him.” I had no obligation to explain this to him. I tried to leave. Ethan pulled me back. He was about to speak when suddenly, his gaze fixed on my neck, and his face changed. Seeing the hickey hidden under the collar that hadn’t faded yet, he pounced on me like a madman, trying to pull my collar down. “What is this?!” “Drunken mistake,” I quickly smoothed my collar. “Isn’t this the ‘even’ you agreed to?” Ethan looked at me in disbelief, his eyes suddenly red from the wind.

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I was on the fast track to becoming the prime-time news anchor. Then, the station airdropped a Stanford journalism grad—a beauty named Chloe Shi. Management issued a challenge: whoever lands the exclusive interview with the elusive billionaire CEO of the Ji Group, Ethan Ji, gets the anchor chair. I thought I had it in the bag. After all, Ethan is my secret husband. But Ethan granted the interview to Chloe and rejected me. When I found out Chloe was his first love, I knew we were done. I voluntarily applied for a transfer to the Donbas region as a war correspondent. In career and love, I had to grasp at least one, right? Ethan, this time, I’m the one walking away. Chapter 1 A gasp rippled through the office. Everyone was gathered around Chloe. The director looked at her with undisguised admiration. “As expected of a high-achiever from Stanford. Congratulations, Chloe. The task was assigned yesterday, and today you’ve secured the exclusive with the CEO of Ji Group.” Ethan Ji never accepted interviews. Everyone in the industry knew this. The Ji Group didn’t need publicity through media interviews; Ethan Ji himself was the best billboard. Chloe smiled, the corners of her mouth lifting. “It’s just part of the job. It’s what I should do.” Colleagues were surprised and delighted that Chloe secured the interview. Since taking over the Ji Group, Ethan had never accepted an interview from any media outlet. My smile was a bit forced. I had been at the City TV station for five years. I was one step away from being promoted to the prime-time news anchor. But yesterday, I was suddenly notified of a new female host joining us. Beautiful, professional, and strong. A master’s degree in journalism from abroad. Her introduction was generous and confident. “Hi everyone, I’m Chloe Shi.” “Although I graduated from Stanford Journalism, I’ve never worked in this industry and lack experience.” “I’ll need everyone’s guidance in the future.” She was polite and unpretentious, winning the favor of many colleagues. But when her eyes met mine… The corners of her mouth lifted slightly, carrying a hint of smugness. The director called both of us into the office and assigned the task. “Sarah,” he said to me. “We hope to get an exclusive interview with Ethan Ji of the Ji Group. So the station is giving you two a test.” “Whoever can secure the exclusive with Ethan Ji will become the prime-time news anchor.” I secretly rejoiced. This shouldn’t be a problem. Because Ethan Ji is my secret husband. Walking out of the office, Chloe extended her hand. “Hi, Sarah.” “You can call me Chloe.” I raised an eyebrow slightly. She actually knew my name. Her arrival was too sudden, as if she came specifically for me. I pressed my lips into a smile. “Hello, I’m Sarah Xu. Just Sarah is fine.” We exchanged contact info. Walking out of the office building side by side, she suddenly spoke. “Sarah.” “Let’s compete fairly.” It was just a hosting slot, yet her eyes were full of ambition. It felt like we were competing for more than just a position. Chapter 2 Last night, Ethan came home from a business dinner. He smelled faintly of alcohol, his face slightly flushed. His tailored shirt outlined his perfect physique, his suit jacket draped over his arm. The light hit his face, highlighting his smooth jawline and high nose bridge under thick brows. He lifted his eyelids to look at me. “Something up?” I blurted out directly, “Will you accept my interview?” He paused slightly, brows furrowing a bit. After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Sarah.” “I don’t accept any interviews, and there are no exceptions.” When the leadership assigned the task, I thought it was a sure thing. Because Ethan is my husband. So when I was rejected by Ethan, I felt a bit embarrassed. I gathered my courage and asked him, “Even if I am your wife, can’t I have a special exception?” Ethan nodded. “Yes. Even if you are my wife.” I said, “Okay, I understand.” Actually, I thought if I couldn’t get it, then Chloe couldn’t get it either. The next day, when the director announced that Chloe had secured the interview with Ethan… I was dazed for a long time, just zoning out. I don’t know how to describe my feelings at that moment. It felt like I lost the whole world in an instant. Until my partner, Mia, comforted me: “Sarah, don’t be sad.” “Just one look and you can tell she has connections. She was airdropped in, it’s not your fault.” My distress was obvious. But I wasn’t just sad because of the failed promotion, but because Ethan didn’t favor me. Knowing that Chloe was Ethan’s first love, I understood. What Chloe wanted to compete with me for wasn’t just the anchor position. It was also Ethan. After she secured the exclusive, she remained modest. After the director left, she suggested, “How about I treat everyone to coffee?” Colleagues were excited. Just securing the interview with Ethan meant the KPIs for various departments were met half a year ahead of schedule. Barring accidents, the year-end bonus would double. So even though I didn’t get the interview, I would still enjoy this bonus. Everyone looked at Chloe like she was a savior. A colleague said, “Chloe, you are amazing.” “Even the Crown Prince of the business world succumbed to you.” Chloe smiled sweetly. “We know each other.” After saying that, she looked at me. Chloe raised an eyebrow slightly, then withdrew her gaze. A seemingly light sentence, but with many hidden implications behind it. It caused a small sensation. “Chloe, you’re so beautiful.” “Could it be you’re the Crown Prince’s girlfriend?” Someone interjected, “That’s not right, I heard the Crown Prince is secretly married.” Chloe’s almond eyes flickered. “Whoever watches the coffee well can have mine.” Chloe didn’t put on airs and quickly integrated with the colleagues. A colleague invited Chloe to dinner after work. Chloe declined. “Thanks, but I have plans tonight.” “Just returned to the country, friends are throwing a welcome dinner for me.” The colleague sighed with regret, then looked surprised. “Alright then. It couldn’t be with Mr. Ji, right?” Chloe blinked and didn’t speak. At the same time, Ethan sent me a message: “Business dinner tonight, will be late.” Although Ethan and I were secretly married, he never had any scandals and respected me. He would report his whereabouts and exchange gifts on anniversaries and birthdays. I had a premonition that the person welcoming Chloe tonight was Ethan. Chapter 3 It’s hard not to be curious about your husband’s first love. Chloe was a classic beauty. She looked unapproachable but was actually proactive and enthusiastic. This contrast made people feel she was nice. Her social media showed another side of her, contrary to her looks. She posted a lot. Simple text complaints, selfies, travel photos. Seeing Ethan’s profile picture in the likes list made my heart tremble slightly. A slight sourness overflowed. No comments, just likes. Besides Ethan, a few of his good friends occasionally liked and commented. From the comments of his friends, I could tell they had a good relationship before. After scrolling through the visible posts from the last six months, I prepared to exit. Chloe updated again. In the photo, there was no Ethan. But the arm in the corner, the person wearing the Rolex Submariner watch… I recognized it instantly. It was Ethan. “Hehe, thanks to my friends for the welcome dinner!” Soon a colleague commented: “Wow, feels like big shots.” Chloe jokingly replied: “Then you are a friend of big shots.” It was strange. In just three days… Chloe’s social circle overlapped halfway with mine. Seeping into every corner of my life. Usually, I would leave a light on when Ethan came home late. Tonight, I stood under the light. Hesitated for a while. Turned the light off. Just as I was falling asleep, I heard the sound of running water in the bathroom. Opening my eyes, Ethan stood by the bed. His voice was pleasant, cool: “Why didn’t you leave a light tonight?” I clicked the bedside lamp off. “Forgot.” He climbed into bed. The faint scent of body wash and hormones lingered around me after his shower. The man’s strong and powerful arms imprisoned me tightly from behind. I froze for a moment, then peeled his fingers open one by one, pushing his hand away. “Ethan, I’m sleepy.” His voice was slightly hoarse: “Okay. You sleep, I’ll hold you.” Chapter 4 Chloe had already permeated my life pervasively. Even if I wanted to avoid her, I couldn’t. Because she was a newcomer, the director asked me to help her. Mia was indignant for me: “Why? Just to pave the way for her?” “She’s impressive, clinging to the Crown Prince.” “She should just go home and be a rich wife, why come out and snatch rice bowls from us common folk?” “You’ve worked conscientiously for the station for so many years, brought in so many sponsorships, what does this count for?” I sighed: “Just my bad luck.” It was indeed bad luck. For the prime-time anchor position, I started from the most basic chores. I suffered a lot. Carrying equipment weighing twenty pounds in the heat, running around construction sites and rice fields. To seek justice for the grassroots people, to demand unpaid wages. I was hit by a brick by a coal boss. My head bled, and I didn’t dare let my family or Ethan know. Denouncing developers in unfinished buildings for buyers, exposing black-hearted entrepreneurs, falling from unfinished buildings. Lying in the ambulance, I cried and begged the doctor to save me. Even delirious from anesthesia, I was still muttering about work. In the end, there are more five years. Seeing Mia filled with righteous indignation, angrier than me. I comforted her instead: “Forget it, forget it. It means this position doesn’t belong to me.” At least, I met a good friend who genuinely cared about me.

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After my mom married into the Vance family, I fell in love with my stepbrother, Ethan Vance, at first sight. To marry him, I pestered him relentlessly, alienating everyone around me. Finally, I got my wish. But after the wedding, Ethan remained cold to me. Even in bed, it was just a passionless release. That night at the bar, I heard his friend ask him: “Why give up the heiress of the Fang family to marry Hazel, that willful and ignorant stepsister?” Ethan smiled helplessly, “Just responsibility. She can’t live without me.” It turned out he didn’t love me. He was just paying for our one night of drunken mistake. I walked out of the bar in a daze and was hit by a speeding sports car, sending me back to when I was seventeen. Reliving my life, I tried my best to make up for the regrets of my past life, except for chasing Ethan Vance. But that night, Ethan pinned me against the door, his eyes red for the first time in two lifetimes. “Hazel, look at me. I love you too…” Chapter 1 When I realized I was reborn, I was standing by the dining table holding a steaming clay pot. “Hazel? Why are you zoning out? Put the pot down, it’s hot.” My mom’s anxious voice brought me back to my senses. I quickly put down the clay pot, my fingers red from the heat. The three people at the table were looking at me. Mom, my stepfather, and Ethan Vance… This was the day I found out Ethan had stomach problems and insisted on cooking porridge for him personally. I almost blew up the kitchen, scaring the nanny, Mrs. Zhang, half to death. I subconsciously looked at Ethan. My brother in name. His sharp brows were slightly furrowed, thin lips pressed tight, staring at me with a hint of irritation. I smiled self-deprecatingly. No matter how I expressed my feelings, it was just wishful thinking. In my last life at this moment, I announced expectantly: “Ethan, I made this porridge especially for you. Taste it, if it’s good, I’ll make it for you every day!” A young girl’s full love was boiled into those soft grains of rice. But Ethan just frowned and glanced at my hand. “The Vance family has a nanny. Don’t do unnecessary things in the future.” I was stunned on the spot. I cried all night after returning to my room. The next day, I wiped away my tears and continued to be Ethan’s little shadow. Thinking of this, I served the first bowl of porridge to my stepfather sitting at the head of the table. I gave a naive smile. “Dad, Mom said you’ve been working hard recently, so I made porridge especially to nourish your body.” Surprise flashed across Mr. Vance’s face, followed by a hearty laugh. “Daughters really are thoughtful. Dad won’t drink your porridge for free, your allowance next month goes up by ten thousand!” I thanked him in surprise, then served another bowl for Mom. I acted spoiled: “It’s my first time cooking, Mom has to praise me.” I placed the third bowl in front of myself, then sat down and started eating. The atmosphere was slightly awkward. Mrs. Zhang tried to smooth things over, moving to serve porridge for Ethan. I said indifferently: “Mrs. Zhang, Ethan doesn’t like porridge, don’t bother.” Ethan’s chopsticks paused. He didn’t speak. Taking it as a default, Mrs. Zhang stopped. I slowly drank my porridge, swearing in my heart. Ethan Vance, in this life, I, Hazel Hayes, will never do anything for you again, nor will I shed a single tear for you. Chapter 2 Not long after returning to my room after dinner, someone knocked. It was my mom. She was wearing pearl-white silk pajamas, still beautiful without makeup. Far from the wrinkle-faced woman who worried about me in my last life. I couldn’t help but throw myself into her arms. The person I felt most sorry for in my last life wasn’t myself, but my mom. After divorcing my dad, she married Mr. Vance. I didn’t understand her then, thinking she was vain and greedy, betraying my biological father. My mom tolerated my unreasonable behavior while struggling to keep her head down in the wealthy family. After I fell for Ethan and even our drunken night was exposed… The Vance family was furious, used family discipline on Ethan, and kicked me out. My mom asked me to go back and admit my mistake, but I screamed at her: “I’m not wrong, I’m pursuing true love! Unlike you, vain! Fickle!” I held my head high, but my mom’s slap never landed. She left in tears but transferred thousands of dollars to me every month for living expenses, afraid I would suffer. Later, I got my wish and married Ethan, but my mom had an even harder time in the Vance family, depressed and unhappy. Only then did I know that my biological father owed a lot of money. My mom was afraid the creditors would hurt me, so she hurriedly took me to marry Mr. Vance, seeking protection. Yet I hurt her heart deeply. At this moment, smelling the familiar scent on my mom, tears welled up uncontrollably. Mom patted my back gently, coaxing: “What’s wrong, my little princess? Does your finger hurt? Mom will apply medicine for you.” She took out burn ointment and applied it gently. “My good daughter has grown up. Thank you for being willing to call him Dad today. Mom promises, I will never let you be wronged in the future.” With tears in the corners of my eyes, I grinned and said: “As long as Mom is happy, I’ll call him Grandpa!” “What nonsense are you talking about, silly child. Look at your hand, don’t go into the kitchen again.” Her movements became gentler. “But your brother said this ointment is the most effective. It definitely won’t hurt tomorrow morning.” I froze. “You said Ethan?” “Yes, we ran out of ointment at home. Just as I was going to buy it, Ethan came back from outside and handed me a tube.” “He even said he bought the wrong one by accident. That child is just awkward, actually a good brother, cold face but warm heart…” The ointment in front of me was the same brand my mom gave me in my last life. Could it be that the ointment in my past life was also bought by Ethan? I curled my lip. Acting like a good person, disgusting! Chapter 3 Early the next morning, when I went downstairs for breakfast. Ethan had already finished eating, the empty bowl still on the table. There was a smell of rice in the air. “Mrs. Zhang, did you make porridge?” Mrs. Zhang glanced at Ethan, stammering a bit. “Miss, I didn’t make porridge. I made some wontons, how many do you want?” Strange. Too lazy to think about it, I replied: “I’ll have eight, add more sesame oil, thanks Mrs. Zhang.” The wontons weren’t ready yet when Mr. Vance and my mom came down. The atmosphere between the two was good. I was genuinely happy. If their relationship was good, my mom had someone to back her up in the Vance family. After eating the wontons and the daily boiled egg, I stood up to go to school. “Mom, Dad, have the driver drop me off at school from now on.” Ethan’s hand, which was reaching out, stopped awkwardly above my schoolbag, then slowly lowered. Mr. Vance and my mom looked at each other. “Hazel, you’ve been acting weird since yesterday. Didn’t you use to beg Ethan to drive you to school?” I lowered my eyes. “I was immature before. Brother just took over the company, work is so busy, better not let him drive me.” Mr. Vance nodded in relief. “Hazel has matured. Then let Old Zhao drive you to school from now on.” Hearing the word “Brother,” Ethan’s body trembled. In my past life, I refused to be real siblings with Ethan, stubbornly only calling him Ethan. After we got married, in moments of passion at night, I couldn’t help calling him “Brother.” Ethan would always tremble and fiercely tell me to shut up. Insomnia last night, I figured something out. Actually, I didn’t hate Ethan that much. Although he didn’t love me, he never mistreated me. What I hated was more the self who flew into the flame like a moth… Ethan’s deep voice interrupted my thoughts. “Dad, Aunt Song, since Hazel doesn’t need a ride, I’ll go to the company first.” His expression was as usual, turning and leaving on his long legs. I breathed a sigh of relief. In this life, let’s just be siblings properly. Chapter 4 Standing at the classroom door, I was a bit lost. It’s been years since graduation, who remembers where their seat was in senior year… Luckily I still had my deskmate. Round face, bun hair, wearing black-rimmed glasses, Lucy rushed up and hugged me from behind. “Wifey! You’re waiting for me!” I turned and pinched her cheek. “Of course.” I followed Lucy to my seat. Looking at the schedule on the blackboard, I found my math book. Pretending not to care, I asked: “Where did we leave off in math yesterday?” Unexpectedly, Lucy looked at me with horror. “Whoever you are, get out of my wifey’s body!” “Hazel Hayes would never say the word ‘math’ during morning study hall when we should be gossiping!” I rolled my eyes, wanting to tease her. “To tell you the truth, I’m reborn. In my last life, I missed out on Harvard. Reborn, I swear to study hard and reclaim everything that belongs to me…” Lucy’s eyes widened. “Really? Then can you tell me the winning lottery numbers for the next draw?” I spread my hands. “Unfortunately no, but I can tell you the essay topic for this college entrance exam.” I wrote a line on the paper: [One flower blooming alone is not spring]. Lucy giggled and clipped the paper into her Chinese notes. “What my wifey says must be true. I’ll go back and memorize example essays tonight.” I looked at the brightly smiling Lucy, my nose tingling. In my past life, she worked hard enough but missed her dream university by one point. Under too much pressure during her gap year, her personality changed drastically, and she gradually lost contact with me. And I, with a brain full of romance, didn’t even touch the line for a decent college. After becoming Mrs. Vance, I once heard someone evaluate me. Pretty is pretty, but willful and ignorant, just a vase. Reliving a life, I want to make up for these regrets. I held Lucy’s hand. “Let’s work hard together and get into a good university!”

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Ethan was a underprivileged student I sponsored in the past. After I discovered him using my pajamas to satisfy himself, I decisively applied for an overseas assignment. The fair, handsome boy clung to my leg, crying miserably: “Bro, I promise I’ll never do that again…” “Don’t hate me, don’t leave me…” I pulled away cruelly. Once I left, it was for eight years. When we met again, the boy had transformed into a tech billionaire. I raised my wine glass, smiling ingratiatingly: “Ethan, about the tech partnership, can we discuss it again?” Ethan slowly turned the ring on his ring finger: “Are you begging me now?” “Then you should know… how to beg a man, right?” Chapter 1 My smile froze. The platinum ring refracted a silvery-white light, stinging my eyes. He got married? Makes sense, he’s so outstanding after all. Ethan had no intention of raising the glass in front of him: “Mr. Thorne, haven’t you heard how others at the table address me?” I thought calling him “Ethan” would bring us closer. Didn’t expect him not to buy it. I quickly corrected myself: “My apologies, Mr. Vance is young and promising…” “Enough.” Ethan interrupted my flattery. He pointed his chin at the expensive Louis XIII on the table. “Mr. Thorne, this project is handled by Mr. Chen from my company. He doesn’t have many hobbies, just likes to drink the good stuff.” “You keep him happy tonight, and we’ll talk about the project tomorrow.” In the eight years apart from Ethan, I worked myself to death. Climbed from a small supervisor to the Vice President of the group. No one dared to boss me around like Ethan anymore. The guests at the table looked at me with surprise. I bit the bullet and kept smiling: “Of course, I’ll definitely take good care of Mr. Chen tonight.” Half an hour later. The strong liquor was bottomed out. My stomach was burning. Ethan, on the side, didn’t touch a drop. He just smoked one cigarette after another. Narrowing his beautiful phoenix eyes as if watching a play, enjoying my sorry state. I couldn’t hold it anymore. Got up and rushed into the bathroom, vomiting my guts out. Then washed my face with cold water again and again. After a long while, I looked up, and there was another person in the mirror. Ethan had appeared behind me at some point. Tilting his head to light a cigarette. Even his hair strands exuded laziness and unruliness. “Mr. Thorne can’t handle his liquor.” I wiped my face: “Mr. Vance is laughing at me.” He paced slowly behind me. Hands pressed on both sides of the sink. His long arms trapped me in the cramped space. Those bottomless black eyes stared at my flushed cheeks through the mirror. “Actually, I’m very curious, why would Mr. Thorne stoop so low to personally accompany clients?” “For a small project worth peanuts, Mr. Thorne shouldn’t even look at it.” I smiled: “To tell you the truth, money’s tight lately, I’m broke.” Ethan smiled too: “Oh? Since that’s the case, Mr. Thorne should show some sincerity.” I didn’t want to play riddles with him: “Mr. Vance, please be clear, what counts as sincerity?” He turned his head and exhaled smoke: “Mr. Thorne has risen rapidly these years.” “Since you’re good at the wine table, you must be good elsewhere too, right?” When he said this, he pressed rudely against my back. Been in the business world for a long time. Inevitably harassed by restless old rich men, I handled them smoothly. But when the opponent became Ethan, I was actually a bit embarrassed. I pretended to be choked by his smoke. Moved slightly away, then joked as if nothing happened: “If I were a girl, meeting someone as excellent as Mr. Vance, I might just give in, but I’m a man…” “What’s wrong with being a man?” Ethan pinched my chin, turning the angle, as if appreciating seriously. “Rare to find a man as good-looking as Mr. Thorne.” My old face blushed. Struggled, couldn’t break free. Suddenly realized, the thin and frail boy in my memory had grown into an adult taller than me, full of oppression. Ethan pulled a silk handkerchief from his suit pocket. Shook it open. Slowly wiped the water stains on my face. His gaze was presumptuous and frank. Patrolling my lips and collar. Staring until my spine went cold. I snatched the silk handkerchief from his hand: “No wonder people say Mr. Vance is aloof and hard to please, looks like it’s true…” A smile climbed from the corner of his mouth to his eyes, he said: “Look, didn’t you just please me?” “Actually, you understand me best, don’t you, Bro?” Chapter 2 This “Bro”. Made my brain go blank for a full three seconds. Eight years. In a trance, I saw the boy from eight years ago again. Smiling brightly, full of pride. Stuffing an express mail he couldn’t bear to open into my hand: “Bro, you open it.” I smiled and opened the envelope. Found an admission letter from a top university inside. My eyes got hot, rubbed his head: “Ethan, good job.” Luckily I saw potential in this child back then. Luckily I persisted in sponsoring him for six years. What a pity it would be if such a talented boy was buried in a poor remote area forever? At that time, he wasn’t as tall as me. Pushed my hand away a bit unhappily: “Don’t touch my head, I’m not a puppy.” I teased him on purpose: “What? As a brother, I’m not qualified to smooth your fur?” “Raised you for nothing all these years.” Hearing this, Ethan was even more unhappy: “Didn’t raise me for nothing, I’ll make money to support you in the future.” I was disdainful: “Who cares about your peanuts.” A careless joke, Ethan actually held a grudge for so many years. I staggered to the parking lot. Waiting for a designated driver in my car. Something fell out of my pocket. Picked it up to look. It was a key card for a five-star hotel. Almost at the same time, a message popped up on my phone, cherishing words like gold: [Bro, I’m only in Seattle for three days.] Chapter 3 We’re all adults. Some things don’t need to be said explicitly. Ethan was telling me: I only have three days left to “please” him. Expiration date applies. I slumped heavily against the seat back, rubbing my brow irritably. A frame from the past flashed weirdly before my eyes. A narrow door crack. A dim bedroom. I saw Ethan with his knees bent, lying on the bed. One hand clutching a piece of black fabric, sniffing deeply under his nose. The other hand busy non-stop. Heaving chest. Rapid gasping. Actually aroused my romantic thoughts. I was startled by myself, turned and fled. But heard a suppressed low call from the door crack behind me. “Liam…” “Bro…” I was struck by lightning, couldn’t sleep all night. What was more fatal was. Early the next morning, I found two pairs of freshly washed CKs drying on the balcony. The white ones were Ethan’s. The black ones were mine, the ones he clutched in his hand last night. I had insomnia for a week. Finally submitted an application for assignment to an overseas branch. Ethan cried and begged me: “Bro, I was wrong.” “If you think I’m disgusting, I’ll change.” “I won’t like you anymore, is that okay?” “Please don’t abandon me, don’t go…” I was unmoved. Left for eight years. The living expenses regularly credited every month became the only connection between us. Ethan thought I was disgusted by him. Actually, I was disgusted by myself. I’m a closeted gay man! And Ethan hadn’t seen the outside world yet. His feelings for me were nothing more than imprinting. What bullshit love? My phone suddenly lit up in the dark car. A message from Nono’s mom popped up on the screen: [Mr. Thorne, sorry to disturb you so late.] [Nono wants to talk to you, is it convenient?] I adjusted my emotions and called back. A little girl’s tender voice came from the receiver: “Daddy, I didn’t cry at all when getting the shot today.” “Daddy, am I super brave?” Chapter 4 Been busy with work lately. I did neglect that poor little girl. The next day. I bought fruits and snacks, went specifically to the hospital to visit her. Nono was lively and cute. Unfortunately, she suffered from late-stage neuroblastoma at such a young age. Medical expenses were like a bottomless pit. In just one year, almost all my savings were spent. This is… The real reason why I must get Ethan’s project. I accompanied Nono for her shot. And carried her downstairs to sunbathe. Nono’s mom followed smilingly. Before parting, Nono held my finger, reluctant to let go: “Daddy, play with Nono a little longer.” Nono’s mom quickly corrected: “This is Uncle Liam, not your daddy.” Then apologized to me with an embarrassed smile: “Mr. Thorne, the doctor said this disease affects the brain, please don’t mind.” “It’s okay,” I touched the little girl’s cheek, “Nono be good, Uncle will come see you another day.” She obediently let go, waving at me: “Okay, bye Daddy!” Just at this moment. A familiar figure stopped not far away: “Bro?”

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My wife and I went for a checkup, and she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I went home to my parents, intending to sell our house to save her. My mom said to me, “I can give you the money from the house, but I have one condition. You tell her first that you are the one diagnosed with stomach cancer.” I didn’t understand my mom’s reasoning, but to save my wife, I did as she asked. That same night, my mother-in-law rushed to our house, persuading me to get a divorce so I wouldn’t drag her daughter down. My wife also said to me, “If you truly love someone, you shouldn’t waste the rest of their life.” I stared blankly at my wife, unable to believe she would say such things. Chapter 1 In the beginning, I understood my mom’s intention. She wanted to test our relationship, to see if my wife was worth my family selling our house to save her. I thought our love was stronger than gold and would surely withstand the test. Now I know the ancestors were right: Husband and wife are like birds of the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly their separate ways. Seeing me stunned and silent, my wife said earnestly, “Do you know that cancer treatment isn’t as easy as you think? You can search online for families fighting cancer. In the end, the money is gone, and the person is gone too.” My mother-in-law eagerly added, “Exactly! When the time comes to save you, we’d have to sell the house and car, borrow money everywhere, and if we still can’t save you, what will happen to my daughter after you die?” I had always respected my mother-in-law, but this time I didn’t even look at her. I looked into my wife’s eyes and said seriously, “Do you really think that?” My wife said, “I hope you won’t be too selfish and can consider me too.” I asked, “Do you think wanting to live is selfish?” My wife sighed. “I only know that if I were the one with cancer, I definitely wouldn’t drag you down. I would divorce you and choose to bear it alone.” I fell into silence. My mother-in-law wiped her tears and said, “I know you feel wronged, but what mistake did my daughter make? She’s still so young. How will she live the rest of her life?” I suddenly thought, maybe my mother-in-law was right. I am still young. If I used everything to save my wife, spent all the family savings, and in the end couldn’t save her, how would I live the rest of my life? At this moment, my wife suddenly handed over a divorce agreement. My heart went cold. It hadn’t been long since I told her the news, yet she had the divorce papers ready. I picked up the agreement and looked at it, but couldn’t help being stunned. This was simply an unfair contract. After the divorce, not only would the cash be split in half, but the property would also belong to my wife, leaving me only a car. I suspected that if she knew how to drive, I wouldn’t even keep the car. My wife said, “If you see no problem, sign it, and then we’ll go to the courthouse to divorce.” I said, “Do you think this contract is fair? My family bought the house. Why should it go to you after the divorce?” My mother-in-law quickly said, “Do you remember when you married my daughter, I made it very clear that you must have a house to get married?” I said, “I remember, but aren’t we getting divorced now?” My mother-in-law said anxiously, “This house is a guarantee for my daughter! It’s for emergencies after marrying you. Now that you are indeed sick, isn’t it reasonable for us to take this guarantee?” I gasped. I didn’t expect the “guarantee” they talked about before marriage meant this. The dowry is a guarantee, the house is also a guarantee. If I cheat, she takes the guarantee. If I die of illness, she also takes the guarantee. When risks arise, she takes all the benefits, so what am I left with? I said angrily, “Impossible! I won’t give you the house! I’m just sick, I’m not the party at fault. Why should I give it to you!” My wife looked at me gloomily and said sadly, “Are you unwilling to give me even the last gift?” Usually, when she spoke to me with this pitiful expression, I only felt heartache. But this time, I felt a chill. What gift? Taking someone’s property when they are sick can actually be shamelessly called a gift. Seeing my resolute attitude, my mother-in-law softened her tone and said, “Listen to me. Giving this house to my daughter isn’t just for ourselves. If something happens to you in the future, won’t someone need to help take care of your parents?” My wife quickly added, “Yes, I can help take care of my in-laws later.” I looked at her coldly. At this moment, I wouldn’t believe anything she said. Before marriage, she said she didn’t want to live with my parents, so we bought this house. Now she says she will take care of my parents in the future. How could I believe her? I sneered, “My parents don’t need your care.” My wife nodded. She said, “Fine, let’s sue then.” I gasped, looking at her in disbelief. “You know I have stomach cancer now, yet you want to sue me?” My mother-in-law said impatiently, “Talking nicely doesn’t work, you force us to speak the ugly truth, right? You are already sick. If we fight a lawsuit with you for a few years and drag you to death, can you keep these assets?” She got more excited as she spoke, even pointing at my nose. “When you die, it will be your old parents fighting the lawsuit with us. Are we afraid of them?” Anger burned in my heart. This family is full of ingrates. I even wanted to sell my parents’ old house to save her life. My wife said, “Mom, don’t argue with him. Let me speak from the heart.” She held my hand, her face full of sincerity. But this face that I used to like, now I find disgusting no matter how I look at it. My wife said seriously, “Let’s put ourselves in each other’s shoes, okay? If I were the one sick today, I would leave most of the assets to you because I hope you can help take care of my parents after I’m gone.” My mother-in-law quickly said, “Exactly, look at my daughter’s awareness, and look at yours. Don’t you feel ashamed? What are you thinking about all day?” I said, “I’m thinking that a couple can weather the storm together.” My wife shook her head and said, “What you said is too naive.” I asked, “How is this naive?” My wife said, “Couples weathering the storm together sounds fine on the surface, but fundamentally, it’s you dragging me into your storm.” “If I continue to be with you, I will waste my youth, my savings, and finally become old and penniless. When you leave this world lightly, leaving me with nothing, is this what you want?” Listening to my wife’s words, I felt like knives were stabbing my heart. I originally thought if she was sick, I would do everything to save her. But I didn’t expect that if it were me who was sick, her first reaction would be that I’m a burden. I sighed and said sadly, “How can a relationship between husband and wife be a burden? We made a promise that for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, nothing would separate us.” My wife shook her head. “You think things are too simple. Let me tell you, if we don’t divorce, terrible things will happen next.” I didn’t understand how it involved terrible things, but my wife said very seriously, “In the beginning, I would accompany you for treatment, but as time goes on, savings dwindle, and we might fall into debt, selling the house and car. Do you think our life will still be good?” I didn’t speak, but started imagining the scenario my wife described. She continued, “When you are too sick to walk, I’ll have to carry you to the hospital. Without a car, in wind and rain, I’ll have to carry you on the bus. Maybe I’ll even have to clean your excrement. With such a life day after day, won’t you feel guilty?” I couldn’t help but say, “There is still a chance with treatment. As long as we survive this difficulty, future days might get better.” Seeing I was still refuting her, my wife suddenly said, “But why should I use the rest of my life to gamble on a probability for you?” A simple sentence made my heart completely cold. My wife said, “If we win the gamble, fine. But what if we lose? If we lose, it’s my whole life at stake. You keep talking about facing it together, isn’t that actually selfish? From beginning to end, you are thinking about making me sacrifice!” She started crying as she spoke. She cried, “I am human too. Before you want to live yourself, why don’t you think that I am just a human too! I also want to have a normal, happy life!” My mother-in-law quickly handed tissues to my wife to wipe her tears. She patted my wife’s shoulder and comforted her, “This person just doesn’t know what’s good for him. From start to finish, he only thinks about himself and never considers your feelings.” My wife cried harder and harder, finally wailing, “Why should I use decades of my remaining life to gamble on a probability for you? Does loving me mean you should drag me down?” I looked at my wife crying, her words echoing in my mind. Right, why should I bet decades of my remaining life to gamble on a probability for her? At this moment, I realized I was terrifyingly stupid. Also at this moment, I understood my mother’s good intentions. My wife said, “You have fallen into the abyss. If I could pull you up, I definitely would. The problem is I am really powerless. You holding my hand tight will only drag us both into the abyss!” I smiled bitterly, “You are right. Since we loved, we should consider the other person. There is no need to drag the other person into the abyss too.” Hearing I was relenting, my wife exchanged a look with my mother-in-law and quickly said excitedly, “Right! It’s good you can understand. Me proposing divorce today is absolutely not because I am cold and heartless, but precisely because we loved, so we can’t reach that step.” Just then, my phone rang. It was a text message from my mom. The message said: “I found someone to ask around. Our old house can still sell for sixty thousand dollars, which should cover a few years of treatment.” My mother-in-law saw the content on the phone screen. Her face changed instantly. “You already contacted your mom to sell the old house, right?” My wife gasped. “You contacted your family to sell the old house without discussing it with me. You really are selfish enough. If I didn’t propose divorce today, would you sell this house too?” My mother-in-law said excitedly, “He never treated you as family. He just wants to sell the old house and bring his parents over. Then you will have to serve not only him but also two old people!” My wife bit her lip. “I really didn’t expect you to be this kind of person. Why let your parents live with me without my consent!” I said, “Wait, your words are contradictory. You just said if I leave the house to you, you would help take care of my parents. But now you say why live with my parents. What exactly do you mean?” My wife said excitedly, “That’s after I succeed in my career in ten years or so! If you let them move in now, wouldn’t that delay my career?” My mother-in-law quickly said, “The old house cannot be sold, absolutely not. If you sell the old house now, how will my daughter live in a new house later? Your parents will definitely rely on my daughter because they have no house!” I smiled bitterly, “I really didn’t expect that my parents’ property needs your consent to be sold.” My mother-in-law said righteously, “You not only drag down your wife but also your parents. You have no responsibility! Anyway, I’m putting it here, your family’s old house cannot be sold. If you dare to put up a for-sale sign, I will go make a scene every day so no one dares to buy it!” I finally understood. If I were the one sick today, they would not only take my house and half my savings but even prevent my parents from selling their house, fearing my parents would have nowhere to live and come live with her. My wife looked at me with disappointment. “Why have you become like this? I will take care of your parents, but not now. Currently, I am in a career rising period. If you drag down the current me, how can I help your family in the future?” I smiled bitterly, “You mean I am sick, spent half of my own savings, and I can’t even let my parents sell their house to save me.” My wife said with a serious face, “Don’t make it sound so ugly. I just hope you don’t only think about yourself but also consider me and your parents. I felt guilty at first, but now I know divorcing you is correct. You really are very selfish.” Things having come to this, I felt like an idiot. If my mom hadn’t made me tell a lie, I probably would have really spent all the assets on this bad woman. I sighed and said, “Okay, since you want to divorce me, let’s divorce.” My wife exchanged a glance with my mother-in-law. Not expecting me to agree so easily, my wife quickly said, “That’s good. I hope you don’t blame me. If I were the one sick today, I would make the same choice.” I asked my wife, “Are you speaking from your heart?” She said, “Of course, it’s the truth. If a single word is false, may I be struck by lightning.” I smiled bitterly, “Okay, I’ll sign.” Hearing this, my mother-in-law immediately got excited. She patted my shoulder and said, “I knew I didn’t misjudge you. You are a responsible man!” My wife also hurried to get a pen. She handed it to me, putting on a gentle face again. “This is for the best. We loved so passionately once; let’s not make the ending so ugly.” I sneered, then crossed out my wife’s name as Party A on the contract and signed my own name. The smile on my wife’s face gradually froze. She said, “What do you mean?” I looked at my wife’s face, remembering the bits and pieces of the past years with her. Honestly, I planned to give her one last chance. I said sincerely, “You keep saying you’re worried about being dragged down, so I’m returning what belongs to you. Legally speaking, these are your assets. And since my salary is higher than yours, you actually earned some.” Then I held my wife’s hand and said gently, “You also know I am a sick person now. I want to live. Keeping these assets, I can sell them later. You won’t be dragged down anymore. If you loved me, at least don’t take away my hope of living, okay?” This was the last chance I gave my wife. If she agreed, it would mean what she just said was true, and I had judged a noble person with a petty mind. If she was a true noble person, I would naturally do my best to save her. Unfortunately, my wife didn’t cherish this opportunity. She flung my hand away violently and roared at me, “We agreed before marriage to give me a house as a guarantee. Now I’m about to become a widow, why should you take away my guarantee!” I looked at her hysterical appearance. At this moment, all my hopes turned to ash. Finally, the dagger was revealed. Every word she said before seemed so laughable now. My mother-in-law snatched the divorce agreement and tore it to shreds. She gritted her teeth and said, “Fine! Let’s sue then. I want to see how long you, a sick invalid, can drag on!” After speaking, she threw the scraps of the divorce agreement directly at my face, saying viciously, “When we talked nicely, you didn’t cherish it. Later when we get tough, you will know what regret is! From today on, I will stay at your old house every day. If you dare to sell the old house, I will make a scene!” I looked coldly at their exasperated faces. My wife took out her phone and made a call, saying calmly, “Lawyer, we didn’t reach an agreement here. Let’s sue.” Turns out she not only prepared the divorce agreement but even hired a lawyer. I wondered why she was so fast; looks like she found a professional divorce lawyer. I smiled bitterly, “It seems everything you said just now was a lie. The sad thing is I was still thinking that if you encountered all this today, I would definitely try every way to save you.” My mother-in-law suddenly said sarcastically, “Oh my, really hope my daughter encounters all this? Too bad my daughter will live a long life, while you already have cancer and are going to die!” I shook my head, “Since it’s come to this, let’s file for divorce first.” My mother-in-law said excitedly, “The property hasn’t been divided clearly, why divorce?” My wife quickly pulled my mother-in-law and said, “Mom, it’s okay. We can fight the property lawsuit even after getting the divorce certificate.” She whispered something in my mother-in-law’s ear. After hearing it, my mother-in-law suddenly realized and quickly said to my wife, “Okay, then hurry up and apply for divorce with him.” I looked at my wife’s mysterious appearance. In fact, I already understood what she was thinking. In fact, we should be thinking about the same thing. I won’t take out the diagnosis report to slap her face at this time. Only the stupidest person would take out the diagnosis report and tell the truth at this time, because my wife and I thought of the same law. Civil law clearly stipulates in marriage law that there is an obligation of maintenance between husband and wife. At this moment, she thinks I am sick. If she doesn’t save me, she breaks the law. Similarly, if I don’t save her, I also break the law. If I took out the diagnosis report at this time, my wife would resolutely not divorce. So what would happen next? Based on the court’s character, it would definitely reject my divorce application. The court would hope my wife be a bit kinder. In this difficult moment, she should have the obligation to save her. Highly likely to reject my divorce application! At this moment, my wife and I were thinking about the same thing: divorce quickly to avoid the law of spousal maintenance obligation. So I knew that only stupid people would take out the diagnosis report at this time. Once the other party disagreed with the divorce, I would be finished. As expected, after we applied for divorce at the Civil Affairs Bureau, my wife ran away directly. She didn’t contact me at all, spending all her time collecting property evidence and contacting lawyers. My mother-in-law also ran to my family’s old house every day, afraid we would sell it. I just felt sad. To divorce and sue me smoothly, she was busy all day, unable to even find time to go to the hospital to get her own medical report. During this period, I wasn’t idle either. I did a bad thing too. I contacted lawyers everywhere, letting my wife know I was prepared for a lawsuit. This made her more anxious, completely ignoring her medical report, knowing only to run around every day. Under this tug-of-war, the divorce cooling-off period finally ended. We finally got the divorce certificate. My wife put away the certificate and sneered, “Let’s take the lawsuit slowly later. Let’s see if I can drag you to death.” I sighed, handed her the medical report, and said, “We were husband and wife after all. I have a gift for you.”

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Since I was little, my mom always taught me: “Date the hot guys, marry the reliable ones.” So at 24, I started dating Carter Brooks. Carter, a veteran player. His motto: “Among all of them, I love you the most.” And me? A master of manipulation and acting innocent. My motto: “I can’t sleep because I can’t sleep with you.” Everyone around us thought we were a perfect match. But a month ago, my mom was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. In the hospital, I saw so much loneliness and death, and suddenly, I really wanted to settle down. I was ready to break up with Carter. Chapter 1 Carter hated answering calls, but finding him wasn’t hard. He had a reserved booth at “The Pulse,” the hottest club in the city. 365 days a year, he was there for 360 of them. He was tall and handsome; in a crowd, I could spot him at a glance. Right now, he had just lost a game and was drinking a shot with a young girl next to him, arms interlinked. Seeing me, the girl said innocently, “Sis, we’re just playing a game, you don’t mind, right?” “Of course not. You’re so cute, why don’t you move in with us?” My invitation was full of warmth, but all I got was an eye roll from her. I looked at Carter with a wronged expression. “Carter, does she hate me? Maybe I should just leave.” “But it’s raining outside, and I didn’t bring an umbrella. How about… let this brother here walk me out.” I pointed to a young man sitting nearby. Regular features, fair skin, wearing a sleeveless tee showing off solid arms. Carter shifted his gaze to the guy, looking him up and down. Scaring the guy into waving his hands frantically. “Sis, don’t play me. Everyone knows Carter loves you the most, spoils you the most.” Hearing this, Carter’s mood improved a bit. He took the glass and downed it in one gulp. Pushing aside the girl next to him, he stood up and pulled me into his arms. “I’m out. Your sister-in-law is jealous, gotta take her home to calm her down. Drinks are on me tonight.” “Long live Carter and Sis!” Amidst the cheers, Carter walked out with his arm around me. In the car. He turned to look at me now and then. “Really mad? You know I’m just playing around. Among all of them, I love you the most.” He repeated this line every month. I was tired of hearing it. If I wasn’t such a sucker for good looks, we would have broken up ages ago. He looked at me with those eyes that looked affectionate even when looking at a dog, leaned close to my ear, and whispered, “Babe, what perfume are you wearing today? Smells so good. Babe, I want to…” “I want to break up.” I interrupted his spellcasting. He froze slightly, a smile still on his lips, raising an eyebrow. “Babe, what role are we cosplaying this time?” Occasionally we played role-playing games between couples. Seeing I wasn’t speaking, he teased, “CEO vs. Secretary? Passenger vs. Flight Attendant? Patient vs. Nurse?” “…” “Carter, I’m serious!” My face was solemn. He also put away his smile, playing with a lighter in one hand, the other resting on the seat back. The four words “Rich Playboy” were embodied vividly in him. He said, “Fine, Maya, give me a reason to convince me.” “There are too many women around you outside.” He replied, “Has anyone appeared in front of you? Or did you catch me in bed? Maya, I need hard evidence.” Thinking about these 3 years, I really didn’t have hard evidence! “I want to get married.” They say players fear the shackles of marriage the most. I expected him to relent. But he said casually, “Pick a date, I’ll go with you to get the license.” To him, marriage was just two pieces of paper. Concepts like mutual support and sharing weal and woe were bullshit. I had to continue, “My mom told me to find someone reliable.” He tossed the lighter aside, smiling wickedly. “Then I’ll go ask Mama Jiang where I’m unreliable.” My mom just got out of the hospital, I didn’t want to disturb her, so I refused repeatedly. “No no no, I was joking.” He pulled me back into his arms and kissed me satisfactorily. “I knew it, babe was just teasing me.” Chapter 2 At night. His phone vibrated on the bedside table. I glanced at it. It was Chloe. His “white moonlight”—his first love. Listening to his friends, back then it was only because Chloe went abroad that I got my turn. “Carter, your phone is ringing.” He came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel from the waist down. Water droplets hadn’t been wiped off, sliding down his neck… He wasn’t just handsome; his body was top-tier too. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been stuck for 3 years. I swallowed, buried my head in the quilt, and pricked up my ears to eavesdrop. “Hello?” “Today?” “Okay, I’ll pick you up.” He hung up and kissed me on the cheek. “Babe, I have something to do tonight. Be good at home.” A man, 1 AM, on the phone with his first love, not coming home. I had to go catch them in the act. As soon as he drove out of the garage, I followed him. Arriving at the destination. I waited for a full hour before knocking on the door. The woman wore a white spaghetti strap dress, a braid falling on her shoulder, pure and lovely. In contrast, I looked like a vicious woman, holding a camera, filming right in her face. “Maya, crazy about catching cheaters?” Carter came out of the bathroom, still in the clothes he went out in, not a single wrinkle. I frowned. Shouldn’t be. Carter usually starts at 2 hours for a case. Looking at the camera in my hand, Carter said dissatisfiedly, “Maya, delete the video.” He reached out for my phone. I protected the phone in my arms, shaking my head to refuse. “You said breaking up requires hard evidence.” “Does this count?” “In the middle of the night, you wouldn’t just be using her toilet, right?” Facing my questioning, Chloe suddenly started crying. Damn! I’m Carter’s official girlfriend, the one who should be crying is me, right? Chloe pinched Carter’s cuff, whispering, “Carter, sorry to cause you trouble.” I laughed in anger. When this grandma was acting like a tea master (innocent manipulator), you didn’t even know where you were. I pulled Carter’s other cuff, aggrieved, “Carter, hit me or scold me today if you want, I just want to know, between her and me, who do you love most?” He broke away from Chloe’s pull, hugged me, pinched my waist, and whispered to me. “Babe, stop making a scene, delete the video, be good.” I thought I was winning against Chloe. Turns out, he just wanted me to delete the video. I squeezed out a few tears, murmuring, “So Carter chose her, right?” I could see Carter’s patience was reaching its limit. “Go home first, I really have something to do.” I took advantage of the momentum and continued to attack. “Sorry, I’m too clingy. But don’t worry, won’t happen again.” He held my wrist, gradually increasing the force. Chloe smoothed things over from the side, “Carter, maybe you should go back first, I can handle it alone.” Hearing this, Carter turned to me and said, “Maya, playing around usually is fine, but you crossed the line today!” Tone wasn’t too good, a bit of a warning. Sure enough, no matter how skilled a tea master is, she can’t compare to a sentence from the white moonlight. I shook off his hand and deleted the video in front of him. Left without looking back. I moved back to my own home that night. But my heart still felt a bit blocked. Maybe he said he loved me most hundreds of times, cast too much magic, and I believed it was true. But looking at it now, he loves Chloe, at least a bit more than me. Chapter 3 After breaking up with Carter. My mom was very happy. After all, since the surgery, she had been hoping for me to settle down. She sent me to a matchmaking agency that day. “Miss Jiang, this is the $1888 package, this is the $3888 package, this is…” “Get the most expensive one for my daughter.” “Mom, you still need money for treatment later.” “At my age, I’ve seen through life and death. Your lifelong event is more important. We want the most expensive one.” The matchmaker smiled so wide her face almost cracked. After collecting the money, she took out a stack of profiles and told me, “Miss Jiang, these are the highest quality ones we have.” The photos on the profiles were basically unwatchable. My mind was full of Carter’s bewitching face. “Miss Jiang, your phone is ringing.” The matchmaker reminded me. The flashing screen showed the name Carter. “Hello?” “Maya, did you f*cking delete it!” Hearing his rage, I felt quite relieved. I did delete the video last night. But I was still angry, so I retrieved it from the recycling bin and sold it to a gossip news agency for $2000. Now the headlines of major media outlets. #Second Young Master of the Brooks Family, Night Meeting with Beauty #Illegitimate Daughter of the Chen Family Ascends So Chloe was an illegitimate daughter. No wonder Carter kept asking me to delete the video. I said innocently, “Carter, I just saw the news too. But I clearly deleted it, how did it get leaked?” “I’m really so stupid, can’t even do this small thing well.” “Making Carter worry again.” Carter laughed angrily on the other end, completely forgetting the fact that we broke up last night. “Where are you, I’ll pick you up.” I reminded him, “Carter, we already broke up. Besides, I’m really busy right now.” “Maya, I didn’t agree to the breakup.” Scumbags are like this, thinking about the white moonlight while wanting to eat swan meat. Seeing I wasn’t speaking, he continued asking, “Busy with what?” “Busy with blind dates!” Hanging up the phone, I pointed randomly at the matchmaking profiles. Chapter 4 The blind date location, I set it at a place Carter frequented. No other meaning, just wanted to disgust him a bit. The man in front of me had exquisite features, on par with Carter. A bit like a substitute for the lost love. “Handsome, hello, I’m Maya.” He smiled and shook my hand, “Hello, Caleb.” Caleb? This name sounded familiar. He stood up gentlemanly and pulled out the chair for me. Manners were gentle and elegant. After I sat down, I went straight to the topic. “Maya Jiang, 29, single-parent family, own apartment and car, have savings, had 3 relationships.” “So Carter Brooks is your first love?” How did he know Carter? Back then I lied to Carter saying he was my first love, how did he know too? I was still puzzled. Carter rushed out from behind, grabbing Caleb’s collar. Veins popped on his hands. I tried to stop him, hearing him excitedly say, “About Chloe, I explained to you, I’ll find a way to retract the video too!” Damn, I thought he was impulsive for me. Turns out it was for his white moonlight! I was being sentimental. I continued sitting and drinking coffee, ate melon for half a day before understanding. I went to the wrong booth. Mine was 608, this is 806. Caleb is his brother, no wonder the name sounded familiar. Unlucky enough. I took my bag, planning to sneak away, but was caught by Carter. “Carter, what are you doing, I have things to do!” He ignored my struggle and forced me into the car.

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The first time I stayed overnight at my boyfriend’s apartment, his ex-girlfriend suddenly barged into the bedroom in the middle of the night. I could distinctly feel his body stiffen against mine. The room fell into a deathly silence. “Ethan,” she choked out, her voice so hoarse it was barely recognizable. Yet he acted as if nothing happened, pinning my wrists down and continuing to kiss me, languidly. Chapter 1 Bang! The door slammed shut heavily, the sound echoing in the silent night. I heard my own strained voice ask, “How does she know the passcode to your lock…” Ethan paused for a second, then continued kissing me, his voice so light it was almost inaudible. “After we broke up, I forgot to change it…” “Really?” I instinctively turned my face slightly, avoiding his touch. He froze, then turned my face back, his thumb rubbing against my skin, promising slowly, “Really.” Staring into his pitch-black eyes, void of any desire, I suddenly couldn’t say a word. In a daze, I thought of Bella, the ex-girlfriend who had just left. This afternoon, she deliberately sent me a harassing text: “He’s just something I didn’t want anymore. Believe it or not, if I hook my finger, he’ll come running back.” Ethan was sitting right next to me at the time. Seeing the message, his expression remained bland, as if they weren’t talking about him. Instead, I was the only one sulking. It wasn’t that I was afraid Ethan would really be stolen away. I wouldn’t get jealous over such groundless provocation from an ex, nor question my relationship with Ethan. I just felt a little aggrieved for him. And… my heart ached. Before I could say anything else, Ethan suddenly leaned in, kissing me without explanation. His voice was hoarse and slurred, inexplicably carrying a hint of coaxing. “Babe… don’t go back tonight.” Ethan had always been sexually reserved. We rarely kissed. This was the first time he called me “Babe” so affectionately, the first time he asked for intimacy. I didn’t refuse. I never expected Bella to walk in on us. Her face was pale and drained of color, looking almost pitiful. But Ethan didn’t look at her once the entire time. Was it that he didn’t dare to look… Or that he couldn’t bear to look? A sudden crash of thunder jolted my thoughts back to reality. A bright flash of lightning streaked past the window, illuminating Ethan’s pale face. “It’s raining,” I said unconsciously. Ethan suddenly stopped. He looked out the window extremely fast, his indifferent eyes flickering slightly, lost in thought. I stared at him blankly. Having been together for so long, no matter how well he hid it, I easily saw through the emotion in his eyes. He was worried. Worried about Bella, who might be out in the rain. He was also regretting. Regretting being with me tonight. Chapter 2 A chill spreading from my chest instantly engulfed my entire body. My fingertips trembled as I pushed him away violently. Ethan dazedly withdrew his gaze, focusing back on me. I saw my wretched reflection in his pupils and lowered my face. “You should leave first. I need to change.” A complex look crossed his face, but he said nothing and left silently. After getting dressed and walking out of the bedroom, I saw Ethan with an umbrella in one hand and his phone in the other, constantly dialing, already at the door. As the prompt that the other party’s phone was off played again and again, the anxiety and impatience in his expression became more obvious. I watched blankly, tripping over something without noticing. My knee slammed hard against the table corner, the bone throbbing with pain. Not wanting Ethan to notice, I endured the pain and quickly sat on the sofa nearby. Hearing the noise, Ethan turned back hesitantly. Seeing me, his thin lips pressed tight. It took him a long while to speak. “It’s raining too hard. Her mental state wasn’t good when she left. I can’t let anything happen to her.” Piercing pain rose from my knee. I bit my lip, pleading words almost spilling out. “Don’t go, please?” “I’m sorry, Sarah.” He didn’t hesitate at all. Several strings in my brain snapped. The last bit of pride in my heart could no longer hold up. I stood up with difficulty, limping over, tears instantly blurring my vision. “Ethan, you really should say sorry to me.” I took a deep breath, wiping away tears frantically with the back of my hand. “Since you never got over her, why be with me?” “Settling? Or just a pastime during your gap period?” Saying “pastime,” my voice was already choked with sobs. Yet I still looked up at him, stubbornly wanting an answer I already knew, but my body swayed and fell. Ethan caught my waist quickly. “What happened to your leg?” I looked at him without speaking. Ethan’s eyes darkened slightly. Without a word, he picked me up and placed me on the sofa. Returning with a first aid kit, he rolled up my pant leg bit by bit. His cautious manner made me freeze slightly. My right knee was swollen, with a large scrape. Bright red blood trailed down my calf, shocking to see. I didn’t expect it to be this serious either. Ethan frowned even more, taking out antiseptic to clean the wound, his voice hoarse. “Bear with it.” The next second, a sudden coolness on my knee made me grip his arm tightly in pain, nails digging into his flesh. Ethan let me grip him without a sound. After finally finishing the disinfection, Ethan took out a tube of ointment, but it was clearly almost empty. “I’ll go down and buy some.” He stood up. I suddenly grabbed his arm, my eyes red. He paused, long lashes lowering, looking somewhat gentle. “The pharmacy is just downstairs. Ten minutes tops. I’ll be right back.” Chapter 3 Three minutes, five minutes… Ten minutes… When I checked my phone again, I realized I had been waiting for almost three hours. My knee had long lost feeling from the pain. My throat was terribly dry. The water cup was not far away. I lifted my knee, moving stiffly and slowly. A seemingly simple movement took nearly three minutes. Finally lifting the cup and gulping down water, I realized the hot water Ethan poured before leaving was already cold. Wait a little longer. Wait a little longer. When another hour passed, I started calling Ethan constantly, sending messages. He didn’t answer a single one, didn’t reply to a single one. The light in my eyes gradually turned to dead ash and calm. I don’t know how long passed before I received a harassing text from Bella. It was two paragraphs of text and a photo of Ethan brewing ginger tea in a hotel kitchen. In the photo, Ethan was soaked, hair and clothes alike. Even though he took an umbrella, he still got wet. Even though he looked wretched, his brow in the photo was relaxed and peaceful. “He said he never touched you before. Tonight was your first time, right?” “Heh, that’s what he did when we first got together…” Chapter 4 When Ethan returned, it was already 3 AM. Click! The wall lamp by the entrance suddenly turned on. Dim, weak light spilled down onto his pale, plain face. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?” He seemed surprised seeing me sitting stiffly on the sofa. My hand gripping the phone paused. I looked at him quietly. “I went to line up to buy cheesecake for our breakfast tomorrow.” He lifted the box in his hand and calmly put it in the fridge. “You know that place only opens in the middle of the night. It’s hard to queue for.” His tone was as bland as always, acting as if nothing had happened. Seeing I didn’t speak, Ethan frowned slightly and walked slowly toward the sofa. “What’s wrong?” He stared at me for a long while before carefully lifting my leg onto his lap, lowering his head to check. “Does the knee still hurt?” From this angle, I could see his black hair tips brushing the back of his neck, glossy and smooth. Like it had just been washed and blown dry. The words Bella said just now flooded my ears again, harsh and arrogant, exploding beside me. Embarrassment, humiliation, anger completely broke through all my defenses. I controlled my trembling body, took my leg off him, deliberately avoiding his intimate gestures. Ethan zoned out briefly. “It’s too late today, and my knee is injured. I’ll borrow your sofa for the night. I’ll transfer the accommodation fee to you tomorrow.” Ethan’s eyes finally darkened, looking at me grimly. “Sarah, what exactly are you making a scene about?” “Scene?” I repeated, looking up at him. “Ethan, where exactly did you go tonight?” Ethan’s eyelashes trembled slightly, but he didn’t look into my eyes. “I went to buy you medicine, then queued for the cake.” “So, where is the medicine?” Ethan didn’t speak. “I called you fifty-eight times tonight and sent one hundred and five messages.” “Before you left, you poured me a cup of hot water, saying it would be cool in ten minutes tops, and I could drink it when you returned.” “I don’t know if she’s okay or not, but my foot hurts a lot.” The room was dim. Ethan had almost no expression on his face, only his fingers curling slightly, rubbing against the seam of his pants. This meant he was irritable and wanted to smoke. I blinked, forcefully suppressing the soreness in my eyes, staring at this cold face, biting my lip until I tasted blood before speaking with difficulty. “Ethan, let’s break up.” Almost instantly, Ethan grabbed my hand, responding in a deep voice: “I don’t agree.”

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