When we got married, all the Senators and Generals in the district were fighting to be the godfathers of our future children. My husband, a Major, wasn’t in a rush. Every year, he filed a request to delay starting a family. I thought he was just busy with work and not ready to welcome a child. Until I stumbled upon a post by a “Mommy Blogger.” In the post, she shared in detail how she met, fell in love with, and had a child with her current lover. The comments section, however, sensed something was off. “Is the blogger a mistress? Whose legitimate husband doesn’t get a marriage license, doesn’t go public, and isn’t home by 11 PM every night?” “Does the blogger know about this? Does the guy’s wife know?” The mommy blogger admitted her status as a mistress without hesitation, and even bragged, “So what if I’m the other woman? The one who isn’t loved is the third wheel. I just missed the timing to marry him.” “As for his wife, whether she’s a Senator’s daughter or a General’s daughter, no matter how powerful she is, she’s still the loser to me.” The comments section was in an uproar, but I felt like I had fallen into an ice cave. Because from those scattered words, I pieced together a terrifying truth. That clueless, pitiful wife was me. 1 These past few days, Ethan Sterling had been leaving early and returning late, so busy he couldn’t even eat properly. I knew the military exercise in his district was coming to an end, a critical time. As usual, I helped Ethan tidy up his study, but I saw the final draft of the operation plan on the desk. Without hesitation, I drove to his base, thinking I wouldn’t miss the afternoon briefing. Bored on the road, I scrolled through my phone and saw that mommy blogger’s post. The safety charm bracelet on the man’s wrist in the picture caught my attention. I recognized it at a glance. It was the bracelet I hand-made for Ethan’s birthday last year, from polishing the raw materials to braiding it. My heart skipped a beat, but I forced myself to calm down. But a few minutes after the woman admitted to being a mistress, the post was deleted. My guess verified, I suppressed my trembling hands and clicked on the account’s homepage. The updates weren’t frequent, each one a little woman’s ramblings and some PDA pictures: “Daughter is born! Mr. S calls her Little Dumpling. Looks like another daughter slave!” “Little Dumpling always cries at night, I can’t rest well. Mr. S feels sorry for me and gave me a limited edition necklace.” I knew the owner of this account. It was Bella White, Ethan’s junior from the military academy. The man’s face in the photos was covered, but I was already sure that Mr. S was Ethan, who had been with me for seven years. Until today, the account updated this: “Three years with Mr. S, may we be happy forever!” My hands couldn’t stop shaking. It wasn’t until I arrived at the base gate that I realized tears had completely blurred my vision. Confront him? Or pretend to know nothing and continue living in confusion? When my consciousness returned, I was already in the family reception room of the base. At the same time I saw Ethan, I also saw the young woman and the stroller beside him. Everything in that account was confirmed. The impact of the pictures turning into reality still almost made me faint. The child in the stroller looked two or three years old, with chubby cheeks, wearing a mini military uniform. Bella wore elegant and playful makeup, exquisite down to her manicured nails. Bella blew on the soup and brought it to Ethan’s mouth. Ethan looked doting, his eyes never leaving her. The child in the stroller didn’t understand, giggling and babbling: “Dada, Mama! Happy!” Ethan clearly hadn’t realized he left the operation plan at home, looking unhurried: “Bella, why did you come to the base today instead of resting at home?” Bella looked嗔怪: “Little Dumpling was sick a few days ago, and you were working non-stop. I felt sorry for you!” So the busy period wasn’t due to the mission, but because the child was sick. Yet I felt sorry for Ethan, sitting in the living room until late at night waiting for him to return. Bella sighed after speaking: “When can I be by your side openly? Little Dumpling is getting bigger, how do I explain to her in the future?” Ethan held Bella’s hand as if making a promise: “I let you call me hubby, and all my comrades only recognize you as their sister-in-law. You’re still not satisfied.” “There are still many chores to deal with at home now. I can’t bear for you to work hard. Chloe does it very handily.” Bella didn’t seem to buy it, frowning: “What about Little Dumpling? How can she do without a father by her side like last time? I don’t mind, but you can’t let Little Dumpling be shameful for her whole life.” Raising my hand, I saw the dazzling matching rings on their ring fingers. That set was the one I had liked for a long time. When ordering, Ethan said the female version wasn’t my size, but to not disappoint me, he specially found a replacement. I thought he loved me, but I didn’t expect the original ring to be on someone else’s hand long ago. 2 I wiped away my tears again and again until my eyes were dry. Bella’s words were harsh, and Ethan became irritable. He pulled at his collar, but still coaxed her with restraint: “Don’t worry, I will give you and Little Dumpling an explanation.” “But think about it, Chloe has been with me for so long. Her dad promoted me a lot before he passed away. I can’t just go back and divorce her suddenly.” Bella threw a tantrum completely, her exquisite eyelashes trembling as she spoke. “What do you mean by that? If you feel so sorry for Chloe, why did you provoke me? Boohoo, poor Little Dumpling, your daddy doesn’t have us in his heart!” The child was too young to understand these words, but seeing Bella cry while holding her, she also started sobbing. The two of them became tearful figures. After all, this was the military base. Even in the family reception room, they couldn’t make a scene. Ethan had to soften his tone even more and hugged the mother and daughter: “Wifey, wifey, I was wrong, okay? Soon, okay? Very very soon, I’ll make you Mrs. Sterling, okay?” I smiled, suddenly feeling relieved. I took out my phone and recorded the scene in front of me, then wiped my tears. I tore the operation plan in my hand into pieces, threw them into the trash can, turned around, and left. On the way back, my phone notification rang. Bella had updated again. This time the picture was two large hands of a man and a woman wrapping a child’s fist, with the caption: “Dear Mr. S, thank you for your promise. I will wear the most beautiful wedding dress to become your wife.” The comments section of this post exploded. I clicked in one by one and found Ethan’s comrades inside. “Ooh ooh, are Officer S and Miss Y finally going to get married?” “I’m crying to death. A family of three must be neat and tidy. Sister-in-law, I will always support you!” “Is the shy junior finally going to marry her dream officer?” Looking at those comments, it would be a lie to say my heart didn’t ache. So everyone knew Ethan had a new “wife,” and only I was kept in the dark. After being busy for so many years, in the end, it seemed like I became the one breaking up someone else’s family. I finished reading all the comments and scrolled to the bottom. In a corner no one noticed, someone mentioned me: “What about S&C?” That comment was the only one not replied to or deleted. As if mocking me, being forgotten, ignored, betrayed. I used to believe Ethan loved me very much. We grew up in the military compound, and we had been married for seven years alone. Ethan and I never had children. He said we were both young and wanted to contribute more to the military, and I didn’t want to be tied down by children. I didn’t know if I should say Ethan was considerate of me or if we coincided. No matter how the family urged, Ethan blocked it for me. Friends and family thought we loved each other and just wanted to live as a couple. Besides busy with my own work, I managed Ethan’s daily life in an orderly manner. He couldn’t do without me for big or small matters. The seven-year itch, I knew it would be cold, but I didn’t expect such a big surprise. I took screenshots of everything for evidence, exited Bella’s homepage, Opened the official website of the Research Institute to register, and unhesitatingly participated in this international scientific research exchange program. It’s time for me to consider myself. 3 My mentor had invited me countless times to participate in exchange programs abroad, but I refused. The reason was funny and simple. Because the exchange was at least four years, I couldn’t bear to leave Ethan in the country. Now it’s fine, everything is in time. I just received the success message after registration when Ethan called. I guess he finally realized he didn’t bring his operation plan. I put my phone on Do Not Disturb and watched Ethan call eighteen times in one breath. Seeing that I didn’t answer for a long time, his text bombardment also came: “Chloe, check my desk to see if there is a file bag with the operation plan inside.” “Chloe, why aren’t you answering the phone? Did you see my message?” “Call me back immediately when you see this.” “Chloe, where did you go? Reply to me immediately.” Watching him jumping and breaking down on the other end of the phone, I sneered and turned it off. Back home, I cleaned up the messy things in the house. I packed up the love souvenirs I once cherished and sold them to the scrap collector. The love letters he wrote to me, the military models he made for me, and other miscellaneous things were sold for a total of seventeen dollars and fifty cents, buying out all our emotions. Sure enough, it’s worthless. After packing, I made up for a good sleep. I was woken up by Ethan at night. He questioned me as soon as he got home: “Chloe, where did you go today! I sent you so many messages and called you so many times, why did you ignore me?” I found it a bit ridiculous. Does he really treat me as his orderly, having to be on call at any time? “I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t look at my phone. What’s wrong?” I took my time. Ethan scratched his hair irritably: “I can’t find my operation plan. I might have left it at home and wanted you to send it to me, but it’s okay, I explained to my superiors, I’ll look again tomorrow.” I stretched and didn’t bother to look at him: “Oh, then come back and find it yourself.” Ethan seemed to finally realize my mood was wrong, his voice softened a bit: “What’s wrong, Chloe? Was my voice too fierce just now? I’m sorry, I was just anxious…” I spread my hands, looking indifferent. Anyway, he calls everyone wifey. Who knows how many wives he actually has? “No, I don’t see it at home. Maybe you left it at your other home.” Ethan’s face panicked for a moment, and I quickly added: “After all, you often go to your comrades’ homes for dinner or something, right?” 4 I took in all of Ethan’s wonderful expressions. Ethan breathed a sigh of relief and wanted to come over and hug me. Just then his phone rang. Ethan glanced at the phone. It was an unsaved number, but his expression was subtle, then he looked up at me. “Why not answer?” I pretended to be reasonable. Ethan raised his hand and touched my head. I looked at him, suppressing my nausea. “Okay, I’ll listen to you. I’ll go answer it.” Ethan went down the steps, took the phone to the balcony, and started calling. In the past, when he avoided me to answer calls, I assumed they were military calls and gave him enough space. But today is different from the past. This time I quietly hid at the balcony door and heard his conversation. “Didn’t I say don’t contact me when I’m at home? I feel like she was a bit suspicious today.” Ethan’s voice was a bit impatient, trying hard to suppress his temper. Whatever was said on the other end, Ethan sighed and his voice softened: “Good Bella, I didn’t mean that. We want to divorce but we can’t let her find out, can’t let her have leverage, right?” “Mm-hmm, I know, good Bella. I’ll come over right now, okay? You and Little Dumpling just wait for me obediently.” I pretended nothing happened and went back to sit on the bed. Ethan walked out, sat by the bed and wanted to hug me. I dodged calmly: “What’s wrong?” “Chloe, I didn’t bring the operation plan today, and the mission report was postponed. The superiors weren’t very happy. I have to go socialize and apologize today, so I won’t keep you company.” I looked understanding. It wasn’t convenient for me to pack things while he was home anyway. It’s good that he leaves quickly. But I still wanted to see how important Bella was in his heart. “But it’s already late. You haven’t kept me company for days. I miss you.” I spoke against my conscience, suppressing nausea to see his reaction. Ethan looked at his phone, tangled in his heart: “Chloe, I promise you, I’ll keep you company tomorrow, okay? Understand me.” I looked into his eyes, somewhat forgetting his original appearance. The current Ethan made me feel so strange and disappointed. “Okay, go ahead.” Ethan quickly put on his uniform and went out as if liberated. I opened my phone and clicked on Bella’s homepage. Sure enough, there was a new update: “Little Dumpling went to sleep early. One word of loneliness and Mr. S flew back to my side immediately. Tonight I’ll take him down with this lingerie.” The picture was Bella in a sexy nightdress. I turned off my phone, not a shred of expectation left for Ethan. I packed my things and went to bed early. Early the next morning, I printed out the divorce agreement sent by the lawyer, signed it and placed it on the table, along with all the evidence I had collected, and left without looking back. By the time Ethan saw these, I was already on a plane abroad. All I left for Ethan was that divorce agreement and my message: “Ethan Sterling, let’s divorce.”

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The second after my year-end bonus hit my account, a text message leaped into my eyes: “Your account has been charged $20,000. Balance: $0.50. Merchant: [Speed Demon Motorcycles].” Immediately following was a WeChat from my landlord. “Chloe, rent is due tomorrow. With utilities, it’s $1,200.” My hands trembled as I hurriedly called Liam. I heard his excited voice: “Babe, how did you know I bought a new bike? Wait, I’m coming to pick you up right now. Let’s go for a ride!” “Liam, you used our down payment money to buy a motorcycle?” He was completely oblivious to what he had done, just kept bragging about how cool his bike was. I was utterly exhausted. “Liam, let’s break up!” 1 Hearing this, Liam was stunned. His voice on the phone still carried a trace of disbelief: “Honey! Are you crazy with joy? Talking nonsense!” I looked up at the messages on the screen. From 18 to 28, we had walked together for ten years. Countless times I dreamed of having our own home, of making it to the end. For this, I scrimped and saved, buying groceries at the evening market just to save a few cents. But every time there was a little money in our joint account, Liam would spend it. Now, after painstakingly saving enough for the down payment, my dream was shattered in a second. “Liam, do you remember what we agreed the joint account was for?” The other end of the phone paused. “Chloe, I just wanted to give you a surprise. The house won’t run away, but if I didn’t buy this bike now, this model would be discontinued!” “I even joined a biker gang. When we get married, I’ll have the convoy pick you up. Just thinking about it is so cool!” “Gotta go, I’m coming to find you right now!” He hung up first. My heart sank to the bottom. Even through the screen, I could imagine his radiant look. Countless disappointments gathered and condensed in my heart bit by bit, gradually disintegrating my inner persistence. Half an hour later, Liam arrived. He leaned against the motorcycle, wearing a black leather jacket and sunglasses, looking like a bad boy, attracting quite a few girls. “Honey, look, isn’t it cool? I tell you, I’ve looked at this bike so many times, and today I finally got it!” “I even told them…” I wasn’t in the mood. “Enough!” “Liam, I’m tired. I don’t want to persist anymore!” I looked at him calmly. “You knew clearly that I wanted a home! But what about you? You spent all our money. Rent is due tomorrow. Can your motorcycle prevent us from sleeping on the streets?” Hearing this, Liam chuckled: “Just for this? Didn’t you say you could accept a naked marriage?” “Carrying a mortgage after marriage, we won’t be free to go anywhere in the future!” “Chloe Jiang, you said our souls were compatible. Why have you changed now?” “Also, you’re always about daily necessities! Paying rent a few days late won’t kill you!” “Life is short, only thirty thousand days. Why be so tired?” I shook my head. “No need. I don’t want to wait anymore, and I don’t want to be evicted in the freezing cold.” “Liam…” “Alright, I get it. Isn’t it just rent, utilities, and the down payment! I’ll return it, okay!” He kicked the motorcycle as if venting his anger. Looking at him, I only felt like he was a stranger. I turned and left. Behind me came Liam’s roar: “Chloe Jiang!” I didn’t look back. Ten years of relationship, we broke up and got back together many times. Each time, I adjusted my state, wanting to go on together. But this time, I really couldn’t adjust. I glanced at the various renovation materials and renovation influencers on my phone, thought about it, and kept them. Liam didn’t want to settle down, but I did. At this moment, a WeChat from my colleague, Sarah, popped up. “Chloe, about the thing I told you last time, you should reconsider. The salary is 30% higher than now. Although we’ll be in different places, we can still meet during breaks.” The assignment Sarah mentioned, I had politely declined three months ago. Back then, I wanted to settle down here, didn’t want a long-distance relationship. But now, I called back immediately. “Sarah, I agree. Please arrange it for me as soon as possible. If possible, I can go over the day after tomorrow!” On the other end, Sarah was a bit surprised. “Chloe, no need to be in such a hurry. Have you discussed it with your boyfriend?” “No need to discuss. We broke up.” Hearing this, Sarah was silent for a moment before saying: “Okay, I’ll apply for you right now. Once approved tomorrow, you prepare. Report for duty the morning after tomorrow!” I agreed. After hanging up, I took a deep breath. Then thinking of something, I called Liam, but no one answered. Since I was leaving, the apartment had to be returned. “Liam, I’m not living in this apartment anymore. Figure out the rent yourself!” I also messaged the landlord, informing her I wouldn’t rent anymore. As for whether Liam wanted to stay, that was his business. I got up and started packing. The branch company was in the neighboring city, 16 minutes by high-speed rail, not too far. But my time was tight, so I discarded many things I didn’t need. Being with Liam for ten years, we had long infiltrated each other’s lives. It wasn’t that easy to separate clearly. But I didn’t have time. I could only pack my own things and sell whatever else I could. Keeping clothes and daily necessities, other gifts and such were half-sold half-given away. Soon, I received transfers on my phone. The errand runner also came to pick up the items. The living room suddenly became much emptier. It was already early morning when I finished everything. I leaned back on the sofa with a long sigh, my eyes bloodshot. Liam hadn’t come back yet. But I only had five or six hundred dollars in hand. Renting an apartment over there and living expenses, this money wasn’t nearly enough. Helpless, I could only borrow a thousand dollars from a platform. As soon as it arrived, it went into the joint account. The next moment, Liam sent me a message, “Honey, I knew you couldn’t bear it, that’s why you gave me a thousand. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely remember to pay the rent this time!” “I’ve already contacted the landlord. Guaranteed to pay tomorrow.” I subconsciously wanted to deny it, but thinking about it, forget it. If he’s willing, let him live there himself. Anyway, I’m not renting anymore. “Transfer $500 to me, I have an urgent use!” But Liam didn’t reply for a long time. I called, no answer. At that moment, I broke down. Replying instantly when receiving money, but not answering calls or messages when I asked for money. I was furious, but because it was too late, I could only let it go. Luckily, I had enough for the ticket. The next morning, Sarah notified me that the application had been approved. Just report before 10 am tomorrow. But Liam still didn’t reply. Yet I saw his live video on his WeChat Moments. He rode his motorcycle to the winding mountain road, racing with a group of motorcycle enthusiasts. Watching that face flash by in the video, wanton and flamboyant, smiling brightly like stars. The men and women surrounding him all looked at him with adoring eyes. Liam loved this atmosphere. He was the focus of this group, enjoying the pleasure brought by such stimulation. But behind this life was my calculation of every penny. I saved enough for a computer, but Liam took it to buy a DSLR camera in a blink of an eye, saying he could take photos of me when traveling. But in ten years, we almost always traveled short distances to surrounding cities, spending no more than a few hundred each time. That DSLR had long been collecting dust in the drawer. I saved three thousand dollars to pay the deposit, but Liam took it directly to book a luxury cruise trip, saying it was for our seventh anniversary. He held my hand and said: “Chloe, didn’t you always hope we could have a destination wedding? Let’s start with a cruise trip!” That time I couldn’t bear to see him disappointed, so I could only comfort myself that money could be saved again. This time I finally saved enough for the down payment, and the apartment I liked was negotiated to the lowest price, just waiting for the procedures. Liam completely shattered my plan. His future was all about enjoying the moment, never preparing for risks. I couldn’t always be his safety net. I sighed deeply, sent the word “break up” directly to Liam, and blocked him. When I checked out and got on the train with my luggage, Sarah sent me a message with the new company address, reminding me that the company had a dormitory. Rent saved. But just after getting off the train and emerging from the crowded crowd, I found my down jacket slashed. Feathers flew out, and even the phone in my pocket was gone. I broke out in a cold sweat. All information and data were in the phone. More desperately, I hadn’t written down the company address, only knowing it was roughly on Huafei Road. In that instant, I could only go to the railway police to explain the situation. Borrowed their phone to report losses one by one, which took two or three hours. Snowflakes began to fall from the sky. My tears fell involuntarily. The policewoman next to me pitied me and gave me $50. I thanked her profusely, left her phone number, and rushed to the new company. Finally reported and checked in, bought a new phone, and then had time to report safety. Several text messages popped up on the phone. “Chloe Jiang, what are you fussing about! Didn’t I say I would pay the rent? Why did you leave?” “How can you be so cruel? The landlord said you quit the lease. What about me?” “Alright, stop talking. Transfer $800 to me quickly. I want to continue living here.” Seeing this, I calmly turned the phone over and started logging into the computer to recover data. The dormitory had no heating. Except for a bed, there was nothing. Very crude. It was snowing outside, and it was as cold inside as outside. I wrapped myself in the quilt and shrank on the bed, reviewing all the data of the new company. Until late at night, I felt hungry, my nose was stuffed, and my head hurt badly. Seemed like I caught a cold. I ordered medicine delivery online. While waiting, I boiled hot water. Result just plugged in the kettle, the circuit breaker tripped! Sparks flew, scaring me into almost screaming. After pitch darkness, a knock came from outside, “Delivery!” I fumbled to take out my phone and turn on the flashlight. Just opened the door, a figure rushed in, choking my neck tightly.

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Five years after my divorce, I ran into Ethan Sterling at a luxury department store. The sales associate was packaging the tie I had chosen for my husband. Seeing Ethan, her tone became warm and eager. “Mr. Sterling, you’re here. The suit your wife picked out for you is ready.” The man nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on the tie in my hand. “Pay for hers as well.” I politely declined and placed the cash on the counter. He seemed to sigh. “Sarah, after all these years, do you still hate me?” I smiled but didn’t speak. Who has the time to hate him? I let go a long time ago. I took the shopping bag, stuffed it casually into my canvas tote filled with groceries, and turned to leave. The early autumn wind howled. Walking to the bus stop based on memory, the wind whipped my hair into my eyes, making it hard to see. When I brushed the hair away from my face, I saw Ethan’s car stopped in front of me. Seeing my red eyes, he frowned tightly. “Get in, I’ll give you a ride.” “No thanks, I’ll take the bus.” He looked me up and down, glancing at the canvas tote on my shoulder, and asked cautiously. “Have you been well these years?” “Pretty good.” Ethan obviously didn’t believe me. “Get in, just let me drop you off.” The bus behind us honked incessantly, but he didn’t move an inch. Under the public gaze, I helplessly got into the car. “Peace Gardens Apartments,” I casually gave the address. The air fell silent for a moment, and the man’s voice was difficult. “Why do you live in a place like that? It’s been dilapidated for years, not to mention you’re a woman alone, and…” He couldn’t continue. But I knew what he wanted to say. That was where my mother died. Ten years ago today, she refused to attend my wedding with Ethan. And jumped from the rooftop of the 10th floor. The back seat was spacious, but the heater was too strong. I rolled down the window a bit. “You catch a cold easily in the wind, better close it. If you’re hot, I’ll turn down the temperature.” I shook my head and smiled. “Not anymore. Do as you please.” The man fell silent. A moment later, his phone rang. “Hubby, did you get the clothes? Where are you now?” The voice from the car speakers was familiar, but carried a passionate coquettishness strange to me. “Got them. Just ran into Sarah, giving her a ride.” Silence on the other end. “Sarah is back? Long time no see. Why didn’t you say so earlier? Should’ve invited her to hang out.” Knowing Lily Evans for over a decade, I had never heard her speak in such a tone. Before, she was introverted and quiet, focused only on painting. When someone stole her competition spot, she would only hide and cry. It was me who took a baseball bat and smashed that person’s entry in public, wrote letters to report the unfairness, and spent three days in juvenile detention to get justice for her. Sure enough, absolute favoritism gives people flesh and blood. “Just a chance encounter. She has things to do. I’ll be back after dropping her off.” “Chance encounter means fate. What’s wrong with treating an old friend to a meal?” “Lily, stop it.” The other end fell silent. Ethan was always gentle when coaxing people, but once he decided something, no one could stop him. Lily should know this better than me. When the call was abruptly cut off, the car stopped right downstairs at my apartment. “Thanks.” After a polite thank you, I got out. The man withdrew his gaze from the surroundings and called out to me. 2 “Sarah, may I ask who you bought that tie for?” “My husband.” The man rubbed his forehead and smiled bitterly, as if thinking I was still spiting him with these words. “Same brand and style, you used to buy for me five years ago too.” “So?” I met his gaze, my eyes calm. “Actually, you don’t need to be strong in front of me. After all these years, I just hope you live well, not like this.” Like what? The glass of the apartment gate reflected my image. Casual outfit, ordinary flat shoes, plus a canvas tote full of groceries. Looking like an ordinary person bustling for a living. But for me, who was used to wearing designer clothes and jewelry, there was nothing wrong with this appearance. I smiled, not angry. “I think it’s pretty good.” The man’s expression loosened for a moment. “Sarah, you seem really different from before.” “Yeah, a lot of people say that.” With that, I turned and left, never looking back. Climbed up five floors, opened the door. The furnishings inside were no different from this time last year. Next to the old TV was my mother’s portrait, the candle in front of her long extinguished. I skillfully placed a new candle, put on an apron, and went into the kitchen. Soon finished three dishes and a soup. Opposite the table was a bowl of rice no one ate. I ate very slowly too. “Mom, I met Ethan Sterling.” “Don’t be angry yet. He can’t bully your daughter. Besides, I’m not as stupid as before.” Only boundless silence responded to me. Appetite gone, I put down my chopsticks and went into the bedroom, digging out an old photo album. “Let’s look at Mom’s peerless beauty. Looking at that black and white one is boring.” Before opening the album, a photo fell out onto the floor. Bending over to pick it up, I saw the faces clearly. Ethan, me, Lily. Three faces brimming with youth smiling wantonly at the camera. I stood in the middle holding their arms, laughing the happiest—a missing canine tooth on the right made me look a bit silly. That was the midsummer when I was 13. Debt collectors found Ethan’s home shouting to kill. None of the neighbors dared to help, not even my parents. But I rushed up. The fist meant for Ethan’s face hit mine unexpectedly. Teeth shattered on the spot, face swollen for half a month. My mother felt sorry for me and told me not to associate with the Sterling family. But unexpectedly, Ethan’s mother dragged her disabled legs and knelt before my parents, kowtowing and thanking incessantly. So she softened. For nearly ten years, a set of tableware belonging to Ethan was often added to my family’s dinner table. During festivals, new clothes added a boy’s style. She helped Ethan’s mother set up a stall when not busy. When someone bullied them, she fired full power scolding until that person dared not come again. They called each other sisters. But no one expected that the sister, always cowardly and stuttering, climbed into her sister’s husband’s bed. When I got home, everything was smashed to pieces. Mother stood in the middle of the room crying out of breath, five finger marks on her cheeks clear and terrible, while father protected the woman in his arms tightly. “Let’s divorce. Everything goes to you, I only want Susan.” Standing beside me, Ethan was panicked, wanting to grab Susan Lin’s hand. But was slapped twice by my mother. I pushed her, watching her fall to the ground, looking at me in disbelief. 3 I cried too then, but said heartbreaking words. “Mom, why did you hit Ethan?” Memories chaotic, fixed on this small photo in my hand. After divorcing Ethan back then, I burned everything related to him. Didn’t expect a survivor here. Just as I was about to throw it in the trash, a knock suddenly sounded on the door. Thought it was Aunt Zhang who habitually visited at this time of year, so I opened it directly. Didn’t expect to see Lily holding Ethan’s arm. She was smiling: “Sarah, long time no see! Haven’t seen you for so many years, you haven’t changed a bit.” “Ethan insisted on coming. Our sudden visit won’t disturb you, right?” I looked at the two calmly. “I won’t invite you in. What’s up?” Lily hit a soft nail, looking aggrieved at the man beside her. “Lily just wanted to see you and brought you a gift. No other meaning.” After speaking, the man placed the thing in his hand directly on the entryway cabinet. Lily immediately started introducing actively. “This skincare set is what I’ve been loving recently. Just happened to have an extra set at home. We used to share things often, so I thought of giving it to you.” I glanced down, looked like the one my housekeeper used. “That photo…” Lily suddenly teared up: “Sarah, after so many years, you still haven’t let go.” I crumpled the photo and threw it into the trash can casually: “Not really.” She seemed to want to hold my hand, but stopped in mid-air. “I know you still hold a grudge. If you and Ethan were still together, today would be your wedding anniversary.” “I had no choice back then. If you really don’t care anymore, let us treat you to a meal. Tell us if you need help in life, we are old friends.” Almost without thinking, I prepared to refuse. The candle in front of the shrine suddenly popped. I smiled faintly, suddenly changing my mind: “Okay.” Lily talked more than before. Small actions were frequent too. While talking about the romantic trip to Turkey with the man last month, she used her finger to apply her lip balm on the man while waiting for the red light. “Every autumn and winter I have to remind you. Last time you kissed too hard and it bled, don’t you remember?” The man grabbed her moving hand, seeming a bit annoyed: “Stop it.” “Oh my, I forgot Sarah is here. Sarah, you won’t mind, right? Ethan and I are used to getting along like this…” I interrupted her extremely magnanimously. “Of course not.” “I’ve seen you two rolling in bed together. Why would I mind this little scene now?” The car fell into silence. Finally quiet. Looking at the scenery along the way, thinking if mother were still here, she would also marvel at the changes now. Back then father insisted on divorcing for Susan, almost driving her crazy. And the fact that I secretly became husband and wife with Ethan directly took her life. At first, I only hated father and Susan. It was they who betrayed mom, forcing her from an indestructible woman to a resentful woman who made a fuss over small things in a short time. Time seemed to flow exceptionally hard on her, taking away her vitality bit by bit.

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When I was discharged from the hospital after giving birth to my son, a trending post popped up on my phone while I was paying the bill. “A neighbor I’ve only met twice just had a baby and insists I help her take care of it. But my daughter also gave birth a couple of days ago. I really don’t know how to refuse. Asking for help from netizens.” The suggestions in the comments were varied, but the author only replied to the most useful one. “Simple. Just say you two are getting old and plan to travel after retirement, then move into your daughter’s house. The neighbor can’t reach you, so there’s nothing she can do. Move back when her child is older.” My eyes lit up, thinking this netizen had high emotional intelligence. At the same time, I despised this ungrateful neighbor. Only met twice and said hello, how could she have the nerve to make such an unreasonable request? Luckily, my mom agreed to help me take care of my son. But when I opened the door to my house, it was empty. No one answered when I called my parents. Two hours later, my mom sent a message. “Jane, while we’re still young and can move around, your dad and I decided to go traveling for a while. We haven’t set a return date. The thing we promised you might have to be postponed. You just hang in there by yourself for now.” My hand holding my son froze instantly. I subconsciously clicked on my cousin’s account, and sure enough, she had updated. In the video, my mother’s aged figure was busy in the kitchen, holding a newborn baby in her arms. Caption: “A child with a mother is a treasure. Thank you, Mom, for lightening my burden. Love you for ten thousand years!” 1 I widened my eyes, staring at this line of text in disbelief, reading it over and over again. It wasn’t until my son in my arms cried from hunger that I suddenly woke up from my thoughts. The water and electricity at home had long been cut off. I couldn’t even make formula for my son. When I called my mom, the phone rang for ten minutes before she picked up. She sounded very busy. “Hello? Jane? What’s wrong? Why are you calling me at this time? I’m busy.” I took a deep breath. “Mom, what did you mean by that message you sent me?” “Didn’t we agree three days ago? I would hand the baby over to you directly after being discharged, and I would go back to work. What am I supposed to do now that you suddenly changed your mind? The company is still waiting for me for a meeting!” My mom was silent for two seconds, her tone sinking. “Jane Lin, get this straight. I’m your mother, not a nanny you hired.” “Raising you for decades was hard enough. Now that I’m finally retired and can enjoy life, you want me to take care of your child. Fine, I didn’t say I wouldn’t, but at least let me take a breather, right?” At this moment, tears were swirling in my eyes. What else didn’t I understand about that help post? I, her biological daughter, became the neighbor she claimed to have only met twice. And my cousin, whom she went to help take care of, was the daughter she truly recognized. “Then when can you come back?” “I don’t know! I just arrived at the first scenic spot and you called. My good mood is ruined by you. Fine, no more sightseeing today, I’m going back to the hotel to rest.” My dad took the phone at the right time. “Jane, your mom is going through menopause, don’t take it to heart.” “But don’t blame Dad for scolding you. If you affect your mom’s mood for a day, our trip will be delayed by a day, and we’ll go back a day later.” I understood immediately. They even found my phone calls a hindrance. My cousin, Bella, asked softly: “What’s wrong? Is it because Sister knows you came to see me and is unhappy?” “Should I apologize to her personally?” My mom responded coldly: “No need. Do I need to report to her where I go?” “Old Lin, hang up quickly. Don’t say more. Hearing her voice is annoying. Like a debt collector, can’t give us a break for even two days.” Before Dad hung up, I asked him: “Aren’t you and Mom traveling? Why does it sound like Bella is there too?” There were two light coughs on the other end. Dad seemed to be rapidly thinking of an excuse. “Oh, it’s like this. Your sister isn’t feeling well, a bit of postpartum depression. Your mom thought of taking her out to relax.” “Bella’s child is being taken care of by a confinement nurse. Found through connections back home, cheap. You refused to let outsiders take care of the child before, so your mom didn’t tell you. Jane, you must not overthink this.” After hanging up, I felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over me from head to toe. Afraid I would overthink, yet they did exactly what would make me overthink. Since Bella entered the family eight years ago, I knew this home was going to change. Little me didn’t know how to express my insecurity, so I could only cry and make a scene at home. Demanding a new backpack, demanding beautiful notebooks. It seemed that as long as my parents agreed to my requests, I still had a place in their hearts. I did get the backpack, and the notebook is still kept in my cabinet. But after that, my parents drifted further and further away from me. They thought I was insensible, couldn’t be a qualified older sister, and wouldn’t actively take care of my younger sister. When I cried in sadness, I always heard big principles. “You are the older sister, Bella is the younger sister. You have to set an example. Look at you crying like this, what would Bella think? She’d think our family abuses children.” “Bella’s parents died pitifully. Your dad and I can’t ignore her. In the future, she is your biological sister. You have to be sensible and take good care of her when Mom and Dad are not around.” When I cried uncontrollably, my mom exhausted her last bit of patience. “Jane Lin, look at you now! As an older sister, you can’t even compare to a hair of your younger sister. Bella lost her biological parents and didn’t cry like you! I’m so disappointed in you!” Later, my parents’ attention was all on Bella. Along with their love. I thought if I sent them more money after working, my parents’ eyes would fall on me again. Until I spent a million, and didn’t even get a smile back. I knew then that some things can’t be bought with money. Bella and I fell in love and got married at the same time, and were deceived by scumbags. I divorced, she broke up. My parents ran to comfort her without hesitation. And I could only get a sentence: “You only know how to bury your head in work every day. What did he marry you for? It’s normal for him to run away.” “Now it’s good, the family is broken up. You can continue working. Go ahead, no one is stopping you.” My son’s cry pulled me back to reality. Holding my son in one hand and the water card in the other. Using almost all my strength, I finally got the lights back on and water flowing from the tap. After making formula for my son, he fell asleep quickly. I frantically changed his diaper and washed the bottle. Exhausted. When I opened my phone to relax, I saw Bella had updated another video. In the frame, Mom was helping her put the baby to sleep. She sat on the balcony enjoying the sun, her cheeks still retaining the innocence of a young girl, collagen overflowing the screen. Dad handed over a plate of washed and cut fruits at the right time, half of which were imported cherries I couldn’t bear to buy. Caption: “Mom and Dad say I will always be eighteen in their eyes, forever the little princess of the family~” And under that help post, a reply was updated: “This method is very useful. Moved to my daughter’s place. The annoying neighbor really didn’t find out!” Turning my head, my gaze fell on my home, which looked like a battlefield due to taking care of the child, a mess on the floor. My heart suddenly soured. I remembered last time I snatched a box of cherries from a livestream to send to my parents, not willing to taste a single one myself. Result, before I could enter the door, they threw me and the box out. “What’s the use of buying such expensive things? Might as well give me cash. These are all capitalist tricks. Aren’t these just the cherries grown in our hometown?” That day I was eight months pregnant, squatting on the ground picking up cherries one by one, crying until my eyes were swollen for three days. But now with Bella, they changed their faces. I took a deep breath and messaged my parents. “Where are you traveling? I’m not in a good mood either, let me join you to relax.” The next second, Mom called. “Jane, what do you mean? We’ve been gone for days. There’s no direct bus for you to come now. It takes a long time on the road. Mom can’t bear for you to suffer. Don’t run around, just wait for Mom to come back.” I smiled bitterly. “Is that so? How many places have you visited? Why haven’t I seen you post on Moments? I thought you were still in the same place.” Mom’s tone instantly panicked. “That’s because I haven’t had time to photoshop the pictures. You know your dad’s photography skills are terrible!” “If you don’t believe me, Mom will send them to you.” Three photos were sent over quickly. I clicked open and my heart went colder. The watermarks of the AI software at the bottom weren’t even removed. They really put in effort to deceive me. “See, Jane? Mom has been so tired these days she hasn’t even looked at her phone. Traveling is most physically exhausting.” Before I could speak, Mom said urgently: “Can’t talk, the bus is here. Mom and Dad are getting on. The signal here is bad, hanging up.” Just hung up, Bella’s message popped up at the top of the screen. She sent me a screenshot of a transfer. Three times, totaling 1.3 million. The payment account was my parents’ pension card. I transferred money to it for three years, knowing it by heart. “Thank you Mom and Dad, I received it! Love you so much. When the baby grows up, I will tell her she is a child who grew up under the love of her grandparents!” My fingertips trembled, and my heart skipped a beat. Just as I was about to reply, the other party withdrew it. “Sorry Sister, I sent it to the wrong person.” “You didn’t see anything, right?” I didn’t reply. Those screenshots kept flashing before my eyes. One million was what I desperately saved for the family after working. Three hundred thousand was my parents’ pension. They didn’t keep a penny for themselves. Nor did they spend it on me and the child. But gave it all to Bella. In an instant, my heart felt like it was being pulled back and forth by a dull knife. The tearing pain made me lose all reason. Since they were unkind first. Then I don’t need to save face. I immediately picked up my sleeping son and went downstairs. Took a taxi straight to Bella’s apartment complex. The apartment she lived in was found by me begging and pleading, troubling a circle of people after the breakup. Just because my parents disliked the environment of cheap houses. And Bella didn’t want to pay for expensive places. Everything I paid for this family in the past was now like a slap in my face. Burning hot, and hurting to the heart. Just entered the gate of the complex, bumped into the three coming out holding the child. Bella pretended to refuse: “Mom, you really don’t need to come so far. It’s too hard. My place is small, not as comfortable as the house Sister gave you. Seeing you squeezing on the sofa every day, I feel really bad…” Mom, who always had extremely high requirements for quality of life, waved her hands repeatedly. “What silly talk? I’m your mom. You are raising a child alone now, who will care for you if not me?” “Family shouldn’t say these things, too distant.” Bella smiled gently. “Actually, I can hire a confinement nurse. There are many cheap ones now.” Mom pretended to be angry. “My granddaughter handed over to someone else? Do you not want me to sleep peacefully?” The next second, the laughter of the three stopped abruptly. Their eyes fell on my face simultaneously. “Sister? Why are you here?” “Jane? Why didn’t you say anything before coming?” “Listen to Dad explain, it’s not what you think, your mom she—” Panic flashed across my parents’ faces at the same time. Only Bella’s eyes hid calculation and triumph as if she had expected this. I interrupted them, smiling sarcastically. “Can’t I come to the house I found for Bella?” “You said the child was taken care of by a confinement nurse. I was worried. Thinking raising one child is raising, raising two is also raising, so I came specially to see.” “Didn’t expect, I seem to have come at a bad time?” Dad’s words of explanation suddenly stuck in his throat. Mom said anxiously: “No, it’s not what you think.” “Then what is it?” “The confinement nurse asked for leave due to family matters. I was afraid you would worry so I didn’t say. Thought I’d come to take care for two days before leaving, lest Bella is out there worrying about the child…” “Then what about the photos you sent me?” Mom’s face turned liver-colored, unable to find an excuse for a long time this time. I looked her up and down. Everything she wore, except for the reading glasses, was bought by me at the mall. I don’t know where I wronged her, where I wronged this family. For them to repay me like this. I pinched my palm hard, my breath trembling. But holding the child with both hands, I couldn’t even vent my anger. In the stalemate, Bella smiled and took Mom’s arm. “Oh, it’s all fate. Sister came at the right time. We were just about to leave.” “Since you are here now, let’s go together. I’ll call a car, Dad go up to get the luggage, Mom buy a ticket for Sister.” As soon as the words fell, my parents’ eyes lit up simultaneously. “Bella is thoughtful. Okay, let’s do as you say.” “That’s what Mom meant! Pity I’m clumsy with words, didn’t know how to explain just now.” “Jane, send your ID number to Mom, Mom will buy you a ticket.” I lowered my eyes. “I sent it, the day I was hospitalized for delivery.” Mom smiled awkwardly. “Oh right, Mom forgot. Getting old, brain doesn’t work well. Don’t take offense.” With that, Dad went back to get luggage, Mom lowered her head to buy tickets. Bella walked towards me holding the child. “Sister, you really came.” I ignored her, just looking at Mom’s guilty profile. The payment interface was exited three times back and forth, still not paid successfully. Mom smiled sheepishly. “Jane, transfer some living expenses to Mom again. Not enough money for tickets.” “Enough for the three of you, but not enough when it comes to me?” Mom’s face turned cold instantly. “How do you talk, child? Originally for the three of us, the expenses were planned well. Isn’t it you who insisted on coming?” “Besides, I’m your mom. Isn’t it right for you to pay for my travel?” I took a deep breath, heart completely cold. “I’ve been working for years, sending money home every month without fail, adding up to a million. This month I’m on maternity leave, salary not high, no money for you, so you can’t take me traveling?” “Where did that million go? Of the money I gave, couldn’t twenty thousand be spent on me?” “Bella hasn’t worked a day since graduation. You paid her rent, gave her living expenses. Why is it when it comes to me, there’s nothing?” “Just because I have a salary, I deserve to be sucked dry by you?” My questioning grew louder and louder. In return, I got a solid slap from my mom. “What are you saying! I’m your mom! Is this the attitude you speak to elders with!” Other owners in the complex also stopped to watch. The more my mom thought about it, the angrier she got, even rushing up wanting to continue hitting me. While protecting the child, I confronted her. Bella came up pretending to apologize. “Sister, don’t be like this. Mom didn’t mean that.” “You are the daughter, can’t you bow your head to her? We are all grown up, don’t make Mom angry anymore.” I lifted my thigh to support my son, and backhanded her a slap. “I’m talking to my mom, none of your business!” The next second, Bella cried with red eyes, knelt down in front of me with a thud, kowtowing frantically. “I was wrong, I know I was wrong. I dare not talk to Mom and Dad anymore. I won’t let them help me. Don’t be angry, I’ll go right now…” Her forehead soon bled, and the child in her arms started crying loudly. Mom stepped forward to protect her. “You dare! What right do you have to talk to my daughter like this!” “I’m willing to take care of my daughter, what business is it of yours!” Someone recognized them and immediately took out their phone to start streaming. The comments exploded instantly. “Damn, isn’t this the family entangled by the shameless neighbor? What’s going on?” “Is this shrew that neighbor? She actually found them? How can a person be so thick-skinned? Can’t see people don’t welcome her?” “If I were entangled by such a lunatic, either I die or she dies! This auntie is still too kind!” When Dad came downstairs, he saw the scene before him. Instantly red-eyed with anger. Without asking the reason, he rushed up and slapped me. “What did you say to my wife and daughter!” “You leave, leave right now. Our family doesn’t welcome you! Nor the bastard you gave birth to!” In an instant, I remembered when I was little, Dad lifting me to sit on his shoulders. “Daddy, will you always be good to Jane? What if Jane grows up? Can’t ride the airplane anymore!” Dad smiled and spun around. “Then let our princess’s little princess play. Dad will try to age slower then.” The image crumbled, replaced by my parents’ hideous faces. I hugged my wailing son tightly in my arms. “Okay, I’ll go.” “But after I leave today, I won’t come back.” Dad picked up a stone and threw it at my back. “Who cares if you come back! Don’t let me see you in this life!” “Bella is my daughter. You are just an ungrateful white-eyed wolf!” The edge of the stone broke the fabric, skin bleeding instantly. I gritted my teeth hard and left their sight. Walking out of the complex, I took a taxi straight to the agency. Slapped the family property deed on the table. “Sell this house, price unlimited, use the fastest speed!” Since they don’t recognize me as a daughter, they probably don’t like the house I paid for either. After negotiating the terms, I contacted a lawyer. Bella has no relation to me. I can sue her to recover my one million. Three days passed in a blink. I learned from Bella’s account that she and my parents had returned from their trip. Having tasted being internet celebrities, they had their fill. But as soon as the three entered the house, they were all dumbfounded. Following that, thousands of miles away, my phone suddenly vibrated crazily.

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My husband’s “white moonlight” got pregnant after being assaulted, and coincidentally, I, the lawful wife, also became pregnant. On the day I gave birth, Lucas Sterling handed me divorce papers at my bedside. “Sarah is making a comeback. There can be no scandals. You need to make room for her and the baby.” I picked up the pen and signed my name cleanly. In my past life, I refused to divorce, holding my son and livestreaming my accusations, ruining her career. She was blacklisted from the internet, lost her fortune, and slit her wrists. Later, Lucas calmly handled her funeral. Then, he tacitly allowed her followers to orchestrate an “accident,” burying me and my child. It wasn’t until the moment before I closed my eyes that I understood the coldness in his eyes when he turned away. He wished I were dead. Opening my eyes again, I was back to the moment he handed me the divorce papers. 1 Because of premature birth, my son, Leo, was sent to the NICU as soon as he was born. Lucas Sterling, however, handed me a divorce agreement at this very moment. “You know, Sarah was a principal dancer before the incident. These past few months have already made her miss the performance season.” “If a scandal about having a child out of wedlock breaks out, her dance career will be completely ruined.” I had just come out of surgery, and even a slight movement tugged at the incision on my abdomen. Since I was reborn to this day, it meant God wanted to give me a chance to choose again. “Divorce is fine, but handle the birth certificate for the child first, and I want compensation.” Lucas had prepared a long speech to persuade me. Now hearing my calm acceptance, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, two million dollars. Is that enough?” Lucas is the heir to the Sterling Group, yet he was only willing to give me two million. I clutched the edge of the sheet, knowing it was useless to argue, so I nodded. He went to handle the paperwork. After confirming everything was correct, I signed. Getting the agreement, Lucas couldn’t wait to find Sarah Miller. He didn’t even have the thought of looking at our child once. Laughter came from the next ward, family members taking photos around the newborn. I was alone, and my husband had become a stranger at this moment. Two days later, Leo was out of the NICU. I wrapped the child in a soft swaddle, ready to leave the hospital. Before getting into the car, I received a message from the secretary: “Ms. Xu, please cooperate by reposting the Group’s statement.” Before officially divorcing, I wasn’t even worthy of the title “Mrs. Sterling” anymore. To maintain Sarah’s image, Lucas asked me to declare that the divorce was due to fading feelings. I agreed, but my phone was dying, so I planned to deal with it after getting home. Back at the villa, I asked the housekeeper to turn up the heat, but no one responded. Holding the child, I walked towards the nursery when I heard them whispering in the kitchen. “Shameless, daring to bring back a child born from an affair.” “The Young Master is soft-hearted not to pursue it, but instead of being grateful, she wants a share of the family property!” My steps paused. Under the heavy loungewear, cold sweat soaked my back. We agreed on fading feelings, how did it become me cheating? “What nonsense are you talking about!” I pushed open the kitchen door. The servants who used to respectfully call me “Young Madam” looked up, their eyes full of contempt. Aunt Zhao, the boldest, sneered directly at me. “Who’s talking nonsense? The statement is out. You were unfaithful during the marriage, and you won’t let people talk?” I rushed back to my room, charged my phone, and opened the news. The trending topic was “Sterling Heir Divorce Announcement.” “Due to Ms. Emily Xu’s infidelity during the marriage, Mr. Lucas Sterling has terminated the marital relationship. Statement issued.” My head buzzed, temples throbbing. To pave the way for Sarah, Lucas didn’t hesitate to completely ruin my reputation! Just as I was about to defend myself in the comments, my phone vibrated, waking Leo in my arms. After answering, the familiar police officer’s voice was excited: “Ms. Xu, there’s a breakthrough in your case! You were taken from Qing City!” “We have cooperated with the Qing City police to screen missing children files. You need to come for a DNA test as soon as possible!” My heart, broken by Lucas, suddenly rekindled hope, tears falling silently. Since being abducted to this city at six, I hadn’t felt the warmth of a family. I thought marrying Lucas was a new life, but it turned out to be another calamity. But now, I might find my biological parents, and my child could have relatives who truly loved him! Hanging up, I quickly packed a simple bag, turning to the nursery to get some necessities. Just as I grabbed the handle, the villa door was pushed open violently. “Emily Xu, who allowed you to touch the things inside?” Lucas frowned, looking displeased. “I just want to get some clothes for the baby.” “Those are prepared for Sarah’s child. If you need anything, buy it yourself.” Every item in the nursery was carefully selected by me during pregnancy. Now he wants to give them all to Sarah’s child. Even though that child has no blood relation to him. I suppressed the bitterness in my heart and didn’t argue at this moment. Aunt Zhao suddenly grabbed me with a stern face, dragging me out: “The Young Master ordered us to go to the rehabilitation center to take care of Ms. Miller.” I was pulled until my wound hurt, saying urgently: “I just gave birth too, I need to rest!” Lucas didn’t look back: “So you have experience.” “Stop nagging. You grew up working hard and have a strong body, you don’t need confinement.” He got into the sedan, and I was pushed into the van heading to the rehab center. When we arrived, Sarah was leaning on a recliner, surrounded by five or six nursing staff. Seeing me, she pretended to get up: “Sister-in-law is here, please sit, giving birth is hard work…” Lucas gently held her down, glancing at me: “She used to work in the fields even with a fever, this is nothing.” “Emily Xu, as long as you take good care of Sarah, I’ll add another five hundred thousand. Is that a good deal?” Adding five hundred thousand, indeed tempting. I bit my lip: “No, my child is home alone with no one to look after.” Impatience flashed in his eyes, but Sarah pulled his hand softly. “Lucas, if Sister-in-law doesn’t want to take care of me, don’t force her. I don’t want to make things difficult for you.” Lucas tightened his grip on her hand, looking at me with only disgust: “Asking you to take care of Sarah is giving you a chance. You, an orphan with no one to rely on, marrying me brought no benefit, and you can’t even do this little thing well. Now serving Sarah well is your only value.” He habitually belittled me, completely ignoring my pale face. He waved his hand to let Aunt Zhao go back to take care of the child. But Aunt Zhao always looked down on me, how could she genuinely care for the child! Lucas ignored me, ordering me to feed Sarah the nutritious meal. I looked back at the closed door, realizing I couldn’t leave for now. I could only drag my weak body to prepare food for Sarah. A spoonful of stew was just brought to her lips when she suddenly leaned back, crying out in pain: “Hot!” Lucas snatched the bowl and threw it at my feet, the soup splashing my pant leg. “What temper are you throwing! Scalding Sarah, don’t think about eating today!” Sarah leaned on his shoulder, teary-eyed: “Lucas, don’t be angry, Sister-in-law didn’t mean it…” “Don’t call her Sister-in-law. We’ll go through the divorce procedures tomorrow!” I was left aside, covered in stains, ignored by everyone. The next day Lucas took me away from the rehab center and completed the divorce procedures. Walking out of the registry office, he got into the car alone. “I’m going to order performance costumes for Sarah. Go back yourself.” He said with a dark face: “Emily Xu, if you are not at the rehab center in forty minutes, you bear the consequences.” The car sped away. I turned to hail a taxi back to the villa. As soon as I entered the gate, I heard a baby crying from the backyard storage room. That was the place for gardening tools! I rushed in and saw Leo placed casually on the cold stone platform. There was obviously formula and diapers prepared next to him, but his little face was purple, crying weakly. He probably hadn’t eaten since yesterday! Nor changed diapers! Too late to argue with Aunt Zhao, I picked up the child to feed and change him. While burping him, Leo gave me a blurry smile. My eyes heated up, tears falling on his clothes. Sarah’s child was cared for by everyone, but my child was forgotten, even basic needs became a problem. “Leo don’t be afraid, Mommy will take you away.” Suddenly there was a banging on the door outside. Just as I opened it, Lucas’s slap arrived. “Emily Xu! How dare you bring shady people home!” I protected Leo, pushed into the living room by Lucas. Sarah, wrapped in a shawl, followed in surrounded by nursing staff. The scene inside shocked me: Several strange men lay sprawled on the carpet, smelling of alcohol. The house was a mess, as if it had just experienced a wild party. People were sleeping in the bedrooms and study. There were even three people lying on the master bedroom bed, clothes disheveled. I shook my head in panic: “Not me! I didn’t even enter the main house yesterday!” Aunt Zhao stepped forward, speaking with heartache: “Young Master, a group of people suddenly broke in last night, saying Miss Xu gave them the key card, inviting them for a party…” “They thought the baby’s crying was noisy, so they moved the child to the storage room…” I trembled all over, arguing urgently: “I don’t know them! And I was at the rehab center yesterday, how could I give them the key card?” “Yes… Sister-in-law was taking care of me yesterday. Lucas, why don’t we ask these people?” Sarah tugged lightly at Lucas’s sleeve. His hard face softened slightly, ordering someone to wake the nearest man. “Who let you in!” The man looked drunk: “A woman named Emily Xu gave the key card, saying this house was empty, inviting us to play… Open another bottle!” What he waved in his hand was exactly my access card, with the Chinese knot I braided myself hanging on it. I subconsciously touched my pocket, empty. “No, my card was lost, it wasn’t me!” “Still arguing! If Sarah hadn’t worried about you and insisted on coming back to stay, I wouldn’t have known you had such dirty thoughts!” “You clearly wanted to mess around with these people here!” Lucas became more impatient, ordering Aunt Zhao to lock me in the storage room. Sarah’s soft voice came from behind: “Lucas, Sister-in-law was just playful, don’t be angry…” “Won’t learn without punishment! This house is dirty, let’s go to the South City apartment!” The storage room door was locked tight. Through the window, I watched them drive away. In the crowd, Sarah turned back, giving me a victor’s smile. Deep in the night, after finally soothing Leo to sleep, the light suddenly went out. Assuming it was old wiring in the storage room, I turned on my phone to check tickets. Suddenly the sound of unlocking came to my ear. Sarah appeared under the cold moonlight. With no one else around, her eyes surged with naked malice. “Divorced and still want money? Emily Xu, how can you be so shameless!” I immediately protected Leo and retreated to the corner, nowhere to escape in the small space. “Sarah Miller, I never offended you, why do you keep pressing me!” “Never offended? If not for you, the one marrying Lucas should have been me!” I froze. Indeed, someone of unknown origin like me didn’t deserve to enter the Sterling family. Back then, Grandpa Sterling collapsed on the street from a cerebral hemorrhage. I sent him to the hospital and paid the medical fees. To repay the favor, the old man threatened to sever ties to force Lucas to marry me. We only got the certificate, not even a wedding. After marriage, Lucas treated me like air, until one night he drunkenly broke into my room. Scored on the first try. Grandpa Sterling passed away when I was two months pregnant, and my last reliance was gone. So Sarah decided I stole her life? “You have what you want now, why drive me to extinction?” “No! If you hadn’t registered with Lucas, how would I go to a bar to get drunk, how would there be this bastard child!” “It’s all your fault! Emily Xu, I want you to pay with your life!” She grabbed the gardening shears from the corner and stabbed. I dodged in panic. The next second she suddenly screamed shrilly, slamming hard into the edge of the iron shelf, falling to the ground. Lucas rushed in: “Emily Xu! Are you crazy!” Blood flowed from Sarah’s arm, falling weakly into his arms: “Lucas, I was afraid Sister-in-law would be uncomfortable here, came specially to visit…” “Who knew she called me a stripper, and hit me…” Lucas pressed her wound with heartache, glaring at me angrily: “Emily Xu! Sarah tolerated everywhere, why do you push your luck!” “She needs to return to the stage. Do you want to ruin her dance life!” Leo was scared into crying non-stop. While comforting him, I questioned: “Lucas Sterling, do you believe whatever she says?” “Who else but you! I’ve seen enough of your poor and vicious face!” Lucas picked up Sarah, signaling Aunt Zhao to restrain me. “Come to the hospital with me! If Sarah has a scar affecting her performance, I’ll make you pay double!” In the hospital corridor, Aunt Zhao couldn’t be bothered with me, walking to the end to check her phone. Leo cried endlessly. I coaxed him in a low voice, but he was too frightened to calm down. A woman with a gentle temperament walked out of the adjacent clinic. Seeing me holding a baby, she handed me a pack of tissues. “Wipe your sweat. The child might be hungry.” The woman smiled gently. I nodded gratefully. The kindness of a stranger actually surpassed the child’s biological father. Just finished changing the diaper, seeing Aunt Zhao still looking at her phone, I held Leo intending to go to the stairwell. But ran head-on into Lucas hurrying over with Sarah. Looking up, another slap. “Bitch! Should have confiscated your ID long ago!” I stumbled from the hit. Aunt Zhao also crowded over. When I stood steady, Sarah’s arm wrapped in gauze, sobbed in public: “Sister-in-law, before you divorced Lucas, we were just old acquaintances.” “How can you slander me online as the third party? Ruining me like this, might as well let me die!” Lucas pulled her. Under his eye signal, Aunt Zhao seized the opportunity to snatch Leo away. “Give me back my child!” I lunged forward, but Lucas choked my neck fiercely. Not letting go until I had difficulty breathing and face flushed red. “Start a livestream now. Admit you were the one cheating, Sarah and I are innocent!” “Otherwise, you’ll never see the child again!” I gasped for air, catching a glimpse of Aunt Zhao covering Leo’s mouth and nose with a handkerchief under Sarah’s hint. She wants to suffocate my child! Leo’s cries grew weaker, but Lucas turned a blind eye! He never treated Leo as his own flesh and blood! I knelt in terror: “Okay! I agree! Please don’t hurt my child!” In front of the livestream camera, holding the child, tears falling like rain, I admitted all “crimes.” “I am Lucas Sterling’s ex-wife Emily Xu. Divorced due to infidelity during marriage. Ms. Sarah Miller is innocent with him. Everything is my rumor, my shamelessness, my jealousy…” Livestream ended, Lucas threw a new phone over. “Sensible enough. This is the new number, convenient for Sarah to contact you.” “Sarah is soft-hearted, afraid you’ll starve outside, kept a nanny position for you…” I obediently took the phone and got into the arranged car. Then, taking advantage of the red light, threw the phone, holding the child and running straight to the airport. The taxi sped through the rain curtain. My heartbeat slammed against my chest with the swing of the wipers. Leo twisted uneasily in my arms, seeming to feel his mother’s anxiety. I dared not look back, afraid that familiar black car followed behind like a ghost. I knew, since Lucas confiscated my ID and phone, he must think I couldn’t escape even with wings. But he didn’t know, in my past life to treat Leo’s illness, I secretly sewed a hidden layer in Leo’s small quilt, hiding the pair of jade earrings Grandpa Sterling gave me when we got married, and some private cash I saved over these years. At the airport, I used cash to buy the earliest ticket to Qing City at the counter. No ID was a big trouble. Fortunately, that officer sent me an electronic police协查函 (cooperation letter) and a retrieval code for a temporary ID certificate to let me go over ASAP. I operated on the self-service machine with trembling hands for a long time, finally getting that thin piece of paper. Not until the plane soared into the clouds, watching the city shrinking outside the window, did I dare to let out a long breath. That city buried my past life, and almost buried my present life. It was late at night when I arrived in Qing City. The officer picked me up personally after receiving the call. Seeing the thin baby in my arms and my disheveled state, a trace of pity flashed in his eyes. “Ms. Xu, the test results are out. Although a final review is needed, it’s basically confirmed.” The police car stopped in front of a quiet estate. I was a bit stunned, thinking I would be taken to a police station or an ordinary residential building. “This is the Shen family, the richest family in Qing City.” The officer explained in a low voice, “They have been looking for their daughter for twenty years.”

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My husband is sick. Almost everyone in the upper-class circle of Manhattan knows about it. Men in the Sterling family lose their memories for fifteen days every six months after getting married. And during these fifteen days, they fall madly in love with other women, turning their wives into the most pathetic laughingstocks. The first time Ethan Sterling lost his memory. He fell in love with my nemesis at the TV station. For “true love,” he kidnapped me on the day of my most important live broadcast and broke both my legs. The broadcast had a gap, and I was blacklisted by the entire industry. In contrast, my nemesis skyrocketed, becoming one of the top news anchors in New York. But as soon as the fifteen days were up. Ethan, having recovered his memory, cried and fainted right in front of me. Then he sent people to dismember my nemesis. She remains missing to this day, life or death unknown. The second time he lost his memory. He fell in love with a little maid who climbed into his bed. The maid demanded a status and wanted him to divorce me. When I disagreed, Ethan threw me into the red-light district to be humiliated, filming videos to spread all over the internet. On the fifteenth day. He recovered his memory at the City Hall. The man knelt down with a thud, holding a knife to mutilate himself to apologize! As for the maid, naturally like the previous nemesis, she was sold to Southeast Asia as a doll, tortured into a ghost in less than three days. The cruelest time. For my adopted sister, he personally cut out my six-month-old baby, almost killing both of us. When his memory returned. Ethan hanged himself directly. It took three days and nights of rescue to save his life. And this time, it’s the twelfth memory loss. Looking at my best friend who successfully climbed into his bed, I sighed wearily. “Ethan Sterling, if you’re sick, can you just die sooner? I want to be a widow and inherit the family fortune!” …… “Chloe, I know you’re sad, but love can’t be forced.” “The person Ethan loves is me. You should accept this reality instead of cursing your husband to die.” My delicate best friend, clinging like a vine to the half-naked man. The silk nightgown she wore was an old style I was about to throw away as trash. I took a deep breath. My eyes, cold and clear, almost unable to stir up any emotion for Ethan anymore, glanced faintly at the calendar on the wall. Today is the first day of memory loss. “If condoms aren’t enough, there are more in the second drawer.” “If you want to have a baby, please notify me in advance. I have a lot of interviews recently, need to clear time to go to City Hall for the divorce certificate.” “Oh, and Bella, did you buy accident insurance?” I said the last sentence with deep meaning. Bella paused, looking at me like I was a fool, mocking. “Chloe, are you crazy from sadness? For a man, is it worth it?” “Being love-brained is not advisable at all~” That good best friend who used to jump with rage because of Ethan’s repeated cheating and wanted to fight for justice for me. Now like a victorious fighting cock. Arrogantly snuggling in the arms of a married man, triumphant! I curled my lips indifferently and shrugged. “Nothing, just a friendly reminder. Good luck after fifteen days.” With that, I turned and left. From the master bedroom that originally belonged to me and Ethan. Minutes later, sounds of旖旎 and wanton moans rang out. The man gasped heavily and laughed: “Chloe Vance is just a tool for business marriage. Why be angry with her? My heart is all yours.” Heh, this illness of the Sterling family is interesting. Once memory is lost, I’m treated as a tool for marriage, quite self-justifying. Walking out of the villa. I called my lawyer directly and ordered calmly. “No matter what method, how much money, within fifteen days, I want to see the divorce certificate for me and Ethan Sterling!” And as the party at fault, he must leave with nothing! Of course, there is a bigger surprise waiting for Ethan to appreciate personally after he recovers his memory. Picked a random place among my more than a hundred properties. Slept comfortably until I woke up naturally. But as soon as I opened my eyes, the silenced phone had basically exploded with calls. “Chloe Vance, where did you hide Bella?” “Just because I don’t love you, you have to be vicious enough to hurt my treasure?” “Forced melons are not sweet. Even if something happens to Bella, I, Ethan Sterling, will never love you in this life!” The roaring made my ears hurt. I rolled my eyes speechlessly, about to hang up. The apartment door was suddenly violently smashed open. Ethan, holding his phone, rushed up in a stride. Without a word, he slapped me directly with full force. Half of my face went numb, and the corner of my mouth cracked open, oozing blood. “Ethan Sterling, you hit me for Bella Miller?” I collapsed weakly on the ground. Even though I couldn’t squeeze out a single tear, I still pretended to be in agony, covering my face, teetering. In the corner, the red light of the camera flashed. Seeing this, the man put one hand in his trouser pocket, looking down at me. He sneered, “Love me this much? Chloe Vance, you are pathetic!” Before his voice fell, he waved his hand. The bodyguards got the signal and immediately stepped forward to pin me to the ground, rough and cruel. “But kidnapping Bella is crossing my bottom line.” “Do it! Teach the madam a good lesson. Stop when she’s willing to tell Bella’s whereabouts.” Fists fell like raindrops. Suddenly, I thought of Ethan’s tenth memory loss affair. He almost gouged out one of my eyes. As soon as the fifteen-day countdown ended, seeing my bloodied face. He was like a trapped beast, locking himself in the villa basement, torturing himself for a whole week. Breaking both hands and feet. If I hadn’t stopped him, he might have really gouged out his eyes with his bare hands to get my forgiveness. The last punch fell. My throat tightened, spitting blood all over the floor. Suddenly, Ethan’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the caller ID and answered excitedly immediately. “Bella? Good good good, I’m coming right away. Don’t be afraid, don’t cry, my heart will ache.” The man left in a hurry. In the empty apartment, only I remained, lying on the ground in a mess, taking out my phone. The camera video synced to the cloud in real-time. I edited, saved. Note: [Gift No. 1 for ex-husband after fifteen days!] Bella’s self-directed and self-acted drama ended perfectly. To further punish me, Ethan cut off all my cards directly and even notified the TV station to suspend me temporarily. The TV station director looked at me, smiling awkwardly, comforting. “Chloe, anyway, Mr. Sterling will recover his memory in fifteen days. You two have weathered storms together until now.” “We all see that the person he truly loves is you.” Love? But this love that has to be staged bloodily every six months. I’m really tired. The director wanted to say something more. But I just closed my eyes and asked abruptly, “Do you know how Ethan’s parents died?” “What?” “When his father lost his memory for the seventy-eighth time, he accidentally killed his wife for a mistress. Then he recovered his memory, jumped from the twentieth floor holding his lover, and died miserably.” I don’t intend to follow the same old path! Dead silence in the office. Leaving with the suspension notice. Just out of the TV station building. Bella’s WeChat messages came one after another. Dozens of photos. The high and mighty King of Manhattan. At this moment, for true love, was on all fours on the ground, letting the woman ride him like a horse. Kneeling to wash feet, kissing toes. Even if Bella said she wanted a mountain of gifts. He could empty all major luxury stores in Manhattan within an hour just to make the beauty smile. ——【Chloe Vance, being your best friend, I can only be a background board for comparison forever.】 ——【But it’s different now. The man you love most belongs to me.】 ——【I, Bella Miller, will soon step on your head and possess all your wealth and happiness.】 ——【Jealous? Hateful? But no! Hahaha…】 Looking at those contemptuous words, the arrogance was about to spray out of the screen. I sneered, then screenshotted. Also uploaded to the cloud. Note: [Gift No. 2 for ex-husband after fifteen days!] Back to the villa to get something. My grandmother, an inheritor of Su embroidery, gave me the family heirloom pattern passed down for generations before she passed away. That pattern has weathered storms for generations. It is the witness and glory of their entire family extending to this day. Ethan said, “Wife, give me something very important to you. I’ll treasure it so I can feel at ease, ensuring you won’t leave me.” Now, I’m tired and don’t want to continue being tormented by this damn illness with him. Take back Grandma’s pattern and cut ties completely! Just stepped into the entrance hall. I saw Bella holding a dirty stray dog that was still leaking urine. She was teary-eyed, reaching out to Ethan who was accompanying her, clearly allergic to dog hair but enduring it. “Ethan, the little doggy is so pitiful. Hurry bring me that broken rag, I’ll wipe it.” The broken rag Bella pointed to was the Su embroidery pattern framed and hung on the wall. My heart sank fiercely. Just wanted to step forward to stop it. Ethan moved faster. Crisply smashed the picture frame, took out the pattern inside, and handed it over. His thin lips moved, mocking. “Is Chloe Vance sick in the head? Framing a broken rag and hanging it here to embarrass herself?” And when he didn’t lose his memory. This “broken rag” was the only existence that could make him feel at ease, treated like a treasure! “Good doggy, sister will wipe you clean.” Saying this, Bella used the pattern symbolizing the entire family to wipe shit and urine. My eyes cracked, pouncing like crazy, raising my hand to hit. Who expected. I didn’t even touch a hair of Bella. Ethan grabbed my back collar like throwing some dirty object and flung me away. My thin body slammed heavily onto the floor-to-ceiling glass window. The window shattered, sharp glass fragments cutting clothes, piercing tender skin, blood gushing out. In an instant. The man who was originally protecting Bella and fuming with rage. Seeing the blood all over the floor, his frowned sword eyebrows stiffened involuntarily. His handsome face turned pale, as if remembering something… “Boohoo, Ethan, Chloe is so scary, the puppy is scared too, I’m so afraid, I don’t want to stay here anymore~” The woman’s slightly coquettish crying sounded. Ethan, whose mind was churning with complex memories, suddenly snapped back. He shook his head vigorously, muttering to himself. “Impossible! How could I be desperate for a marriage tool like Chloe Vance? I love Bella, it’s Bella!” Before I completely fainted from pain, I snorted coldly. It seems that the closer to the fifteen-day node. The memories forgotten by Ethan become clearer. Body numb from excessive blood loss. I crawled on the ground like a maggot, trying to grab the pattern covered in filth. And Bella, leaning in the man’s arms passing by me. She mouthed, mocking, “Chloe Vance, you are just like this rotten rag. As long as I want, Ethan will give me anything, hahaha…” Under the silent laughter. Bella deliberately let go of the hand holding the wild dog. The dog smelled the scent of shit and urine, instantly excited, baring dirty teeth, barking and biting randomly on me. The severe pain of torn flesh made me lose consciousness completely. Woke up again. Still clutching that dirty pattern, lying in the VIP ward. The little nurse changing the dressing muttered pitifully. “Miss Chen, your husband is really a big scumbag, a beast with a wolf’s heart and dog’s lungs!” “Last night you almost didn’t make it. The chief surgeon called your husband to come sign.” “But guess what he said? Said he was busy coaxing his lover, no time, let you live or die on your own!” Live or die on my own… I turned my head. The rising morning sun sprinkled on my body, warm and comfortable. The lawyer sent a message. ——【Miss, seven more days, and you can get the divorce certificate and leave.】

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I was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa, my skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings. After my family went bankrupt, I asked my billionaire husband for a loan. Lucas Sterling took me to a tattoo parlor, raising an eyebrow at me. “One million dollars for one tattoo. How much do you want to borrow?” I knew this was his revenge, that I shouldn’t touch his canary. But I nodded anyway. The first succubus tattoo landed on my private parts; I bit my tongue until it bled. The second tattoo, the word “Harder” on my lower back, bled profusely. By the time ten tattoos were done, a systemic infection blurred my consciousness. Lucas casually threw a few bills at me. Ten million Vietnamese Dong, less than five hundred US dollars. But this time, I didn’t cry or make a scene. I picked up the money and smiled at him. “Thank you, Mr. Sterling. This is enough.” Enough to buy a decent urn for myself. 1 Bending down to pick up the last bill, Lucas’s leather shoe stepped on my hand. “What did you call me?” He reached out and pinched my cheek. “You usually love calling me Hubby. Why the change?” Blood seeped from my skin more and more, stinging like needles. I lowered my eyes, bowing my head to him for the first time. “Lucas Sterling, give me the divorce papers. I’ll sign.” In the past, if I shed a single tear, his heart would ache for a long time. But there was no longer any pity in Lucas’s eyes. A faint smile curled his lips. “Want a divorce? I spent so much effort nursing you back to health, why would I let another man benefit?” He ordered unquestionably, “From now on, give the master bedroom to Sarah. She’s weak and afraid of the cold.” I didn’t resist anymore and nodded. Walking out of the tattoo parlor, my thin body trembled with pain. I counted the money in my hand. He gave a hundred extra. Just as I was about to go back in to return it to Lucas. I heard the excited voice of the tattoo parlor owner. “Mr. Sterling, a total of ten million people watched the live stream just now!” The string in my brain suddenly snapped. The shame of having my private parts seen by others almost crushed me. Every word on my skin pierced my body with a hundred times the pain. Because I was born with Butterfly Disease, a slight touch could cause my skin to crack and bleed endlessly. It was Lucas who knelt at the door of a famous doctor for three days and three nights, begging for an ancestral prescription. At his most vigorous age, he suppressed his desire and didn’t touch me for eight years. Until my condition was under control, we exchanged our first times in bed. Lucas held me in his arms and swore, “I will protect you with my life in this lifetime.” But later he met Sarah Miller, a college athlete, while playing ball. She was young, loved to smile, and full of vitality. A person from a different world than me. Lucas said to her in bed again and again, “Sarah, I wish I could give you my life.” Now hearing the tattoo parlor owner’s words, Lucas seemed to think of something. He narrowed his eyes, “Did you capture her face just now?” “As per your instructions, Mrs. Sterling’s face was blurred the whole time.” I hurriedly opened my phone. It turned out the words tattooed on me were voted by netizens in the live stream one by one. “Sewer,” “Must-Eat in NY,” “Master Please Fxxk”… Filthy words covered my whole body. Screenshots of the live stream were going viral online. Now, all of New York was guessing who this faceless female streamer was. Lucas’s shoulders relaxed, his voice indifferent. “If Nina Gu were a bit more obedient, I wouldn’t have treated her like this.” “Sarah should calm down after seeing the screenshots and talk to me.” The cold wind outside was biting, but it couldn’t compare to the chill in my heart. Just because I didn’t allow my husband’s initials to appear on another woman. A few days ago, I arranged for bodyguards to forcibly remove the tattoo on his mistress Sarah’s chest. However, Lucas retaliated against me tenfold. Covering the filthy words on my neck with my coat. I left the tattoo parlor as if escaping hell. My husband of ten years probably knew better than anyone. Tattoos were the limit of my body; I couldn’t bear the pain of removing them. And these disgusting words would become the shame of my life. Instead of returning to the Sterling mansion, I asked the taxi driver to turn around. After my family went bankrupt, my mother moved from a villa to a slum. A single room less than 50 square feet, New Yorkers call it a coffin home. Getting out of the car. I saw an ambulance parked by the road. Two paramedics rushed over carrying a stretcher. The person on the stretcher was covered tightly from head to toe by a white cloth. Unease rose in my heart. With trembling hands, I dialed my mother’s number. The next second, the exclusive ringtone I recorded for her came from under that white cloth. 2 Ignoring the obstruction of others, I lunged forward and lifted the white cloth. The middle-aged woman’s eyes bulged, as if she had seen something extremely terrifying at the last moment. I shook my head desperately, tears flowing non-stop. “My mother has always been healthy, how could this happen!” The paramedic glanced at me, “Your mother drank Paraquat to commit suicide.” No, impossible. Mom loved me as her life, I didn’t believe she would leave me easily! I opened the chat app on her phone. A stranger’s account had sent her a live stream link. I knelt heavily on the ground, pain and hatred surging in my chest, tears uncontrollable. It was me, I killed my own mother! In the memo were the last few words she left for me. “Nina, don’t stay with someone who doesn’t love you for my sake.” “My butterfly baby, leave New York, pursue your freedom.” Kneeling beside my mother’s body, I cried like a child. Growing up, my skin often bled because of my illness. Even oozing yellow pus. Classmates looked at me with contempt, as if I were some disgusting monster. Only Mom would hold me and tell me again and again. “You are different from others, you are Mom’s butterfly baby.” “If you don’t want to go to school, Mom will be your teacher.” But I refused to bow to fate and insisted on continuing my studies. In junior high, Lucas, who had just transferred, became my deskmate. It was he who fought off those who bullied me time and again. Even if it meant a detour, he insisted on escorting me to school every day. Looking at him then, my eyes were full of light. It turned out that besides Mom, there was a second person willing to protect me. After graduating from college, I secretly invested the money Mom saved for me into Lucas’s startup. This time, I won the bet with fate. On the day the company went public, Lucas put the key to a luxury car worth millions in my hand. Countless reporters swarmed in, pointing microphones at him. “Mr. Sterling, why are you willing to buy such an expensive car for your girlfriend?” In front of the camera, he was elegant in a suit, smiling gently. “She was the one sitting on the back of my electric scooter, accompanying me through the startup. At that time, I swore that one day, I would make her the woman in the back seat of a Rolls-Royce.” “From now on, you should call her ‘Mrs. Sterling’.” After speaking, he took out a ring, knelt on one knee, and proposed to me. Lucas interpreted the saying “A worthy wife supports my lofty ambitions, I repay her with ten thousand taels of gold” with actions. At that time, everyone said we were a textbook wealthy romance in New York. I stayed in the morgue all afternoon. Until the staff’s words pulled me out of my memories. “Mrs. Sterling, this card payment failed again.” The one I just handed over was the last card on me. The man who once bought me luxury cars and mansions now froze all my bank cards to vent anger for his little lover. I suppressed the bitterness in my heart. Took out all the cash and begged the staff bitterly. “I only have this much on hand, can you arrange my mother’s cremation first? I will definitely make up the fee.” But the staff shook his head at me. “This isn’t even enough for the deposit.” He looked at me with a hint of sarcasm, “Just bow your head and soften your attitude to Mr. Sterling, what is this money to him?” I closed my eyes and took off the gold bracelet on my wrist. “It’s worth at least $15,000. Please, make an exception.” He took it greedily and bit it lightly. But soon, he slammed the bracelet heavily on the table. “Calling you Mrs. Sterling is giving you face, how dare you give me this fake!” 3 The bracelet Lucas bought me with his first month’s salary was bent by me at this moment. Tears couldn’t stop flowing down. Drops of tears fell on the gold-plated iron bracelet. The thin layer of gold leaf seemed to mock my ten years of love. It turned out his sincerity was worthless from the beginning to the end. Picking up the bracelet, I used the remaining money to take a taxi back to the Sterling villa. At the door of the master bedroom. My husband’s lazy voice came from inside. “Every time I do it with her, I don’t enjoy it. If I use a little force on her, the bed gets covered in blood.” “You are still better, I can pose you however I want.” I clenched my fists tight and pounded on the door heavily. “Lucas Sterling! You murderer, you killed my mom!” The man’s voice carried a slight pant. “Nina Gu, I won’t advance money for your family’s company. Don’t use this kind of thing to sell misery.” My face was full of tears, crying uncontrollably. “I never lied to you, but what about you?” “Even the gold bracelet you gave me was fake. What between us is real?!” Lucas hesitated for a few seconds, speaking with doubt. “Nina Gu, what are you talking about…” Inside the door. Came the sound of clothes friction when getting up. But it was interrupted by the woman’s kissing sound. “Lucas, do it for another half hour, I haven’t had enough yet.” “Mm, whatever you say.” No matter how I pounded on the door or cursed next, it didn’t affect their mood. My anger seemed to become their aphrodisiac. The movements inside became more intense, and the screams higher. Tears couldn’t help falling one by one. Curling up on the ground, I murmured my husband’s name. Lucas… Can you return the him who loved me before to me? Don’t know how long passed, the door finally opened. I saw two wet handprints on the wedding photo at the head of the bed. One left and one right, landing on the smiling faces of me and Lucas. I instantly understood what pose they just used. Lucas saw the tears bursting from the corner of my eyes, an unknown emotion crossing his eyes. He reached out, wanting to support my teetering body. But Sarah suddenly pulled his hand over. Placed it on her lower abdomen. “Lucas, you are too capable. My belly is full of your stuff.” “I’m only 22, I can get pregnant soon. Unlike Sister Nina who can’t even have a child, what kind of woman is she then?” After speaking, Sarah looked at my belly with contempt. I couldn’t accept everything I saw. Trembling, I said, “You clearly had a vasectomy…” Lucas glanced at me from the corner of his eye, indifferent but enough to pierce my heart. “Nina Gu, I had a reversal surgery. Now that my business is big, I need a child to inherit the billion-dollar fortune.” My heart, riddled with holes, was pierced again. If not for the initial capital I provided, where would his big business come from? Our first child was lost because my body wasn’t suitable for pregnancy. It was Lucas who knelt and bowed before the Buddha statue, swearing never to want children. It was also he who sought a protective talisman for me, praying for my safety in this life.

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My best friend and I were daughters of wealthy families in ancient times, but accidentally traveled to modern America, becoming ordinary female college students. My best friend, Clara, was bubbly and unconventional. Free from the constraints of ancient etiquette, she vowed to date 100 men before getting married. But until graduation, when I got engaged to my boyfriend in this world, I never saw her get close to any man. Just when I thought she would be single forever, she collapsed into my arms, drunk, holding a marriage certificate. “Eleanor, three years ago he rejected my confession, but I didn’t give up. Today, I finally got him.” Seeing her happy face, I was genuinely happy for her. After all, Lucas was gentle and considerate to me, and today was our wedding. My best friend’s flash marriage was simply a double happiness. I carefully helped her onto the sofa, but as I got up, I knocked the marriage certificate out of her hand. I picked it up and opened it. The moment I saw the photo, my whole body stiffened violently. This man with a sunny smile was my boyfriend. The Lucas who cried with excitement after putting the wedding ring on my finger. … My mind went blank, and I blinked hard. It must be because Lucas and I just got married, I was too excited and saw him in everyone. He said he would get the certificate with me after finishing the art exhibition, how could he have time to get a certificate with someone else? But Clara’s drunken and sweet voice came clearly into my ears: “When I came to this world, I fell in love with Lucas at first sight, but he liked my best friend, so I could only silently move him.” “Luckily, the process was hard, but the ending is good.” I squeezed the marriage certificate in my hand tightly, its sharp edges pricking my hand, feeling real. Lucas and I had known each other for five years, but they loved each other for three years where I couldn’t see. I turned my head mechanically to look at Clara giggling on the sofa. She was still talking drunkenly. “Lucas got the certificate with me and keeps Eleanor outside. He must love me the most.” Tears flowed out uncontrollably. I closed my eyes: “Aren’t you afraid Eleanor Shen will find out?” Clara shook her head with a smile: “Eleanor and I grew up in ancient times. If she knew, we would bring her to live with us.” “Just… just like a co-wife. We are like sisters, she won’t mind.” She finished speaking and remembered something, getting up to snatch the marriage certificate from my hand. Then she giggled foolishly, stuffing it into her coat pocket like a treasure. On my wedding day, my husband got a certificate with my best friend first. And wanted to use ancient rules to make me a concubine as charity. The huge shock made my hands and feet cold. I wanted to question, but the sound of the door opening rang out. Lucas’s gentle gaze fell on my face. He didn’t see Clara on the sofa, stepping forward to hug me coquettishly: “I finally sent those unreliable childhood friends away. Next is our world for two.” Saying this, he excitedly picked me up horizontally. But when he saw Clara out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly threw me on the floor. Caught off guard, I fell, and the back of my head hit the corner of the table, making me black out from pain. Meeting my face distorted with pain, Lucas panicked and pulled me up. “Sorry Eleanor, I didn’t mean to. I was startled by your best friend.” “She knew tonight was our important moment, why is she sleeping here like a third wheel? I’ll send her away now.” He let go of me, pulling Clara up with a look of disgust. “Clara Song, go back to your house to sleep. Don’t be an eyesore here.” I stood there, watching his seemingly rough but actually careful movement of supporting Clara’s waist, my heart aching. Lucas didn’t notice my abnormality, still complaining: “Eleanor rented an apartment for you nearby, yet you still crash here. How can you be so thick-skinned?” Clara opened her eyes from his pulling. Meeting Lucas’s face, she smiled and was about to speak when he covered her mouth. Lucas looked at me guiltily: “Your best friend has a sharp mouth when drunk. I’ll send her back now, you wait for me at home.” Before I could speak, he supported the mumbling Clara and walked out. Not noticing at all that my head was bleeding from his throw just now. I felt dizzy and nauseous, but still mustered the courage to hail a taxi and follow them. The car stopped downstairs at Clara’s apartment. They were pulling and pushing by the roadside, no one noticed me. “Lucas, you are mine tonight. I want you to accompany me.” Clara hooked her arms around Lucas’s neck coquettishly. Lucas looked at her hesitantly. Just when I thought he would remember tonight was our wedding night and refuse, my phone rang. It was a message from Lucas. [Eleanor, I’ve sent Clara home safely.] [A big client suddenly wants to see the paintings. I won’t go back tonight, you sleep early.] My blood surged. I called Lucas in disbelief. But several calls in a row got no response. I wanted to smash the phone and rush in front of them, shouting: “Why betray me?” But I froze when I saw Lucas cupping Clara’s face, kissing her fiercely and passionately. My stomach churned, and I couldn’t hold it back anymore, vomiting on the other side of the tree. One was the man I entrusted my life to, the other was the best friend I treated as a sister. They actually gave me a heavy blow at the happiest moment of my life. I leaned against the tree trunk in despair. Carried by the wind were the voices of Lucas and Clara. “Lucas, thank you for willing to get the certificate with me. Although we can’t be together openly, just thinking that I am your wife makes me feel so happy.” “I know this is unfair to Eleanor, but I really love you so much.” Clara seemed sober. Her voice choked, making Lucas wipe her tears with heartache. “Silly, we are the legal couple.” “Eleanor is busy with work, sometimes staying at the gallery. We’ll be like before, she won’t find out.” Clara cried even more pitifully, throwing herself into his arms: “You’ve done too much for me. When grandma’s health improves, we’ll get a divorce.” “Return you completely to her.” Their words pierced my ears like steel needles, hurting so much I could barely stand. So they got together while I was working hard to earn tuition and startup funds. My heart ached densely. I couldn’t bear it anymore, stumbling and running home. This was the fifth year Clara and I traveled here. When we first arrived in these strange bodies, Clara and I were both lost. No maids to serve us, poor family background, and had to relearn survival skills. Clara didn’t like studying before, and the original body had a sick grandmother. Facing survival pressure, she cried all day wanting to go back. Fortunately, I was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and knew how to appraise antiques. After figuring out how to make money in this society, I became an appraiser for rich people who loved collecting antiques. Then used the money earned to support me and Clara’s studies and life. After Clara stopped suffering, she hugged my neck and cried: “Eleanor, thank goodness for you. You are simply my reborn parents.” Later, because I identified a fake for a client, causing the seller’s plan to fail, I was retaliated against. It was Lucas who suddenly appeared, crashing his car into the van that kidnapped me. Finally carrying an iron rod to fight with the other party, covered in blood, he saved me. Since coming to this strange world, he was the first man to stand up for me. Looking at his handsome face, my heart almost exploded. Later, after he pursued me passionately for two years, I broke through traditional concepts to be his girlfriend and brought him to Clara. After accumulating startup funds, I paid to open a gallery for Lucas. Every painting I painted could earn a lot of money for the gallery. Consequently, Lucas became a famous upstart in the industry. My heart ached like it was hollowed out, making me tremble all over. I couldn’t understand why I gave them my heart. They often accused each other of monopolizing me, even arguing until their eyes were red, yet they could roll together behind my back? Vision blurred, I squeezed the jade pendant that could only let one person go home. Since they love each other, I’ll fulfill them. I don’t want either of these two hypocritical people anymore. A strong light flashed. Bang! I was hit by a car and sent flying. Chapter 2 When I woke up again, I was in the hospital. “Eleanor, didn’t I tell you to sleep at home? Why did you run out?” Lucas held my hand tightly, his burning body temperature transmitting to my limbs. This was the gentleness I cherished most in this world, but now it was the existence I found most disgusting. I withdrew my hand, looking straight at Clara, who was deliberately keeping a distance by the window but rushed over when I woke up. “I was worried about Clara, so I followed to check.” The atmosphere suddenly became quiet. Guilt flashed in both their eyes at the same time, but neither looked at the other. “Pity, I got hit by a car before I arrived.” I finished calmly. Both breathed a sigh of relief at the same time, their tacit understanding making my heart ache. “You really don’t trust me. Although I don’t like Clara Song, she is your best friend. No matter what, I would send her safely.” Lucas’s tone was doting, raising his hand to rub my hair, but I dodged. His hand froze in mid-air, staring at me in surprise. Seeming confused why I didn’t rely on him like before after getting hurt. Hearing his words, Clara looked dissatisfied: “Who cares about you sending me? If you weren’t busy working and going to the gallery, Eleanor wouldn’t have been hit by a car.” They started arguing because of me again. If I hadn’t caught them kissing inseparably, I would definitely have stepped forward to stop them. Then coaxed them both. Now I watched them act coldly, without any reaction. Noticing my abnormality, they exchanged a secretive glance. Lucas stood up first: “I’ll go get you something to eat first.” He didn’t look at me, only his flustered back revealing some uneasiness. Only Clara and I were left in the ward. After a long silence, she looked at me tentatively. “Eleanor, I didn’t talk nonsense at your place when I was drunk last night, did I?” Compared to Lucas’s cheating, Clara’s betrayal hurt me more. We knew each other since childhood and came here together. She actually deceived me for a man. I knew she always wanted to go back and be the county princess held by everyone. So, when I found the jade pendant that could let one person go back, I planned to give it to her and let her go back. Who knew she prepared such a big gift for me. Only when Clara looked uncomfortable did I withdraw my gaze: “You didn’t say anything.” “I’m tired, you go back first.” I didn’t want to talk to her anymore, but she lingered. “Eleanor, are you thirsty? I’ll pour you a glass of water.” Before I could refuse, she poured a glass of water and handed it to me. I felt irritable. Just as I reached out to push it away, Lucas’s voice suddenly sounded. “Eleanor, I brought your favorite Sweet and Sour Pork.” Clara’s hand shook, and the boiling hot water in the cup poured all over the back of my hand. “Ah!” Sharp pain made me scream. Lucas immediately threw away the food in his hand and ran towards me. He grabbed my hand with heartache, but when he saw Clara pinching her red finger, he said anxiously: “Eleanor, I’ll call the doctor for you.” After the doctor came in, he grabbed Clara by the collar and scolded loudly: “It’s all your fault Eleanor got hurt. Get back now.” As he spoke, he anxiously pulled Clara away. I lowered my head, looking at the transparent blister on the back of my hand, my heart aching as if being pulled. The man who used to have only me in his eyes didn’t care even knowing I was hurt. After treating the wound, I walked out of the ward. Seeing Lucas holding Clara’s hand, applying medicine carefully, my heart completely died. But I wasn’t willing to leave just like this. They deceived my sincerity, so I will take away everything they care about. For the next few days, the two of them took turns accompanying me during the day, but at night they were always called away by phone. “Eleanor, a mysterious client insists on seeing the paintings at night…” “Okay, go ahead.” Before he could finish, I interrupted him considerately. He looked at my calm face, his smile stiff: “El… Eleanor, I really have business.” “Mm, I know. Go quickly, don’t keep her waiting.” The excuse he used to leave was always the same. A trace of panic flashed across Lucas’s face, then he bent down and kissed my forehead. “Eleanor, wait for me obediently, I’ll be back soon this time.” “And the milk, remember to drink it.” Maybe due to guilty conscience, this time he left hurriedly without watching me finish it. After he left, I followed. Only to find he actually booked a couple’s hotel with Clara. As soon as he walked to the room door, he was grabbed by the tie and pulled in by Clara. They were in such a hurry they didn’t even close the door tightly. Heavy breathing drilled into my eardrums. Through the crack in the door, I saw two entangled figures tearing at each other’s clothes impatiently. “Will drugging Eleanor every day to stop her from finding you affect her brain?” “Your gallery needs her, and I need her to support me. I’m really afraid of making her silly by accident.” Clara’s voice revealed worry, but she worried about my inability to make money. Lucas was on the string, sweating anxiously: “No, I control it well. I hold the wedding with her because I need her, won’t harm her.” Their noise got louder, but my heart trembled. I thought they just betrayed me but still had feelings for me. Didn’t expect they just treated me as a money-making blood bag. My heart felt like it was cut by a knife. I bit the flesh in my mouth until I tasted blood before leaving. Today was the night of the full moon, also the day I leave. I froze all cards given to Clara, and donated all assets under my name. And that gallery I founded single-handedly, I didn’t plan to keep. Lucas became famous selling my paintings, so I will destroy it with my own hands. Unexpectedly, as soon as I arrived at the gallery, two fierce-looking men were waiting at the door. “Are you Eleanor Shen?” Before I could answer, that man stepped forward and grabbed my hair. My scalp hurt from being pulled, but I heard the man say viciously: “You borrowed our money but hid without repaying, do you want to die?” After speaking, he slapped my face. My face burned with pain instantly. Hearing their curses, I realized Clara borrowed a huge amount of usury in my name. “Not me, I never took out a loan.” My hands trembled with anger. I raised her for so many years, why did she harm me on purpose? But before I could figure it out, the man grabbed my hair and smashed me against the wall. I couldn’t resist, my forehead banging against the wall. “If you don’t admit it, we’ll kill you!” Pain came mixed with blood, vision turning red. Resentment accumulated. I grabbed an iron rod beside me randomly and greeted the face of the man holding me. Caught off guard, the man covered his face and let go. I dared not relax and continued to hit, but was kicked hard by another man. I was kicked flying in a parabola, fainting directly on the ground. They thought I was dead and fled in panic. When they went far, I struggled to stand up with my last breath. Thinking of Lucas and Clara’s faces, tears mixed with blood streamed down my cheeks. I raised my head and laughed loudly, finally spitting out a mouthful of blood. Gasping, I called a reporter. “New York upstart Lucas Sterling is soliciting prostitutes at the Hua Yue Hotel.” I called the police again: “I report with my real name, Clara Song is engaging in prostitution.” Our wedding was live-streamed. As long as Lucas dared to take out the marriage certificate, he committed marriage fraud. Clara’s reputation would also be ruined. After doing all this, I walked into the gallery and ignited every painting I painted with heart. In the raging fire, I clutched the jade pendant and closed my eyes. Chapter 3 … Lucas lay in bed holding Clara, thinking of my recent abnormality, and spoke deeply. “Clara, let’s divorce after your grandmother has surgery.” Clara looked dissatisfied, but just as she was about to say something, the room door was kicked open violently. “Police, don’t move!” Lucas looked up abruptly, facing the reporter’s camera directly. “Ah!” Startled by the people suddenly appearing, Clara hurriedly pulled the quilt tight to cover herself. Lucas was also pale. They were wearing nothing. Why did the police appear here out of the blue? But the police ignored them, asked them to dress, and started questioning. Reporters pouring in took photos non-stop, clearly recording the embarrassed side of Lucas and Clara. Lucas is the owner of a famous gallery. Every painting from the gallery is worth millions. Compared to the authentic works collected by the rich, except for the age gap, others are completely comparable. Moreover, he just held a wedding with Eleanor Shen a week ago. Being exposed for soliciting prostitutes now will definitely become the most explosive news recently. The reporter’s photos and the police’s strict questioning finally made Lucas react from shock. “Misunderstanding, all misunderstanding.” He hurriedly took out his ID card; “I didn’t solicit prostitutes.” The reporter showed no mercy: “You just got married a week ago, marrying the painter Eleanor Shen. Instead of accompanying your wife at home at this time, you came to a couple’s hotel. If not soliciting prostitutes, what is it?” Clara was furious. The police handcuffed her as a fallen woman. Hearing the reporter’s words, she spoke even more recklessly. “Who told you coming to a couple’s hotel is soliciting prostitutes? Can’t couples come together?” Clara had no talent and was not a famous person. Reporters didn’t know her. Seeing her so arrogant even after being caught, they were even less polite: “You say you are not a fallen woman, but knowing Lucas Sterling is married, are you rushing to be a mistress?” Not giving Clara a chance to argue: The reporter asked Lucas sharply again: “Mr. Sterling cried with excitement for marrying Eleanor Shen at the wedding, and your wife is hospitalized due to an accident. So you are cheating regardless of your wife’s safety?” Lucas panicked from the repeated questioning. Police and reporters, such a big scene, Eleanor Shen will definitely know. At this moment, rather than being afraid of losing face, he was more afraid that Eleanor Shen would leave him knowing he was messing with Clara Song. More importantly, he and Clara Song haven’t divorced yet. If Eleanor really leaves him, he will definitely go crazy. Clara Song didn’t know his thoughts. Being caught from bed by police and reporters was a great humiliation to her. In ancient times, these people in front of her were not qualified to stand before her at all. Anger rushed to her head. She stood up abruptly with handcuffs, anger distorting her features: “What nonsense are you talking about? Even police and reporters have to manage the fun between us husband and wife?” The police stood still, staring at her seriously. The reporter seemed to smell gossip, eyes curious: “But the person who held the wedding a week ago wasn’t you.” Lucas guessed what Clara wanted to say, stepping forward in panic: “Let’s talk at the police station if there’s anything.” The marriage registration time and the wedding were the same day, but the brides were two different women. If exposed, not only will he lose Eleanor Shen, but his career will also suffer a heavy blow. But how could the humiliated Clara think so much. Ignoring Lucas’s wink, she opened her mouth and said: “We are a legal couple. There is a photo of the marriage certificate in the phone.” The police quickly found the marriage certificate in her phone. The reporter looked surprised, picking up the camera to shoot frantically. Misunderstanding resolved, the police didn’t make it difficult for them, unlocked the handcuffs and left. But the reporter published the matter online after leaving. Lucas saw the constantly rising hot search, his brain blank. He took out his phone to call Eleanor Shen. The call connected but heard a strange voice. “The owner of the phone has been buried in the sea of fire…” Lucas looked even uglier hearing this: “Who are you? Stop talking nonsense here. Let my wife answer the phone quickly.” “We are firefighters. The South Frost Gallery caught fire. Surveillance shows the phone owner went in and never came out.” “What did you say?” Lucas muttered to himself, hands and feet cold as if exhausted, unable to even hold the phone, letting it fall to the ground. He didn’t believe Eleanor Shen would go to the gallery from the hospital, but what happened tonight was too strange. He had to go to the gallery. And the gallery was crucial to him, he couldn’t ignore it. But just as he left, Clara grabbed his arm tightly: “Lucas, where are you going?” Lucas panicked in his heart, didn’t control his strength and flung her away. “Something happened to Eleanor, I have to go see.” Clara looked unbelieving: “How is it possible? Didn’t you feed her milk? And the police just came, I’m still a bit scared, you can’t go.” Hearing her say this, Lucas suddenly panicked. He suddenly remembered Eleanor Shen might not have drunk that glass of milk. He remembered the police and reporters present tonight, and connected her recent abnormalities. A terrible thought suddenly rushed to his head. He stared wide-eyed, clamping Clara’s shoulders with both hands. “Did you tell Eleanor about us getting the certificate?” Clara was startled, a flash of guilt quickly passing through her eyes: “No… no. You got the certificate with me to fulfill my grandma’s wish.” “And we will divorce. Didn’t we agree not to let Eleanor know? Of course I wouldn’t say.” Lucas stared at her face, still seeing something wrong from her face. But he had no time to pursue it. Thinking of the firefighter’s words, his throat hurt like it was stuffed with cotton. He threw off Clara. “Better if everything has nothing to do with you.” Clara wanted to stop him, but was pushed away vigorously by him. Previously he thought Clara was pitiful. Every time she said in front of him that she missed her distant relatives and had to take care of her seriously ill grandmother, he couldn’t help but feel distressed. But thinking she might not be as pure and kind as on the surface, he felt a burst of disgust in his heart. Ignoring Clara’s obstruction, he rushed to the gallery. When he arrived, the firefighters had extinguished the fire and walked out. Lucas looked at the gallery burned to ruins, blood coagulating all over his body, eyes full of disbelief. He stopped the firefighter: “Is there really someone inside?” At this moment he really hoped Eleanor Shen drank that glass of milk. But the firefighter’s words made him completely give up hope: “A female body was found inside. Preliminary investigation shows the fire was ignited from inside. The deceased should be suicide.” Lucas sat paralyzed on the ground like his spine was removed. He still didn’t believe it, but didn’t collapse and cry until confirming with the hospital that Eleanor Shen really left. “Eleanor, I was wrong, please don’t scare me.” He sat at the fire scene crying until dawn, then returned to their wedding room lost in soul. Only to see Clara staying at his house. Looking at Clara, his face sank instantly: “What are you doing here?” Clara was startled, looking aggrieved: “Heard something happened to Eleanor, I came to see.” Lucas looked at her hypocritical face, suddenly feeling disgusted: “Aren’t you her good sister? Why knowing something happened to her, you don’t care at all?” “And isn’t your grandmother seriously ill? Why do you rarely visit her? are you hiding something from me?” Clara was asked guiltily by his series of questions: “I hid nothing from you.” Lucas wanted to question more, but saw a letter on the coffee table. He picked it up with trembling hands and opened it, seeing the content, eyes full of doubt. “What does ‘ancient person’ mean?” Clara’s eyes widened, immediately snatching the letter from his hand to read. When seeing Eleanor Shen mention she found that jade pendant to go home and had left this time and space, she instantly lost all reason and disguise. “Ah! Bitch!” Clara tore up the letter in her hand in a breakdown, “Why did she leave me alone to go back.” “Saying we are good sisters, but she found a way home without taking me.” Clara’s sudden madness scared Lucas. Lucas slapped her hard on the face. Clara calmed down after being slapped onto the sofa. Only heard Lucas ask: “What does ‘ancient person’ mean?” Clara’s chest heaved with anger, not wanting to hide anymore, revealing her true colors. She sneered: “Eleanor Shen and I traveled here from ancient times, on that very ordinary full moon night.” From her words, Lucas understood everything. Eleanor Shen had a way home, so she abandoned him. Before leaving, she burned the gallery clean, leaving him nothing. But intuition told him Eleanor Shen must have known something, otherwise she wouldn’t have left so simply. He subconsciously looked at Clara: “Did you tell Eleanor about our marriage?” Clara didn’t hide this time: “Yes, I pretended to be drunk on the day of getting the certificate, let her see the marriage certificate.” “I thought she would question me and then break up with you. Didn’t expect she pretended to know nothing, but planned to sneak away.” Thinking of Eleanor Shen’s betrayal, Clara was full of resentment. Lucas was shocked by her distorted face, scalp tingling. He grabbed her collar and pulled her up: “Eleanor treated you so well, paid for your studies, rented you a house. Why were you so cruel to her?” “And you said your grandmother was seriously ill and wanted to see you get married to leave without regrets. Was this also a lie to me?” Clara smiled sarcastically: “Yes, I have no feelings for that old woman at all. How could I care about her.” “As for Eleanor Shen, I hated her at the time.” “She was better than me in everything before. Coming to this strange world, she is still better than me in everything.” “Yet I, a noble county princess, still have to rely on her support and owe her favors.” Looking at Lucas’s dull face, Clara’s smile widened: “But there is one thing she can’t compare to me.” “I snatched you. You got the certificate with me. According to current terms, she is the unacceptable third party. In ancient times, she would also be an unpresentable concubine.” Lucas looked at her crazy face, heart trembling: “So you designed me just to beat her, and finally made her leave sadly?” “Yes, her life had no stains, so I took out a loan in her name. Pity those people haven’t done anything to her yet, she ran away.” Lucas couldn’t listen anymore, slapped her again. “What a lunatic. Now we are completely done. I don’t love you. She’s gone, I won’t care about you either.” Clara panicked in her eyes: “I am your wife. Why won’t you support me?” Lucas sneered, throwing her a phone: “Go see the hot search yourself. Everyone knows I got the certificate with you on the day of my wedding. You are the shameless mistress, I am the fraud scumbag.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “388758”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was dining at a high-end bistro. I ordered two courses. The bill should have been eighty bucks. At the table next to me, four guys in tailored suits were feasting like kings—lobster, wagyu, bottles of vintage wine. When I asked for the check, the server handed me a leather folder. Inside was a bill for $1,850. I stared at him. “I just had the steak and a salad.” The server pointed to the empty table beside me. “Sir, your friends already left. They said you were picking up the tab.” I didn’t know them. I had never seen them before in my life. Later, the security footage showed the ringleader pointing at me on his way out. The server nodded, and the guy walked out with a smirk, free as a bird. The restaurant manager sneered at me, “Don’t try to weasel out of this. You came in together.” I pulled out my phone and dialed 911. That was the moment the manager’s face went pale. Chapter 1 My phone screen lit up. 7:00 PM sharp. A text from Sarah popped up: “Babe, traffic is a nightmare. I’m gonna be thirty minutes late. Go ahead and grab a table.” I typed back a quick “No worries,” and slid the phone into my pocket. Today was our third wedding anniversary. Sarah had made reservations at The Summit, a rooftop restaurant with a view of the skyline. She said the ambiance was perfect and the food was exquisite—we needed to celebrate properly. I was seated at a two-top by the window, the table set with crisp, white linen. A server poured me a glass of sparkling water. I opened the menu. The prices were definitely steep. I decided to keep it simple while I waited: a Sea Bass and an appetizer of grilled asparagus—Sarah’s favorites. The total would be just under a hundred dollars. After ordering, I gazed out the window. The city lights were flickering on, the traffic below flowing like a river of red and white diamonds. “Server! Another bottle of the Cabernet! The expensive stuff!” A booming voice shattered the restaurant’s quiet elegance. I frowned and looked over. At the large round table next to me sat four men in expensive suits. They looked to be in their forties, hair slicked back, gold watches glinting under the chandeliers. Their table was groaning under the weight of the food—seafood towers, Tomahawk steaks, and several empty wine bottles. The leader, a guy the others kept calling “Mr. Sterling,” had a face flushed red from alcohol. He was waving his phone around, bragging loudly. “I told the Board, if the valuation is under fifty million, don’t even waste my time! They started pouring my drink right then and there.” The other three immediately chimed in. “You’re a legend, Sterling!” “We’re just lucky to be on the ride with you, boss.” I turned away, losing interest. Just another group of guys who thought they were the center of the universe. My food arrived quickly. The fish was seared perfectly. I didn’t touch it, deciding to wait for Sarah. The noise from the next table was getting louder. Sterling seemed to notice me. He raised his wine glass, his eyes drifting over to my table, a smirk playing on his lips. He leaned in and whispered to his buddies, loudly enough for me to hear. “Look at the kid. Comes to a place like this, orders a salad and water. Probably just wants to take a picture for Instagram to act like he’s somebody.” The words were meant to sting. I didn’t even blink. I kept my eyes on the city view. Engaging with people like that only drags you down to their level. They finished another round of drinks and finally looked ready to leave. Sterling stood up, swaying slightly, and walked toward the host stand. The other three followed, stumbling a bit, arms draped over each other’s shoulders. As they passed my table, one of them “accidentally” bumped the back of my chair. I didn’t say a word. The host stand wasn’t far. I watched Sterling say something to the server, then he casually pointed a finger in my direction. The server nodded. Then, just like that, Sterling and his entourage strutted out the front door. Chapter 2 I watched them disappear out the door, feeling a vague sense of unease, but I shrugged it off. Maybe he was just giving instructions about his own bill. Ten minutes later, Sarah texted: “Parking now! Be up in five.” My mood lifted instantly. I signaled the server to bring the warm bread. A young waiter walked over, holding a black leather bill folder. He placed it gently on my table. “Sir, here is the check. The total comes to $1,852.” I froze. I opened the folder. The receipt was a mile long: Vintage Cabernet, Filet Mignon, Lobster Tails, endless sides… It was exactly what the table next to me had consumed. I looked up at the waiter. “You made a mistake. I only ordered the Sea Bass and asparagus.” The waiter maintained his professional smile, but his eyes were cold. “Sir, there is no mistake.” He gestured to the empty table beside me. “Those gentlemen who just left were your friends, correct? They informed us on the way out that you would be covering their tab.” Friends? I had never seen them before in my life. I felt a surge of anger, but I kept my voice low. “I don’t know them. Get your manager.” The waiter’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of bureaucratic boredom. “Sir, please don’t joke. Mr. Sterling was very clear. He said you were all together, he had an emergency, and you’d handle it.” “I’ll say it one more time. I don’t know them.” My voice dropped an octave. “Get. The. Manager.” The waiter, clearly not used to pushback, muttered into his headset. Moments later, a middle-aged man in a sharp black suit approached. His name tag read “Manager Reynolds.” He had slicked-back hair and a look of practiced arrogance. “Sir, I’m the General Manager. Is there an issue?” I slid the bill toward him. “This isn’t mine. My bill is eighty bucks. This two-thousand-dollar tab belongs to the table next door. They left, and your staff is trying to pin it on me.” Reynolds glanced at the bill, then at me, a sneer curling his lip. “Sir, I verified with the front desk. Mr. Sterling explicitly stated you were paying. Look, we’re all civilized people here. There’s no need to make a scene over a little money.” His tone was heavy with insinuation, as if I were some broke grifter trying to dine and dash. “Civilized?” I scoffed. “Strangers eat on my dime and that’s civilized? Is this how you run a business?” Reynolds’ face darkened. “Sir, watch your tone. We operate on trust. We have every reason to believe you are together. Trying to skip out on the bill now? That’s not going to fly.” He spoke loud enough for the surrounding tables to hear. Heads turned. Eyes filled with curiosity and judgment drilled into me. I felt my face heat up. Not from shame, but from pure rage. Chapter 3 “I’m not skipping out on my bill. But I’m not paying a cent for theirs,” I said, staring Reynolds dead in the eye. “Where is the proof?” I demanded. “Show me proof we were together.” Reynolds crossed his arms, looking down at me. “Proof? My staff heard Mr. Sterling say it. You came in around the same time, sat next to each other. Now you claim you don’t know him?” “So because we sat near each other, I’m liable for his debt? Does this restaurant assign seating based on financial liability?” My voice dripped with sarcasm. Reynolds dropped the polite act. “Sir, I’m telling you for the last time. You settle this bill right now. Or we do this the hard way.” “What’s the hard way?” “We have the right to detain you for theft of services until you come to your senses.” He signaled toward the entrance. Two bouncers, built like linebackers in tight black shirts, stepped out of the shadows and flanked my table. Whispers erupted from the nearby diners. “Look at him, probably maxed out his credit cards.” “Yeah, who pretends not to know their friends?” “Embarrassing. If you can’t afford The Summit, don’t come.” The comments felt like needles. I’ve lived thirty years and never been humiliated like this in public. Under the table, my hands clenched into fists until my knuckles turned white. I took a deep breath. Getting physical would only help them. They wanted me to lose it. “I want to see the security footage,” I said. Reynolds laughed, a short, sharp bark. “Footage? Sure. But I’m warning you, when the camera shows you’re lying, it won’t just be about the bill anymore.” “And if it shows we aren’t together?” “Then the meal is on me, and I’ll apologize to you in front of everyone,” Reynolds said confidently. He was bluffing, or he was sure he had me. “Fine,” I stood up. “Let’s go.” Reynolds led me through the dining room, the two bouncers marching behind me like I was a convict on death row. I felt dizzy with anger. This was supposed to be a romantic anniversary. Now it was a crime scene. Chapter 4 The manager’s office smelled of stale coffee and expensive cologne. Reynolds sat behind his mahogany desk, gesturing to a small wooden chair. “Sit.” I remained standing. “The footage.” He took a slow sip of his coffee, making me wait. “Don’t be in such a rush, kid.” He tapped a few keys on his computer, swiveled the monitor around, and pressed play. “See for yourself.” It was a clip from the host stand camera. I saw “Mr. Sterling” walk up, talk to the server, and then, clearly raise his hand and point directly at my table. The video froze there. Reynolds leaned back, a smug grin plastered on his face. “Well? He points at you. He tells my staff, ‘My friend over there has it.’ What more do you want?” I stared at the frozen image. My mind was racing. This was a setup. First, no audio. It was his word against mine. Second, the angle was too narrow. It only showed him pointing. It didn’t show the server’s reaction or the wider context. Third, why only this clip? Where was the footage of the entire meal? “I want the full tape,” I said. “From the moment they sat down to the moment they left. All angles. And I want audio.” Reynolds’ smile faltered for a fraction of a second. “Sorry. To protect the privacy of our other high-profile guests, we don’t record audio. And I can’t show you the full tape without a warrant. Privacy laws, you understand.” Bullshit. I realized then that Reynolds wasn’t just incompetent; he was in on it. He wasn’t trying to solve a dispute; he was enforcing a scam. Seeing my silence, Reynolds stood up and patted my shoulder condescendingly. “Look, son. Take some advice. Reputation is everything. It’s just two grand. Call it a stupid tax. Pay it, learn from it, and walk away. If you keep being stubborn, this is going to get ugly.” His tone was like a mobster offering “protection.” I brushed his hand off and stepped back. “I told you. Not my debt. Not my money.” Reynolds’ patience snapped. His face contorted into a scowl. “You want to play tough? Fine. Boys, take him back to the table. Watch him. If he tries to leave, break his legs.”

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My husband has Bipolar Disorder. Every time he beats me, he guilt-trips himself into wiring me five grand. I never fight back. I take the money in silence and cover the bruises with heavy foundation. My best friend calls me pathetic. She tells me to divorce him. I just count the balance in my offshore account, a cold smirk touching my lips. “Don’t rush,” I whisper to myself. “This pig isn’t fat enough for the slaughter yet.” Until one day, he punched me in the stomach, and I lost the baby. Or so he thought. Chapter 1 Ping. “Transfer received: Five thousand dollars.” The automated notification from my banking app echoed in the empty living room. It sounded sharp, almost mocking. I spit into the sink. The saliva was pink, tasting of iron and rust. Caleb sat on the opposite sofa, head in his hands, fingers digging into his scalp. His hair was a mess—he’d torn at it himself during the episode. “I’m sorry… Audrey, I’m so sorry… I couldn’t control it…” His voice cracked, trembling like a dead leaf in a storm. I didn’t speak. I just picked myself up from the floor. My knee had slammed against the marble coffee table. It was throbbing. Definitely going to bruise. I walked to the hallway mirror. My left cheek was swollen. Five distinct finger marks, turning a dark, angry purple. Caleb hadn’t held back this time. The “sick” version of him wanted me dead. I picked up the concealer stick and began layering it on. The liquid foundation felt cold against the burning skin. The temperature difference helped clear my head. Heavy footsteps approached from behind. Caleb wrapped his arms around me, burying his face in the crook of my neck. Hot tears dripped onto my collarbone, making me flinch. “Audrey, hit me back. Scream at me… I’m a monster…” “It’s okay.” I looked at my reflection in the mirror, pulling the corners of my mouth into a perfect, forgiving, saint-like smile. “I know you’re sick, Caleb. I don’t blame you.” Caleb wept harder, like a child who broke a vase. He pulled out his phone again. Ping. “Transfer received: Five thousand dollars.” Plus the previous one, that’s ten grand. One slap, ten thousand dollars. Worth it. I make four thousand a month at my day job, dealing with a micromanager boss and entitled clients. Here, I take a few minutes of pain, and I make nearly three months’ salary. The math always works out in my favor. Caleb comes from old money. His family owns half the real estate in the city. Money is just a number to him. To me, it’s my lifeline. Chapter 2 Caleb finally fell asleep. Violence is exhausting work, especially when you’re as hysterical as he is. I tucked him in, staring at his face. Even in sleep, he looked moody. When he wasn’t having an episode, Caleb was handsome. High cheekbones, straight nose, eyes that looked like they could drown in love. Who would guess there was a beast hiding under that skin? I closed the bedroom door and stepped out onto the balcony, lighting a cigarette. I don’t usually smoke. Only when the pain keeps me awake. My phone screen lit up. It was Harper. “You still alive?” I sent her a screenshot of my bank balance. Silence for a moment. Then, a long voice memo. “Audrey, are you insane? Do you have a death wish? Ten grand bought your dignity? Domestic violence only escalates. One day he’s going to go too far, and you won’t be able to spend that money in the grave.” Harper was harsh, but she was the only one who knew. I blew a smoke ring into the night air. I typed back: “Almost there.” “Almost what?” “The pig is almost fat enough.” Harper sent a string of ellipses. She probably thought I was beyond saving. I wasn’t crazy. I was lucid. clearer than anyone. I touched my stomach. Flat. Soft. Empty. But I needed it to be full. Caleb’s episodes were getting worse. First, it was breaking things. Then shoving. Now, punches. The frequency went from monthly to weekly. I knew the breaking point was coming. If I stayed much longer, I might actually die. But I couldn’t leave yet. Current Caleb was guilty, but not guilty enough. His guilt account hadn’t reached the balance I required. I didn’t just want his pocket money. I wanted everything. Or his life. Chapter 3 The preparations were complete. I bought the blood bag online—special effects grade. Realistic texture, even smelled metallic. As for the “fetus.” I acquired a medical specimen through some dark channels. Tiny, palm-sized, unformed tissue. Just looking at it made my skin crawl. I kept it in the back of the freezer, triple-wrapped in black opaque plastic. Every time I reached for the almond milk, I felt its cold energy staring at me. It was madness. I knew that. But to hunt a beast, the hunter must become a monster. Friday was Caleb’s birthday. Usually, he’d drink. Alcohol is forbidden for Bipolar Disorder, especially with his meds. But I bought him a bottle of Screaming Eagle anyway. It cost a chunk of my “bruise savings.” Investments require capital. 7:00 PM. Caleb came home. He looked happy, holding an orange Hermès bag. “Happy Birthday, babe,” he said. I paused. “It’s your birthday.” Caleb smiled, kissing my forehead. “I know. But I wanted to get you a gift. If you’re happy, I’m happy.” For a second, I faltered. Ignore the violence, and Caleb was the perfect husband. Rich, romantic, gentle. Too bad he was crazy. I opened the bag. A limited-edition Birkin. “Do you like it?” He looked at me with puppy dog eyes. “I love it.” I nodded. “Let’s eat. I made your favorite roast.” Candlelight flickered on the table. Caleb drank one glass. Two. Three. His eyes grew hazy, his cheeks flushed, his voice rising in volume. The “seasoning” I added to the wine was kicking in. It wasn’t just the alcohol. It was a neuro-stimulant designed to amplify aggression. Caleb had been taking Lithium prescribed by his doctor. I swapped them out. They were now identical-looking Vitamin B pills. The real heavy stuff was in the wine. “Audrey…” Caleb slammed his glass down. Red wine splattered on the white tablecloth like a gunshot wound. “Do you look down on me?” His eyes changed. That familiar, violent, murderous glaze returned. Showtime. Chapter 4 I feigned terror, shrinking back in my chair. “Honey, what’s wrong? Why would I look down on you?” “You do! You think I’m a lunatic! You think I’m useless without my trust fund!” Caleb stood up abruptly, knocking his chair over. He stalked around the table, closing in on me. I didn’t retreat. instead, I instinctively covered my stomach. That motion triggered him exactly as planned. “What’s in your stomach? Huh? Is it some bastard child?” I hadn’t predicted he’d go straight to infidelity, but paranoia works in my favor. “Caleb! Are you crazy? It’s your child! I’m three months pregnant!” I screamed, my voice piercing the air. “My child? Hah! I can’t have kids! I’m defective! I’m a psycho! Psychos don’t breed!” Caleb roared, animalistic and raw. He grabbed my hair and slammed me against the wall. Thud. It hurt. I took the fall, curling into a ball on the floor. “Don’t… please… not the baby…” My pleading only acted as a catalyst. “Die! Everyone just die!” Caleb raised his foot and stomped hard on my abdomen. Once. Twice. I felt a rib crack. I waited for the hardest impact. Now. I crushed the blood bag hidden under my dress. Warm, viscous liquid flooded out, soaking my skirt and pooling on the white tile. Crimson spread rapidly. It was visually shocking. I let out a final, gut-wrenching scream and pushed the thawed specimen out from under my skirt. It lay in the puddle of red. A small, dark, unrecognizable lump of flesh. The room went silent. Caleb froze. He was panting, eyes locked on the floor. On the red pool. On the thing in the middle of it. His pupils contracted to pinpoints. He looked like he’d been struck by lightning. I “fainted.” But before my eyes closed, I saw Caleb’s face crumble. Total horror. Not because he hit me. But because he realized—he had just become a killer.

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