It was at the low-income street fair, as the city officers were clearing us out, that my ex-husband stepped in. Rhys sighed, the sound heavy, almost patronizing. “Let’s just remarry, Sera. Wren is too young to be going through this kind of hardship.” I agreed without a moment’s hesitation. When we moved back in, I stopped fighting. I stopped throwing fits of jealousy and I stopped demanding his time. Wren also stopped competing with his childhood friend’s daughter for her father’s attention. He could spend the night with Lana and her little girl, and my daughter and I wouldn’t call or text. If we ran into them in public, Wren and I would discreetly fade into the background. We became exactly the well-behaved, undemanding pair he always wanted us to be. But then, he looked at me, his eyes reddening. “Sera, why aren’t you angry?” “Wren, why don’t you just ask Daddy for a hug?” 1 We finished the re-marriage paperwork and walked back to the house. Rhys followed a step behind. Wren and I were standing at the front door. “Why don’t you go in?” he asked. I said, calmly, “The code’s been changed.” Just then, the door swung open from the inside. Lana Bellweather stood there in an apron, a feigned annoyance on her face. “What took you so long? Laney’s been asking for you for ages—Oh, Ms. Jones?” I gave her a small, polite nod. “Ms. Jones, please don’t misunderstand. Rhys has been so swamped with work, I just came over to make him some bone broth.” “I’m always forgetting the code, so Rhys changed it to my birthday. I’ll change it back right away.” But she didn’t move. The triumphant glimmer in her eyes was unmistakable. “Daddy!” A small figure launched itself at Rhys’s legs. Lana immediately clapped a hand over the girl’s mouth, looking distraught, as if I were a threat. “Laney, Mommy told you to call him Mr. Beaumont, remember?” Rhys looked over, thoroughly embarrassed. Seeing that Wren and I weren’t causing the scene we would have years ago, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. Wren’s room had a lot of new things. Lana bit her lower lip. “Laney sometimes sleeps here…” The tiny hand in my palm tightened. Wren whispered, “Mommy, I can sleep in a different room.” A sudden, dull ache squeezed my heart, a feeling I hadn’t expected. Before, when Rhys paid attention to Laney, Wren would throw a tantrum, crying, “Daddy is mine!” And every time, Rhys would snap at me for poor parenting. Now, she just stared quietly at the transformed room. Children are sensitive. She already understood that only the favored ones are allowed to act out. Rhys frowned. Lana quickly interjected, “I’ll take the things out. Ms. Jones, please don’t be mad at Laney or me—” The mother and daughter huddled together, trembling slightly, the picture of delicate victimhood. In the past, these kinds of passive-aggressive remarks would have instantly triggered me, leading to a huge fight with Rhys. Now, I just looked at them, saying nothing. Rhys suddenly spoke. “Lana, don’t come in and out of my house so casually anymore. As a single mother, you need to protect your reputation.” As they finished gathering their things, Laney said tearfully, “Daddy, Laney wants you to take us home.” Rhys hesitated, looking toward me. I smiled. “You and Ms. Bellweather have known each other for years, Rhys. Of course you should take them.” He opened his mouth to say something, but I turned and walked to the kitchen to boil some water. Before he left, Rhys rushed back in. “Wait for me. When I get back, we need to have a real talk.” It wasn’t until they were completely gone that Wren and I finally let the air out of our lungs. A moment later, my phone pinged. Lana Bellweather: [I’m so sorry, Ms. Jones. Laney is used to Rhys watching her animated movie with her. He’ll be home a little later.] 2 That familiar, apologetic tone. I smiled faintly and sent a brief reply: [Okay.] Rhys didn’t come home until the next day. I was reading Wren her pre-nap story. I didn’t ask any questions. Throwing a tantrum or getting jealous, like I used to, would only make him resent me and, worse, reflect badly on Wren. After Wren fell asleep, Rhys handed me a small box. Inside was a black diamond necklace—the one I had always wanted but was outbid on at an auction years ago. If this had happened before, I would have joyfully jumped up and wrapped my arms around him. Now, I felt absolutely nothing. I used to love jewelry. But after we moved to the city village, a thief tried to snatch my necklace, pulling me down a flight of concrete stairs. I ended up with a concussion and a bloody mess. Since then, I realized these things were nothing but vanity, and potentially deadly. Not getting the ecstatic reaction he expected, Rhys shifted uncomfortably. “Let me put it on you.” I smiled and stepped back. “Thank you, but I don’t wear jewelry anymore.” He froze. I went to the kitchen to cut some fruit. When I came back, Rhys was gone. In the afternoon, I took Wren out. For two years, I had barely scraped by, and Wren often wore the landlord’s daughter’s hand-me-downs. Now, I could finally buy her clothes that fit. As we entered the children’s boutique, we ran into Lana and Laney. And Rhys. The saleswoman was effusive, presenting them with a garment. “Mr. Beaumont, Mrs. Beaumont, these are the new arrivals from yesterday. They would look gorgeous on Princess Laney.” Laney shouted, “I want this one!” Rhys smiled and swiped his card. “Ma’am, can I help you?” Another sales associate approached me. I spoke softly. “I’d like to buy my child a couple of outfits she can wear right now.” Rhys and his group looked over. I pretended not to notice, taking Wren’s hand and walking further into the store. When we came out of the fitting room, Lana and Laney were gone. Rhys looked at me, his expression complex. “It’s Laney’s birthday today. I was just buying her a gift…” “I see. Well, send her my best.” I turned toward the confused saleswoman. “I’ll take both of these outfits, please.” As I moved toward the checkout, Rhys grabbed my arm. I quickly pulled my hand away. The saleswoman’s eyes flickered between us. “Ma’am, you and Mr. Beaumont…” I smiled easily. “We’re just acquaintances.” Clang! “Mr. Beaumont, your phone!” I turned back. Rhys was staring at me, his eyes wide. “What the hell are you saying?” I tilted my head, confused. “Aren’t you supposed to be celebrating her birthday with them?” He just glared, his chest heaving, but said nothing. I didn’t understand, but I wasn’t going to provoke him. I took Wren’s hand and headed for the exit. Just outside the shop, Rhys grabbed me again. He asked in a low, heavy voice, “You’re just going to let them mistake our relationship like that?” I laughed, a short, dry sound. “Aren’t you the one who cares the most about Lana’s reputation?” Rhys was stumped, speechless for a moment. He finally managed, “You’re not like you used to be.” I used to start a fight over exactly this. Rhys would always be impatient. “Stop being hysterical. Lana is a single mother and it’s hard for her. If people think she’s Mrs. Beaumont, they won’t harass her.” But now, what was the point of fighting Lana for his attention? All I wanted was to raise Wren well and give her the comfortable life she deserved. I said calmly, “Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?” Rhys’s face went white with fury. He flung his hand away and left. I didn’t care. I took Wren for food and bought her a few more things. A life where I didn’t have to worry about the rent or the next meal. It almost felt like before the divorce. 3 After we first got married, I became a stay-at-home wife. Everyone envied me: a girl with a wealthy father, married to a self-made, brilliant young talent. I truly thought I would be happy forever. Until Lana got divorced. Rhys missed our first Valentine’s Day, claiming he was stuck working late. But when he finally got home, Lana showed up at our door to “deliver his forgotten tie.” I was confused. He just rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Lana works near the office. She just dropped it off on her way home.” I wanted to ask more, but his exhaustion seemed genuine, and I softened. I had an easy life at home. He was working so hard. It didn’t feel right to doubt him. I told myself that a marriage requires trust, and I shouldn’t be foolishly jealous. But then these instances kept piling up. On our anniversary, Rhys left me alone at the fancy restaurant to rescue Lana from a conflict with her landlord. During a sudden downpour, Wren and I were stranded at the preschool, while Rhys drove Lana and Laney home. Wren caught the flu and had a high fever. I couldn’t reach Rhys, so I took her to the emergency room alone. There, I saw him with an entire team of specialists attending to Laney’s scraped elbow. Every single time, Lana would preemptively text me. [I’m so sorry, Ms. Jones. Rhys didn’t want me living there anymore, so he set me up in one of his apartments.] [I’m so sorry, Ms. Jones. It was all my fault for feeling dizzy. Rhys will be on his way to pick you up as soon as he drops me off.] [I’m so sorry, Ms. Jones. Rhys is just overly concerned about Laney. I’ll talk to him about it later.] I finally snapped. I kept questioning Rhys: who was his wife? Who was his daughter? At first, he would patiently explain. “We’ve known each other forever, Sera. I’m just helping her out.” But he grew impatient. “You have money, you don’t understand how hard it is for people from lower-income backgrounds. Can’t you show her some compassion?” “Lana is a single mother, struggling. Why do you insist on attacking her?” “Are you helpless? I have so much to do at work, do I really need to revolve my life around you two?” “If you can’t raise the child right, hire a new nanny! She’s acting like a bully at this age, she’s going to be impossible later on!” Wren and I stopped looking forward to his return. Because every time he walked through the door, the small warmth in our house was replaced by screaming matches. Wren grew quieter and quieter. Even her preschool teacher asked me if everything was okay at home. The moment I truly decided to divorce him was the day of Rhys’s company annual gala. He told me he was working late. I’d been constantly exhausted and sleepy lately, and completely forgot about the gala. Until I saw a post on social media. [The Henda Tech CEO and his First Lady are a perfect match. Such a movie-star couple.] The picture was Rhys and Lana standing side-by-side at the gala. I called Rhys five or six times, but no answer. The seventh call finally went through, but Lana’s voice answered. “Ms. Jones, Rhys is very busy right now. You can tell me whatever you need to, it’s the same thing.” I demanded she put Rhys on the phone. She gave a delicate laugh. “Ms. Jones, I’m Rhys’s executive assistant. He has no secrets from me, you know.” “Did you know that tonight, so many people have told me that I’m better suited to be Mrs. Beaumont?” My body was trembling. I hung up the phone and, still in my slippers, bolted for the gala venue. 4 Lana had her arms wrapped around Rhys’s waist, leaning fully into his embrace. I tore them apart in a rage, glaring at Rhys. “This is your working late? Hugging and cozying up with her is work?” Lana rushed over to grab me. “Ms. Jones, I was drinking. Please don’t misunderstand—” I violently shook her hand off and glared at her. “Don’t touch me, you home-wrecker!” My push wasn’t strong, but she cried out dramatically and dropped to the floor. “Seraphina Jones! What is wrong with you?” Rhys roughly shoved me aside, rushing to help Lana up, checking her for injuries with agonizing care. My lower back slammed against the corner of a table. The pain brought tears to my eyes. Lana, eyes red, fought back tears. “It’s all my fault. Please, don’t fight because of me…” Rhys quickly reassured her. “It has nothing to do with you, Lana. She’s being hysterical.” He turned back to me, his gaze cold, laced with pure disgust. “Seraphina Jones, I have told you countless times, her mother entrusted me with Lana’s care on her deathbed.” “Do you have any idea how hard it is for her to raise a child alone? How can you, a woman, be so malicious as to call her a mistress?” The look he gave me was icy, even showing a hint of revulsion. “My patience is limited. You need to stop this.” “Don’t make me regret marrying you.” The words caused a terrible ringing in my ears. I stared at Rhys, completely shattered. I wanted to scream: I’m your wife! How can you side with a stranger? I wanted to tell him: Lana baits me every time! Are you blind? I wanted to recount the gloating phone call. But a terrible blockage filled my throat. All I could manage was, “Then let’s get divorced.” The moment the words left my mouth, I felt a strange sense of freedom. I didn’t even care about the look of triumph on Lana’s face. Rhys was stunned, then gave a cold, dismissive laugh. “Seraphina, what else can you do but threaten divorce? Does your life consist of nothing but fighting for attention?” Then, he helped Lana away. I went home and sat in the living room until dawn. It wasn’t until Wren started wailing that I realized my legs were covered in blood. The second child, who had quietly arrived, had quietly left. A week later, Rhys and I divorced. I retained full custody of Wren. Not long after, my father’s company ran into trouble. Several key partnerships were maliciously snatched away. Within six months, we had to file for bankruptcy. The stress put my father in the hospital with a heart attack. He died after several attempts to save him. I used the remaining assets to pay the employees’ severance. The heiress became a single mother in a slum. Wren suffered terribly because of me. I woke up crying countless times, regretting that I had dragged her into this mess. This time, I wouldn’t waste a single breath fighting for Rhys’s affection. As long as Wren and I could have a secure, comfortable life, Rhys could find ten ‘Lanas,’ and I would look the other way. 5 Rhys never came back that night after leaving the boutique. Three days later, Wren started at her new school. I started setting up my online shop. My handmade pet clothes and small trinkets had sold well at the flea market. Many customers had suggested I start a proper shop. Back then, I worked as a server during the day and could only set up my stall at night. My output wasn’t high enough. Now, with a little money saved, I could finally launch it. In my previous marriage, I always had a spare room for my sewing projects. I converted it into a home studio and bought equipment for live craft streaming. Rhys came home just as I was having dinner. He walked to the kitchen and looked around. “You didn’t make any for me?” I blinked. “I assumed you wouldn’t be home.” He was momentarily speechless. I quickly headed for the kitchen. “I’ll make some right now. Just wait a minute.” As I washed vegetables, I remembered—no matter when he came home, I always had a hot meal waiting. Even if it went uneaten and had to be thrown out. But today, I honestly forgot. I sighed. I’d have to remember next time. Dinner was silent again. After a long time, Rhys spoke. “The company had an issue with a project this week. I was staying in the office.” “Oh.” I thought for a moment and added, “That must be tiring. I’ll run you a hot bath.” He looked at me in silence for a while, then suddenly rubbed his face. His voice was faint. “You haven’t called me, not even once, this whole time.” I used to constantly share my life with him. I’d send dozens of texts a day—even though he rarely replied—because I was afraid to bother him with a call. But now, I was no longer the Seraphina who lived solely for him. “I didn’t want to disrupt your work.” Rhys stared at me, his voice carrying an unclear meaning. “What do you think I’m doing? Something you could disrupt?” I just smiled. “Whatever you’re doing, it’s not my place to interrupt.” The air filled with silence again. I started clearing the table and heading to the kitchen. Rhys followed. “There are a lot of delivery boxes outside. What did you buy?” I hesitated for a moment, then told the truth. “I started an online shop. Those are my supplies.” He nodded, saying nothing. A moment later, a text popped up. He had transferred a large sum of money to my account. “Thank you.” Rhys paused as he reached for the fruit bowl. “We’re married, Sera. My money is yours. Don’t be so formal.” I smiled and remained silent. Rhys’s phone rang. The screen showed Lana’s name. He glanced at me and answered right in front of me. I wasn’t interested. I wisely walked to the balcony to collect the laundry. “Lana has an issue…” I handed him his jacket. “You should go quickly.” He looked at me intently. “I’ll be back soon.” Rhys had only been gone for a few minutes when the preschool teacher called. “Wren’s mother, Wren fell off the slide.” I rushed to the hospital. The teacher explained as she led me toward the room. “Wren had a disagreement with another child…” As she finished, we reached the emergency room door. The other child’s parent was also being led in. It was Lana. And Rhys.

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“A year-end bonus of $2,000, and you expect me to be grateful?” The smile froze on HR manager Susan’s face. I’ve been at this company for 8 years, wrote 1.27 million lines of code, and supported 3 core systems. Year-end bonus, $2,000. “Chris, you have to understand the company’s difficulties…” I laughed. I took a piece of paper from my bag and placed it in front of her. A resignation letter. The date was today. 1 Susan stared at the resignation letter, stunned for a full five seconds. “Chris, don’t be impulsive.” “I’m not impulsive,” I said. “I’ve thought about this for a long time.” 8 years. From joining as a fresh graduate to now, exactly 8 years. I was employee number 7, arriving earlier than most of the management. Back then, the company operated out of a residential house. A few of us tech guys squeezed into a room less than 200 square feet. No AC in summer, no heating in winter. The first line of code I wrote is still running today. “You know if you leave now, the year-end bonus is gone, right?” Susan said. “$2,000,” I said. “I don’t want it.” Susan’s expression turned a bit ugly. “Chris, I know you feel aggrieved, but you have to understand…” “Susan,” I interrupted her, “do you know how much overtime I worked last month?” She didn’t speak. “187 hours,” I said. “Averaging 6 hours of overtime every day. No overtime pay, no compensatory leave, not even a single ‘thank you’.” “This… the company does have some issues with overtime culture…” “It’s not an issue of overtime culture,” I said. “It’s that you take my dedication for granted.” Susan opened her mouth but couldn’t say anything. I stood up. “What’s the process?” “You… are you really sure?” “I’m sure.” Susan looked at me with complex eyes. “Do you know you’re on the layoff list?” I was stunned for a moment. “What?” “In this round of layoffs, you’re on the list,” Susan said. “Ranked first.” I stared at her, thinking I heard wrong. “Ranked first?” “Yes.” “The reason?” Susan lowered her head, afraid to look at me. “Highly replaceable.” These two words, like a knife, stabbed into my chest. Highly replaceable. Me? The person who built the entire payment system from scratch? The person who maintained 3 core modules alone for 8 years? The person who was called up at 3 AM to fix bugs, went to work as usual the next day, and never took a sick day? Highly replaceable? I suddenly laughed. “Fine,” I said. “Then let’s see you try to replace me.” Susan looked up, her expression a bit panicked. “Chris, what do you mean?” “Nothing.” I picked up my bag. “I’ve submitted my resignation letter. You arrange the process.” “Wait…” I didn’t wait. Pushed open the door and walked out. The hallway was quiet. Sunlight shone in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the wall with the company values written on it. “People-oriented.” “Growing together.” “Grateful for the journey.” I looked at these words and found them ironic. 8 years. I gave my youth, time, and energy, all to this company. What did I get in return? A phrase “highly replaceable.” I took a deep breath and continued walking forward. Passing by the pantry, I heard people chatting. “Heard 20% are getting cut this time.” “Really? Is the list out?” “Out, out. I heard Chris in the tech department is ranked first.” “Chris? The one who doesn’t talk much?” “Yeah, yeah, that’s him.” “Isn’t he an old timer? 8 years, right? Why cut him first?” “Heard the team lead proposed it, saying he’s highly replaceable.” “Huh? He’s highly replaceable?” “Who knows, anyway, what the team lead says goes.” I stood at the door, didn’t go in. Those two people were still chatting. “He seems to be in charge of the payment system, right?” “More than that, seems like there’s also risk control, settlement… I don’t understand the specifics.” “Then what about these systems?” “Don’t know, anyway, the team lead said no problem, can find someone to take over soon.” “Alright then.” I had heard enough. Turned around and went back to my desk. Opened the computer and started organizing things. 8 years of files, emails, code records. I won’t take anything belonging to the company. But I will take myself. My ability, my experience, my understanding of this system. These are not on any server. They are in my brain. You say I’m highly replaceable? Then show me a replacement. 2 While organizing things, my mind was full of images from these 8 years. In 2016, I just graduated with a master’s degree in computer science from a top university and joined this startup with only 30 people at the time. The person who interviewed me was Mr. Wang, the current CTO. Back then, he didn’t have so much gray hair and wasn’t so greasy. He told me: “Chris, although our company is small, we have dreams. Come, let’s make this big together.” I believed him. On the first day of work, I was assigned to the payment group. There was only me in the group. “The payment system is the core,” Mr. Wang said. “You must do it well.” I asked: “Just me?” “Just you for now. When the company has money, we’ll hire people for you.” I waited for 8 years. Didn’t wait for a single person. The payment system from 0 to 1, from 1 to 100, was all coded by me line by line. Later, the company expanded its business, adding risk control and settlement systems. No one took over, still me. I alone shouldered 3 core systems. Crashed in the early morning? Me. Bugs during holidays? Me. Urgent new requirements online? Me. I don’t remember how many times I was woken up by phone calls at 3 AM, opening my computer with sleepy eyes to fix bugs. Fixed, dawn broke, went to work as usual. No overtime pay, no compensatory leave, no one said a word of thanks. Because everyone thought this was what Chris should do. Isn’t Chris always like this? Chris won’t refuse. Chris has no life, Chris only has work. Yes. I have no life. Had a girlfriend once, she said I was too busy with work and had no time for her, broke up. Parents urged me to marry, I said too busy with work, no time for blind dates, they scolded me for being unfilial. Friends gathering, I was always absent, because who knows when I would be called to fix bugs. I gave all my time to this company. What did I get in return? In 2018, the company’s first financing, valued at $20 million. That year my year-end bonus was $5,000. In 2020, the company’s second financing, valued at $100 million. That year my year-end bonus was $8,000. In 2022, the company went public, market value $500 million. That year my year-end bonus was $10,000. 2024, now. Company market value $800 million. My year-end bonus, $2,000. I don’t understand. The company gets bigger and bigger, but my year-end bonus gets smaller and smaller. I went to ask HR. Susan said: “Chris, the company’s efficiency is not good this year, everyone is tightening their belts.” I said: “But I saw the news, the company’s profit increased by 30% last year.” Susan smiled: “News, you know, there’s a lot of water in it.” I went to ask the team lead again. Linda, my current direct leader, parachuted in two years ago. She worked in a big tech company before, resume looks beautiful, can’t write code, but very good at reporting. She said: “Chris, your problem is you don’t know how to manage up. You did so many things, but the leaders don’t know. You have to learn to express yourself.” I said: “I write weekly reports every week, monthly reports every month, and I send email reports every time a big requirement goes online.” She said: “That’s different. Your reports are too technical, leaders can’t understand. You have to learn to use language leaders can understand.” I stopped talking. I indeed can’t speak pretty words. I only know how to write code. But isn’t writing code valuable? Without code, how does the company operate? Without my 8 years of dedication, where does the $800 million market value come from? I couldn’t figure it out. Until this year’s year-end rating came out, I completely figured it out. That day, I saw my grade: B. What is the concept of B? It means “normal.” Not good, nor bad. Year-end bonus coefficient 0.5. And Linda, my leader, rated S. S is the highest level. Year-end bonus coefficient 2.0. She came for 2 years, what did she do? Changed the format of my weekly report, reported up. Added a cover to my technical plan, reported up. Changed the wording of my code achievements, reported up. Oh, right, she also did a big thing. Changed the color of a button in our system. From blue to green. For this one thing, she reported 3 times and won an “Innovation Award.” I wrote 1.27 million lines of code, rated B. She changed a button color, rated S. This is the company’s values. This is their interpretation of “people-oriented.” 3 I thought I was chilled enough. Until I saw that optimization list. Actually, Susan didn’t intend for me to see it. I discovered it myself. That noon, I went to find Susan to ask about the resignation process. She wasn’t at her desk, computer was on, an Excel spreadsheet on the screen. “2024 Q4 Organizational Optimization List”. My name was on the first line. The remark behind wrote: “Suggested optimization reason: Long working years, serious salary inversion, highly replaceable. Suggested by: Linda.” I stared at those words, heart pounding. Salary inversion. Yes, my salary is indeed not high. 8 years, my salary rose from $120k at entry to current $250k. Average increase less than $20k per year. And the fresh graduates recruited last year started at $220k. Interns I mentored, salary higher than me after conversion. Newcomers I taught, now leaders of other groups, annual salary twice mine. I applied for salary adjustment. Applied every year. Rejected every year. The reason is always: “Market is not good this year.” “Company budget limited.” “Wait a bit more, there will be adjustments next year.” I waited for 8 years. Waited for the words “serious salary inversion.” Highly replaceable. These two words make me feel even more ironic. In the whole company, only I understand all the logic of the payment system. Only I can save the crashed system at 3 AM. Only I know what those legacy codes are about. Highly replaceable? Can you find a second Chris? But I didn’t question anyone. I just silently returned to my desk and continued organizing things. At 3 PM, Linda came to find me. “Chris, heard you resigned?” “Yes.” “Don’t be impulsive,” she looked kind, “It’s year-end, if you leave now, you won’t have the year-end bonus.” “$2,000, don’t want it.” She was stunned for a moment. “You resign just because the bonus is small?” “Not because of the bonus,” I said. “Because I don’t want to do it anymore.” “Did you find your next job?” “No.” “Then you quit without a job?” She frowned. “Chris, you are 32, naked resignation at this age is very dangerous.” “Thanks for caring.” She sighed. “Chris, I know you might have some opinions about me. But you have to understand, the rating thing is not decided by me alone.” I didn’t speak. “Your work is indeed done well, but you have to learn to express. Look at you, never talk in meetings, never mention ideas, how do leaders know your ability?” I still didn’t speak. “And…” she lowered her voice, “to be honest, everyone has seen your code, indeed written okay. But this thing, anyone else can do it too. Technology, whoever writes it is the same.” This sentence made me completely give up hope. Technology, whoever writes it is the same. Good. Then let “whoever” write it. “Linda,” I finally spoke, “do you know what the core logic of the payment system is?” She was stunned. “This… I’m not from a technical background…” “Do you know how many requests the risk control system processes per second?” “This is too detailed…” “Do you know how the reconciliation logic of the settlement system is designed?” She stopped talking. “You know nothing,” I said, “but you say whoever writes it is the same.” “Chris, what is this attitude?” “Just this attitude.” I stood up. “I’ve already submitted the resignation letter, leaving in a month. This month, I only do handover, no new requirements.” “You…” “Also,” I looked at her, “you said I’m highly replaceable. Then show me a replacement.” 4 That night, I didn’t work overtime. As soon as off-work time came, I packed up and left. This was the first time in 8 years. Before, I never dared to leave on time. Because there were always endless bugs to fix, requirements to do, meetings to attend. But today, I don’t care. Anyway, I’m leaving. The moment I walked out of the company gate, I took a deep breath. The night wind blew on my face, a bit cold, but very clear. 8 years. I’m finally leaving this place. Phone rang. It was Mom calling. “Chris, how come you have time to answer the phone at this hour?” “Mom, I resigned.” Silence on the other end for a few seconds. “Resigned? Why?” “Don’t want to do it anymore.” “Don’t want to do it? You are 32, what will you do if not this? How much savings do you have? How long can it last you?” “Mom…” “Your dad is in poor health, I need medicine every month, your brother just bought a house, mortgage hasn’t been paid off…” “Mom, I know.” “You know and you still resign? Chris, is your brain broken?” I was silent. “Explain clearly to me, what happened? Were you fired?” “No, I quit myself.” “Then why?” “Because…” I thought for a moment, “Because they said I’m highly replaceable.” Mom was stunned. “What replaceability?” “It means I’m not important, can be replaced anytime.” “Then let them replace, you find the next one. Why are you so impulsive?” “Mom, I worked in this company for 8 years.” “I know.” “8 years, I gave all my time to them. No weekends, no holidays, no life of my own.” “Isn’t work all like this?” “Mom, my year-end bonus, only $2,000.” Silence again on the other end. “$2,000… is a bit little?” “More than a bit. I wrote 1.27 million lines of code, supported 3 core systems of the company. $2,000, not enough for my food for a month.” Mom sighed. “Then resign if you resign. Anyway, you are at this age, take this time to go on blind dates and find a wife.” I smiled bitterly. “Mom, I’m hanging up.” “Wait…” I didn’t wait, hung up directly. I knew Mom didn’t understand. She never worked in her life, didn’t know what workplace meant. Didn’t know what it meant to give without return. Didn’t know what it meant to exchange 8 years of youth for a phrase “highly replaceable.” But it doesn’t matter. I don’t need her to understand. I just need to know myself, what I am doing. That night, I returned to my rental apartment, cooked a bowl of instant noodles. Eating instant noodles, I started counting. How much savings do I have? 8 years of work, saving frugally every month, saved about $500,000. Not much, but enough to last me two years. Two years time, enough for me to find the next job. Or, do something myself. I don’t know what the future holds. But I know, I can’t be like this anymore. Finished instant noodles, I opened the computer. Not for work, but to write a document. A handover document. I want to write down all knowledge, experience, logic of these 8 years. Not for the company, for myself. This is my professionalism. I can leave, but I won’t sabotage. Code is still their code, system is still their system. I only take away things belonging to me— My ability, my experience, my brain. Writing until 2 AM, I finally finished. Looking at that document of over 100 pages, I suddenly wanted to laugh a bit. Over 100 pages. 8 years of painstaking effort, condensed into over 100 pages. But I know, no one can truly understand these 100+ pages. Because true knowledge is in my brain. Those historical pits, those hidden bugs, those logics only I know. These cannot be explained clearly by a document. I closed the computer, went to bed. Starting tomorrow, I am a free man.

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Nine months pregnant, I suddenly craved the caramel apples my husband and I used to eat when we first started dating. I pestered him to drive me to get some, but as soon as we got in the car, the smart navigation system automatically popped up a destination. It was an unfamiliar apartment complex on the west side of the city. My husband quickly clicked the ‘X’ when the pop-up appeared, changing the subject with a casual air. I tacitly pretended nothing had happened. That night after going to bed, I connected to the car control app. In the cloud-uploaded driving records, the car had a 30-mile abnormal route every day. Just recently, the “Owner” had categorized it as a “Daily Habit.” In the video records, every night after I fell asleep, my husband would secretly get up. Under the cover of night, he would drive to the address I had accidentally seen. Every time the car arrived, a slender figure was waiting at the entrance of the apartment building. She would take his coat, dust it off, and adjust his scarf before he left. Most of the time, she would gently say: “If you’re too busy, you don’t have to come see me. I’m not like your wife, who can’t be left alone for a moment.” That night, I had insomnia. Married for five years, it took four rounds of IVF to conceive this child. I couldn’t bring myself to be ruthless. Friends also advised me that at least my husband still had feelings and responsibility for me. Marriage needs management; turn a blind eye and it will pass. But a week later, on the day of my difficult labor, inside the delivery room, my husband’s phone suddenly rang. An anxious voice came from the other end: “Sarah is standing on the edge of the roof now, saying if you don’t come, she’ll jump!” His movement to pull his hand away was faster than his brain. “She is the daughter of my late mentor…” He dared not look into my eyes, “I’m just going to persuade her to come down.” Red-eyed, I screamed hoarsely at his back: “If you dare to leave today! I will consider this child to have no father!” My husband paused, looking back at me with a pained expression. But the next second, he still rushed out of the hospital with firm steps. 1 I knew who the woman on the other end of the phone was. I had seen her countless times in Lucas’s dashcam footage. I lay on the operating table, my clothes soaked through with sweat, clinging messily to my body. The child was not yet born, but the father had already abandoned him. In my hazy consciousness, I heard my parents and in-laws arguing outside. Intense contractions hit like a tsunami, but they couldn’t compare to one ten-thousandth of the pain in my heart. My mother roared through tears: “Who is that woman? Is Lucas crazy? Leaving his wife while she’s giving birth?” The Sterling elders were frantically making calls, their voices crying: “Emily, hold on a little longer. We’ve sent people to find that disgrace. If he doesn’t come back today, we’ll pretend we never had this son!” My wedding ring slipped off my finger during the struggle and rolled under the bed, kicked into the shadows by rushing medical staff. The contractions became more urgent, and the alarms of the machines rose and fell. “Fetal heart rate dropping!” The doctor’s shout pierced the air, and my vision went black. When I opened my eyes again, the smell of disinfectant drilled into my nose. The nurse was adjusting the IV drip speed. Seeing me awake, she said softly: “It’s a miracle we saved you from the hemorrhage. Children… there will be more in the future.” With a boom, my heart felt like it had been pierced through. My mother sat by the bed, tears in her eyes, gently wiping mine: “My baby, you’ve suffered.” My father stood by the bed with a heartache expression, and my in-laws stood in the corner full of guilt. I looked at the pale ceiling, tears silently flowing into my hair. The days and nights of these five years played on loop like a silent movie before my eyes. From Lucas’s proposal at the graduation ceremony when we were twenty-two. To him staying up late preparing various pregnancy nutrition meals for me. To the way he seriously recorded fetal heart data at every checkup. Now, all these tender fragments had become a joke. At the door, Lucas’s childhood friend, Mark, stood there guiltily. “Sister-in-law, Sarah, her depression flared up. She said if Lucas didn’t go, she would jump off the building. There was really no choice… You…” He didn’t dare to continue, seeming to realize the inappropriateness. “So what? Do I need to be understanding?” I mocked expressionlessly. I wanted to ask him, how many times did you help Lucas lie to me? Every time you said it was a gathering between friends, how many times was it true? But suddenly I didn’t want to know. From the delivery room to the ward, I waited for my legal husband to return, from dark until dawn, until night fell again. At 8 PM, Lucas, who had disappeared for a full twenty hours, finally appeared. His suit was wrinkled, and his eyes dodged mine. “Emily, I’m sorry.” His voice was dry. “Sarah’s condition was really dangerous. My mentor entrusted her to me before he died, I had to…” I interrupted him, voice hoarse: “Do you know our child is gone?” “You knew I was having a C-section yesterday, but you still chose to be with her.” “Lucas, that was our child!” Silence spread in the ward. He held my hand, his palm ice cold. “Emily, in these five years, I’ve never begged you for anything. Just this once, I beg you not to make a scene.” “Sarah just lost her father. If she is accused of interfering in someone else’s family again, her depression will worsen.” I looked at the pleading in his eyes, my heart tearing into pieces. He shouldn’t be begging me; he should be kneeling and crying at the door of the NICU. A person’s first reaction can’t lie. He didn’t ask the doctor why I had a hemorrhage. Didn’t ask how scared I was during the surgery. Once he opened his mouth, it was all about another woman. Tears poured out, soaking the pillowcase. Using all my strength, I squeezed out a word from my throat: “Okay.” He was visibly relieved, then said: “Sarah needs someone with her right now. I’ll move in with her for a while.” “When her mood stabilizes, about five months or so, I’ll move back. It won’t be too late for us to have children then, okay?” Lucas’s tone was like arranging a work meeting. My eyes widened abruptly, as if a basin of ice water had been poured over my head. The child we looked forward to for five years was not yet cold in his grave, yet he was already planning a future for another woman. In this instant, my world collapsed. 2 I subconsciously touched my flat abdomen. A new little life was once nurtured there, proof that we once loved each other, but now it seemed so ironic. I slowly withdrew my hand from his grip, my voice terrifyingly calm: “Lucas.” “The first time you learned to make soup, you filled the kitchen with smoke just because I couldn’t eat anything due to morning sickness.” “You secretly recorded the baby’s heartbeat, set it as your ringtone, and showed it off to everyone.” “You lay at the door of the examination room shouting ‘Wifey don’t be afraid,’ refusing to leave even after being chased away by nurses three times.” “In these five years, you spoiled me until I couldn’t take care of myself, even squatting down to tie my shoelaces…” “I once truly believed we would be happy forever.” I raised my tear-stained face, voice shattered: “But now, I can’t see a single bit of care for me in your eyes anymore.” Memories of five years flooded in like a tide. Lucas’s Adam’s apple rolled violently, and finally, he said hoarsely: “But wifey, Sarah really needs me right now.” That “needs me” completely crushed my last shred of illusion. I looked at him, suddenly feeling the person in front of me was so strange. With a trembling voice, I gritted my teeth and spat out a word: “Get out!” His figure paused, seemingly wanting to hug me, but eventually disappeared at the end of the corridor without looking back. On the day of the child’s hundred-day memorial, I knelt in front of the grave. Lucas still didn’t come. “Baby, Mommy is here to see you.” My voice was soft but trembling uncontrollably. My mother put her arm around my shoulder and wiped tears, “Emily, Mom is here.” I choked in my mother’s arms: “It’s okay. At least the child came to accompany me.” “Besides, given the current situation, maybe it’s better he didn’t come to this family.” As soon as the voice fell, Lucas arrived late. He knelt beside me. “Baby, Daddy…” I interrupted him coldly: “I said it that day. If you dared to leave, the child wouldn’t have you as a father.” “Emily, I know you are sad, but don’t say such things…” He frowned at me, looking as if I was being unreasonable, while he was so magnanimous not to hold it against me. “As a father, I’m also sad that the child is gone. You…” My mother raised her hand and slapped him. “Sad? Your sadness is leaving your wife in difficult labor to take care of a shady woman outside?” Lucas’s face suddenly turned gloomy. Before he could say anything, Sarah rushed over from outside the cemetery with red eyes. She looked at Lucas, voice choking. “Lucas, are you done paying respects?” “Is it… finally time to move back?” My father rushed up immediately: “Lucas! What day is it today? You actually brought this woman here?” Lucas probably knew his behavior was inappropriate, saying guiltily: “Dad, I had no choice. Sarah’s mental state hasn’t been good recently. I can’t leave her alone at home.” “Mental state not good? Is it the turn of someone else’s husband to take care of her bad mental state? Do you know today is your child’s hundredth day? Do you know how Emily survived these days?” Sarah immediately lowered her head, voice as thin as a mosquito: “Uncle, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to. It’s just that Lucas said he was coming out today, and I was really scared, so I followed him.” Looking pitiful everywhere. Sure enough, Lucas immediately protected her, “Dad, just direct your anger at me, don’t make it difficult for her.” My father was furious, turning to look at Lucas’s parents: “This is the good son you raised!” My mother helped me stand up, trembling with anger: “Lucas, are you still human?” Lucas’s parents panicked too, quickly advising: “Lucas, today is indeed inappropriate. Find someone to send Sarah back first.” But Lucas acted as if he didn’t hear, instead tightening his grip on Sarah’s hand: “Her mental state just stabilized, she can’t be stimulated anymore.” I looked at him, voice dry: “So… in your eyes, she can’t be stimulated, but I can? I should bear the child’s death alone, right?” Before he could speak, Sarah said aggrievedly: “It’s okay, Lucas. Sister-in-law is right. I was insensible. You… you go back and take good care of Sister-in-law.” “I… I’ll go back now and pack your luggage.” She turned stumbling, her high heel tripping on a tombstone, and fell to the ground. Lucas’s hand holding mine tightened abruptly, almost letting go to rush over. But he didn’t move in the end, just watching Mark help her up. After a long time, he said deeply: “I’ll accompany you for a while longer.” “But Sarah, you must remember, Emily is my lawfully wedded wife.” “When she needs me back, I must leave.” “Don’t cry or make a scene. I have done my utmost these years.” Sarah bit her lip, as if she couldn’t hold it anymore, crying and running out of the cemetery. Lucas remained expressionless, not chasing. But the hand holding mine trembled slightly. Care cannot be hidden. Many years ago, I was hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis. He rushed back overnight from out of town. Clearly distressed with red eyes, he insisted on scolding me with a cold face for eating indiscriminately. He was like that then too, saying harsh words but his fingertips gently rubbing the back of my hand. 3 That night, in a private room at a restaurant. Elders from both families sat around the round table, the atmosphere oppressive. Mark whispered in Lucas’s ear. “Sister Sarah is still crying in the parking lot. The security guard says she refuses to get out of the car.” Lucas was serving me soup, movements calm and unhurried. He didn’t even look up: “Let her be.” The air in the room stagnated a bit more. This meal was tasteless, no different from when I usually ate alone. Sarah was the daughter of his and Mark’s mentor, growing up together. Although Mark didn’t say it openly. His care for her was ultimately more than for me, the rightful sister-in-law. When the main dishes were all served, the last dish, steamed leopard coral grouper, was turned to me. Mark suddenly spoke. “Leave some of this dish for Sister Sarah. She loves fish the most.” “If Sister-in-law wants to eat, just order another one.” Lucas sneered. Raised his hand, directly moving the whole plate of fish in front of me. His voice was cold and hard: “What my wife loves to eat, it’s not the turn of outsiders to share.” Despite saying so. After putting down his chopsticks, he frequently looked towards the door of the room. The waiter finished clearing the plates and was about to go out to dispose of the kitchen waste. Lucas was silent for a long time, suddenly stood up: “I’ll go.” The waiter handed over the garbage bag in astonishment, hesitating to speak. After Lucas left. Mark immediately moved to the farthest seat, bowing his head pretending to deal with emails. Parents on both sides were silent in embarrassment, chewing food mechanically. I felt chest tightness. Got up and walked to the corridor, wanting to breathe fresh air. Unknowingly, I walked to the underground parking lot. I faintly heard Sarah’s aggrieved sobbing, mixed with Lucas’s low comfort. Hiding behind a pillar, I saw light snow falling outside. Lucas and Sarah sat side by side on the hood of the car, sharing a bento box. He raised his hand, gently wiping the tear stains from her cheek. Sarah, red-eyed, punched him, face full of grievance. “You’re going back to her, why come to care about me!” Lucas let her hit him, with no impatience in his eyes. His gaze was gentle and tolerant. Completely different from the forced gentleness every time he looked at me. His voice was helpless. “Don’t say silly things.” “I promised my teacher to take care of you for a lifetime. Don’t you know if I would abandon you?” Sarah sobbed, leaning into his arms. Lucas picked up a piece of ribs, feeding it to her lips: “Specially ordered from a private kitchen and delivered.” “Much tastier than hotel food.” She took a bite, gradually stopping her crying. Lucas explained to her in a low voice. “Emily just lost a child, emotions unstable.” “Just accompanying her for a meal.” “If she’s satisfied, she won’t urge me home all day.” So, that’s what he thought. In these five years, he chose to side with me on many insignificant matters. Turns out he just felt that way, I would trouble Sarah less. A little favor was enough to make me grateful and stay by his side obediently. Looking into the parking lot with drifting light snow, the two still clinging together. Lucas had slight stomach trouble and usually ate very little. Clearly just dined in the private room, yet most of the bento went into his stomach. Maybe it’s true as others said. Meals taste sweet only when eaten with someone who shares your heart. Whether it’s a childhood sweetheart or a beloved one. Anyway, that person isn’t me. 4 I turned silently, taking the prepared divorce agreement from my bag. When I returned to the private room with the agreement, parents from both families stood up. After what just happened, the Sterling parents didn’t know how to mediate. My parents sighed, didn’t persuade much, just said “Divorce if you want.” Lucas’s mother hesitated, but still grabbed my hand and said: “Emily, give Lucas another chance, okay? Lucas is just this way because he values his mentor too much.” I didn’t speak, just placed the divorce agreement on the table. Just as Lucas’s mother was about to shed tears, the door opened. Lucas arrived. And brought Sarah. She wore Lucas’s suit jacket, looking around the room with a matter-of-fact expression, like the incoming Mrs. Sterling. The room fell instantly silent, all eyes focused on them. Lucas’s mother’s voice trembled: “Lucas, why did she come back again?” Lucas’s father threw his wine glass in anger: “Lucas, are you crazy?!” Lucas didn’t answer, just glanced at my coat, gaze landing on my face: “Finished eating?” “Mm.” I responded calmly: “I’m going home.” He seemed relieved, “Okay, message me when you get home.” He finished lightly, turning sideways to bring Sarah forward. “Dad, Mom, you know my mentor passed away. Before he died, he entrusted Sarah to me. I can’t break my word. I need to give her a job for the coming period, so she will temporarily join our company.” This open attitude made our questioning just now seem like making a fuss. Sarah showed a decent smile, reaching out to hold Lucas’s mother’s arm. “Hello Auntie, Lucas has always taken care of me. Today he specially brought me to meet the elders. Since everyone is here, how about I toast everyone?” Lucas’s mother looked at me troubledly, “Emily, how about… sit down and talk?” Just as I was about to refuse, Sarah interrupted, eyes provocative: “Sister Emily sit down too. After all, you are still the sister-in-law. You should be informed about some things, don’t you think?” Slap— A crisp slap sounded in the room. I looked in shock as my mom slapped Sarah. “Mom!” Mom glared at me with red eyes, voice trembling: “I carried you for ten months, don’t I understand you?” “From marrying him at twenty-two to twenty-seven now, five years! For him, you gave up the chance to study abroad, managed the company for him. When he drank until gastric bleeding for business, you stayed by his bed for three days without closing your eyes. You love him so much. If your heart wasn’t dead, could you bear to let go?” “I don’t ask for great wealth for you, but today he brings a mistress to humiliate you. As a mother, I can’t stand it!” “If you don’t want to hit her, I’ll do it for you!” Mom’s words were like a heavy hammer, finally knocking my tears down. Sarah covered her face, tears swirling in her eyes. Lucas immediately shielded her behind him, face terribly gloomy: “Emily, when did you learn to use elders…” “Do you know what disgusts me most about you?” I didn’t wait for him to finish, stepping forward and slapping him. “Lucas, the person who deserves hitting most is you!” After hitting, I pulled out the divorce agreement from the table and slammed it on him. Lucas caught the document, pupils contracting upon seeing the title. “Emily… you want a divorce?”

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The day I was brought back to the military base, I learned that I was the Commander’s only biological daughter. There was no hostility as I had imagined. My parents’ eyes were red when they saw me. Even Sarah, the girl who had enjoyed eighteen years of blessings in my place, meekly called me “Sister” and thoughtfully handed me slippers. But I just felt uncomfortable. When I couldn’t distinguish between a coffee spoon and a soup spoon, when I mispronounced “Shakespeare” as “Shake-spear”. I could always hear snickers behind my back. Until the neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, muttered to my mother. “Sarah is still the gracious one, presentable to take out. Luna… well, she lacks breeding after all.” I finally smashed the cup in my hand towards them. My mother roared at me. “Luna Vance! What are you making a scene about now!” I gritted my teeth. “You all just think I’m inferior to her in every way! She’s the one who stole my life, do I still have to listen with a smile?” My father stood at the door at some point, his face gloomy. “Enough! Sarah is innocent too!” “She’s innocent?” I laughed out loud, but tears fell. “So am I not innocent? Do I deserve everything?” I wiped my tears, speaking word by word. “This house cannot accommodate two daughters. You choose one.” …… My mother walked over, trying to take my hand, but I dodged abruptly. “Don’t touch me!” My mother missed, her hand frozen in mid-air. Seeing this, my father walked over and slapped me. His face was ashen. “Luna Vance, if you continue to be such a disgrace, don’t tell anyone you’re my daughter.” I covered my face and actually laughed. “Daughter? Do you really treat me as a daughter? In your eyes, am I not just an embarrassing country bumpkin?” I rushed back to my room, took out the old fountain pen with a slightly crooked nib, and smashed it hard on the floor. A few weeks ago, the family gave me this pen. I secretly vowed to study hard. To show them that even if I didn’t grow up in the city, I could catch up through hard work. I treated this pen as a treasure, reluctant to press too hard when practicing handwriting. But that day, I heard two kids next door discussing loudly in English without any inhibition. “Look at her broken pen, she uses it like a treasure every day, so tacky.” “Exactly, Sister Sarah stopped using such outdated models long ago. Only country bumpkins like her would treat someone else’s trash as a treasure.” The pen nib pierced my palm, but I felt no pain. It turned out the starting point I treasured was just a piece of trash to be laughed at in others’ eyes. At that moment, I felt cold all over. Clearly, I am the biological one. Why is she adored in the compound, while I was called a “bastard with no parents” in the village? Now even a fountain pen is a style she picked over and didn’t want. My voice trembled: “As soon as I came, everyone switched to English. I couldn’t tell coffee from black tea, and you mocked me. Imported chocolates, the latest things, were always sent to Sarah’s room first! Isn’t it just because you think I’m tacky, don’t understand, and don’t deserve to use them?” My mother explained anxiously. “Those were just kids joking, no malice!” My father also frowned tightly. “The family never shorted you on food stamps or fabric coupons. If you like something, buy it at the commissary yourself.” Sarah came over with tears in her eyes to hold my hand. “Sister, don’t be angry. You can take whatever you like from my room! If you want to learn English, I can teach you!” I shook off her hand, glaring at her deathly. “Who is your sister? There is only one daughter in this family, I don’t have a sister like you!” “Everything in this house should have been mine! You stole my life, and now you’re pretending to be a good person?” I pointed at Sarah and looked at my parents: “I want her gone. I want her to go back to her own home!” For a moment, the entire compound was terribly quiet. Sarah opened her mouth, tears falling, but made no sound. My mother hurriedly comforted me. “Luna, don’t say angry words…” Looking at their expressions, I understood everything. They wouldn’t choose me. My heart was cold and numb. I bent down and picked up the broken fountain pen on the floor. “You can’t bear to send her away, right?” Under their astonished gazes, I slashed my wrist fiercely with the nib. Warm liquid gushed out, falling on the floor. It didn’t hurt. Just felt relieved. I looked up and laughed low. “Then I’ll go.” When I slowly woke up, I found myself sent to the infirmary. I ripped off the needle on the back of my hand, lifted the quilt, and rushed out. Just at the door, I was stopped by my mother who hurried over. “Luna! My child! Calm down! Don’t do this anymore, it hurts Mom to see!” Her voice trembled, hugging me tightly. I struggled too hard, and the newly bandaged wound on my wrist burst open. Blood instantly stained the gauze red, dripping on the floor. But I seemed not to feel the pain, just looking at her absent-mindedly. “Hurts? You only feel hurt for Sarah… I’m just a country bumpkin who embarrasses you.” Just then, Sarah appeared at the corner of the corridor. Hearing my words, she stood blankly on the spot, the bag in her hand falling to the ground. She looked down at the fallen paper bag, silent for a few seconds. When she looked up again, there was a bitter smile on her face that was uglier than crying. “Mom,” Her voice was very light, with a calm of resignation. “Don’t be troubled… I’ll go.” She carefully picked up the paper bag and wiped the dust off it with her cuff. Then she walked up to me, handed the paper bag with both hands, her eyes filled with almost humble pleading. “Sister… this is a new shirt I bought for you, to compensate you. I’m sorry… it’s all my fault.” She wanted to stuff the paper bag into my hand, but hesitated, afraid to anger me again. My mother turned her face away, eyes red, and finally sighed long. “Sigh… Sarah, don’t be like this. Mom… Mom will talk to your dad.” A few days later, Sarah really moved out. Traces of her in the house were completely erased, as if she had never existed for these eighteen years. I was extremely happy, feeling that this home finally belonged completely to me. But I found that relaxed smiles were rarely seen on my parents’ faces anymore. I thought it was because I wasn’t good enough, didn’t work hard enough. I started cooking, making different delicious foods for my parents every day. Getting up before dawn every day to memorize words, do exercises, vowing to get into the best university and become their pride. Until New Year’s Eve, every household was bustling. Our family made dumplings with neighbors in the communal cafeteria. I clumsily learned to roll the dough, wanting to blend into this festivity. Luna’s once best friend blocked me by the stove when no one was paying attention. “Do you think by driving Sarah away, you can join us?” She crossed her arms, looking me up and down coldly. My hand adding firewood to the stove paused. “I didn’t drive her away, she felt sorry for me herself so…” “Come on,” She sneered, interrupting me. “Do you rural people always love to lie with eyes open like this? Now who in the whole compound doesn’t know that as soon as the ‘real daughter’ of the Vance family came back, she forced away our Sarah, whom we watched grow up, the most excellent and sensible one? Uncle Vance has no face to show when he goes out for meetings now!” Although the stove fire was flourishing, I felt cold all over. Why does everyone say that? Clearly, I am the victim whose life was stolen. Why does everyone think Sarah is pitiful? She stepped closer, voice filled with undisguised contempt. “Every time Uncle Vance took her out, who didn’t praise ‘like father, like daughter’? She speaks fluent English, plays the piano, behaves generously and appropriately. How much face did she earn for Uncle Vance? Besides throwing tantrums and threatening people, what can you do?” I opened my mouth, but my throat felt blocked, unable to spit out a word. Looking at my pale face, she suddenly covered her mouth and laughed. “You don’t really think Sarah went back to her poor mountain village, do you? Naive! Aunt Susan felt sorry for her and arranged a leisurely and decent job for her in the logistics department long ago. Now she has moved into the single dormitory assigned by the unit, conditions even better than at home! You…” “Just stay here and be your real daughter properly!” The staff dormitory was only a few streets away from the compound. I found the place without much effort and said to the comrade on guard at the door: “I am James Vance’s daughter, here to find my dad.” The door was ajar. I saw my parents standing at the door carrying big and small bags with loving faces. Sarah stood aside, reaching out to take them, but was blocked by my father. “You child, Mom and Dad are here to work for you, just rest well!” My father’s voice carried a smiling reproach. My mother put down the things and touched Sarah’s cheek with heartache. “Sarah, how can this dormitory condition compare to home? Is it cold at night? Is it convenient to eat? If anything happens, you must tell Mom, don’t wrong yourself, hear me?” Sarah smiled and massaged my mother’s shoulders, voice soft. “I know, Mom is the best to me! Dad too! I can’t bear to let you go…” The three faces were filled with warmth, about to carry things into the door. I walked over. “This staff dormitory looks quite comfortable to live in.” The three froze simultaneously. My father turned his head sharply, tone stiff. “How did you find this place?” I looked at their posture of subconsciously protecting Sarah. Looking at the panic in Sarah’s eyes and my mother’s pale face, I felt my blood coagulate. My voice began to tremble uncontrollably. “Didn’t I say… don’t interact with her anymore! Why… why did you still come to find her! And still… care about her so much!!” The last few words were almost roared out. My mother covered my mouth, whispering anxiously: “Keep your voice down! What are you shouting for! If the neighbors hear, how embarrassing for Sarah!” “Embarrassing?” Tears finally surged out uncontrollably. I threw off my mother’s hand and rolled up my sleeves. On them, new and old scars crisscrossed densely. “See this? These! Are all done by your ‘precious daughter’s’ biological parents!” They once made me wear single layer clothes to wash clothes in the frozen river in winter. Later, for two hundred dollars of dowry, they sold me to the village chief’s foolish son. I risked my life to escape, was caught back and beaten half dead… I pointed at Sarah, fingertips trembling. “If it weren’t for my dad… if the people my dad sent to find me didn’t arrive that day, I might be dead already!” I raised my teary eyes, looking at my parents, every word weeping blood. “Why? I lived in that hell for eighteen years. When you took me back, did you ever ask me ‘does it still hurt’, ‘are you afraid’? You didn’t! You only despised my roughness, despised me for being embarrassing!” My gaze turned to this tidy and warm dormitory. “But she just moved into this single dormitory! And you are so distressed?” My mother’s voice was already tinged with crying. “That… that’s different…” “What’s different?” I interrupted her sternly. My mother was rendered speechless by my questioning and blurted out. “After all, Sarah… we raised her with our own hands…” This sentence completely crushed and shattered the last faint hope in my heart. It turned out that blood ties were so fragile in the face of the warmth of day-to-day getting along. My mother was startled by her own blurted words, a flash of regret on her face. “Mom didn’t mean that…” “But encountering such a thing, Sarah was just a child then, she definitely didn’t want this either. Now Sarah has moved out. We as parents have been very fair, what more do you want?” I was stunned. What did I want? I just… just wanted to have equal weight as Sarah in their eyes. I just wanted them to ask me a sentence when I was in pain, just like they were nervous about whether Sarah was cold. How come now, it’s all my fault? A wave of grievance surged in my heart. “Fair? Just because the suffering I endured didn’t fall on the daughter you ‘raised with your own hands’, so you think it doesn’t matter, right? I just wanted you to look at me more, care about me a little more!” I pointed at Sarah, then at myself. “Both are daughters, you named her ‘Sarah’, cherishing her like a treasure! What about me? The day I came back was the full moon, you casually called me ‘Luna’! Even the name is so casual! Is this your so-called ‘fairness’?!” In the dormitory corridor, several doors had quietly opened a crack. Curious or probing gazes were cast over. My father’s face instantly turned ashen, veins throbbing on his forehead. He looked at me and growled: “Haven’t you embarrassed us enough!” “Guards!” Two guards who had been standing nearby stepped forward. “Send her back.” My father’s voice was unquestionable. “Without my permission, she is not allowed to come to the military area at will again!” I was almost half-carried away from that dormitory building. Father and mother, no one followed, and no one looked back at me. Back in that terribly quiet home, I was alone again. For the first few days, I locked myself in the room, cried, hated, and smashed things. But slowly, something colder and clearer replaced the hysteria. Since tears and questioning couldn’t exchange for equal love, since blood ties couldn’t beat day-to-day getting along. Then what do I want these empty expectations for? If love can’t be begged, then exchange for something tangible. A few days later, I went directly to my father’s office. Seeing me, his brows furrowed immediately. “What do you want this time?” His tone was undisguised impatience. I wasn’t agitated like before, my tone calm without any ripples. “Dad, since you arranged a job in the logistics department for Sarah and let her live in a single dormitory.” I paused, saying word by word: “Then I want a job too. Better than hers, with more future.” “Also, I want a house. In the city, it must be in a good location, a house that belongs to me.”

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Chapter 1 “Mom, this month’s salary is in. Check it.” I said while taking off my shoes. My cousin, Jessica Zhao, was also there. Seeing me, a flash of unnaturalness crossed her face. Then she put on a sweet smile: “Emma is back. Working so late today, you must be tired.” I ignored her, my gaze landing on the passbook on the coffee table. “Mom, is that my salary account passbook?” I walked over. Susan Lee tried to hide it in a panic, but it was too late. I picked up the passbook and opened it. The balance on the last page showed: $3.28. I blinked, thinking I saw it wrong. Looking back, the most recent transaction was three days ago: Transfer out $42,000.00. Looking further back, last month: Transfer out $8,600.00. My fingers started to tremble. “Mom, where is my money?” I asked, my voice surprisingly calm. Susan stood up, squeezing out a smile: “Emma, listen to mom.” “I asked where my money is!” I suddenly raised my voice. “Forty-two thousand! And last month’s eight thousand six hundred! Why is there only three dollars left in my salary account!” David Lin also stood up: “Emma, don’t rush, we were just about to tell you about this.” “Tell me what? That you transferred fifty thousand dollars of mine without my permission?” I slammed the passbook on the coffee table. “That’s my money! That’s the down payment I saved up by working overtime for ten years!” Jessica whispered: “Emma, Uncle and Aunt did it for my own good.” “For you?” I turned to her. “Jessica Zhao, using my money to make you look good?” Susan grabbed my hand: “Emma, Jessica is getting married next month. Her fiancé’s family demanded a dowry of $68,800, saying anything less would be losing face. We scraped together twenty thousand from home, plus the eighteen thousand Jessica handed over these years, still thirty thousand short…” “So you touched my money?” I shook off her hand. “Mom, that’s my money! That’s the money Lucas and I prepared to buy a house and get married!” “The house can be bought later!” Susan also raised her voice. “Jessica’s wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event! She has no parents. If we don’t help her more, how can she hold her head up in her in-laws’ house!” This sentence again. I’ve heard it for twenty years. When I was seven, Jessica’s parents died in a car accident, and she moved into my house. Since then, my room was given to her, my new clothes were worn by her first, and my birthday cake had to be shared with her. Now, even my hard-earned money from ten years is given to her. “What about me?” My voice was trembling. “My wedding is on June 18th next month. How much dowry did you prepare for me?” The living room suddenly went quiet. David lowered his head, Susan’s eyes dodged. Jessica whispered: “Emma, Uncle and Aunt actually prepared for you.” “Prepared what?” I stared at her. “Say it, what did they prepare for me!” Susan took out a plastic bag from the drawer of the coffee table, containing two pairs of slippers, two sets of pajamas, and towels and toothbrushes. “These are all good brands.” She said. I looked at that plastic bag, then at the transfer receipts on the coffee table, and suddenly laughed. Laughed until tears came out. “So, Jessica’s dowry is $68,800, and my dowry is two pairs of slippers?” “Emma, don’t compare like this.” David tried to comfort me. “How should I compare?” I roared. “Compare who is stupider? Compare who handed over their salary for ten years like a day, only to have it all taken by parents to subsidize someone else’s daughter?” Jessica’s tears fell as she spoke: “Emma, don’t blame Uncle and Aunt. It’s all my fault. Or I won’t get married.” “Jessica, don’t talk nonsense!” Susan immediately hugged her. “The marriage is set, invitations are sent out, how can you not get married!” She turned to me, tone strict: “Emma Lin, look at what you’ve pushed Jessica into! We raised you so big, is it just to make you so selfish!” “I’m selfish?” I pointed at myself. “My monthly salary is $1,200, I give $1,000 to the family, keeping $200 for myself. I haven’t bought new clothes for three years, haven’t traveled for five years, working overtime until late every night! Every penny I saved was taken by you to save face! Now you say I’m selfish?” David sighed heavily: “Emma, Jessica’s situation is special, her parents left early.” “Her parents left early, so I deserve to die?” I completely broke down. “I am also your daughter! Doesn’t my wedding need face? Lucas’s family is also an ordinary family. What will they think of me when they see I only have two pairs of slippers as dowry! What will they think of our family!” Jessica sobbed and said: “Emma, Lucas loves you so much, he won’t mind.” “He doesn’t mind, but I mind!” I grabbed the transfer receipts on the coffee table. “This is evidence! I’m calling the police! Suing you for theft!” “You dare!” Susan rushed over to grab them. I stepped back to dodge, quickly taking photos of the receipts with my phone. “Now, I give you two choices.” I held up my phone. “First, return my fifty thousand dollars, not a penny less. You figure out the shortfall for Jessica’s dowry yourselves.” “Second, I call the police immediately, then post this matter in the family group chat, to your workplace, to Jessica’s in-laws. I want everyone to know you stole your own daughter’s money to give your niece as a dowry.” Susan’s face turned pale: “Emma Lin! You are trying to drive us to death!” “You forced me first!” My tears poured out. “Ten years! How many ten years do I have in my life! I scrimped and saved, I worked hard, I didn’t even dare to take leave when sick! What about you? Have you ever thought about my feelings!” Jessica cried even harder: “The money has already been transferred to my account. Part of it bought gold jewelry, part was withdrawn and spent.” “Then go return it! Go sell it!” I stared at her. “Jessica Zhao, if you don’t return this money to me today, I will go to your company, to your fiancé’s workplace, and tell everyone you are a thief!” “Enough!” David roared. He panted heavily, eyes bloodshot: “Emma Lin, we raised you for twenty-eight years, just to get you forcing us like this today?” “You forced me first.” I wiped my tears. “Choose, want her, or want me.” Susan cried: “How can you make us choose! Jessica is also our daughter!” “She is not!” I screamed hoarsely. “Her surname is Zhao! My surname is Lin! She is just your sister’s daughter! I am the one you carried for ten months!” David slumped back on the sofa, covering his face with his hands. Long silence. The ticking of the clock was particularly ear-piercing in the deadly silent living room. Finally, David looked up, daring not look into my eyes: “Jessica’s wedding cannot have mistakes. Her in-laws have status, invitations have been sent out.” I nodded, heart completely dead. “Okay, I understand.” I turned back to my room and started packing. Susan chased in: “Emma Lin! What are you doing!” “Moving out.” I threw clothes into the suitcase. “From now on, I cut off relations with you.” “You’re crazy! You are our daughter!” “You made your choice just now.” I zipped up the suitcase. “From now on, I am not your daughter. That fifty thousand, consider it buying out twenty-eight years of upbringing.” David stood at the door, voice hoarse: “Emma, don’t be impulsive, we can discuss the money matter again.” “Nothing to discuss.” I dragged the suitcase out. “My wedding is on June 18th, you don’t need to come.” Walking to the door, I looked back at them one last time. Susan was crying, David was sighing, Jessica shrank in the sofa, peeking at me from the corner of her eye. “Wish you family of three, happiness and perfection.” I closed the door, shutting twenty-eight years of affection behind me. Going down in the elevator, I took out my phone and called Lucas. The phone rang only once before connecting. “Emma?” “Lucas,” my voice trembled, “I moved out, come pick me up.” “Send me the location, arriving immediately.” Three minutes later, Lucas’s car stopped in front of me. He got out and took my suitcase, asking nothing, just hugging me tightly. “Go to our place.” He said. When the car drove out, I looked at the apartment complex one last time. Goodbye, the Emma Lin who always had to yield to others. From today on, I live only for myself. Chapter 2 Lucas’s apartment was small, one bedroom and one living room, but very clean. He helped me put away the suitcase and poured a glass of warm water: “Speak slowly, what happened?” I told the story from beginning to end. When I talked about the two pairs of slippers, I cried again. Lucas hugged me, suppressed anger in his voice: “How could they do this! That’s your hard-earned money from ten years!” “I want to call the police.” I said. “That’s fifty thousand, enough for a case.” “I support you.” Lucas took out his phone. “Call now.” I pressed his hand: “Wait, let me think.” “Think about what?” Lucas was anxious. “Emma, this is theft! It’s illegal!” I knew. But my mind was full of my mother’s red eyes from crying, my father’s hunched back. And Jessica’s look when she first came to my house at seven, thin and small, holding a worn-out teddy bear. “Give me one day.” I said. “Tomorrow, if they don’t return the money, I’ll call the police.” That night, I barely slept. The phone kept ringing. Susan called twenty-three times, David called fifteen times. I hung up all of them. At 3 AM, Susan sent a long WeChat message: [Emma, Mom knows we wronged you. But Jessica is really too pitiful. She has no parents. If the dowry is small, her in-laws will look down on her for life. You are our biological daughter, understand Mom and Dad. Mom will definitely return that fifty thousand to you in the future. Come back first, we’ll discuss properly.] I looked at this message and laughed. Laughing and laughing, tears flowed into my mouth, salty and bitter. I replied: [Return the money within today, otherwise police.] Then turned off the phone. At 8 AM the next morning, the doorbell rang. Lucas went to open the door. David and Susan stood outside. Susan’s eyes were swollen like walnuts, David’s hair turned half white overnight. Susan cried as soon as she opened her mouth, “Mom was wrong, Mom was really wrong.” “Where’s the money?” I asked. David took an envelope from his bag: “Here is three thousand, our last savings. The rest, we will pay back slowly.” “Fifty thousand, becomes three thousand?” I looked at them. “Dad, Mom, do you think I’m stupid?” “Jessica’s side has already spent the money.” Susan cried. “Bought gold, paid the wedding banquet deposit, really can’t take it out.” “Then go return it! Go ask for it!” My voice was shaking. “That’s my money! Why do you spend my money!” David suddenly knelt down. This fifty-eight-year-old man knelt in front of me. “Emma, Dad begs you, Jessica’s wedding really can’t be canceled. Her in-laws have already notified all relatives. If canceled now, how can she face people in the future.” “What about me?” I asked. “My wedding is less than a month away. You prepared two pairs of slippers for me. How do I face people?” Susan also knelt down: “Emma, Mom kowtows to you. Forgive us this time. We will definitely compensate you in the future.” I looked at my parents kneeling on the ground, heart feeling like cut by a knife. These are my parents. For someone else’s daughter, kneeling down to beg their own daughter. “Get up.” I said. They didn’t move. “Get up!” I roared. “You are forcing me like this! Telling me that if I don’t agree, it’s unfilial!” Lucas helped them up: “Uncle and Aunt, get up first. This doesn’t solve the problem.” David stood up, old tears flowing: “Emma, Dad knows we wronged you, but things are already like this. Just consider helping Jessica, helping us.” “Help?” I nodded. “Okay, I’ll help.” Their eyes lit up. “I’ll help you call the police.” I took out my phone. “Let the police handle it, see how to calculate this fifty thousand.” “No!” Susan rushed over to grab the phone. Lucas stopped her: “Auntie, Emma has already given you a chance.” Susan slumped on the ground, wailing loudly: “How did I raise such a cruel daughter like you! We raised you so big, just to be forced to death by you today!” “Cruel?” I squatted down looking at her. “Mom, when I was seven, Jessica grabbed my new dress, you said I was the older sister and should yield to her. When I was twelve, she broke my birthday gift, you said she didn’t do it on purpose. When I was eighteen, she peeked at my diary and broadcasted it everywhere, you said she was just curious.” “Now, she stole my fifty thousand, you say she is pitiful.” “Who is the cruel one?” Susan froze, unable to cry. David murmured: “Jessica has no parents, she is really pitiful.” “She is pitiful, so I deserve it?” I stood up. “Since you think she is more pitiful, then take good care of her. I don’t need you anymore.” I walked to the door and opened it: “Please leave, don’t come to find me again.” Susan wanted to say something more, but David pulled her back. When they walked to the door, David looked back at me. In that look was guilt, pain, but more of a resignation. They chose Jessica. Since the year she moved into my house at seven, they have always chosen her. The door closed. I leaned against the door, slowly sliding to sit on the floor. Lucas hugged me: “Emma, cry if you want to.” I couldn’t cry. My heart was already dead. Chapter 3 June 18th, my wedding. No parents attended, but I had Lucas, friends, colleagues. Lucas’s parents increased the betrothal gift from $8,800 to $18,800. His mother said: “Emma, from now on we are your mom and dad.” Wearing a rented wedding dress, standing on the stage, my eyes still couldn’t help searching. Knowing it was impossible, still hoping they would appear. They didn’t come. Halfway through the wedding, I received a text from Susan: [Emma, sorry, Mom can’t go today. Jessica’s wedding has some problems, we have to help her handle it. Wish you happiness.] I deleted the text, looked up, and smiled at Lucas. “I do.” After the wedding, I scrolled onto Jessica’s WeChat Moments. A grid of nine photos, all from her wedding scene. The last one was a family photo. My parents wearing new clothes, standing next to Jessica and her husband, smiling happily. Caption: [Thank Uncle and Aunt for giving me a second life. You are my biological parents.] Dozens of comments below, all praises. [Best Aunt and Uncle in China!] [Boundless love!] [Jessica is so blessed!] No one remembered that today was also my wedding. No one asked where my parents were. Lucas took away my phone: “Don’t look. We live our own life from now on.” I nodded, but the missing piece in my heart could never be filled. After marriage, Lucas and I moved into a rented apartment. Both our savings were taken by my parents. Not enough for down payment, could only continue renting. Lucas said: “It’s okay, we’ll save for another two years.” I started working desperately. Working during the day, taking private jobs at night, part-time jobs on weekends. Lucas persuaded me: “Emma, don’t push so hard. Health is important.” “I want to earn back that fifty thousand.” I said. “Earn it back cent by cent.” Three months later, I lost ten pounds but saved three thousand dollars. I deposited the money into a new card, writing on it: Own House. National Day, Lucas said: “Go home and see your parents, after all, it’s a holiday.” I shook my head: “That’s not my home.” “They are your parents after all.” “When they chose Jessica, they were no longer my parents.” Although saying so, in the dead of night, I still missed them. Missed the braised pork Mom made, missed the way Dad fixed bicycles. But thinking of that fifty thousand, my heart hardened. October 3rd, Susan suddenly called. Using a new number, I hadn’t blocked it. “Emma,” her voice was weak, “your dad is hospitalized, heart attack.” My heart tightened, but tone cold: “Oh.” “Doctor said bypass surgery costs ten thousand, we have no money.” “Where is Jessica?” I asked. “Didn’t she just receive a dowry of $68,800?” Silence on the other end. “Emma, Jessica’s money is in a fixed deposit, can’t be withdrawn.” “Then borrow money.” I said. “Don’t you love helping others the most? Now that you need help, go find those people you helped.” “Emma!” Susan cried. “He is your dad! Are you really going to leave him to die!” “My dad?” I repeated this word. “When my dad gave fifty thousand to someone else, did he think about me, his daughter?” “We were wrong… really wrong…” Susan cried heartbreakingly. “Your dad is now in ICU. Doctor says if no surgery…” “What does it have to do with me?” I hung up. Hand shaking, but I didn’t cry. Lucas looked at me: “Want to go see?” “No.” I said. “If I go, they will say again, biological daughter is better after all. Then continue to treat Jessica well.” I know them too well. Sure enough, the next day, Jessica posted on Moments: [Uncle sick in hospital, heartache. Transferred one thousand to Aunt, wish Uncle speedy recovery.] Image is transfer record. Below is another wave of praise: [Jessica so filial] [Aunt and Uncle didn’t love you in vain] I laughed. Ten thousand surgery fee, she transferred one thousand, and specifically posted on Moments. Really knows how to behave. Three days later, Susan called again. This time Lucas answered. After hanging up, Lucas said: “Your dad had the surgery, money borrowed from loan sharks.” “Oh.” “Your mom said Jessica agreed to pay back two hundred a month, but can only pay this much for now.” “Mm.” “Emma, you really don’t plan to care?” “Don’t care.” I said. “This is their choice, they bear the consequences themselves.”

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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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