Liam and I had been engaged for three years, and in that time, we’d tried to have our wedding 99 times. Every single one of them ended up getting canceled. Every time he arrived at the venue, his childhood friend, Seraphina, was guaranteed to stir up some drama. She’d threaten self-harm, stage dramatic accidents like jumping from a bridge, throwing herself in front of a car… It was painfully obvious to anyone with eyes that she deliberately didn’t want us to get married. Yet, Liam fell for it every single time. He’d always fall for it, rushing to her side without a second thought. On our 99th wedding day, Sera’s tearful call came in. “Liam, I’m trapped in a bar by a bunch of drunk, rowdy guys…” Liam’s face went absolutely white as he got the call. He threw down my bouquet and bolted. “Liam.” I grabbed his arm, my face devoid of all emotion. “I’m only going to ask you this once, and it’s the last time. Are you absolutely sure you want to leave?” Liam roughly yanked his arm free, annoyance clouding his features. “Skylar, how can you be so selfish? Our wedding can happen another time, but Sera’s life… she only gets one. She’s stuck with a bunch of drunk troublemakers right now; it’s dangerous! I have to go save her!” A laugh bubbled up from somewhere deep inside me. I let go of his arm. “Then go.” Liam gave me a grateful look. “Skylar, I knew you’d understand me.” “Next time, I promise, I’ll give you an even *more* unforgettable wedding.” There wouldn’t be a next time. After him bailing on our wedding so many times, even the guests around us were used to it. Even Mom and Dad just sighed, already looking at the calendar for the next available date. “Skylar, which day looks good for the next wedding?” “No need.” I shook my head. “I’m not getting married.” My words made everyone in the room turn their heads, their eyes wide with shock. Ashton’s parents went utterly pale, rushing forward in a panic to reason with me. “Elara, please don’t let that jerk get to you.” “You two have been dating for ten years, engaged for three. You were practically family already, please don’t do anything rash…” Mrs. Hayes gripped my hand, trying to be comforting. “I’m not being rash.” I pulled my hand away, my expression blank, and smiled. “Mrs. Hayes, you’ve seen it yourselves. Ashton always cares more about others. He even ran away from our wedding, a huge event like this.” “Since he’s not truly committed to marrying me, I don’t need to chase after him or be his doormat.” “Let’s just call off this wedding.” Once I changed out of my wedding dress, most of the guests had already left. Mrs. Hayes was on the phone, absolutely fuming. “You rotten kid, get back here right now!” “Even if Brooke dies out there today, it has nothing to do with you…” Mrs. Hayes had him on speakerphone. A loud commotion erupted on the other end, and Ashton’s voice, raw from yelling, barely cut through. “Mom, what are you saying…? I can’t hear you!” “Ugh, we’ll talk later. I’m busy right now.” But I clearly heard the thumping beat of a club, mixed with Brooke’s excited giggles. “Ashton, I knew you wouldn’t want me to be sad! You even ran from your wedding for me. Girls, count how many times this is now?” A few girls giggled, playing along. “Seriously, who in this whole scene doesn’t know Ashton dotes on you the most?” “If you’d just said yes to being his girlfriend, Elara wouldn’t even be in the picture!” “Brooke, you’re such a player! Just stringing him along like this, do you just enjoy the flirty vibe?” “Mrs. Hayes, I’m leaving.” My sudden voice startled her. She quickly covered the phone’s speaker and turned to look at me. “Elara, I’m so sorry about today. It’s all that conniving snake Brooke’s fault!” Mrs. Hayes still thought I was just sulking. “Sweetheart, I know you’re a good girl. This time, Ashton really messed up.” “I’ll make him get down on his knees and beg for your forgiveness another day.” I shook my head, my face serious. “Honestly, Mrs. Hayes, you don’t have to.” “You can’t force something that’s not meant to be. Just let him be with Brooke.” Seeing that I was serious, my parents finally stopped talking and drove me away from the hotel. Actually, I had already seen it when I first stepped out of the changing room. Just like the 98 previous wedding escapes. Each time he got away with it, Brooke would update her Ins story. This time was no different. Two photos: one of a man’s and woman’s hands, fingers intertwined. The other, Ashton pulling a delicate-looking Brooke into his arms. “I told you I’d always be his favorite.” “I just made one call, and he ran from his wedding to find me again, lol. He’s escaped his wedding 99 times for me. One more, and I’ll hit my target, then I’m all my childhood sweetheart’s!” “But seriously, his chest feels so safe.” After reading it, I casually tapped ‘like’. And commented: “Congrats.” On the drive home, my mom looked worried, holding my hand with a furrowed brow. “Elara, what are you going to do? When you said you weren’t getting married, was that just anger talking, or are you serious?” My mom couldn’t believe it either. After all, Ashton and I had been together for nearly ten years. Everyone thought we’d smoothly walk down the aisle and finally become family. We hadn’t broken up even during our toughest times. But everything changed the moment Brooke came back to town. I lowered my head and smiled. “Mom, I’ve never been more serious.” “To be honest, with each of his escapes, I’ve finally realized… I don’t really like Ashton that much anymore.” “As for a new husband—” I looked at my mom earnestly. “Didn’t you say Mrs. Miller’s son is coming back home these days?” “If he’s still single, I wouldn’t mind going out with him to see how it goes.” My mom’s face lit up with surprise at my words. “Elara, you’ve finally come to your senses??” “I always said Julian, Mrs. Miller’s son, is handsome and excellent. And he’s practically your childhood sweetheart! Yesterday, Mrs. Miller just told me he’s back home. We’ll set up a meeting for you two soon, you can get reacquainted.” I smiled and nodded, not saying much more. That afternoon, I booked a flight, ready for a trip to the Maldives. As I was boarding, Ashton called. I didn’t answer. By the time I landed in the Maldives, the missed calls had piled up to over thirty. I just swiped them away. After having my fill of fun, I posted some beautiful photos on Ins that night. Ashton was the first to completely lose it. “Elara, didn’t we say we’d go to the Maldives together? For our honeymoon, to take wedding photos? Why did you go by yourself?” “And you haven’t answered my calls or texts for two days. What’s wrong with you? Did I give you permission to ignore me like this?” Ashton called, full of accusations. I just felt a wave of irritation. If I hadn’t accidentally swiped and answered, how could I have picked up his call? Sure enough, before I could even open my mouth, Ashton jumped to his own conclusions. “Alright, alright, you’re just mad I ran from the wedding that day, right? It’s not the first time, why are you being so dramatic?” “Just have your fun and come back soon. It’s not safe by yourself in a foreign country. How are you going to manage all by yourself without a guy around?” “Okay, okay, I have to go. Text me when you’re back, alright? I’ll take you shopping for a new bag, treat you to a fancy dinner.” The call abruptly ended. If before his flimsy excuses would have broken my heart, now I felt absolutely nothing. Each time he made me angry, he used the same tired tricks to appease me. Like eating the same bland meal three times a day—anyone would get sick of it. I was just about to block him. Then a video notification popped up. It was from Brooke. In the video, Ashton, egged on by the crowd, took a sip of a drink and then shared it, mouth-to-mouth, with Brooke. Brooke deliberately licked his lips a few times, teasing him like a little wildcat. Finally, it ignited Ashton’s competitive streak. The next second, he pulled Brooke’s head close and bit her lip hard. “Ashton, are you a dog? You bit me, ow…” Brooke playfully hit his arm, feigning annoyance. The crowd around them egged them on. “Oh, what’s so special about that? These two have practically French kissed themselves senseless. Let’s play something more exciting!” “How about Truth or Dare?” Brooke stepped forward, grabbing Ashton’s tie, and asked the first question. “Have you ever slept with your fiancée?” Everyone leaned in, laughing, their eyes glinting with malicious amusement as they stared at Ashton. Ashton paused, his gaze softening as it fell on Brooke. “Silly girl, why would you ask that?” “No matter what I say, you’ll get jealous.” But Brooke wouldn’t back down. “So, what’s it gonna be? You and Elara have been together for almost ten years. No way you haven’t. Tell me the truth. And also, when you have a wet dream, do you dream about me more, or about Elara?” The crowd’s cheers grew louder and louder. Ashton, being flattered and unable to back down, finally gave in. “It’s you, Brooke.” “Elara has no curves, no spark in bed. How could she compare to someone as alluring as you?” As he spoke, Ashton’s hand provocatively reached for Brooke’s spaghetti strap top. The video abruptly cut off. Immediately after, Brooke sent another message. “Elara, I’m so sorry, but your boyfriend was ‘borrowed’ by me for another night.” “But I guess you’re so generous, always clinging to Ashton like a leech even after he’s run from the wedding so many times. You probably don’t mind, right?” I don’t know what I felt seeing all that. Ten years of sweet affection, all rotten in an instant. I stood up immediately and sent a message to Julian. “Send me a pic of your abs.” Julian paused for a minute before replying, “??” “What do you want to do?” Then he sent a voice message, his voice deep and magnetic. I just forwarded the provocative video Brooke had sent me. “What do you think? I need help getting revenge.” Julian actually sent me an abs picture. I frowned when I saw it. “Pull your waistband down a bit, make it more daring.” Julian hesitated for a good five minutes before finally sending another perfect abs picture. I was very satisfied. I added a caption and sent it to Brooke. “Sorry, I was busy sleeping with a man.” “Oh, you said you’re sleeping with Ashton again, right? No worries, I’m generous enough. That kind of man only lasts two minutes anyway, you can have him.” “Because, girl, I’m kinda busy right now. Don’t bother me, okay?” Brooke replied instantly with a shocked emoji. Still not satisfied, I decided to take it up a notch. I adopted Brooke’s fake innocent tone and posted on Ins. “My childhood sweetheart came with me to the Maldives, and he lets me touch his abs all I want. Turns out, if you just throw away your good girl image, you get to enjoy the good stuff. So happy—” Within minutes, the likes poured in. My friends commented like crazy: “Elara, why are you suddenly talking like a ‘green tea’? What happened to you?” “Abs?! Where did you get those? They’re not just a stock photo, are they?” My ego took a hit. Did they really not trust me? Did they think I couldn’t have a *real* childhood sweetheart with actual abs? Of course, there were also many congratulating me, saying I’d finally figured things out and started enjoying life. Only one comment stood out. “?? Elara, are you crazy?” It was Ashton. He started spamming my phone with calls. When I didn’t answer, he tried to find me on every social media account and shopping app he could, sending me messages. “Elara, what are you doing? Why is there another man next to you? Who is that jerk?” “I knew it, why did you suddenly go to the Maldives? Did that guy ask you out?” “I’m telling you, don’t easily trust other men. Guys out there are no good, they’re just trying to trick you…” “Elara, if you dare to cheat on me, I’m not letting this go!” I accepted his video call. I intentionally showed him my arm, wearing a sleep top, and only filmed a corner of the hotel room. Ashton’s face instantly darkened, and he roared. “Elara!” “Send me your location. Which hotel are you in right now?” “Tell me who that man is! I’ll kill him!” I thoroughly enjoyed watching his frustrated rage. So this is how satisfying it felt to easily manipulate someone’s emotions. Before, he had always been the one with the upper hand in our relationship. Watching me worry over him, get emotional for him, and feel jealous for him. He must have been enjoying that thrill. But sorry, it’s my turn now. Watching Ashton’s furious expression, all the frustration I’d felt before just melted away. “Ashton, stop pretending. What reason do you have to be angry?” “When you left me at the altar over and over, you put more than just one ‘green hat’ on my head.” “Even now, you’re still getting hot and heavy with your little childhood sweetheart. What right do you have to say anything to me?” “Besides, I’ve already broken up with you. You have no right to question anything I do.” Lying in my hotel room, listening to music, I was about to order some room service. Suddenly, Julian’s video call came through. “Elara, when did I go to the Maldives with you?” Oops. Caught in the act, my little Ins story lie had been found out by the actual person. I was about to make an excuse when my gaze slowly dropped, and the words caught in my throat. He wasn’t wearing a shirt in the video. His tempting abs were on full display. I casually reached for my teacup and took a sip, but I’d grabbed the wrong one. It was red wine. The next second, my cheeks burned, and I stared directly at him. “So… are you coming now?” Julian paused, then smiled. “You’re going to be the death of me.” “Wait for me.” Before, I’d only heard my mom say that Mrs. Miller’s son was incredibly accomplished, buying villas and driving luxury cars abroad. But I never expected him to be *this* accomplished. He told me to wait. I thought I’d be waiting a day or more. But two hours later, he arrived in a helicopter. I stood at the hotel entrance, stunned, staring at him. “You… are you some kind of top-secret government talent?” Julian smiled, looking incredibly handsome. “What? Can’t a guy fly a helicopter using his own savings?” He flicked my forehead. “Looks like you’re still as silly as you were as a kid.” Julian made himself right at home, pulling his suitcase directly into my hotel room. “Hey, Julian, can’t you just get another room?” “Why would I need another room?” Julian turned back, looking genuinely surprised. “Didn’t you invite me over?” He took a step closer. His handsome face was inches from mine. My cheeks flushed even hotter. “My mom told me you’re willing to date me, so you should be my girlfriend now, right?” “I was worried my girlfriend might get snatched away, so I rushed here immediately. Gotta keep an eye on my girlfriend.” Julian’s eyes crinkled in a smile as he said this. He didn’t hold back at all, picking up my wine glass and taking a drink. All the words I was about to say simply died in my throat. Alright, he really hasn’t changed since we were kids. “I bought a ticket for tomorrow, but I guess that’s not necessary anymore.” I looked enviously at the helicopter parked outside the hotel. Julian chuckled softly. “Cancel it, Elara. Marry me, and this helicopter is yours.” Of course, in my excitement, I got completely wasted. I finally woke up late the next morning. I was sprawled out across the bed. Julian unconsciously had an arm around my waist, his breathing even. I, however, acutely noticed the faint, familiar scent on him. He was still as quiet as he was when we were kids. I woke up a bit early, so I mindlessly scrolled through my phone. Suddenly, I saw Brooke had updated her Ins story. “My stomach hurt so bad last night. Went to the clinic and found out I’m pregnant…!” “That rotten childhood sweetheart really took things too far, so I had to go to the clinic for an abortion.” She also posted a picture: a small specimen jar with the contents pixelated, but you could still faintly make out what it was. “But I’ll keep this little ‘gift’ as a souvenir for him. Later, at his wedding, I’ll show it to his wife. She’ll have to thank me properly, right…?” I felt a wave of nausea and immediately blocked her. Two days later, I was back home. Julian dropped me off. As I was getting out of the car, a man grabbed me from behind. “Elara…” It was Ashton, reeking of alcohol. Feeling my body stiffen, he forcibly spun me around to face him. “Elara, where have you been? You’re not just getting back from the Maldives, are you?” He looked at me with a pained expression, but his eyes were fierce, like a wolf’s. He tried to check me for… marks, just like he used to, but I coldly pushed him away. “Ashton, we broke up a long time ago.” I am my own person, not his property. Besides, I had never checked up on him, always giving him my complete trust. But he had treated me like a fool. “Elara, stop being ridiculous. I know those pictures were just stock photos you downloaded from the internet to provoke me.” Ashton, acting like I was being unreasonable, frowned. “I told you, Brooke and I are just friends, it’s not what you think.” “And we’ve been together for 10 years, you’re destined to be my wife.” I couldn’t help but sneer. “The one you said had no spark in bed?” Ashton frowned. “Why are you being so nasty?” “Stop dreaming. I’m never marrying you.” Ashton lowered his head and chuckled, but his eyes gleamed with confidence. He said that if I didn’t marry him, I wouldn’t get my share of the profits from the company we’d invested in together. I looked at him coldly. “Are you trying to cheat me?” Ashton scoffed softly. “How is this cheating? It was all in black and white when we signed the contract. Don’t believe me? Take a look.” I glanced down, and sure enough, it was true. It stated that the profit share could only be received if we were married. But I definitely didn’t remember agreeing to such a predatory clause. Ashton looked smug. “Elara, what other choice do you have now besides marrying me?” “If you want that money, you’ll marry me whether you like it or not.” “So just wait. When I’m in a good mood, I’ll plan the wedding. Then, even my money will be yours.” But I just sneered. “No need. You can have that money or not, I don’t care. I guess it’ll just be your funeral fund.” After all, Julian and I had already planned to settle abroad after we got married. Our businesses here wouldn’t be as necessary. With that, I turned and walked upstairs, ignoring his shouts. The next morning, I went to the company to handle my resignation. Ashton finally looked grim, realizing I was serious. “Elara, are you really leaving? You poured ten years of your heart into this place. Can you really give it up?” I ignored him. Just then, the door opened. Julian walked in, holding some bridal gown designs for me to choose from. “Take a look at this one, what do you think?”

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When I got to Liam’s place, he opened the door, yawning widely. I just stood there, right at his doorstep, and said, “We’re over.” Liam froze, a confused look on his face. “Baby, what did I do wrong this time?” “You didn’t answer my calls,” I stated, my voice flat. He chuckled, reaching for my hand like he always did. “I was up too late playing games with the guys yesterday, so I slept in a bit today. Didn’t even hear my phone ring. To make it up to you, how about I get ready and we go to that restaurant you’ve been dying to try?” Liam and I had been together for seven years, and he clearly thought I was just being dramatic again. I pulled my hand away coldly. “No, thanks. I’m leaving.” He never truly took my words seriously. And if that’s the case, then I don’t need him. “Just because I missed your call this morning?” Liam grabbed my wrist, “Baby, seriously, stop being difficult, okay?” “I really didn’t mean to. I just bought a new game yesterday, played a little late, and I told you that.” I pulled my hand away, my voice cold, “I don’t want to say anything more. Let go.” Liam persisted, “You don’t like Thai food? Then let’s go for European? There’s a trendy new European place downtown, how about we go there together? I just bought a Fujifilm…” I looked at Liam. “I don’t like it anymore.” Liam froze. Just then, Chloe, wearing a loose-fitting pajama top, walked out of the guest room behind him. “What’s going on, Liam? You guys woke me up in the guest room.” I looked at a sleepy Chloe, and a sudden laugh escaped me. Oh, right. Liam’s ‘best friend.’ The one who’s a girl. And it was her who sent me a really suggestive photo, making me believe Liam had slept with her. Chloe walked up to me, grinning. “Audrey, what happened?” Liam rubbed his temples. “Missed her call, she’s throwing a fit.” Chloe’s eyes widened, and she quickly came over, linking her arm through mine. Her tone was overly familiar, “Audrey, Liam and I pulled an all-nighter playing games last night. He really didn’t miss your call on purpose! The game just launched, and I got really into it, so I kinda dragged Liam into an all-nighter. Please don’t be mad at him, he really didn’t mean it…” “We’re not that chummy, Chloe.” I pulled my arm away, looking at Liam. “Did you change the password?” Liam frowned, clearly confused. I repeated myself, “Liam, the door code to your apartment has been changed. I can’t get in.” Liam denied it, “How could that be? My door code has always been our anniversary…” I turned my gaze to Chloe beside me. Sure enough, she spoke up, “Liam, a few days ago, you had the guys over for a party, and most of them don’t know Audrey, so I just went ahead and changed the door code. It’s no big deal, right? You can just change it back. Audrey, you’re being a bit uptight about it…” Liam sighed, looking at Chloe. “Chloe, Audrey isn’t as laid-back as you. She’s sensitive, and it’s totally normal for her to care about these things. Just apologize to her, okay?” He rubbed his temples, his voice tired. I chuckled sarcastically, taking a step back. “No, thanks. I can’t be as ‘generous’ as your ‘best friend.’ Your buddies may not know me, but they sure know how close you and Chloe are. Chloe shows up at your place with a game, you let her in, even stay over. She even changed your door code. So, Liam, why don’t you two just move in together, get married, and I’ll be there to raise a toast to your happy union, how about that?” “Audrey, that’s too much.” Liam frowned, taking a step forward, unconsciously shielding Chloe behind him. “Chloe and I go way back If anything was going to happen, it would have happened already. What are you being so unreasonable about now? And we played games so late yesterday, I couldn’t just send a girl home, could I? Besides, she stayed in the guest room last night. Don’t be so aggressive, Audrey. Chloe’s right, it’s just a code, you can just change it back.” “If anything was going to happen, it would have happened already,” he says. I choked back the bitter taste in my throat, staring intensely at Liam. “So, you *do* realize Chloe is a girl.” Liam flinched. I turned and walked away without hesitation. Chloe’s voice drifted from behind me, “Liam, Audrey’s so mad, aren’t you going to go after her?” “It’s fine. We’re almost engaged. She’s just throwing a tantrum, she’ll get over it, it’s no big deal.” Liam’s voice wasn’t loud, but it pierced my ears. But he didn’t know I was already preparing my documents to study abroad. I wouldn’t be turning back.

Back in my shared apartment, I packed my luggage. “Audrey, are you moving in with your boyfriend already?” Mia, my roommate, came out of her room, hearing the commotion. “Ugh, you’re really not renewing the lease? Wish you two all the happiness!” I had a moment of disorientation. It was true, Liam and I were the poster couple of our university, and I’d told Mia I’d move in with him once my lease was up. Everyone thought we’d tie the knot. The thought made my hands pause. I offered an explanation. “No, we broke up.” Mia blinked. “What? But you and Liam were the poster couple of our university. What happened?” “I just fell out of love,” I replied succinctly. Mia looked confused. “That doesn’t make sense. Liam’s handsome, and he was so good to you. He went out of his way to remember everything you liked, he took you to concerts and art exhibitions, practically anything you asked for. One time you got your period and I wasn’t there, he came rushing over in the pouring rain at like, 3 AM, just to take care of you… He was just asking me if you’d liked anything recently. How could you suddenly fall out of love?” How could I suddenly fall out of love? Perhaps she was talking about the Liam of the past. The boy who held me in his palm, who shielded me from everything. Not the boyfriend who would now accuse me of being aggressive, all because of a ‘best friend.’ It was that simple. I forced a bitter laugh. “Maybe… it’s just because he didn’t pick up my call this morning.” Seeing that I didn’t want to elaborate, Mia sighed and didn’t press further. A while later, she shook her phone, asking cautiously, “Is it because of Chloe?” She opened Ins. It was a new post from Chloe, a grid of nine photos of her and Liam playing games. The center photo was them, heads practically touching, Chloe’s head almost on Liam’s shoulder. They were both holding controllers, laughing like crazy. The other photos were all screenshots of their high scores, their names topping the server leaderboards. Clearly, they’d been playing well. The comments section was filled with Liam’s buddies’ praise: “Damn, Chloe, you’re a beast! That clear speed is insane!” “Only Liam can actually keep up with Chloe’s skill. I still haven’t even beaten the first boss. Chloe, when are you gonna ‘carry’ me? Or get Liam to ‘carry’ me, that works too!” “Is it just me, or do Chloe and Liam both look amazing? Talk about a power couple!” Anyone who didn’t know would think Chloe and Liam were the couple who’d been together for seven years and were about to get engaged. I finished packing my suitcase. Before I could say anything, Mia looked at the comments and started ranting, “No, seriously, is Liam completely clueless? How can he not realize how suggestive these photos she’s posting are? And his ‘bros’? It’s obvious they’re rooting for him and Chloe! Where do you even fit in?” “The gaming console they’re playing on was my birthday gift to Liam,” I added calmly. “And the night before last, he just promised me he wouldn’t cross any lines.” “I get it.” Mia looked at me with concern, then gently hugged me. “Audrey, we don’t need a guy like that. We just don’t. But your lease is up, where are you going to live now?” “I’ll crash at my aunt’s place for a bit. It works out, I can quit my job and go overseas for advanced studies.” I looked at Mia, smiling. “Don’t worry about me. With my qualifications, I can get any job I want.” Mia sighed. “You’re right. I mean, you only joined this company because Liam was involved. We all thought you’d keep going with your studies, everyone knows how brilliant you are in research. But promise me you’ll take good care of yourself. Call me if you need anything, your ride-or-die always has your back.” “I will!” I nodded. Just then, Liam sent me a SnapChat message: “Baby, are you feeling better? I ordered you fried chicken and bubble tea. Please don’t be mad at me, okay? [puppy eyes emoji]” I stared at that message for a long time, then blocked and deleted all his contact information.

After a quick greeting with my aunt and dropping off my luggage, I took a cab back to the university. I was there to pick up my official English and Chinese transcripts, and to say goodbye. I walked along the newly renovated track, listening to the cheerful laughter of the younger students around me, when I ran straight into the last people I wanted to see. Liam and Chloe. Chloe was intimately linked arm-in-arm with Liam. The moment she saw me, a bright smile spread across her face. “Audrey, you’re here too?” Liam hurried over. “Why are you back at school? I was just about to call you. The delivery guy told me you didn’t pick up your stuff?” I gave him a cold glance, my eyes lingering on Chloe’s arm linked with his. Liam finally registered it, awkwardly pulling his arm away. “Chloe said she wanted to see my alma mater, so I brought her for a walk.” “Yep, I always regretted not seeing Liam’s university,” Chloe chirped, sidling closer . “Liam and I are total bros. We’ve been like this for years, it’s just how we are. You don’t mind, do you, Audrey?” I was so disgusted, I turned to leave. But Liam grabbed me, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance, “Audrey, are you still mad? I know you won’t calm down that quickly. I bought you your favorite bag. Please don’t be mad, forgive me, okay? I promise I’ll never miss your call again!” He pulled out an exquisite gift box from his backpack. It was a designer bag from a luxury brand, the latest model—exactly the one I’d mentioned liking on Ins a while back. Memories flooded back. Liam in college was always like this. He would remember every casual preference I mentioned, and he’d especially keep track of my period. Every time he made me angry, he’d send me essay-long apologies, coaxing me until late into the night. He was also generous, buying me flowers and gifts. I often overslept and missed breakfast, so he’d wake up early to bring me food, saying he needed to take care of my stomach. When I was down and stayed up late, he’d chat with me, keeping me company. When I asked if he shouldn’t be telling me to sleep, he’d say my feelings came first. His thoughtfulness and tenderness had completely captivated me. And that’s why, time and again, I softened after Chloe appeared. Chloe suddenly chimed in, “Liam put so much effort into this bag! We went to so many stores!” She patted Liam’s shoulder proudly. “In the end, I was the one who helped him pick this color. It really suits Audrey, doesn’t it?” I snapped my head up. “You picked it?” Liam smiled and nodded. “Yeah, Chloe always has great taste.” Chloe looped her arm around Liam’s neck. “Well, duh! What do you expect? My taste is legendary!” Liam naturally put his arm around her waist, both of them laughing without a care in the world. The sight felt like a needle twisting in my gut. “Liam.” My voice began to tremble. “Do you remember what you said on our first date?” He paused. “What?” “You said, ‘Audrey’s gifts have to be picked out by me, and only me, because I’m the only one who truly knows what she loves.’” I hurled the gift box at him. “And now?” The packaging scattered on the ground, revealing the exquisite bag inside. “I…” Chloe’s face changed . “Audrey, what’s that supposed to mean? I was trying to help, and I messed up?” “Shut up!” I cut her off. “I’m talking to Liam. It’s not your place to interrupt!” Liam frowned. “Audrey, don’t be like this. Chloe’s my best friend. Give her some respect.” “Best friend?” I scoffed. “Since Chloe came back, how many times has she tracked you down using the excuse of ‘it’s been ages’? Last time we were on a date, you left me alone in the restaurant after she called. This time, you let her stay over at your place again. I’ll say it again: if you two get married, don’t send me an invitation. I’d rather not deal with that.” People around us had already stopped to stare. “Last time, I pulled some serious strings to get front-row tickets to Liam’s favorite esports tournament, and our other buddies were there too!” Chloe pouted, arguing back. “Liam, I even told you to buy flowers then! Didn’t you say it was all sorted?” “The flowers then… were also chosen by you?” I trembled all over. That night, I threw a huge fit. It was the first time I’d questioned my feelings for him so deeply. But Liam came back, apologized profusely, and brought a huge bouquet of fresh flowers, coaxing me until the middle of the night. I also knew that his favorite player was in that tournament, so I forgave him. “What else?” Chloe said smugly. “Do you really think Liam, Mr. Oblivious, would have figured that out? Audrey, since I came back, all your gifts? I helped Liam pick them out.” I stared at Liam in disbelief. “I saw that you really liked what Chloe picked, so I didn’t interfere,” Liam awkwardly turned his head away, reaching out to grab my hand. “Audrey, let’s find somewhere to talk properly. There are too many people here.” “No need.” I slapped his hand away, taking a deep breath. “Liam, you disgust me!” The early winter wind stung my face, but I felt no cold, only kept walking forward. Liam didn’t follow.

I don’t know how long I walked until a gentle voice called from behind me. “Audrey?” I turned. Julian Hayes. Liam’s college roommate. We were in the same student club when we first started university. Since we both loved literature, we were pretty good friends. But after I started dating Liam, Julian and I deliberately kept our distance, and we gradually lost touch. “It really is you.” He hurried down the steps. “Long time no see.” “I remember you, Liam’s college roommate,” I habitually tied him to Liam’s name, avoiding eye contact. “What are you doing here?” “I’m an assistant professor in the Economics department now.” He lowered his gaze. “You? Back to pick up documents?” I nodded, suddenly feeling a lump in my throat. Julian subtly noticed my emotions but didn’t ask further. He glanced at his watch. “Want to grab a coffee?” I hesitated. “Okay.” “I heard you’re going abroad for advanced studies?” he asked directly. I was surprised. “How did you know?” “Professor Davies mentioned it.” He pushed up his glasses. “He regretted that you were leaving, said you could have stayed to do your PhD here.” I looked down, stirring my coffee. “Some things… I need a change of scenery.” Julian didn’t press. Instead, he took a folder from his bag. “Here’s some information I compiled on a few schools. Considering your research focus, I think these might suit you.” I opened the folder. Inside were not just detailed introductions to the universities, but also the strengths of each economics department, professor information, and even estimated living costs in those areas. “This… this is so thorough.” I looked up at him. “When did you prepare all this?” “I started gathering it when I heard you were going abroad,” he said calmly. “After all, I spent a few years overseas, so I have some experience to share.” We talked for a long time. Julian didn’t ask a single question about Liam. He just meticulously analyzed the pros and cons of each university, even mentioning a few projects that I’d never considered but were perfect for me. “If you need a letter of recommendation,” he said as we were leaving, “I’d be happy to help.” I hesitated. “Can I… get your contact information?” Julian took a business card from his pocket. “This is my work email and phone number. Feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions.” “My name is Julian Hayes.” His manner was polite and restrained, maintaining just the right amount of distance. I nodded, not mentioning that I actually remembered his name. “Got it.” By the time we left the coffee shop, it was already dark. “Audrey,” Julian suddenly called out to me. “No matter what you decide, remember to live for yourself.” I knew he’d seen it. He’d seen Liam and me. “I know.” My reply was soft, almost lost in the wind.

I didn’t rush to leave. If I left now, who knew when I’d be back. I walked aimlessly, unconsciously finding myself in front of the economics faculty building. The lecture hall on the third floor was still lit. It was where Liam and I first met. During freshman microeconomics, Liam was late, rushing into the classroom and bumping into me in the front row. He awkwardly helped me pick up my scattered books, then looked up with an apologetic smile. “Excuse me, sorry about that.” His eyes were so bright back then, as if full of starlight. Later, he told me he’d actually noticed me earlier that day and deliberately bumped into me to strike up a conversation. I laughed, calling him manipulative, but he just said seriously, “Because the moment I saw you, I knew I had to get to know you.” I kept walking, reaching the small garden behind the library. There was a bench there, a place where we often went on dates. Liam always loved reading me his poems there. They weren’t very good, but his ears would flush bright red every time. “Audrey,” he suddenly put down his notebook one time, taking my hand. “I promise I’ll give you the best life someday.” His palm was warm, and his eyes were so firm I believed that promise would surely come true. Around the corner was the cafeteria. In our sophomore year, I had a high fever. Liam skipped class and waited in line for half an hour to buy me my favorite congee. When he delivered it to my dorm, the congee was still piping hot, but he was shivering from the cold. “Eat it while it’s hot,” he said, pressing the congee into my hands. “I specifically asked the auntie to add extra ginger.” These memories flashed through my mind like a carousel, each scene as vivid as yesterday. Liam truly once gave me his whole heart; those meticulous acts of care weren’t fake. But when did it change? Probably after Chloe came back. Chloe was Liam’s high school classmate, who’d returned from overseas last year. The first time we met, she casually put her arm around Liam’s shoulder. “Liam, your dad missed you!” Liam laughed, playfully punching her arm. “Get lost, who’s your son?” I stood by awkwardly. Liam then remembered to introduce me. “This is my girlfriend, Audrey.” “Hi, Audrey!” Chloe grinned, extending her hand to me. “Liam and I were always like this in high school, so don’t mind us, okay?” I managed a strained smile and shook her hand. That night, Liam reassured me, “Chloe just has a really laid-back personality. We were in the same class in high school, and we’re super close. Don’t overthink it.” I nodded, not saying much. But later, Chloe’s appearances became more and more frequent. She would always call Liam away under the guise of “buddies’ night out,” sometimes even during our dates. “Audrey,” Liam would look at me apologetically. “Chloe says it’s urgent…” “Go ahead,” I’d say every time, not wanting to seem petty. Last month, we were celebrating our anniversary at a restaurant. Chloe called, saying she’d gotten tickets to Liam’s favorite esports tournament. “It’s tonight!” Her voice on the phone was excitedly piercing. “Liam, hurry! The other guys are already there!” Liam’s eyes instantly lit up, and he looked at me expectantly. I put down my knife and fork. “Go ahead.” “Audrey’s the best!” He kissed my forehead. “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow!” That night, I ate the double-portion meal alone. When I got home, I saw a message from Liam: “Chloe’s amazing! We’re in the front row! [photo]” In the photo, Chloe was practically plastered against Liam, flashing a victory sign. I turned off my phone, spending a sleepless night. The next day, when Liam returned, he brought a large bouquet of roses and a necklace. “Don’t be mad anymore,” he said coaxingly. “I brought you flowers and a gift.” I should have realized the problem then—but I still chose to forgive him. The cold wind made me shiver, and I realized I’d unconsciously walked to the campus gates. My phone buzzed. It was a message from Julian: “Thought about it? Do you need me to contact professors for you?” I took a deep breath and replied, “Thanks, I want to go to the London School of Economics. It would be great if you could introduce me to Professor Davies’ former mentor.” After sending that message, I took one last look at the campus, then turned and headed for the subway station.

Actually, I had given Liam one last chance. That year, because of Chloe and his lack of boundaries, I was angry and hurt countless times. During all the times my feelings for him wavered, and all the times I softened and forgave him, I always said one thing: “Liam, I hope you’ll keep some distance from Chloe.” He then said he’d take me to his buddies’ gathering so they’d all understand my importance to him. I looked into his eyes then and nodded. There were about seven or eight people in the private room. Chloe was there too, leaning against Liam, scrolling on her phone. As soon as I sat down, I heard a guy opposite me mutter under his breath, “Who’s this…?” The atmosphere in the room immediately became awkward. Liam tried to lighten the mood, raising his glass. “Today, I brought everyone together mainly to formally introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Audrey.” Everyone raised their glasses half-heartedly. Chloe, meanwhile, openly rolled her eyes. After a few rounds, the conversation gradually turned to games and basketball. I was completely excluded, forced to look down at my phone. “Liam, water.” Chloe suddenly held an opened bottle of water to Liam’s lips. Liam instinctively took a sip from her hand, then realized and awkwardly glanced at me. “Chloe, my girlfriend’s here…” “Oh, come on, we always used to do this, didn’t we?” Chloe said indifferently. “Audrey, you’re being a bit too controlling.” Liam awkwardly changed the subject. My stomach lurched, and I stood up to go to the restroom. When I returned, I heard laughter coming from the private room in the hallway. Through the half-open door, I saw Chloe wrapping her arm around Liam’s neck, playfully chiding him, “I said it was a buddies’ night, why’d you bring a plus-one?” “Exactly,” another guy chimed in. “I feel a bit awkward with Audrey here.” Liam laughed, gently pushing Chloe away. “Stop it, Audrey will be upset.” I pushed the door open. The laughter in the room instantly died again. I didn’t stay any longer. That night, back home, Liam tried to explain, “Chloe just loves to joke around, don’t take it to heart.” I looked at him for a long time. Finally, I told him to keep his distance from Chloe. He agreed. That night, for the first time, he didn’t reply to Chloe’s messages. He also bought me a bouquet of flowers and apologized sincerely. I thought he finally understood. Until the next day, Chloe sent me suggestive photos of her and Liam, with a message telling me that my boyfriend was sleeping sweetly beside her. I called Liam, but he never picked up. I took a cab to his place, and then discovered that the door code had been changed. This time, I was truly exhausted.

The day my study abroad approval came through, Julian sent me a message, saying he wanted to celebrate. “Just as a farewell among friends,” he said on the phone. “I know a good Cantonese restaurant.” I hesitated, thinking of his help, and finally agreed. “Okay, thank you.” Julian chose a window seat. When I arrived, he stood up and pulled out a chair for me. “Congratulations.” He handed me an exquisite gift box. “Just a small gift.” Inside the box was a fountain pen, with my name and “Future full of promise” engraved on it. I was about to say something when a commotion erupted behind me. “Liam, I’ve wanted to try this place for ages!” A familiar voice pierced my ears. “I heard their roasted goose is incredibly authentic!” I froze, knowing without turning who it was. Julian subtly noticed my reaction. His gaze went over my shoulder, and his brow furrowed. “Want to change places?” he asked quietly. Before I could answer, footsteps approached. “Audrey,” Liam’s voice was filled with disbelief. “What are you doing here?” I took a deep breath and turned around. Liam stood a few steps away, Chloe by his side, followed by a few of his buddies. They looked like they’d just come from a gathering, Liam’s face flushed with a slight tipsy glow. “Eating,” I replied curtly. Liam’s gaze darted between me and Julian, finally settling on the fountain pen. His expression slowly darkened. “You already found your rebound, huh?” he sneered. “No wonder you were so eager to break up.” I felt a wave of dizziness, my fingers unconsciously clutching the napkin. “Liam,” Julian suddenly spoke. “Watch your tone.” “What’s it to you?” Liam’s voice rose sharply. “My girlfriend and I’s business is none of your concern!” “Ex-girlfriend,” I corrected him, my voice surprisingly calm. “We’ve already broken up.” Chloe suddenly cut in, her gaze at me challenging. “Liam, don’t be like that. Audrey… I mean, Ms. Su, is free to eat with whoever she wants.” Liam pushed Chloe’s hand away and strode up to me. “Just because I didn’t answer your call? Just because Chloe stayed at my place? You were that desperate to hook up with Julian? He had a crush on you in college, did you think I didn’t know?” I looked at his distorted face, suddenly feeling utterly alien. This was the man I’d loved for seven years. “Slap!” A crisp slap echoed through the restaurant. Liam’s head was turned, a red mark quickly appearing on his face. “That slap,” my voice trembled but was exceptionally clear, “is for slandering me and Julian. When you were all over Chloe, how come you didn’t see anything wrong with that?” Chloe shrieked and rushed forward. “How dare you hit Liam!” She reached out to push me, but Julian swiftly blocked her. “Get lost!” I slapped Chloe back. “That slap is for constantly trying to drive a wedge between us.” Chloe clutched her face, staring at me in disbelief. Liam finally reacted, pulling Chloe behind him. “Audrey, are you crazy?” he roared. “What’s gotten into you?” “What’s gotten into me?” I laughed, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. “Liam, think about it. Who pushed me to this point? It was you, choosing Chloe again and again. It was you, trampling on my boundaries again and again!” The restaurant manager hurried over. Julian whispered a few words to him. The manager nodded, then turned to Liam and his group. “Guests, please leave.” Liam’s buddies exchanged glances. One of them murmured, “Liam, maybe we should just go…” Liam flung away the hand trying to pull him, staring fixedly at me. “Fine, whatever. Audrey, you want to break up and be with Julian? Forget about it!” He turned and stormed out. Chloe scurried after him, not forgetting to shoot me a venomous glare over her shoulder. The restaurant fell silent, all eyes on us. My legs suddenly felt weak, and I almost collapsed. Julian quickly caught me and led me back to our table. “Drink some water,” he offered a glass of warm water. “Do you need to go to the hospital?” I shook my head, cupping the water glass with trembling hands. “I’m sorry, I ruined your celebration.” I forced a smile. Julian shook his head. “It’s not your fault. ” He hesitated, then asked, “Are you canceling your study abroad plans?” “No.” I wiped away my tears. “I’m definitely going.”

Outside, Liam and his group stood by the road, waiting for a car. “Liam, Audrey was too much today,” Chloe said. “In front of all those people…” “Shut up,” Liam pushed her away irritably. “Isn’t this because you insisted on coming?” “I was just worried about you!” Chloe whined. “And was I wrong? She’s always been like this, trying to control everything, even you playing games with your friends…” Liam suddenly erupted, “What do you know! If it weren’t for you—” “Liam,” Julian stood by the restaurant entrance at some point, a lit cigarette between his fingers. “Seven years, and you still don’t understand why she left?” Liam turned to Julian. “What’s it to you?” He sneered, “Don’t think I don’t know, in college you—” “Yes, I liked her.” Julian calmly cut him off. “But I never crossed any lines.” He exhaled a puff of smoke, his gaze sweeping over Chloe’s arm linked with Liam’s. “Unlike some people, who clearly have a girlfriend, but are still all over their ‘best friend’.” Chloe’s face changed. “We were just—” “Just what?” Julian chuckled. “Good friends?” He looked at Liam. “Then how come she has one meal with me, and you freak out?” Liam’s face was ashen. “She won’t come back,” Julian stubbed out his cigarette. “This time is different.” Liam suddenly laughed. “What are you putting on an act for?” He pointed at me inside the restaurant. “We’ve been together for seven years. Don’t I know her temper? This is just a bigger tantrum than usual…” His voice gradually faded, as if trying to convince himself, “Once she calms down…” Julian shook his head, his eyes almost pitying. “You simply don’t deserve her seven years of love.” A taxi arrived. Julian turned to leave, but Liam suddenly called out to him. “Aren’t you leaving to pursue your PhD soon?” His tone was maliciously certain. “She won’t go with you.” Julian paused, then smiled without looking back. “We’ll see.” An inexplicable panic surged through Liam. He suddenly wanted to go back into the restaurant and apologize for his words, but Chloe held him back. “If you go now, Audrey will just yell at you again. Girls are all the same, just ignore her for a few days, she’ll realize how good you are, and she’ll come crawling back to you. Come on, we were going to the internet cafe, weren’t we?” Liam took a deep breath, casting one last look at my retreating figure. “Okay.”

It wasn’t until I boarded my flight, when Liam saw that I hadn’t softened my stance and had blocked all his contact information, that he finally panicked. “He came running to ask me where you went!” Mia said, huffing, on the phone. “I told him you went overseas for advanced studies, quit your job! Gone! Never coming back! And I chewed him out! Don’t worry, I didn’t tell him you just left today. I had no idea you went through so much! Ugh, I take back all my ‘he’s a good boyfriend’ ratings! Him and Chloe should just be locked together, the boundary-less guy and the manipulative faux-tomboy!” I gazed at the clouds outside the airplane window, softly humming in response. Truthfully, as the one involved, I felt neither sorrow nor joy anymore. “Oh, right,” Mia suddenly lowered her voice. “Is Julian with you? His lab assistant said he was supposed to leave last week…” My eyes unconsciously fell on the seat in front of me—Julian was looking down, reading a book. “Audrey,” Mia chuckled mischievously. “Are you two…” “No,” I interrupted her. “Just friends.” After hanging up, Julian suddenly turned around. “Want a blanket?” He handed me a soft wool blanket. “It’s a ten-hour flight, easy to catch a chill.” I took the blanket, then suddenly asked, “Why did you rebook your flight?” The cabin was quiet. His eyelashes cast a small shadow beneath his eyes. “I told you.” “The lab documents?” Julian closed his book, looking directly into my eyes. “I wanted to be with you.” “I know you don’t want to talk about this right now,” his voice was soft, “but Audrey, it’s been seven years. This time, I want to fight for myself.” I clutched the blanket, my throat tight. “You don’t have to answer now.” He smiled, opening his book again. “We have plenty of time.” I turned my head away, saying nothing. The plane passed through the clouds, and sunlight suddenly streamed in. In a daze, I remembered many years ago, Liam reaching out to me in the sunlight: “Excuse me, your book.” Back then, we both thought we’d be together forever. Now, I was about to start my life anew.

Chloe’s messages came even faster than Liam’s attempts to reach me. I had just finished class when my phone started vibrating wildly. Unknown numbers flashed on the screen, followed by over a dozen unread message notifications. “Audrey, what the hell did you say to Liam?!” “He won’t even pick up my calls now! He’s just looking for you all the time!” “Why are you acting so high and mighty? You think you’ve won?” I emotionlessly swiped the screen open. The latest message was a voice note. I tapped it, and Chloe’s hysterical voice was piercingly loud in the quiet hallway: “Do you know how many years Liam and I have known each other? Just because of a petty woman like you, he won’t even invite me to buddies’ gatherings anymore! Are you happy now?” I scoffed, ready to block her, when the next message popped up: “You think Julian Hayes is some good guy? He had a crush on you in college, and now he’s just taking advantage! And you’re just accepting it, aren’t you?!” My finger paused. Chloe’s message reminded me of that day in the restaurant when Liam had questioned my relationship with Julian with the same malicious tone. I opened the reply box, typed a few words, then deleted them. Finally, I just replied: “Liam and I have broken up. Your affairs have nothing to do with me.” After sending that message, I decisively blocked the number. My phone finally fell silent. I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of the academic building, watching the sycamore leaves drift outside. When did the love I once fiercely defended turn into something so ugly? Another small memory surfaced. That time, Liam and I had planned to go to the movies. Right before we left, Chloe called, saying her computer was broken and asking Liam to fix it. Liam agreed without a second thought, not even asking me if we could reschedule our movie. That day, I waited at the movie theater for two hours, and then watched the film alone. When I got home, Liam still righteously said, “Chloe had project files on her computer, it was really urgent.” With such a grandiose excuse, any further complaint from me would make me seem unthoughtful. The most ridiculous part was that whenever I expressed dissatisfaction, Liam would say, “Why are you so petty? Chloe just has a laid-back personality, she doesn’t mean anything by it.” And now, he finally realized the problem? Too late, unfortunately. My phone vibrated. It was a message from Julian: “Are you going to the alumni reunion?” A little over a month into the semester, returning to academia felt like a sponge soaking in water, eagerly absorbing knowledge. “No.” “I’m going back to the States next week; my advisor has a collaborative project that needs to be discussed in person.” His next message popped up. “They’re pushing me to attend the reunion.” I understood. “Then go ahead. Remember to say hi to our old professor for me.” “Okay.” He paused, then sent another message. “Liam will probably be there.” “Doesn’t concern me.” Walking into the lab, I pushed all trivial matters out of my mind. I had more important things to do now: new data to analyze, a seminar to prepare for next week, and a paper from my advisor still waiting to be written. My life had its own clear path forward. I only regretted how much I let myself be constrained by love before. 10. Two weeks later, I was organizing data in the lab when Julian’s video call request suddenly popped up. I wiped my hands and answered. The background on the other end of the screen was a restaurant in the US. “Alumni reunion?” I raised an eyebrow. “Yeah,” he nodded, the camera shaking slightly. ” There’s something I think you should know.” I put down the test tube in my hand. “What is it?” “Chloe’s here,” his voice was very low. “She wasn’t invited, but she managed to sneak in with someone else.” I frowned. “And?” Julian’s camera suddenly panned towards the main hall. Through the screen, I saw Chloe grabbing Liam’s arm, refusing to let go. Liam’s face was very grim, he tried to shake her off several times, but Chloe clung to him like superglue. “Liam, what do you mean?” Chloe’s voice was sharp enough to be heard even through the screen. “Just because of one word from Audrey, you’re abandoning your friends?” The surrounding classmates stopped their conversations, awkwardly watching the scene unfold. Liam’s face went from red to white. He violently shook off Chloe’s hand. “That’s enough!” Chloe stumbled, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re yelling at me?” “I should have yelled at you a long time ago!” Liam’s voice carried a suppressed fury. “It’s because you don’t know your boundaries that Audrey left me!” The entire hall fell silent instantly. Chloe’s face paled. “Liam, you bastard! How many years have we known each other? All for some woman—” “She’s not ‘some woman’!” Liam almost roared. “She was my girlfriend for seven years! If it weren’t for you constantly crossing lines, we never would have broken up!” Chloe’s tears suddenly welled up. “Me crossing lines? We always used to interact like this, didn’t we? Why didn’t you say I was crossing lines then?” “Because I was stupid!” Liam’s voice suddenly dropped, filled with deep self-reproach. “I was stupid enough not to realize your intentions, stupid enough to hurt Audrey again and again…” Chloe abruptly grabbed a wine glass from the table and splashed it at Liam. “Screw you! Liam, do you think Audrey will ever come back? She’s already with Julian—” The scene descended into chaos. Julian quickly turned the camera back to himself, his expression somewhat complex. “That’s how it is.” I was surprisingly calm. “I see. What a ridiculous farce.” I paused, then asked, “What happened next?” “Chloe ran off crying. Liam chased after her to apologize, saying he spoke too harshly, but he hoped she’d understand they really needed to keep their distance,” Julian pushed up his glasses. “But judging by Chloe’s reaction, their relationship is probably completely over.” I softly hummed, unsure how I felt. “Audrey.” His gaze through the screen met mine directly. “Liam has changed a lot these past few months you’ve been abroad.” I lowered my eyes. “People change.” Just like he suddenly fell out of love, and then suddenly fell deeply in love again.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298775”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Julian, who I’d been in a cold war with, posted an Ins story. “A hundred likes and we’re done!” Within minutes, it already had ninety-nine hearts. I knew Julian was waiting for me to cave, to sweet-talk him, admit I was wrong, apologize, and win him back – just like I’d done the eight times before. But this time, I was genuinely exhausted. Quietly, I tapped the heart icon, bringing the count to a full 100, finally granting Julian his breakup wish. From that day on, I stopped checking his Ins. Instead, I focused entirely on avoiding any contact with him. Ten days later, Julian’s friend, Sam, messaged me. “Julian’s been waiting for you to come around. It’s his birthday tomorrow. If you buy him a gift and go celebrate with him, you two can make up!” I simply replied with two blunt words: “Can’t make it.” And I really couldn’t. My flight to start classes at the University of London was taking off tomorrow. Julian, as you wished, we’ll never see each other again. Julian allowed Sera, the scholarship student sponsored by his family, to change my college applications. When I found out, I absolutely lost it on him. Julian didn’t see anything wrong with it. Instead, he thought I was being dramatic and overreacting to a harmless prank. “It was just a prank, not like it couldn’t be undone. Sera was having a bad day, and I was just trying to cheer her up.” “She’s not mad anymore, so just change it back, okay?” My voice trembled, shaking with disbelief at Julian’s utterly dismissive attitude. “So, she gets to mess with someone else’s college applications just because she’s in a bad mood? Do you even realize this is a serious offense? I could totally press charges!” “I told you I told her to do it! The responsibility is mine! If you want to sue, sue me!” “It’s a tiny issue! We found out, so just change it back, right? You’re being so immature! Chloe, if you keep being so dramatic about this, I’ll have to reconsider our relationship.” Julian knew I couldn’t live without him. He always threatened to break up with me whenever we argued. Before Sera came along, Julian and I had a perfectly harmonious relationship. But ever since Sera appeared, we’d been constantly fighting because of her. This was the ninth time we’d argued over Sera. The previous eight times, Julian had always used the threat of a breakup. And I, spineless as ever, had always caved, backing down and swallowing my pride. This time, he was just as confident I’d give in because I loved him. He waited for me to offer an olive branch, to apologize and beg him to reconcile after his threat. But I didn’t back down like the previous eight times. Just now, watching Julian impatiently scolding me while smiling down at his phone, texting Sera back… I suddenly felt utterly meaningless. I had no intention of apologizing. I just stood there, my face tight, saying nothing. Julian waited for a moment. When he saw no signs of me backing down, apologizing, or admitting fault, he clicked his tongue, picked up his phone, and walked away. I sat alone in the chair, staring blankly at the computer screen. I don’t know how long I sat there, lost in thought, when my phone rang. A few voice messages came through. I tapped to listen, and it was Sera’s sweet, saccharine voice: “Is Chloe mad because of my prank? Maybe you should call her, have her come over, and I’ll apologize to her in person?” Then Julian’s impatient voice: “No need! If she wants to be mad, let her. I’m not her dad, I can’t keep coddling her!” “Oh, Julian, you really shouldn’t talk like that. Girls need to be pampered, you know. You’ll just make Chloe misunderstand and push her further away.” “I don’t have time to coddle her, let her do what she wants! She thinks too highly of herself. If it wasn’t for my grandpa forcing me, I wouldn’t have bothered with Chloe. She’s so clingy and always crying. I’ve been sick of her for years!” “That’s true, Chloe is such a crybaby, always bursting into tears over nothing. I’ve never seen such a dramatic girl.” This was Liam, Julian’s friend. “Exactly, she’s such a drama queen, always making a scene. Every time I mention breaking up, she just cries and apologizes, begging me to stay. It’s been exhausting for years! I wish she’d just leave me alone. Then I could finally get rid of her!” Liam laughed nearby: “Getting rid of Chloe? That’s impossible. She’s a stage-five clinger. I bet if you don’t go home tonight, she’ll come crying to you tomorrow, apologizing and begging for forgiveness.” “Come on, come on! Let’s make a bet, whoever loses buys dinner!” 2 Julian didn’t come home that night. And I didn’t bombard his phone with calls asking for his whereabouts like before. After my parents passed away, Mr. Hayes took me into his home, and Julian and I grew up together, attending the same schools. Julian always looked out for me. If I was ever bullied at school, he was the first to stand up for me. Julian and I were always in the same school from elementary to middle to high school. I moved into the Hayes’ home when I was eight, spending ten years, day in and day out, with Julian. He remembered my period cycle, and he’d brew me ginger-brown sugar tea when I had cramps. He’d even buy my tampons for me. We were inseparable, as if we were one person. Because of this, everyone always joked I was Julian’s future wife, practically raised for him, and Julian never denied it. It’s safe to say that after ten years of constant companionship, I had grown accustomed to Julian being an integral part of my life. I truly believed I couldn’t live without him. I had always dreamed of a future with Julian: we’d get into the same university, graduate together, get married, and have children. I always thought Julian and I would never have any real rifts between us. It was a shame our peaceful harmony changed with the arrival of Sera, the scholarship student sponsored by the Hayes family. Sera approached the Hayes family in her sophomore year of high school. Her mother was ill and needed a staggering million dollars for medical treatment. Sera pleaded with the Hayes family, kneeling before Mr. Hayes and kowtowing repeatedly, begging him to save her mother. A million dollars was nothing to the Hayes family, and Mr. Hayes was a very kind man. He agreed to help Sera, and her mother received the necessary treatment. Seeing Sera’s pitiful situation, her diligence, and her filial piety, Mr. Hayes even arranged for her to transfer to our school. He also provided a house for Sera and her mother to live in, rent-free. Julian and I both knew Sera’s story and felt immense sympathy for her. We would go together to visit her mother in the hospital. We would also help Sera with her studies. The three of us had been harmonious until that day. I went to deliver some chicken soup our housekeeper, Mrs. Davis, had made for Sera’s mother. At the hospital room door, I overheard Sera and her mother’s conversation. Sera’s mother, Vivian, asked Sera, “Has your relationship with Julian progressed?” “Yes, Julian really likes me. It’s just that Chloe is clinging to him like a leech, so it’ll take some time to separate them.” “Well, hurry it up then! The Hayes family is the richest in Northwood City. If you can snag their son, your chance to change your destiny will come. We’ll live in a big mansion, drive luxury cars, and never have to live this cheap, poor life again.” “Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll definitely get Julian!” I never expected to hear such words. Shocked and disbelieving, I made a small noise, and then Sera and her mother discovered me standing at the door. 3 Both their faces flashed with panic. A knot formed in my stomach. Knowing that Sera and her mother might be faking their pitiful situation to gain the Hayes family’s sympathy, I debated whether to tell Julian everything. But before I could even tell Julian, Sera beat me to it and gave me a chilling preview of her tactics. She arranged to meet me and tearfully explained that it was all her mother’s idea. Her mother was sick and thought she didn’t have much time left, so she just wanted to find a good match for Sera. It was her mother’s wishful thinking, and Sera was only reluctantly playing along to humor her. She even kowtowed to me, begging me not to tell Julian. I believed Sera and reached out to help her up. Instead, she grabbed my hand, and we both tumbled into the park lake. I knew how to swim and frantically climbed ashore, shouting for help. Sera, however, couldn’t swim and almost drowned. She’d inhaled too much water and spent several days in the hospital before waking up. When she woke up, Sera accused me of pushing her into the lake, claiming I tried to murder her. She also said I was jealous of Julian helping her and that’s why I attacked her. Of course, I denied Sera’s accusations. I told Julian that Sera had deliberately pulled me into the water. I thought Julian would believe me and take my side. But I was terribly mistaken. Julian frowned at me. “Chloe, just tell me how our relationship was at that moment, don’t lie to me!” “I’m not, everything I said is true, Sera deliberately pulled me in.” “Chloe, Sera can’t swim at all, and you can.” Julian thought since I could swim and Sera was a “land duck,” Sera wouldn’t possibly risk her life to frame me. “She knew I’d call for help! Julian, Sera and her mother are plotting to seduce you to live a better life…” I had no choice but to reveal Sera and her mother’s plan for him. Julian sighed, “Chloe, what can I say? Even if you like me, you can’t just frame other girls, can you? I really don’t like it when you do that!” Julian didn’t believe a single word of my explanation. He told me that just a few days ago, Sera had proactively approached him, saying I disliked her. And Sera’s mother, Vivian, not wanting to affect my relationship with Julian, had already approached Mr. Hayes, proposing they move out of the house the Hayes family provided. The mother and daughter had already rented a tiny, run-down apartment elsewhere. Mr. Hayes asked Vivian why she wanted to leave, and Vivian stammered, saying she didn’t want Sera’s presence to cause misunderstandings between Julian and me. Vivian’s words subtly implied that I was secretly bullying Sera because of Julian. Sera and Vivian voluntarily moving out seemed to prove their innocence. And my words at that moment, exposing Sera and Vivian’s plan, were seen by Julian as jealousy, an attempt to frame them and drive them away. Julian didn’t believe me. In the end, because of Sera’s self-orchestrated drama, he had Sera and Vivian move back into their original house from their dilapidated apartment. Julian said this was compensation to them for the harm I had caused Sera. I was utterly unable to defend myself, becoming seen as a cunning, heartless person in this whole affair. I never imagined I’d be manipulated by Sera and Vivian. I was indignant and desperately tried to prove myself, to show that Sera was two-faced. But Sera and her mother were too cunning. Not only did I fail to expose their ulterior motives, but I was also manipulated by them time and time again. 4 Sera was found bullied and locked in the restroom, and she claimed I was the mastermind. She had an upset stomach during an exam and accused me of giving her milk laced with laxatives. I, being naive, was no match for a calculating schemer like Sera. Her tactics were vicious and endless. No matter what I said, Julian wouldn’t believe me. Later, Sera deliberately stole and tore up my parents’ old photographs, provoking me into slapping her. She made sure Julian witnessed it, solidifying his belief that I had truly been bullying her. Julian’s disappointment in me reached its peak. He brought up breaking up time and time again because of Sera. And I, time and time again, swallowed my pride, begging to reconcile, hoping to find a flaw in Sera’s story. Sera’s game was just too strong; I truly couldn’t beat her. She found out about Julian and my university pact and even came up with the wicked idea of destroying my admission ticket. She followed Julian to his home, secretly entered my room, stole my admission ticket, and destroyed it. Fortunately, I discovered it in time and got a replacement, preventing a major catastrophe. Sera was despicable and shameless, using countless underhanded tactics against me in private, yet appearing the picture of innocence on the surface. She would cry on cue, bringing up her tragic background, her sickly mother who still struggled to live by picking up trash. I didn’t know if Julian genuinely liked her and had fallen for someone new, or if he just pitied her. All I knew was that Julian hurt me again and again for Sera, and I, in my desperation, humiliated myself time and time again to win him back. I genuinely couldn’t bear to let go of my relationship with Julian. I was also truly desperate to make Julian see the real face of that conniving, two-faced Sera. Unfortunately, my efforts never succeeded. Instead, I pushed Julian further and further away. Ten years of Julian’s care and affection—he had become an irreplaceable part of my life. Cutting him out would be agonizing. So, when Julian frowned at me and proposed breaking up because of Sera, I chose to retreat and apologize time and time again. But this time, hearing Julian’s impatient and indifferent tone in Sera’s voice messages from last night, I finally saw how pathetic and foolish I had been. It turned out Julian didn’t believe me not because Sera’s methods were brilliant, but because Julian had actually grown tired of me in his heart. He was standing against me all this time just to get rid of me. Fine, Julian, as you wish. I won’t grovel for reconciliation this time! And the university application you let Sera modify for me? I won’t change it back!

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On my wedding day, I woke up at five, only to find the makeup artist already doing the bridesmaid’s face. “Liam paid extra, so I’m doing an extra bridesmaid’s makeup.” Harper, the makeup artist, slowly and deliberately applied foundation to Skylar. “The bridesmaid wanted you to get more sleep, so she woke up early for me to do her first.” “Cassie, don’t worry, I’ll be done in a sec!” Skylar flashed me a sweet, yet somehow calculating smirk. I noticed she wasn’t wearing the bridesmaid dress I’d prepared. Instead, she was in a pure white gown, identical in color to mine. I stood rooted to the spot, a scorching wave of fury washing over me. My hand shot out, angrily dialing Liam’s number. “First, my makeup artist is only doing *my* makeup today.” “Second, get your childhood friend, that bridesmaid, to immediately change into the dress I picked out!” Liam sounded groggy, barely awake, a hint of exasperation in his voice. “Cassie, baby, why are you being so difficult?” “Skylar told me the bridesmaid dress you got was too big, it didn’t fit her right.” “And about the makeup, Skylar’s just not the type for all this glam, she barely knows how to draw her own brows…” I cut him off. “You either agree to this, or there won’t be a wedding.” The phone line went silent for a beat. Leo Johnson sighed, his voice raspy. “…Is it really that bad, sweetheart?” “Forget it. Happy wife, happy life. Hand the phone to Chloe, I’ll talk to her.” I handed the phone to Chloe Reynolds. Her face went stark white the moment she answered. Her eyes welled up with tears. Like she was the one who’d been wronged. “Leo, today’s your big day. I just wanted to look beautiful, was that so wrong?” “So, a bridesmaid has to look like a forgotten shadow? How insecure must a bride be to demand her bridesmaids actively dull their shine?” I knew those words were meant for me. But I didn’t even lift my head. This bridesmaid gig was Leo’s idea, shoved onto me. It was only right he dealt with it. A week ago, Leo suddenly told me. He’d found three groomsmen, but I only had two bridesmaids. He needed me to find one more. I was still wondering who to ask when he just pushed his childhood best friend on me. “Chloe has been with us since forever, like family. She’s the only girl in our whole crew of guys.” “The other three are groomsmen, and she’s just a regular guest? It’ll look like we don’t value her.” “You need a bridesmaid anyway, so why don’t you just ask her?” Leo said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. A strange feeling of distaste rose in me, and I wanted to refuse. But then he started badgering me relentlessly, sweet-talking me until I couldn’t say no. My refusal got stuck in my throat. I ended up agreeing. That very evening, the night I agreed, was our pre-wedding get-together with friends. It was my first time meeting Chloe Reynolds face-to-face. She was completely bare-faced, rocking a simple white tee and jeans. She looked bright, cheerful, and utterly innocent. When she saw me, she was overly enthusiastic. She immediately linked her arm through mine. Calling me “Leo’s lady.” “Leo really struck gold! To find a girlfriend as beautiful as you, Leo’s lady!” “None of his previous girlfriends ever impressed us, but now he’s finally bagged a real catch!” She pulled me with her left hand and Leo with her right, making us sit down. Their excessive familiarity made me even more uncomfortable. “Thanks, Leo’s lady, for letting me be a bridesmaid! Otherwise, these guys, with their twisted minds, would’ve made me a groomsman!” Noah, one of Leo’s old buddies, chimed in: “We already got your groomsman suit made! You’re our group’s favorite, Chloe! Leo’s wedding, you absolutely have to be center stage!” “What are you talking about? Leo’s lady is center stage!” They were all in sync, feeding off each other’s words, almost like a well-rehearsed act. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. The entire party, I felt like an outsider looking in. They drank and played games, and Leo instinctively shielded Chloe from drinks. When they were tipsy, Chloe draped her arm around Leo’s neck and they sang “My Best Bud” together. It made everyone tear up. “Leo, from tonight on, you’re not just *mine* anymore…” “Tell me, are we going to be best friends forever or what?” She yelled into the microphone at Leo. I’d reached my breaking point. I slammed my glass down and walked out. It was because of that party that Leo and I argued for a whole week, only making up the day before the wedding. The bridesmaid situation was set, no changing it now. All I wanted was to get married peacefully. But Chloe was still stirring up trouble. I couldn’t stand this kind of humiliation. If things didn’t go my way today. This wedding, it wasn’t happening. 2 They bickered back and forth for a while. Chloe finally caved. “Leo, today’s your big day. I definitely can’t drop the ball.” Her eyes were watery, like she was about to cry any second. After a moment, she finally changed back into the correct bridesmaid dress. I sat at the vanity, letting the makeup artist work on me. I ignored her. An hour later, my makeup was done, and she came over, wearing a full face of her own. It was almost laughable. Leo had actually told me she barely knew how to put on eyeliner. Her makeup looked perfectly fine, didn’t it? She was such a good actress. Everything was ready. My mom, Sarah, and my best friends, Harper and Skylar, were bustling around for me. Setting up props for games, preparing tea and water for the tea ceremony… Only Chloe was glued to the couch, scrolling through her phone. A constant stream of TikToks blared from her device. It made me even more agitated. Harper spoke up before I could: “Um… Chloe, we’re going over the games for later. Would you mind boiling some water for us?” She acted like she hadn’t heard a thing. Continuing to stare at her phone. “…Chloe?” “I’m here to be a bridesmaid, not the bride’s maid.” “It’s just a wedding, not a coronation. She really thinks she’s a princess.” She glared at Harper, her face cold. She didn’t move an inch until the groom’s party arrived. But the moment she heard them, she perked right up. Hiking up her dress, she rushed to the front. The bridesmaids had set up a series of questions; only by answering correctly could the door be opened. Chloe suddenly cut Harper off, asking abruptly: “Leo, when was the very first time we slept together?” The words hung in the air, and the entire room fell silent. Harper couldn’t hold back anymore and shoved Chloe back. “Are you here to sabotage the wedding?” “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all!” On the other side of the door, Leo looked like a deer in headlights. “Chloe, don’t talk nonsense! We’re just good friends, when did we ever sleep together?” Noah, one of the groomsmen, didn’t spare him. “Leo, remember that cabin trip to the mountains in high school, when there was only one room? The five of us piled onto one bed, and it was freezing. You were worried Chloe would be cold, so you held her the whole night!” “Shut your damn mouth, Noah!” Leo’s voice was filled with sheer panic. “Avery, don’t listen to their nonsense!” My nails dug into my palms. I bit back the urge to explode. Harper quickly changed the subject. After a few irrelevant questions and collecting some cash gifts, the door finally opened. Next up was finding the shoes. I just wanted to get through the process quickly. But the shoes were nowhere to be found. Leo was pacing frantically. The groomsmen almost tore the place apart. Then Harper leaned in and whispered in my ear: “I think I just saw Chloe secretly throw something out the window downstairs… It couldn’t be the shoes, could it?” My heart dropped. Rage surged through me, and I stopped caring about appearances. I yelled, “Chloe Reynolds, did you throw my wedding shoes out the window?” She flinched, her face slightly pale. “…No, I didn’t.” “No, huh? There’s a security camera in the room. We can just check it and see.” Chloe visibly panicked. “…I just wanted to make the game a little harder.” “Chloe, are you insane?” Leo finally snapped. He bolted downstairs. A moment later, he came back, holding my wedding shoes, now covered in dirt. His face was whiter than paper. “Avery… this…” My mom, Sarah, saw the shoes, and her face turned livid. “Leo, what is your friend thinking?” “Today’s your big day! Is she here to ruin it?” “Mom, Mom, it’s all my fault…” “Don’t call me Mom. I’m not your mother until you’ve poured me tea.” The atmosphere dropped to freezing point. Those brainless groomsmen tried to smooth things over. “The shoes were found, weren’t they? Is there any need to get so angry?” “Leo, you’re overreacting. Chloe didn’t mean it, she’s practically in tears, can’t you see?” “Everyone just shut up! Today’s my wedding, and my wife is the most important person here!” Leo looked at me cautiously. “Avery, I’ll clean the shoes right away.” I shook my head. “I won’t wear those shoes.” “Go buy me a new pair right now.” “Avery, you don’t need to be a drama queen about this, do you? Just cleaning them would be fine!” I took a deep breath. I snatched the shoes from Leo’s hand and threw them directly at Noah. “This is *my* wedding. If you’re not happy, you can leave.” “You—” “Enough! I’ll go buy the shoes right now!” Leo tore off his suit jacket and stormed out the door. Half an hour later, he returned with a new pair of shoes. Leo was drenched in sweat. “Avery, it’s all my fault. Please be the bigger person and don’t hold this against me.” He knelt on one knee and put the new shoes on my feet. Then he carried me bridal style to the car. Chloe stood nearby, her eyes red, looking like she’d suffered the greatest injustice. I couldn’t be bothered with her; I just hoped she’d have the sense to get lost right now. But she was completely shameless. She actually followed us and got into the car too. I had no idea then that she was cooking up something nasty to sabotage me. 3 The rest of the preparations went smoothly enough. We were about to make our grand entrance for the ceremony. At this crucial moment, my mom was suddenly called away by Mrs. Johnson. A chill ran down my spine, a vague premonition of something bad. But I tried to convince myself I was just overthinking. Leo and I walked hand-in-hand down the aisle. The Officiant finished the blessings, and the Emcee concluded the opening remarks. According to the rehearsal, it was supposed to be Leo and my turn to exchange vows. But the Emcee suddenly sprung a surprise on us, announcing an extra segment. No one had ever informed me about this segment. I turned to glance at Leo. Then I tugged at his sleeve. But he wouldn’t look at me, his profile a roadmap of guilt. “This is a custom from the groom’s family’s hometown, a new bride must pass a ‘threshold ritual’ before she can truly enter their home!” I had never heard of anything called a “threshold ritual.” Just as I was about to ask, several groomsmen suddenly grabbed and held me down. “What are you doing?” Harper tried to stop them from touching me. But the groomsmen were big, hulking guys, and Harper couldn’t pull them off. The scene started to get chaotic. “Leo Johnson! What is the meaning of this?” I demanded loudly. Leo’s face was filled with distress. “Avery, this is a wedding custom from our hometown. If you don’t pass this test, you can’t truly enter our family’s door.” “Just bear with it… I’ll make it up to you when we get home!” Someone kicked my knee. I stumbled, directly falling to my knees. Noah pressed down hard on my head. Calling out to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson: “Aunt and Uncle, please come!” It was then I finally understood what this “threshold ritual” meant: I had to kneel while Leo’s male relatives stepped over my head. It was a vile symbol of their dominance, meant to break me and assert their power over the bride. “Avery, just bear with it, it’ll be over soon!” Leo’s voice was trembling. He sounded like he was heartbroken for me. But from beginning to end, he just stood there watching. He did nothing. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the first to step over me. Then came his Grandpa Johnson, Uncle Robert, and Uncle David. “Leo Johnson, you bastard!” I screamed, but the groomsmen pressed me down even harder. Chloe’s voice, full of schadenfreude, drifted to my ears. “This is our hometown tradition. If you want to marry Leo, you have to pass this test.” My carefully styled hair was already a mess. My wedding dress was covered in footprints from the groom’s family. My mom, having been lured away, had no idea what was happening. My bridesmaids, looking shaken, tried to rush up to help me. But Leo’s family had already surrounded me. The scene was a total mess. A wave of despair washed over me. Was this the wedding I had dreamed of…? I don’t know how long it lasted, but this segment finally ended. I didn’t want this wedding anymore. My bridesmaids were all looking disheveled and shaken, helping me up and trying to get me off the stage. Just then, Mrs. Johnson spoke again. “Avery, it’s not over yet.” “There’s one more ritual.” “Get lost! I’m not doing this wedding!” I screamed at the old woman. But they didn’t give me any chance to get off the stage. Leo’s family brought out a large bucket. A foul stench wafted over, making me want to vomit. “Avery, you must reach into this bucket of foul-smelling manure water and pull out eggs. The number of eggs you retrieve will determine how many sons you will bear.” Mrs. Johnson’s face was a network of wrinkles as she smiled. “Whoever wants to scoop can scoop! I’m not doing it!” “Avery… this is the last part, I beg you, please listen to my mom.” Leo groveled and pleaded with me. Seeing that sickening expression on his face, I felt nothing but disgust. I kicked off my heels, ready to leave the stage. Noah actually grabbed me again. “If they tell you to scoop, you scoop! What’s with all the talk?” “Don’t touch me!” I struggled fiercely. But my pristine white wedding dress was already splattered with filthy manure water. My wedding had been utterly destroyed. My bridesmaids tried to help me, but they were blocked by two other groomsmen. Chloe, on the side, was still directing. “Hurry up! Strip their clothes off!” “These girls are so pretty, aren’t you tempted?” “Strip their clothes off, and tonight they can be your brides!” Chloe stood there, hands on her hips, excitedly watching the spectacle. The guests in the audience couldn’t stomach it anymore. They started to protest. But Mr. and Mrs. Johnson insisted it was just a normal ritual. “Entering our Johnson family’s door isn’t that easy.” “We won’t accept this daughter-in-law until she’s been put through the wringer.” Chloe linked arms with Mrs. Johnson, calling her “Auntie” with a sickeningly sweet familiarity. “Auntie, after today, she’ll definitely be obedient and know who’s boss in the family.” Mrs. Johnson’s eyes narrowed into slits as she smiled. “I saw this new daughter-in-law was unruly. It’s a good thing you suggested putting her in her place. Once she’s in our Johnson family, she’ll know her place and keep quiet!” “But Chloe, if you were marrying Leo, I would never, ever let them do this to you.” “It’s a shame you and Leo weren’t destined to be… we won’t have the chance to be mother and daughter-in-law.” Chloe sighed with regret. “Auntie, just treat me like your own daughter.” “Regardless of whether Leo is married or not, my feelings for him will always be the same.” Listening to their conversation, a fire ignited in my chest. It burned hotter and hotter. I glared, grabbing Noah’s arm, and bit him hard. He yelped in pain. Immediately letting go of me. I stumbled off the stage, picking up two bottles of white wine from a guest table, one in each hand. Then I smashed both bottles over the heads of the groomsmen who were harassing my bridesmaids. Both men were bleeding. “…Avery, are you insane?” Leo’s face was filled with disbelief. As if I had done something utterly outrageous. “Avery… they were just joking around, did you have to go that far?” I dropped the wine bottles and slapped Leo across the face. Chloe tried to rush in and stop me, so I gave her a slap too. The entire venue finally fell silent. “Leo Johnson, what do you mean, ‘joking around’?” “How about I ‘joke around’ with you like this, huh?” “This wedding is off! I’m not putting up with this anymore!” “You rotten family, all of you, get lost as far as you can!” Then, I bowed deeply to all the guests attending my wedding. “I apologize for making you witness such a farce. I truly cannot go through with this wedding. For those who gave cash gifts, you can collect them at the door shortly.” With that, I pulled my two best friends, and without looking back, we left the wedding venue. 4 “Avery, are you okay…?” My two best friends, Harper and Skylar, looked disheveled but still tried to comfort me. The calm I had maintained suddenly fractured. My eyes stung. I rubbed them fiercely, then wrapped my arms around my friends. “I’m fine. This whole mess today just showed me the true colors of the Johnson family.” Harper sniffled. “I checked. They do apparently have customs like that in their old hometown, but that was decades ago.” “And the wedding pranks weren’t supposed to happen before the ceremony, but *after* the reception. Their family doing this now was clearly just to mess with you.” Even if Harper hadn’t said it, I knew. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were not happy with me as their daughter-in-law. During our engagement, when our parents first met, they disapproved because I came from a single-parent family. Then they complained about my high education, saying a woman with a Ph.D. would be too strong and would likely dominate their son. I was already uncomfortable then. But Leo sweet-talked me relentlessly, almost kneeling to convince me to continue with the wedding. Looking back now, I was just blinded by his words. Leo and I met during a hiking trip. He pursued me for a whole year before I agreed to be with him. We dated for five years. Throughout those five years, I knew he had good guy friends, and also one female friend. But he never introduced them to me. As a boyfriend, he wasn’t bad. Thoughtful and gentle, everything revolved around me. After we got together, he never went out drinking with his friends again. Even for company dinners, he’d report to me beforehand. He said he was willing to be completely devoted to me, a “wife-controlled man.” The world could be big, but his wife was bigger. Back then, I actually believed him. Now, I realize it was just his sugar-coated bullets. Meeting his friends right before the wedding. That’s when the cracks started to show. His friends were not friendly to me. Especially Chloe Reynolds. Chloe liked Leo; I could see it at a glance. The only reason they hadn’t gotten together all these years was probably because neither of them dared to acknowledge their true feelings. My appearance was just an accident. If I had known this would be the outcome. I would never have agreed to marry him. Someone like him deserves to be tied to Chloe. The more I thought about it, the more wronged I felt. I started to cry. Just then, Mom finally arrived. She saw me, covered in dirt and looking distraught, and her eyes widened in shock. “What happened…? Avery, why are you like this?” My friends explained the whole story to her. Mom trembled with rage, then stormed towards the wedding venue, saying she was going to get justice for me. “My daughter, whom I raised like a treasure, treated like this by them!” “Those bastards! I’m going to have a word with them!” I stopped Mom. “Don’t go, Mom. There’s no reasoning with those people.” “If we try to reason with them, we’ll just end up getting more upset.” “Mom, I don’t want this wedding anymore. If I married him, who knows how much more I’d have to put up with afterwards.” Mom wrapped her arm around my shoulders, her eyes red, and nodded firmly. “Avery, no matter what you decide, your mother will support you. My only wish is for you to be happy.” The four of us took a taxi back to the hotel. I bought plane tickets for the earliest flight home the next morning. I didn’t want to stay in this awful place for another second.

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“Mr. Sullivan, I just sent you a copy of the divorce agreement. It’s the one my husband and I signed on our wedding day. Are there any issues?” I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, my fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of my phone. “Miss Miller, I’ve reviewed the agreement. Everything seems to be in order,” Mr. Sullivan’s professional voice came through the phone. “You have one month until the three-year term is up. Once it expires, the agreement automatically takes effect. You’ll just need to go to the courthouse to finalize the divorce.” “Alright, thank you.” Hanging up, I looked up at our wedding photo on the wall. In the picture, I wore a pure white gown, my eyes crinkling into happy crescents from smiling. Beside me, Alexander Thorne stood tall in a sharp suit, his face handsome, yet devoid of even a hint of a smile. Love and indifference, clear as day. “This day is finally almost here. You must be so happy, right?” I murmured to myself, my fingertip gently tracing the man’s cold profile in the photo. The front door clicked open, and I quickly withdrew my hand, turning to greet him. “You’re back.” I took the suit jacket Alex had shed, then knelt to help him into his slippers, my movements practiced as if rehearsed a thousand times. Alex loosened his tie, his expression cool and distant. “The Thorne Corporation’s anniversary gala is next month. I need you to attend.” My hands, still smoothing his jacket, paused. I shook my head. “I can’t make it.” “Why not?” Alex frowned. I was about to speak, but Alex suddenly seemed to understand, his eyes turning cold. “Is it because I’ve been with Isabelle Dubois lately? I told you on our wedding day that I have someone I love. You also said you wouldn’t interfere.” My heart twisted painfully, as if someone had torn a gaping wound inside me. Right. What kind of husband tells his wife on their wedding day that he’s in love with someone else and makes her sign a pre-nup for divorce three years later? I was just doing as he wished; I wouldn’t be here next month, so I couldn’t attend the gala. Three years ago, the Miller and Thorne families, two of the most powerful dynasties, announced their upcoming alliance through marriage. I had secretly loved Alex since childhood, and when I heard I would marry him, I was ecstatic. But on our wedding night, Alex handed me a divorce agreement. “I have someone I love, but her family is ordinary, and the Thorne family won’t accept her,” he said, his tone cold, his words blunt. “I’ll use these three years to become the head of the Thorne family. Then, no one will dare to object. For these three years, we’ll keep up appearances as a married couple, and when the term is up, we’ll divorce.” That night, I signed as he wished, but cried all night in the bathroom. Yet, less than three months into our marriage, Isabelle Dubois, after having a spat with Alex, vanished without a trace. Alex searched for her like a madman, using every connection he had, but there was no news of her. During that time, he didn’t come home for nights on end, and when he did, he was always reeking of alcohol, his eyes dangerously dark. Until one late night, he returned completely drunk and slammed me onto the bed. His kisses fell, thick with the smell of liquor, but his words were— “Isabelle… why did you leave? Why are you with someone else? Don’t you trust me?” I froze, my heart clenching so tightly I could barely breathe. So… he had found her. But Isabelle was already with someone else. That night was my first time, but Alex held me and called out another woman’s name all night. The next morning, Alex saw the bloodstains on the sheets, his eyes faltering for a moment, but he said nothing. I, too, acted as if nothing had happened, preparing fresh clothes for him, and even gently reminding him of an important meeting before he left. I pretended to be unaffected, but inside, my heart was bleeding. From then on, I treated him with even more careful devotion. He had a sensitive stomach, so I woke up early every day to prepare a light, stomach-friendly breakfast. He was stressed with work, so I learned massage techniques to help relieve his fatigue. He preferred quiet, so I never made a fuss in front of him, even walking lightly. Gradually, Alex seemed to treat me like a wife. He started bringing me small gifts when he returned from business trips. He’d make me a cup of cold medicine when I caught a flu. He even held me as he fell asleep late at night, his palm resting on my waist, his body heat searing. Alex never mentioned the divorce again, as if the agreement had never existed. I even naively believed that perhaps he really would fall in love with me. Until three months ago, when Isabelle broke up with her boyfriend and returned home. Alex almost immediately went back to her side. He ate with her, shopped with her, and even canceled important meetings just because Isabelle said she was “feeling down.” I stood at the window, watching Alex’s car drive towards Isabelle’s apartment once again, and finally understood. True love is true love. No matter how much I gave, it couldn’t compare to a single glance from Isabelle. Thankfully, the three-year contract marriage was finally nearing its end. I told myself that these three years were just a dream. Now, the dream was over, and it was time for me to leave. “Why aren’t you speaking?” Alex’s voice broke through my reverie. I stared at him, my throat tight. He… didn’t remember the divorce agreement? For three years, I had counted every day, terrified that the moment the term expired, he would leave without hesitation. But now, he seemed to have completely forgotten about it. I opened my mouth, about to remind him, when Alex’s phone suddenly rang. As soon as he answered, Isabelle’s tearful voice came through. I couldn’t make out what she was saying, but I saw Alex’s face instantly change. “Don’t be scared, I’m on my way.” He hung up, grabbed his car keys, and rushed out. In his haste, he slammed into my shoulder. I stumbled, my back hitting the doorframe, and a muffled gasp of pain escaped me. But Alex didn’t even turn his head; his figure had already disappeared out the door. I leaned against the wall, slowly walking back to the bedroom. Taking off my jacket, I saw a bruise already forming on my shoulder. I took out the first-aid kit, silently applying ointment to myself, my heart feeling as if it were being slowly cut open by a dull knife. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly out the window as the sky gradually darkened, until my phone rang. It was Alex. “Come to City Central Hospital.” My heart jumped. I instinctively asked, “What happened?” “Just come. I’ll tell you when you get here.” When I arrived, I saw Alex standing by the operating room door from afar, with Isabelle leaning into his embrace, tears streaming down her face, looking utterly devastated. My steps faltered, my chest feeling as if something had tightly clenched it, making it hard to breathe. “What’s going on?” I walked over, asking softly. Alex looked up at me. “Isabelle’s mother had a sudden case of leukemia. She needs an immediate bone marrow transplant.” I froze. “And?” “We’ve searched the whole city, but couldn’t find a match.” Alex said flatly. “I got tested, and it’s a match.” My pupils constricted. I looked at him in disbelief. “You’re going to donate bone marrow?” “Donating bone marrow has risks, you…” “I didn’t call you here for your permission,” Alex interrupted me. “The surgery requires a next-of-kin’s signature.” Next-of-kin… My heart ached fiercely. Yes, legally, I was still his wife. But in his heart, his next-of-kin was never me. I clenched my fists so tightly my nails almost dug into my palms. “Fine,” I said. “I’ll sign.” The nurse handed me the consent form. I wrote my name, stroke by stroke, each one feeling like a cut into my own heart. Alex released Isabelle and turned to walk into the operating room. Just before the door closed, I finally couldn’t help but call out his name: “Alex!” He turned back to look at me, his eyes indifferent. My lips trembled, but in the end, I only whispered, “…Be careful.” Alex’s eyes flickered slightly, but he said nothing, turning and entering the operating room. The moment the door closed, my tears finally fell. I finally understood that Alex’s love for Isabelle was so deep that he would even sacrifice his life. The operating room light remained on, the hallway silent except for the sound of breathing. I sat on the long bench, my fingertips cold. Isabelle sat opposite me, her eyes red-rimmed, occasionally looking up at the operating room. Finally, Isabelle spoke softly. “Miss Miller, I’m so sorry, I’ve caused you trouble again.” I looked up at her but said nothing. Isabelle wiped away her tears, her voice choked. “I really didn’t expect… after all these years, Alex would still love me so deeply.” She paused, as if lost in memory. “Do you know? Last year, on my birthday, he specially flew to Paris just to get me a necklace… it was a style I’d mentioned casually liking before, and he actually remembered it. But I was still angry with him and just threw the necklace back at him, not even letting him in the door.” My fingers tightened sharply, my nails digging deep into my palms. I remembered clearly. Last year, Alex told me he was going on a three-day business trip abroad. When he returned, he brought a necklace and casually gave it to me. I was overjoyed, treasuring that necklace in the bottom of my jewelry box, unwilling to even wear it. But it turned out… it was just something he casually gave to me after Isabelle rejected it. Isabelle continued, “And the Christmas before last, my then-boyfriend and I had a huge fight, and I posted something really negative on Ins. Alex saw it and flew over that very night, standing outside my apartment building all night. It was snowing heavily that day, and he just stood there, never daring to knock on my door.” My heart clenched painfully. I remembered that Christmas Eve. Alex had been unusually passionate, making love to me seven times. I thought he was finally starting to feel something for me. When I woke up the next morning, his side of the bed was already cold. I just assumed he had left for urgent business. It turned out… he was rushing to see Isabelle. “These past three years…” Isabelle’s tears fell again. “I’ve been holding a grudge against him, deliberately not contacting him. But Alex never forgot me for a single day. He would write me a letter every day, even though I never replied.” I suddenly found it hard to breathe. How many late nights had I seen the light on in his study, thinking he was working on company documents, and even specially made him coffee? It turned out… he was writing love letters to Isabelle. I had always thought that, at least during Isabelle’s absence, Alex genuinely wanted to live a life with me. Now I realized that from beginning to end, it was all just my own foolish fantasy. The heart I thought I had finally warmed was actually filled with thoughts of someone else. Seeing Isabelle about to continue, I abruptly stood up. My face was pale, almost translucent, but my voice was desperately calm. “I have something to do, I’m leaving.” Without waiting for Isabelle’s response, I turned and walked away quickly, my steps growing faster and faster until I was practically fleeing. Returning home, I silently packed all my luggage, just waiting for the day the divorce agreement expired. During this time, I saw updates on Alex from Isabelle’s Ins posts every day— His surgery was successful, but he didn’t rest for a moment, immediately arranging the best hospital room for Isabelle’s mother, bringing in a top medical team from abroad, and even personally overseeing every treatment plan. Isabelle’s latest post was a photo. Alex sat by the hospital bed, receiving an IV drip, while attentively peeling a pomegranate for her. Her caption read: [I’ll never find anyone who loves me like this again.] My heart ached fiercely, tears falling onto my phone screen, blurring Alex’s gentle profile in the photo. I remembered how, all these years, I had taken care of him with the same dedication. He had a sensitive stomach, so I made him stomach-friendly oatmeal every day. He was busy with work, so I always kept a light on, waiting for him to come home. The fruit I placed in his hand was always peeled, deseeded, and cut into perfect bite-sized pieces… But now, he was doing all this for someone else. I took a deep breath, wiped away my tears, and told myself, It’s okay. After I stop loving him, I’ll love myself properly. A week later, Alex suddenly returned home. I was surprised. By all accounts, he should have been inseparable from Isabelle. “Family dinner tonight. Change your clothes,” he said curtly. I understood, and silently changed into a suitable dress, then left with him. At the family dinner, everyone toasted and exchanged pleasantries. Gradually, the conversation turned to Alex and me. “You two have been married for three years now; it’s time for a child.” “Indeed, Alex is the head of the family now. There must be an heir.” “Chloe, you need to get on it…” I lowered my eyes, listening in silence, my fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of my glass. Just then, Alex, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. “No rush.” His voice wasn’t loud, but the entire dining room instantly fell silent. Everyone’s expression changed, but given Alex’s current status as head of the family, no one dared to say more. The atmosphere instantly froze. The dinner eventually ended in awkward silence. After dinner, Eleanor Thorne stood up, her gaze sharply fixed on me. “Chloe, come with me to the study.” Anyone with eyes could see this was about lecturing me on having children. Alex clearly saw it too, frowning. “If you have something to say, say it directly to me.” Eleanor was about to speak, but Alex’s phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID, his expression subtly shifting. He immediately walked aside to answer, his tone unusually gentle. “Isabelle? What’s wrong?” Eleanor snorted coldly, addressing me directly. “Come with me.” I pursed my lips, silently following her. As soon as the study door closed, Eleanor’s face instantly darkened. “Kneel.” I slowly knelt on the cold marble floor. “Do you know what you did wrong?” Eleanor looked down at me. I lowered my eyelashes, remaining silent. “Whack!” Eleanor slammed her hand on the table. “Your mistake is not advising Alex when he said he wasn’t in a rush for a child!” She took a porcelain bottle from a drawer and placed it heavily on the table. “This is a fertility tonic. From today, you will drink it every day. You must sleep with Alex until you become pregnant.” If this were before, I would have obediently taken it. But this time, I looked up, my voice soft yet firm. “I won’t take this medicine.” Eleanor’s pupils constricted. “What did you say?” “I won’t take this medicine. Alex temporarily doesn’t want children, and I respect his decision.” Every time we’d been intimate these past few years, Alex always took precautions. Even if he occasionally lost control in passion, he would immediately watch me take birth control afterward. I had naively thought he simply didn’t want children yet. Now I understood that he had never intended to have children with me. Now that I had decided to leave, I certainly wouldn’t let myself get pregnant with his child, only to create more ties. “What did you say?” Eleanor’s voice suddenly rose. “I won’t take it,” I repeated. “You’ve gone too far!” Eleanor trembled with rage. “As a daughter-in-law, you’re not fulfilling your duties! Alex donated bone marrow to that Isabelle Dubois’s mother, and you didn’t stop him!” She snapped, “Bring the family cane!” Soon, a maid brought the family cane—a rattan cane soaked in saltwater. Eleanor stood, whip in hand, and sharply demanded, “I’ll ask one last time: will you take this medicine or not?” I shook my head. “Whack!” The first lash came down. A searing pain instantly spread from my back to every limb. I gritted my teeth, cold sweat immediately soaking my back. “Will you take it or not?” I continued to grit my teeth and shake my head. The whip fell again and again. Through the floor-to-ceiling window, I saw Alex in the garden, still on the phone. His back was to the study, his posture relaxed, occasionally chuckling, clearly enjoying his conversation with Isabelle. “If that’s how it is, I’ll beat you until you understand what it means to be a proper Thorne wife!” The whip tore through my clothes, leaving streaks of blood on my skin. I trembled with pain, but I refused to give in. “I won’t take it…” Blood soaked my clothes, and my vision began to blur. The last thing I saw was Alex’s back, still on the phone. Before darkness swallowed my consciousness, I thought, this is good. After this last pain, I will never hurt for him again. I woke up to find myself in a hospital bed. The dean’s respectful voice reached my ears. “Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thorne’s whip wounds are very deep. Some areas have reached the dermis…” “Use the best medicine, send the best doctors,” Alex’s voice was low and cold. “Don’t let her have any scars.” “Yes, we will do our utmost.” After the dean left, Alex turned and realized I was awake. He walked quickly to the bedside, his brows slightly furrowed. “How are you feeling?” I tried to move; the wound on my back burned. I forced myself to say, “I’m fine. I have professional care here. If you have something to do, please go.” Unexpectedly, Alex didn’t leave. He sat by the bed, looking at me with a complex gaze. “My mother put you through that. Why didn’t you call me?” I remembered his focused back while talking to Isabelle, and gave a bitter smile. “You seemed very busy.” I paused, then asked softly, “If I had called you, would you really have come immediately?” “Of course,” Alex answered without hesitation. I was stunned. This answer was completely different from what I had expected. “I’ve already dealt with the family,” he continued. “No one will bother you about children anymore.” “Understood.” I lowered my eyes. “You should go.” “Why are you always rushing me away?” Alex asked, frowning. I was a little taken aback. “Aren’t you… very busy?” Busy with company affairs, busy accompanying Isabelle. “Not busy recently.” He reached out and tucked in my blanket. “I can take care of you these next few days.” This was completely unexpected. For the next few days, Alex actually stayed in the hospital to care for me. He adjusted my bed, fed me, and even personally changed my dressing. One night, I couldn’t sleep from the pain. Alex sat by my bed, gently patting my back like he was comforting a child, until I fell into a deep sleep. This tenderness made me feel a flicker of our most intimate moments. But I wouldn’t get lost in it again. I had decided to leave and wouldn’t look back. A week later, the whip marks on my back had faded considerably. That day, as Alex applied my ointment, I accidentally let out a soft groan. His movements suddenly stopped. I turned back in confusion, only to see his eyes darkened, his Adam’s apple bobbing, and below… My expression subtly changed. Alex was already slowly moving closer, his breathing growing heavier. Just as his lips were about to touch mine— “Whack!” A crisp sound shattered the intimacy in the hospital room. Both of us turned at the same time to see Isabelle standing at the doorway, the fruit basket she had been holding now crashed to the floor, fruit scattering everywhere. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her voice trembling. “Did… did I interrupt something?” Alex abruptly shoved me away. “Isabelle, it’s not what you think.” His movement was so sudden, I was unprepared and fell backward, tumbling off the hospital bed. With a dull thud, the back of my head slammed hard against the sharp edge of the nightstand, and blood immediately gushed. “I won’t disturb you anymore…” Isabelle cried and turned to run. “Isabelle!” Alex didn’t even spare a glance for me, lying on the floor. He chased after her without hesitation. I lay on the ground, blood blurring my vision. I suddenly laughed, tears streaming down my face.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298772”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

When I was eighteen, I sold myself to a man ten years older than me in order to cure my mother. Later, I learned that he was the head of the Shang Group. He was ruthless in business and feared by everyone, but he was unbelievably gentle to me. He spoiled me so much that I had the illusion of being loved. I casually said that I liked the cake at the dessert shop in the south of the city. The next day, that shop was bought by him and only made desserts for me. I had a fever in the middle of the night. He dropped the international meeting and flew back overnight to stay by my bed. He changed my ice towel again and again. On my twentieth birthday, he took me to see the aurora. In the brilliant light and shadow, he kissed my fingertips and said, “Little darling, I will accompany you every year.” I believe you. Until a strange woman asked me to meet her. “Let me introduce myself. My name is Ye Shi, Shang Yu’s ex-girlfriend. Seven years ago, he proposed to me, but I chose a career and went abroad for further study. Although we haven’t been in touch all these years, I know that as long as I come back, he will come back.” After saying that, I took out a check and pushed it in front of me.” I’m ready to get back together with him, but before that, I have to get rid of the women around him. This is 50 million yuan. It’s enough for you. After taking it, leave him.” My throat tightened. I never really knew Julian Vance’s past relationships. I was so young, he’d been the only one I’d ever loved my whole life. But he? He’d loved someone else. All the memories flooded back, and I gathered my courage. “It’s been so many years, Mr. Vance probably doesn’t even remember you anymore…” Yasmin Blake chuckled. “You probably have no idea how much he loved me back then.” She pulled out her phone. “How about this, let’s make a bet.” “I’ll send him a message right now saying I’m back in the country and my car broke down, asking him to pick me up.” “You send him a message saying you’ve been in a car accident.” “We’ll see who he replies to first.” Yasmin looked at me, a smirk playing on her lips, her eyes gleaming with triumphant certainty. “If he replies to me first, you take the money and leave.” “If he replies to you first, I’ll step aside.” A whirlwind of emotions flashed through my heart: agitation, unease, hesitation. Finally, they all coalesced into a desperate, do-or-die resolve. “Deal.” As both messages went out simultaneously, every second stretched into an agonizing eternity. I stared at the screen, my mind a slideshow of countless moments with Julian. His tender gaze when he’d rub my stomach during my period, the soft kiss he’d press to my lips amidst falling snow, the lingering passion as he held me against the floor-to-ceiling window on New Year’s Eve… One scene after another, they played out vividly before my eyes, pulling my thoughts far away. Until a sudden phone ring jolted me back to reality. I saw Yasmin’s triumphant smile as she answered, putting the call on speaker. “Address.” Julian’s cold voice came through the speaker, practically piercing my eardrums. I bit my lip hard, my knuckles turning white as I clenched my fists. My breathing almost stopped. Seeing my reaction, Yasmin looked utterly pleased. “Won’t this be too much trouble for you? Don’t you have other important things to do?” A few seconds of silence hung in the air from the other end. Julian’s tone remained flat. “No. Address.” The smile on Yasmin’s face grew more unrestrained. She hung up and leisurely sent him the address. My phone remained stubbornly silent. My mind went blank, the color slowly draining from my face. The light in my eyes dimmed, and I squeezed out some broken words from my throat. “He… did he really love you that much before?” Yasmin laughed. “Oh yes. Do you want me to tell you how much he loved me?” She listed things off, slow and deliberate— “He took me to see the Northern Lights, promising he’d spend every year with me.” “He bought an entire dessert shop because I casually mentioned I liked it.” “He absolutely detested cats, but because I brought home a stray, he let it sleep in our master bedroom…” A cold shiver ran through me. So, every single thing he’d done for me, he was doing it through me, remembering her. “A bet’s a bet. You should leave now.” Yasmin held out a check to me again. “Yes, I lost.” Just a few words, but they drained all my strength. My hands, clenched so tightly my nails had dug in, leaving painful red marks, reached for the check. I closed my eyes in despair, my voice numb. “I’ll grant your wish. I’ll disappear forever.” Having gotten the promise she wanted, Yasmin didn’t linger. She turned and walked away, her heels clicking on the floor. The world fell into dead silence once more. I bit my lips until they bled, finally swallowing the surging emotions in my chest. Then, I dragged my exhausted body out of the cafe. Outside, it was pouring rain. I walked into it as if I felt nothing. I didn’t even notice Yasmin driving by. She deliberately sped up as she passed me, splashing a wave of water all over me. The car window rolled down. She smiled brightly. “Oops, sorry. I just thought, this is exactly what a soaking wet mess looks like.” With that, she laughed, drove off, and vanished. The rain kept falling. I returned to the mansion, soaked and disheveled. My phone rang. It was Professor Miller from my university. “Aubrey, have you thought about that study abroad spot? Are you really going to give it up?” Hearing the professor’s sigh, my scattered thoughts finally sharpened. I shook my head, looking at the heavy rain outside, and softly said, “No, I’m not giving it up.” “I’ll go myself.” Hearing her beloved student had finally come to her senses, Professor Miller’s tone instantly became much more relieved. “You finally decided! That’s wonderful! Your grades are excellent, and this study abroad spot is the only one available for the whole university. How could you give it up?” “Get ready. You’ll be leaving in fifteen days.” I nodded, picked up a pen, and circled the departure date on my calendar. Fifteen days from now, it would be Julian’s birthday. I opened my closet and took out a men’s suit. I’d spent countless sleepless nights designing and perfecting it over the past three months, all to give him this handmade birthday gift. I’d given up the chance for advanced studies abroad just to stay by his side for a long time, to spend year after year with him. But now, it seemed, there was no need. A bitter smile touched my lips at the thought. I tossed the suit into the trash. Then I took a hot shower, buried myself under the covers, and fell into a deep sleep. Perhaps it was from being caught in the rain, but my body temperature kept rising. Extreme sensations of cold and heat alternated. I was drenched in a cold sweat, my head foggy and heavy, as if several mountains were pressing down on me. Half-asleep, half-awake, I heard my phone ring several times, but I was trapped in a nightmare, unable to open my eyes. It wasn’t until just before dawn that someone burst into the room and shook me awake. “Miss Hayes, wake up. Mr. Vance wants me to take you somewhere.” I forced my eyelids open and saw Julian’s assistant, Mr. Davies. I suppressed my discomfort and got up to change. Mr. Davies drove me to the club entrance and then left. I clutched my clothes tightly, following my memory to the VIP room. Inside, I could hear lively chatter. “It’s been an hour already. Why isn’t Aubrey Hayes here yet? Even if she was in a car accident and isn’t feeling well, you’ve called her so many times and even sent your assistant to pick her up. She’s still dragging her feet, that’s just so inconsiderate, isn’t it?” “She’s just a kept woman, something to pass the time with. Usually, her cuteness is endearing, but always acting out is just ungrateful. Julian, don’t spoil her too much. If you let her get so cocky because of your pampering, she might lose sight of her place!” “Exactly! After Yasmin left, you were drowning your sorrows night and day. You just picked up a kept woman to distract yourself. Otherwise, Aubrey Hayes would never have entered our circle. You’ve pampered her for four years, and now Yasmin is back. When are you planning to get rid of this burden?” Julian sat at the head of the table. The light cast shadows on his aloof, cold face, making his voice sound even more indifferent. “I’ll handle my own people. What’s the rush?” “We’re just anxious for you and Yasmin! You waited for her for seven years, and now she’s finally back. Don’t use Aubrey to provoke her, or you might drive her away again, and you’d be kicking yourself for the rest of your life!” “That’s right, all these years you couldn’t bring yourself to delete your photos with Yasmin. You looked at them several times a day, and every now and then you’d secretly go to the States to see how she was doing. If you heard she liked something, you’d find every way to get it and have someone send it to her…” Every single word landed like a needle in my heart, stirring up a persistent, agonizing pain. It turned out that, from the very beginning, I was just a tool for him to distract himself and provoke Yasmin. I turned to leave, but Yasmin, returning from the restroom, blocked my way. She grabbed my wrist with one hand and pushed open the private room door with the other, smiling sweetly as she greeted everyone inside. “What’s everyone chatting about? So lively you’ve scared away the little sister Julian called over.” Everyone fell silent, their gazes shifting to Julian. He looked up, briefly introduced us, and then gestured for me to come to his side. “Looks like the car accident wasn’t too serious. Why didn’t you answer my calls?” I suppressed the turmoil in my heart and silently walked to his side. “Just a minor scrape. I put some ointment on and fell asleep, didn’t hear the phone. Is something urgent at this hour?” Julian seemed a little surprised that I wasn’t making a fuss, but he didn’t press the issue. “Nothing urgent. Just called you over to hang out.” A sharp pang went through my heart. “Called me over to hang out,” or called me over to provoke Yasmin? First, Yasmin paid me to leave Julian, preparing for their reunion. Then, Julian wanted to use me to provoke Yasmin, accelerating their reunion. In their romantic tug-of-war, I was nothing but a tool. My mind was a storm of thoughts, but I said nothing, just sat there quietly. Julian, as always, showered me with excessive affection. His jacket was draped over my shoulders, fruit was brought to my lips, and he even wiped milk from the corner of my mouth. As he wiped, his eyes darkened, and he smiled before leaning in to kiss me. I closed my eyes, but the initial flutter of my heart was gone. I looked up and saw Yasmin watching us, her eyes dark. I knew then that his goal of provoking Yasmin had been achieved. But all of this pampering came to an abrupt halt when Yasmin grimaced and collapsed onto the sofa. Everyone gasped. “Yasmin, what’s wrong?” “I don’t know, I’m in so much pain… My stomach feels really bad… Just get me some medicine.” Julian’s expression changed instantly. He couldn’t hold back, springing to his feet. Seeing the glass of wine on her table, his eyes darkened further, and his voice was thick with uncontrolled concern. “You know you have a sensitive stomach, how could you still drink? I’m taking you to the hospital!” With that, he scooped her into his arms and turned to leave. He didn’t spare me a single glance, from beginning to end. I closed my eyes, knowing that my part in this play was over. I forced my feverish body to stand, excused myself, and followed them out. For the next few days, I stayed home to recuperate, and incidentally, packed up my belongings. The jewelry and bags Julian had given me, the photos we’d taken together, the shirts and mugs I’d bought him… Aside from essential daily necessities, I threw everything away, not a single item left. Watching the room slowly empty, I felt a momentary daze, remembering many faded memories. Julian holding me on the sofa watching movies, us staying up late building Lego sets together, planting a balcony full of flowers together. I had fantasized countless times that this life would last forever, with no end in sight. But now, it seemed, my beautiful dream had to end. As I was lost in thought, I heard a car in the driveway. I looked up and saw Julian returning with Yasmin. His expression was as indifferent as ever, but Yasmin was smiling, constantly searching for conversation topics. They walked into the living room, chatting and laughing. Seeing the empty space, Julian’s brows furrowed slightly. “Why are there so many things missing from the house?” “Just cleared out some unused clutter.” I lowered my eyes, casually offering an excuse. Julian didn’t think much of it. He glanced at me, then turned his attention back to Yasmin. “Yasmin isn’t feeling well, and there’s a problem with her house, so she’ll be staying here for a few days.” I nodded. “Okay.” He was the patron, and I was the kept woman. He didn’t really need to explain anything to me. Julian frowned, seemingly sensing something unusual about my indifferent attitude today. He was about to ask when Yasmin smoothly changed the subject. “Julian, can I have the south-facing bedroom? Also, you know I’m allergic to pollen, can those flowers on the balcony be moved for now? And these rugs trip my heels, I don’t really like them, can they be removed?” Julian hummed in agreement and instructed the housekeeper to arrange everything as she wished. Yasmin curled her lips, glancing at me with unconcealed triumph in her eyes. Watching the housekeeper and staff remove the rugs, carry out the flowerpots, and clear out the master bedroom, the house gradually transformed into something unfamiliar. A wave of bitterness rose in my heart. After the initial gloom, a sense of relief followed. I comforted myself, thinking, *I’m leaving anyway. None of this will matter to me anymore.* Holding onto that thought, I quietly lowered my head and went back upstairs to my room. The next day, Yasmin’s voice carried clearly through the windows to the second floor. “How are you still keeping this oil painting I drew? If you like it, I can paint you a new one tomorrow, okay?” “The weather’s so lovely today, will you come for a walk with me? The doctor said I need to walk more to recover faster.” “I’m a little hungry, Julian. Can you make me dinner? It’s been so long since I’ve had your cooking.” Julian rarely replied, but he fulfilled every one of Yasmin’s requests. He sat in the living room like a silent mannequin for two hours, accompanied her for a half-hour walk outside, and then personally cooked a lavish meal. I took it all in, and through his eyes and body language, I could tell he was happy. Perhaps, this was the ‘forever’ he truly wanted. In the evening, I went downstairs to get a glass of water. When I returned, I saw Yasmin in my room, holding the watch my father had left me. In that instant, my entire body tensed. I rushed forward, trying to retrieve the watch. Yasmin was a head taller than me. She simply raised her hand, looking at me defiantly. “Such a shabby watch, but you care about it so much. It must be really important, huh?” I blurted out without hesitation, “Yes, it’s very important! Give it back to me!” Hearing this, Yasmin smiled. “Giving it back to you isn’t impossible. Just get down on your knees for me, and I’ll be merciful just this once.” I looked at her, utterly incredulous. “Miss Blake, I’ve already agreed to leave. Mr. Vance likes you. I never intended to compete with you. Why are you still targeting me?” “Why? Because I can’t stand you. Even though you agreed to leave, just thinking about you monopolizing Julian for so many years makes my stomach churn. I want to vent! Anyway, this watch is in my hand now. I’ll give you ten seconds. If you don’t do as I say, this watch will be gone forever.” Seeing her arrogant and tyrannical manner, my heart filled with powerlessness and sorrow. The countdown went from ten to one. Yasmin made a motion as if to throw the watch. Aubrey Hayes had no other choice. She forced herself to her knees. “Is this good enough, Miss Blake?” Yasmin looked satisfied at my humiliated expression. But she didn’t return the watch. Instead, she raised her hand and threw the watch down the stairs. My breath caught. I rushed to save it, but accidentally bumped into Yasmin. Yasmin tumbled down the stairs, immediately covered in blood. Julian, who had just witnessed the scene, hurried forward. “What happened?!” Yasmin huddled in his arms, her eyes red, and twisted the story, claiming that I had accidentally broken my watch, gotten angry, and pushed her down the stairs. A thin layer of anger accumulated on Julian’s usually cold face. “You’d physically assault someone for a watch? Aubrey Hayes, have I pampered you too much these past few years?” Seeing his icy gaze, a profound sorrow welled up inside me. I tried to explain, fighting back the pain. “Julian, she forced me first—” “Enough!” Julian, in his rage, wouldn’t listen to a word. He cut me off sharply. He immediately called the security guards, ordering them to lock me in the cold storage room to “reflect” thoroughly, then scooped up Yasmin and left. I was held down by several security guards and dragged directly to the cold storage. In the sub-zero cold storage, I huddled in a corner, my body covered in layers of white frost. I felt as if all the blood in my veins was freezing, and my body trembled uncontrollably. Time seemed to stand still, moving agonizingly slowly. I clutched the broken watch in my hand, memories of happy times with my parents flashing through my mind. In a haze, I heard the door open and lifted my blurred eyes. A figure slowly approached me. I instinctively called out, “Mom,” whispering softly. “Mom, I loved the wrong person. I regret it…” Julian, vaguely hearing these words, frowned and instinctively stepped closer, staring at me. “What did you just say? Regret what?” I no longer had the strength to answer. I couldn’t hold on any longer; my vision went black, and I lost consciousness. **CLIFFHANGER/PAYWALL** I don’t know how much time passed, but when I woke up, Aubrey Hayes found herself in a hospital. I opened my eyes and saw Julian watching by my bedside. He reached out to touch me. “You’re awake. How do you feel?” Recalling what happened before I fainted, I trembled and closed my eyes, flinching away from his touch. “Where’s my watch, Mr. Vance? Please give it back to me.” Julian stared at me for a long moment, making sure I was alright, then took out the repaired watch and handed it to me. “You care about this watch so much, I had someone fix it. You hurt Yasmin, and I punished you. Let’s just put the past behind us; don’t dwell on it anymore.” Seeing my father’s heirloom returned to my hands, intact, tears almost welled up instantly. But I held them back and looked at Julian. “I’m not dwelling on anything, Mr. Vance. Our years together were merely a transaction. I can’t and shouldn’t ask anything from you. From now on, I’ll know my place and won’t do anything out of line.” For some reason, seeing me like this, a surge of anger rose in Julian’s heart, and his voice turned cold. “Are you sulking? Or are you trying to cut ties with me?” Faced with his sudden coldness, I wasn’t as timid as before. My voice remained calm. “I’m not sulking, merely stating facts. As for cutting ties, perhaps. After all, very soon, I’ll be…” With each word I spoke, Julian’s face grew darker. He was about to say something when Yasmin’s call came in. “Julian, I booked a really good restaurant. Will you come with me?” In that instant, Julian controlled his emotions. He had no time or inclination to listen to me speak further. He simply brushed past me and left. The door slammed shut with a bang, trapping the unspoken words “disappear forever” in my throat. Watching his retreating back, I let out a self-deprecating laugh. After a few days in the hospital, my weakened body gradually recovered. During that time, no one came to visit me. Yasmin, however, sent many messages almost every day. In the photos and videos, she sat in the passenger seat eating snacks, and Julian, who was always a germaphobe, would tear open the food bags for her; she mentioned she hadn’t visited his parents in a while, so he proactively took her back to the family estate for a dinner party; she casually praised something she saw in a magazine, and an hour later, that very item would appear before her. These subtle acts of patience and care were things I had never experienced. Even when Julian had pampered me, he would never have allowed me to eat in the car, never thought of introducing me to his parents, and certainly wouldn’t have patiently remembered a casual remark I made. I finally understood: raising a kept woman and truly loving someone involved incomparable amounts of time, energy, and affection. Only Yasmin was worthy of Julian’s complete patience and devotion. On the day I was discharged from the hospital, my roommates came to visit me and also took me to a class gathering. The gathering was at a trendy restaurant. The moment I walked in, I felt some malicious stares. “Well, well, isn’t this our busy beaver, the top student? Didn’t she move out of school ages ago and stop hanging out with classmates? How do you have time for a gathering today? Not busy with your sugar daddy?” “Maybe she got dumped by her sugar daddy, who knows? Some people look all innocent, but their private lives are probably a mess. For money, they’d even stoop to a fifty-year-old old man.” “Tsk, tsk, tsk, that kind of gold-digger attitude, we could never learn that!” A few girls who had always disliked me huddled together, making snide remarks. My roommates were furious and couldn’t help but retort. “What are you talking about? Aubrey moved out to live with her boyfriend! Not some fifty-year-old old man like you’re saying!” “Laughable, boyfriend? I’ve seen Aubrey Hayes get into a luxury car in the middle of the night several times. What else would that be if not being kept? Instead of lying here, you should tell her to stop selling herself for money and tarnishing our university’s reputation!” These baseless insults completely ignited my roommates’ fury. They were about to turn and confront the girls when they caught a glimpse of a familiar figure outside the window, and they all excitedly cried out. “You loose-tongued gossips, look closely! See, that’s Aubrey’s boyfriend!” Immediately, everyone in the room followed their gaze. The moment they saw Julian Vance, everyone’s eyes widened, their faces filled with disbelief. “Julian Vance? Are you kidding me? What kind of person is Julian Vance? Aubrey Hayes isn’t even fit to carry his shoes!” “Whether she’s fit or not isn’t up to you! I’ll take you to prove it right now!” Julian’s appearance bolstered my roommates’ confidence. They grabbed my hand, ready to confront him. Amidst a flurry of shocked stares, they turned around, only to see Julian walk to the passenger side and personally help a woman out of the car. The two stood very close, their posture intimate, clearly not just ordinary friends. One of the girls watching the spectacle recognized Yasmin’s face. “Isn’t that Julian Vance’s ex-girlfriend, Yasmin Blake? They were upperclassmen at my brother’s old university. Their romance was the talk of the campus back then, and their photo together after winning the Olympiad is still on the school’s display board!” “So that’s it! Julian Vance is so devoted, how could he possibly be with Aubrey Hayes? I think some people just want to latch onto him. She’s clearly being kept by a fifty or sixty-year-old man but won’t admit it.” As soon as that remark was made, the dynamics of the scene instantly reversed. Everyone now looked at me with disdain. In the ensuing chaos, Julian glanced towards the restaurant. He turned back and said something to Mr. Davies. Soon, Mr. Davies strode over. Seeing this, my roommates thought there might still be a chance. They nervously held Aubrey’s hand, hoping Mr. Davies was coming for me. Mr. Davies did walk past them, but without stopping, he went directly to the restaurant owner. “Mr. Vance and Miss Blake wish to have lunch here today. Could you please clear the restaurant? Mr. Vance prefers quiet.” With such an important customer, the restaurant owner was overjoyed. He quickly arranged for waiters to offer customers free meals and compensation for clearing out. Our table was, of course, asked to leave. As the group walked out en masse, Julian and Yasmin were just arriving. I didn’t want to run into them and lowered my head to avoid their gaze. But those few girls seized the opportunity, loudly calling out amidst the crowd. “Mr. Vance, we’re from the design department at the university. Do you know a classmate of ours named Aubrey Hayes?” Hearing that name, Julian’s footsteps paused, and his gaze swept through the crowd. Yasmin spotted me in the corner at once. Her eyes darted, and before he could speak, she quickly answered. “What’s wrong?” “Oh, nothing. It’s just that she’s always daydreaming, spreading rumors that she has a relationship with Mr. Vance, tarnishing his reputation. So we just wanted to confirm.” Hearing this, Yasmin’s grip on Julian’s hand loosened slightly, and she looked at him intently. “Julian, do you have a relationship with Aubrey Hayes?” Julian subtly raised an eyebrow. Yasmin knew perfectly well what our relationship was. He also clearly saw that this group of people was humiliating me. Yet, Yasmin still asked the question they both knew the answer to. Perhaps she was testing how important I was in his heart. If he admitted it now, it would only complicate his reunion with Yasmin. So, he denied it in a flat tone. “I don’t know her.” Hearing Julian’s nonchalant tone, the group of students burst into laughter, their eyes full of mockery as they looked at me. Faced with this undisguised malice, I closed my eyes. Amidst the jeers, my phone vibrated a few times. I opened it and saw a message from Yasmin. “Julian doesn’t love you at all, so he won’t give you a title, nor will he care about your feelings. Your four years of companionship mean nothing to him. A kept woman, no matter how pampered, is ultimately just a pet that can be discarded at any moment. You’ll never fly up a branch and become a phoenix!” I silently read the message, remembering two years ago when my roommates saw Julian and me kissing at the university gate. At the time, my roommates were frantic, gossiping and asking what his relationship with me was. Before I could speak, Julian put his arm around me and slowly uttered four words: “My girlfriend.” It was then that I assumed we were officially a couple. But only now did I understand that it was all just my wishful thinking. He was always waiting for Yasmin to come back, and the position of ‘girlfriend’ was always reserved for her. I was nothing more than a tool to help him heal his broken heart and distract himself. And a fleeting passerby, destined to cross paths with him but ultimately insignificant. When I got back, I found that what happened at the gathering had been posted on the university forum. Everyone at the university was talking about it. “Who’s this desperate clown, spreading rumors about Julian Vance? Doesn’t she know her place? She’s not even fit to carry his shoes!” “Mr. Vance is like royalty in the city’s elite circles. The woman he loves is the heiress of the powerful Blake family, whom he’s been devoted to for years. How could he possibly be involved with some poor girl? She’s clearly living in a fantasy world!” “I heard she’s hooked up with a fifty-year-old old man and made up this lie when her classmates found out. She’s vain and shameless. Being classmates with someone like that is truly a disgrace to our university!” Looking at the endless stream of sarcasm and abuse online, Aubrey’s heart felt shrouded in a dark cloud, utterly gloomy. My roommates tried every way to speak up for me, but their explanations were quickly drowned out by the overwhelming torrent of condemnation, and no one cared. I could do nothing but turn off all social media and repeatedly tell myself that all of this would soon be over. Days passed. I completed my graduation procedures and then went home to tell my recovering mother about my study abroad plans. I was busy with my own affairs and hadn’t seen Julian for several days. When I returned to the mansion, I saw him waiting for me on the sofa. “What have you been doing these past few days? You’ve been nowhere to be seen.” “University matters.” I lowered my eyes, casually offering an excuse. “University? Aren’t you about to graduate? What could be so urgent?” I didn’t want him to know about my upcoming departure, so I just prevaricated: “Just busy with graduation stuff.” Julian frowned, instinctively sensing something was off. He was about to speak when my phone rang. I answered it and turned to walk out. Vaguely hearing a male voice, Julian’s eyes darkened. He hung up his phone and followed me. The male student was, at Professor Miller’s request, conveniently delivering my university-issued visa and some documents. After politely thanking my classmate, I turned around with the items and met Julian’s deep gaze. “Who was that? What was he doing here?” I clutched the bag behind my back, the smile fading from my face, and briefly explained. “A classmate. He helped deliver my diploma.” Seeing my evasive eyes, Julian’s face grew even colder. “What kind of classmate is so kind as to personally deliver it here? Does he like you?” I paused, slightly stunned, wondering why he would think that. “He was just helping out because it was on his way. We’re just classmates. I don’t know who he likes, but it’s not me.” After hearing my explanation, Julian stared at me for a long time, his voice icy. “No matter what your relationship is, you’re not allowed to interact with him again.” “Julian, that’s my freedom to choose my friends—” I instinctively wanted to retort, but he cut me off before I could finish. “From the day you agreed to our arrangement, you gave up your freedom to choose your friends. I don’t tolerate any nonsense. If you continue to get involved with people like that, you won’t be staying by my side.” As soon as he finished speaking, Yasmin emerged, elegantly dressed, and smiling as she linked her arm through his and got into the car. “Julian, I’m all ready. Shall we go?” Watching the sports car drive away, I closed my eyes. The current me didn’t want to stay by his side. I only wanted freedom. Their arrangement was about to end. On Julian’s birthday, I woke up early. Opening the window for fresh air, I saw Julian and a few of his friends chatting in the garden. “Julian, I heard Yasmin personally organized your birthday this year. She’s been glued to you lately. If she proposes getting back together at the party, will you agree?” “Do you even have to ask? Of course, he will!” Julian maintained his composed demeanor in response to his friends’ teasing. “We’ll see then.” “Tsk, tsk, look at you, so confident. You must have gotten a hint that Yasmin plans to confess to you today!” “But if you get back with Yasmin, what about Aubrey Hayes? How about you hand her over to me? I think she’s quite attractive. I’ll play with her for a few days, then I’ll get rid of her for you.” “If you’re saying that, I want a piece of the pie too. I’ve had my eye on that girl for a while. If she called me ‘Big Brother’ in bed, I’d melt.” A chill ran through me as I heard their malicious laughter. I bit my lip hard, making no sound, and instinctively looked at Julian. The corners of his lips were slightly upturned, but there was no smile in his eyes. “She’s been with me for so many years, and you still don’t know the rules? Even if I don’t want something I’ve laid claim to, I won’t allow anyone else to touch it. Afterward, I’ll arrange for her to take a low-level position in the assistant’s office. Anyone who dares to make a move on her, just try me.” Seeing the change in his expression, his friends were slightly shaken and quickly tried to smooth things over. “Just kidding, of course! Aubrey Hayes has been with you for four years and is so devoted to you. Even if you just kept her as a pretty ornament in the office, she’d probably be perfectly happy.” “But once you and Yasmin get back together, if she can’t stand Aubrey and forces you to get rid of her, what then? You’ve raised her for four years, will you be reluctant?” Julian took a sip of his coffee, his voice returning to its usual coldness. “Keeping her was just for amusement and to pass the time. What is there to be reluctant about?” Hearing his utterly indifferent tone, my heart no longer ached. I finished my morning routine and was about to go downstairs for water when I ran straight into Yasmin. The moment our eyes met, a flicker of impatience crossed Yasmin’s face. “You took my money. When exactly are you going to leave? My patience is limited!” I opened my phone, checked the meeting notification from my professor, and calmly replied to her. “Don’t worry. After today, I’ll disappear completely, never to be seen again.” “What won’t appear again?” Hearing a sudden familiar voice, both of us turned around simultaneously and saw Julian standing at the doorway. Yasmin’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly went to meet him and changed the subject. “Nothing, just casual chat. It’s quite a drive to the estate, shouldn’t we be heading off?” Julian didn’t think too deeply about it. He checked the time and nodded. “Yes, we should go.” With that, he picked up his car keys. Yasmin also put on her heels, but I remained motionless. Seeing my lack of reaction, Julian reminded me again. “What are you standing there for? Aren’t you changing into your dress?” They were going to the birthday party, but I had no intention of attending. “You two go ahead. Don’t worry about me.” Julian’s eyes darkened at my indifferent attitude. “If you don’t come with us, don’t come crying to me when you miss the party.” “I won’t.” My tone was so certain that Julian felt an inexplicable unease, as if something was slipping from his control. He frowned, about to ask more, but Yasmin pulled his hand, urging him to leave. “Since she’s busy, let’s not wait. It’s impolite to keep guests waiting if we’re late. I even prepared a surprise, I can’t wait for you to see it!” A few words redirected Julian’s attention. He gave me one last look, then left with Yasmin. I slowly packed my luggage, then took a final look around the villa I had lived in for five years. Everything here had once made me mistakenly believe I was loved. The piano Julian bought for me, my favorite scented candles, even the cat he allowed me to keep in the bedroom. But now, I finally understood that this tenderness was never meant for me. It was for the woman named Yasmin Blake. He had someone he loved, and I was about to embark on my new life. Without a shred of attachment, I dragged my suitcase out and headed straight for the airport. Before takeoff, the flight attendant repeatedly reminded passengers to turn off their phones. Before switching it off, I remembered something, took a deep breath, and opened my chat with Julian. I sent him a farewell message. “Mr. Vance, I won’t be attending your birthday party today. I hope you have a great time. Thank you for your care all these years. I’m planning to cheat on you, goodbye forever.” I didn’t realize I’d typed “cheat on you” instead of “study abroad.” I simply turned off my phone and looked out the window. The sky was clear today, not a cloud in sight. Life without him, from now on, would also be bright and clear every day. The birthday party venue was dazzling with lights. Everyone attached great importance to Julian’s event, eager to curry favor with his influence. Amidst clinking glasses and chatter, guests raised toasts and laughed. Only the host of the party wore an increasingly sullen expression. After another ten minutes, Julian asked in a deep voice. “Has she arrived yet?” “Not yet, Mr. Vance. Miss Hayes still hasn’t come.” Mr. Davies answered respectfully from the side. Seeing Julian’s expression, he felt a shiver of fear; it was a clear sign of his extreme displeasure. “What is that woman playing at? I explicitly told her not to be late.” Julian frowned, looking around. Most of the guests had arrived, and yet Aubrey Hayes was late for such an important occasion. “Oh, Julian, don’t wait for her. She just loves to pull these childish stunts. She might have just stood you up.” Yasmin’s slender fingers curled around his shoulder, a mocking smile playing on her red lips. “Mr. Vance, why should all of us wait this long for a kept woman?” “Exactly, Mr. Vance! That woman is too inconsiderate. How dare she be late for your birthday party? Why should we wait for her? Let’s just start!” The surrounding guests echoed Yasmin’s words. Everyone had long grown impatient but didn’t dare speak up in front of Julian. Julian pressed his temples. *Aubrey has always been so obedient, why would she be absent for no reason?* He suppressed his anger, ready to call Aubrey Hayes and give her a final ultimatum. But the moment he opened his phone, the top message caught his eye. [Mr. Vance, I’m planning to cheat on you, goodbye.] “Crack!” The instant he saw the message, Julian’s grip on his wine glass tightened. The glass shattered the next second, creating a violent sound in the air. The entire commotion in the room instantly fell silent. “Julian! Your hand!” Yasmin frantically grabbed his wrist, but he violently pushed her hand away. Julian’s brows were tightly furrowed, and blood slowly dripped from his fingers. *Aubrey Hayes, how dare she!* How dare she not attend his birthday party, how dare she cheat on him! He stared fixedly at the words “cheat on you” in the message, his face filled with disbelief. *She loved him like a puppy, always trailing after him. She was so happy preparing his gift just months ago.* Even if every woman in the world betrayed him, how could Aubrey Hayes cheat on him?! Julian furiously dialed my number, but the only response was the cold, automated female voice. “The number you have dialed is switched off…” It was the tenth time. He had called ten times, but I seemed to be deliberately avoiding him, my phone continuously switched off. *Why was Aubrey Hayes always ruining things for him?* Yasmin saw his anxious expression and felt a secret resentment. She stepped forward, linked her arm through his, and said intimately. “Julian, forget about her. The guests are getting impatient. Let’s just enjoy ourselves. Someone like her would only lower your standards if she came.” “Shut up!!” His forehead veins bulged, and he roared, cutting Yasmin off and startling everyone present. At this moment, Julian was already blinded by my message about cheating. He didn’t care about his birthday party anymore. He turned and stormed out. Yasmin, seeing this, anxiously followed in her high heels, clutching his arm, unwilling to let go. “Julian, where are you going?! The party’s about to start!” “Get lost!” He yelled back, his eyes bloodshot. “If you dare to stop me again,” Yasmin stumbled back in fear, watching as he slammed the door shut and left. The sports car sped wildly through the night. Julian redialed the number again and again, but it remained switched off. He didn’t know why, even though he knew Yasmin was the woman he loved most, at this moment, his mind was filled with my face. My smile, the way I trembled in his arms when he held me tight, the way I hugged him last birthday, saying he was my favorite. Then, Julian suddenly remembered Yasmin’s and my strange behavior earlier that morning. He distinctly heard me say something about “never appearing again.” Could it be… I had already decided to leave him? “Damn it!” A terrible premonition arose. Julian slammed his fist on the steering wheel, making a sharp U-turn and disappearing into the night. The sports car screeched to a halt at the mansion entrance. Julian impatiently strode inside. It was pitch black. Julian flipped on the lights. The house seemed unchanged. Only my slippers were gone from the entryway. Yasmin’s belongings were slowly filling the living room, and the traces of my life were disappearing, bit by bit. Julian felt an indescribable tightness in his chest. He walked further in, hoping Aubrey Hayes was just asleep. He searched like a madman, room by room. In the bathroom, my toothbrush was gone. Only his and Yasmin’s remained on the towel rack. In the kitchen, my favorite mug was just a faint circular mark. Every trace of my existence seemed to have evaporated. Julian, refusing to believe, came to the guest bedroom where I usually stayed. He pushed open the door to a dead silence. This room, once filled with my various cute plushies. Now it was like an empty shell, devoid of any sign of life. Except for the large furniture, everything else was gone. My cosmetics were absent from the vanity, and the closet was empty. Even the photo of Julian kissing me, which I kept on my bedside table, was gone. I hadn’t left a single hair behind, as if no one had ever lived there. All of Julian’s memories of Aubrey Hayes were just a dream. “Aubrey Hayes!!” Seeing the empty room, Julian looked as if he’d been provoked. He roared my name and punched the closet door. Just then, he noticed a beautifully wrapped box tucked into the corner of the closet. Julian felt his heart pounding violently. He had a strong premonition that this was something I had left for him. His fingers trembling, he pulled out the box and untied the ribbon. Inside the box was an exquisitely crafted, expensive wristwatch. Next to the box lay an envelope containing a greeting card and a few photos. [Mr. Vance, thank you for repairing the heirloom my father left me. I debated for a long time what kind of birthday gift to give you. Now, let me repay you with this watch.] [A watch represents time, and at least, the years I spent with you were happy. But from now on, let’s never meet again.] Julian stood frozen, his hands trembling uncontrollably. All the women he’d been with had been for money and status, yet I never mentioned a word of it, my message filled only with sentiments about their relationship. He picked up the photos behind the card, flipping through them one by one. The first was a photo from the first time Julian took me to a cocktail party. I was wearing a white dress, standing beside him, completely at ease, smiling brightly. The second was from my university graduation ceremony. Julian had unusually taken time off to bring me flowers at school. The third was a silly selfie of the three of us that Julian insisted on taking when he accompanied me to the hospital to visit my mother. And the last one was a photo Julian had taken of my happy, childlike smile. Julian clutched the photos, his throat felt constricted, and breathing became difficult. Looking at these pictures, scene after scene of their past together flashed like a slideshow in his mind. Yasmin’s appearance had made him deeply resent my presence, but he had forgotten how precious their past feelings were. I had loved him so diligently and wholeheartedly. And he had long lost this pure girl. He collapsed onto the bed. The wristwatch slipped from his palm. Julian lowered his head, staring at the cold, gleaming watch face. *So I really had left his side completely.* *My recent coldness and melancholy, they were all preparations for leaving. All my emotions had been traceable.* He thought I was just a substitute, that I would never leave, that he would never regret it. But now, the villa was eerily quiet. No sound from me, no warmth from me. “Aubrey… come back…” Julian’s voice was incredibly hoarse, as if squeezed from his chest. But this time, no one answered him. My first week in Paris was a bit disorienting. But I didn’t dwell on it. Instead, I immersed myself completely in design, spending my days and nights at the studio. My grades had always been excellent, but due to my family’s financial struggles, I had given up a study abroad spot that should have been mine. Plus, I had stayed by Julian’s side, indulging in his gentle comfort, naturally pushing academic matters to the back of my mind. Now, having left him, I could pursue my dreams. And with Professor Laurent extending an invitation, I didn’t hesitate to come here. The first thing Professor Laurent did upon my arrival in Paris was to show me around the unfamiliar campus. This school was a renowned international art university, steeped in a rich artistic atmosphere, and I quickly became completely absorbed. “Aubrey, it’s wonderful that you chose to come here to study. Since you, I haven’t met anyone with such talent.” Professor Laurent held my hand, speaking earnestly. Hearing my professor’s words, I couldn’t help but feel touched. When I was with Julian, he had frowned and threatened me. “If you still want money to treat your mother’s illness, stay by my side and don’t go anywhere.” Thinking of the man who had hindered my growth, I smiled and shook my head, saying nothing. From the moment I left Julian, I was destined to become a free bird. I watched the young people coming and going, carrying drawing boards or musical instruments, my mood growing increasingly excited. I wanted to join them immediately. Professor Laurent showed me the lecture halls and the studios they used after class, then left. Following his advice, I rented a small apartment a five-minute walk from the school, saving a lot of time. In class, I was always the most enthusiastic student, interacting with the teachers. Perhaps because this was a rare learning opportunity, I worked harder than anyone else. One evening, I was again the only one left in the studio. I was so engrossed in my work that I didn’t notice the sky growing dark. I stretched my aching neck and shoulders, gathering my sketches to leave, when I suddenly heard the sound of a piano from somewhere. The melody was exquisitely beautiful, my father’s favorite piece. I was unconsciously moved by the music, my eyes welling up. I was so engrossed in listening, as if this was a symphony played just for me in the silent hallway. Determined to find the source of the music, I followed the sound, my satchel slung over my shoulder, to a small auditorium. I pushed open the heavy auditorium doors and saw only a man’s slender back. He sat at the piano in the center of the stage, playing with complete absorption. The music flowed into my heart as if it had a life of its own. Thus, we remained, neither disturbing the other. The man sat with his back to me on the stage, and Aubrey Hayes was the sole audience member for this concert, sitting in the front row. When the piece ended, the man closed the piano lid and bowed towards Aubrey in the audience, and I burst into applause. “Thank you for listening to my performance.” The man’s voice was deep and gentle, and for some reason, it sounded incredibly familiar. The next second, our eyes met, and my breath caught. The person before me wasn’t a stranger, but someone I thought I’d never see again. “Is that you… Daniel?” The man on stage stiffened, unable to hide his shock. “Aubrey?! Is that really you!” Daniel Thorne leaped off the stage. He looked at the girl before him, who had grown into such a graceful young woman, with an unprecedented joy. He walked towards me, a little emotional, and gently embraced me. “Aubrey… long time no see…” His voice trembled, and his embrace held a comforting warmth that made me momentarily let go of all my worries. Daniel Thorne was my childhood neighbor. When I was young, due to a family upheaval, my mother and I moved out overnight, without even getting a chance to say goodbye to Daniel. This had always been a knot in my heart. As an adult, I often thought of my childhood playmate, feeling guilty for my sudden departure. But I never expected fate to be so kind as to reunite us here. “Oh, right, Aubrey, what are you doing here?” “I’m here to study abroad. What about you, Daniel?” Daniel Thorne paused for a moment, then smiled. “Me too. The year after you left, our whole family moved to Paris. I just… I never thought I’d see you here again.” “It seems we’ll be seeing a lot of each other now.” He extended his right hand to me, happiness unconcealed on his face. I hesitated, then, blushing, shook his hand, just like the first time we met in our new house, that same shy and beautiful moment. From that day on, we met at an agreed-upon time every day. After class, I would go to the studio and start working on clothes based on my design sketches. When the sound of the piano drifted out, I would head to the auditorium and sit in the front row, becoming Daniel’s sole audience. We spent our days together. Daniel would occasionally sit beside me and teach me how to play a song. As time went by, with Daniel’s companionship, I gradually forgot the pain from home, forgetting Julian Vance, who had influenced me for so long. One evening, after parting ways with Daniel, I returned home, feeling a subtle sense of unease. The potted plant by my door seemed to have been moved. I tried to convince myself I was just overthinking, then reached for my keys to open the door, only to find it unlocked. A gentle push sent it swinging open. Suppressing the fear in my heart, I gripped my umbrella for defense and cautiously stepped inside. The door gently pushed open, and the scene inside froze me in place. My apartment was a ransacked mess. The living room chair was overturned, shoes by the entrance were scattered, all the drawers were pulled open, clothes from the closet lay strewn on the floor, and even the photo frame on my bedside table was shattered. Someone had been here! “Who! Who’s there!” My sharp eyes suddenly caught sight of the bedroom door wide open, the curtains fluttering wildly in the draft. And there, a figure leaped out the window! “Ah!!!” I screamed in fright, my legs turning to jelly as I collapsed to the floor. My hands trembling, I fumbled for my phone to call for help, but to my surprise, my first instinct was to call Julian. But the next second, I brutally crushed that thought. I had no one to rely on now. Only I could help myself. I quickly dialed the police and went downstairs to wait for help. After the police investigation, all the cash in the house had been stolen, and some valuable jewelry was also missing. However, it was a good thing I hadn’t directly confronted the thief, as they found a knife the thief had dropped on the balcony. If I had arrived home any earlier, I might have been in serious danger. “Ma’am, the robbers in Paris are very rampant. There have been several break-ins in your area recently. I suggest you move out as soon as possible.” The police handled the scene and advised me sternly. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I broke out in a cold sweat. Just then, a phone call broke the silence. “Daniel?” I was a little surprised to receive a call from Daniel. “Aubrey, are you okay? I saw a police car heading towards your apartment building from my balcony. Did something happen there?” Hearing his gentle voice, I finally felt a rare sense of peace. “It’s nothing, just that my house was broken into by a thief, and all my cash was stolen.” “I probably can’t go to school tomorrow. I need to look for a new place and also find a part-time job to earn some living expenses.” My words made Daniel’s voice instantly tense. “What? Aubrey, are you still in the apartment? I’m coming to find you!” “No, Daniel, you don’t have to!” “No, I won’t let you be alone with something so dangerous.” Daniel’s voice was filled with urgency, his tone carrying an undeniable authority. “Pack some things now. You can stay at my place tonight.” Before I could even speak, Daniel hung up, as if afraid I might refuse. Ten minutes later, Daniel drove up. “You really went to a lot of trouble, Daniel…” Seeing Daniel’s wet hair, as if he had just showered, made me feel even more apologetic. But Daniel didn’t blame me. Instead, he smiled and took my luggage. “Silly girl, what childhood thing didn’t I do with you? Why are you suddenly shy?” Hearing his words, I finally let go of my shame and followed him into the car. Daniel’s house was in an affluent area near the university. He led me to the guest bedroom, where the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city’s nightscape. “You can sleep here tonight. If you want to look for houses tomorrow, I’ll go with you.” “Thank you, Daniel. I knew you were the best!” That night, I had a rare, peaceful sleep. In my dream, Julian no longer appeared. Instead, it was a scene of Daniel holding my hand, playing by the small lake when we were children. I slept soundly, a sweet smile on my face. In the middle of the night, Daniel, feeling thirsty, went to the living room to pour a glass of water. As he passed my room, he instinctively paused. Looking at the girl deep in her beautiful dream, he quietly tightened his grip on the glass and, unconsciously, started smiling himself, gazing at her for a long time, unwilling to look away. The next morning, Daniel accompanied me to look for houses. But after an entire day of searching, we couldn’t find any suitable properties.

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On our fifth wedding anniversary, I was heading to a government records office to get some personal documents for an international design competition I was participating in. I took the form from the window, reviewed it, and corrected, “Excuse me, my marital status is wrong. I’m married, not divorced.” My husband, Julian Thorne, was known throughout the city’s most powerful circles as the ‘mad scion.’ His possessiveness was legendary; if I ever wanted to leave, he’d never allow it. But the clerk, after double-checking multiple times, stated with absolute certainty , “No, it’s correct. You and Mr. Julian Thorne finalized your divorce exactly three years ago today. And on that very same day, he remarried. His new wife’s name is Valerie Hayes. Do you know her?” I froze, my entire body going numb, as if plunged into an ice bath. Recognize her? That was the understatement of the century! Valerie Hayes was Julian Thorne’s most obsessive stalker. Five years ago, she crashed our wedding, creating a massive scene, and it took twenty bodyguards to drag her out. Four years ago, she was found stark naked on Julian’s office desk. He called the police himself, and she wasn’t released from custody for twenty days. Three years ago—my personal hell year—Valerie, after another failed attempt to win Julian’s affection, stormed into my art studio and *severed my right hand* in a fit of rage. When Julian found out, his eyes were bloodshot with fury. He vowed to kill Valerie. It was *me* who had to physically restrain him, to drag him back from the brink of murder. To punish Valerie, he imprisoned her. He subjected her to daily lashings and torture, swearing that anyone who dared harm his ‘greatest love’ would endure a pain a thousand, a *million* times worse than any prison sentence. But now, I was being told that my husband, on the very *same day* Valerie had severed my hand, had married *her*? How was that even remotely possible? In my shock, a message from Julian Blackwood popped up. “Summer, it’s our fifth anniversary today. I’ll be back to celebrate with you after I’m done with that woman. Love you.” I stared blankly at the screen. For five years, every message he sent included “Love you.” His love had always been passionate and fervent. Back then, I was just a budding designer from an ordinary background. He, a billionaire magnate, fell for me at first sight and pursued me relentlessly. City-wide fireworks displays, rare roses flown in from across the globe, exorbitant jewelry… every day, a new, over-the-top declaration of love. But what truly moved me was when I had a stomachache, and he flew back overnight from abroad just to cook me porridge with his own hands. When I was upset, he’d pause a meeting in front of a room full of executives, just to tell me a corny joke. When a jealous colleague attacked me with acid, he shielded me frantically. His back was a mangled mess, yet he whispered softly, “Don’t be scared.” He was cold and almost brutal to everyone else; his tenderness and love were reserved solely for me. Could such a Julian Blackwood truly betray our love? Driven by a gut feeling, I hailed a cab to the hilltop mansion. That was where Julian Blackwood supposedly kept Serena Vance imprisoned. Faint sobs drifted from the garden. I took a few more steps, peering through the trailing wisteria, and my entire world imploded. Julian Blackwood, dressed in a sharp suit, his back ramrod straight, held a delicate feather whip. He brought it down, again and again, on Serena Vance. Serena, bound to the swing set, was utterly exposed and dangerously alluring. Amidst her soft whimpers, Julian dropped the whip, descended upon her, and kissed Serena fiercely, possessively, yet with undeniable passion. Their bodies intertwined, his clothes shed, beads of sweat tracing paths down his spine. My face went ashen, my heart felt brutally ripped open, and for a moment, I was drowning in a torrent of despair. So, what I’d heard wasn’t sobs at all, but Serena’s cries of pleasure. The so-called whipping and torment were nothing more than a prelude to their intimacy. His “prison” was, in fact, a love nest! I stared numbly at the swaying swing set. Julian had spent an entire month building it for me with his own hands, his fingers covered in blisters. Back then, he’d said tenderly, “My Summer deserves all the unique beauty in the world. This swing is just for you, Summer, and so is my love.” But now, he had given the swing, and his love, to another woman. A sworn enemy who had nearly destroyed me! I trembled uncontrollably, my palms digging in until they bled. A bone-deep pain consumed my entire body. But why, why on earth?! I soon found the answer. On the swing set, the passionate storm had passed. “You’re amazing, husband, I feel so satisfied.” Serena Vance’s face was flushed. “The thought of actually being married to you makes me feel like I’m dreaming.” “You deserve it,” Julian Blackwood said, slowly buttoning his shirt. “Three years ago, I only mentioned once that I didn’t want Summer to go abroad for design studies; I wanted her by my side forever. And you, you foolish girl, took a knife and severed her hand, making sure she could never design again. Then you even turned yourself in, saying you’d rot in prison if it meant securing my happiness.” “I considered myself cold-hearted and unfeeling, but even I couldn’t be indifferent to such selfless love. Summer can openly enjoy my love, but you can only hide in this mansion. Granting you the title of wife as compensation seemed only fair.” I stumbled backward, my heart feeling as if it were being flayed alive, piece by agonizing piece. Years ago, a spoiled playboy once mocked me, calling me an “angel with broken wings.” Julian had ordered his men to rip out the man’s bloody tongue, stating coldly, “Anyone who dares to badmouth Summer again will suffer this fate.” But now, he was embracing the very woman who had shattered my wings, kissing her, loving her, giving her his name! “What if Ms. Hayes finds out?” Serena Vance asked, her face filled with worry. “Given her personality, she’ll never accept it.” Julian Blackwood’s tone was calm and assured. “My love for Summer has never changed. I will protect her my entire life, and she will never find out.” Before leaving, he slipped a pink diamond ring onto Serena Vance’s hand. “Oh?” Serena gasped. “This was the grand finale at Sotheby’s a few days ago, worth a hundred million! I… do I deserve such an expensive ring?” “You are my wife, of course you do.” Julian Blackwood pecked her lips. “Happy three-year anniversary, my love.” It wasn’t until the black Porsche Cayenne disappeared down the road that I stumbled down the mountain in a daze. My phone vibrated. I numbly lit up the screen. “Summer, I’m on my way home. Can’t wait to spend our fifth anniversary with my darling. Love you.” I suddenly laughed, tears streaming down my face. My chest felt like it had been ripped open, exposed to a chilling emptiness. He had just celebrated a three-year anniversary with another woman, and now he was talking about our fifth? But there was no fifth anniversary; we had been divorced for three whole years! As for love, if Julian Blackwood’s so-called love meant clipping my wings and imprisoning me for life. Then I didn’t want that kind of love ever again. Julian Blackwood said I would never find out? No, *he* would lose *me* forever. I clutched the Paris Design Competition registration form in my hand, then turned and did two important things. First, I applied to cancel all my identity information in the country. Second, I resubmitted my design competition application under a new identity. After Serena Vance severed my right hand, she threw it to wild dogs, making it impossible to reattach. Julian was furious with grief, spending billions to create a near-perfect prosthetic hand for me. My daily life was unaffected, but I could no longer do precise work, like the designing I loved. My dream shattered, I attempted suicide three times, and cried countless tears until the morning light. Finally, I gritted my teeth and decided to start over with my left hand. The road was incredibly tough. For over a thousand days and nights, my left hand was covered in calluses. I finally made it to the Paris Design Competition. I had kept it a secret from Julian, wanting to surprise him, to show him that the woman he loved had never surrendered to fate. Now, I was only grateful. If I had told him sooner, I probably wouldn’t have kept my left hand either. I looked down at the text message. “Your cancellation application has been submitted and will be processed within ten business days.” In ten days, I would leave for Paris for the competition and never return. No matter how controlling Julian Blackwood was, he wouldn’t be able to find someone whose identity had been erased. As evening approached, I returned to the mansion. The air was thick with tension, and the house was in utter chaos. Julian Blackwood was tying up all the staff, coldly interrogating them about my whereabouts. The moment he saw me, the staff looked as if they’d been granted a reprieve from execution. He also let out a sigh of relief. The icy sharpness in his eyes melted away, and he pulled me into a tight embrace. “Summer, where did you go? I was so worried about you.” My body stiffened. Finally, I said calmly, “I lost track of time while shopping.” Julian Blackwood ruffled my hair, a helpless smile on his face. “Next time, remember to bring your husband. I can carry your bags, pay for everything, and I’m always on call.” Husband? A sharp pain pierced my heart. No, he hasn’t been my husband for three years. “It’s our fifth anniversary today. Come see the gift your husband prepared for you.” Julian Blackwood took my hand and led me to the helipad in the backyard, then lifted me onto the helicopter. Once we were high in the air, the city lights below suddenly spelled out “Love, Summer.” It was breathtakingly spectacular, dazzling and awe-inspiring. Julian Blackwood whispered passionately in my ear, “I love you, Summer. Always.” Soon, the helicopter landed outside a magnificent estate in the suburbs. This estate, bought by a mysterious figure for five hundred million, now had a luxurious, intricately carved gate bearing the name— Summer’s Haven. The architectural style that greeted me was Gothic, which I’d only casually mentioned I liked recently. The garden was filled with my favorite orchids, each worth over a million dollars. Nearby was a dreamlike amusement park, with carousels, a Ferris wheel, roller coasters… all my favorite rides. There was even a cute pet sanctuary, filled with adorable cats, simply because I’d recently expressed sympathy for stray cats. I looked at everything before me, a bitter ache rising in my chest, my eyes welling up. It was true that he had loved me consistently for five years, fulfilling my every wish, no matter how small. But it was also true that he had split his love in two, behind my back. Julian Blackwood’s thumb brushed away the moisture from under my eyes. “It’s only right for a husband to treat his wife well. If you cry any more, my heart will ache.” Beneath the starry sky, he knelt on one knee and opened a velvet box. “Summer, the luckiest thing in my life was marrying you. I’m utterly, hopelessly in love with you, and I don’t want to be apart from you for a single second.” “So I came up with an idea. This pair of rings: the women’s ring has a chip, and the men’s has a receiver. From now on, I’ll always know what you’re doing, so I wouldn’t constantly worry about losing you.” Julian Blackwood’s eyes were filled with obsessive, intense love. But just as he was about to slip the ring onto my finger, his phone rang. A distinctive alert sound—it was a SnapChat message from Serena Vance. He glanced at the content, his expression unchanged, and only after he’d placed the ring on my ring finger did he rise. “Summer, it’s an important client for the company. I’ll be right back.” No sooner had he spoken than he rushed onto the helicopter. It wasn’t until the whirring of the rotor completely faded that I lowered my gaze, picked up a small cat, and squatted on the ground, silently for a long time. A soft sensation brushed my palm, but my heart was utterly cold. The stray cat had a home, but I… I no longer did. *Thud—* The ring slipped from my hand. Julian Blackwood was so preoccupied with Serena Vance that he didn’t even notice he’d given me the wrong ring. He had taken the women’s ring with the chip to monitor me, but he had left the men’s ring, which was the receiver, with me. After a moment of hesitation, I pressed the switch on the ring. “I’m sorry, husband, I don’t want to suffer from depression, but I’ve been locked up here for three years, and I’m really going crazy.” Serena Vance’s crying voice came through. “You don’t have to worry about me. Today is your and Ms. Hayes’s fifth anniversary. Go be with her. I’ll try my best to get through this, just like I have these past three years…” “Don’t say such foolish things.” Julian Blackwood’s low, authoritative voice echoed. “I’m your man. How can I not care for you when you’re sick? Come on, let’s go out for a change of scenery.” “Really?” Serena Vance exclaimed, overjoyed. “Am I dreaming? I can really leave this place?” “When has your husband ever lied to you? Let’s go now.” The familiar whirring sound of the rotor started up again. I knew they were on the helicopter. I remembered three years ago, when I had just lost my right hand and was in unbearable agony, Julian had tried everything to cheer me up. He bought this helicopter and took me soaring into the sky, saying with a pang of heartache, “Look, Summer, even the largest buildings now seem so tiny. Just like there’s no obstacle in life that can’t be overcome. No matter how difficult, your husband will be with you through it all.” Back then, I believed him. But it turned out, he was the one who had created this hurdle for me in the first place. When the helicopter reappeared in the sky, I thought I was mistaken. Finally, it landed at the adjacent estate. Julian Blackwood’s voice came through the ring: “Serena, you never had a chance to leave the mansion before, but your husband had already prepared an anniversary gift for you. This is your estate, and I’ll spend the day here with you.” Amidst Serena Vance’s joyful laughter, I received a SnapChat message from Julian Blackwood. “Summer, I have a project to discuss with a client. I’ll be back tomorrow night. Play by yourself for now, and let your husband know if you need anything. Love you.” I clutched my phone tightly, a single tear falling, blurring the word “husband” on the screen. He could buy identical estates and give them to two women. But he could only be one woman’s husband. Just a wall separated me from him, as he spent time with his true wife. It made me feel like nothing more than a hidden mistress, an illicit secret. Thankfully, such days would soon end. I wiped away my tears. Instead of staying at the estate, I went home and continued to practice my design work. I had only passed the preliminary round. To go further with my left hand, I had to put in more effort than anyone else. Perhaps the sudden turn of events sparked my inspiration, as I quickly developed a new concept. After completing the initial draft, I put down my pen and focused on examining it. My hand accidentally brushed against the ring on the table. The switch was pressed, and Serena Vance’s tearful voice came through. “One day is too short, husband. Do I have to go back to the mansion and hide again? I know I can’t let Ms. Hayes see me, but I really want to be with you in front of everyone, just like her, *mmph*…” The other end suddenly fell silent, and my breath hitched. My arm trembled uncontrollably. The unbearable agony of having my hand severed brutally felt like it was crashing over me all over again. Pain, such intense pain. My whole body was shaking. Julian Blackwood knew better than anyone how much pain and hatred I carried, which was why he only dared to hide Serena Vance away. No matter what, he couldn’t possibly let this woman show her face in public… But after a long silence, Julian Blackwood spoke. “Alright.” He had actually agreed to Serena Vance’s request. I clutched my chest, feeling as if something had been brutally ripped open. A day later, Julian Blackwood returned on time. He brought back an “Ocean’s Star” necklace worth two hundred million and a “Starlight Diamond” gown, the only one of its kind in the world. “Summer, we’re making up for our fifth anniversary today. I want everyone to witness our happiness.” His tone, though gentle, was as undeniable as ever. I silently changed into the gown, letting him lead me away, his eyes filled with admiration. The banquet was held at Julian Group’s seven-star hotel. In the opulent, dazzling ballroom, people mingled in their finest attire, and celebrities gathered. However, all the service staff wore cheongsams and masks. Julian Blackwood’s expression was cold as he swept his gaze over us, then explained to me, “Summer, you are the undisputed center of attention tonight. The background staff will wear masks so they don’t overshadow you.” I vaguely guessed something, and my face went pale. I was about to speak, but flattering voices interrupted me. “Mr. Blackwood is as devoted and thoughtful as ever. Mrs. Blackwood is truly blessed.” “I heard Mr. Blackwood’s fifth-anniversary gift was an estate worth five billion.” “Mr. Blackwood said his love only grows, and his gifts will be more precious each year.” Suddenly, the sound of fabric tearing echoed. “I-I’m sorry.” A masked server trembled as she got up from the floor, her cheongsam torn all the way to her upper thigh, revealing alluring legs. But the guests weren’t interested in admiring them; they were all hushed and fearful. Julian Blackwood was notoriously devoted to his wife, a possessive tyrant. Anyone who dared to disrupt the banquet’s atmosphere now… given his usual ruthlessness… Everyone silently prayed for the clumsy server. Sure enough, Julian Blackwood’s voice turned icy cold. “Come with me.” “Summer, rules are rules. I’ll go teach *her* a lesson, be right back.” He softened his tone as he told me. Then he grabbed the server’s wrist and dragged her upstairs. A moment later, I followed them. On the third-floor landing, the conference room door was ajar. The server was sitting on the conference table, her long, smooth legs wrapped around Julian Blackwood’s waist. Her mask lay quietly to the side. Her exposed face was tear-streaked, looking utterly pitiful. It was Serena Vance. My heart ached fiercely. So, his grand gesture of celebrating with me was merely to fulfill Serena Vance’s wish. But clearly, I wasn’t satisfied. “I’m sorry, husband, I shouldn’t be this way, you brought me out, I should be happy. But seeing you and Ms. Hayes so in love, it just hurt so much. I felt so unwell that I collapsed without even realizing it. I’ve embarrassed you. Will you be angry with me for interrupting you and Ms. Hayes?” “No.” Julian Blackwood raised a hand to wipe away the tears from Serena Vance’s eyes. “I only feel bad for you. I’ll have my assistant take you home later and find a specialist to check on you.” “I don’t want to go.” Serena Vance clung to him, her voice a seductive purr. “No one else can cure me, you are my only medicine. Don’t you believe me? Try me.” Julian Blackwood chuckled softly. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her with lingering passion. “Feeling better?” “A little, but not enough. I need deeper treatment.” Serena Vance’s voice was like a hook, her hands trailing provocatively over Julian Blackwood’s sensitive spots. Julian Blackwood let out a muffled groan. “My love, are you sick or just insatiable?” Serena Vance giggled, blowing a soft breath into his ear. “Both.” The next second, she was pressed down onto the table by Julian Blackwood, her cheongsam completely torn open. That flash of white, it stung my eyes. I remembered four years ago, when Serena Vance had snuck into Julian Blackwood’s office. She lay naked on his desk, humbly begging, “Mr. Blackwood, please, just touch me, just once.” Julian Blackwood hadn’t even glanced at her, coldly ordering her to be taken to detention. He’d covered my eyes, saying, “It’s dirty, don’t look. I’ll only ever touch one woman in my life, you.” But now, he was pressing Serena Vance onto the office table, his well-defined hands caressing her entire body. There was no longer any disgust in his eyes, only raw, consuming passion. I couldn’t bear to watch anymore and stumbled away. When Julian Blackwood reappeared, he was holding a gift box. “Summer, this is the transfer contract for this hotel. Tonight, it witnessed our beautiful love, so I’m giving it to you.” A hotel worth ten billion dollars, given away just like that, once again drawing envious glances from everyone towards me. At that moment, Serena Vance, having changed into a new cheongsam, came downstairs. Her expression was hidden behind her mask, making it unclear, but her tightly clenched hands betrayed her displeasure. A moment later, Serena Vance unclenched her hands and meekly went to prepare the champagne tower. I stood on my tiptoes, starting to pour champagne from the topmost glass. Unexpectedly, my foot slipped, and in my panic, my hand grabbed the tablecloth, causing the entire champagne tower to crash down. Countless shards of champagne glasses rained down directly onto Serena Vance and, behind her, myself. Amidst a chorus of gasps, Julian Blackwood’s face changed. He rushed toward us. With a tense expression, he pulled Serena Vance away, shielding her in his arms. I, who had already managed to dodge, was violently knocked by him and fell to the ground. My head hit the floor, and warm blood welled and trickled down. My body was riddled with cuts from glass shards, the pain like a thousand tiny knives, flaying me alive. My vision blurred. Though I was trembling with pain, I let out a hollow, detached laugh. I had always believed that Julian Blackwood had divided his love equally between us. But it turned out, if he had to choose, his choice would be Serena Vance. When I next awoke, I was in a hospital. Julian Blackwood, his eyes red-rimmed, explained apologetically, “Summer, I meant to protect you. I was just so worried that I panicked and saved the wrong person.” He kissed my hand repeatedly. As if to convey all his heartache and love through my palm. Unfortunately, he forgot it was a prosthetic hand. I felt no sincerity at all, only that his words were full of lies. I asked coldly, “What are you going to do about that server?” I had seen clearly that the champagne tower’s collapse was no accident, but Serena Vance’s deliberate act. Julian Blackwood’s expression paused slightly, then he said, “It was indeed my oversight. I’ve already given orders to blacklist her globally, so she can never work as a server again.” I froze, then suddenly laughed. A network of fine cracks spread across my heart, letting pain seep into every crevice. Serena Vance wasn’t a server to begin with. It was such an utterly irrelevant punishment, like telling a bird it could never fly. Ridiculous. Seeing me laugh, Julian Blackwood smiled too. For the next few days, he cared for me with utmost tenderness. He closely monitored the IV drip’s progress. He personally and gently tended to my wounds. He peeled the luscious lychees and fed them to my mouth, extending his palm for me to spit the pits into. Doctors and nurses passing by all envied my good fortune. Until, the familiar, distinctive phone ringtone sounded. He hesitated, then calmly said, “Summer, there’s something urgent at the company. I’ll be gone for a bit.” Only after his figure completely disappeared did I turn on the receiver on the ring. It turned out Serena Vance was also hospitalized. Julian Blackwood wasn’t constantly checking on Serena Vance’s IV drip, nor was he personally changing her dressings. Because her minor scratches had long since healed. He certainly wasn’t peeling lychees for Serena Vance. Instead, he told her to put the fruit on her skin, and then, he “conquered her territory,” devouring her completely, leaving nothing untouched. I couldn’t bear to listen anymore. Just as I was about to turn off the switch, I heard Serena Vance’s pleading voice. “Husband, if I’m kept locked up any longer, my depression will get worse. I’ll truly wither away. Please, don’t keep me in the hilltop mansion anymore. I want to go out. I even want to be intimate with you in front of Ms. Hayes, *mmph*…” Serena Vance’s words turned into whimpers amidst a series of intense thrusts. When everything became quiet again, Julian Blackwood once more uttered that single word. “Alright.” Three days later, I was discharged from the hospital. Julian Blackwood carried me into the car, then from the car all the way to the sofa in the mansion, saying my body had just healed, and he didn’t want me to get tired. It sounded so loving, until I spotted Serena Vance among the staff, dressed in a maid’s uniform. My heart ached fiercely, and I looked at Julian Blackwood in disbelief. Serena Vance said she wanted to leave the mansion, and his solution was to bring her home? “Summer, it’s like this.” Julian Blackwood hugged me tighter, his tone gentle and firm. “If that woman had gone to jail back then, it would have only been for three years. Logically, she should be free by now, but I don’t want her to get off easy, so I brought her here to serve you, as continued penance.” “I also consulted a psychologist. You’ve been experiencing some stress reactions. Being around her might actually help you. Trust me, Summer, these arrangements are all because I love you.” He was full of lies, yet he looked so sincere, his face mirroring how he looked five years ago when he proposed. Back then, he had solemnly sworn that he would never let me suffer any grievance in this life. Now, for another woman, he was pushing my boundaries again and again. How was what he was doing any different from rubbing salt in my wounds? I thought I would feel heartbroken, would refuse, would be angry, would fight back. But instead, I felt utterly empty, so empty that I no longer cared about anything. “Okay, I’ll do as you say.” Let alone making Serena Vance a maid, I wouldn’t even object if she became the lady of the house. After all, I would soon leave his world forever. The rest of the day, Serena Vance diligently cleaned, keeping to herself. Julian Blackwood didn’t even glance at me, spending the entire time with her. That evening, he gently handed me a glass of milk. “Summer, your wounds have just healed. Drink some milk to help you sleep.” I realized something. I secretly poured out the milk, pretending to drink it all. Sure enough, that night, after I was “asleep,” Julian Blackwood kissed my forehead, got up, and opened the door. “Husband, can we really be intimate in front of Ms. Hayes?” Serena Vance’s surprised voice drifted in. “You silly girl, when has your husband ever gone back on his word?” My eyelashes fluttered violently. I opened my eyes and, through the French windows behind me, saw Julian Blackwood holding Serena Vance against the wall, kissing her inch by inch until they were utterly entwined… My palm was aching from how tightly I was gripping it, but my heart wouldn’t ache anymore. Because he wasn’t worth it. The next morning, Julian Blackwood went to the company, and I stayed in my room designing. I didn’t want to see Serena Vance, so breakfast and lunch were brought in by the staff. When a knock sounded again that evening, it was Serena Vance standing outside the door. She held a tray, her voice provocative and smug. “ I saw you outside the conference room at the hotel that day. I never thought someone as proud as you, after losing a hand, would lose her spirit too. You can tolerate this?” “Well, I guess. You’re just a cripple now, reliant on Julian to support you, so you wouldn’t dare object to anything he does.” A wave of nausea washed over me. I asked coldly, “What exactly do you want to say?” “I want to say, even if you hide like a turtle, you won’t keep Julian. I’ll corner you step by step until you have nowhere left to go and disappear completely. Julian belongs to me and only me!” I clenched my fist, but ultimately gave up on the idea of slapping her. Hitting her would only soil my hands. I would find another way to reclaim every ounce of pain she had inflicted, with interest. I didn’t want to argue. Just as I was about to close the door, I heard familiar footsteps. Serena Vance immediately changed her expression to one of pitiful vulnerability, then fell backward. The rice and soup on the tray spilled all over me. She held up her swollen hand and cried plaintively, “Ms. Hayes, I know you’re still angry with me. If it makes you feel better, I can endure it no matter how many times you push me again.” Julian Blackwood’s eyes instantly flashed with heartache. I only felt disgust. “I didn’t push her. She’s putting on a show.” Serena Vance cried even harder. “Ms. Hayes, if saying that makes you feel better, then pretend I fell myself.” Julian Blackwood’s expression flickered, then he subtly averted his gaze, a hint of suppressed frustration in his eyes. He looked at me. “Summer, I believe you. Since you two aren’t getting along, I’ll send her away right now.” “Huh?” Serena Vance looked up in surprise, tears still clinging to her face. Julian Blackwood merely said coldly, “Don’t say anything else. Go pack your bags immediately.” Serena Vance froze for a moment, then bit her lip, suppressing her grievance. “Yes, I’ll go right away.” “Alright, Summer, don’t get angry over irrelevant people. I came home early today just to be with you. Let’s go out for a big dinner.” Julian Blackwood took my hand and led me into the walk-in closet, personally choosing a gown and matching jewelry for me. “You get dressed. I’ll go kick that woman out.” He sounded ruthless, but through the ring, I heard him coaxing Serena Vance softly. “My love, I’m sorry you were wronged today. Of course, it pained me to see Summer push you. But this was a move I planned. My pretending to kick you out means you’ll be completely free from now on.” “Wh-what do you mean?” “It means you go back to the mansion for now, and from this moment on, you can go wherever you want. Once you’re back, remember to send me a message to let me know you’re safe.” Serena Vance was so touched she choked back tears. “Husband, you’re so good to me.” Julian Blackwood only chuckled. “We’re married. If I’m not good to you, who would I be good to?” The Michelin-starred French dinner was truly authentic. The view of the river from the eighty-eighth floor was also captivating. But watching Julian, agitated and constantly checking his phone across from me, I found the food utterly tasteless. I knew he was waiting for Serena Vance’s text message, confirming she was safe. After all, they were married. When his unique ringtone finally sounded, Julian Blackwood answered impatiently. He, a man usually so poised and in control, was so desperate that he accidentally put her on speaker. Serena Vance’s desperate, trembling voice came through. “I’ve been kidnapped. I don’t know where I’m going, but maybe it’s for the best. Since Ms. Hayes doesn’t like me, my disappearance will completely clear the way for you both… Ah!” The call disconnected. Julian Blackwood tried to call back, but it wouldn’t connect. He forced himself to suppress his unease, trying to speak calmly. “Summer, where did you take that woman? If you wanted to get revenge, you should have let your husband handle it. Why bother dirtying your own hands?” “I’ll say it again,” I put down my fork. “It wasn’t me.” The next second, my wrist was brutally gripped. “Serena is suffering from depression; she can’t handle this kind of ordeal!” Julian Blackwood’s temper flared, his voice sharp. “Summer, stop this, please? You lost a hand, but she’s lost a lot too. Stop holding onto this grudge, can’t you just let her go?” I froze, then my eyes slowly turned red. Serena Vance lost a lot? She wounded someone, and someone covered for her, she didn’t even have to go to jail. She loved someone and got to be that person’s wife. She was kept and pampered for three years, and now she’s regained her freedom. Who was truly pathetic? Who wasn’t letting go? I held back my tears and spoke each word clearly. “I said I didn’t do it. And—” “Even if this hand is fake, it still hurts.” Only then did Julian Blackwood notice my wrist was completely red. He quickly let go, softening his tone. “I’m sorry, Summer, I was just worried you’d act impulsively and do something irrational. By the way, where’s the matching ring I gave you? Why aren’t you wearing it?” I found it laughable. He claimed he wanted to know my every move, yet he still didn’t realize he’d given me the wrong ring. “You gave me the men’s ring. It didn’t fit, so I put it away.” Julian Blackwood paused, then said gently, “Then we’ll go back and swap them immediately.” After that, he didn’t mention Serena Vance again, as if she truly were an unimportant person. Until three nights later, Julian Blackwood received a call and immediately got up to leave. His hand was already on the doorknob. He seemed to sense something, looked back at me, and froze. My gaze was so calm. There was no question about his late-night departure, no reluctance, as if I didn’t care about him at all. A panic seized his heart. He instinctively wanted to stay, but his phone rang again. This time, he forgot everything else, hurriedly muttering “company business” before striding out. Julian Blackwood didn’t return all night, only sending a SnapChat message. “Summer, I’m working late tonight and won’t be back. Go to sleep first. Love you.” I coldly turned off the screen. The fake “love you” vanished with the dimming light. The next morning, the staff told me someone was looking for me. As soon as I stepped out of the mansion, I was struck on the back of the head and lost consciousness. When I woke up again, I found myself tied up in a private room at a nightclub. My mouth was tightly taped shut, I wore a mask, and a cheongsam. Just like Serena Vance’s server disguise that day. And my waist-length hair, Julian Blackwood’s favorite, had been crudely cut short, barely reaching my ears. The door suddenly swung open, and Julian Blackwood’s deep voice echoed. “My love, is this the madam who tortured you for three days at the nightclub?” Serena Vance cried, feeling wronged and terrified. “It’s her! She said Ms. Hayes ordered her to make my life a living hell. Besides torturing me in various ways, she brought many men to humiliate me, but I fought with all my might and didn’t let them succeed…” Julian Blackwood’s voice grew colder with each word. “Summer certainly went too far. She’s unwilling to lay a hand on me, but she’s happy to make an example of others.” “Get me the whip soaked in salt.” My whole body trembled. I understood. Serena Vance was not only slandering me but also trying to make Julian Blackwood mistake me for the madam, to make him torture me with his own hands! I struggled, trying to explain, but my mouth was sealed shut, and my entire body was bound. Julian Blackwood held the whip, looking at the struggling woman before him. An inexplicable jolt ran through him. The lights in the private room were dim. He suddenly had an absurd thought, feeling she looked very much like me. “Husband, thank you for avenging me. This madam truly tortured me horribly, *sob*…” At that moment, Serena Vance tearfully embraced his waist, successfully dispelling his doubts. I usually disliked wearing cheongsams and always kept my long, flowing hair that he adored. This short-haired, cheongsam-clad madam couldn’t possibly be his beloved me. With that thought, all warmth vanished from Julian Blackwood’s eyes, replaced by a bloodthirsty frenzy. “How dare you harm my wife? I’ll make you suffer a thousand times the pain.” *Snap!* The whip whistled through the air and struck with brutal force. The first lash, I stiffened my back, the barbs tearing open the first bloody gash. I screamed, but it was stifled. The second lash, my pupils constricted, the skin-peeling wound felt like a branding iron, my breathing so rapid it felt like I was suffocating. The third lash, I bit my lip until it bled, my body convulsing and curling up. The pain was bone-deep, but there was no escape. After ninety-nine brutal lashes, my consciousness blurred, my body covered in blood, yet I no longer struggled, only twitching mechanically. In a daze, I remembered Julian Blackwood had said he would punish Serena Vance severely, that he would tie *me* up to whip *her*, but he had broken his word. Now, the one truly being bound, whipped, and tormented beyond endurance, was *me*! Then, I heard Julian Blackwood ask, “Serena, how many men did this madam arrange to humiliate you?” “…Ten.” “Good. Then I’ll make her endure it a hundredfold.” He coldly ordered his men, “Find a hundred of the dirtiest beggars, and then give this woman some drugs.” He lifted his leather shoe and kicked my masked chin. “How dare you harm my wife? I’ll make you regret ever coming into this world!” The mask flew to the floor. “Julian Blackwood…” I shouted with all my might. “If you knew the one you were hurting was me, would you regret it?” But all my blood-stained words turned into incoherent whimpers. Julian Blackwood had already turned and walked away, holding Serena Vance’s hand. “Serena, don’t look at this anymore, it’s disgusting. I’ll be with you for the next few days…” His voice faded into the distance. Someone untied me and forced a pill into my mouth. My heart felt like it had plunged into an ice cellar, but my body grew hotter and hotter. Countless filthy beggars surged through the door, an foul stench assailing me. Their gazes were lewd and vulgar, their hands, with their gray fingernails and oozing sores, brazenly touched my body. Besides the overwhelming revulsion, I even felt a shameful pleasure. I gasped for air, my face abnormally flushed, my eyes filled with tears of humiliation. If this continued, I would truly be utterly destroyed. I stumbled, grabbed a vase, shattered it with all my might, and forcefully stabbed a piece into my thigh. The gushing blood finally brought me a sliver of clarity. As the beggars closed in, with nowhere left to retreat, I glanced at the window behind me and, filled with grim determination, jumped. Perhaps it was the darkest hour before dawn; beneath the third-story window was a soft lawn, and not far away, the nightclub’s back door stood open. Ignoring my injuries and pain, I fled like a madwoman. My phone vibrated repeatedly. One message was from Julian Blackwood. “Summer, this project will take a few more days to finish. Be a good girl and wait for me at home. Love you.” I laughed sarcastically. The other was from the administrative office. “Your identity cancellation has been completed. All documents under this identity are now invalid.” This time, my laugh was genuine. Because, I could finally leave Julian Blackwood. Returning to the mansion, I quickly packed my luggage. All my personal documents had been confiscated by Julian Blackwood, but it didn’t matter now, because the person I once was no longer existed in this world. I only took my design sketches and some essential daily necessities. Then I removed the blood-stained ring and placed it on the empty desk. If Julian Blackwood just looked at it, he would know what he had done, and what I had endured. I had originally wanted to personally get my revenge on Serena Vance, but I knew that this ring alone would be enough to make Julian Blackwood my instrument of vengeance. By the time I left, it was night. On this midsummer night, the sky was like blue velvet, but unfortunately, due to city pollution, the stars appeared dim. But even dim stars will eventually emit dazzling light. I bought a plane ticket to Paris under my new identity. As the plane soared into the sky, I knew I was getting closer and closer to the stars. Goodbye, Julian Blackwood. I only wish to never see you again. Julian Blackwood returned to the mansion with Serena Vance, her arm linked through his, her eyes narrowed in a happy smile. Behind them, several bodyguards carried various luxury items from my shopping spree, and by her side was the man she had fallen madly in love with at first sight. From the moment she registered their marriage, Serena Vance felt her life had no regrets, except— Having to stay cooped up in the mansion. But now, that single regret was gone too. Serena Vance believed she was the happiest woman in the world. Julian Blackwood said nothing, a faint smile lingering on his lips. He led Serena Vance to the second-floor terrace, his thin lips parting. “I’m good to you, but what about you?” Serena Vance immediately nestled against his chest like a small bird, declaring deeply, “Of course, I’ll be good to you too. I love you, husband, I’ll love you forever, and I’ll love you more each day than the last!” With that, she stood on tiptoe and kissed Julian Blackwood’s lips. Julian Blackwood wrapped his arms around her waist, returning her kiss. His kissing technique was already superb, and this kiss was exceptionally long, as if it were a final embrace. He didn’t release her until Serena Vance was breathless, her face flushed red. His finger gently traced her swollen lips. “Since you love me so much, are you willing to do anything for me?” “Of course,” Serena Vance purred, melting into a puddle. “Let’s go do it… I’m fine with any position, just like every time before, whatever you like.” “That’s not what I’m talking about.” Serena Vance paused slightly. She looked up, studying Julian Blackwood’s expression, and suddenly considered a possibility, her entire being consumed by wild joy. Her voice trembling, she tentatively asked, “Husband, do you think Ms. Hayes went too far, and you want to punish her but can’t bring yourself to, so you want me to do it again?” “I can do it. You know I used to be very timid, but for you, I even dared to sever her hand. Now, whatever you want me to do to her, I’m still willing to do it for you!” Serena Vance knew Julian Blackwood’s power was boundless. He only appeared gentle and reasonable when he liked someone. But at his core, he was cruel and ruthless. Those who crossed him usually met a terrible end. If he no longer liked me, or even detested me… Serena Vance was beyond excited. She was so glad she had pretended to be tortured at the nightclub and framed me for everything. She had been worried about the trouble if Julian Blackwood discovered my numerous injuries. But if Julian Blackwood no longer wanted me, then it wouldn’t matter if that woman died. Once I was dead, he would be hers completely! “It does have to do with Summer.” Julian Blackwood’s tone suddenly softened a few degrees. But this gentleness made Serena Vance suspicious. If he no longer liked me, why was he still calling her Summer? Could it be… “Summer, such a kind person, yet she hired someone to kidnap and torture you. It seems as long as you exist, the wound in her heart will never fully heal.” Serena Vance’s heart sank inch by inch. “Husband, what do you mean by that…?” “I want you to come with me to get a divorce right now and disappear from my sight forever.” “What?!” Serena Vance looked at him in disbelief. Too shocked, she staggered backward. But this time, Julian Blackwood, who had always been so caring towards her, did not steady her. Instead, he let her fall to the ground. “I don’t want a divorce, husband! You said it yourself, marrying you was what I deserved…” “Indeed, you deserved it, but the term was only three years. You were willing to go to jail to help me keep Summer. As a token of my gratitude, I let you stay here and gave you three years of marriage. I believe I’ve been more than fair.” “Now you’re free. No one will pursue you for severing Summer’s hand back then. I can also give you a sum of money to ensure you live comfortably for the rest of your life, as thanks for helping me keep Summer.” Julian Blackwood’s voice was gentle, but Serena Vance knew it wasn’t because of me. Because he kept saying “Summer,” “Summer.” But how could Serena Vance give up? She truly loved Julian Blackwood, and having grown accustomed to such a lavish life in an elite family, how could she bear to leave? “Don’t abandon me, husband. You know I really love you. I can’t live without you, and when we were together, you were happy, weren’t you? I can do so much more for you…” Julian Blackwood said nothing, only looked at her intently. He had indeed been happy. Serena Vance was unrestrained and put him first in everything. The indulgence and thrill she offered were always top-notch. It wasn’t like with me; because he loved me too much, cared about me too much, he didn’t want to defile me. So every time, Julian Blackwood was gentle and restrained, focused only on satisfying me. As for his own feelings, they naturally took second place. Serena Vance and I were like a white rose and a red rose. If he could have both and they coexisted peacefully, he would have been willing. But Serena Vance’s dependence on him grew stronger, and I detested her so much. Even without knowing about their relationship, I had already sent people to capture Serena Vance and torture her. Despite being a little angel who felt pity for stray cats, I had lost all reason because of Serena Vance. If that was the case, then Serena Vance had to disappear completely. Temporary thrills ultimately weren’t as important as true love. It was time to end it. “No, please, husband, I can do anything, please don’t leave me…” Serena Vance once thought she had won Julian Blackwood’s love. But at this moment, she felt like she was back in the past, begging desperately for him, while he wouldn’t even look her way. She was so humble and despairing. Julian Blackwood knelt down. Serena Vance’s eyes lit up. After all, they’d been together for three years; surely there was some affection, right? Everything could still be turned around, it had to be. But the next second, Julian Blackwood gripped her chin, tightening his hold. “I told you to get a divorce. From now on, don’t call me husband anymore.” “From now on, I’m only Summer’s husband.” After saying that, Julian Blackwood suddenly felt a lot lighter. He, who could sign billion-dollar contracts with ease and feared nothing, had been constantly worried that I would discover his affair with Serena Vance. So he had to remarry me quickly and get rid of Serena Vance. My documents were with him anyway, and he intended to finalize everything today. “No…” Serena Vance endured the pain, still pleading. In the past, whenever she cried, Julian Blackwood’s face would show heartache. But now, his eyes held only impatience. “I’m not discussing this with you; I’m informing you. My patience is limited.” His gaze turned cold, his eyes tinged with anger. Serena Vance felt a chill run down her spine. She couldn’t utter another plea. She even thought, if this Julian Blackwood found out she had framed me and made him hurt me with his own hands… The thought filled Serena Vance with dread. She painfully realized that today, she had no choice but to get that divorce certificate. However, she still had one more trump card. Perhaps there was still a chance. Three years ago, Serena Vance dared to sever my hand, gambling that Julian Blackwood would be moved by it. After all, he was ruthless, and such a crazy act might just impress him. Serena Vance won the gamble. Not only did she get her revenge and hurt me, whom she had always envied, but she also truly gained Julian Blackwood. This time, she would gamble again! “Husband… no, Mr. Blackwood, I’ll go get my documents. Please wait for me.” Having lived in the mansion for three years, Serena Vance was familiar with every corner. She went to the bedroom to retrieve her documents, then immediately went into the bathroom. When she emerged, her expression had turned resolute. Because she had confirmed that she held a trump card! Even if they divorced today, I and Julian Blackwood would never be truly separated. Later, when Julian Blackwood looked back on her hidden sacrifice this time, he would only compensate and love her even more! The car started, heading toward the registry office. Julian Blackwood had already sent his assistant to retrieve my documents. With his capabilities and influence, he could fast-track things, divorce Serena Vance on the spot, and then remarry me. Just like three years ago. The divorce with Serena Vance went smoothly. The procedures were quickly completed, and two dark red divorce certificates were handed out. Even though it was a “strategic” divorce, Serena Vance’s eyes were slightly red with reluctance. Julian Blackwood seemed not to notice, saying coldly, “You can leave now. Pack your bags tonight and move out. My assistant will give you a hundred million dollars, enough for you to live well.” Serena Vance suppressed her bitterness. “I understand. Thank you, Mr. Blackwood.” A hundred million dollars was certainly a lot for ordinary people, but having been with a billionaire magnate like Julian Blackwood, she barely batted an eye at that amount. She pretended to comply, only planning for a glorious return with her trump card later. Serena Vance left shortly after, and the assistant brought my documents. Julian Blackwood’s rigid face softened a few degrees. “Is Summer at home?” The assistant respectfully replied, “Ms. Hayes is not home, sir. The staff said she hasn’t been back for three days.” What? Julian Blackwood’s eyebrows shot up. His face instantly darkened. I had left without a trace for three days? He instinctively wanted to use the ring to check my location, only to remember that he hadn’t worn the ring these past few days for his final farewells to Serena Vance. The ring was still in his CEO’s office. It seemed Serena Vance’s actions had affected me deeply, making me disobedient. Julian Blackwood was a little angry, but ultimately couldn’t bring himself to blame me. Never mind. He would just play back the ring’s recording later to find out where I went. For now, he needed to remarry me. From now on, his only wife would be me. Julian Blackwood handed his and my documents to the staff member. The process, usually straightforward, stalled as the staff member repeatedly entered my ID number. Finally, he looked at Julian Blackwood, whose expression had grown suspicious. “Mr. Blackwood, I’ve checked over a dozen times, and I can now confirm that the lady’s identity information has been canceled. She is currently untraceable.” Identity canceled? Julian Blackwood’s first reaction was disbelief. They were so in love; I had no reason to do such a thing behind his back.

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After three agonizing days of being relentlessly tormented by the Sterling brothers, I finally dragged myself back to their family estate, my spirit bruised and battered. “Grandma Martha, Grandpa Arthur, I’ve made my decision. The man I choose for our family alliance… is Rhys Sterling.” Grandma Martha looked utterly stunned. “Anya, are you sure you heard yourself right? Rhys is their *uncle*! The boys’ uncle!” A knot of anxiety tightened in my chest, but I had no other choice. I gripped the hem of my dress, forcing a strained smile. “Grandma Martha,” I began, gathering all my courage, “the alliance between the Sterling and Yu families doesn’t strictly require me to choose from Landon, Caleb, and Blake, the men of *their* generation, does it?” “Those three… they clearly don’t like me. I don’t want to force anyone’s hand anymore. Please, Grandma Martha, I’m begging you. Just ask Rhys if he’s willing to agree to this alliance!” My eyes, brimming with desperate hope, pleaded with her. Grandma Martha noticed my expression and let out a deep, weary sigh. She exchanged a meaningful glance with Grandpa Arthur, then slowly said, “Rhys is currently on a business trip overseas. We’ll have to call him. Now, sweetheart, try to relax.” My heart pounded with apprehension. As I heard the phone connect, my heart hammered against my ribs, lodged firmly in my throat. “Mother?” Rhys Sterling’s voice, distant and calm, answered the call. Grandma Martha briefly explained the situation, and then silence stretched on the other end of the line. Those few seconds of waiting felt like an eternity. My mind was a complete blank, and I could barely register anything being said on the phone. After what felt like an agonizing eternity, Grandma Martha’s face softened into a gentle, knowing smile. She nodded slowly. “Rhys has agreed to this alliance. Given his consent, our two families will set a wedding date as soon as possible, so you can be married without delay.” A tremor of shock ran through me, quickly replaced by an exhilarating surge of joy. I nodded, a firm, decisive gesture. My heart was still pounding wildly as I walked back. A massive weight had suddenly lifted from my chest, and I felt an immense sense of relief. After taking a few deep breaths and calming myself, I called my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison. “Dad, Mom, my fiancé has been switched to Uncle Caleb.” On the other end, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison sounded surprised for a moment, then quickly returned to their usual detached tone. “That’s fine. Caleb Sterling holds a lot of power; he has more sway than the other three Sterling brothers. Let us know the wedding date once it’s set. We’ll be there for the ceremony.” The line went dead with two sharp beeps, leaving me adrift in the chilling silence of my empty home. My parents had always been indifferent towards me, prioritizing company interests above all else. They were constantly traveling for business, and I had grown perfectly accustomed to their purely transactional tone. The Sterling and Harrison families were old money, the two most powerful dynasties on the East Coast. Generations ago, our ancestors forged a pact: an arranged marriage, binding our empires together. I couldn’t fight it. As the only girl of my generation in the Harrison family, I had no choice but to accept. I grew up with Landon, Rowan, and Kian Sterling. From childhood, my parents always told me that I would eventually marry one of the three brothers. So, I tried my best to get close to them, to be good to them, to desperately make them like me a little more. Five years ago, during a massive earthquake that rocked the country, I even risked my life to save them, only to be left battered, broken, and barely clinging to life. But they remained cold and distant, all because their affections lay with Skylar, the housekeeper’s daughter. Therefore, none of them wanted to marry me. They despised the engagement that tied them to me even more. The cruel irony was that they claimed to love Skylar because *she* had supposedly saved them during the earthquake. But *I* was the one who had saved them! As I approached my 24th birthday, the arranged marriage deadline loomed. I tried to tell them the truth countless times, but they not only refused to believe me but, fueled by Skylar’s manipulations, grew to detest me even more. Just as despair began to consume me, Landon, the eldest brother, sent a message. “The arranged marriage is unavoidable. I can take responsibility and marry you. Meet me at the courthouse.” Overjoyed, I stood outside the courthouse with my ID, foolishly waiting in the rain all day. But he never showed up. I suffered from a high fever for a day and a night. The next day, I received a call from Rowan, the second brother. “Aubrey, I heard you waited for Landon all day and night yesterday. Are you really that desperate to tie the knot? How about this: if you can find a pair of rings I buried in the garden, I’ll marry you.” I believed him again. I searched all day, tearing up the entire garden, breaking my nails, only to realize he had also been playing a cruel trick on me. On the third day, Kian, the third brother, invited me to watch the meteor shower on a mountain. But as soon as I climbed to the top, he made an excuse and left me alone on the summit, taking all the transportation with him. I walked back, bruised and exhausted, and went to confront them. That’s when I overheard them. “We were just messing with her. How could we possibly marry her for real? That day, I deliberately made Skylar get wet and fall, injuring herself. Consider it revenge for Skylar.” Hearing that, my heart completely froze. I walked home in the rain, pondering all night, and finally understood. The arranged marriage was unavoidable, but the groom could be changed! Now, I no longer had to stoop to their level. As soon as I got home, I heard footsteps outside the door. Landon stormed in, his face dark. “ Aubrey, I’ve told you countless times I don’t want to marry you. Are you still trying to force this marriage, eagerly showing up at our house to discuss wedding plans? Are you really that desperate to get married?” Rowan followed closely, his cool eyes filled with impatience, his tone cold and heartless: “I believe I’ve also told you countless times that the person I love is Skylar. What kind of heiress is as shameless as you?” Kian frowned deeply, his rebellious face etched with annoyance: “Which of us three did you finally choose?” I looked at the three similar yet distinctly different faces before me and said coldly, “I chose none of you.” Kian knitted his brows. “What do you mean? We’re the only eligible brothers in the Sterling family of our generation. If you don’t choose us, who else could you choose?” Rowan’s tone was hostile. “You’ve been clinging to us since childhood, always so desperate to tie the knot, and now you say you chose no one? What game are you playing now?” “No matter what stunt you pull, we will never love you!” Landon pinched the bridge of his nose, thoroughly exasperated. I took a deep breath. “Who says the arranged marriage has to be with someone from the same generation? I chose…” Before I could finish, a bodyguard rushed in, his face panicked. “Young Masters! It’s bad! Skylar heard you were about to be engaged, and she… she… she tried to kill herself!” Hearing this, the three brothers’ expressions changed instantly, and they rushed out. Landon suddenly remembered something and turned back, his sharp eyes filled with disgust: “Aubrey, look at the mess you’ve made. If you had chosen me, I would have fled the wedding, making you the laughingstock of the entire city!” Rowan’s eyes also held a chilling coldness, his voice icy to the extreme. “If you dared to choose me, I’d have a dog wear a groom’s suit and exchange vows with you on our wedding day!” Kian also said angrily, “You’d better not choose me, or I’ll smash the wedding venue! Every single time!” “We only love Skylar. Even if you force this marriage, we will never acknowledge you as our wife!” With that, all three of them stormed out. I watched their anxious retreat, finding it utterly ridiculous. The marriage partner was already set. From now on, I would have only one identity: their elder! The next day, I opened my phone and saw a new post from Skylar, the same Skylar who had threatened suicide last night. “What’s it like to be spoiled by three young masters?” She posted three pictures. The first showed Landon, usually so aloof and detached, cradling her in his arms, spoon-feeding her. The second captured Rowan, typically reserved and composed, sitting by her bedside, his fingers intertwined with hers. The third depicted Kian, notoriously arrogant and wild, kneeling before her, his eyes filled with tender concern as he gently applied medicine to her wounds. The delicate girl in the photos smiled shyly and sweetly, looking like the happiest princess in the world. The comment section was filled with envious remarks. “All three Sterling young masters are in love with me. Skylar must have saved the galaxy in her past life.” “Tell me about it. One is impressive, but *three*? How did Skylar manage it?” Besides the admiration, there were, of course, those who wanted to see me humiliated. I casually scrolled through, and a few comments caught my eye. “I wonder what Ms. Harrison thinks of all this?” “What could a desperate cling-on think? She used to chase after the three Sterling young masters all day. Seeing this, she’s probably green with envy and already rushing back to them. I bet she’ll be there in how many minutes?” “I bet ten minutes!” “I bet five minutes!” “I bet three minutes! I’ll stake my new sports car on it!” Many people excitedly started placing bets, with the stakes growing higher and higher. But I just smiled, a quiet sense of release washing over me. No more would I chase after them, shamelessly abandoning my dignity. My slender fingers flew across the screen, tapping out a defiant message: “I’m betting on forever!” Seeing my comment, many messaged me, asking if I was joking. I simply turned off my phone, ignoring all messages. Just then, a knock came from the front door. It was the Sterling family’s butler. “Ms. Harrison, the old madam has chosen an auspicious date. It’s set for the 5th of next month, a propitious day for marriage.” “The Sterling family will handle all wedding arrangements. You only need to choose your favorite wedding gown and rings and make the final decisions.” “This is a set of keys to the bridal home that Mr. Caleb asked me to deliver. You can decorate it however you like.” With that, the butler presented a property transfer agreement and a set of keys, respectfully placing them before me. “Oh, and Mr. Caleb is currently on a business trip abroad, handling urgent matters. He will return before the wedding, so please rest assured, Ms. Harrison.” After meticulously explaining all the details, the butler turned and left. The 5th of next month – that was barely two weeks away. It would come quickly. I clutched the bridal home keys, their cold, hard metal gradually warming in my hand. My heart felt a little more settled. I bought many ornaments and decorations for the bridal home and called in the staff to help me arrange everything. As soon as the festive red wedding characters were put up, a sense of wedding day excitement filled the air. The minimalist modern decor was gradually filled with my chosen pieces, and the house began to feel like a home. Looking at the nearly finished bridal home, I suddenly felt a strange nervousness. Caleb wasn’t of my generation. Growing up, I only felt reverence and awe towards him. Now, I was actually going to marry such a man. Back home, a staff member brought me an auction invitation, accompanied by an item catalog. I wasn’t in the mood, but I idly flipped through it. Towards the end, a men’s watch caught my eye. The watch was named “Devotion,” symbolizing eternal love. It was custom-made for her beloved by Princess Anna in the last century. It exuded elegance and nobility, and it was the only one of its kind in the world. Just one glance, and I knew this watch perfectly matched Caleb’s demeanor. On my wedding day, I should have a gift ready for him. So, the next day, I went to the auction, determined to acquire that watch. Entering the auction hall, I walked towards my seat. Just as I was about to sit down, the chair, which had been behind me, was suddenly yanked away by a large hand. I didn’t react in time, and with a thud, I fell to the ground. A fracturing pain shot through my tailbone, making my face go pale. Just as I tried to get up, a glass of red wine was poured over my head. My carefully prepared dress and makeup were instantly ruined, and the previously quiet auction hall erupted in laughter. I looked up to see the three Sterling brothers standing over me, looking down. Landon’s gaze was heavy, his sharp eyes slightly narrowed. “Didn’t you say you’d never come looking for us again? What, couldn’t hold back that quickly?” Rowan’s cold face twisted into a sneer. “I actually thought you were serious about giving up, only to hear the news that the Sterling family is having a wedding in two weeks. Which of us three did you choose in the end?” Kian’s expression was grim, and he gritted his teeth. “No matter who you chose, I’m telling you, today is just a small warning. If you actually marry one of us, you won’t have an easy life afterward; it’ll be even worse than today.” As the three brothers spoke, the entire venue buzzed with whispers. “How pathetic. A top heiress, so utterly humiliated.” “All these years, not one of the three Sterling young masters has liked her. If it were me, I would have given up long ago.” “Tell me about it. If she’s this miserable before marriage, who knows how much worse it’ll be afterward.” They pointed and whispered, enjoying the spectacle, but a hint of pity also laced their words. I took a deep breath, and after a moment, pulled some wet wipes from my purse. After cleaning the sticky red wine from my face and body, I righted the chair and sat down. “I’ll say this one last time: I am getting married in two weeks, but the groom is not one of you.” Landon frowned. “Aren’t you marrying into the Sterling family?” “Yes,” I replied calmly. Rowan sneered. “You say no one, then you say yes. Besides us three, who else in the Sterling family could you marry? What reverse psychology game are you playing now?” “You don’t seriously think this will make us change our minds, do you? We don’t love you; our hearts are only for Skylar. Whatever game you’re playing, give up now!” Kian said impatiently. Just as I was about to speak, the auction began. “This charity auction will now commence. We will begin by introducing the first item…” Skylar quickly tugged at the Sterling brothers’ sleeves, softly pleading: “Young Masters, please, Ms. Harrison has an engagement with the Sterling family after all. She will rightfully be a Sterling wife in the end. You really shouldn’t treat her this way.” “Skylar, you’re the one we love. Even if we marry her, she’d just be a wife in name only. She could never compare to you in our hearts!” The three Sterling brothers declared their loyalty in unison. They even vied to bid on several items I had been eyeing, securing them for Skylar. I ignored them entirely, quietly waiting for the final item to be presented. Finally, the watch was brought onto the stage. After the auctioneer announced the starting bid, I raised my paddle without hesitation, increasing the bid again and again. The three Sterling brothers cast their gazes my way. This watch, named “Devotion,” would, without a doubt, be bought by me to give to *them*. How ridiculous. They’d already said they didn’t like me, yet they were still so eager to curry favor. Finally, I successfully bid on the watch. Holding this substantial, exquisitely crafted timepiece, I couldn’t help but imagine Caleb wearing it. The auction was nearing its end, and I had acquired what I wanted. Just as I was about to leave, I suddenly heard Skylar, her face pale, say in a weak voice: “Young Masters, I suddenly have a stomach ache. It might be my period. Could you please get me… that?” Hearing this, the three brothers’ faces were filled with gravity and tension. Their eyes met, and they instantly assigned tasks. One went to buy sanitary products, one to the nearest pharmacy, and one to call a private doctor. After the three left, Skylar, who had appeared weak moments before, instantly changed her expression. She quickly stepped forward and blocked my path. “Ms. Harrison, this watch is beautiful. Can I see it? Since it’s for the Young Masters, I can help you decide who it suits best.” I looked at her with cold indifference and flatly refused: “It’s not for them.” Skylar’s expression froze for a moment, then she let out a scoff. “Ms. Harrison, don’t you know that playing hard to get is a really low-level trick? Well, I suppose you’ve put in so much effort, and they still don’t love you, so you’re just resorting to desperate measures.” With that, before I could react, Skylar snatched the watch from my hand and forcefully smashed it to the ground. In an instant, the hundred-million-dollar watch lay shattered into pieces! I stared at the scene in disbelief, my anger surging. I raised my hand and slapped Skylar across the face. The sharp crack of the slap echoed, and Skylar instinctively clutched her swollen cheek, completely stunned. But I felt it wasn’t enough; I wanted to strike her a second time, when my wrist was suddenly seized tightly. “Stop!” The three brothers had rushed back, now glaring coldly at me. Seeing her backup arrive, Skylar’s tears instantly flowed, streaming down her face like pear blossoms in the rain. “Young Masters, please, just let Ms. Harrison hit me. It’s all my fault for breaking the watch she bought for you. Her anger is justified.” Rowan immediately looked distraught. He gently wiped away her tears with his thumb, comforting her softly: “Skylar, don’t cry. It was for us anyway. If it’s broken, it’s broken.” Kian’s face was icy cold, and he looked at me with disgust. “It’s just a watch, and you actually laid hands on Skylar? Aubrey, you’re completely out of control. When you bought it to give to us, did you ever consider that we didn’t even want it?” Landon’s face darkened even further. He immediately called for several bodyguards. “Men, throw her into the pool! This is her punishment for hitting Skylar!” Upon receiving the order, the bodyguards instantly stepped forward and, before I could even react, threw me directly into the pool. With a loud splash, I was completely submerged, instantly soaked to the bone. Even more desperately, I couldn’t swim at all! “Help… help…” I thrashed wildly, but only managed to gulp down more water, choking my lungs . My strength slowly drained away, my flailing grew weaker, my body heavier. Air grew scarce in my lungs, and the scene before me blurred. Just before losing consciousness, I heard fragments of conversation from the poolside. “Landon, Rowan, Kian, I think Ms. Harrison can’t swim. Will she be okay?” “Of course, she will. She’s always pretending. This act of not knowing how to swim is just to get more attention from us.” “Skylar, you’re too kind. I’ve treated her this way, and you’re still defending her. I deserve this.” “Yes, it’s better if she dies. Then no one will force us into marriage.” Hearing these words, despair consumed me. The world slowly faded to black, my body sank endlessly, plunging into the water, and I completely lost consciousness. When I awoke again, my nostrils were filled with the pungent smell of disinfectant. I struggled to sit up. The doctor who had been looking after me for years, his eyes filled with concern, urged, “Ms. Harrison, you can’t keep neglecting your health like this. Last time, during the earthquake, you fractured two ribs saving those three Sterling young masters, and your body has never fully recovered. How can you possibly stay in a pool for so long now?” No sooner had he finished speaking than the病房 (hospital room) door burst open. Landon, Rowan, and Kian rushed in, exclaiming in unison: “Who did you just say saved us during the earthquake?!” I froze for a moment. Then, I looked at them calmly. “I believe I’ve mentioned this before. During the earthquake, I was the one who saved you.” I was already going to marry Caleb, so I had no intention of using this to win their favor anymore. I was simply stating the facts. To my surprise, the three instantly erupted. “Now, to trick us, you’ve even learned to get accomplices to put on an act!” “You don’t seriously think we’ll believe your nonsense, do you? Don’t you think *we* know who saved us?” “No matter how convincing you are, no matter what methods you use to please us, we will never marry you!” Hearing this, I felt no surprise, just a sense of “I knew it.” They wouldn’t believe me, even if the evidence was right in front of them. So, this would be the last time. From now on, I wouldn’t say another word. I closed my eyes, wanting to dismiss them, but Rowan suddenly spoke: “We’ve always known about the earthquake incident, but Skylar’s face is still swollen from your slap. You must get down on your knees and apologize to her!” I could barely believe what I was hearing. It was just one slap; how could it still be swollen? Moreover, Skylar was the one who broke my item. They threw me into the water to humiliate me, and now they wanted to force me to apologize on my knees? “She broke *my* item. Why should *I* apologize to her?” Seeing my refusal, Landon’s eyes instantly turned icy, his voice heavy with an unyielding authority. “You’ll go today, whether you want to or not!” “Someone, escort her. Make her kneel before Skylar. When Skylar forgives her, then you can release her!” Not just me, but the doctor also found it utterly absurd. He tried to intervene, but the bodyguards restrained his arms and legs. A burly bodyguard forcefully yanked out the IV from my hand, and another directly dragged me off the hospital bed. I was extremely weak, still recovering, and had no strength to resist. Even my defiance felt pitifully futile. As I was pushed out the door, I stiffened my body against the frame, clinging to my dignity as a Harrison heiress. I had done nothing wrong. I would not apologize, especially not to the housekeeper’s daughter who had slandered me! My fingertips were white from gripping the doorframe, tears streamed down my face, and I screamed hoarsely, “If you dare to force me to apologize, I’ll die right here in front of you!” The defiance and stubbornness in my eyes deeply stung the three Sterling brothers. It had been so long; this was the first time any of them had seen me cry. Seeing me so agitated, they were all somewhat taken aback, a flicker of panic stirring within them. After a long silence, Landon’s expression softened unnaturally. He gave a cold warning: “This time, we’ll let it go. But if you ever bully Skylar again, we won’t be so lenient!” Rowan and Kian also showed signs of relenting, their previously unyielding attitudes softening. “Let me go.” Once released, I clung tightly to the wall. Only after the three had left did my tears finally fall in earnest. I stayed in the hospital for three full days. After my body had recovered, I was discharged. The first thing I did after leaving the hospital wasn’t to go home, but to buy several bouquets of flowers and head straight to the bridal home, intending to complete the final arrangements. But when the bridal home door opened, I could barely believe my eyes. The meticulously decorated bridal home had been utterly trashed. All the wedding decorations and festive stickers had been ripped off, replaced by pink and white decorations and balloons, emblazoned with: “Happy 23rd Birthday, Skylar!” The cute, warm, and festive ornaments were all covered in cream and colored streamers. Music blasted, and everyone was immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the birthday party. A raucous crowd chased and played throughout the villa, the five-tiered giant cake practically serving as a weapon in their cake fight. Seeing this scene, my heart instantly stopped. I barely managed to maintain my composure, walked over, and pulled out the speaker plug. The music abruptly ceased. The three Sterling brothers all looked displeased, turning to face me. I forcibly suppressed my rage, incredulously asking, “Why are you throwing a party in *my* bridal home?!” Landon frowned, speaking carelessly. “This is our Sterling family property. We’re holding Skylar’s birthday party here. Is there a problem?” Rowan’s eyes were cold. “This bridal home won’t be used anyway. No matter who you marry, we won’t be coming home, so we might as well make good use of it now.” Kian even scoffed. “It’s an honor for this house to host Skylar’s birthday party. What are you complaining about?” Skylar, clutching a pile of gifts, walked forward. “Ms. Harrison, look! This is a custom-made gown Landon gave me. It’s the only one in the world, isn’t it beautiful?” “And this, Rowan gave me a yacht.” “And this, Kian gave me an estate. How about we all go play there sometime soon?” She listed her treasures proudly, her eyes sparkling. “They’re so good to me! Not only did they give me so many gifts, but they also let me host my party in this bridal home. Since you’re here, why don’t you join us?” I was so furious I could barely maintain my composure, roaring, “I’ve said it many times! My fiancé is not one of you! This is not *my* bridal home with you! You have no right to be here!” “There you go again. One act was enough. Are you never going to stop?” “We’re the only three eligible Sterlings. If you’re not marrying us, who else could it be?” “You say it’s not us? Fine. Call your fiancé right now. Let us see who this mysterious person is.” Facing a chorus of mockery, a vein throbbed in my forehead. Just then, my phone rang. Caller ID: Caleb! My heart leaped. My eyes red, I enunciated each word: “Fine! You want to know who my fiancé is? He just called! I’ll tell you right now who he is!” With that, I flipped my phone over, showing the screen to everyone. In an instant, almost everyone in the villa crowded around. But three seconds later, a burst of laughter erupted. “Ms. Harrison, weren’t you going to show us your fiancé? Why is your phone screen black?” “Hahahaha, you couldn’t keep up the act, and now you’ve shot yourself in the foot!” My face fell. I quickly flipped the phone over, repeatedly pressing buttons, but it wouldn’t turn on again. My phone was dead! I rushed to find a charger, but Landon blocked my path. “Enough. Haven’t you caused enough embarrassment already?” “I haven’t…” Before I could finish, Rowan said coldly, “Someone, smash this so-called bridal home to pieces!” Upon his command, several black-suited bodyguards stepped forward, their faces grim, and immediately began to smash the furniture and ornaments. With a crash, bang, and clatter, some of the curious onlookers also eagerly joined in. “What are you doing! What right do you have to touch anything here!” “Landon, Rowan, Kian, stop!” I screamed hoarsely, trying to rush forward to stop them, but bodyguards on either side held my shoulders firmly. Tears streamed down my cheeks. Everything I had meticulously arranged was being destroyed. I was filled with rage and despair, feeling as though I had plunged into an ice cellar, chilled to the bone. Kian scoffed, looking at my tear-reddened eyes, no longer panicked as he had been last time. “You don’t seriously think your tears will make us let you off the hook again, do you?” “This is your punishment for lying. If you’re smart, you’ll stop playing hard to get.” Watching the elegantly furnished and cozy villa turn into a ruin, I felt utterly desperate. The crowd came noisily and left noisily. Only I remained in the devastated villa. I don’t know how much time passed, but I wandered home like a ghost. After charging my phone and turning it on, I saw that Caleb had called me several times. After gathering all my emotions, I quickly called Caleb back. During the few seconds I waited for it to connect, I was incredibly nervous. Caleb and I weren’t of the same generation. Although he was only five years older than me, his status always imposed an invisible distance and a sense of awe. Our previous interactions were few and far between, and I only had a vague impression of him in my mind. The call didn’t connect, and my nervousness subsided. But soon, Caleb’s message came through. 【In a meeting, inconvenient.】 【I called you earlier to tell you that I’m returning to the country tomorrow. The Sterling family is hosting a welcome banquet, and I’ll be there to announce our engagement.】 For some reason, even though it was just a text, and I hadn’t heard his voice yet, my heart still thumped nervously. Fearing he might be waiting, I quickly replied. 【I understand, Uncle… no, Mr. Caleb.】 【There’s one more thing I wanted to tell you. Our bridal home… it was trashed.】 After a long silence, he replied with just five words. 【My three nephews did it?】 I paused, then sent a 【Yes.】 He replied with only three words, but they instantly calmed my heart. 【From now on, I’m here.】 Looking at those words, my eyes welled up slightly. Yes, for the rest of my life, he would be there. The next day, the Sterling family’s welcome banquet. The day after, as I walked in, I saw the three Sterling brothers gathered around Skylar. “Skylar, don’t be afraid. Uncle Caleb may seem cold, but he doesn’t bite. No need to be so nervous.” Skylar lowered her eyes, her forehead still beaded with nervous sweat. “But I’m scared. This is my first time meeting your uncle. Do you think he… he’ll like me?” “Of course, he will. You’re so wonderful; anyone who meets you is sure to like you.” “Don’t worry, we’re here, aren’t we? No need to be afraid of meeting elders. Just hide behind us if anything happens.” Under the comfort of the three young masters, Skylar finally took a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll definitely leave a good impression on Uncle Caleb!” Seeing her faux-innocent act, I smirked and found my seat. Landon’s face instantly turned cold when he saw me. “You certainly are eager. Knowing you’re getting married in a few days and moving into the Sterling family, you’re rushing to curry favor with Uncle Caleb, aren’t you?” Rowan scoffed. “Too bad. No matter how much you try to please him, no matter which of us you marry, you won’t have an easy life afterward. Haven’t you heard you can’t force love?” My expression was calm, and I said indifferently, “I’ve said it many times. My fiancé is not one of you.” Kian was utterly impatient and cut me off directly: “How many times have you said that? You’re still saying it today? Do you have no other tricks to play? Wasn’t the last lesson enough?” I didn’t argue. My mind was perfectly calm as I simply watched the entrance. No matter how I explained, they wouldn’t believe me anyway. In that case, let their respected Uncle Caleb announce it to them himself. I didn’t want to provoke them anymore, but then Skylar approached me with a bowl of soup. “Aubrey, I remember you love this chicken noodle soup. You can’t reach it; let me help you.” The steaming soup was poured into the bowl, but as she handed it to me, she deliberately loosened her grip. Immediately, a large bowl of scalding soup splashed all over me. My exposed skin turned instantly red from the hot liquid. “Skylar, what are you doing?!” Landon immediately pulled Skylar into his arms: “Why are you shouting so loudly? Skylar didn’t do it on purpose. Why do you have to make such a big deal out of it?” “Skylar was kindly serving you soup. If it spilled, it spilled. It’s not that hot. Why are you scolding her? Can’t you see she’s crying?” Rowan immediately rushed to gently wipe away Skylar’s tears. Kian even snapped, “Aubrey, you scared Skylar! Apologize to her!” Me, apologize to Skylar? The victim apologizing to the perpetrator?! My head buzzed. Just as I was about to retort, the grand doors burst open! Light streamed in, and under everyone’s gaze, a man in a sharp suit walked in. But it wasn’t Caleb. It was his assistant, Mr. Hayes. “My apologies for the wait, everyone. Mr. Caleb has urgent matters to attend to, and his return flight had to be postponed for a few days. Please bear with us.” As the head of the Sterling family, no one dared to question Caleb’s itinerary, and they all expressed understanding. Meanwhile, Mr. Hayes scanned the crowd and walked straight towards me. When he faced me, his previously aloof demeanor instantly softened. “Ms. Harrison, please come with me. Mr. Caleb has something important he wants to discuss with you privately.” As soon as I followed him, Mr. Hayes, as if by magic, produced an exquisitely wrapped gift box. Inside was a dazzling diamond necklace. “Ms. Harrison, this is Mr. Caleb’s apology gift to you. To rush back for the wedding, Mr. Caleb worked almost non-stop for a week to complete all his tasks. But he fell ill as soon as he boarded the plane. We were truly worried about his health and finally managed to persuade him to rest for a few more days, so he could appear at the wedding looking his best. We hope you won’t blame him.” I certainly wouldn’t blame him. I shook my head repeatedly. This marriage had, after all, come about because of my sudden change of partner. That he was willing to agree already filled me with immense joy. Not to mention, I heard he pushed himself to the brink of illness to rush back for the wedding. More than whether he could return, my concern now was for his health. I only breathed a sigh of relief when I learned he was fine and only needed a few days of rest. Since Caleb wasn’t present, there was no need for me to stay at this welcome banquet. After bidding farewell to Mr. Hayes, I turned to leave but was suddenly blocked by the three Sterling brothers. “What were you talking about with Uncle Caleb’s assistant just now?” Landon’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly as he scrutinized me. Seeing the gift box in my hand, Rowan instantly understood something. “You truly never change your ways. You couldn’t win over Uncle Caleb, so you started trying to charm his assistant.” “You still haven’t apologized to Skylar! Come back with us!” Saying that, Kian tried to grab my hand, but I deftly dodged him. I didn’t want to waste any more words with them, so I simply turned, took a different path, and hurried away. In the middle of the night, as I was sleeping soundly, my phone suddenly rang frantically. One call after another. I impatiently answered, only to find it was the friends of Landon, Rowan, and Kian. As soon as I picked up, the voice on the other end said rudely, “Are you still sleeping? Don’t you know Landon, Rowan, and Kian crashed their cars and ended up in the hospital?! How can you sleep when you haven’t even visited them?” Indeed, earlier that afternoon, I had heard rumors in our circle that the three brothers had participated in a high-stakes street race to win Skylar a necklace she wanted, but their cars had gone out of control and they were injured. But what did that have to do with me? “No.” I coldly hung up the phone and blocked all their friends’ numbers, giving the caller no chance to react. For several days, I stayed home, peacefully preparing for my wedding. I tried on wedding dresses, wedding rings, and inspected the wedding venue. The news reached the three brothers, who had just been discharged from the hospital. The next second, Landon’s message arrived. “I see you haven’t taken our previous words to heart. I said that an arranged marriage is fine, and you can have the title, but no matter who you choose, none of us three will attend the wedding. And you’re still making such a huge fuss. Aren’t you afraid of becoming the laughingstock of the entire city?” “I’ll give you one last chance. Go to that exclusive patisserie downtown and queue for Skylar’s favorite gourmet macarons. Bring them back within twenty minutes, and we might consider attending the wedding.” Seeing this self-important message, I almost burst out laughing. It took several hours just to queue for those macarons. I had no intention of going. However, I did have something to see the three brothers about. I went back to my room and, when I reappeared, I had three boxes in my hands. As soon as I entered the private room, Kian’s utterly mocking voice reached me. “Sure enough, you’re still that shameless cling-on. Just give her a little sweet talk, and she comes running.” Many in the room burst into laughter at his description. Skylar, protected in the center by the three brothers, subtly curved her lips and playfully tugged at Landon’s suit. “Young Master Landon, I suddenly don’t want macarons anymore. I want cake from that bakery on the West Side.” “Did you hear that? Skylar wants cake. Go buy it for her, quickly.” I gave a cold, dry smile, holding the boxes, and said calmly, “I didn’t buy any macarons, and I certainly won’t be buying any cake.” The three brothers frowned in unison, and said at the same time: “You didn’t buy them? Then why are you here?” “To dump some trash.” With that, I placed the three boxes on the floor. Then I picked up the topmost box, walked over to Landon, and tossed it directly onto him. “Landon, you’ve been extremely interested in artificial intelligence these past few years. To understand you and have more in common, I collected a lot of related materials and bought many newly developed products. From now on, I will no longer pay attention to anything related to you!” Next, I picked up the middle box, walked over to Rowan, and did the same. “Rowan, you have trouble sleeping and often suffer from insomnia. To help you get a good night’s rest, I spent three months learning aromatherapy. These are all my failed experiments. Now, I’ve learned to make aromatherapy, and I’ve also given up on you.” Finally, I tossed the last remaining box to Kian. “Kian, since childhood, you’ve loved all kinds of extreme sports. For your safety, I ran to every temple in the city, asking for countless peace charms and prayer beads. But from now on, whether you are safe or not has nothing to do with me.” The three heavy boxes hit the brothers, leaving their minds completely blank. They struggled to react. After getting rid of these, I felt an incredible lightness. I smiled with relief, scanned everyone in the room, and declared emphatically: “Since everyone present today is a prominent figure in our circle, I ask you to bear witness: from this day forward, I will no longer chase after the three Sterling brothers, nor will I ever come looking for them again! From this moment on, I am done with these three!” Having done all this, I turned to leave. Landon, Rowan, and Kian finally reacted. They seized my arm, furious. “It was just a game! Aren’t you afraid we’ll flee the wedding tomorrow?!” They spoke with bluster, but if you listened closely, there was a faint tremble in their voices. I turned back calmly. “The groom isn’t any of you. You’re merely guests. Whether you come or not, I don’t care.” With that, I ignored their expressions and walked out. On the wedding day, the three Sterling brothers arrived at the wedding venue with Skylar and a few friends. The venue was adorned with countless flowers, and various expensive decorations were artfully arranged, making everything look exquisite. Even the place cards on the tables were meticulously designed, grand yet unique. One of their friends felt a bit uncertain, speaking with some doubt: “This wedding actually looks… legitimate? If she’s playing hard to get, she wouldn’t go this far, would she? Is it really true that her fiancé isn’t one of you three?” At this, Landon, Rowan, and Kian’s faces all changed. But they quickly regained their composure, denying it coldly. “Impossible. The Sterling and Harrison families are bound by marriage. Besides us three, who else could Aubrey marry?” “Exactly. Isn’t she doing all this today just to force us to marry her? Just wait and see her humiliation later!” “The grander the wedding, the bigger the laughingstock she’ll be later.” Though their words were harsh, Skylar sensed their underlying concern and panic for me, and her heart sank. It seemed that ever since I sent those three boxes yesterday, everything had changed. I couldn’t help but start to fear that my previous lie about saving them during the earthquake would be discovered. I forced a smile. “Ms. Harrison just likes to save face. I chased you for so long; how could I give up so easily? She’s probably just bluffing, trying to put on a brave front.” The three brothers nodded distractedly. To the strains of romantic piano music, the officiant announced: “Please welcome the bride and her parents!” The grand doors burst open, and I walked slowly, arm-in-arm with Mr. and Mrs. Harrison. My pure white wedding gown, with its cascading layers, made me look radiant and ethereal, perfectly accentuating my exquisite beauty. The moment I appeared, everyone felt their heartbeats slow. A flicker of astonishment passed through the eyes of the three Sterling brothers, but they quickly suppressed it. After the bride took the stage, the officiant immediately announced the groom. “Please welcome the groom!” One second, five seconds, ten seconds… I don’t know how long passed, but the groom still did not appear. The three brothers visibly exhaled a sigh of relief. Landon gave a sarcastic smile. “Aubrey, you’ve played this game long enough, haven’t you?” Rowan let out a cold laugh, then clapped his hands, calling for several bodyguards. “Aubrey, since you’re so headstrong, we no longer need to consider your feelings. Do you remember what I said before? If you insist on having a wedding, I’ll crash every single one!” Amidst the commotion, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling’s faces instantly darkened. They stood up and sharply questioned, “You three! Why aren’t you sitting quietly in the guest seats? What’s all this commotion? You dare to ruin a wedding? Don’t you know today is Aubrey and your Uncle…” Mid-sentence, Rowan cut them off directly. “Dad, Mom, it’s not that we don’t want to marry Aubrey. It’s just that we’ve said it a long time ago: an arranged marriage is fine, but it’s only a title, no wedding. Our hearts are only for Skylar. Since Aubrey insists on being headstrong, then you can’t blame us.” The three brothers spoke with cold indifference, simultaneously instructing the bodyguards behind them. “From now on, smash everything! Leave nothing behind!” Before their words had fully landed, the wedding venue doors burst open, and a clear, noble voice resonated through the hall. “Who dares?”

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After countless attempts to seduce my seemingly saintly husband, and still failing to consummate our marriage, I finally dialed my brother’s number. “Alex, I’m divorcing him.” Three seconds of silence stretched on the line before Alexander’s low voice came through. “I told you, Scarlett. That saint, Julian – you’d never pull him down from his pedestal.” I laughed, tears stinging my eyes. “You’re right. I was foolish to even try.” “Come to Paris, Scarlett,” Alex said, his tone light. “Plenty of great guys here, way better than Julian. If he can’t appreciate my sweet, amazing sister, then let him spend the rest of his life alone with his precious ideals.” “Yeah. After I sort out the paperwork,” I whispered. After hanging up, I took a deep breath. As I passed Julian’s private study at the end of the hall, I suddenly heard a muffled, suppressed gasp from inside. The door wasn’t fully closed. A sliver of light peeked through the crack, and I couldn’t help but peer inside, my heart pounding. In the soft glow of candles and the faint scent of cedar, Julian was kneeling on the floor. His simple white shirt was half-open, and prayer beads were wrapped around his wrist. But his body was gently swaying, moving rhythmically. Beneath him was a lifelike doll. The doll’s face was clearly visible in the flickering candlelight: delicate, almond-shaped eyes, full, rosebud lips, and a distinct beauty mark, like a single tear, beneath her left eye. I bit down hard on my lower lip until I tasted blood. This was the third time I’d secretly witnessed it! The first time, I’d stormed out. The second, I’d spent the entire night wide awake. But tonight, I felt nothing but numb. How utterly laughable. It wasn’t that he was devoid of desire; it was just that his desires had never, ever involved me. I leaned against the cold wall, suddenly recalling the first time I ever saw Julian Thorne. I was twenty that year. My brother, Liam, took me to an exclusive private club for a charity gala, eager to introduce me to his best friend. That day, Julian stood out. He wore an impeccably tailored ivory suit with a subtly structured collar, a polished onyx pin at the neckline. On his wrist, a string of meditation beads. Amidst a room full of flashy playboys, indulging in every vice imaginable, Julian sat alone, a simple, steaming cup of herbal tea before him. He lowered his gaze, pouring the tea with long, elegant fingers. As the water cascaded and steam curled, he lifted his eyes and looked straight at me. In that moment, my heart skipped more than a few beats. Liam noticed my captivated stare and chuckled, lightly tapping my forehead. “Don’t even think about it, little sis. You can like anyone else, but not him. Every other heir in our circle lives a life of pure indulgence, but Julian? He grew up in a monastery, practicing devout meditation. He’s completely untouched by any earthly desire or passion.” I didn’t believe it. I’d always been a wild child, refusing to believe anyone could be truly free of want. So, I started to chase him, using every trick in the book to provoke him. I’d deliberately sit on his lap while he was chanting, only for him to effortlessly lift me off with one hand and set me aside. I once spiked his tea, but after taking a sip, he simply said, “Next time, don’t add so many goji berries. It makes it too potent.” The most outrageous time, I snuck into his private meditation room while he was on a spiritual retreat, wearing nothing but his oversized white shirt, and sprawled out on his bed. When Julian pushed the door open, I deliberately dangled my legs over the side of the bed, swinging them playfully. He just turned and walked away. The next day, a box of brand-new shirts arrived. “These are for you. Stop stealing mine.” Liam couldn’t stand it anymore. “Seriously, have some self-respect!” I retorted, utterly unapologetic, “I’m doing a public service! Such a gorgeous man being a recluse? What a waste!” I pursued him for four years, pulling out all the stops, but I couldn’t get a rise out of him. Not even a flicker of emotion. I was starting to lose hope, but then, late on my birthday, Julian called. “Come downstairs.” I ran down in my pajamas, finding him standing in the snow, snowflakes dusting his shoulders. “Let’s get married,” he said. No ring, no confession, just those four words. But I was ecstatic. I threw myself into his arms. “You finally fell for me, didn’t you?” Julian didn’t hug me back. He just gave a soft “Hmm.” Thinking back now, how perfunctory that “Hmm” was. Two years into our marriage, we still hadn’t consummated it. No matter how I tried to seduce him, he would always turn away at the last moment and retreat to his meditation room alone. I used to think he just needed time, having practiced self-denial for so long. Then, three days ago, unwilling to give up, I followed him into his meditation room. What I witnessed shattered me: he wasn’t devoid of desire at all. It was just that the object of his desire wasn’t me. He loved his adopted sister, Hazel—the girl his family had taken in when she was a child. His devout practices, his prayer beads, even marrying *me* – it was all just a desperate attempt to suppress his forbidden desires for his adopted sister! In that moment, I utterly gave up. Inside the meditation room, Julian finally paused. “Hazel…” He leaned down and kissed the neck of a doll, his voice raw, almost guttural. “Brother loves you…” The words were whispered so softly, yet it was like a rusty needle, piercing straight into my already shattered heart. My tears finally fell. I turned and walked away, not looking back. The next morning, when I woke up, Julian was already dressed and ready to leave. He wore a custom-tailored black suit, making his tall, lean figure appear even more commanding. His meditation beads were still wrapped around his wrist, as if the man who’d lost control last night had been nothing but a hallucination. Just as he was about to step out of the villa, I called out to him. “Wait!” “I have a meeting today,” he said, without even turning his head, his voice like polished ice. “Don’t bother me.” Those words were a blunt saw, slowly, agonizingly, slicing through my last shred of hope. In his eyes, I was always just a persistent nuisance. A bitter laugh escaped me. “You misunderstand. I just need the keys to your Maybach. You can take another car from the garage; I prefer driving this one.” Julian finally looked at me directly, his tone still cool and detached. “Going somewhere important today?” I nodded. “Yes.” He pressed on. “What for?” I reached into his suit pocket, pulled out the keys, and smiled faintly. “To do something… that will make you happy.” To leave you forever. I didn’t say that last part aloud. I simply turned and drove straight to the German consulate. The application process for German permanent residency wasn’t complicated, especially with my family background. My family’s business had all moved overseas years ago. My parents and Liam had relocated their entire lives abroad, leaving just me behind, all for Julian. Now, I was leaving too. “The process should take about a week,” the clerk said with a smile. I nodded, took the receipt, and walked out of the consulate. It was finally coming to an end. Julian Thorne, the man I’d pursued for six years, the serene, almost ascetic heir I thought I could pull down from his pedestal, ultimately wasn’t mine. I had given up so much for him: I ate vegetarian with him, adopted an ascetic lifestyle, even dulled my own fiery personality. All just to get a little closer to him. But in the end, I couldn’t even touch the deepest, most guarded desire of his heart. I looked down at the receipt in my hand, a faint smile on my lips, but my heart ached with a bitter sadness. “Forget it, Julian. If you don’t love me, plenty of others will.” That evening, I arranged to meet my girlfriends at a nightclub. I hadn’t been to a place like this since marrying Julian. Tonight, I wore a black spaghetti-strap dress, the skirt swaying gently with my steps, revealing my long legs. My eyes held a flicker of the boldness I’d long suppressed. “Quinn, what’s gotten into you?” My bestie, Chloe, grabbed my arm, her eyes wide with surprise . “Ever since you fell for that stoic heir, you’ve been glued to him, swearing off places like this.” I smiled, took a sip of my drink, my eyes a little hazy. “Forget him. Tonight, I’m going all out.” I turned and walked onto the dance floor, moving to the rhythm, my body feeling utterly liberated and reckless. My gaze swept over the male dancers, and a smirk played on my lips as I lightly brushed my hand across one of their abs, eliciting a low chuckle. “Quinn, are you insane?” Chloe chased after me, grabbing my hand. “You’re touching all these dancers, grinding on the floor. Aren’t you afraid Julian will see you and get mad?” “He’s not here.” “No, wait…” Chloe hesitated, then leaned close to my ear. “Who said he isn’t? I’ve been trying to tell you, Julian’s in the VIP booth in the back, and he’s been watching you for ages!” My fingertips froze. I slowly raised my eyes. Through the hazy lights, I spotted him instantly. Julian Thorne, in his black suit, was a stark contrast to the surrounding chaos. He sat in a corner booth, long fingers resting on the rim of a glass, his gaze fixed intently on me. I had no idea how long he’d been watching. Just then, the music abruptly stopped. I heard one of Julian’s friends tease, “Julian, Quinn’s been dancing like that for ages, touching other men. If that were my wife, I’d have lost my damn mind. How can you just sit there?” Julian’s expression remained unchanged. He simply took a calm sip of his tea, his voice cool and clear. “She knows her limits. She won’t do anything inappropriate.” His words were like a poisoned needle, piercing the softest part of my heart. Knows her limits? Was he so confident in my love that he believed I’d never do anything with another man? Or… did he simply not care at all? Perhaps it was both. “Tsk, tsk, tsk, your level of detachment, I truly bow down. I’m starting to wonder if anything in this world can even stir your emotions…” Mid-sentence, his friend’s voice suddenly rose. “Hey, Julian, where are you going?” I instinctively looked up, only to see Julian abruptly stand, his gaze locked on the other side of the dance floor. His usually indifferent eyes held a rare flicker of jealousy. I followed his line of sight— Sure enough, there was Hazel, in a white dress, standing at the edge of the dance floor, exchanging contact information with a man. Julian strode over, grabbing Hazel’s wrist, his voice chillingly cold. “Who allowed you to come to a place like this? And who gave you permission to give your number to another man!” Hazel flinched, then her eyes welled up. “Why can’t I be here? And why can’t I give my number to someone else? Julian, you said you wouldn’t control me anymore, so what I do is none of your business!” Julian’s knuckles whitened, his voice dropping ominously. “Who said I wouldn’t control you?” “You do! You ignore me all the time and refuse to see me! Julian, you used to be so good to me. Why did everything suddenly change?” Hazel’s voice was laced with tears. Hearing that, Julian’s throat bobbed, his voice tight with suppressed emotion. “That’s because…” I stood nearby, my heart clenching painfully. I knew. Julian couldn’t say it. How could he? How could he say that Julian Thorne loved her, which was why he avoided her? How could he say that the moment he saw her, he’d lose all control? How could he say that he loved her so much that he wouldn’t consummate his two-year marriage, instead having a lifelike doll custom-made in her image to ease his longing? I gave a self-deprecating laugh, turning to leave, but then I heard Hazel cry out, “Julian, can we go back to how it was? I want my old brother back, the one who only had eyes for me!” Julian’s voice was low and hoarse. “Brother is married now, I can’t revolve around you alone.” “So, if your wife just disappeared, we could go back to how we were?” Hazel suddenly looked up, a hint of madness in her eyes. I was just picking up my purse to go when I saw Hazel grab a wine bottle from a table and rush towards me. *Bang!* The bottle smashed against my head, the sound of glass shattering exploding in my ears. Warm liquid trickled down my temple. “Quinn!” Chloe’s scream rang out beside me. I staggered backward, only to see Hazel raise a second bottle. “Die!” The second blow was even harder. This time, I completely lost consciousness, collapsing into a pool of blood, with only the chaotic screams echoing in my ears. I woke up to pain. The smell of antiseptic stung my nostrils, and the fluorescent lights above burned my eyes. I instinctively tried to raise my hand to shield them, but the IV needle on my hand moved, making me hiss in pain. “You’re finally awake.” The nurse, who was changing my dressing, breathed a sigh of relief when she saw my eyes open. “Who had such a deep grudge against you? Two bottles to the head, thirty-something stitches.” I unconsciously touched my bandaged head, my voice hoarse. “Who brought me here?” “Oh, your bestie? She stayed all night, but her company had an emergency, so she had to leave suddenly. She asked me to tell you that she hired a private nurse to look after you.” I froze. So, even being brought to the hospital wasn’t Julian. Where was he, then? I reached for my phone. The moment my finger touched the screen, a SnapChat story popped up— Hazel: *My brother can still cheer me up so easily.* The accompanying video showed Hazel extending her hand, pouting playfully, “See, I cut my index finger smashing the bottle.” The camera shifted to Julian, half-kneeling before her, his long fingers carefully applying a band-aid to her fingertip. Then he lowered his head, giving her finger a soft, suppressed kiss, his voice low and husky. “There, now it won’t hurt.” I stared at the screen, and suddenly it felt as if the wound on my head had been ripped open again, and a bottle of rubbing alcohol poured directly in. My fingertips tingled with pain. I took a deep breath and dialed 91

“Hello, I’d like to report an assault.” That night, Julian pushed open my hospital room door. He wore a black trench coat, his expression grim, but his eyes held a suppressed anger. “Did you call the police? To accuse Hazel of assault?” “Yes,” I met his gaze. “Aggravated assault. That’s enough to file charges.” Julian’s voice was low, his brows furrowed in displeasure. “Her impulsiveness was wrong, but I’ve already punished her. This matter is over.” “Punished?” I scoffed. “How did you punish her?” “She has a flighty nature, so I’ve forbidden her from leaving the house for a day.” I blinked, then burst out laughing, my stitches throbbing with the effort. “I got thirty-something stitches, and you forbade her from leaving the house for a day? Julian, is keeping her indoors really a punishment for her, or are you just protecting her from me, afraid I’ll go looking for trouble?” Julian’s eyes narrowed. “What nonsense are you talking about? Of course it’s a punishment.” “I’ve already withdrawn the report to the police. You don’t need to go to any other precinct. In this entire city, no one will take this case.” I gripped the bedsheets, my nails almost digging into my palms. I had a million things to say, but only one sentence finally pushed its way out— “Julian, these six years I’ve spent chasing after you, what did you ever see me as?” “If you didn’t care about me, why did you marry me?” Julian’s frown deepened. “Who said I don’t care about you?” He paused, then continued, Alright, this is enough. I’ll stay here to look after you for the next few days. After you’re discharged, I’ll compensate you. Stop making a fuss.” He said it as if he were bestowing a great blessing upon me. I suddenly found it quite comical. Yes, it was always me chasing after him, telling him I loved him, begging him to be with me, trying to get him into bed… He never initiated anything. Now that he was *voluntarily* staying, wasn’t that the greatest blessing of all? Over the next few days, Julian indeed remained at the hospital to care for me. He appeared punctually every day, bringing me plain porridge, changing my dressings, and even silently holding my hand when I woke up in pain in the middle of the night. The old me would have been overjoyed, but now, only desolation filled my heart. It turns out that loving someone for six years, and letting go, can happen in an instant. On the day of my discharge, as I walked to the parking lot, I saw Hazel sitting in Julian’s car. Hazel glared at me when she saw me, her face full of displeasure. Julian frowned. “Hazel, have you forgotten what I told you?” Hazel then bit her lip, her eyes red, and spoke grudgingly, “Quinn, I’m sorry… I was too impulsive that day.” “Ever since my brother married you, he hasn’t wanted to see me for years. He put all his attention on you, that’s why I got mad… It won’t happen again.” Julian turned to me, his tone calm. “Hazel wants to stay with us for a few days. I hope you two get along well in the future.” On the drive home, Julian and Hazel sat in the front. I leaned against the window, silently watching the scenery rush by. Yet, in my peripheral vision, I could still see Julian’s profile. He was always so stoic and self-controlled, but now, his gaze occasionally drifted to Hazel. Hazel looked down, playing on her phone, then suddenly chuckled. “Julian, look at this guy, isn’t he handsome? He just added me on SnapChat.” Julian’s fingers tightened on the steering wheel, his voice low and cold. “Delete him.” “Why?” Hazel pouted. “I’m in my twenties, can’t I even date?” “I said, delete him.” His tone was uncompromising. Hazel pouted but obediently deleted the contact, muttering softly, “Julian, you’re stricter than a boyfriend…” Julian didn’t say anything, but I saw the taut line of his jaw. He was jealous. When we got home, I went straight to my room without even eating dinner. I heard the clinking of dishes and forks from outside, Hazel’s giggling, the soft, romantic tunes of a movie… That was a warmth, a domesticity, I’d never experienced in my two years of marriage with Julian. I buried myself under the covers, my heart aching as if it had been steeped in lemon juice. I don’t know how much time passed before the sounds from outside gradually ceased. I was thirsty and got up to pour myself a glass of water. But as soon as I pushed open my bedroom door, I froze— Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating Julian, half-kneeling by the sofa, silently gazing at a sleeping Hazel. He was always like an untouchable deity, yet here he was, gazing at his own forbidden idol. Hazel suddenly stirred, vaguely hooking her arms around his neck, her voice soft and sweet. “Julian, don’t leave me… I only have you to care for me…” Unconsciously, she pulled his neck down. Their lips unexpectedly touched— Julian’s pupils dilated, his breathing suddenly ragged. The next second, as if his last restraint had finally snapped, he could no longer hold back. He leaned in and kissed her fiercely. Moonlight, like water, spilled across the living room floor. I stood behind the door, peeking through the half-open crack, watching Julian lean over Hazel, kissing her, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. His long fingers squeezed her waist, as if unleashing six years of pent-up restraint. “Hazel…” “Hazel…” He whispered her name, his voice low and husky with a tenderness I’d never heard before. I don’t know how long passed before Julian seemed to snap awake. His thumb gently wiped away the moisture from Hazel’s lips. He put his meditation beads back on, once again becoming that aloof, otherworldly figure. My fingertips dug deep into my palms, the pain barely keeping me grounded. I turned abruptly, silently closing the door, and buried myself under the covers. Outside, the footsteps gradually faded. I knew Julian had gone to his meditation room again. I closed my eyes, but suddenly remembered every detail of my attempts to seduce him over the years— I once “accidentally” tripped in a sexy nightgown while he was chanting, only to be caught steadily by his scripture book. I intentionally delivered a towel while he was showering, but he always managed to wrap himself fully before opening the door. I pretended to be drunk and collapsed onto him, only to be pushed away by a single finger against my forehead. He always remained unmoved, as if all my efforts were futile. But it turned out that for someone truly moved, even a single word could make him lose control completely and fall into irreversible ruin. Tears streamed down my face, but I quickly wiped them away. It’s okay. I’m not unloved. From now on, he can love his adopted sister, and I will find my own happiness. The next morning when I woke up, Julian and Hazel were already eating breakfast. Hazel touched her lips, muttering, “Julian, do you have mosquitoes in your house? My lips are all swollen.” Julian’s movements paused. His voice was low. “I’ll have the housekeeper get you some cream later.” I took the gift box. Opening it, I saw an antique worth over a hundred million. I tugged at my lips, a hint of sarcasm in my voice. “You’re certainly willing to go to great lengths.” Hazel leaned over for a look, her voice tinged with envy. “Julian, you’re actually so good to Quinn usually? I thought you were just an old fuddy-duddy who only knew how to meditate and didn’t spoil his wife.” I looked up at Julian, but I noticed his gaze was lowered, and he didn’t seem to intend to explain that this gift was actually compensation for Hazel smashing my head. In truth, he usually didn’t care what I liked, nor would he ever bother to choose a gift for me. He gave a faint “Hmm” and stood up. “Something came up at the office. I’m leaving.” Before he left, he glanced at Hazel, his voice slightly deeper. “Behave yourself at home. You can go anywhere in the villa, except the meditation room.” Hazel looked confused. “Why?” Julian casually brushed her off with an excuse, but I knew— His meditation room held his most secret desires. After breakfast, I went back to my room. I didn’t want to be in the same room as Hazel. But when I woke up from my nap, I found my long hair had been cut unevenly, as if chewed by a dog. I rushed out, only to see Hazel sitting on the sofa, holding strands of my hair, cheerfully weaving something. Just one look, and I understood. “You cut my hair?” My voice trembled. Hazel looked up, smiling innocently. “Yes, the school needs us to make handicrafts, so I plan to make a wig.” She dangled the hair strands in her hand. “Quinn’s hair color is the best, so black and shiny.” A chill ran through me. I couldn’t hold back any longer. I lunged forward and slapped her hard! *Smack!* The sharp sound echoed in the living room. Hazel clutched her face, her eyes instantly turning cold. “You dare to hit me? My brother has always doted on me. He wouldn’t even lay a finger on me. Who do you think you are?” She yelled for the bodyguards. “Hold her down!” The bodyguards hesitated, looking at me, then at Hazel. Hazel narrowed her eyes. “You’re my brother’s men. Think about it, who’s more important in his heart?” The bodyguards were silent for a moment, then finally came forward and restrained me. I laughed, tears streaming down my face. It turned out everyone knew how important Hazel was to Julian. Only I had spent six years discovering this supposedly earth-shshattering secret. Before I could react, Hazel raised her hand— *Smack!* The first slap landed, a searing pain. Then came the second, the third… I struggled desperately, my voice hoarse. “Hazel, don’t you worry about your brother coming back and causing trouble for you like this?” Hazel smiled triumphantly. “Ever since I was little, he’s fixed every problem I’ve caused, including hitting his wife.” She leaned in, whispering in my ear, “Remember, I am his one and only.” After she finished, she continued to slap my face, one after another. I struggled with all my might, but the bodyguards’ hands were like iron clamps, holding me tightly. *Smack! Smack! Smack!* A flurry of slaps rained down on my face. My consciousness began to blur, my cheeks burned with agonizing pain, as if a thousand needles were pricking me. My vision was blurred by tears, yet I could still make out Hazel’s distorted, malicious grin. “How many now?” Hazel asked a bodyguard. “Ninety-nine,” the bodyguard replied. “Then let’s make it a hundred,” Hazel said with a smile. The final slap landed with crushing force. I violently spat out a mouthful of blood, my vision went black, and I passed out. In a daze, I heard the front door being pushed open, and someone asking sharply, “What are you doing?!” I woke up again, lying in my bedroom bed. Julian sat on the edge of the bed, his expression calm. “I know everything that happened today.” My throat was dry, my voice hoarse. “And?” “Hazel has always been spoiled,” he said calmly. “I’ve already punished her. Don’t take it to heart.” I stared at him. “How did you punish her?” Julian was silent for a moment, then took a lock of hair from his pocket. “She cut your hair, so she cut a lock of hers as an apology.” I found it utterly absurd. “And what about her slapping me a hundred times? Are you going to say you slapped her once and that’s it?” Julian’s voice remained calm. “Her hand is swollen from hitting you. That counts as punishment.” I froze, then burst out laughing, tears streaming down my face. I asked myself, “Julian, how did I ever fall for you?” Just as Julian was about to speak, I violently grabbed the bedside vase and smashed it to the floor! “Get out!” I roared, my eyes red. Julian stood up, his voice still calm. “I know you’re angry, but the doctor said you need to rest and recover. Calm down.” With that, he turned and left. The moment the door closed, I could no longer hold back and sobbed uncontrollably. Over the next few days, Julian, uncharacteristically, stayed at home. Seemingly sensing my foul mood, he even, on a rare occasion, made Hazel apologize to me. Hazel stood before me, her apology perfunctory. “Quinn, I’m sorry, I was too impulsive that day.” I merely gave her a cold glance, too weary to even speak, and turned into my room, slamming the door shut. Hazel flinched, immediately clutching Julian, her voice trembling. “Julian, she won’t hit me, will she?” Julian patted her back reassuringly. “With me here, no one will bully you.” No sooner had he spoken than a frantic rummaging sound came from my room. Julian frowned, about to knock, but the door was abruptly yanked open— I emerged, clutching a large box, and without so much as a glance at him, walked straight to the living room’s trash can. *Whump!* Everything went in. Julian’s pupils contracted slightly. The box contained everything I had meticulously collected over the years that was related to him. Notes he’d casually written, cups he’d drunk from, the only gift he’d ever given me – a meditation bead bracelet, which I’d begged him relentlessly for. Now, all of it was tossed out like garbage. “What do you mean?” His voice was cold. I dusted my hands off, my tone flat. “Nothing. I don’t want them anymore.” Your things, and you, I don’t want them anymore. With that, I turned and walked away, not sparing him another look. Hazel watched Julian’s face change almost imperceptibly. Feeling a little jealous, she deliberately said, “Julian, aren’t you going to go comfort Quinn?” Julian was silent for a moment, then after a long pause, he said, “No need. She’ll get over it herself. She’ll pick these things back up soon enough.” Just like I’d relentlessly pursued and loved him for six years. Separated by a wall, I stood in my room, almost laughing out loud at his words. He was wrong. Julian Thorne, this time, you are utterly, completely wrong! That evening, Julian wanted to take Hazel and me to a charity ball. I didn’t want to go, but Julian calmly said, “Your bestie will be there. You’ve been cooped up at home for so long, don’t you want to go out and see her?” I was silent for a moment, then finally changed my clothes. Everything that had happened recently was too stifling; I really needed to go out and have a drink with someone. Throughout the drive, I completely ignored Julian and Hazel, keeping my eyes closed and resting. Until, halfway there, a sudden loud bang— *Bang!* Blinding headlights glared at us. I only had time to see an out-of-control car swerving directly towards us. The next second, the world spun. When I woke again, the cold metallic smell of rust filled my nostrils. I struggled to open my eyes, finding myself and Hazel tied to chairs in an abandoned warehouse, our hands bound behind our backs, and bombs strapped to our chests! I vaguely remembered that before I passed out, the people who emerged from the other crashed car were from the rival Vance family – the son of Julian’s business nemesis. Was he trying to get revenge on the Thorne family by kidnapping Hazel and me? Hazel was crying incessantly beside me, her voice shrill and piercing. “Is anyone there? Help! Save me! I don’t want to die!” With only a few minutes left on the bomb timer, I quickly forced myself to calm down and began to try to dismantle the bomb on my chest. But her incessant wailing gave me a headache. I said coldly, “Stop crying. If you don’t want to die, then hurry up and dismantle your bomb.” Hazel cried even harder. “Why are you yelling at me? I don’t know how to do it! Julian, where are you? I’m so scared… Julian…” No sooner had she spoken than the warehouse door was suddenly kicked open! Julian rushed in. His usually immaculate suit was dusty, his temple bled, and his breathing was ragged. His gaze tightened the moment he saw us. This was the first time I’d ever seen the serene, almost monastic man look so disheveled. He had clearly discovered our disappearance after the car crash and immediately sent people to track us down, finding us here as quickly as possible. With only one minute left until the bomb exploded, and only enough time to disarm one, Julian unhesitatingly chose Hazel. He quickly worked on Hazel’s bomb, not even looking up. “I… I’ll get her out, then I’ll come right back for you.” I smiled. But perhaps because I no longer loved him, I felt no pain. After disarming Hazel’s bomb, the countdown showed only twenty seconds remaining. Hazel clutched Julian’s arm tightly, trembling, unable to form words. “Julian! Go! It’s going to explode!” But for the first time, Julian pushed her away, urging her to leave first, then turned to disarm my bomb. I abruptly grabbed his hand, pushing him away, my voice calm. “Julian, take her and go. Remember this: from today onward, I no longer need you. My life and death have nothing to do with you. I am not unloved. If you don’t love me, plenty of others do!” Julian froze. Hazel cried hysterically beside him. “Julian! I’m so scared! If you don’t go, I won’t either!” As the seconds ticked by, getting closer and closer, if they didn’t leave soon, all three of us would die here. In that critical moment, Julian still scooped up Hazel and rushed out. I closed my eyes, my fingers quickly scrambling over the bomb – I had taken an elective in demolitions in college. *Click.* In the very last second, I successfully removed the fuse. However, the explosion still happened. As the blast wave threw me backward, I vaguely saw Julian’s returning figure. Hospital. I opened my eyes, a searing pain in my arm. Julian sat by the bed. Seeing me awake, he immediately pressed down on my arm. “Don’t move. You just had skin grafted to Hazel.” “…What did you say?!” In a daze, I almost thought I’d misheard him. Julian was silent for a moment, his voice laced with a rare hint of guilt. “Hazel’s arm was injured in the blast, and she didn’t want to scar. Your skin tone is the closest to hers, so we took some for the graft.” I stared at him in disbelief. “Julian, did you even ask me?” “I’ll compensate you,” he said, trying to soothe me. “Didn’t you always want to go on a date with me? After you’re discharged…” “Who cares about that!” I violently pulled out the IV needle, blood trickling down the back of my hand. “You can’t treat someone like this!” Julian froze. “She, Hazel, is your cherished moonlight, and I’m just dirt under your feet, is that it?” My eyes were red, my voice trembling. “You took advantage of my love… you took advantage of me…” I couldn’t continue. Julian’s chest tightened. He suddenly recalled the words I’d spoken in the warehouse— *If you don’t love me, plenty of others do.* Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang. His assistant, Miles, spoke urgently. “Mr. Thorne, the limited edition Princess Diana necklace that Ms. Hazel has always wanted is being auctioned tonight in France. Will you be going…” Julian murmured an “Mm” and then hung up. He put away his phone and looked at me. “I’ll be abroad for a few days. I’ll bring you back a gift.” He paused, then added, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep my promise about the date. I won’t break my word.” With that, he pushed open the door and left quickly. The moment the door closed, I could no longer endure it. I slowly curled up, hugging myself, tears streaming down my face. I stayed in the hospital for three days. On the day of my discharge, I received a call from the consulate – my German permanent residency had been approved. This was the only good news I’d heard recently. I stood outside the consulate, the sunlight so bright it made me want to cry. I raised a hand to shield my eyes. The wedding ring on my ring finger was long gone, leaving only a faint, pale mark. It was time to end it. After collecting my permanent residency at the consulate, I went straight to a law firm, drafted the divorce papers, signed my name, and then called Hazel. “Meet me.” In the coffee shop, Hazel glared at me warily. “What do you want? I warn you, if Julian finds out you’re bullying me…” I said nothing, simply took the wedding ring from my purse and pushed it across the table to Hazel. “Try it on.” Hazel looked at me suspiciously, but then, as if compelled, she reached out and slipped the ring onto her ring finger – a perfect fit. “You…” She froze. I smiled. “Haven’t you always wanted to know why your brother suddenly started avoiding you?” Hazel’s fingers trembled slightly. “Alright, I’ll tell you the truth,” I stared into her eyes, enunciating each word. “He avoided you, not because he married me, and not because you made him angry. It’s because he loves you.” “In his meditation room, he keeps a lifelike doll that looks exactly like you.” “He uses that doll to release his desires every day.” “The night you moved into our house, when you fell asleep on the sofa, he secretly kissed you for three minutes.” “This ring, he had it custom-made to your size. The person he always wanted to marry was you.” In just a few short sentences, Hazel’s face instantly changed. Shock, disbelief, shame, joy… countless emotions swirled in her eyes. I looked at her and suddenly felt a bitter amusement. Julian was afraid to tell Hazel his true feelings, afraid of losing her, so he used devout practices to forcefully suppress his desires. But he didn’t know that Hazel loved him too. I stood up, took a signed divorce agreement from my bag, and pushed it across the table to her. “When he gets back, give him this. Tell him I wish you both a hundred years of happiness.” I turned to leave, but Hazel finally recovered, calling out to me. “Quinn, where are you going?” I didn’t look back. “I’m divorced. Of course, I’m going to live my own life. From now on, your brother and sister’s affairs have nothing to do with me.” “And, Hazel, if you ever dare to touch me again, I will repay it a hundredfold!” Airport. I dragged my suitcase. Before boarding, my phone suddenly vibrated. I looked down. It was a message from Julian— An image, with the caption: *Landed. Got you a gift.* I tapped it open. It was a simple bracelet, without even a gift box. I smiled faintly. I knew this was just a bonus. He had gone abroad this time to bid on that Princess Diana necklace for Hazel. And I was just an afterthought. But I wasn’t sad. Because, Julian, I don’t love you anymore, so you can never hurt me again. I held my boarding pass and walked quickly towards the gate. As I looked up, I happened to see Julian emerging from the VIP arrival gate in the distance, dressed in a black trench coat, his expression cold and stern. I didn’t call out to him. I just watched him walk away. Julian, happy divorce. I wish you freedom, And I, wish myself release. The next second, I unhesitatingly blocked all his contact information, turned, and walked in the opposite direction! 5.

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While getting intimate with my boyfriend, I suddenly heard laughter from under the bed. A cold sweat broke out on me. I quickly pushed Liam away, but just as I was about to get out of bed to check, he pulled me back down. “Getting distracted at a time like this? I’m punishing you by making sure you don’t leave this bed all day.” I didn’t suspect a thing, getting lost in the moment. My eyes were closed, enjoying myself, when suddenly, the bed frame was slammed hard. I jolted, shrinking into the blankets, as Liam’s best friend, Harper, burst out from under the bed, roaring with laughter. “No wonder Dog-face never hangs out with us anymore. If I had such a sexually frustrated, scandalous girlfriend, I’d forget my friends too!” The humiliation made my face drain of color, but she nonchalantly tried to yank the covers off me. “Dog-face always said you were big and soft. What are you shy about? Let me see too.” Liam saw she was going too far and quickly tried to stop her. But Harper slapped Liam’s bare butt. “Dog-face, your old man here has been waiting under the bed for ages! Instead of giving me a leg rub, you’re comforting someone else?” Liam didn’t hesitate, immediately taking her calf in his hand and massaging it. Harper shot me a triumphant smirk. And I? I promptly called Mrs. Campbell. “Godmother, are you aware that your son is letting someone call themselves his father and he’s playing along?” … “Daisy, are you insane! It’s such a small thing, do you really need to tattle to my mom!” Liam roared, pushing Harper, who was clinging to him, away. He snatched my phone and furiously pressed the hang-up button. “Harper and I are just bros! This is just a joke between friends. You’re going to call my mom? Are you even an adult!” As Liam fired off a barrage of accusations, Harper tilted her head back, practically looking down her nose at me. “If you want to be my boy’s girlfriend, you gotta learn to chill out and take a joke!” “My boy here bet me he could get you totally submissive in bed. I didn’t believe him, so he had me hiding under the bed, listening in. It’s nothing, why are you blowing things out of proportion!” Liam nodded in approval, glaring at me. “Now apologize to Harper!” I sneered, holding up three fingers, utterly shocking both of them. “Three.” Harper looked at me, utterly bewildered. “What are you trying to do? I’m warning you, Dog-face and I practically grew up in the same crib. You’re just a latecomer, don’t even think about messing with our bond.” Liam nodded in agreement. “She’s right, Daisy. You might be my girlfriend, but Harper is my best friend.” “This was just a little joke. Don’t use it as an excuse to pick on Harper!” I dropped a finger, unimpressed. “Two.” “Are you losing your mind? What are you counting, you weirdo!” Liam looked a little scared and reached for my hand. Harper rolled her eyes and pulled Liam away, casually pressing his outstretched hand against her chest. “I think she’s just terrified and having a meltdown. Fragile girls are such scaredy-cats, not like a tough chick like me.” Liam seemed utterly distracted by the soft curve of Harper’s chest against his hand, leaving me standing there. I used the moment to drop another finger. “One!” As “one” left my lips, a distinct *click* echoed from the front door. I arched an eyebrow at their stunned faces. “Liam, your parents are here, and they look ready for battle.” “Right now, you shouldn’t be protecting your ‘bro’ and lecturing me. You should be explaining to them whose son you actually are.” “You’re calling your parents over something so private? Have you no shame?!” Harper finally snapped, yelling furiously at me. I exaggeratedly covered my mouth, then slapped her across the face. “So you *do* know that couples being intimate is private? Then how did you have the nerve to hide under my bed!” Seeing his ‘bro’ get hit, Liam forgot all about his parents and shoved me. “Daisy! You’ve really gone too far this time!” “Harper’s just a tough chick, she was curious but too embarrassed to ask directly, so I just let her listen in to satisfy her curiosity. She didn’t actually *do* anything to you, what’s the big deal?!” Harper, protected in Liam’s arms, looked at me with eyes filled with venom. “Daisy, huh? Such a sweet name, but you sounded so scandalous when my Dog-face was on top of you. I’m going to send your recording to the SnapChat group right now so everyone can see your ugly side!” My mind went blank, and I stared at Liam. But Liam just glared back coldly, as if he agreed this was a fitting punishment for me daring to hurt Harper! The three of us stood frozen, but Liam’s parents weren’t having any of it. They stormed over like a whirlwind. Mr. Campbell punched Liam in the face, and Mrs. Campbell slapped Harper, sending her sprawling. “You two brats, is that human language you’re speaking?!” Liam and Harper were stunned into silence. Harper tried to protest, but Mrs. Campbell grabbed her by the hair and kicked her out the door. Liam tried to follow, but he was met with another iron fist from Mr. Campbell. “I told you before, this Harper, pretending to be ‘just one of the guys’ and hanging around with a bunch of boys, had bad intentions. She’s hurt Daisy like this, and you’re still chasing after her? Liam, are you blind?!” Liam gritted his teeth, unrepentant. “Who I choose to be friends with is my business. Mom, Dad, I’m an adult, can’t you stop controlling me so much?” As soon as the words left his mouth, Mr. Campbell’s palm landed on his face again. “Who wants to control you?” “We’re doing this for Daisy!” Liam didn’t know that Mr. Campbell and my father were comrades in the war. Mr. Campbell was gravely wounded in battle, an injury that left him unable to have children. My father, risking his own life on the front lines, saved him. After that, with no hope of having his own children, he adopted Liam. Compared to him, I was far more important in the Campbells’ eyes than their adopted son! Facing his parents’ furious wrath, Liam finally lowered his head. “Daisy, Harper genuinely just wanted to make a joke. If she really offended you, I’ll apologize for her, okay?” “I’m practically beaten to a pulp, please don’t be mad anymore.” Meeting the expectant gazes of the Campbells, I finally sighed and nodded. Since childhood, my parents had me recognize Mr. and Mrs. Campbell as my godparents. My godparents had been incredibly successful in business and were now immensely wealthy. Worried that their unreliable son, Liam, would squander their fortune, they approached my parents, hoping to solidify our families’ bond through marriage. They had sworn to my parents then, promising that no matter what Liam did, they would never let me suffer even a moment’s injustice. Now, it seemed, no matter what Liam was like, their words at least held true. Liam had his allowance cut off. Whether he genuinely regretted his actions or was just putting on a show for his parents, he eventually cut off contact with Harper. Seeing his cooperation, I also packed my bags, intending to settle in and be a good daughter-in-law to the Campbells. The two families quickly decided on a wedding date and made arrangements for the venue and decorations. After all the complex details were settled, Liam sheepishly pulled me aside. “Daisy, um… my friends are begging me to have a bachelor party. Can I go?” I was extra sensitive to that kind of talk now, and questioned him without a second thought. “Is your ‘bro’ Harper going?” “No, she’s not!” “After that whole incident, I didn’t dare hang out with her again, and the guys have all distanced themselves from her too.” As he spoke, Liam watched my expression carefully. “All my other friends are guys, I swear, not a single woman will be there!” Given that, there was no harm in it, I didn’t give it much thought and casually agreed. Liam’s friends and I weren’t close, so we didn’t talk much. They were all gathered together, having a good time, and I was happy to enjoy the quiet. However, as the party hit its stride, the private room door swung open, and Harper, wearing a black mini dress and sheer stockings, poked her head in. The friends who had been cold to me just moments ago instantly erupted. “Yo, Harper, what’s with the dress-up?! You never wear skirts!” Harper scoffed uncomfortably, then casually spread her legs and sat across from Liam. “Can you assholes speak like humans? I’m a woman to begin with!” Everyone laughed, and the private room became incredibly lively. Seeing Liam didn’t respond, Harper, amidst the cheering, plopped herself onto his lap. “All the other guys here compliment me, but you won’t even look at me. What, are you shy?” Liam’s face flushed, and he mumbled a “good” or “nice,” but his restless hands made no move to push Harper away. A flicker of triumph crossed Harper’s eyes. As if only just remembering I was there, she sprang up from Liam’s lap. “Oops, my bad. Daisy’s still here, I forgot to mind my distance again. Daisy, tonight’s a bachelor party, you’re not going to pull that ‘call your parents’ stunt again, are you?” I was about to retort when Liam suddenly tugged at my sleeve. “Daisy, my friends are all here. Give me some face, please.” I didn’t want to cause more trouble, so I swallowed my anger for the moment. Who knew Harper would take that as a win!

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