The woman who inspected me said I was a once-in-a-century find, a true enchantress in bed, designed for unparalleled pleasure. And so, I was delivered to the most powerful arms dealer in the region, right onto his bed. “No… it’s too much, I can’t take it…” Feeling that terrifying heat, my face went deathly pale with fear. But the man just chuckled, relentless, pushing deeper until there was nowhere else to go. My vision blurred, and my mind went blank. “Don’t worry, your surprise will be unimaginable.” The man bent down, biting hard on my earlobe, his voice a sinister whisper, “Tell me, who’s better, me or Rhys?” … Right after graduation, tricked by a promise of a high-paying job, I was sold into a lawless territory in Southeast Asia. It was pure hell. Every girl there was broken beyond recognition. The moment I arrived at the compound, a group of thugs swarmed me, tearing at my clothes, threatening to live stream their vile ‘entertainment’. Their lewd laughter plunged me into utter despair. Just as I was about to bite off my tongue to end it all, a gunshot rang out. A man’s deep voice declared, “She’s mine.” No one dared to challenge him. Later, I learned his name was Julian. He was the king of this hellhole. On the surface, he was a respected business magnate, but secretly, he controlled half of the region’s darkest dealings. Trembling, I clung to the hem of his pants. For the next seven years, I transformed from an innocent girl into the most venomous rose in his empire. By day, I handled his dirty business, deflecting dangerous threats. By night, I entwined with him, surrendering myself, enjoying a tenderness he showed to no one else. Everyone said Julian adored me, that marrying me was only a matter of time. Until that day. He’d just found his release when he pushed me away, rising from the bed. His voice was as dispassionate as if he were discussing the weather: “Three days from now, at the Gray family banquet, you’ll sleep with Rhys Carter.” “Only if Seraphina sees it with her own eyes will she give up and come back to me.” It was like a bucket of ice water had been poured over my head; my blood turned to ice in my veins. “Seraphina is a germaphobe; she won’t touch anything someone else has touched.” “Here’s a packet of powder. Find a way to get Rhys Carter to drink it. I’ll arrange the room, and then I’ll bring Seraphina to catch you.” Seraphina Gray, the eldest daughter of one of the region’s four powerful families. And his unattainable ideal, the woman he truly loved but couldn’t have. Her heart and soul were only for Julian’s sworn enemy, Rhys Carter. Over the years, Julian had argued with her countless times because of this. The fiercest fight they’d ever had was when Julian took a knife for her. His wound hadn’t even been bandaged, but Seraphina couldn’t wait to rush off to see Rhys Carter. Julian went absolutely ballistic. He, still wounded, went to the compound, looking to vent his rage on some disobedient captives, when he stumbled upon me, about to be defiled. Perhaps to spite Seraphina, he staged a dramatic rescue. From then on, I became his constant companion, his shadow. He wanted to prove to Seraphina that the genuine affection she trampled on was something others desperately craved. The good things she disdained, someone else would cherish. So, after that, with jewels and designer clothes, I lacked nothing Seraphina had. Anything she didn’t have, I had double. At one cocktail party, a spoiled rich kid, drunk, flirted with me. Julian put a bullet through his jaw. He made an enemy of that family, and when ten armored cars surrounded us, he still smiled, reassuring me, “Scared? Next time anyone dares to touch you, I’ll kill their entire family.” From then on, everyone in the underworld knew that the girl by Mr. Julian’s side was untouchable. Hearing it so often, even I started to believe in the illusion that maybe, just maybe, he truly loved me. Until now, seeing the icy indifference in his eyes, I knew the truth. The last spark of hope in my heart shattered. I took the packet of powder he offered, nodding calmly. “Okay.” Julian paused while putting on his shirt, seemingly surprised by my compliance. “You can refuse if you don’t want to. After all, you’re a girl, your reputation matters.” As he spoke, he reached out to pull me into an embrace, but I stepped back, avoiding him. I clutched the powder, my knuckles white. “I’m willing.” His hand hung in the air. He gazed at me for a long moment before shrugging with a faint smile, “Suit yourself.” Then, just like countless times after our intimate moments, he helped me put on my underwear. His hot breath brushed my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “I know you’re easily embarrassed. Just take off your jacket for show, you don’t actually have to go through with it.” He gently stroked my hair, his tone both tender and cruel. “If you pull this off, I can grant you one wish. Anything.” I looked up at his handsome face, a faint smile playing on my lips. “Okay, thank you, Mr. Julian.” As the sun rose, the lingering warmth of the previous night’s intimacy slowly faded to cold. As I turned to leave, he suddenly called out, “Cassie.” It was the same soft whisper he used during our most passionate nights. He stood against the light, his eyes deep. “If you ever fall for someone, tell me. I’ll prepare your dowry… We can part ways amicably.” Seven years ago, at eighteen, Julian rescued me, barely clothed, from the clutches of those monsters. From the first moment I saw him, I knew we weren’t meant for a future together. These seven years I’d had with him felt like stolen moments, a bonus I never deserved. I swallowed the bitterness in my throat and forced a smile. “Okay.” Perhaps out of guilt, Julian splurged at an auction, buying me a pair of exquisite jade bracelets. As he was putting them on my wrist, Seraphina burst in, crying. She shoved me aside. I fell to the ground, the bracelets shattering, leaving a ghastly gash on my arm. “Rhys Carter said he hates me!” Her face streaked with tears, she cried, “He actually had his bodyguards throw me out!” Normally, if anyone dared to touch a hair on my head, Julian would make them wish they were dead. But at this moment, he merely glanced at my bleeding hand, then gently cupped Seraphina’s face, wiping away her tears. “After all these years, you still haven’t given up?” he scoffed. “Rhys Carter left the country just to avoid you, and you chased him abroad without an ounce of shame.” Seraphina angrily hit his chest. Julian’s expression darkened, then softened as he coaxed, “Chasing a man requires strategy. Throwing yourself at him like that will only make him look down on you.” Seraphina pouted, hurt. “Then what should I do?” Julian’s lips curved into a smirk as he looked at me. “Rhys Carter loves your rosewater pastries the most. Go prepare some, and say Miss Seraphina specially learned to make them for him.” Although Julian and Rhys were bitter rivals, their families had long-standing ties, so they maintained a facade of civility. Rhys Carter would always visit Julian’s estate whenever he returned to the region. The meals served to him were always prepared by my own hands. He had praised my cooking more than once. I thought, perhaps this was also why Julian believed I could get Rhys Carter into bed. As I got up to prepare, I heard Seraphina’s harsh sneer, “Is this the trash you picked up from that dirty place?” “Weren’t you treating her like a treasure, holding her in the palm of your hand? Now you actually dare to order her around?” Julian chuckled softly, “Are you jealous? Marry me, and everything she has will be yours.” “Forget ordering her around; she can be your maid if you wish.” My heart felt as if it had been pierced by a sharp blade, the pain so intense it almost suffocated me. In the kitchen, the maids who used to flatter me now bowed their heads, pretending not to see me. Everyone understood: I was out of favor. I arrived at Carter Corp. I walked straight to Rhys Carter’s office without any obstruction. Unlike Julian’s domineering, oppressive presence; Rhys Carter was coolly aristocratic, his shirt meticulously buttoned to the collar, his suit impeccably tailored. There was no trace of the ruthless killer he was rumored to be. He was looking at documents when I entered, appearing even more distant and cold than three years ago. His trembling subordinates quietly retreated. I hesitated, then spoke, “Mr. Carter…” “Get out.” His voice was devoid of hesitation, but then he saw me and abruptly stopped. “Julian sent you?” “It was Miss Seraphina. She heard you love rosewater pastries, and specially…” Before I could finish, he suddenly pulled open a drawer and took out a red velvet box. He rose and walked directly towards me. I thought he was leaving. Just as I was about to ask him to stay, he handed me the box. “Is this for Miss Seraphina?” I asked, bewildered. “It’s for you.” Rhys Carter took out a necklace from the box, reached around, and fastened it around my neck himself. I stood there, stunned. He used to send me gifts, but I always thought it was out of respect for Julian. As I left, I cautiously asked, “Mr. Carter, Miss Seraphina’s birthday banquet in three days…” “Do you want to see me there?” he interrupted, asking instead. I instinctively nodded. A smile touched his lips. “Good. If you want to see me, I’ll definitely be there.” My heart fluttered, and I almost fled in a panic. Just outside the Carter Corp doors, I bumped into Julian, who was rushing over. His expression was tense. He grabbed my arm, pulling me closer. “Why did delivering a simple package take so long? Did Rhys Carter give you trouble?” His gaze fell on the necklace around my neck, and his face instantly darkened. “Mr. Carter sent it…” I whispered in explanation. Julian ripped it off immediately. I cried out in pain. Then, he ordered his men, “Buy ten identical ones and send them to Mr. Carter. My woman never wears gifts from other men.” Julian was angry. But I didn’t understand why he was angry. Wasn’t Rhys Carter showing interest in me exactly what he wanted? Back at Julian’s estate, Julian roughly pulled me, pushing open the door to a guest room. Meeting my questioning gaze, he irritably loosened his collar. “Seraphina will be staying here for a few days. She liked your room, so you can make do here for now.” I nodded, silently beginning to pack my belongings. In my ears, he was cursing Rhys Carter’s despicable character, accusing him of stealing his woman. Suddenly, he stopped talking. I looked up and met his deep, penetrating gaze. I knew that look all too well; he would always stare at me like a hungry wolf when desire stirred within him. “Mr. Julian, you should go back,” I quickly said. “Miss Seraphina is waiting for you in her room.” He didn’t listen. He simply took off his shirt. “Did Rhys Carter agree to go to the birthday banquet?” “Yes.” Julian’s movements paused. After a long moment, he said, “Remember, it’s just an act. Don’t let him actually touch you.” On the night of the banquet, getting close to Rhys Carter was easier than I’d imagined. The notoriously cold and aloof underworld figure seemed to have no defenses against me. “Try this.” I handed him the juice I had drugged. Rhys Carter was about to drink when he suddenly looked up at me. “Have you thought this through?” My heart leaped, but I pretended not to understand what he meant. Watching him drink it all, I helped him up and led him to the suite upstairs. My hands trembled uncontrollably as I took off his clothes. “Cassandra.” He suddenly opened his eyes, which seemed to burn with a fierce fire. His body was scorching hot, the heat radiating through our touching skin, threatening to melt me. I frantically tried to escape, but he pulled me into his arms. “Mr. C-Carter…” Rhys Carter’s intense gaze locked onto me, like he was assessing his prey. Suddenly, he cupped my chin and kissed me hard. It was wilder, more brutal than any kiss Julian had ever given me, with a suffocating invasiveness. I instinctively struggled, but then my mind flashed back to that day in the compound, to my utter despair. It was Julian who appeared in time, giving me a second chance at life. Fine, I thought. Consider this repaying his kindness. I closed my eyes, letting the man have his way with me. Rhys Carter’s kisses moved lower, leaving crimson marks on my collarbone and chest. My body slowly awakened. I gradually lost control, hearing only the pounding of my heart and the soft sounds of our mouths. It wasn’t until a sharp sting brought me back to reality that I realized things were spiraling completely out of control. One passionate encounter. Rhys Carter still wouldn’t let me go; he had drunk every last drop of the drugged wine. The effects of the drug would likely last for a long time. Sure enough, the next second, the man kissed me deeply again. I tried to break free. But suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the door. The door was violently kicked open from the outside. My body stiffened, and I instinctively held the man tighter. Rhys Carter also reacted, immediately pulling the blanket over me. But… it was already too late. Seraphina’s scream pierced the air: “You… you actually!” Julian stood in the doorway, his face terrifyingly dark. He stared fixedly at my exposed shoulder, his hands clenched into fists. But in the end, he said nothing, turning to chase after Seraphina. Only the gawking guests remained, pointing and whispering: “Is that Mr. Julian’s kept woman? She dared to sleep with Mr. Rhys.” “I heard Miss Seraphina was going to confess her feelings to Mr. Rhys today, and this ruined everything.” “She’s just a cheap whore from the criminal compound, easily seducing any man.” The cruel whispers rose and fell. Rhys Carter swept a gaze over the crowd, and they immediately fell silent. After the door closed, Rhys Carter’s aura instantly turned cold. He slowly and deliberately buttoned his shirt, as if the earlier passion had never existed. I knelt quietly on the rumpled sheets, awaiting the judgment of this terror of the underworld. Unexpectedly, my heart was eerily calm. It felt like I had finally unburdened myself of a heavy load. Whether Rhys Carter wanted my life or to make me wish I were dead, I would accept it. “Cassandra,” he suddenly said, “let’s get married.” I looked up in shock, only to see his eyes darkened. “The Carter family rule is that a man, apart from his wife, cannot touch other women.” I had no right to refuse this marriage. After the scandal broke, Carter Corp’s stock plummeted. Rhys Carter couldn’t let it go unaddressed. I didn’t know what methods he used to pressure Julian’s family. Even with their fear of Julian’s ferocious and ruthless nature, they could only hide the truth from him and give me the title of “an adopted daughter of the Julian family.” They put me in a wedding dress that very night, hastily arranging a wedding no one blessed. But everyone had worried too much. After that night, Seraphina was devastated, threatening to become a nun. Julian stayed by her side, not caring in the least about my fate. On the customary post-wedding visit, three days after the wedding, Rhys Carter suddenly said, “Julian has proposed to the Grays for Seraphina.” My fingers dug into my palm. It took me a long moment to squeeze out the words, “Mr. Julian finally got what he wanted… that’s good.” Rhys Carter stared at me intently for a long time. He suddenly reached out, and I reflexively flinched. “We’re in the car…” His fingertips hovered in the air, catching a single tear.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298586”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I’d been with the crime lord for six years. But on my birthday, he brought home another girl. He was covered in blood, and the dainty girl was tucked safely in his arms. From that moment on, he, who had indulged my every whim, never spared me another glance. Everyone assumed I was heartbroken, utterly devastated by my unrequited love for Julian. I just smiled, fiddling with the watch on my wrist. I was an undercover agent for the police, planted deep within the West Coast’s largest criminal enterprise. All these years I’d spent by his side were to put him behind bars. How could I possibly… fall for him? Late at night, the mansion was still blazing with lights. I sat on the sofa, relighting the candles on the cake. “Anya, don’t wait up.” “The boss said he won’t be coming…” The lighter clicked open and shut in my hand, a flicker of flame springing to life then dying. I stared at the tiny fire. “If he doesn’t come back, I’ll just keep waiting.” “He promised to spend every birthday with me. What kind of excuse is breaking that promise?” “…” But in reality, the clock on the wall already showed three in the morning. He wasn’t coming back. I was stuck in the mansion with a whole bunch of his men, just waiting. To those who knew, I was waiting for him to celebrate my birthday. To those who didn’t, it looked like I was waiting for him to start a war. Finally, just a second before the clock struck four AM, the roar of a car engine echoed from downstairs. “Anya! The boss is back!” Someone rushed upstairs, shouting the news to me. I stood up, walking to the banister and looking down. Yes, he was back. I frowned, asking the man who stood downstairs, watching me with an unreadable expression. “Julian, who’s the woman in your arms?”

Julian had a long knife scar, tracing from his eyebrow down to his cheekbone. It was still bleeding freely. Looking at it now, it only added a touch of savagery to his otherwise refined and handsome face. I reached for some gauze to dab at his wound, but he caught my wrist. “Anya, have I been too lenient with you all these years, hmm?” His fingers traced my pulse point, lingering. That’s just how he was; all his ruthlessness and threats hidden beneath tender gestures. I lowered my eyes. “Lenient? I don’t think so.” He chuckled softly, his thumb rubbing my radial bone, light and languid. “Really? Then why did you call so many people to my house…?” “Someone might think I’m running a mob.” As if he *wasn’t* a mob boss. He clawed his way up from a life of constant violence and bloodshed, his empire built on a mountain of bodies and broken lives. Oh, but now he’d gone legit, transformed into a celebrated young entrepreneur. The newspapers were full of praise, calling him a rising star. It made me sick to my stomach. “Who’s the girl you brought back?” I didn’t struggle hard, just enough for him to release my hand. And successfully changed the subject. But he simply arched an eyebrow, carefully avoiding my gaze. “None of your business.” He stood up, taking the gauze from my hand, then leaned down to press a kiss on the corner of my lips. “You have time to worry about what woman I bring home…” “But no time to worry about how I got this wound, huh?” He finished, biting my neck lightly, almost as punishment. “All that effort for nothing.”

The wind in Arcadia Bay was particularly strong these days. Or perhaps it was just this abandoned building I was in, letting drafts in from every corner. In the distance, I could faintly hear the sounds of punching and kicking, but someone beside me offered a cigarette. I pushed it away. “Julian doesn’t like me smoking.” … “Find out everything you can about the girl Julian brought back last night.” I turned to the man beside me. He’d been with me since I joined the organization. They called him Leo Hayes, for his rank, but I usually called him Leo. He’d been with me so long, he’d started saying things others wouldn’t dare. “Anya, sigh…” “You’re the smartest woman I know.” “So, you should understand that love, that kind of thing, shouldn’t be a part of our lives.” “…” He stood beside me, hands shoved in his pockets, watching the desolate, ruined lot with me. “Which one of us hasn’t got blood on our hands?” “The boss might be going legit now, but he’ll never marry someone with blood on their hands like us.” “We’ve all taken the fall for him, and he treats us well for it, sure. But a proper, legitimate place in his life? A title? That’s never going to happen…” Yes, Julian trusted me so deeply, pampered me so much all these years, precisely because I’d taken the fall for him. Over the years, the blood on my hands was substantial enough that sometimes, in the dead of night, when I looked at myself, I saw the vengeful spirits coming for me. Sometimes, I even forgot my true identity. An undercover agent, a nail driven deep into the dark, a long, deadly fuse. Thirteen years of my life, bought with the blood of my comrades. No one came to the abandoned building, and the sounds of fighting had long since stopped. I looked up, gazing at the bright white clouds against the clear sky. I didn’t care how many women Julian had; I was only afraid. Afraid that decades of careful preparation would be ruined by an unpredictable factor. “Come on, let’s go meet the little girl he brought back.” I turned to the man behind me.

Unlike the lingering cries in the abandoned building, Julian’s mansion was quiet and peaceful. As I entered, I saw a girl with braided hair, lying on the sofa reading a book. Seeing me, she startled, immediately becoming reserved. “You…” The girl’s eyes darted away when she saw me, then she lowered her lashes. “Are you… the boss’s wife?” I was surprised by her words and sat down beside her. “No.” “Oh…” The girl shrank back into the corner, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. “I thought only a woman as beautiful and outstanding as you could be worthy of Julian.” “…” There was a wide-eyed, almost childish innocence in her gaze. I grimaced inwardly. Another girl completely taken in by Julian’s facade. Just as I was about to reach out and pat her head, someone suddenly called out. “Anya, the boss said you’re not to touch Ms. Carter.” The guard appeared quickly, stepping in front of me. If not for the lingering respect, he would’ve practically dragged me away. “Please, don’t come to this mansion again. It belongs to Ms. Carter now.” The girl, startled, curled up even tighter, and I simply raised an eyebrow. Tsk, tsk, such a high level of protection. “Fine, I’m leaving.” Julian had brought back many women over the years, but she was the first to be protected like this.

“Anya, this is all the information we could find.” In the car, Leo leaned over to hand me a file. The information was sparse, but even this little bit was probably what Julian *wanted* me to find. Ms. Carter’s full name was Lily Carter. She was three years younger than Julian. And she grew up in… the same area as Julian. Before Julian brought her back, she worked at an orphanage. Her record was spotless, practically screaming “innocent hothouse flower.” “The boss seems… different with her.” Leo whispered in my ear. Indeed, this Lily Carter—could she really be Julian’s ‘white moonlight’—that pure, untainted love in his dark, twisted world? I bit my nail, thinking. As far as I knew, Julian had very few weaknesses left. He had no parents, clawed his way up from the bottom, even joined this organization later than I did. Young, yet ruthless. I’d watched him climb, then stuck with him, choosing the right man, and also the wrong one. Right, because I became his confidante; cutting me off would be like severing his own arm. Wrong, because… I hadn’t anticipated his explosive rise. By the time I realized it, it was too late. My thoughts were interrupted by Leo’s next words. He clapped my shoulder. “The boss said…” “He wants to eat your cooking.” “…” If Julian wanted to eat, I had to cook for him. I offered a slight smile and told the driver to turn around. To the grocery store, to buy ingredients.

The mansion where Lily Carter stayed was just one of Julian’s many insignificant properties. The place I was in now was the closest thing to Julian’s “home.” A simple apartment building, yet under the watchful eyes of countless bodyguards. I carried the groceries upstairs alone, then washed vegetables, boiled water, and cooked. Julian had eaten every delicacy imaginable, so why would he be so fond of my homemade food? But every time he watched me cook, his gaze would stick to me. It truly gave the illusion of a wife and husband, making my stomach churn. This time, I was preparing fish on the cutting board when he suddenly embraced me from behind. I hadn’t even realized he was there. “Don’t touch me, I smell fishy.” “Fishy where?” He chuckled, brushing my hair aside, playfully toying with my earring. I turned on the faucet, washing the fish blood from my hands. “Not cooking anymore? We can do it after, if you want.” His kisses rained down on my neck. I shifted uncomfortably, half-resisting, half-yielding. Until my gaze met his eyes—bright, fragmented. Even his smile was a practiced, dangerously charming thing. I lowered my eyes, finally pushing him away. “Are you mad?” He asked, slightly teasing, pinching my cheek. “Didn’t give you a birthday, and now you’ve turned into a little pufferfish?” “Who’s a pufferfish…?” That was a genuine retort, but he just tapped my nose. “You, my little pufferfish. All puffed up and prickly, stubborn, and… heartbreaking.” “…” The marble countertop was still clean. He lifted me and placed me on it. He leaned down and kissed me, everything around me spiraling into chaos. I couldn’t breathe, my fingers digging into his sleeve. Until he finally pulled back, smiling down at me. I suddenly realized I was still so young; I didn’t even understand what his smile meant. “Do you know why I was so injured when I brought Lily Carter back that day?” “Because she had something interesting.” He pulled a photo from somewhere, handing it to me. I smoothed it out, staring at the image. “Anya, don’t you think this is fascinating?” He spoke next to my ear, his soft chuckle clearly audible. “She said she’d seen you. She called you… Officer Miller.” The photo showed me in a police uniform, posing with children from an orphanage. He leaned down, kissing the tip of my nose. “Hm? Sweetheart, care to explain?” “…” I looked down, staring at the photo. The tofu soup on the stove was still bubbling softly. He watched me silently, as if not wanting to miss a single one of my expressions. After a long moment, I chuckled, lifting my hand to punch his arm gently. “What’s the meaning of this? Julian, have you forgotten…?” “I graduated from the police academy, I just got… kicked out later.” When they first set up my cover, they’d considered the possibility of my police academy past surfacing. So the department simply gave me the identity of someone permanently expelled from the academy for disciplinary issues. He looked down at me, his eyes dark. I was pressed tightly against the countertop. I wondered if this incredibly paranoid lunatic would pick up the knife from the cutting board and stab me. Until he let out a soft laugh. He rubbed my waist, not too gently, not too roughly. “Oh? Really?” “My apologies, I completely forgot.” “…” He released his grip on me, smiling easily. He even had the leisure to take the ladle from the pot and stir the soup. “Dinner won’t be long, will it?” “I’m so hungry, Anya.” Even as he said it, his gaze was fixed intently on me. I pressed my lips together, straightened my clothes, and nodded. As I smoothed my shirt, I understood why he’d rubbed my waist just now. My back was already drenched in sweat.

That meal, at least for me, was tasteless. In fact, every day I spent with Julian was tasteless. I longed to put those silver handcuffs on this man’s wrists. I thought about it every single day, to the point of madness. Until a light, lazy voice broke my thoughts. “Anya, a shipment will be docking at East Harbor tomorrow. I need you to handle it personally.” I looked up, meeting the man’s eyes across the dinner table. “The buyer is very cautious. Go alone; don’t bring anyone.” “…” I paused, subconsciously asking him. “What kind of shipment?” He stared at me, smiling mysteriously. I knew then that I shouldn’t ask. Julian was always like this, even keeping things from me. Otherwise, collecting evidence these past few years wouldn’t have been so slow. I nodded, picked up my bag, and headed for the door. “Okay, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head out. I…” But as I passed him, he caught my wrist. “Why are you so distracted today?” His fingers casually brushed my pulse point, showing no intention of letting me go. I managed a bitter smile. “I just finished dealing with a subordinate this afternoon. I’m probably… a little tired.” He didn’t speak, but he also didn’t release me. The room fell completely silent. I could only feel his thumb stroking my wrist, again and again. Until his voice softened. “Stay tonight, hmm?” In that instant, my first thought was to refuse. “No, I have things to do tomorrow… Mmph.” Then I was abruptly pulled into his arms, pressed against the dining table, his kisses raining down on my neck. The dim, yellow light flickered, and in my panic, I met his eyes. He was always like this when he was aroused. Controlled, yet his eyes were red. Frenzied, yet… restrained.

I barely slept all night. So, it was no surprise that I woke up late the next day. The bedsheets were tangled, and the man was no longer beside me. I got up, then tried to clear my chaotic thoughts, and took a shower. The deal Julian mentioned was scheduled for midnight tonight at East Harbor. So I still had time to get ready, but before that, I needed to think about two things. First, what exactly was Lily Carter to Julian, and what was her motive? If she truly was Julian’s ‘white moonlight,’ that would be great. Then Julian would have a weakness, and an enemy with a weakness would be far less threatening. If she wasn’t, then it would be a huge problem. She was coming for *me*, trying to take me down. Why, I didn’t know. Whether she could become an ally, I also didn’t know. Second, had my identity been exposed to Julian? This was my biggest fear. Julian was utterly unpredictable; no one knew his next move. Everyone in the game feared him because he’d invite you for tea while he was simultaneously plunging a knife into your back. As I pondered, my hand instinctively went to the phone card hidden in the inner pocket of my bag. This was given to me by the department—my last resort. That year, Chief Jenkins had clapped my shoulder and told me that if there ever came a day when I couldn’t continue my undercover work, I should call this number. The department would do everything to protect me, even if it meant pulling me out of a wolf’s den. But if I made that call, everything would be for nothing. Everything I’d sacrificed. Six years of endurance, the blood of my comrades, every step I’d taken against justice. I would become a criminal in the eyes of the law, because all those sacrifices would have been for naught. I dreamed of putting handcuffs on Julian’s wrists, I dreamed of it constantly. After flipping that phone card countless times, I finally closed my eyes. And put it back in the inner pocket.

Eleven thirty PM. My car sped down the empty highway. Even before arriving, I could almost smell the salty, damp air of the sea. I parked my car, facing the port. Several black sedans were already there. Their headlights glared directly at me. To be honest, it was impossible for me not to notice something off about this mission. But how could I defy Julian? Defy him, and I’d be exposed. I got out of the car, hands in my trench coat pockets, squinting at the man sitting on the hood of one of the cars. He was my contact for this deal. They called him Big Roman on the streets; true to his name, he was ruthless and insane. And I heard he had a lot of dirty business… “Looks like my ‘delivery’… arrived perfectly?” He swaggered down from the car, sizing me up. His gaze made me uncomfortable, but I still calmly handed him the box from the back seat. “The goods are here. Check them yourself.” He merely raised an eyebrow, looking at me. “Ms. Miller, could you please open the box for me?” His eyes were still glued to me, a leering smile on his face. I think that’s when I truly knew something was wrong. But with those car headlights aimed directly at me, where could I go? The box was opened, revealing heavy stones inside. His hoarse, perverse laugh pierced my eardrums. “Heh heh, Ms. Miller…” “Don’t you understand yet? The ‘goods’…” “Are you.”

“Julian! I want to see Julian!” “You can’t do this to me! Let me see Julian!” “Julian! Julian! Julian!” The iron shackles on my wrists rattled loudly, but the only reply was the drip, drip, drip of water from the corners of the room. I swallowed, realizing my throat was raw from screaming. I huddled in the corner, not because I was scared, but because… I was cold. Yes, I’d suspected Julian was onto me for a while. But I truly couldn’t understand why he would sell me out so decisively. Putting aside any feelings we might have had over the years, just for all the things I’d done for him, he should have trusted me more. He just sold me out? Because of a few words from Lily Carter? I instinctively started biting my nails, but the more I thought, the more tangled everything became. The only thing I could be certain of in this mess was that I couldn’t die. I couldn’t die, no matter what, because the mission wasn’t complete. So now, the only one who could save me was Julian. That’s why I kept shouting his name. I couldn’t decipher his feelings for me all these years, but one thing was clear: no one would willingly spend five birthdays with a stranger. Especially not a monster like Julian, who had lost all humanity. So, even if it was a gamble, I had to try. As I relentlessly screamed his name again, someone finally opened the iron door. “Seriously, aren’t you tired of screaming?” “Julian’s not coming to save you! Damn it, if the boss wasn’t planning to sell your organs.” “I’d really like to have some fun with you.” “…” I gasped, staring intently at the man. “Let me see Julian…” “Damn it, I told you there’s no…” Just as the man’s foot was about to kick me, someone suddenly stopped him. It was… Big Roman. “Let me see Julian! I have something to tell him!” There was no response, so I raised my voice. “I said I want to see Julian! Julian!” My handcuffs rattled with a loud clang, until at one point, a low, calm voice came from above me. I stopped. “What’s all the noise about?” “Anya, who are you trying to charm?” “…” I truly hadn’t expected Julian to be here. So, the moment I heard his voice, I froze for no reason. Not even the tips of his shoes were dusty. I, covered in dirt, had to crane my neck to look at his pristine figure. “Julian, why do you suspect me?” “I’ve been with you all these years. Why would you suspect me without even asking?” “Did you ever consider that Lily Carter, she… she framed me…” I tried to make my expression as sincere as possible, until he knelt down in front of me. His fingers gently caressed my cheek. Anyone watching would think he was comforting his lover. “Even now, I still find myself going soft for you, Anya.” “Anya, blame it on… you provoking me.” The hand caressing my jaw slowly moved to my neck, and he gradually tightened his grip. I slowly found it harder to breathe, staring into his eyes, just staring. They were like a dark, bottomless abyss, revealing no depths, no ravenous beast lurking within. Until he suddenly released me. I fell to the floor, coughing violently. Through my blurry vision, I heard his voice, directed at Big Roman. “She’s all yours to play with.” “…” I coughed, my eyes fixed on his pristine pant leg. Before he left, those were the last words I spoke to him. “Lily Carter definitely lied to you.” “Why won’t you… believe me?” He left. After the resounding clang of the lock, the basement returned to silence. It felt like everything was over, and before me lay a path leading to hell. But was it truly over?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298585”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

“Ms. Anya, you’ve successfully purchased the private island. It’s completely secluded; once you’re there, no one will ever find you. Also, your bespoke family experience has been arranged. They are all professionally trained and will offer you absolute, unconditional love.” The respectful voice of the attendant came through my phone. I hummed in response. “I’ll move in after I’ve taken care of everything here, in about 30 days.” I hung up and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I was ethereal in a pure white wedding gown, countless sparkling rhinestones adorning it, hinting at its exorbitant value. “Ms. Anya, are you done trying on the dress? Mr. Thorne has been waiting outside to see you.” The soft voice of the shop assistant pulled me back to reality. I paused, then answered, “I’m ready.” With my reply, the assistant stepped forward and pulled back the curtain. I turned at just the right moment, meeting Damien Thorne’s gaze. He was waiting outside, and I clearly saw a flicker of awe in his eyes. “Anya, you’re so beautiful.” He froze for a second, then walked over and hugged me, his voice thick with emotion and a slight catch. “Seven years, and I’m finally going to marry you and bring you home.” How deeply must someone love you to get so choked up when they’re about to marry you? As I was lost in thought, the assistant next to me enthusiastically chimed in, “Ms. Reed, Mr. Thorne personally helped design this gown! He even hand-picked every single rhinestone. Each one would fetch a fortune at auction, and this dress has ninety-nine of them!” “Usually, men get impatient waiting while their fiancées try on dresses, but Mr. Thorne has overseen everything himself and never complained once. He truly adores you, Ms. Reed.” Listening to the assistant detail Damien’s efforts, I couldn’t help but look at him. His eyes, whenever they met mine, were always brimming with love and tenderness, utterly unlike the aloof, unattainable persona of the elusive scion of the city’s most powerful dynasty, as portrayed in the media. So, not only the entire world, but even I had been fooled into believing he genuinely loved me. After the dress fitting, we left the bridal boutique together. He thoughtfully opened the car door for me, placing his hand protectively over the top of the frame to prevent me from bumping my head. Only after making sure I was safely inside and the door was closed did he get into the car from the other side. As the car slowly pulled away, Marcus, Damien’s assistant, began to report something to him. “Mr. Thorne, the opportunistic woman who tried to get close to you has been dealt with. She won’t be appearing in the city ever again.” Damien sharply reprimanded him, “Keep these matters private. Don’t upset Anya.” Then, he quickly and gently took my hand. “Anya, please don’t be angry. That woman didn’t even touch me. Her perfume scent lingered, so I washed ten times before coming home. I’m not dirty at all. You know my heart has only ever been for you all these years.” I knew he wasn’t lying. Given his wealth and status, countless women had tried to get close to him over the years, but he had handled every single one perfectly, never crossing a line. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to be happy. I merely forced a small smile. “I know.” Damien didn’t notice my subtle shift. He gently squeezed my hand, then pulled out his phone to deal with some work. Suddenly, he saw something that made his expression change slightly. “Stop the car!” The screech of tires ripping against asphalt followed the abrupt brake. Before I could even ask what was happening, Damien pushed open the car door and got out. “Anya, something urgent has come up. Marcus will take you home first, alright?” It was a question, but it was clear he wasn’t giving me a second option. He left me, rushing off in a hurry. I watched his retreating back silently, then pulled out my phone and tapped into Seraphina Reed’s SnapChat. A minute ago, she had updated her status. It was a picture of a swollen, red ankle, captioned with five simple words: “Sprained my ankle, it hurts so bad.” Seeing that post, and remembering Damien’s barely concealed panic just now, my eyes welled up. I couldn’t understand why everyone in my life seemed to favor my sister, Seraphina. I’d had two fiancés. The first was Sterling Vance, heir to the Vance Corporation. Our families had arranged our engagement when we were children. I fell for him at first sight, trailing after him since we were kids, but Sterling only had eyes for Seraphina. He despised me, his fiancée. That went on for seven long years. Finally, broken by his coldness, I gave up all hope and turned to Damien Thorne, who had always silently stood by me. All those years, I chased Sterling, ending up utterly shattered. Every time, it was Damien who wiped my tears. He appeared as my devoted savior, silently caring for me, asking for nothing in return, always there if I turned around. So, I cleaned out my heart, letting Damien in. I thought this time, I’d finally chosen the right person. But on the eve of our wedding, I accidentally overheard Damien talking to one of his friends. “You don’t even like Anya Reed, are you really going to marry her?” Damien’s voice, husky and laced with alcohol, replied, “Yeah. Only then can Seraphina be happy.” His friend sighed. “Seriously, you’re one of a kind. A fool for love. Not only have you secretly liked Seraphina for years, but after finding out she liked Sterling Vance, you went and pursued Sterling’s fiancée, Anya Reed, just so Seraphina could have her happily ever after as Mrs. Vance.” “And now you’ve succeeded. Anya Reed is finally out of the way for your beloved. But do you even realize the consequence of what you’re doing? You’re throwing away your own life.” Damien’s voice was low, yet filled with immeasurable devotion. “As long as Seraphina is happy, I’d do anything.” I stood outside the door, listening to those words. It hit me like a thunderbolt! It was only then that I understood: Damien Thorne’s seven years of pursuit and tenderness towards me had all been a lie. His true beloved was also Seraphina Reed. How noble he was, willing to sacrifice his entire life for Seraphina’s happiness! He’d hidden it so well that I never once suspected his years of devotion were an act, never imagined he pursued me only to make way for Seraphina. That night, I cried my heart out, drenched in the rain. Growing up, my parents always favored my sister, Seraphina, never showing me any real affection. Later, my fiancé also loved Seraphina, never reciprocating my feelings. Now, even Damien Thorne, the only one who seemed to genuinely love me, was also in love with Seraphina. Everyone loved Seraphina Reed. No one loved Anya Reed. That day, I made a decision. If there was no one in this city who loved me, then I would go to a secluded private island, pay to customize a family—parents and a boyfriend—just for me. I would leave this place completely and live my life in peace. Even if the parents and boyfriend I bought were fake, their lifelong companionship would be enough. From now on, Mom and Dad, Sterling Vance, Damien Thorne — they would all have nothing to do with me! The car soon stopped in front of the villa Damien had prepared for our wedding. After getting out, I started packing. I threw out everything that belonged to me in that house, destroying every trace of my presence there. Then, I began preparing to sever all legal ties. Only by making myself untraceable could these people never find me again! I gathered all the necessary documents, only to realize the most important one, my vital identification documents, wasn’t with me. Left with no choice, I had to return to the Reed family home. An hour later, I stood at the entrance of the Reed residence. It was my home, yet I didn’t have a key. Even knocking required a great deal of courage. Because I knew my biological parents didn’t welcome me. The housekeeper who answered the door was slow to arrive. As soon as I stepped inside, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Reed pacing the living room, visibly agitated. Hearing the door open, they rushed over. The moment they saw it was me, their faces twisted in disgust. “What are you doing here?” “Since you haven’t been back in years, why are you suddenly barging in now? Why can’t you be more like Seraphina? You’re from the same mother, yet the difference is like night and day!” The familiar scolding washed over me. I’d heard that voice for over twenty years, and now I truly couldn’t bear to hear it anymore. My expression remained indifferent; I acted as if I hadn’t heard a thing. I walked straight upstairs, found my vital identification documents, put them into my bag, and came back down. Seeing my calm, almost detached expression, Mr. and Mrs. Reed grew even more furious, their words growing increasingly venomous. “What, you’re ignoring everything your mother and I say now? Do you have any respect for us? You’re utterly disrespectful, how could we have given birth to such a disgrace?!” Just as they were in the middle of their tirade, the front door suddenly opened again. Damien Thorne walked in, carrying Seraphina Reed. His eyes immediately met mine, standing in the center of the living room. I glanced at their intimate pose, then calmly shifted my gaze away. My eyes were so placid, yet a sudden panic surged in his heart. He hastily put Seraphina down and walked towards me. “Anya, please don’t misunderstand. Seraphina sprained her ankle, and I just happened to be in the neighborhood, that’s why I carried her back…” He didn’t finish, and I didn’t bother to expose his transparent lie. “Sterling is away on a business trip right now, otherwise I wouldn’t have troubled Damien. Sister, please don’t mind.” Seraphina, barely set down and already being doted on by Mr. and Mrs. Reed, was not to be outdone. Her words were meant as an explanation, yet they reeked of subtle boasting. “It’s my fault, I suppose. Being spoiled by Mom and Dad since childhood, even a slight sprain hurts terribly. Luckily, Damien arrived in time. He blew past several red lights to take me to the hospital and then carried me back. It was such a hassle for him.” As Seraphina spoke, her eyes twinkled, fixed on me, trying to provoke a breakdown or an argument. But I remained impassive, taking none of it to heart. Not getting the reaction she wanted, Seraphina’s eyes sparkled with a new idea. “If it wasn’t for Damien, my ankle would be even more swollen. Since we’re all home now, why don’t we just stay and have dinner together? As a thank you!” Her tone was lively and effervescent, a stark contrast to my silent presence. No one bothered to ask my opinion; they simply made the decision for me, opting to stay for dinner together. But when all the dishes were prepared and laid out, and I stood by the dining table, I saw that everything served was Seraphina’s favorite — spicy food. I wasn’t surprised; I simply sat down quietly. In the past, I had once mildly mentioned to Mr. and Mrs. Reed that I had a sensitive stomach and couldn’t handle spicy food, but their reply had been a dismissive, “Don’t be so fussy.” Later, when I was with Damien, he always paid attention to my preferences and even learned many soothing dishes for my stomach. But this time, although he sat beside me, his eyes were solely on Seraphina. At the slightest sign, he would quickly offer her a napkin or serve her food. I suddenly recalled that in the past, even when Damien came to the Reed house specifically for me, his gaze would often subtly drift towards Seraphina. On Seraphina’s birthday, he would subtly probe or feign casual interest in her preferences. When Seraphina had a fever or was sick, he would always claim he had urgent company business and had to leave. I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Damien’s attention to Seraphina had always been so obvious, how could I have only realized it now? But no matter how much he liked Seraphina, he should never have used me as a tool. His blatant deception, using years of my life, hurt me even more than Sterling’s rejection. Dinner ended, and I hadn’t eaten much. On the way back, we were silent. I was thinking about severing all legal ties, and he, about reliving his moments with Seraphina. Finally, I broke the silence. “I’m not going home. I’m going somewhere else.” My voice finally pulled Damien back from his thoughts. Hearing my words, he quickly refocused and gently asked, “Anya, where are you going? I’ll come with you.” “No need.” I shook my head, declining his offer. But he held my hand, stubbornly insisting, “No, I can’t let you go alone. I’d be worried.” I couldn’t refuse, so I ultimately let him have his way. I didn’t explicitly state the destination, merely opened my navigation app and showed him. There wasn’t much traffic on the road, so we quickly neared our destination. Just as we were about to turn in, Damien’s phone suddenly rang. As soon as he answered, Mrs. Reed’s voice came through. “Damien, Seraphina’s wound is inflamed, and she has a bit of a fever. Can you take her to the hospital again?” “I’ll be right there!” He was about to anxiously turn the car around when he suddenly seemed to remember something, and looked at me, conflicted. “Anya, I…” He opened his mouth, hesitating, and just as he was about to say something, I spoke first. “Go ahead. It’s just a short walk from here, I can manage.” With that, I opened the car door and got out. Seeing that I had already gotten out, his concern for Seraphina ultimately took precedence. He restarted the car and sped away. Watching his car disappear into the traffic, I remained silent for a long time, quietly swallowing the bitterness in my heart. Damien, if your car had just driven a little further. You would have found that I was going to the Registry Office to sever my legal ties. You would have seen the signs of my departure. But you didn’t. Because you didn’t care. The process of severing my legal ties was quick. After completing it, I took a cab back to the villa. Not long after, Damien came in, carrying a box of red bean pastries, his face full of apology as he looked at me. “Anya, you’ll be marrying me soon. Then Seraphina and I will be family, which is why I’ve been looking out for her more. Please don’t misunderstand, I’ve pursued you for so many years, you should know that my heart is only for you.” I couldn’t understand how his acting could be so flawless. This particular red bean pastry shop was in the south of the city, requiring a trip across half the city. Its unique flavor meant there was always a continuous stream of customers, and you often had to wait in line for over three hours to get a single box. To ensure Seraphina got what she wanted, he went to such lengths, perfectly embodying the “devotion” others spoke of. Only, that devotion wasn’t for me, but for Seraphina. I was tired. I simply didn’t have the energy to keep playing along. I shook my head, refusing his gesture for the first time. “I’m not feeling well. I’m going to rest.” With that, I turned and walked back to my room without looking at his expression. Damien paused, clearly noticing I wasn’t in a good mood. But he didn’t think much of it, assuming I was still angry about him leaving to find Seraphina. To appease me, he canceled all his work for the next few days and took me out on dates. We had candlelit dinners, he accompanied me shopping for luxury items, and finally, he bought movie tickets for us to watch a film together. As soon as we settled into our chosen seats, a group of girls walked into the theater. And the person surrounded by them was unmistakably Seraphina Reed! Although his expression remained unchanged, I clearly felt his mind wander. His gaze repeatedly drifted towards Seraphina, not far away. The movie was already halfway through, but seeing his distracted look, I guessed he hadn’t absorbed a single thing. It wasn’t until I called his name that Damien finally snapped back to attention. “What is it, Anya?” “I’m not feeling well. Let’s go home.” My voice was light, as if I genuinely felt unwell and was just suggesting an early departure. He glanced at Seraphina, a hint of reluctance in his eyes, but still chose to stand up and leave with me. But just as we stepped out of the cinema, a sudden commotion erupted behind us. A surging crowd, accompanied by chaotic shouts, rushed towards us. “Fire! The cinema is on fire!” Upon hearing what they were shouting, Damien’s face turned ashen. Just as he was about to rush against the human tide, he saw the girls who had entered the cinema with Seraphina also running out. He quickly stopped them, asking each one, his voice laced with uncontrollable panic and desperation, “Where’s Seraphina?!” At his urgent question, the girls exchanged glances. After a moment of frantic recollection, their faces paled, and they stammered out, “Seraphina… she… she might still be inside…” At their words, a furious rage instantly surged within him, burning away all his reason. He roared, “Didn’t I tell you to look after her?!” Before he even finished speaking, he didn’t bother to talk to them further. He lunged, determined to rush into the burning cinema. He hadn’t run far before the driver stopped him. “Mr. Thorne, the fire is too big, you can’t go in. Rescue personnel will be here soon…” But the driver’s words of caution were cut off by Damien’s furious yell, “Get out of my way!” With that, ignoring everyone’s attempts to stop him, he ran against the tide of people, straight towards the cinema! The moment rescue personnel arrived, Damien finally emerged, covered in blood, carrying an unconscious Seraphina Reed. He carefully, tenderly, placed her on a stretcher. Only after confirming Seraphina was safe did he collapse. His collapse fully exposed the severe injuries on his back. The gruesome wounds, bloody and raw, made even me, who thought I could no longer feel pain for him, well up with tears. Not out of pity, but from a sudden rush of memories. Back then, Damien pursued me for a long time. I wasn’t truly heartless, ignoring his efforts. It was just that I couldn’t let go of Sterling Vance, and thus couldn’t accept Damien’s advances. Until one time, I suddenly fainted and was rushed to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with kidney failure. I called my parents, crying, begging them to get tested for a match. Mr. and Mrs. Reed flatly refused, saying they were going on a trip with Seraphina. They even added that kidney failure wouldn’t kill me, and if it did, they’d wait until I was dead before they were notified. My own biological parents mercilessly hung up on me. Desperate, it was Damien who quietly got tested, then just as quietly went into surgery. After the operation, I learned he had donated his kidney. I cried by his bedside for a long time. The first thing he saw when he woke up was my tear-streaked face. He immediately pulled me into his arms, saying over and over, “Shh, don’t cry, I did it willingly.” But hearing those words, I cried even harder. In that moment, I thought perhaps I should give up that pointless waiting and look at the person who was truly there for me. But just as I succumbed to his tenderness and fell completely in love with him, I discovered it was all a deception. Now, looking back, he had always been someone who would fight for love, but the person he was always willing to fight for was Seraphina Reed. Damien was severely injured this time and spent a long time in the hospital. I, who once would have cried endlessly over his slightest injury, this time refused to even mention visiting him in the hospital. Even when his assistant came to tell me Damien wanted to see me, I pretended not to hear, busying myself with my own affairs. Until one night, I was half-asleep when I suddenly felt a weight on me. Startled, I opened my eyes to find Damien holding me tightly. He was wearing a striped hospital gown, clearly having escaped from the hospital. A bandage was wrapped around his forehead, indicating his injuries weren’t fully healed, yet he held me close, silent and unwilling to let go. I struggled a few times, pushing him away before I spoke. “Why are you back here?” “I missed you.” His voice was muffled as he buried his head in the crook of my neck, pouring out his longing. He paused, then spoke again, a hint of complaint in his tone. “Didn’t you get the message I sent through Marcus? Are you not coming to see me all these days because I went to save Seraphina?” “I’m sorry, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have left you to go find someone else. But she is your sister, after all, and the situation was quite urgent at the time, that’s why I went for her. But I promise you, you’re the only one I’ve ever loved, from start to finish. Any extra concern for Seraphina was purely because she’s like a sister, absolutely no other intentions!” “Anya, please don’t be angry with me, okay?” Damien spoke with such sincerity that if I hadn’t known who he truly loved, I probably would have believed him. His frantic return wasn’t out of concern for my feelings at all. He was afraid I would see through his feelings for Seraphina, afraid our wedding would hit another snag, afraid Seraphina wouldn’t get her wish. Honestly, he didn’t need to keep up this act. He could relax. Soon, Soon, none of these people would have anything to do with me. I would completely vanish from their lives and live happily ever after with my customized family. Even if they were fake, the real ones had never given me an ounce of love anyway, so what did “real” or “fake” even matter? “I’m not angry.” I looked at Damien, explaining earnestly. I paused, as if afraid he wouldn’t believe me, then added, “I just caught a cold recently, and I didn’t want to infect you, so I didn’t visit.” “You caught a cold? Did you catch a chill? Is it serious?” Hearing that, he showed no intention of avoiding me. Instead, he pulled out his phone and quickly did something. “It seems a bit colder lately. Do you not have enough clothes? I’ll have someone send over some new seasonal clothes for you.” His movements were too fast for me to stop him. But then I reconsidered; fine, let him buy whatever he wants. I wouldn’t use them anyway. Worst case, when I leave, I’ll just leave them all for his beloved. Thinking this, I didn’t dwell on the matter. “I’m fine. You just take care of yourself. Your injuries aren’t fully healed; you should go back to the hospital.” My words sounded like concern, but my expression remained neutral, making it sound more like I was trying to get rid of him. Damien felt a strange unease, but he didn’t know why, thinking it was just his imagination. He obediently rose to leave. But as he turned around, he saw me still lying in bed, with no intention of accompanying him. Immediately, he refused to move. When I looked at him, he spoke, a hint of complaint in his voice: “If you’re not coming with me, then I’m not going.” After a stalemate, I sighed and resignedly got up, changed, and went downstairs with him. At the hospital, Damien remembered I said I had a cold, so he quickly found a doctor. He only relaxed after being told it was nothing serious and I just needed rest. Because his injuries weren’t healed, he stayed in the hospital for a few more days. During this time, Damien clung to me constantly. Wherever I went, he followed, even waiting nearby when I went to the restroom. Every time the hospital nurses saw one of us, they would subconsciously glance around and always find the other nearby. And every time, I would hear people around us sighing. “Mr. Thorne and Ms. Reed have such a strong relationship. I wish I could find a boyfriend who treats me so well.” “Who wouldn’t? But for that, you’d better go to sleep. You can have anything in your dreams.” … I absorbed the murmurs and discussions around me, but felt nothing. Envious? In love? Only I knew it was all an illusion. His clinginess now wasn’t because he truly loved me. It was just that my behavior had been unusual lately, and he was afraid of another hitch before the wedding. After all, in his mind, if this wedding didn’t go smoothly, I might go back to pestering Sterling Vance. And then, how could his beloved Seraphina find happiness? A few more days passed, and Damien finally recovered and was discharged from the hospital. As soon as we got into the car, his phone rang. It was a call from one of his friends. “Damien, there’s a meteor shower tonight. Bring Anya and let’s all hang out?” Meteor showers were rare, and since he was invited along with me, Damien didn’t hesitate and immediately agreed. I didn’t want to go, but afraid he’d sense my detachment, I went along. When we arrived, I found that not only Damien’s friends were there, but also Seraphina Reed. The moment I saw Seraphina, I keenly sensed the wild joy in Damien beside me, but he quickly composed his expression, making his concern for Seraphina imperceptible. Night slowly fell, revealing tiny specks of stars. Suddenly, a meteor streaked across the sky, followed by more and more. People who came to watch, whether in groups like us or couples on a date, gasped in wonder at the sight of the large meteor shower. After a brief burst of exclamations, everyone quickly closed their eyes and made a wish. At that moment, a vendor pushed a small cart through the crowd. “Want a wishing bottle? Write your wish on a slip of paper under the meteor shower, and I’ll hang it on the tree for you. It’ll make your wish come true even faster!” Although we knew such claims were baseless, seeing Seraphina’s eagerness, everyone bought one. When it was Damien’s turn, he bought all the wishing bottles. His friends couldn’t help but tease him. “Damien, you bought so many wishing bottles, can you even write all your wishes? Share a few with me?” “Seriously, Damien, you already have everything. Why do you need so many wishes? That’s just greedy!” Damien curved his lips into a smile, then turned to look at me, his eyes brimming with tender affection. “I don’t need anything, but I hope Anya can have everything she desires.” At his words, another wave of murmurs and teasing rose. “Damien, you really are the ultimate simp among us, a total slave to his wife!” Someone else might have blushed or been shy in the face of such teasing, but I, the subject of conversation, simply looked at the cart full of wishing bottles and said nothing. Seeing me diligently writing my wish, Damien leaned in curiously. But as soon as he glimpsed a single word, I quickly hid the slip of paper. “It won’t come true if you see it.” Hearing that, he didn’t insist further, instead reaching out to gently ruffle my hair. “Anya, your wish will definitely come true.” I smiled, saying nothing, but wholeheartedly agreed with him in my heart. Yes, my wish would definitely come true. As I slipped the paper into the wishing bottle, I opened it one last time to confirm. There was only one line of text on it. *May Anya Reed and Damien Thorne never meet again in life or death!* By the time Damien finished writing all the wishes for the huge pile of wishing bottles he’d bought, the meteor shower was almost over. Just as we were about to leave, a gasp rang out. I turned to see Seraphina Reed slumped on the ground, her eyes red with distress. “I think I sprained my ankle again. It hurts so bad…” At her words, everyone immediately swarmed around her. Damien could no longer maintain his composure, pushing through the crowd and rushing to her. He hoisted her onto his back and headed down the mountain. I didn’t say a word to stop them. Instead, as they all surrounded Seraphina, I turned and walked up the mountain alone. I found the vendor who had helped us hang the wishing bottles and transferred another sum of money to him. “Sir, can you help me take down all those wishing bottles I just hung up?” Not long after, I returned to the mountaintop with the retrieved wishing bottles. I found a random spot to sit down and began to open Damien’s wishing bottles, one by one. “May Seraphina be happy and joyful year after year, and all her wishes come true.” “May Seraphina be joyful and triumphant, and all things be possible.” “May my beloved Seraphina live a life of blessings, free from illness, and meet only good people.” “May my beloved girl, Seraphina Reed, live a life of joy and peace.” … Ninety-nine wishing bottles, ninety-nine wish slips. Every single slip bore Seraphina’s name. Not a single one mentioned me. My eyes welled up. Finally, I left the scattered wishing bottles on the ground and turned to walk down the mountain. As soon as I reached the bottom, I saw Damien pacing restlessly. Seeing me, he rushed forward and pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice filled with lingering fear. “Anya, where did you go? I came down the mountain and couldn’t find you anywhere! Thank goodness you’re alright. From now on, you’re not allowed to leave my sight for a single step!” Seeing his anxious demeanor, his friends gathered around, teasing and trying to smooth things over. “We told him there’s only one way down the mountain, Anya would be fine, but Damien just wouldn’t believe it. He really does lose his head when he’s worried!” “You wouldn’t believe it, Anya, Damien was so frantic when he realized you hadn’t come down, he was almost in tears, a grown man!” Their words seemed intended to prove how much Damien cared about me, yet my gaze drifted past them, straight to Seraphina Reed at the very back. Her foot was clearly bandaged, and her emotions had stabilized considerably. Listening to their words, her eyes held an inexplicable air of smugness. That knowing smile on her lips, as if she, too, saw through Damien’s true feelings, was a subtle taunt – *See? Everyone says he loves you, but in truth, I’m the one he cares about most.* A sharp surge of humiliation welled up inside me, which I then forcefully suppressed. It’s okay. All of this will be over soon. Not long after that day, Seraphina’s birthday arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Reed spared no expense, booking an entire cruise ship for her birthday banquet and even inviting Damien and me. They had completely forgotten that my birthday was on the very same day. I was used to it, but on the day we received the invitation, Damien hesitated to accept. “That’s your birthday too. Maybe we shouldn’t go?” I could tell he really wanted to attend, but in front of me, he had to patiently keep up the act. I took in his hesitation and granted his unspoken wish. “It wouldn’t be good not to go. Let’s go.” He struggled to suppress his joy, pulling me into a hug, his words full of apology. “I couldn’t spend your birthday alone with you this year, but I’ll make it up to you next year.” I let out a soft laugh at his promise. Next year? There wouldn’t *be* a next year. In just a few days, I would completely vanish from their world. At the birthday banquet, Seraphina, dressed in the latest haute couture gown, was surrounded by everyone, showered with compliments, truly the center of attention. Sterling Vance, who had been away on business, finally returned to the country. He stood beside Seraphina in a sharp suit, a picture-perfect couple. When it came time for gifts, everyone presented their carefully prepared presents. Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Sterling, being closest to Seraphina, naturally drew the most attention with their gifts. And they didn’t disappoint, presenting everything from expensive jewelry to nationally limited-edition supercars. When it was Damien’s turn, he produced a certificate. As everyone looked puzzled, he opened the certificate, revealing a splendid, rose-hued nebula within. “Seraphina, you already have everything. After much thought, I believe this is what suits you best. From today on, the naming rights to this nebula are yours.” This gesture immediately sparked gasps throughout the room, and discussions erupted. “To buy the naming rights for a nebula, Mr. Thorne must have gone to great lengths!” “I’d say Mr. Thorne is absolutely smitten with Ms. Reed, so his love for her extends to everything connected to her, even a grand birthday gift for her sister.” … The murmurs of admiration were endless, but only I knew that his meticulously prepared gift wasn’t born out of extending his love to Seraphina’s family. It was for his true beloved. Unwilling to stay in the main hall, I went out onto the deck for some air. The sea breeze ruffled my hair, and my long-suppressed heart finally felt a degree of ease. Seraphina chose that moment to approach. She stood behind me, her eyes filled with disdain and mockery, but her words were dripping with boastfulness. “Sister, what should I do? It seems not only Sterling, but Damien, too, loves me.” I couldn’t understand. From childhood, she had already taken everything I possessed: my parents’ favoritism, my friends, my crush, and now, my fiancé… Why wouldn’t she leave me alone? Why did she continue to flaunt herself so openly in front of me? I thought that, and I asked her that. Hearing my question, Seraphina didn’t even bother to hide her disdain. She curved her lips into a smile. “No reason, really. I just love seeing you suffer. And I’m so happy, because I’ll get to see it again very soon.” I frowned, just about to ask what she meant, when the next second, Seraphina suddenly grabbed my hand, pulling me with her into the sea. Seawater engulfed my mouth and nose. I instinctively tried to call for help, but the gushing water choked me, a sharp pain searing my throat. The icy touch invaded my senses bit by bit, and the terror of death instantly consumed my mind. As I was churned and tossed by the waves, I saw that people were finally noticing the commotion. Soon, several more splashes sounded. Mr. Reed, Sterling Vance, and Damien Thorne—all three jumped in. But without hesitation, they all swam straight for Seraphina! From the distant cruise ship, I could faintly hear Mrs. Reed’s frantic screams: “Save Seraphina! Make sure you save Seraphina!” In that moment, a crushing despair of being abandoned by everyone washed over me. I closed my eyes, resigned to death’s embrace. But just then, the sound of swimming grew closer, as if someone was approaching me. I vaguely opened my eyes, only to freeze when I saw the face. It was Sterling Vance. I didn’t have time to wonder why Sterling was saving me before my consciousness was completely swallowed by darkness. When I woke up, I was already in the hospital. I blinked my dry eyes, my gaze shifting from the pure white ceiling to the man sitting by my bedside. After confirming several times, I still couldn’t believe it. The only person by my side was Sterling Vance. I hid my surprise and spoke calmly. “Aren’t you going to see Seraphina?” “I just came from there. She has a crowd of people around her, Damien Thorne is there too.” Sterling had expected me to react strongly to the mention of Damien, but to his surprise, I remained expressionless. My next words were merely to dismiss him. “Then you should go too. I prefer peace and quiet.” When my words fell, the man beside me remained motionless. I glanced at him, slightly puzzled. “Is there something else?” “Don’t marry Damien Thorne.” Sterling was silent for a long time, seemingly choosing his words, but eventually, he spoke. Once he started, the rest poured out. “He doesn’t love you at all. He only got close to you to make room for Seraphina!” With the secret on his chest finally revealed, he seemed to feel a sense of relief. But when he looked at me again, he saw my expression hadn’t changed, still perfectly calm and unruffled. As if I had known all along. In an instant, his eyes widened in shock. “You already knew?” “If you have nothing else to say, then leave.” I didn’t answer his question, still urging him to go. But he didn’t leave; instead, his reaction became even more agitated. “You knew and you were still going to marry him? Are you out of your mind?” At his words, I laughed. “What does it matter to you? Haven’t I already broken off our engagement and given you back to Seraphina, who you’ve always held in your heart?” At that, Sterling was speechless. He didn’t know what was wrong with him. He should have been happy, but lately, whenever he looked at Seraphina, he couldn’t help but think of me, who used to trail after him. Even in his dreams, it was me. In the midst of the silence, Damien Thorne suddenly pushed open the hospital room door. The moment he saw Sterling, his face darkened instantly. “Sterling Vance, what are you doing here?” With him present, the conversation naturally couldn’t continue. Sterling gave me a deep look, and ultimately said nothing, turning to leave. He hadn’t gone far when Damien anxiously embraced me. “Anya, I’m sorry. It’s not that I didn’t save you; I just mistook someone else for you at the time.” “Please don’t be angry with me. From now on, I won’t care about Seraphina anymore, and you won’t have anything to do with Sterling, okay?” “You finally stopped loving him and agreed to be with me. If you get involved with him again, I’ll truly go mad.” Listening to Damien’s fragmented apologies, my face remained calm, I said nothing. As I closed my eyes, only one thought remained in my mind: *Let all of this just end quickly.* In the following days, perhaps to demonstrate his resolve, Damien didn’t visit Seraphina again, nor did he pay any attention to news about her. He simply stayed by my side, constantly bringing me all sorts of gifts to try and win my favor. And this continued until the night before the wedding. That evening, I inexplicably began packing my belongings. Damien saw me but didn’t think much of it, even offering to help me pack. But as he packed, he realized that everything I was putting into the boxes were things he had given me during his pursuit. Hundreds of photos he had taken of me; Letter after letter he had written for me; Gift after gift he had sent me; Finally, he found a memo pad. He opened it, only to discover it was filled with my preferences. 1. Anya has a sensitive stomach, can’t eat spicy food. Learn 365 soothing dishes for her. 2. Anya is afraid of thunder and always forgets her umbrella. Always be there for her before it rains. 3. Anya loves cherries. Plant an entire backyard full of cherry trees for her. 4. Anya is lonely. No matter when, if she turns around, you must be there. … Damien read out the full memo pad, item by item. By the end, he let out a soft laugh. “Anya, it was so hard to win you over. I’m glad I persevered.” Looking at his earnest expression, I couldn’t help but feel a little dazed. He really had done so much to pursue me. If I hadn’t personally heard those words from him, perhaps it would be hard for me to believe that this devoted Damien was thinking of someone else entirely when he was with me. Damien didn’t notice my subtle shift. He reached out and hugged me. “Anya, I’m finally going to marry you and bring you home. Tell me, after today, will you finally be mine…” I shook my head. No. From the moment you deceived me, it was clear there would be no future for us. Just then, the butler walked in. “The bride and groom shouldn’t see each other before the wedding. Young master, you should head to the hotel now.” Hearing the butler’s words, he remained motionless, still holding me tightly. “I want to stay with Anya.” The butler looked at him, distressed. “Young master…” As he was about to continue persuading him, Damien’s phone suddenly rang. Seeing the caller ID, he paused, then finally released me and walked to the side to answer the call. I didn’t know what was said on the other end, but when he returned, his attitude had changed. He just held me, reluctantly. “Anya, see you tomorrow.” I knew he wasn’t leaving because of the butler’s words, but because of that phone call. It was Seraphina Reed calling him. But I didn’t try to stop him. I just watched his back disappear out the villa door. Then, I moved all the packed boxes to the front yard of the villa. I had already instructed the housekeepers to prepare a fire pit. Although they didn’t know why, they didn’t ask, simply placing the fire pit in the garden. Now, I threw the contents of the boxes into the fire pit one by one: photos, memo pads, diaries. As the last photo was tossed into the flames, I watched the ashes, a faint smile on my lips. Damien, all our memories are burned away. And we, too, have no future left. In the vast darkness of the night, no one noticed the bride of tomorrow walking out the door with a suitcase, resolute, without looking back… I got into the car without looking back. The moment the vehicle started, I snapped my phone’s SIM card in half and threw it out. No one loves Anya Reed? Then I will love myself! Goodbye forever, this city. Goodbye forever, everyone. There were no direct flights to the private island. I had to fly to the nearest country and then take a boat. By the time I arrived at the private island, whose ownership had already been transferred, a full day and night had passed. A manor, built according to my specifications, was already there on the island. I just needed to move in. My funds were plentiful, and when I first considered coming to the island, I had already thought about how inconvenient it might be to travel in and out. So, I simply bought a yacht. Although I doubted I’d need to leave the island much, I wasn’t sure if my purchased parents and boyfriend would feel the same, so it was better to be prepared. Pushing open the manor gates, I found the facilities fully equipped. I looked around, quite satisfied. This would be my home from now on. I pulled out my phone, about to ask when my customized family would arrive, when the villa’s front door suddenly opened from the inside. A handsome, refined young man appeared before me. Seeing me, he paused, but quickly understood my identity. He flashed a smile, stepped aside to invite me in, and called out to the other two inside. Having been told their employer would arrive today, the three had been waiting for a long time. Once I was inside, the other two also introduced themselves. “My name is Eleanor Grey, I’m your customized mother. And this is Arthur Grey, your customized father.” The first to speak was a kind, elderly woman, who also introduced the man beside her. When it was the young man I had first met’s turn, he spoke before the woman could. “Hello, I’m Caleb Hayes, your… customized boyfriend.” *** Damien Thorne and Anya Reed’s wedding was set for the city’s grandest hotel. This highly anticipated wedding banquet saw almost every prominent figure in the social circle in attendance, all eager to witness this momentous occasion. It wasn’t until the wedding was about to begin that a breathless staff member finally rushed to Damien, whispering in his ear. Those in the audience couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they could see Damien’s smiling face suddenly freeze, then gradually darken. He waved the person away, then turned, avoiding the gazes of those below. “Mr. Thorne, the wedding is about to start, but the bride hasn’t arrived yet. Perhaps you should check if something has happened?” Recalling the staff member’s words, Damien felt his heart hammering in his chest. The unsettling feeling that had lingered since yesterday intensified. He pulled out his phone, found the number he knew by heart, even without saving it, and dialed. After a long series of beeps, the call was abruptly cut off. In that instant, his heart plummeted. But Damien couldn’t believe it. He stubbornly redialed her number. This time, he only heard the ‘call in progress’ tone. He was in disbelief. Was he… blocked? He then called the villa. After a few rings, it connected. Without waiting for a greeting, he went straight to the point. “Where’s Anya? Have you seen her? Did she forget the wedding time? Go remind her, the wedding is about to start…” By the end of his sentence, Damien’s voice grew softer, losing its conviction. Anya was never someone without a sense of time, let alone blocking his number. Yet, he still hoped to hear a different answer from the housekeeper. There was a frantic commotion on the other end, as if people were being dispatched to search for her. But soon, a nervous voice came through. “Young master… Ms. Reed wasn’t found in the villa, but the housekeepers found… her wedding dress burnt to ashes in the garden, and the wedding ring you gave her…” At those words, Damien’s mind went blank. He rushed to the stage, oblivious to everything else, his gaze sweeping the audience. When he realized Sterling Vance was also absent, that tense string inside him instantly snapped. He frantically dialed, his mind consumed only by the fact that Anya had run away. He didn’t care about anything else. In front of everyone, he bolted out of the banquet hall, leaving all the gasps and commotion behind. Sterling Vance answered quickly. Hearing Damien’s breathless voice, he was a little puzzled. Just as he was about to ask, Damien’s near-hysterical voice came through. “Where are you?” The bride hadn’t appeared, and the groom had publicly walked out. The entire wedding banquet instantly dissolved into chaos. Ultimately, Mr. and Mrs. Reed went on stage to stabilize the situation. No one had expected this highly anticipated wedding to end in such a way. After sending the guests away, Mr. and Mrs. Reed made several inquiries and learned that Anya had run away first, leading to this farce. They immediately frowned. “She’s truly a trouble-maker. Even her wedding ended like this. What a disgrace to our family name!” Mr. Reed’s face was dark, but Mrs. Reed considered things more deeply. She glanced at Seraphina, who stood beside her, looking utterly oblivious, and a sudden unease stirred within her. “Anya and Damien were getting along so well, but now she’s suddenly run away. Sterling didn’t show up today either. Could it be that she regrets giving up Sterling and has gone to pester him again?” Her initial thought was a mere guess, but as she spoke it aloud, the others found it increasingly plausible. Their faces changed instantly, and they rushed towards the Vance family home. People often exhibit uncanny synchronicity in the wrong circumstances. The few who knew about the situation all assumed Anya had run away to find Sterling. Luckily, Sterling was not at the Vance residence at that moment, preventing a scene where everyone converged on his home. Sterling had not expected that just the thought of Anya marrying someone else today would leave him so gloomy. Especially knowing she was fully aware of Damien’s intentions, yet still chose to marry him, had only intensified his frustration. So, he went to a club owned by the Vance family. Upon entering the private room, he ordered a table full of drinks and proceeded to drown himself in alcohol. He didn’t want to attend her wedding; he didn’t want to see her walk down the aisle to someone else, uttering those words, “I do.” Drowning in his drunken stupor, he suddenly received a call from Damien Thorne asking for his location. His mind was hazy, unable to comprehend why the person who should be getting married was calling him. An address slipped out directly. Just as he was about to ask something, Damien had already hung up, so fast that Sterling, whose mind was already unclear, thought everything that had just happened was merely a hallucination. He picked up his glass again, poured a full one, and drank it all in one gulp. The thought of breaking off his engagement with Seraphina grew stronger with each drink. He stared fixedly at his phone on the table, a voice echoing in his mind, urging him to pick it up. Just as he was about to dial Mr. and Mrs. Reed’s number, the private room door was kicked open with a bang. Blinding light streamed into the dimly lit room. If it weren’t for the scattered liquor bottles and Sterling, sitting on the sofa, phone in hand, motionless, Damien might have thought he had come to the wrong place. Frowning, he switched on all the lights in the room. The sudden brightness made Sterling instinctively shield his eyes. But as soon as he raised his hand, Damien rushed forward, taking three steps at a time, to stand before him. “Where’s Anya? Has she come looking for you?” Hearing Anya’s name, Sterling’s mind cleared for a moment. Looking at Damien’s angry face, he suddenly smiled. “Isn’t Anya at her wedding with you? Why aren’t you at your wedding, running around looking for me?” As the words left his lips, Sterling seemed to finally grasp the implication of what Damien had said. He suddenly stood up, his eyes wide with shock. “What do you mean?” Seeing that Sterling was indeed unaware, the anger on Damien’s face faded, leaving only confusion. Although Anya had grown up in the city, she had no friends due to her introverted, timid, and insecure nature. She hadn’t come to Sterling, and given the Reed family’s character, they would never help her escape the wedding. So, where else could she have gone? “Anya… she’s gone… She burned the wedding dress and the wedding ring, and disappeared without a trace…” Damien collapsed onto the sofa, his eyes staring blankly ahead, his gaze unfocused. Sterling, too, was incredulous upon hearing this. After all, even when he had told Anya that Damien had no genuine feelings for her, she hadn’t considered leaving. But it was precisely this memory that made a flicker of insight cross his eyes. So, it wasn’t that she didn’t care who Damien loved; it was that she had already planned to leave? But she hadn’t come to him after leaving. So where could she have gone? Sterling was lost in his thoughts, completely oblivious to his sudden silence catching Damien’s attention. It wasn’t until his collar was suddenly grabbed, and Damien’s face loomed large before him. Damien’s eyes narrowed, carrying a dangerous glint, and his voice was chilling. “You know where she is?” All of Sterling’s drunkenness evaporated in that instant. He grinned, a hint of malice in his smile. “I don’t know where she is, but I know why she ran away from the wedding.” Damien froze, his grip loosening slightly. He instinctively asked, “Why?” After all, he still had no idea what Anya was thinking. He had assumed she ran away to find Sterling, but now that it proved otherwise, a pang of annoyance, mixed with a surge of jealousy, churned within him. He didn’t even know why Anya ran away, so how could Sterling? But Sterling opened his mouth and delivered an answer that was a fatal blow to Damien. “Do you remember the day she woke up after falling into the sea? Guess what we talked about during the time we were alone?” Looking at Sterling’s expression, Damien felt his heart hammering in his chest. Unease and anxiety intertwined within him. Finally, in a panic, he stumbled, wanting to flee. He was actually afraid to hear the answer. But Damien’s frantic steps couldn’t outrun Sterling’s voice. Seeing that he wanted to run, Sterling no longer held back, striking directly at Damien’s heart. “I told her that you approached her not out of love, but for another purpose. I told her that the person you truly loved was Seraphina Reed, and that marrying Anya was just to make her clear the way for Seraphina. Now, guess again, what was her reaction after I told her?” The last sentence was a question, but it was clear Sterling had no intention of waiting for an answer. He answered himself directly. “She wasn’t surprised, wasn’t sad, and didn’t disbelieve me. Before I told her, she already knew. Back then, seeing her utterly unresponsive, I thought she loved you so much she didn’t even care that you didn’t love her, that you approached her with ulterior motives.” “At that time, I was quite jealous of you.” “But now, it seems I was wrong. She wasn’t simply letting it go; she was just waiting for the most opportune moment to strike the hardest blow against you.” As Sterling’s last words fell, Damien’s figure had completely vanished outside the private room door. He seemed not to have heard him, yet as Sterling slowly walked to the doorway and watched Damien hurriedly descend the stairs, the desperate scramble to escape in his back said it all. He felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction. He wasn’t the only one who had wronged Anya Reed, so why should he be the only one suffering? In fact, compared to Damien, his actions were at least not as despicable. Sterling looked back at the messy private room, called for someone to clean up, then walked directly out of the club. The cool night air brushed his cheek. He exhaled a heavy sigh, looked at the number he had been about to dial before Damien arrived, and then turned off his phone screen. He hailed a cab. Since a wedding escape had happened, if he wasn’t mistaken, Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Seraphina would probably all be at the Vance residence now. Those people’s speculations about Anya were not much different from Damien’s. Fifteen minutes later, he pushed open the door to the Vance family home and saw the three members of the Reed family sitting neatly on the living room sofa. He let out a sardonic laugh. See? He was right. Hearing the door open, the Reed family’s gazes instantly shifted. Seeing that he had returned alone, they still looked behind him, unwilling to give up, trying to find Anya’s tracks. “She didn’t come looking for me,” he shrugged and said. Sterling’s words, however, did not earn the Reed family’s trust. Mr. Reed frowned, his eyes filled with disapproval. “If she didn’t come to you, where else would she go? With her personality, she doesn’t even have a single friend in this city, a disgrace of a girl, and now she’s caused such a scene.” Mrs. Reed echoed her husband’s words, her expression cold and annoyed. If an outsider saw her, they might think Mrs. Reed and the Anya she spoke of were not mother and daughter, but enemies. “With her timid, shrinking demeanor, what else can she do besides snatching things from Seraphina? Sterling, I know you’re too soft-hearted, but you don’t need to cover for her in this matter.” Seraphina leaned against Mrs. Reed, her gaze fixed on Sterling, a smile playing on her lips, but her eyes held no warmth. She didn’t know why Sterling was suddenly helping Anya, but she knew she had to do something, otherwise, Sterling’s heart might truly drift away. “Sterling, marriage is no child’s play. Since Sister agreed to marry Damien, how can she act so childishly at the wedding? If you know where Sister is, please tell us quickly. We can’t just let her continue acting recklessly, can we?” Looking at the three of them united in their shared condemnation, Sterling was somewhat dazed. Were they really Anya’s family? Now that she had disappeared without a trace, no one was worried about her safety; instead, every word was an accusation. It was laughable that he hadn’t noticed any of this before. Had Anya truly grown up in such an environment for over twenty years? How much pain must she have accumulated? He didn’t know, but at this moment, he refused to be an accomplice any longer. “Uncle and Aunt, I truly don’t know where she is right now. But I do have something I’d like to discuss with you.” Seeing all their gazes fixed on him, he cleared his throat and delivered the words he had prepared. “Uncle and Aunt, I want to break off my engagement with Seraphina.” At his words, everyone in the room froze. No one had ever imagined that Sterling Vance, who had previously insisted on breaking off his engagement with Anya Reed to marry Seraphina, would suddenly propose breaking off *this* engagement. After a brief愣怔, Seraphina’s eyes immediately welled up. She, too, was utterly bewildered, unable to understand why he had returned from a short outing with such a declaration. Instinctively, she blamed Anya, who was now nowhere to be found. “Sterling, did Sister say something to you? I…” But her words were cut off by Sterling. He frowned, his eyes filled with confusion. “If I remember correctly, I just said that Anya didn’t come looking for me. Moreover, even if she did, what could she possibly come to tell me?” Not wanting to see their cherished daughter distressed, the stark contrast between Sterling’s aggressive demeanor and Seraphina’s pale lips and tear-filled eyes irritated Mr. and Mrs. Reed. They quickly went to Seraphina’s side, comforting her softly. Mr. and Mrs. Vance, who had been observing the drama, finally realized what their son had said. They quickly tried to smooth things over. “Son, what nonsense are you saying? This is no joke! Marriage isn’t child’s play; you can’t just break it off like that. Right, Sterling? Apologize to your uncle and aunt immediately! And Seraphina, look at how upset you are!” Hearing Mrs. Vance’s words, Mr. and Mrs. Reed’s expressions softened slightly. Remembering Sterling’s earlier statement, they couldn’t help but scoff again. “What good words could that Anya Reed possibly have? All day long, it’s just excuses or trying to snatch things from Seraphina. Not a trace of a proper older sister.” Mr. and Mrs. Reed’s complaints continued, one after another, but they failed to resonate with Sterling. He only found it ironic. No wonder Anya chose to leave alone. With such parents, such a sister, such a fiancé, anyone would want to escape as far away as possible. This was good. Let Anya bloom in her own light. Five years later. After closing off her private island for five years, Anya Reed finally opened it for visitors for the first time. Of course, the private island was no longer called the private island. After much searching, Anya named it “Reunion Isle.” *Life’s partings and meetings are always so; let us rejoice when we meet.* She had bid farewell to a mistaken past and met the right people here. She felt the name was perfectly fitting. Reunion Isle had a beautiful environment, which caught the eye of a director vacationing nearby. After months of negotiation, he finally got permission to film on the island. However, Anya also set conditions: they could film on the island, but they couldn’t damage the environment, nor could they film her family without permission. The director readily agreed to the first condition, but hesitated slightly at the second. Because the director’s variety show opted for a live broadcast premiere, with an edited version for replays, it was inevitable that some things might be missed. After discussion, they both compromised. During the live broadcast, filming would try to avoid the four of them. If they accidentally appeared on screen, the director would have people blur them out immediately. Subsequent broadcasts would also edit out any scenes where they appeared. Anya then decided not to quibble over brief appearances. A month after the contract was signed, the director brought the guests to the island. Since their identities had been disclosed beforehand, no one dared to make any trouble in Anya’s presence, and they generally tried to avoid meeting. However, living on the same Reunion Isle, it was unavoidable that they would appear on camera. Fortunately, the director kept his word, blurring them out promptly whenever they appeared. Anya didn’t take it to heart. Until… after the variety show became a massive hit, a blurred screenshot went viral across the internet. Damien Thorne didn’t usually pay much attention to entertainment news. But for the past five years, he had searched every place imaginable, all to no avail. He couldn’t even trace where Anya had last been seen on the day she disappeared. Only after a thorough investigation did he discover that Anya’s identity information had been canceled half a month before their wedding was supposed to take place. That meant she had been planning her departure for at least half a month. Shocked and distraught, he felt immense regret. His Anya had been planning her departure without his knowledge, meticulously for so long, yet he had shared a bed with her daily, completely oblivious. It was only then that Damien realized his feelings for Seraphina had long been depleted by unrequited devotion, much like Anya’s feelings for Sterling. Love required reciprocity. He had poured ten years into a hopeless pursuit. For Seraphina’s happiness, he had even gone to another woman, playing the role of a suitor madly in love with Anya. But the person he spent every day with was her, the person he had promised forever to was her, and when he was sick or injured, she was always by his side. No matter how much Damien resisted, he had to admit that he had actually fallen in love with Anya long ago. It was only stubborn obsession, only his habit of chasing Seraphina’s footsteps, that had prevented him from seeing his own heart. He wanted to find Anya, wanted to tell her that his love for her had become real. Five years of relentless searching, five years of repeated failures, had shattered his confidence into countless fragments. Even Sterling Vance, who later chose to break away from his family to call off his engagement with Seraphina, began to mock him, laughing at his foolish pipe dreams and his overestimation of himself. Damien had asked him why he was so determined to break off the engagement. Sterling said he hadn’t seen his own heart clearly back then and had made the wrong decision. Now that he finally realized it, he didn’t want to make another mistake. But when it came to mistakes, Sterling wasn’t the only one; Damien had made an even greater one. But unlike Sterling, who chose to let go, Damien wanted to return to Anya’s side. That photo went viral across the internet under these circumstances. Someone was watching the variety show when they saw Caleb Hayes, who appeared for a second before being quickly blurred out. The blur was fast, but not faster than netizens’ eyes and lightning-fast screenshotting skills. A blurry image was quickly posted online. “This man is so handsome! I need all his information in three minutes!” The post garnered many supportive comments and sparked a lot of discussion online. By rights, Damien wouldn’t usually look at such entertainment news, but for the past five years, he had tried every method to find Anya. By the end, he naturally wouldn’t ignore the most widespread channels of information. So, the photo found its way to Damien. He initially didn’t pay much attention, it was just a picture of a man. But for some reason, he couldn’t resist taking a closer look. In that glance, he saw a woman tending to a flowerbed in a blurry corner of the enlarged image. Even though it was so blurred he could barely make out her features, Damien inexplicably felt it was Anya. To confirm his suspicion, he contacted the director through the variety show’s brand representative. The director, suddenly approached by a CEO worth hundreds of millions, thought his show had found another patron. He quickly accepted the friend request. Just as he was wondering how to initiate a conversation without appearing arrogant or too subservient, Damien’s message came through. “Where was this filmed?” Attached was the screenshot that had gone viral online. Realizing Damien was trying to inquire about the island’s owner, the director hesitated. If he told the truth, he might build a good relationship with this CEO. But it was a private island, and if he divulged information without permission, his crew might be kicked off the island. The island owner was already displeased about the photo spreading. Thinking this, he reluctantly refused Damien’s inquiry. “I apologize. We have an agreement with the owner, and I cannot disclose her personal information.” He still couldn’t bring himself to delete Damien, so after much deliberation, he put his phone aside and didn’t pay it any further attention. Seeing that the director was stubbornly refusing to reveal any information, Damien didn’t get discouraged. Instead, he became even more convinced that the woman was Anya Reed. Sterling Vance had the same thought, but his actions were more decisive. Before the variety show began, it was announced that it was being filmed on a private island. Combining this with the already aired segments, he quickly narrowed his focus to a specific region. He flew directly to North America and, armed with the photo, inquired with countries that sold islands. It wasn’t long before he located Anya’s private island. He docked his boat by the island’s shore but didn’t go ashore. He simply waited silently on the boat. Anya didn’t think much of it at first. These days were when supplies usually arrived on the island. Seeing a yacht dock, she assumed the provisions had come and quickly went to the shore with Caleb Hayes. To her surprise, when they rushed over, it wasn’t supplies they found, but Sterling Vance, standing silently on the deck. “Anya!” I turned to leave, but he called out to me. His voice was soft and gentle, yet inexplicably complex. I didn’t turn back, but I also didn’t leave. I just stood there quietly, waiting for him to continue. There had been no opportunity for us to have a proper conversation for a long time. Sterling didn’t care about my attitude towards him. At least from his perspective, seeing me again was already a blessing. But if he could find me, Damien Thorne certainly could too. So he cleared his throat and said earnestly, “I actually only came to tell you two things. Seraphina and I broke off our engagement, and… Damien Thorne might also come looking for you. Anya, do you… want to come home?” Hearing that, I turned back, a little puzzled. “What does your broken engagement with Seraphina have to do with me?” My rhetorical question left Sterling momentarily speechless. As he tried to explain, I had already turned away, no longer looking at him, and didn’t answer his other question. And that question… *Home?* Hearing that word, I found it somewhat amusing. This was my home now. Where else could I go back to? As for Damien Thorne, as long as he didn’t set foot on my island, he could go to the moon and it would be none of my business. I reached out and took Caleb Hayes’s hand. I didn’t linger, walking directly towards the island. Sterling recognized him. That was the man from the photo that went viral online. Seeing their hands naturally clasped, a slight pang of bitterness touched his heart. So, in these five years, she truly had found someone else and no longer needed them. But then he smiled wryly. She had never truly needed them, or rather, when she did need them, they had never been there for her. The island’s terrain wasn’t complicated. From the boat, he could clearly see the guests filming nearby and the villa in the opposite direction. Evidently, the filming had deliberately avoided that area. It seemed that the viral photo was indeed an accident. He turned back to look at Anya, walking away. The manor gates opened, and an older man and woman emerged. Their demeanor was gentle and kind. The four of them stood together, looking remarkably harmonious, just like a true family of four. “Anya, I wish you happiness.” He murmured that phrase, then turned and waved. The boat restarted, slowly pulling away from the island, eventually disappearing into the boundless horizon. On the island, the variety show’s filming had reached its final day. After today, Reunion Isle would return to its usual tranquility. Not only Anya Reed felt relieved, but also Eleanor and Arthur Grey. While they weren’t averse to interacting with others, they disliked being on camera, especially after Caleb’s accidental appearance and subsequent screenshot. They grew even more cautious. Fortunately, the crew was very considerate, mostly filming on the other side of Reunion Isle. Even so, they all breathed a sigh of relief knowing the crew was leaving. I also sighed, deciding I wouldn’t accept such ventures again in the future. “Anya, hurry inside, lunch is ready.” Eleanor Grey was still wearing her apron, smiling sweetly, and Arthur Grey, who followed close behind her, was also beaming. “Eleanor made your favorite sweet and sour pork ribs today. Come try some, it won’t be as good cold.” After five years, my interactions with them had become much more natural. Eleanor and Arthur had always wanted children but, unfortunately, neither could conceive. After becoming my customized parents, they truly loved me as their own child. Through our time together, they grew even more fond of me. I was sensible, filial, and well-behaved. Even though they were hired, I treated them with exceptional respect. They had heard I was also an orphan, which only strengthened their belief that we were destined to be a family. It happened that they had no children, and it happened that I had no parents. The dinner table was filled with warmth and laughter. Caleb Hayes sat beside me, attentively serving me food and peeling shrimp. The island was rich in seafood, but I found it too much bother to eat. It was Caleb who later realized I simply didn’t like handling it, and he naturally took over the task. After eating my fill, I went to the other side to watch the variety show’s filming. Since it was the last day, the production team was uncharacteristically lenient with the guests. A group of young men and women laughed and played, creating a lively atmosphere. I recalled that over these past five years, aside from supply deliveries, there had been almost no other visitors. After all, it was a private island; without my permission, others couldn’t come ashore. It had indeed been a long time since it was this lively. Lost in thought, Caleb came over with a fruit platter. Seeing me staring off into the distance, he offered the platter to me, then sat casually on the ground beside me, not bothering with a chair. “Here.” I didn’t take it. I was sitting on the ground too, with no table. If I took the plate, I’d have to hold it constantly, and I didn’t want to, so I simply didn’t reach for it. I just looked at him, opening my mouth slightly. Understanding my unspoken request, Caleb smiled, speared a small piece of fruit with a toothpick, and fed it to my mouth. I happily accepted it. In the past, I had no privilege to be willful and was accustomed to putting others first. But here, I was the center of attention and had the privilege to be spoiled. Coupled with the genuine affection from Eleanor and Arthur, and Caleb, I had grown a bit lazier. But I felt it was a good thing. Damien Thorne didn’t come alone. With him were Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Seraphina Reed. The Reed family hadn’t fared well over the years. Sterling Vance had started his own venture, and the first thing he did after succeeding was to compete with the Reed family in the market. They had wanted to stabilize their position through marriage alliances, but Seraphina, spoiled rotten by them, was extremely headstrong. After Sterling broke off their engagement, she threw daily tantrums at home. They, too, doted on their youngest daughter and couldn’t bear to force her into an arranged marriage. Worse, their eldest daughter’s two engagements had failed, and then she had completely disappeared without a trace after canceling her identity. They didn’t even know where to look for her. If Damien hadn’t told them he had found her, they would still be unaware of this unfilial daughter’s whereabouts. Mr. and Mrs. Reed secretly resolved in their hearts that when they met her, they would thoroughly reprimand this unfilial daughter. They had heard she bought her own island and lived so luxuriously, yet she hadn’t thought to help her own parents. Their expressions were already unpleasant on the boat, and upon seeing the discreetly luxurious manor on the island, their anger festered. They completely forgot Damien’s earlier instruction to resolve misunderstandings with Anya peacefully. But perhaps there were no misunderstandings between them to begin with. The day I saw Sterling, I guessed Damien would eventually find me. I even wondered if I should hide, but then I thought, they were just some unimportant people. I really had no need to hide from irrelevant people, as if I were someone to be ashamed of. But I truly hadn’t expected Damien to bring Mr. and Mrs. Reed with him. Initially, I had never understood why. Back in the city, I was always the extra person. My parents didn’t love me, my sister rejected me, the person I loved loved my sister, and the person who “loved me” actually loved my sister too. Shouldn’t my departure have been exactly what they wanted? Why did they have to put on such a show, pretending to be frantic about finding me? Was this performance so important, so crucial that even after I, the supporting character, had left the stage, he still had to play out the final act? But I only thought about it briefly. If I couldn’t understand, I wouldn’t dwell on it. Anyway, from now on, they would have nothing to do with me. Whatever they wanted to do was entirely up to them. Damien and his group arrived quickly. When they reached Reunion Isle, we were having breakfast. The door was suddenly pounded on, then just as abruptly, the noise stopped. Not long after, a gentle knocking replaced it. I had just begun to frown when Caleb Hayes stood up to open the door. The door swung open, and the moment he and the people outside came face to face, they all froze. Damien had actually started regretting bringing Mr. and Mrs. Reed when they began pounding on the door. But now, seeing someone else inside my house, a furious jealousy ignited his reason. His chest heaved violently, indicating his extreme agitation. If he hadn’t yet seen me, he might have already resorted to violence. “Who is it?” At the thought of me, my voice drifted from inside. Damien didn’t care who this man at the door was. The moment he heard my voice, his gaze repeatedly swept the interior, hoping to see the person he was looking for. And the moment my voice was heard, Mr. and Mrs. Reed, whom he had brought along, couldn’t even hold back. They completely disregarded their composure and started shouting. “You rebellious daughter! Now you’re pulling a runaway act! Five years, and you haven’t come home once. Do you have any respect for us, your parents?!” “Aren’t you ashamed enough? Get out here and come back with us!” Damien hadn’t even had time to stop them when Seraphina, who had walked in with Mr. and Mrs. Reed, also spoke with her falsely innocent charm. “Sister, I know you’re angry with me, but no matter how much you sulk, you can’t abandon Mom and Dad! They’ve been frantic looking for you these past few years. Come home with us now!” Seeing these people, who claimed to be Anya’s family, immediately launch into insults, Caleb Hayes, with all his good temper, finally snapped. He sneered, “Where did these dogs come from, barking at people for no reason?” He moved his body further, completely blocking Damien’s view of the interior. Before they could erupt in anger, he added another chilling warning, “This is Anya’s island. Trespassing without permission, especially not in your country, means you might end up in a shark’s belly.” His cold gaze swept over them, striking a momentary fear into the four outside, but it was quickly replaced by rage. “Who are you?! How dare you…” Bluntly rebuked, Damien was furious. Just as he was about to say something, the door slammed shut. Damien, who had been about to step forward, ended up getting a nose full of dust. None of the rejected group had expected to be unceremoniously dismissed without even seeing me. Inside, because Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Seraphina hadn’t bothered to lower their voices, I still vaguely heard parts of their conversation despite the distance. So when Caleb approached, saying a group of liars claiming to be my relatives had arrived, my face showed no surprise. Instead, I explained for them, “They’re not liars.” My words caused everyone in the dining room to look at me, puzzled. After all, when I had arranged for my customized family and boyfriend, I had said I was all alone. So how was it that now… Before they could figure it out, a violent pounding on the door suddenly started again. Caleb frowned deeply. Just as he was about to go and send them away again, I shook my head at him and got up to open the door myself. Whatever their reason for coming, I had to clarify things with them. Naturally, I was the most suitable person to face them. I walked to the front alone. The violent pounding and those unfriendly words just moments ago made Eleanor and Arthur, and Caleb, all uneasy about letting me face them alone, so they hurried after me. When they caught up, I had just opened the main door. Whether it was a loss of control from pounding, or if they had intended to strike, the moment the door opened, a slap came flying towards me. Caleb’s heart lurched, fearing I would be hurt. But I was prepared. The instant the slap descended, I stepped to the side, and all that was heard was the thud of flesh hitting the ground. Mr. Reed, having lost face in public, his complexion alternating between pale fury and flushed rage, scrambled awkwardly to his feet, gasping for breath, almost unable to speak. Seraphina quickly rushed forward to help him up, her eyes full of disapproval, her voice thick with accusation. “Sister, how could you treat Dad like this? Dad is an elder, after all. If you have a problem, just take it out on me, why do you have to do this to Dad? He’s getting old; if anything happens to him, can you bear the responsibility?” Mrs. Reed was also visibly anxious. Only after seeing Seraphina help Mr. Reed up did she relax. When she turned to me, a surge of uncontrollable fury pierced through her. “Anya Reed, you unfilial daughter, how could I have given birth to such a heartless thing! Not only did you snatch Seraphina’s fiancé, but you even dare to lay hands on your father! You truly are not half as sensible as Seraphina!” She angrily stepped forward, raising her hand to slap me. But her raised hand never landed. Caleb Hayes, who had followed closely behind me, blocked it. Then, with a slight push, she stumbled backward. Luckily, Damien Thorne was quick to catch her, preventing her from falling flat on her face as well. This, in turn, fueled their rage even further. Not only did they curse me, but also Caleb and the others, incessantly yelling that we had no manners and demanded we all leave. I paid no attention to their insults, my gaze turning towards Damien Thorne, who was pushed to the back of the group. My expression was indifferent. The moment our eyes met, he looked into mine, not with the excitement and joy he expected, but with annoyance and coldness. Not like lovers reunited after a long separation, but like complete strangers. Damien felt a pang of deep unfairness. He had purposely brought the Reed family here, initially thinking that after years of not seeing them and Seraphina, we could catch up. He knew our past relationship wasn’t close, but they were still family, and what parents and children held grudges overnight? Couldn’t they just talk it out? So, on the way, he had specifically instructed them not to be so aggressive when they met me, to sit down and talk things through. Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Seraphina had all readily agreed. He truly hadn’t known they would start a scene like this! But if he were truly honest, Damien knew this was his fault too. So he managed to suppress the bitterness in his heart and reorganized his words before speaking. “Anya, it’s been a long time.” Damien had missed me terribly, thinking of our reunion every waking moment for five years. But countless failed attempts had made him almost believe he would never see me again. Now that we finally met again, he had countless words he wanted to say to me, but he didn’t know where to begin. But while he wanted to reminisce, I, the Anya he had longed for, had no interest whatsoever. “You brought them here just to make trouble for me? Damien Thorne, aside from running away from the wedding, have I ever wronged you? The person you love wasn’t me to begin with, and your claims of loving me and wanting to marry me were just to stop me from hindering Seraphina and Sterling Vance, right? I’ve already chosen not to dwell on how you deceived my feelings for Seraphina, couldn’t we just call it even? Why do you insist on appearing in front of me again?” I paused, then turned to look at Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Seraphina, who were still glaring at me, my voice filled with bewilderment. “You say I’m unfilial, but have you ever fulfilled a single day of your responsibilities as parents? Have you ever treated me like your daughter? And you say I snatched things from Seraphina? That’s laughable. No matter what it was, if Seraphina liked it, I always had to give it to her—my room, my academic achievements, your love, my friends, my lovers. I gave everything to her. Isn’t this exactly what you wanted? From now on, you’re only her parents. Sterling Vance, Damien Thorne, whether it’s the person she wanted or the things she desired, what did she not get? What else do you want me to give?” By the end, my emotions were running high. These two speeches encapsulated the heartbreak of my past twenty-odd years. My chest heaved violently, yet my words left everyone present in stunned silence. Caleb Hayes had guessed there was a story behind me, but I hadn’t told him, so he pretended not to know. Even if our remaining lives were intertwined, he had never intended to pry into my secrets. He had never imagined that the truth hidden in that past, which we all instinctively avoided, would be like this. He stepped forward and gently took my hand. His warm touch banished the cold from my palm. Eleanor and Arthur Grey also approached, shielding me. Although they had initially been confused upon learning I had birth parents, and their relationship with me began purely as a financial arrangement, they had, after all, cherished me as their own daughter for five years. Now that they knew my history, their eyes were filled with overwhelming pity. Sensing their concern, I couldn’t hold back, my eyes reddening. I squeezed their hands tightly in return. It was only at this moment that Damien and his group finally saw this family in its entirety. Their relationship was clearly not that of employer and staff. My accusations against them still echoed in the air. Seeing my clear dependence on these people now, Mr. and Mrs. Reed’s eyes twitched. A sense of unease rose within them, and they instinctively blurted out, “What do you mean by this?” Hearing their voices, my attention returned to them. Looking at their disheveled state, I suddenly laughed. I spread my hands, then pointed to each person beside me, introducing them. “He is my husband, legally protected. They are my parents, also in the legal sense. And as for you, you actually ceased to have any connection with me five years ago.” At my words, they all froze, utterly unable to believe their ears. Damien’s face was filled with incredulity. He unconsciously released Mrs. Reed’s hand, stumbling a few steps forward, trying to grab my hand. But Arthur Grey blocked him, slapping his outstretched hand away, his brows deeply furrowed. “Say what you need to say, but don’t get handsy here.” Arthur had no goodwill towards these people now. They had children, then neglected them, favoring one to the extreme, yet still claiming to be my parents. From the moment they arrived until now, had a single kind word left their lips? Especially this Damien Thorne, who acted like he loved Anya, yet didn’t even know her family situation, and still dared to bring such parents to her doorstep, prattling on about “long time no see.” What a hypocrite. Arthur used considerable force, making Damien’s wrist sting. He bit down hard to keep from crying out, but while he could endure the physical pain, the anguish in his heart was unbearable. He didn’t dare to get closer. Instead, from behind Arthur, he explained to me, his face pale, “Anya, no, it’s not like that. Actually, I had already fallen in love with you even before you left. I was just too slow to realize it. But in these five years you’ve been gone, my heart has been ripped to shreds every single day. I dream of seeing you again, of telling you that I truly know I was wrong. Can you give me another chance?” Looking at his heartbroken expression, I felt absolutely nothing. I watched his performance in silence, calculating how much genuine emotion he had in that moment. After all, with his acting skills, he could fake 100% love for me even while loving someone else. Who knew if his words now were true or false? Seeing I didn’t answer, Damien’s gaze fell on my hand, tightly clasped with Caleb Hayes’s. He seemed to suddenly understand something, and his expression grew agitated. “I know, you’re just still angry with me, right? Anya, I’m sorry, can I apologize to you? I’ve checked, he’s just someone you hired with money, but our seven years together were real! Look, I even brought our wedding rings. I had yours re-forged and engraved with our names. I promise you, from now on, whatever you say goes. You don’t like the Reed family? I won’t associate with them anymore either. Please… Anya, don’t leave me…” By the end of his plea, his voice was choked with sobs. His overly sincere performance made Arthur and Eleanor hesitate. Could he truly love Anya? They turned to look at Caleb Hayes, a hint of apprehension in their eyes. Their relationship with me was born of money, and they couldn’t be sure if five years of companionship could truly replace Damien Thorne, who had been by my side for so long in the past. My feet shifted slightly. I stepped past Arthur. Caleb’s heart lurched. He instinctively tightened his grip on my hand. I turned back, gave him a small smile, and patted his hand reassuringly. “Wait for me.”

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“Mom, Mr. Sterling, my application to study abroad has been accepted. I’m leaving.” In the quiet living room, Willow’s voice was light and soft, like a single drop of water falling into a still pond. My mother, Eleanor, across the sofa, beamed with joy. “It’s already accepted? When are you leaving?” “In ten days.” Eleanor hadn’t expected it to be so soon. Amidst her excitement, a hint of reluctance flickered in her eyes. “Then I’ll go pack your bags right away. It’s your first time going so far, and to a foreign country at that. I’m just so worried. I contacted a friend from years ago; her son is in London too. If you need anything, just reach out to him. Don’t worry about bothering him, we kind of set you two up as a joke when you were little. See if you get along; if you do, that’s great, if not, just be friends.” Willow nodded. “Okay, Mom.” Eleanor looked surprised. “Willow, you agreed? And your previous boyfriend… did you finally break up?” Willow immediately fell silent. Mr. Sterling instantly understood something and slammed his hand on the table. “He never wanted to come back and meet us. He clearly wasn’t serious about you. It’s good that you broke up with a boyfriend like that!” “Boyfriend? What boyfriend?” A voice abruptly shattered the heavy atmosphere in the living room. The three of us turned at the sound and saw Julian, who had just pushed open the door. He was all in black – a crisp black shirt, tailored black trousers – tall, lean, and exuding an aura of effortless, almost dangerous elegance. Every move he made, every glance, spoke of a refined, almost arrogant grace. Willow’s body trembled slightly. She stood up and greeted him, “Brother.” Julian hummed meaningfully, dropped his car keys, and went upstairs. That evening, Eleanor prepared a lavish dinner and even opened a bottle of red wine. She raised her glass, smiling warmly at the three of us, ready to announce the good news. “Come on, come on, let’s all celebrate tonight, celebrate Willow who’s about to…” Willow sensed something was off and quickly interrupted her. “Mom, this wine tastes a little bitter. Is it expired?” Expired? Eleanor looked surprised; it definitely wasn’t expired. But Willow had already used the excuse of getting new wine to pull her into the kitchen. “Mom, please don’t tell Julian about my plans to go abroad yet.” At first, Eleanor found it a bit strange. But remembering her stepson’s constant care for her daughter, she gradually understood the inseparable bond between siblings. She nodded in agreement. After quickly eating a few bites, Willow got up and returned to her room. After showering, she lay on her bed and slowly drifted off to sleep. Until precisely midnight, when someone else appeared beside her. A scorching breath fell on her neck. The next second, soft lips pressed against her, gently nipping, and a cool dampness completely woke the drowsy Willow. Her body stiffened. She instinctively pushed him away, her voice urgent and resistant. “Julian!” “What’s wrong? Your family’s setting you up with a boyfriend, so your brother can’t touch you anymore?” In the darkness, Julian curved his lips, but no warmth reached his eyes. His voice was lazy to the extreme. “All these years with your brother, and you think you can just freeload?” Willow knew he misunderstood, but she didn’t explain. Julian’s face, in that endless silence, turned cold. He reached out and pulled her into his embrace. “Willow, have I ever told you not to date other guys? You’re mine, and only mine.” Feeling the burning heat from behind, Willow didn’t want to argue with him, so she lied, “It’s my period. I don’t feel well.” Upon hearing her soft explanation, Julian’s expression softened slightly, but he still frowned. “Didn’t your period just end? Is it back again? Fine, I won’t touch you tonight. Get some sleep.” With that, he held her tightly in his arms. Listening to his calm, peaceful breathing beside her, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. No one knew that her boyfriend was her brother, Julian Sterling! At twelve, when Mom remarried into the Sterling family, she and Julian, Mr. Sterling’s only son, became step-siblings. At fourteen, she called him brother, he called her sister. To outsiders, we were the picture of perfect siblings. At eighteen, her secret crush diary, filled with his name, was discovered. He leaned casually against her desk, eyes sparkling with amusement, reading the diary again and again. Then he caught her hand as she tried to snatch it back, and kissed her blushing cheek. At twenty, we tasted the forbidden fruit for the first time. Once we crossed that line, there was no turning back. We developed a taste for forbidden fruit, and it became an uncontrollable craving. By day, we were siblings. By night, we secretly entwined, bound to each other against all odds. Willow had always been a good girl. Being with Julian was the only wild thing she had ever done in her life. She loved Julian so much that she even thought it wouldn’t matter if they never made their relationship public. They could secretly go abroad and get married someday. But all those fantasies came to a crashing halt half a month ago when she overheard him talking to his friends. It was pouring rain that day. She ran to bring Julian an umbrella. Just as she was about to open the private room door, she heard his friend’s voice. “Julian, what are you going to do about your stepmother’s daughter? Didn’t you say you’d just play with her for a bit and then dump her? Why haven’t you broken up yet?” “Yeah, weren’t you just getting with her to get back at her mom for marrying into the Sterling family? Don’t tell me you’ve gone soft.” Revenge? He was with her not because he liked her, but for revenge! Willow’s face went completely pale. Her head buzzed, and her whole body started to tremble uncontrollably, but she stubbornly refused to leave, wanting to hear Julian’s reply. Until the next second, Julian’s cold, cruel voice reached her ears, word by word. “If I don’t play with her a little longer, how can I make her suffer more?” In that moment, everyone in the room burst into laughter, and I stood outside the door, feeling like the bottom had dropped out of my world. So, he didn’t like her. Being with her, calling her his girlfriend, spending every night entangled with her—it was all just an act of revenge because he resented her mother for taking his mother’s place?! Mom still had to live in the Sterling household, and she couldn’t cause a huge scandal. After much thought, the only solution she could come up with was to escape, to leave this home, and to leave him. So she applied to study abroad. Now, only ten days remained until her silent departure. Looking at the countdown reminder on her phone, Willow raised her hand and pulled Julian’s arm from around her waist. A few minutes later, he hugged her again. When she pulled away, he unconsciously pulled her back. Her patience was exhausted after repeatedly pulling away. She simply grabbed a pillow and placed it between them. This time, he finally settled down. Willow also had some peace. She knew that soon, their story would come to an end. She no longer belonged to him, nor was she his private possession anymore. The 8 AM alarm clock promptly woke Willow from her dream. She opened her eyes and saw that the spot beside her was empty. Fearing their parents might find out, they had agreed that Julian would come at midnight every night and leave promptly at 5 AM. They had lived this way for five years. But soon, they would just be siblings. He wouldn’t have to sneak around anymore. After changing, she went downstairs and immediately saw a strange woman sitting on the sofa. Eleanor warmly waved her over, calling her closer, and excitedly introduced her. “Willow, come here, this is your brother’s girlfriend. Go pour our guest a glass of water.” Serena stood up cooperatively, extended her hand, and smiled, her eyes crinkling. “You must be Julian’s sister, right? Nice to meet you. Even though it’s our first time meeting, I often hear your brother talk about how great you are.” Willow’s palm trembled slightly. She glanced at Julian but said nothing, turning to get water for Serena. She poured a cup of hot water. Just as she was about to carry it out, Julian walked in. He wrapped an arm around her waist, leaning down as if to kiss her. Willow quickly turned her head, dodging him. “Don’t mess around. Your girlfriend is outside.” Julian raised an eyebrow, pecking her lips. “Are you mad? I forgot to tell you, she’s just a childhood friend. She moved abroad when she was little and only came back a couple of days ago. My dad’s been pushing me to get married, so I just brought her here to act as a distraction.” “You should know best who my real girlfriend is, right? Hmm?” Willow listened quietly for a while, showing no expression, just a casual nod to humor him. Seeing her indifferent reaction, a hint of surprise flashed in Julian’s eyes. He had expected to spend a long time coaxing her this time. After all, in the past, when other girls sent him love letters and she found out, she would get so jealous she’d cry until her eyes were swollen shut. When he discovered it and asked, she wouldn’t admit it, and he had to try every trick to get one or two honest words out of her. She had convinced herself that their forbidden relationship was unacceptable to the world, and she could never openly stand by his side as his girlfriend. So she never dared to question him, nor did she ever get angry. She would just hide under the covers and sulk alone. This time, it was the exact same situation, yet her reaction was so calm. It made Julian feel a pang of doubt. He was about to ask, but Willow didn’t give him a chance to speak. She just took the cup of water out. After breakfast was ready, the family sat down as usual. Serena was seated next to Julian. They chatted and laughed, reminiscing about childhood memories, looking incredibly close. Serena had lived abroad for several years and loved runny fried eggs. When Julian found out, he picked up the fried egg from his bowl and placed it in hers. She immediately showed a shy, girlish expression, then put her partially eaten fried egg into his bowl. Julian instinctively glanced at Willow.

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Aurora Evans had secretly sent Adrian Thorne’s sugar baby out of the country. That very night, he retaliated by kidnapping her parents, demanding the sugar baby’s whereabouts in exchange for their lives. Adrian shoved his phone in front of her. On the screen, her parents were tied to chairs, a ticking time bomb strapped to their chests, the digital countdown relentlessly dwindling. 00:59:59 00:59:58 He sat across from her, impeccably dressed in a suit, his long fingers lightly tapping the table, as if waiting for a mundane contract to be signed. “Aurora, you have fifty-nine minutes.” His voice was calm, almost tender. “Tell me, where did you send Seraphina?” A cold dread seeped into Aurora, her throat constricting, unable to utter a single word. This was his third time asking. The first time, he asked where Seraphina Reed had gone. She remained silent. The second time, he gripped her chin, his thumb caressing her lips, his voice low and dangerous: “Aurora, stop being childish.” Now, the third time. He was using her parents’ lives to force her. “Adrian…” Her voice trembled. “Those are my parents. They’re the most important people to me…” He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were terrifyingly cold. “Oh really? Then when you sent Seraphina away, why didn’t you consider how important she is to *me*?” Aurora stared at him, a sudden, bitter laugh catching in her throat. Important? He had told her those other women were just for fun, easy to discard once he tired of them. He had sworn she was the only one he truly loved. But now, for Seraphina Reed, he was willing to kill her parents. “Adrian,” her voice was hoarse, unrecognizable. “If I don’t tell you, will you really let them die?” He leaned slightly forward, his dark eyes reflecting her pale face. “You can try me.” Aurora trembled uncontrollably, tears splashing onto the table. She couldn’t fathom how things had spiraled to this point. Adrian Thorne, who had once loved her so genuinely. Years ago, she was just a girl from an ordinary family, while Adrian was the heir to one of the most powerful families in the city’s elite circles, privileged from birth, entitled and arrogant, never one to bow down to anyone. Yet, he fell in love with her at first sight. His pursuit of her became a grand campaign of declarations of love, each one a sensation that swept through the city. Giant rose displays lowered by helicopter, LED confessions plastered across the entire financial district, even a city-wide fireworks display just for her on her birthday. She was moved, but her parents vehemently opposed the match. They knew too well what elite circles were like—powerful men always had their wives at home, but plenty of flings on the side. The love of the privileged was never a fairytale. They wanted her to marry someone from a similar background, but Adrian knelt at her family’s doorstep for an entire day and night, shedding all his pride, just for a chance to marry her. Her parents eventually softened. After their marriage, he pampered her beyond measure, accommodating her every whim. When she had painful periods, he’d fly back overnight from abroad just to make her special comfort tea. She casually mentioned wanting that specific pastry from the old bakery on the other side of town, and he’d drive halfway across the city to get it for her. She thought she had married the right man. Until, she first heard the name “Seraphina Reed.” It was Adrian’s assistant who mentioned it in casual conversation, talking about a college student who had staged a fall during Adrian’s speech to get his attention, a trick as old as time. Aurora smiled, dismissing it. After all, countless women tried to snag him, but he had always been devoted to her. But the second time she heard it, it was in bed. He was above her, and in the throes of passion, he whispered, “Seraphina.” In that moment, she felt as if she’d been plunged into an icy abyss. She confronted him, but he held her, explaining that he *had* considered taking Seraphina as a sugar baby, but it was just a casual fling to keep on the side. “Everyone in our circle does this, Aurora. You’re still the one I love most, that will never change.” But then, he became increasingly blatant. He bought Seraphina jewelry, gifted her luxury homes, and even took her to private parties. The rumors spiraled, becoming the talk of the town. She cried, she argued, but he no longer soothed her as he once did. He’d just coldly say, “Stop being unreasonable.” Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore and sent Seraphina out of the country. But she never expected his reaction to be so extreme. He kidnapped her parents, strapped bombs to them, all to force her to reveal Seraphina’s whereabouts. “She’s in Switzerland.” Her voice trembled. “Zurich, in that villa under my name.” He stared at her for a few seconds, as if judging the truthfulness of her words, then pulled out his phone and made a call. Once confirmed, he grabbed his suit jacket, his steps urgent, ready to retrieve Seraphina. “What about my parents?” She lunged, grabbing his sleeve. “You promised you’d let them go if I told you!” He turned back to her, his gaze indifferent. “The abandoned factory in the South End. Go find them yourself.” Aurora stumbled out the door, driving frantically towards the South End. When she found them, there were only ten minutes left on the bomb’s timer. Her parents were tied to chairs, their mouths gagged. The moment they saw her, they shook their heads wildly, urging her to leave. She rushed over, her hands trembling as she fumbled with the ropes, but the bomb’s countdown ticked like a death knell. 00:03:2

00:03:20 She couldn’t untie them, tears streaming down her face in desperation. Her father suddenly shoved her with all his might. She staggered back. The next second, he forcefully launched his body into the bomb— “Dad—!!!” The explosion was deafening, the heatwave knocking her off her feet. She fell heavily to the ground, her vision blurring crimson. … When Aurora next awoke, she was in a hospital. Her parents had suffered severe injuries, but thankfully, they were alive. She knelt beside their beds, weeping as she apologized. “I’m so sorry… I chose the wrong man…” Mrs. Evans weakly raised a hand, stroking her daughter’s hair. “Foolish girl, you can always start over.” Aurora shook her head. “He won’t let me go.” After first learning about Seraphina, she couldn’t accept it and had considered divorce. But every time she drafted divorce papers, Adrian tore them up. He claimed Seraphina was just a fling, that he’d eventually cast her aside, that Aurora was his true love, and he’d never let her leave. Mr. Evans held her hand. “No, Aurora, there’s something you don’t know, and he’s probably forgotten too. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a divorce agreement.” She froze. “If he ever betrayed you,” Mr. Evans’ voice was soft, “the agreement would become effective, and you could divorce him immediately. Our family… would then disappear forever.” Aurora was stunned, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. Her parents had prepared a failsafe for her all along. … The next day, Aurora did two things. First, she, along with Mr. and Mrs. Evans, took the signed divorce agreement to a law firm. After reviewing it, the lawyer nodded. “The agreement is valid. The divorce is effective immediately.” Second, their family initiated the paperwork to completely erase their identities. Once the identity cancellation was complete, Aurora Evans would no longer exist in this world. And Adrian Thorne would never find her! Learning that the cancellation process would take half a month, Aurora discussed it with her parents and decided to return to Adrian’s mansion for the time being. For these two weeks, she had to stay by Adrian’s side, unable to let him detect anything unusual. Otherwise, with his ruthless methods, none of them would be able to escape. Upon returning to the villa, Aurora began to pack her things. The cherished photos, Adrian’s love letters to her, the souvenirs they’d bought during their travels together… she threw them all into the fireplace. Flames devoured the past, as if burning away a ridiculous dream. The next day, Aurora went to the backyard. There was an entire grove of sycamore trees, which Adrian had planted for her himself. He said sycamores symbolized fidelity, like his love for her, never fading. Aurora picked up an axe and chopped them down, one by one. The house staff stood at a distance, daring not to approach or stop her. The dull, grating sound of tree trunks breaking was like a stubborn obsession being violently severed. On the third day, Aurora went to the Lover’s Cliff on the mountain. A padlock, engraved with their names, hung there. Years ago, Adrian had held her, throwing the key off the cliff, saying they would be locked together forever. Now, Aurora used pliers to simply snip the chain. The lock fell to the ground with a sharp clink. She turned and left, never looking back. When she returned to the villa, there were two more people in the living room. Adrian sat on the sofa, and Seraphina leaned into his embrace, her face pale, looking as fragile as if a gust of wind could blow her over. Aurora walked past them expressionlessly, heading straight upstairs. “Stop.” Adrian’s voice came, cold and sharp. Aurora paused, not turning around. “Do you know why I brought her back?” he asked. “Don’t care.” “After you sent Seraphina out of the country, she struggled to adapt to the local environment and didn’t sleep well for days.” His tone was reproachful. “Aurora, apologize to her.” Aurora finally turned around to face them. The fragility on Seraphina’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a triumphant smirk in her eyes. “What if I don’t apologize?” Aurora asked calmly. “It’s fine, it really is…” Seraphina said, her voice soft and weak. “It’s okay if I suffer a little. After all… you’re the wife.” Adrian immediately pulled her closer. “Didn’t I tell you not to be so understanding?” He kissed the top of her head. “From now on, I’ll pamper you. You can do anything you want.” Aurora forced a twisted smile, finding it utterly sarcastic. A maid brought in a bowl of calming soup, specially prepared for Seraphina. Just then, Adrian’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Seraphina, “You always get a headache when I talk business. I’ll take this outside. You drink your soup.” With that, he rose and left. Aurora stood rooted, her heart feeling as if it had been struck by an axe. He never used to discuss business out in the open, because of confidential information. But now, for Seraphina, he would even change that habit. Only Aurora and Seraphina remained in the living room. The feigned fragility on Seraphina’s face instantly vanished, replaced by the arrogance of a victor. “See?” she sneered. “Even if you are Mrs. Thorne, and you used your position to send me away, Adrian’s body and soul are both with me.” Aurora looked at her blandly. “You want him? He’s yours.” Seraphina paused, then flared with anger. “I don’t need you to *give* him to me! He’ll be mine alone eventually, and your position will be mine too!” Seeing Aurora unmoved, she became even more furious. Just then, Adrian’s footsteps were heard from outside. A hint of viciousness flashed in Seraphina’s eyes. She suddenly picked up the bowl of steaming hot calming soup and deliberately splashed it all over herself! “Ah!” she shrieked, tears instantly welling up. When Adrian rushed in, this was the scene he witnessed. Seraphina was drenched and disheveled, the soup dripping from her clothes, and she was crying as if her heart would break. “Aurora Evans!” His brows furrowed with barely concealed rage. “Not only will you not apologize, but you dare to do this to her?!” “I didn’t do it.” Aurora said calmly. “You can check the surveillance cameras.” “Fine, check them!” he sneered. Seraphina immediately grabbed his arm, sobbing. “Adrian, it’s not Aurora’s fault… I shouldn’t dream of staying by your side. I’ll leave right now…” As she took a step, Adrian yanked her back. “I finally got you back, and now you want to leave my sight again? Are you trying to kill me?” He held her tightly, as if clutching a lost and precious treasure. Then, he looked at Aurora, his eyes terrifyingly cold. “I will get justice for this.” Aurora was locked in the cold storage. As the bodyguards dragged her inside, she struggled desperately. “Adrian Thorne! Check the cameras! I didn’t do it!” He didn’t even spare her a glance, just coldly stated, “No need to check. I only trust her.” The cold room door slammed shut. Darkness and frigid air instantly engulfed Aurora. She curled up in a corner, shivering, but her heart felt even colder than the room. Was this what he meant by saying she was the one he loved most? Aurora’s tears fell uncontrollably. She was always sensitive to cold. After they married, Adrian spent a fortune installing a constant temperature system in their home, even the outdoor courtyard was perpetually spring-like. In winter, he would warm her icy hands and feet in his embrace, laughing, “I’ll keep you warm like this for the rest of our lives.” Thinking back now… Vows were probably only true the moment they were spoken. The next day, as Aurora was almost losing consciousness from the cold, the cold room door finally opened. A bodyguard stood expressionless at the doorway. “Mr. Thorne said that if there’s a next time, the punishment won’t be this lenient.” She leaned against the wall, staggering out, trembling all over, her teeth chattering. There wouldn’t be a next time. Soon, she would make him disappear from her world completely. That evening, Adrian’s assistant delivered a gown and jewelry, saying she needed to attend a charity auction gala. Aurora went. Then, at the entrance to the ballroom, she saw Seraphina Reed. Seraphina was wearing a haute couture gown, and around her neck was a diamond necklace that Adrian had bought at an auction last month for a seven-figure sum. Aurora stopped and looked at Adrian. “She’s here too. Why do you still want me to come?” His expression was bland. “I hadn’t intended to bring her, but she’d never seen this kind of event and wanted to come, so I brought her.” He paused, his tone casual. “Aurora, don’t be so petty.” Aurora’s body trembled slightly. She wasn’t being petty. He simply hadn’t considered how much she would be talked about and mocked, having the legitimate wife and the sugar baby appear together. Adrian walked straight in with Seraphina, who intimately linked her arm through his, a sweet smile on her face. People around them whispered. “Mr. Thorne and his wife have such a great relationship, they’re so well-matched.” “You’ve got it wrong. *That* one is Mrs. Thorne. The one next to him… is just a sugar baby.” The person awkwardly glanced at Aurora, then mumbled, “But Mr. Thorne is so good to her. He dressed her in authentic designer, while the wife got a ‘gift with purchase’… no wonder I got them confused.” Aurora clenched her hands, her nails digging deeply into her palms. Once the auction began, Aurora casually bid on a few items. But no matter what she bid on, Seraphina would add just one dollar to her price. Low laughter rippled through the room. “The legitimate wife being bullied by the sugar baby—that’s a first…” Aurora’s face remained impassive. She simply made a “no limit” bid gesture. A “no limit” bid meant that no matter how high the price went, she would take the item, no cap. Seraphina’s face paled. She clutched Adrian’s sleeve, feigning distress. “Adrian, I really love this one…” Adrian frowned, looking at Aurora. “Aurora, let her have it.” “No.” “She can’t make a ‘no limit’ bid, but I can, because I’m your wife, and we have joint marital assets.” She looked at Seraphina, her voice laced with sarcasm. “No matter how much he gives you, you’ll never compare to me.” Seraphina’s eyes immediately reddened. She stood up abruptly. “You…” The next second, she suddenly covered her face, crying, “Yes, you’re his wife… I’m just a hidden sugar baby, I shouldn’t have such foolish hopes… Adrian… let’s just end this!” With that, she turned and ran. Adrian’s face changed drastically. He grabbed Aurora’s wrist, his grip so powerful it felt like her bones would shatter. “I told you I’d get tired of her eventually! Did you have to force her away?!” Aurora looked at him calmly. “What she does, or doesn’t do, is none of my concern.” His eyes darkened. He flung her hand away and strode out, chasing after Seraphina. Aurora stood still, the gazes around her either mocking or pitying. But she didn’t care. Anyway, she would be leaving soon. But the next morning, Aurora was jolted awake by a news alert on her phone. 【BREAKING! CEO Adrian Thorne’s Wife’s 999 Intimate Photos To Be Auctioned Publicly At Sotheby’s!】 Her blood instantly froze. Those photos… only Adrian had them. Aurora shakily dialed his number, her voice hoarse. “The photos… you put them out?” On the other end of the line, Adrian sneered. “Don’t you love making ‘no limit’ bids?” “If you don’t want others to see those photos…” his voice was cruel, “then get over there, and make ‘no limit’ bids on every single one!” In the background, Seraphina’s sweet voice cooed, “Adrian… is that Aurora? I… I should still leave, I shouldn’t stay by your side…” “Don’t be silly.” His voice instantly softened. Then, intimate kissing sounds came through the phone. “I already stood up for you. Try leaving again, I dare you.” The call ended at some point. Aurora felt as if she’d been plunged into an ice cave. She rushed to the auction site. The moment she pushed open the doors, she was trembling. The room was filled with men, and on the large screen, her intimate photos scrolled. There was her sleeping profile, which he once said was adorable and saved specially; There was her back while showering, which he coaxed her to take, saying he could look at it when he missed her; And there were naked bed photos of her covered in hickey marks, when he said it was proof of his love for her. At the auction, the men’s covetous gazes glued themselves to Aurora, their whispered comments slicing into her ears like knives. “That figure… tsk tsk, Mr. Thorne is truly blessed.” “I heard Mr. Thorne used to be deeply in love with Mrs. Thorne. Why would he sell her intimate photos now?” “Got bored, I guess. These elite wives, glorious on the surface, but behind the scenes…” Every word was like a knife plunging into Aurora’s heart. She suddenly remembered how possessive Adrian used to be. That year they vacationed on a tropical island, she wore a backless dress. When a man glanced at her twice, Adrian immediately dragged her back to the hotel, pinning her against the floor-to-ceiling window, possessing her while coaxing her to shout, “Aurora Evans belongs to Adrian Thorne.” And now, to stand up for another woman, he personally sold her intimate photos for these men to gawk at! She bid on them one by one. Each time she pressed the bid button, her heart grew colder. By the time she won the last photo, her love for him was completely exhausted. As she walked out of the auction house, her phone rang. “Did you enjoy your ‘no limit’ bidding spree?” Adrian’s voice was mocking. Aurora clutched her phone, her nails almost digging into her palm. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll divorce you by doing this?” His tone was remarkably flat, as if speaking to a difficult child. “You can’t. Aurora, if I don’t sign, the divorce won’t happen.” She remained silent. He had clearly forgotten that she held a signed divorce agreement he had already approved.

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The Day My Heart Broke Harper had fallen for her brother’s friend. He was six years her senior, so she’d kept her crush a carefully guarded secret. Until one time, she just couldn’t resist stealing a kiss from him in the dim light while he was drunk. As she turned to flee, she crashed into his suddenly open eyes. He lazily lifted his eyelids. “Want me to teach you how to kiss, huh? Too bad I’m not interested in little girls.” Her face flushed crimson, but she still gathered her courage. “So you think I’m too young? That’s okay, I’ll grow up!” He paused, then smiled. “Alright then. When you turn 22, if you still like me, I’ll consider it.” In that moment, her heart pounded like a drum. From then on, she clung to him every day until she turned 22. She couldn’t wait to find him and have him fulfill his promise, but at the VIP room door, she heard a baby’s cries. She froze for a few seconds, then focused her gaze. Adrian Knight was holding a wailing baby, trying to soothe it. The circle of guys around him all covered their ears, looking utterly tormented. “Adrian, you’re really going all out. To reject that little girl, you actually got a baby to pretend you’re a dad?” Harper’s mind buzzed, then went completely blank. “What else?” Adrian Knight’s voice held his familiar lazy drawl. “She’s 22 today, here to claim that old promise.” “You really dislike Harper that much? The girl’s actually pretty good, beautiful and sweet, and she’s totally devoted to you…” “It’s not about liking or disliking her.” Adrian Knight’s voice suddenly deepened. “You guys know who I’ve always had in my heart.” The VIP room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in knowing laughter. “Willow! No wonder… I’m telling you, you overthink too much. With a face like yours, who wouldn’t be smitten? Willow couldn’t possibly say no, could she? You just cherish her too much.” “All these years, I didn’t know how to say it, afraid I’d lose her as a friend if I did. Harper’s situation… it’s a good opportunity, actually.” Adrian Knight’s voice was laced with a smile. “I told Willow there’s a girl who’s been clinging to me, and I don’t know how to get rid of her. I asked her to pretend to be my girlfriend for a while. Then, I’ll show up with her and this ‘borrowed’ baby in front of that little girl, and we’ll even stage a wedding. That way, Harper will give up on me, and it’ll also help move things along with Willow. After the fake wedding, I’ll confess my feelings to Willow right then and there.” Hearing Adrian Knight’s two-birds-one-stone plan, everyone ‘tsk-tsked’ in amazement, unable to stop themselves from pounding the table in approval. Amidst the burst of laughter, no one noticed Harper standing outside the VIP room. The cake box slipped from her hands, hitting the ground with a dull thud. She no longer had the courage to push open the door. Tears streamed down her face as she turned and ran, her mind a blur. The rain outside the club was heavy. Harper ran quickly, letting the downpour drench the dress she had carefully prepared.

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“Hello, I’d like to emigrate!” I, Eleanor Vance, stood at the counter, handing over all my meticulously prepared documents to the official on the other side. Soon, they stamped the papers, then pulled out another form and passed it back to me. “Ms. Vance, your application will be processed in fifteen days. Please wait patiently.” I nodded, turning to walk out. But behind me, I heard the staff whispering, a rustle of hushed voices. “Was that really Mrs. Thorne? Why would *she* be here to emigrate? Did she and Mr. Thorne finally have a fight?” “Even if they argued, it shouldn’t be such a big deal, right? Mr. Thorne is famously obsessed with his wife. What could possibly make Mrs. Thorne so resolute?” “Tell me about it. Five years ago, Mr. Thorne threw her a wedding of the decade that made headlines worldwide, even I, someone who never goes online, heard about it. Three years ago, Mrs. Thorne had a car accident, and when the blood bank ran low, Mr. Thorne, against all opposition, donated a significant amount of his own blood to snatch her back from the brink of death. A year ago, Mrs. Thorne disappeared for just an hour, and Mr. Thorne mobilized every media outlet to search for her globally. Now, if Mrs. Thorne is leaving him like this, without a word, he’ll go absolutely insane…” Listening to their hushed gossip, I forced a smile, but the self-mockery in my eyes only deepened. Yes, everyone knew how much Adrian Thorne loved me. Everyone in their circle knew Adrian Thorne, CEO of Thorne Holdings. In business, he was ruthless, making cutthroat decisions without a second thought. But in his private life? He was notoriously cold, detached, and completely uninterested in women. It was an unspoken rule: stay at least ten feet away from Adrian Thorne. Until that one gala, when he met me. He fell in love at first sight and began pursuing me relentlessly, showering me with mansions, luxury cars, and jewelry as if money was no object. Fireworks lit up the sky for three days and three nights, declaring his love. He even once, just because I casually mentioned craving a rare artisanal dessert that had been out of production for years, drove through a blizzard in the middle of the night, scouring three cities. He arrived soaking wet, but holding the still-warm pastry for me. But what truly made me decide to accept him was the day my parents died in a car accident. He was in another city, hundreds of miles away, but he abandoned a multi-billion dollar business deal to rush back to me. When he finally reached me, he was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot, yet he gently pulled me into his arms, his gaze filled with a pain that mirrored my own. “Elly, honey, you still have me. I’ll always be by your side.” I looked into the profound affection in his eyes, and my heart skipped a few beats. He’s the one. I told myself in my heart. Yet, this man, who supposedly only had eyes for me, couldn’t resist temptation three months ago. He started an affair with his best friend’s sister, Serena Reed, who was staying in our home. The villa’s sofa, the kitchen, the bed—everywhere bore the traces of their intimacy. Adrian thought he was so clever, keeping it a secret. But he forgot that there are no secrets in this world. The moment I learned the truth, I was consumed by agony, despair, and doubt. Finally, the heartbreaking reality sank in, and I decided to leave for good. The Thorne family had deep government ties, spanning three generations in high-profile positions. That meant no one in their family, including Adrian, was permitted to leave the country. If I left the country, he’d never find me! I tucked away my emigration documents, hailed a cab, and headed towards our villa. The moment I stepped inside Adrian’s villa, a heavy, cloying scent, too sweet and too intimate, slammed into me. Two figures, who had been hanging decorations on the wall, turned sharply when they heard me. Adrian froze for a second, then his eyes softened instantly. He walked over and took my hand. “Sweetheart, why are you wearing so little? Are you cold? I thought you were out with Chloe. Why are you back so soon? I was still preparing a surprise for you.” A surprise? I looked up at Adrian, but my gaze involuntarily snagged on his neck. There, a large patch of hickey marks bloomed. My eyelashes fluttered slightly. I struggled to suppress the sharp stab of pain in my heart. Seeing I didn’t respond, Serena Reed, with a syrupy giggle, walked over. “Eleanor, Adrian is just so in love with you! He’s gone all out for a simple ‘first meeting’ anniversary…” Serena paused deliberately, then pointed to a pile of overflowing gifts on the sofa. “Look, these are all gifts Adrian prepared for you!” I followed Serena’s hand, but what I saw first was the wet stain spreading beneath the pile of gifts. In that instant, I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. The scent from when I first walked in, combined with this new evidence, completely confirmed the truth I had suspected. Love me? Adrian’s so-called love for me meant preparing gifts for me while he was intimately entangled with Serena on the sofa, so passionately that they stained a large section of it? It was a soul-crushing agony, nothing less. Adrian didn’t notice my distress. He simply put a pre-prepared necklace around my neck, his voice so tender it could melt. “Happy first meeting anniversary, sweetheart. I’ve also prepared a candlelight dinner.” I trembled all over, shaking my head. “I’m not eating. I… I don’t feel well.” Every second I spent with Adrian now was torment. I told him from the start: I have zero tolerance for infidelity. I can’t accept any flaw in a relationship. If he didn’t want to deal with it, he shouldn’t have pursued me. But since he did, why betray me? When Adrian heard I wasn’t feeling well, he instantly became frantic, as if I were on my deathbed. First, he called several private doctors to examine me. When they found nothing wrong, he was still worried, so he sent his assistant to buy a mountain of tonics to boost my energy, then personally made me a glass of warm milk, coaxing me to sleep. After four or five hours of this commotion, Adrian finally managed to lull me to sleep. Late that night, I woke up, parched, and decided to get some water. But the moment I opened my bedroom door, I froze. The door to the next room was wide open, and the moonlight, stark and unforgiving, cast a harsh glow on two naked bodies tangled on the bed. “That necklace today was worth a fortune, and I’ve practically begged you for ages, and you never got it for me. Eleanor didn’t do anything, and you just handed all the good stuff to her.” After their passion, Serena’s legs were still wrapped around his waist, her words dripping with bitterness. Adrian frowned, pulled away, and sat on the edge of the bed, lighting a cigarette. “Have you forgotten your place? I told you I only love Eleanor.” “If you want to keep this arrangement going, it has to be in secret. If she finds out, you know what will happen.” Serena’s face paled. She climbed up, her naked body embracing him from behind, whimpering. “I know you love Eleanor, but I love you too! Can’t I even be a little jealous?” Adrian said nothing. He simply bent down and pulled out a necklace from the drawer—the exact same style as mine, but a different color. “Don’t give me that teary act. I bought you one too, but you can only wear it in secret. If Eleanor ever finds out, our arrangement ends immediately.” Serena’s face lit up. She quickly took the necklace and held it against her neck, which was already covered in bruised hickey marks. “Thank you, Adrian! I knew you still cared about me! But are you really that scared of Eleanor leaving you?” He didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I can’t live without her. If she left, I would go insane.” As his words faded, he pushed her down onto the bed, beginning another round of their twisted game. The bed creaked loudly with his movements, and Serena’s moans echoed through the air. Standing in the distance, I was silently weeping. Red-eyed, I stared at Adrian’s face in our wedding photo on the wall. Adrian, in fifteen days, I’ll be waiting for you to go insane. The next morning, I was woken by a sudden commotion. I pushed open my door and saw a disheveled woman in the garden of the adjacent villa, clutching a man’s shirt, screaming hysterically. “Mr. Jones, I loved you for ten whole years, and I even had several children for you!” “When we got married, you promised you’d love me forever.” “It’s only been a few years, and you dare to have an affair behind my back!” Though it was early morning, many people were out for their lakeside strolls and happened to overhear the dramatic outburst. As more people gathered in the villa area, the man, a prominent figure in the community, instantly changed his expression. He grabbed the woman and dragged her back into the villa. “What are you doing? I’ve told you countless times, every man strays eventually!” I watched, lost in thought, when a warm hand suddenly covered my ears from behind. “Elly, don’t listen to that filth.” I didn’t turn around, simply whispered, “Tell me, do all men eventually change?” Adrian’s body stiffened. He turned me to face him, his eyes filled with earnestness. “I don’t know about other men, but I won’t. Elly, I will only ever love you.” “You’ll only ever love me? But life is so long.” Adrian gently hugged me, his warm breath caressing my ear. “Life is long, and I only want you.” I finally laughed, but a bitter edge laced my voice. “What if? What if you betrayed me?” “If I ever betrayed you, then may I be struck by lightning and cursed to hell.” Hearing those words, knowing the full truth, a sharp pain pierced my heart. “Adrian, you dare to make such a terrible vow? Aren’t you afraid it will actually come true?” Adrian chuckled softly. “It won’t, because no one knows how much I love you more than I do. If you don’t believe me, I’ll cut out my heart and show it to you. If you still don’t believe me, I’ll give you my entire life.” My entire life? Then why couldn’t he control himself? He still smelled of another woman, yet he whispered the most beautiful words of love to me. “Eleanor, Adrian, what are you doing?” A voice suddenly broke the silence from the doorway. We both turned to see Serena Reed, in a red strapless dress, leaning against the doorframe. The next moment, I distinctly felt Adrian’s body stiffen. Then, he frowned. “Isn’t it a weekday? Where are you going, dressed like that?” His tone wasn’t like a brother’s concern for his sister; it was more like a husband questioning his wife about to go out, clearly jealous of her attractive attire. Hearing the possessiveness in his voice, Serena giggled coyly. “My company is having a networking event, and I’m going to find myself a boyfriend. I won’t be back tonight.” At her words, Adrian’s face instantly darkened. Serena’s smile widened. “Oh, by the way, Eleanor, do you two have any plans today?” Adrian snapped back to attention, gripping my hand. “Eleanor and I are going back to the family estate today.” Serena smiled, left a quick “Say hello for me,” and turned to leave. Half an hour later, Adrian drove me to the family estate. Adrian’s parents weren’t particularly fond of me. They felt their son had been utterly infatuated because of me, almost losing his life for her. Plus, after years of marriage, we still had no children. Every time we met, they greeted me with cold, disapproving stares. Adrian felt for me and tried to minimize our visits, but this time, word came from the estate that his mother hadn’t been well. He had no choice but to bring me to see them. The moment we walked in, Adrian’s parents, who had been laughing moments before, suddenly grew cold. Adrian saw their cold expressions were directed at me and instantly flared up. “If you keep this up, Eleanor and I won’t come back anymore.” At his words, Mr. Thorne angrily slammed his hand on the table. “Impudent! What are you saying? Are you abandoning your parents for a woman?” Adrian gripped my hand, refusing to back down. “I told you, Eleanor is the love of my life. I’m afraid to even raise my voice around her. Treating her this way, are you trying to tear out your son’s heart?” “If this happens again, I’ll consider myself without a family!” No one expected Adrian to be so resolute. The entire living room fell silent. But as I looked at the man fiercely defending me, I felt no warmth, no gratitude. Seeing that their son was serious, Mrs. Thorne conceded. “Alright, let’s just eat.” At the dining table, apart from the clinking of forks and plates, there were only Mrs. Thorne’s occasional cold snorts. My hand, holding my fork, stiffened. I knew this was a prelude to Mrs. Thorne lecturing me. Sure enough, the next second, Mrs. Thorne put down her fork. “We don’t care about anything else, but you need to give us a grandchild, don’t you?” “You can’t let our family line end.” Adrian immediately put down his fork. “I’ve told you, Eleanor is afraid of pain. I won’t let her endure unbearable pain for me. I’d rather never have children!” Mr. and Mrs. Thorne lost their appetite instantly. Just as the argument was about to escalate, I suddenly spoke up. “In half a month, Dad, Mom, in half a month, you’ll have a grandson.” At my words, everyone looked at me in astonishment. “Elly?” Adrian grabbed my hand. “Didn’t we agree not to have children? You don’t have to sacrifice for me.” I looked at his self-righteous expression and gave a slight, bitter smile. I said they would have a grandson, but I didn’t say it would be *my* child. In half a month, I’d be out of the country. Since he loved Serena so much, and apparently slept with her so many times a day, it would be only natural for *her* to bear his child. So, I smiled. “It’s our elders’ wish. It should be fulfilled.” Adrian looked at me, so understanding, and a strange unease flickered in his heart. I was being a little too understanding, too strange. Mr. and Mrs. Thorne’s faces shifted from anger to joy. “That’s more like it.” Adrian still felt something was off and was about to ask more, but his phone suddenly vibrated. He glanced at it, and his expression subtly changed. I was sitting close, and with just a glance, I saw it was from Serena Reed. [Adrian, a guy just hit on me and asked for my number. Should I give it to him?] I silently counted down. One second, two seconds, three seconds… Finally, on the third second, Adrian stood up. “Excuse me, Elly, I have something to do at the office. You eat slowly here; I’ll come pick you up when I’m done.” He didn’t wait for my reply, grabbed his jacket, and rushed out. As soon as Adrian left, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne instantly lost all restraint, glaring at me and launching into a tirade. “Tell me, how many years have you been married? Your belly is still empty. Aren’t you ashamed?” “You come from a small family, and your parents are both gone. If Adrian hadn’t liked you, do you think you’d be Mrs. Thorne? Marrying you brought us nothing but endless misfortune.” “Why are you crying? Don’t even *think* about running to Adrian with your complaints later. Every wife gets criticized; my son is far too busy for your petty grievances!” From morning until afternoon, I was scolded for five solid hours. It wasn’t until evening that Adrian finally returned to pick me up. The car drove smoothly on the way home when I suddenly spoke up. “Are you done with everything at the office?” Adrian paused, then said gently, “Yes, it’s all handled.” As he spoke, his index finger tapped the steering wheel. It was an unconscious habit he had when he was pleased.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298579”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

For three years, Aubrey Hayes had tried to end her life over a hundred desperate times. When she woke again, she found herself in a hospital bed, her mind a complete blank. A middle-aged couple sat by her bed. Seeing her eyes open, they immediately frowned. “How much longer are you going to keep this up?” “Liam was supposed to marry Clara. You were just a consequence of a drunken mistake, an accident that forced his hand,” the woman said, full of impatience. “It’s normal that he doesn’t love you, or come home. But you? You constantly threaten him with suicide. After all these years, can you name one time he’s visited you after any of these attempts?” “If you weren’t our biological daughter, we honestly wouldn’t bother with you,” the man sighed, shaking his head. “You’re simply no match for Clara, not in the slightest.” Aubrey stared at them, bewildered. She’d lost all her memories, didn’t even know who she was. All she could piece together about her shattered life came from the accusations of this couple who claimed to be her parents. She was once the Albright heiress, kidnapped as a child. When she was finally found and brought home, she discovered her family had adopted a girl named Clara Miller. Her parents, who should have doted on her, now only had eyes for their adopted daughter. The place that should have been hers was completely taken by another. Later, she fell in love with Liam Sterling, the CEO of Sterling Enterprises. But his heart, too, belonged to Clara Miller. Then came that party. Liam, drunk, mistakenly ended up in her room, and he took her. After a night of reckless abandon, he was forced to marry her. But he also reserved all his coldness and resentment for her. Her parents didn’t love her, her husband didn’t either. Overwhelmed by despair, powerless to change her fate, she resorted to desperate acts, hoping they might finally notice her, finally care. “Alright, we need to go back and cook for Clara,” Mr. and Mrs. Albright said, rising from their seats. “You stay here and reflect on your actions.” The moment the hospital room door clicked shut, a sharp pain pierced Aubrey’s chest. Even without her memories, the sense of being abandoned by the whole world felt chillingly real. She couldn’t understand. How could parents not love their biological daughter, but instead lavish affection on an adopted one? And that man, Liam Sterling… It was *his* mistake. He went into the wrong room, he misidentified her. If he was forced to marry her, why couldn’t he treat her well? Why did he push her to the brink with such cruel indifference? She dared not delve deeper. Just listening to these unfamiliar past events made her heart ache as if being carved by a blunt knife. What about her former self? How utterly soul-crushing it must have been, day after day, living with parents who couldn’t care less and a husband who outright ignored her? Aubrey slowly pushed herself up, silently completing her discharge paperwork. But standing at the hospital entrance, she didn’t know where to go. She couldn’t recall her parents’ address, nor Liam Sterling’s. Even more tragically, neither home welcomed her. Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the hospital entrance. Aubrey looked up, seeing a tall, lean man striding purposefully, cradling a delicate figure in his arms. He wore a sharp black suit, his shoulders broad, incredibly handsome, exuding an undeniable presence with every step. The girl in his arms was carefully protected, her pale face pressed against his chest. He looked down at her with a tenderness that stung Aubrey’s eyes, his arm tightening possessively, his steps instinctively softening, as if afraid to jostle her. “Clear the way!” His voice wasn’t loud, but the onlookers instinctively parted, creating a path. “Oh my God, is that Liam Sterling?” someone behind her whispered in awe. “Who else could it be? Who in this city commands such a presence? He’s so impossibly handsome, my knees went weak just looking at him…” Aubrey froze. So this was Liam Sterling, her husband. And the one in his arms was likely Clara Miller, her adopted sister. As he passed her, his steps faltered almost imperceptibly. His eyes, dark as midnight, swept over her, cold as an ice blade against skin. But in an instant, he pulled his gaze away, hurrying towards the emergency room with the girl in his arms. Aubrey’s slender frame trembled slightly. She didn’t follow, still pondering where she was supposed to go— The next second, footsteps sounded behind her. She turned, only to find it was Liam Sterling, who had returned. He grabbed her wrist, his grip so tight she winced. “You’re Rh-negative, aren’t you?” Without waiting for an answer, he dragged her towards the blood donation room. “Clara was in a car accident and lost a lot of blood. The hospital blood bank is low. Donate some blood for her.” “I…” Aubrey was about to speak when Liam suddenly gripped the back of her head. He leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was cold and brief, a mere touch before he pulled away. “Can you donate now?” His voice was low, devoid of any warmth. Before Aubrey could fully process it, she was pushed into the blood donation room. Outside, the nurses’ whispers drifted in clearly: “That’s Liam Sterling’s wife? The one who tried to end her life over a hundred times? I heard the first time she tried to make him kiss her, the second time for a date, the third time to sleep with him… Always rejected. She’s truly shameless.” “And now Liam Sterling finally kisses her, but it’s only to make her donate blood for Clara Miller…” “She’s probably happy and heartbroken at the same time, right? Happy to finally get his kiss, but sad that it’s all for someone else…” Aubrey lay on the donor chair, watching through the glass window as Liam stood by Clara Miller’s bed, his long fingers gently enveloping her pale hand. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. Strangely, she felt neither happiness nor heartbreak. The pain of the needle piercing her vein felt muffled, as if through a thick veil. Even the emotions that should have been gut-wrenching were dulled by her memory loss. Perhaps forgetting everything was the universe’s mercy to her. After donating 400cc of blood, Aubrey emerged, her face pale, her vision blurring in and out. After struggling for a moment, she finally walked up to Liam. “Liam, can you tell me… our home address? In exchange, I can give you a gift.” Liam frowned. “What game are you playing now? Too many attempts, and you’ve forgotten where you live?” “No, I have amnesia…” “The driver is waiting outside,” Liam cut her off. “Have him take you back.” “Thank you,” Aubrey said softly. “I’ll prepare the gift.” “Don’t bother,” Liam’s tone was icy. “I’m not interested in any gifts from you, and you don’t need to try and win my affection.” Aubrey lowered her gaze, a faint, fleeting smile touching her lips. Is that so? But this time, you *will* like the gift. Once in the car, she found her lawyer’s number in her phone contacts and sent a message: 【Hi, I want a divorce and to sever parental ties. Please prepare a divorce agreement and a declaration of severed parental ties for me.】 The lawyer’s reply came quickly: 【Of course, Ms. Hayes. I’ll draft them as soon as possible.】 Aubrey put away her phone, watching the fleeting scenery outside the window. Amnesia was the universe giving her a chance—a chance to completely escape and start a brand new life. “Don’t go home yet,” she suddenly told the driver. “Take me to the immigration office.” The driver clearly paused, looking at her in surprise through the rearview mirror, but still respectfully said, “Certainly, ma’am.” The immigration procedures went smoothly. The staff informed her that all her documents would be ready in two weeks. When she got back into the car, Aubrey hesitated for a moment before speaking, “Please don’t mention today’s events to Mr. Sterling.” The driver’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Ma’am, Mr. Sterling has always… forbidden us from mentioning you in his presence.” Aubrey forced a bitter smile. So Liam Sterling detested her to such an extent that he didn’t even want to hear her name. Back at the mansion, Aubrey stood in the entryway, looking around. This home felt both familiar and alien. Familiar because every detail matched her aesthetic, yet alien because it was so cold and quiet, as if no one truly lived there. She gently traced the embroidered throw pillow on the sofa, thinking that when she had decorated this home, she must have been full of hopeful anticipation for a happy life with Liam. In the wedding photo hanging on the wall, her eyes were filled with love as she looked at Liam, but his handsome face only showed indifference. Aubrey shook her head and turned to go upstairs. Entering the bedroom, Aubrey instinctively pulled open a drawer. A leather-bound diary slipped out and fell to the floor. She opened the first page. The messy handwriting looked as if it had been written while drunk: 【Today is the first day of my marriage to Liam. He went to his study without saying a word. It’s okay, I’ll wait.】 Flipping through the pages, each entry felt like a knife plunging into her heart: 【My 37th attempt. He still didn’t come to see me. His assistant said Clara had a fever, and he stayed by her bedside all night. I lay in the emergency room, counting the drips until dawn.】 【My 89th attempt. I took sleeping pills. When I woke up, I heard him on the phone in the hallway, saying, “Let her die.” It was then I understood. What hurts more than death is hearing the person you love most wish for your death.】 【My 108th attempt. I’ve decided to give up. If this one doesn’t work, I’ll simply vanish for good. After all, no one in this world cares if I exist.】 Aubrey slammed the diary shut. Her chest felt as if it had been brutally torn open. The scars on her wrists suddenly burned, each one silently screaming of past despair. She slowly sank to the floor, hugging her knees. For three years, she had lived so humbly, like a dog begging for scraps, just for a glance from him. “It’s okay,” Aubrey whispered, wiping away her tears and placing the diary back in the drawer. “Aubrey Hayes, it’s okay if no one loves you.” The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a small pool of light at her feet. “As long as you love yourself, you haven’t lost.” Aubrey lived in the empty mansion for several days. Liam Sterling never returned. Without memories, without love, she didn’t find the solitude difficult to bear. In fact, she thought it was quite nice to quietly wait for her immigration documents to be processed. Until her mother’s call shattered the peace. “Tomorrow is Clara’s birthday. Seven o’clock in the evening, at the Grandview Hotel.” Her mother’s voice was cold and distant. “Don’t be late.” “I don’t…” “That’s settled.” The call was abruptly cut off, not even giving her a chance to refuse. On the day of the party, Aubrey chose the simplest black dress. Upon entering, she saw Clara Miller, surrounded by admirers, and Liam Sterling, whom she hadn’t seen in days. “Clara Miller is so lucky,” two women whispered nearby. “Her adoptive parents dote on her like the apple of their eye, and even Mr. Sterling is so attentive to her.” “Isn’t she? I heard Mr. Sterling personally arranged this party. Look at that champagne, specially flown in from France, each bottle costs six figures. And those flowers, freshly flown in from Holland this morning. The entire ballroom is decorated like Clara Miller’s favorite Monet garden, costing millions.” The guests’ murmurs continuously reached her ears. Aubrey took a sip of her drink, her gaze fixed on Liam Sterling not far away. He was wearing a black suit today, his shirt collar casually unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of his collarbone, exuding a hint of lazy aristocracy. Yet this very man was now half-kneeling, adjusting Clara Miller’s skirt. His usually cold face even bore a smile. “And now, let’s invite Mr. and Mrs. Albright to offer their blessings to their beloved daughter!” No sooner had the host’s voice faded than Aubrey’s parents walked onto the stage with Clara Miller. Mr. Albright cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Today, I have an important announcement. Sixty percent of Albright Industries’ shares will be inherited by Clara Miller.” A gasp rippled through the audience. Aubrey’s hand tightened around her glass. At that moment, Liam Sterling also walked onto the stage, pulling a velvet box from his pocket. When he opened it, inside lay an antique emerald ring. “Isn’t that the Sterling family heirloom?” someone in the crowd exclaimed. “I heard that emerald ring was left by Mrs. Sterling Senior for her eldest grandson’s wife.” “Oh my God, giving the family heirloom to his wife’s sister… Mr. Sterling is openly humiliating Aubrey Hayes…” The ring slowly slid onto Clara Miller’s ring finger, a perfect fit. “Dad, Mom, Liam, isn’t this… a bit much?” Clara Miller suddenly looked towards the corner, her voice filled with feigned hesitation. “After all, big sister is the biological daughter of the Hayes family, and Liam Sterling’s wife. These things should belong to her, shouldn’t they?” Hearing this, Mr. and Mrs. Albright immediately grasped her hands. “Nonsense! Aubrey is well-married, with the Sterling family backing her. We naturally need to plan more for you. Giving you the assets is only right.” Liam Sterling merely stated calmly, “If it weren’t for that accident, this ring would have been yours.” Aubrey stood in the middle of the crowd, feeling like she was being stripped naked in public. Her parents’ words were like slaps, Liam Sterling’s words like knives, striking her face repeatedly. The gazes of the surrounding guests were like spotlights, leaving her nowhere to hide—pitying, mocking, gloating. Every single one of them screamed “pathetic.” She could even feel Clara Miller’s triumphant gaze, like a victor flaunting her spoils. In the past, she would have been so heartbroken she’d want to die. But now, she felt only peace. Aubrey gently set down her glass. As she turned, she heard someone whisper: “Look, her eyes are all red…” “She must be heading to the restroom to cry…” “How pathetic. Her biological parents and husband both favor the adopted daughter…” She didn’t stop, walking straight to the restroom. Her reflection in the mirror showed perfectly applied makeup, not a single tear shed. Because she had forgotten everything. She had forgotten how humbly she once begged for her parents’ affection, for Liam Sterling’s love. She no longer remembered how many times she had cast aside her dignity, just for a fleeting glance from them. These people, whom she once humbly looked up to, were now no different from strangers. Now, she simply needed to quietly wait for her immigration documents to be processed, and then learn to love herself properly. Aubrey reapplied her lipstick. Just as she was about to leave the restroom, she suddenly froze at the corner of the hallway. Not far away, Liam Sterling was pinning Clara Miller against the wall, kissing her deeply. His long fingers threaded through her hair, his other hand tightly gripping her waist, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones. Clara Miller’s head was thrown back, her fair neck forming an elegant arch. After what felt like an eternity, Liam Sterling finally released her, gently caressing her slightly swollen lips with his thumb. His voice was low, “Satisfied?” Clara Miller leaned into his embrace, her voice soft and sweet. “Liam, do you think I’m being too demanding? I’ve already accepted your family heirloom, but I still asked for a kiss… If big sister saw us, she’d probably be sad again.” “I’m just in so much pain. If that accident hadn’t happened back then, we would have been together…” Liam Sterling’s eyes were calm as he held her even tighter. “Her sadness has nothing to do with me.” “I never liked her, and I never will in this lifetime.” “It’s always been you, Clara.” With that, he lowered his head and kissed her again. Aubrey stood frozen, her heart clutched by an invisible hand, making it almost impossible to breathe. She raised a hand to her chest, thinking: *This must be the lingering warmth of my past love for him.* *Once this last ember dies out, there will be nothing left.* Liam Sterling and Clara Miller kissed for a full three minutes before turning to leave. Only after their figures completely vanished did Aubrey emerge from the shadows. She took a deep breath, straightened her dress, and prepared to return to the ballroom to get her bag and leave. But just as she entered the main hall, Clara Miller rushed over and grabbed her wrist. “Big sister, if you liked the ring Liam gave me so much, I could have given it to you. Why did you have to steal it?” Aubrey froze. “Steal what? What are you talking about?” “Don’t pretend!” Clara Miller’s eyes were red. “I just went to the restroom, and the ring was gone! The waiter said only you came near my bag!” Mr. and Mrs. Albright arrived, hearing the commotion, and without a word, Mrs. Albright slapped Aubrey. “Aubrey Hayes, you just can’t go a day without causing trouble, can you?!” Aubrey’s cheek stung, and before she could react, her mother shrieked, “Someone, search her!” Several waiters immediately surrounded her, roughly tugging at her dress. Aubrey struggled desperately. “I didn’t steal anything! Let go of me!” “Rip!” The sound of tearing fabric filled the air. Aubrey’s shoulder was exposed, and gasps and snickers immediately broke out among the guests. “Found it!” A waiter pulled the emerald ring from her bag. “It was in here after all!” Clara Miller took the ring, tears streaming down her face. “Big sister, what do you have to say for yourself now?” Aubrey trembled, about to speak, when the crowd suddenly parted— A steady footsteps approached from afar. She looked up to see Liam Sterling walking towards her, his polished dress shoes echoing on the marble floor. Each step felt like it landed directly on Aubrey’s heart. “Why would you steal it?” His voice was soft, yet it silenced the entire ballroom instantly. “Don’t you know I never considered you my wife?” Aubrey looked up, meeting his icy gaze. “Aubrey Hayes, some things don’t belong to you,” his thin lips parted, each word like a poisoned blade. “They never will.” Aubrey suddenly smiled. That smile made Liam Sterling’s brow furrow almost imperceptibly. He had seen her cry, seen her throw tantrums, seen her become hysterical, but he had never seen her smile like this—a smile of release, or perhaps mockery. “I didn’t steal it.” Her voice was soft, yet every word was clear. The ballroom chandelier cast tiny lights in her eyes, like tears, or perhaps stars. “And—” She took a deep breath, enunciating each word: “I don’t love you anymore!” Silence descended upon the hall. Everyone’s eyes widened, disbelieving their ears. Aubrey Hayes, the woman who had been desperate for Liam Sterling, saying she no longer loved him? All eyes focused on Aubrey, faces etched with shock. Only Liam Sterling stood before her, impeccably dressed, his expression cold, not a ripple in his eyes. “How many times have you played this game of push-and-pull?” His voice was low, laced with undisguised mockery. “I’ve told you, it doesn’t matter how much you act out.” He leaned slightly, his thin lips barely moving, each word designed to crush her last shred of dignity— “I don’t love you, and I never will.” With his words, the surrounding guests finally snapped out of their shock, and whispers erupted like a tide. “I knew it! How could Ms. Hayes suddenly stop loving Mr. Sterling?” “Right? She used to try to end her life over a hundred times just to get him to look at her!” “Tsk, tsk, how pathetic and tragic…” Aubrey clenched her hands, her nails digging deeply into her palms, but she felt no pain. She opened her mouth, wanting to say it again— She wasn’t playing games. She truly, deeply, didn’t love him anymore! But before she could speak, Mr. Albright sharply interrupted. “Excuse me, everyone. It’s our fault for failing to raise our daughter properly, allowing her to commit such a shameful act of theft!” He waved his hand coldly, instructing the bodyguards, “Take her and throw her in the hotel’s cold storage. Let her freeze there overnight to clear her head!” Aubrey’s pupils contracted sharply. She suddenly looked up. “I told you I didn’t steal anything…” But no one listened to her explanation. Two bodyguards stepped forward, roughly seizing her wrists. She struggled desperately, but then a sharp pain shot through the back of her neck! She stumbled backward, her vision blackening, after being struck by the bodyguard’s bat. In the last second before losing consciousness, she met Liam Sterling’s eyes. He stood there, watching her coldly, not even a flicker of emotion on his face. Later, Aubrey was awakened by a biting cold. Frost coated her eyelashes, and her breath misted in the air. Her limbs were stiff with cold, her blood felt like it had congealed. The cold storage unit was minus thirty degrees Fahrenheit, and she was only wearing a thin slip. Her exposed skin was already turning blue-purple. “Can’t die…” She struggled to move her body. “I can’t die…” Her immigration documents would be ready soon. She had to leave this place. Soon, she could start a new life. She used all her strength, inching her way to the cold storage door. Her fingers, purple with cold, desperately pounded on the heavy metal door. “Help… me…” “Is anyone out there… help me…” Her voice was hoarse and unrecognizable, but there was no response from outside. Until— “Stop knocking.” A soft, laughing voice drifted from beyond the door. Aubrey froze. It was Clara Miller. “Everyone’s celebrating my birthday party right now, who has time to bother with you?” Clara Miller chuckled, her voice laced with unconcealed triumph. “Oh, and here’s something funny—” “Today’s your birthday too, isn’t it?” “Too bad no one remembers.” Aubrey bit down hard on her lip, the taste of blood spreading in her mouth. “I’m being celebrated in a lavish ballroom, while you’re freezing to death here…” Clara Miller laughed softly. “What if you’re a real heiress, Aubrey Hayes? What if I was just an orphan adopted from a welfare home?” “You’re still beneath my heel.” Aubrey closed her eyes, a metallic taste rising in her throat. Just then, Clara Miller’s phone rang. She seemed to intentionally put it on speaker, allowing Aubrey to clearly hear the voice on the other end— “Clara, where did you go?” It was Liam Sterling. His voice was low and gentle, with a tenderness Aubrey had never heard directed at her. “I feel a little dizzy…” Clara Miller’s voice immediately turned delicate. “I’m in the lounge…” “Wait there, I’ll be right over.” The call ended, and silence returned to the cold storage. Hearing Liam Sterling’s tender voice towards Clara Miller, Aubrey slowly closed her eyes. For some reason, she suddenly recalled the long nights she had written about in her diary. On the yellowed pages, the words were blurred by tears, each stroke her own despair etched onto the paper. She wrote about Liam Sterling booking an entire revolving restaurant for Clara Miller’s birthday, just so she could see a snowfall; She wrote about him staying by Clara Miller’s bedside all night when she had a fever, even missing his company’s IPO bell-ringing ceremony; She wrote about the tender warmth in his eyes when he looked at Clara Miller, like melting spring snow, while his gaze on her was only icy frost. So many days and nights, she had been like a pathetic voyeur, hiding in the shadows, watching them fall in love. Thankfully, now, she finally no longer loved him. This realization made Aubrey’s lips twitch, and she succumbed completely to the darkness. When she next awoke, Aubrey found herself in her mansion bed. Loud, exaggerated laughter and cartoon dialogue drifted from outside the door, the volume so high it seemed to shake the walls. She propped herself up and, pushing the door open, saw Clara Miller sitting cross-legged on the living room rug, snacking on chips, laughing uncontrollably at the TV. “Big sister, you’re awake?” Clara Miller turned, still smiling. “Oops, sorry, was my anime too loud?” She deliberately crunched her chips loudly. “I’ve felt a bit stuffy these past few days, and the air here in the mansion is so good. Liam said I could stay a few days to recuperate… You don’t mind, do you, big sister?” Aubrey instinctively looked at the sofa— Liam Sterling was sitting there, his long fingers flipping through financial reports, his expression cool and focused behind his gold-rimmed glasses. The TV was blaring, yet he didn’t even frown. Aubrey suddenly remembered something written in her diary: 【He lost his temper again today because I was eating an apple beside him. He said the chewing sound bothered his work and told me to leave.】 【Remember, from now on, when he’s in his study, even my breathing must be quiet.】 And now… Clara Miller rustled her chip bag loudly, exaggerated battle sounds boomed from the anime, but Liam Sterling didn’t even lift his head. The difference between love and not loving was so stark. She was about to speak, but Liam Sterling suddenly spoke first. “If it weren’t for that accident back then, this home would have been yours.” His tone was cold, his gaze still fixed on his documents. “She’s merely taken what isn’t hers. You don’t need to ask her permission.” “Right, no need to ask my permission,” Aubrey said calmly. “You can stay as long as you like.” Liam Sterling’s finger, turning a page, paused slightly. He finally looked up at her, his gaze behind his glasses subtly narrowing. This wasn’t like her. Normally, she would either cry hysterically or suppress tears with red eyes, never this… calm. But this slight anomaly only lingered in his mind for a second. He returned his gaze to his documents. After all, he never dwelled on anything related to her, much less cared. Aubrey didn’t care what he thought, simply closing her bedroom door. All day, Aubrey locked herself in her room, listening to the incessant, grating noises from outside. Clara Miller cranked the TV volume to maximum to watch variety shows, walked around on the hardwood floors in high heels, and even opened one of Liam Sterling’s treasured bottles of red wine to go with fried chicken. Every single one of these actions was typically a huge trigger for Liam Sterling. Once, she had accidentally bumped his bookshelf and earned a cold glare; walking too loudly in slippers would earn her a frown and a sharp correction; let alone touching his red wine… But now, she clearly heard Liam Sterling merely say, “Eat slowly, no one’s taking it from you.” Aubrey finally emerged for dinner. The dining table was already laden with dishes. Clara Miller sat beside Liam Sterling, her eyes curved in a radiant smile. “Liam, these are all my favorite dishes!” “Yes,” Liam Sterling’s gaze was tender. “I haven’t forgotten a single one of your preferences.” Clara Miller’s face flushed. She turned and saw Aubrey standing by the door, immediately calling out, “Big sister, come eat!” Aubrey silently walked to the opposite end of the table and sat down. At this moment, Clara Miller seemed like the lady of the house, and she, Aubrey, merely an uninvited guest. She took a forkful of the dish in front of her. After two bites, her throat suddenly felt itchy. She frowned, tried another dish, but the discomfort only grew more intense. “Big sister, what’s wrong?” Clara Miller suddenly exclaimed. “Why do you have red spots on your arm? Are you having an allergic reaction?” Aubrey looked down to see her arms indeed covered in red rashes. Her breathing became increasingly rapid. She tried to speak but no sound came out. She struggled to point to her bag, where her emergency medication was. Clara Miller frantically rose to check, but accidentally knocked over a steaming hot soup bowl— “Ah…” The scalding soup splattered all over Aubrey’s already rash-covered arm, and the intense pain brought tears to her eyes instantly. She saw Liam Sterling rush forward in a single stride, but it was— To shield Clara Miller in his arms! “Did you get burned?” He anxiously checked Clara Miller’s hand, his voice dripping with tender concern. “How could you be so careless?” Aubrey’s vision blurred in and out. Before losing consciousness, the last thing she saw was Liam Sterling’s retreating back, cradling Clara Miller… When she woke again, she was in a hospital bed. A nurse was changing her IV drip. “Your allergy was so severe, you almost died. And you have second-degree burns. Why haven’t any family members come to see you in two days?” Aubrey opened her mouth, but then heard whispers from outside the door: “I heard Mr. Sterling booked the entire floor?” “Yeah, all for Ms. Clara Miller’s minor burn.” “He spoils her so much. By the time he gets here, her wound will have already healed…” Aubrey slowly closed her eyes. “I don’t have any family.” The nurse looked as if she wanted to say more but eventually left silently. No sooner had the room quieted than her phone rang. Aubrey fumbled to answer it. A voice, old but full of vigor, came from the other end: “Girl, it’s Grandpa.” Aubrey froze. In her diary, Liam Sterling’s grandfather seemed to be the only elder who had been kind to her. “Girl, I know all about what’s been happening recently,” Grandpa Sterling’s kind and concerned voice came through the phone. “You’ve suffered. Since Liam married you, he should treat you well. Don’t worry, Grandpa will stand up for you.” This was the first time since losing her memory that Aubrey felt genuine concern and affection. Her nose stung, and she almost shed tears. “It’s okay, Grandpa, I’m fine.” “You always make my heart ache, girl,” Grandpa Sterling sighed. “You’re an heiress, but after being kidnapped, you suffered so much. Your parents don’t care about you, in fact, they’re better to their adopted daughter. And Liam, too…” “All these years, you’ve given so much for him. He’s picky and hard to please, yet you learned a whole set of massage techniques; for that limited edition tea set he loved, you traveled to over a dozen cities to find it; when he was hospitalized with a stomach ulcer, you cared for him sleeplessly for three days and nights; when his mother passed away, you handled the entire funeral… Yet he treats you so coldly, unable to give you his true heart. He *will* regret it!” Aubrey stared blankly at the sterile white ceiling. She didn’t remember any of these things, but just hearing them made her heart throb with pain. “Alright, Grandpa needs to go for a check-up now,” the old man finally said. “Remember, if you ever need anything, just call Grandpa to back you up.” Shortly after the call ended, the hospital room door was violently pushed open. Liam Sterling stood at the doorway, impeccably dressed, his eyes icy. “First, you have an allergic reaction and attempt to end your life, then you go running to Grandpa for help. Aubrey Hayes, besides ending your life and calling Grandpa, do you have any other tricks to get my attention?” Aubrey wanted to explain, but seeing his mocking gaze, she ultimately just said softly, “I didn’t deliberately attempt to end my life. I forgot I was allergic to peanuts.” “Forgot about a peanut allergy?” Liam Sterling sneered. “Why don’t you say you forgot who you even are?” Aubrey quietly looked at him. Yes, she had forgotten who she was. She had forgotten the Aubrey Hayes who had been so humble for love, forgotten the profound despair of those years, and forgotten… the deep-seated love she once had for him. But she didn’t say a word of it. Perhaps due to Grandpa Sterling’s pressure, Liam Sterling grudgingly stayed to “care” for her. But it was less care and more a form of torment. When her IV dripped blood back into the tube, he ignored it. When hot water scalded her hand, he remained indifferent. Even when she struggled to breathe and pressed the call button, he was only concerned with calling his assistant: “Has Clara Miller’s burn been redressed?… Hmm, send over the best scar cream.” The most ironic part was that even though she no longer loved him, Aubrey still felt suffocated. She couldn’t imagine how her former self, who had been so desperately in love with Liam Sterling, had endured years of this daily torment. Sycamore leaves drifted outside the window. She suddenly remembered the words written on the last page of her diary: 【If one day I stop loving you, it will be because my heart has died.】 Now, she realized, the Aubrey Hayes who wrote that line had probably died long ago, in countless nights of neglect. On the day of her discharge, the hospital room was empty. Aubrey knew Liam Sterling had gone to Clara Miller again. In three years of marriage, the days he spent by her side could be counted on one hand. She was used to it, silently waiting for her immigration documents to be approved. During this time, Clara Miller’s Ins feed was constantly updated— Swiss skiing, the Eiffel Tower, island sunsets… In the photos, Liam Sterling’s gaze was blindingly tender. The latest post showed Liam Sterling at the foot of a snowy mountain, his long fingers gently adjusting Clara Miller’s scarf, bending down to tie it tightly, while Clara Miller leaned into his embrace, her smile radiant. The caption read: 【He said he wants to show me the whole world.】 Aubrey calmly scrolled past, as if looking at a stranger’s feed. Three days later, the immigration office finally called, informing her that her documents were ready. She immediately took a taxi, picked up her passport and visa, and then went to the law firm to collect her divorce agreement and declaration of severed parental ties. Everything was in order. She could finally leave this place for good. Aubrey carefully folded the divorce agreement and the declaration, tucking them into the innermost pocket of her bag. Just as she zipped it shut, her phone screen lit up. Clara Miller: 「Big sister, let’s talk.」 Aubrey: 「About what?」 Clara Miller: 「You’ve occupied the position of Mrs. Sterling for three years. Isn’t it time you gave it back to me?」 Aubrey let out a cold laugh, and replied directly: 「It’s already yours.」 She sent the message, then tossed her phone into her bag and walked home without a backward glance. When she pushed open the front door, the motion-sensor light in the entryway didn’t come on. She frowned, fumbling for the switch on the wall. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through the back of her head— Before consciousness fully faded, she heard Clara Miller’s voice talking to a man. … When she next awoke, a biting wind lashed her face. Aubrey’s eyes snapped open, and she found herself dangling over a cliff edge! Rough ropes dug into her wrists, and below her was a bottomless abyss. She struggled to turn her head, realizing Clara Miller was also suspended not far from her, her face deathly pale, trembling violently. “Awake?” The kidnapper stood nearby, a cigarette dangling from his lips, sneering. “Don’t worry, your men will be here soon.” No sooner had he spoken than the roar of an engine echoed from a distance. Several black SUVs sped towards them, braking sharply at the cliff edge. The car doors opened, and Liam Sterling strode out. He wore a black trench coat, his expression grim, his presence chillingly oppressive. “Here’s the money, release them,” his voice was low, carrying an undeniable command. The kidnapper grinned. “As expected of Mr. Sterling, straight to the point.” He took the box handed to him by a bodyguard. After confirming the amount, he waved his hand. “I’ve given you the people. Mr. Sterling, you can save them yourself.” With that, he and his crew left without another word. Aubrey hung suspended in mid-air. The rope was already starting to fray, and loose stones crumbled from the cliff edge, falling into the bottomless darkness. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stay calm. “Liam! I’m so scared!” Clara Miller cried, tears streaming down her face. “Save me…” A bodyguard quickly assessed the ropes, his face grave. “Mr. Sterling, the ropes won’t hold much longer. We can only save one person right now.” Liam Sterling didn’t hesitate for a second, walking directly towards Clara Miller. At the same time, Mr. and Mrs. Albright’s car arrived. They scrambled out, seeing the scene at the cliff edge, and immediately cried out, “Clara!” “Save Clara first! Quick! She’s fragile, she can’t take this kind of ordeal!” Mrs. Albright’s voice was shrill, almost breaking. Mr. Albright rushed over to help. The three of them worked together, quickly pulling Clara Miller up. Meanwhile, on Aubrey’s side, the rope had begun to make a groaning, snapping sound. “Crack!” She suddenly plunged down a section, the loose stones at the cliff edge tumbled down, disappearing into the bottomless darkness! “Ma’am!” A bodyguard lunged forward, desperately gripping the rope. The rough hemp rope dug into his palm, blood dripping between his fingers, but he finally managed to drag her up.

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“Summer, your resignation has been approved by Kieran, but he didn’t seem to notice it was *you* leaving. Should I remind him?” Hearing the news over the phone, Summer slowly lowered her gaze. “No, it’s fine as it is.” “But you’ve been his secretary for four years. You’re the one he’s most satisfied with, the one he can’t do without. Are you really sure you don’t want to reconsider?” Ms. Albright pleaded earnestly, but Summer just smiled. “No one is indispensable in this world. My parents aren’t in good health, and I’m busy heading back home to settle down, maybe finally find someone. Since Kieran approved it, I’ll follow the procedure and hand over my work. I’ll be gone in a month. Thanks.” After hanging up, Summer continued to clear out her belongings. She had lived in this villa for three years. She didn’t have too many things, nor too few. Aside from the essentials, she was throwing everything else away. As she watched the room slowly empty, she felt a momentary lapse, and countless memories surged forth. Eight years ago, Summer, an ordinary small-town girl from a modest background, got into the University of Northwood. She quickly became best friends with Isla, the heiress of the powerful Thorne family, a prominent name in Newport City. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two girls instantly clicked. They were inseparable, attending classes, eating meals, and shopping together every day. Slowly, Summer was drawn into Isla’s circle. She met her family, and that’s when she fell for Isla’s older brother, Kieran. But she buried this secret deep in her heart, never telling anyone. After graduation, Isla went abroad to study. Summer stayed in Newport City, applying for jobs, and eventually became Kieran’s secretary, just so she could see him regularly. Until one unexpected incident, when Kieran was drugged. Summer was about to call for an ambulance, but he, unable to control himself, pushed her against the wall, his kisses raining down upon her. After a passionate night, she woke to find him by the window. His sharp, defined profile was partly obscured by the lingering cigarette smoke, making him seem both composed and utterly alone. Hearing her stir, he turned around, asking only one question. “Do you like me?” Summer instinctively wanted to deny it, but he spoke calmly. “Every time you see me, you blush. You remember every single preference and pet peeve I have. The moment you graduated, you came to work as my secretary…” “Don’t tell me all of that is a coincidence.” Every word he uttered made her face flush even deeper, whether from shame or guilt, she couldn’t tell. In the dead silence, he suddenly handed her a card. “Last night was an accident. I love someone else, I won’t reciprocate your feelings, and I can’t be responsible for you. Isla mentioned your family isn’t wealthy, so the money on this card should be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Just forget everything that happened.” Summer was stunned. Only then did she remember that last night, in bed, he had been repeatedly calling out a name. Seraphina, Xu Qingyao. According to Isla, Seraphina was Kieran’s unforgettable first love. He loved her so deeply that even when she broke up with him and went abroad, even with a string of rumored boyfriends, he insisted on waiting for her to come back. Summer remembered Isla once complaining. “Our Thorne family is usually so cold and unfeeling, how did my brother turn out to be such a hopeless romantic? He’s waited all these years, saying that anyone else besides her would just be settling, and he refuses to settle.” She deeply resonated with those words. Remembering them now, she suddenly mustered her courage and called out to Kieran, who was about to leave. “I don’t want your money. I just want you to give me a chance. Kieran, please, try being with me. If she doesn’t come back, or even if… she does come back, but you still haven’t moved on from her, then on that day, I will leave on my own.” Facing her eyes, which were filled with love, Kieran paused for a few seconds. He simply said, “Suit yourself,” and left. From then on, Summer was his secretary by day and his private bed partner by night. Their countless scandalous moments were left in his office, his Maybach, and even against the villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Four years passed. No one knew about their hidden relationship, and she accepted it, content in her role. Until a few days before his birthday. Summer had prepared many surprises, wanting to celebrate with him. But by midnight, she didn’t see him. Instead, she saw an Ins post. “The best birthday gift is to find what was lost.” Kieran, who never posted on Ins, had shared a photo of himself kissing Seraphina under a sky full of fireworks. Seeing that picture, the color drained from Summer’s face, and her heart clenched. She clung to one last sliver of hope and called him. It was Seraphina who answered. After Summer said “hello” several times without a reply, Seraphina called out to Kieran. “Kieran, who’s this Summer calling you, not saying anything?” A moment later, his deep, soft voice came through the speaker to Summer. “No one important. Don’t worry about it, honey. Go back to sleep.” In that moment, Summer knew it was time for her to exit the stage. She packed her belongings, planning to leave, but ran into Kieran at the door. Since they used to sleep together every day, Summer stayed in his villa for convenience. But now, she couldn’t stay any longer. Seeing her holding her things, his gaze tightened slightly, but he didn’t try to stop her. “Found a place?” “Yeah, my old rental. I talked to the landlord, just for a month.” At that, Kieran’s brow furrowed slightly. “A month? Why?” Summer was about to explain, but he seemed uninterested, stating flatly, “I’ll drive you.” She wanted to refuse, but Kieran insisted. “The snow is too heavy, and it’s late. If anything happened to you, Isla would be upset.” Summer had no choice but to get in the car. They had been intimate countless times in this very car, but now, she almost didn’t recognize it. The car was filled with all sorts of cute stuffed animals. The seat covers had been changed to Hello Kitty, and snacks were everywhere… Summer could barely imagine that a man as decisive, stern, and self-controlled as him would decorate his car like this. Perhaps noticing her gaze, Kieran offered an explanation. “Seraphina likes these things.” Summer understood what he meant. After a long silence, she replied softly. “You finally got her back, Kieran. I’m truly happy for you.” Kieran hadn’t expected her to say that. His eyes darkened slightly, and he said nothing more. Midway, Seraphina called, saying she wanted to build a snowman with him. He pulled over, wanting to rush to her, but then hesitated, looking at Summer beside him. Summer knew what he was worried about and opened the car door herself. “Kieran, I’ll take a taxi home.” Kieran grunted, getting out to help her with her things. Her hand slipped, and the box fell to the ground. He bent down, and under the streetlight, his body stiffened for a moment as he saw the scattered items on the ground: love letters with his name on them that were never sent, candid photos of him taken at who knew when, and things he’d casually discarded that she’d secretly picked up and kept… Summer’s heart pounded, and she frantically gathered the items. “I’m so sorry.” Kieran said nothing, just got back in his car, and sped away. Summer waited alone in the snow for a long time, but no taxi came.

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0″Lucas, it’s your turn to choose,” my father said weakly from his hospital bed. I stood there, looking at his pale face, and replied softly, “Dad, I’m not choosing anyone.” My words, though quiet, sent ripples through the room like a stone thrown into still water. Ethan jumped up from his chair, his face a mask of disbelief. “Lucas, are you insane? Do you know what’s at stake here?” He strode over to me and hissed, “Dad’s company is going bankrupt. The Summers and the Song families are our only lifelines!” “I chose the Summers. You have to marry Sophia from the Song family. It’s your duty!” My duty? In my past life, I believed that too. I had married Sophia Song, the amnesiac heiress of the Song family, and cared for her for five long years. I treasured her, but when Ethan and I were kidnapped, she didn’t hesitate to push me towards the kidnappers’ knives. The pain of that cold blade piercing my heart still lingered in my body. Seeing that I remained unmoved, Ethan grew desperate. He turned to our father’s bedside, his voice rising with emotion. “Dad! Look at him! He’s deliberately trying to destroy our family!” “He’s always tried to take everything from me! Now he’s going to ruin us all!” My father’s face turned purple with anger. He pointed at me, struggling to speak. “You… you ungrateful child,” he wheezed. “Your brother has sacrificed so much for this family. Why can’t you just do your part!” I clenched my fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. Yes, my brother had sacrificed his freedom for the Summers family’s financial support, gaining fame and fortune. And I was supposed to sacrifice my entire life to fill that bottomless pit? I glanced out the window. Sophia was leaning against the wall in the hospital corridor, her head bowed like a lonely statue. Even through the glass, I could sense the aura of brokenness she was deliberately projecting. Seeing my silence, my father thought I had given in. His face showed a hint of relief. “Then it’s settled. After your brother gets engaged to the Summers girl, you’ll…” “I said, I’m not choosing anyone,” I interrupted coldly. My voice was like a slap across everyone’s face. I turned to leave without another glance at them. “Stop right there!” My father issued his final ultimatum. “If you walk out that door today, you’re no longer my son!” I paused at the threshold, not looking back. “Good riddance,” I said. As I came out, Sophia looked up. Those eyes, feigning confusion and innocence, seemed to show a hint of genuine concern and pain. In my past life, those eyes had fooled me into utter ruin. I walked past her without a sideways glance. But she grabbed my wrist. “Don’t go,” she pleaded. “If they don’t want you, I do.” I looked at her, then suddenly raised my hand and gently tapped her forehead with my index finger. “You know what?” I said in a voice only we could hear. “Your act of pretending to have amnesia is really pathetic.” Her pupils contracted sharply. I watched as her eyes instantly turned sharp and cold, and I smiled. “Miss Song, your undercover game is over.” With that, I walked out of the hospital, leaving her rigid form behind. 0

The sky outside the hospital was gloomy, the cold wind cutting like a knife against my face. I took a taxi home, intending to pack up my belongings. As soon as I opened the door, the phone rang. It was the hospital. “Mr. Lu, your father… he just passed away.” I held the phone, feeling utterly calm. All the tears I had to cry were shed in my past life. I hung up and continued packing my things. Soon after, my phone started ringing incessantly. Annoyed, I picked up. Sophia’s voice came through, barely containing her fury: “Where are you? Your father is dead, and Ethan is so distraught he’s threatening to jump from the hospital roof!” “He’s asking for you specifically. Get over here right now!” I almost laughed. Ethan valued his life too much to ever jump. “If he wants to jump, let him,” I said coldly. “What’s that got to do with me?” “Lucas!” Sophia’s angry voice came again. “If it weren’t for your tantrum, your father wouldn’t be dead! I don’t care what you’re doing, get to Central Hospital now! Or face the consequences!” I couldn’t be bothered to deal with her anymore and hung up. Half an hour later, the villa’s door was kicked open. Sophia stood in the doorway, backlit, with over a dozen menacing bodyguards behind her. She saw the suitcase at my feet, and her eyes instantly turned vicious. “You’re leaving?” she asked. “None of your business,” I replied. She walked towards me step by step, those eyes that once entranced me now filled with terrifying anger. She grabbed my wrist, yanking me towards her. “Come with me to the hospital,” she demanded. “I said, I’m not going,” I repeated. She narrowed her eyes, the chill in them intensifying. “Lucas, don’t push me,” she warned. She forcibly dragged me out and shoved me into the backseat of a car. On the hospital rooftop, the wind was strong, making it hard to keep my eyes open. Ethan stood at the edge in a white shirt, looking down emotionally. “It’s all your fault, Lucas!” he screamed when he saw me. “You killed Dad with your selfishness!” “Why don’t you just die!” he shrieked. He shuffled towards me as he yelled. Sophia nervously followed behind me. “Ethan, calm down. Watch your step,” she cautioned. Just as Ethan passed by me, a flash of malice crossed his eyes. He deliberately rammed his shoulder into me hard, while pretending to stumble. “Ah! Sophia, save me!” he cried out. It all happened so fast. Sophia, without thinking, reached out and pulled the seemingly faltering Ethan into her arms. The force of his “stumble” knocked me off balance. My body tilted backwards uncontrollably, over the roof’s railing. “No!” I heard Sophia’s horrified scream. The sensation of falling from the fourth floor felt exactly like the moment of death in my past life. I closed my eyes, but a mocking smile tugged at my lips. Sophia, you chose him. Again. When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital bed. I looked at my right leg in a cast, feeling the excruciating pain inside. The door opened, and Sophia walked in, a hint of guilt on her face. “Ethan’s fine now, just a bit shaken up,” she said. “The doctor said your leg has a comminuted fracture. You’ll need to rest. I’ll take care of the medical bills and compensation.” I looked at her and suddenly laughed. “Sophia Song, do you think all the harm you cause can be fixed with money?” 0

Sophia seemed hurt by my laughter. Her brows furrowed. “Lucas, I know you’re angry, but Ethan didn’t mean to…” “Enough!” I cut her off. “I don’t want to hear anything about him. Please leave.” Just then, her phone rang. She answered, and her face instantly changed. “What did you say? Ethan’s been kidnapped?!” I laughed coldly to myself. What was bound to happen had finally come. In my past life, the international crime syndicate kidnapped Ethan to get revenge on Sophia for her undercover work. And to save her true love, she had used me as a scapegoat. Sophia hung up the phone and looked at me, struggling to speak: “Lucas, I’m sorry, but he can’t be harmed. He’s the only reason for my existence.” She suddenly seemed to make a decision, a look of determination flashing in her eyes. “Lucas, help me one last time,” she pleaded. “The kidnappers want Ethan, but they don’t know what he looks like. Go in his place.” I stared at her in silence, as if hearing the biggest joke of my life. She grew uncomfortable under my gaze and avoided my eyes. “I’ll give you a large sum of money, enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life…” “I’ll arrange everything, ensure your safety…” “And if I refuse?” I asked coldly. The last bit of warmth vanished from her eyes. “Then you don’t have a choice,” she said. She made a gesture, and two burly bodyguards entered, roughly lifting me from the bed and forcing me into a wheelchair. “Sophia!” I struggled, the pain in my broken leg making me see stars. “You’ll regret this!” I warned. She didn’t look at me, just stood with her back to me, her voice hard as iron. “I never regret anything.” The exchange point was an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. I sat in the wheelchair, pushed by Sophia herself. She told the kidnappers, “This is the Ethan you’re looking for. He’s the one I love.” Ethan was tied to a pillar. When he saw us, he immediately started crying dramatically. But I caught the flash of glee in his eyes. The lead kidnapper walked over with a sinister grin. “Well, Miss Song keeps her word. You’ve brought your precious sweetheart, so you can take this man back.” Sophia pushed me forward without hesitation. The kidnapper, true to his word, started untying Ethan. As the kidnapper grabbed my wheelchair and released Ethan, Sophia rushed over, pulling him into her arms and shielding him behind her. Seeing Sophia’s triumphant smile, the kidnapper instantly realized he’d been tricked. He yanked me out of the wheelchair, pressing a knife to my throat. “You dare play me?” he snarled. “Want to see him die right now?!” However, Sophia looked utterly unconcerned. “Do what you want. I don’t love him anyway.” The kidnapper’s eyes bulged with rage. The sharp blade pressed against my skin, drawing a line of bright red blood. Just then, the warehouse doors were smashed open from the outside. Dozens of blinding flashlight beams shot in, momentarily blinding everyone. In the split second the kidnapper was stunned, a bullet whizzed by, precisely hitting his knife-wielding hand. Blood splattered as the kidnapper screamed in pain, the knife clattering to the ground. Immediately after, a figure dashed over, kicking the kidnapper away with one swift move. A clear, urgent voice rang out beside me: “Lucas! Don’t be afraid! I’m here!” 0

I turned towards the voice, meeting a gentle gaze. It was Olivia. She knelt before me, carefully cradling my hand, her voice trembling. “Lucas, I’m so sorry I’m late.” Looking at this face, both familiar and strange, my tears finally broke free. She was my best childhood playmate. Years ago, when Olivia’s family fell on hard times and had to move abroad, she had woven a ring from a blade of grass and put it on my finger, solemnly vowing, “Lucas, I’ll come back to marry you when I grow up.” After my rebirth, the first thing I did upon leaving the hospital was to send that ring overseas. I was betting that she still remembered that promise. It seems I won that bet. Olivia slipped that grass ring back onto my finger, then lifted me into her arms. Her sharp gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Sophia. “You’re Sophia Song, right?” Olivia’s voice was cold as ice. “What did you do to my man?” She took my hand, leading me forward. As we passed by Sophia, the dried grass ring on my finger, now clearly visible, flashed before Sophia’s eyes. Her pupils contracted sharply! She suddenly remembered, years ago, a little boy with a dirty face but the brightest eyes she had ever seen. He wore an identical grass ring on his finger. She had teased him then, “Who gave you this? It’s so ugly!” “When I grow up, I’ll give you one covered in diamonds!” she had promised. But the little boy had hidden his hand behind his back protectively, saying in his childish voice: “Big sister Olivia made this for me. It’s not ugly at all!” Later, Sophia had gone to great lengths to investigate, and all clues had pointed to the younger son of the Lu family. From that moment on, she had mistaken Ethan for that boy from her memories, her childhood’s only pure love. But now… That grass ring had appeared on Lucas’s finger, and his “Big sister Olivia” turned out to be Olivia herself! She had been wrong about everything from the very beginning! “No…” A desperate cry escaped Sophia’s throat. “Lucas!” She let go of Ethan and walked towards me. I looked back at her one last time and smiled gently. “Sophia Song, it’s too late for you to realize now!”

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