It was the tenth year since Chloe, my best friend, and I transmigrated to this world. She told me that if she died, she could return to our original world. With those words, she jumped from the top of a skyscraper. Blood splattered all over her husband. The man who’d been cursing her as shameless just moments before let out a guttural wail. I, on the other hand, watched impassively as my husband, the Godfather of this mafia empire, stood next to his first love. I think it’s time for me to go home too. When Chloe plunged to her death in front of me, I had actually prepared myself. But the sheer amount of blood still stung my eyes. That night, Chloe’s face haunted my dreams. She smiled beautifully, then tears of blood streamed down her face. I woke up with a gasp, my shirt drenched in cold sweat, clinging uncomfortably to my skin. A maid waiting outside the bedroom stepped forward to help me change, but I waved her off. “Get me some hot water. I need a bath.” I remembered when we first arrived in this world, Chloe always complained about how primitive bathing was here. Not like back home, where a quick shower got you clean in minutes. Now, she was gone clean, too. Chloe and I were childhood best friends, so close our parents once suspected we were a couple. Little did they know, we both had our own crushes and often shared dating tips. One day after work, we met up to go to a bar. We got into a car accident on the way and woke up here. We had been chosen by some mysterious force, thrown into this trial of fate. The rules of this world told us that as long as we fulfilled the mission given to us, we could go home. It even gave us a chance to choose our destiny. Chloe, at the time, was so charmed by Arthur, dressed in his crisp white suit, that she insisted on making him her target. I was left with no choice but to pursue Dante, the struggling second young master. We went through countless hardships, Chloe and I nearly died several times. Fortunately, Arthur and Dante were best friends, and our goals aligned. When we finally helped Dante seize control of the family, I gave up my title as chief operative, content to assist him by his side. Chloe also married Arthur. They opened the most popular dessert shop in the main district, becoming the financial backbone of the entire organization. We both thought our mission was accomplished. But that mysterious force simply said, “The trial continues.” As Chloe and I wondered what was next, Dante’s and Arthur’s idealized first love, Seraphina, returned to the main district. Neither Chloe nor I had ever heard of this Seraphina. We asked that force, and only then did we learn she was a childhood playmate of our partners. Apparently, Seraphina had been gravely injured saving Dante, almost dying, and was sent abroad by her family to recuperate. She hadn’t appeared in the main district since. That force didn’t know why Seraphina suddenly returned either. “The trajectories of fate hold deep meaning. The chosen need only follow the natural course. When all debts are paid, and all fates resolved, then, and only then, will you return.” That cold, emotionless voice immediately grabbed my attention. Even then, I felt Seraphina’s appearance would turn our lives upside down. Chloe, however, naively thought it was no big deal. She continued to revolve around Arthur every day, paying no mind to Seraphina. I remembered Chloe’s agonizing eyes at the end. She hated pain more than anything since she was a child. The moment she jumped without hesitation, I was genuinely terrified. I never expected her to choose such a desperate path. In truth, I had no idea if Chloe’s method could actually return us to our original world. That voice had never told me that death was an escape from this trial. If Chloe couldn’t go back, I didn’t even want to think about it. But I knew one thing: this score, I would settle it, sooner or later.

“Valerie! Valerie! Tell me, what did Chloe say to you in the end?” Arthur burst in while I was changing after my bath. His usually handsome and gentle face was now as pale as a ghost. His eyes, fixed on me, looked as if they could weep blood. I adjusted my shirt, a cold sneer playing on my lips. I had no intention of responding to him. “Valerie! Say something!” Arthur actually dared to step forward and grab me. I shoved him away, but unfortunately, he didn’t fall. Seraphina followed close behind, catching him. “Valerie, I know you’re upset about Chloe’s death, but don’t take it out on Arthur. What kind of power is it to bully someone like this?” I glanced at Seraphina. Her eyes weren’t exactly friendly. If you looked closely, you could even see a hint of provocation. “What are you, a nobody? Talking to me like that? Get lost.” “You!” “Valerie! Are you insane!” Before Seraphina could say anything more, Godfather Dante strode in. What a lively morning in my apartment. This was the first time since Seraphina came back. “Dante, don’t be angry. Valerie must be too heartbroken.” Seraphina put on her usual act of helpless vulnerability, which made my stomach churn. “Valerie, please, I’m begging you, just tell me, okay?” I had forgotten Arthur was still there. He tugged at my sleeve, filling me with disgust. “Chloe said her biggest regret in this life was choosing you.” With that, I ignored Arthur’s reaction and prepared to leave this hateful room. Arthur, upon hearing my words, started muttering “Impossible, impossible” like a madman and rushed out. I, meanwhile, was grabbed by the arm by Dante. “Valerie, you haven’t apologized to Seraphina yet.” I was too stunned. He must have lost his damn mind. “Godfather, it’s fine. Valerie is so powerful, your chief operative, a woman of such high standing. I’m just… nothing compared to her.” Seraphina’s words, feigning humility, flowed out again. And Dante, of course, fell for it every time. “I am the master of this family, and Seraphina, you are my savior. Naturally, you are far nobler than anyone else.” Dante’s icy words struck my heart. How utterly heartless. I looked at Dante’s handsome face and remembered the first time I met him. I had been in this world for a month then, and Chloe had already crossed paths with Arthur. Guided by that voice, I approached Dante. At the time, he was an unfavored second young master. Although he was the previous Godfather’s son, his father didn’t like him. In the family, an unfavored son was worse off than a regular subordinate. I met Dante in the garden, being bullied by other henchmen, during a family gathering with my father. His face was bruised and scarred, but his eyes were like those of a bloodthirsty wolf. At that moment, I was quite pleased with the destiny that voice had arranged for me. I saved him, taking him under my protection. I used the family’s influence to push him, step by step, to the position of Godfather. For him, I fought countless battles. Even Chloe once suffered a severe injury saving him, nearly dying. Arthur, for once, even had a furious argument with Dante over it. That was when I thought Arthur truly cared for Chloe. But I was wrong. Dante’s attitude now… it really made it hard not to go after him. “The Godfather speaks truly. Since Seraphina saved your life, she’s naturally beyond compare. Unlike Chloe, who nearly died blocking a bullet for you, and now… well, her death was a fitting end, wasn’t it?” I finished coldly,甩開Dante’s hand, no longer caring about their reactions, and left the apartment.

I returned to my stronghold. Chloe and I had come to this place together. This was our home. I had arranged for her body to be brought here. I would hold her funeral in the stronghold. I absolutely would not allow Arthur to defile her again. I stood by Chloe’s coffin, a chilling sadness in my heart. Chloe had always been my sunshine since she was a child. Lively, cheerful, pure of heart. She always preferred mature, strong men. Arthur happened to be that kind of man — outwardly gentle, but with a forceful personality. Chloe truly fell in love with him later on. Chloe once even giggled and told me she didn’t want to go back. She wanted me to stay with her too. But even such a pure Chloe was now forced into an uncertain fate between life and death. How could I not hate them? Chloe and I had vastly different personalities. I had always been one to hold grudges, to exact an eye for an eye. If someone even dirtied my shoes, I’d make sure to ruin something of theirs. How much more so now, when I’d been humiliated and trampled on? I just wondered if they could truly withstand my wrath. “Chief Operative, Arthur is at the gate, insisting on coming in.” My subordinate came in to report. I had already guessed Arthur wouldn’t give up easily. But his belated affection meant less than dirt. Arthur had long since lost his chance. “Arthur, I won’t let you disturb Chloe again. And you don’t need to cause a scene here.” I stood in the main hall, coldly looking at the disheveled Arthur. “Valerie! Chloe was my wife, you can’t stop me!” Arthur cried out, his voice hoarse. The corner of my mouth turned up in a half-smile, half-sneer. “If I’m not mistaken, you tore up your marriage certificate a long time ago.” When Seraphina first returned, for some reason, she always seemed to be at odds with Chloe. Incidents of her provoking Chloe behind her back were endless. Chloe, furious, taught her a lesson, only for Seraphina to run and tell tales. Arthur argued with Chloe over it many times. Chloe never said much during these arguments; she just came to me to drink in silence. Once sober, she would continue to dote on Arthur, showering him with care. I fumed at her meekness, wanting to stand up for her several times, but she always refused. Until one time, Chloe accompanied Arthur to a dinner party at the main manor, and Seraphina cornered Chloe in the back garden. I don’t know the exact details of what happened then. When we arrived, Chloe and Seraphina were both being pulled out of the swimming pool. Seraphina immediately knelt before Dante. “Godfather, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have angered Ms. Chloe and argued with her. I fell in myself, Ms. Chloe didn’t push me.” Again, her feigned vulnerability. Chloe watched her coldly. It was the first time I’d seen that expression on Chloe’s face. Before Dante could speak, Arthur stepped forward and demanded to know what had happened from Chloe. I only heard Chloe’s hoarse voice ask him, “That signet ring, did you give it to her?” Arthur froze, and I was equally surprised. The signet ring was a symbol of Chloe’s family heritage; she had given it to Arthur as a token of their love. “It’s pure gold, and Seraphina’s health isn’t great. They say it can ward off the cold. Since you gave it to me, I can do with it as I please.” Chloe scoffed, “Do you even know I’m your wife? You gave the token you gave me to another woman?” In front of so many people, Dante couldn’t allow them to argue, so he ordered them to go home and sort it out. What happened after they went back, I don’t know. I only know that the next day, a distraught Chloe found me, saying Arthur had torn up their marriage certificate.

Sure enough, at the mention of the marriage certificate, Arthur instantly fell silent. His expression was pained, but I didn’t care. I was about to ask my people to escort him out when I heard Arthur mutter to me like a madman. “Let me see Chloe. Wasn’t she the chosen one? She’s not dead, is she?” At his words, my heart clenched. I almost suspected that Chloe, in her love-struck stupor, had spilled the beans about that voice to Arthur. “I know! She’s angry because I tore up the marriage certificate! She said then that she wanted to leave here and go back!” “Valerie, tell me, where did she go? I’ll go find her!” Hearing this, I was certain that Chloe, the fool, had accidentally let something slip, and Arthur had discovered some clues. But it didn’t matter; I wasn’t going to talk to him anymore. “Arthur, please leave. You are not welcome here.” With that, I gestured for my subordinates to show him out. But before they could escort him, Dante swaggered in with Seraphina. “Arthur, what’s wrong? Valerie is definitely in a bad mood right now. I told you not to provoke her, why didn’t you listen?” Seraphina’s feigned humility arrived right on cue. It made me want to plug my ears. Arthur, however, seemed to have had a switch flipped, and he stared intently at Seraphina. “It’s you! Chloe must be angry with me because of you!” Seraphina’s eyes widened, full of disbelief. “Arthur! How can you say that about me? Is Valerie biased against me again?” As she spoke, she didn’t forget to glance at me. She looked as if I had truly done something terrible to her. Dante stood there, watching me coldly, not saying a word. I didn’t even spare him a glance. Naturally, I couldn’t be bothered with Seraphina. I was just worried they would disturb Chloe’s peace. “You’ve all misunderstood me. Look, I even specially brought that signet ring, hoping it could be buried with Ms. Chloe.” Arthur looked at the ring in Seraphina’s hand, trembling as he tried to step forward. But I drew the pistol from my waistband and shot Seraphina in the hand. “AHHHHHHH! My hand!!!” My aim was precise. Seraphina’s hand, holding the ring, instantly became a bloody mess. “Valerie, are you insane!” Dante rushed forward to support Seraphina. “Quick! Call a doctor!” “Godfather, if you want to treat Seraphina, I’m afraid you’ll have to leave. You are not welcome here.” I held the gun, blocking their way. Dante’s face turned as dark as ink. “Valerie, you’ve gone too far this time! Do you really think I wouldn’t dare touch you?” “Godfather! It hurts! My hand! Why!!! Valerie, why!!!” Dante’s words were cut off by Seraphina’s wails. Watching her suffering, I only felt it wasn’t enough. “Your filthy hands don’t deserve to touch Chloe’s ring! That was her most important possession! Arthur, consider this me taking it back for her. Now, all of you, get out!” With that, I ordered my subordinates to drive them out. This stronghold was left to me by my father. No family member was allowed to force their way in. So Dante had no choice but to leave with his people. And my revenge had only just begun.

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My dad, Commander Grant, was a rescue team captain. He was leading his crew on a training expedition in the snowy mountains when they stumbled upon human remains, half-buried in a snowdrift. After reporting it to the police, his first call was to my adopted brother, Brandon, to tell him to cancel his hiking trip planned for a few days later. One of his teammates, Mike, reminded him, “Hey, Commander Grant, maybe call Leo too? Check on him?” But Dad just snapped, his voice laced with venom, “That damned demon! He deserves to rot out there!” What Dad didn’t know was that I was already dead. Those broken, shattered bones lying before him? They were my body. But he, my own father, didn’t recognize his flesh and blood. 0 “There are extensive marks of blunt force trauma on the bones, and the remains aren’t complete.” “It doesn’t look like an accident. This feels like murder.” My bones were carefully excavated from the snow. An experienced officer, Detective Miller, made the assessment immediately. My dad nodded, his face grim, promising to help find the missing remains. Before they started, he pulled out his phone and called Brandon. “Brandon, there’s been a homicide on the mountain. That climbing trip you booked? Cancel it. Don’t go out these next few days. Stay safe.” “Okay, Dad. I’ll be careful.” Brandon’s voice was warm on the other end, and Dad kept fussing over him with several more cautions. He only hung up when Brandon jokingly said Dad was going to wear out his eardrums. Officer Jenkins, another teammate, remembered something and asked Dad. “By the way, Commander Grant, I heard Leo also mentioned going on a climbing trip a few days ago. Maybe give him a call too?” Dad’s face instantly darkened, and he spoke with clear disgust. “Why even bring up that punk?” “A person who could be so cruel to his own mother, I wish he’d just die out there!” Even though I was already dead, a chill wind swept through my translucent body, making me shiver violently. So that’s how much Dad hated me. But then, why didn’t he recognize me? Why couldn’t he see that the sympathetic pile of bones everyone was looking at belonged to the son he despised with every fiber of his being? 0

The search operation lasted a day and a night. The rescue team scoured the entire mountain. Dad worked for 48 hours straight, without sleep. But still, only a few scattered remains were found. When Detective Miller came to question Dad, his expression was even heavier than before. “We’ve searched the entire mountain, and we’ve only found one leg bone.” “I suspect the victim was dismembered and discarded here.” Dad’s words shocked the officer. “So, the killer likely disposed of the remaining body parts somewhere else?” “Not just the bones, but other human tissue too. Don’t forget, we only have one leg bone so far.” “This is an extremely brutal murder. The killer is far more savage than we imagined.” Dad laid out all his findings. Detective Miller realized the gravity of the situation and, after a moment of silence, replied. “I’ll gather more personnel and expand the search area.” It was then that a teammate spotted a watch wedged in a rock crevice and brought it over. Seeing the watch, my previously low spirits suddenly soared. Dad had given me that watch for my birthday three years ago. He had to remember it! Soon, Dad would recognize me. I clenched my fists in excitement, eagerly anticipating the moment he’d know. But his eyes merely swept over the watch before he immediately handed it to Detective Miller. He told him it might be a personal item of the victim, suggesting he photograph it and post it online to quickly find relatives and identify the body. It was Officer Jenkins, standing nearby, whose eyes flickered with a hint of doubt. The next second, he spoke. “Commander Grant, why does that watch look familiar?” “I remember seeing Leo wear something similar…” Dad’s brows furrowed in displeasure. “There are plenty of identical watches in the world, Officer Jenkins. I don’t know what’s gotten into you today.” “Could it be that little punk asked you to speak up for him? He’s always been manipulative. Don’t fall for his tricks.” Officer Jenkins tried to say more on my behalf, but Dad was called away. Watching his busy back, my heart sank completely. Dad wasn’t like this before. He loved me too. But ten years ago, a dear friend of his passed away due to abuse from her alcoholic husband, leaving behind only her son, Brandon. Dad, ignoring my mom’s objections, brought Brandon home and cared for him as if he were his own son. My mom couldn’t accept it. She demanded a divorce. After a fierce argument, my mom took me to a high bridge, threatening to jump into the river below. The wind on the bridge was wild. I was so scared that I begged my mom to put me down. Later, she slept forever in the cold riverbed, but I survived. When Dad received the call from the water rescue team, he slapped me twice without a word. He called me a murderer, said I was the one who killed my mom. He declared that from then on, Brandon was his only son. He even stripped me of my family name, forcing me to go by Leo, a constant reminder of my supposed sin. I knew Dad hated me. Now that I was finally dead, he must be happy, right? 0

The search operation continued. The school office called Dad, saying I was missing. “Leo hasn’t been at school since yesterday evening. I asked his roommate, and they said he wasn’t there all day yesterday.” “Commander Grant, can you reach Leo? The school has already notified the police to assist in the search.” Ms. Albright’s voice on the phone was anxious, but Dad’s face only showed deep impatience. “Ms. Albright, Leo has always been a liar.” “He used to lie and skip classes all the time. Don’t worry about him; he’ll come back when he’s done playing around.” “But…” Ms. Albright tried to say more, but Dad had already hung up. Brandon was calling him. “Dad, I’m feeling a little unwell. When will you be finished?” The frown that had creased Dad’s forehead because of me instantly smoothed away. He replied patiently to Brandon’s question. “Dad still needs a little more time.” “Brandon, where do you feel unwell? Is it serious? Should Dad take time off to come home and be with you?” His patient words, his fussing attitude, made a pang shoot through my chest. Since Mom left, Dad had never spoken to me in such a gentle tone. He always called me a murderer, saying our family broke apart because of me. But Dad, I was your own son. I wanted your concern too. Even just one word. That evening, Dad still took time off and went home. Watching Brandon on the bed, with a dedicated nanny attending to him 24/7 and a professional doctor on standby whenever he felt unwell, Dad’s eyes overflowed with undisguised concern. “Brandon, how are you feeling?” “Dad!” Brandon exclaimed, his eyes full of delight. He leaned in and hugged him. Watching their heartwarming father-son moment, even as a ghost, my chest ached. But I had no tears. I could only watch Dad fuss over Brandon in bed. After a long while, Brandon lifted his head from Dad’s embrace, his eyes darting around speculatively as he tentatively asked Dad. “Dad, didn’t you say the search operation would take several days?” “Have all those dismembered bodies been found?” Dad’s expression froze, and he instinctively asked. “How do you know the bodies were dismembered?” My spirits, which had been low, suddenly brightened, and I looked at Dad with anticipation. Even if Dad didn’t recognize the watch he’d given me, he couldn’t possibly miss such an obvious clue, could he? But Brandon easily diffused the tension with a single sentence. “I saw it on the news.” “Dad, that person is so pathetic. I wonder how sad his family will be when they find out.” “It is pathetic, but we haven’t confirmed the victim’s identity yet. His family… probably doesn’t know about his passing.” Dad echoed Brandon’s words, completely unaware of the fleeting glint of triumph in Brandon’s eyes. The hope that had finally risen in my heart was snuffed out. Dad, it was me! You’d already noticed a discrepancy, and you still couldn’t recognize me? 0

Dad stayed home with Brandon for a full day. It wasn’t until midnight that a call came from the rescue team, reporting a major discovery at the base camp down the mountain and urging him to return immediately. Dad hurriedly put on his clothes to leave, but Brandon, holding the model plane Dad had given him when he first arrived, appeared, looking at him with teary eyes. “Dad, it’s thundering outside. I’m scared…” Seeing the anxious look on Brandon’s face, a flicker of hesitation crossed Dad’s eyes. Just as it seemed Brandon would successfully keep him home, Officer Jenkins, on the other end of the line, sent dozens of photos from the scene. With just a glance, Dad’s pupils constricted sharply. He quickly reassured Brandon. “Let the nanny stay with you. I’ll be back soon.” Then he bolted downstairs, racing straight to the scene. When Dad arrived at the base camp and was about to enter the scene, Officer Jenkins, who had arrived earlier, stopped him. “Commander Grant, I advise you not to go in…” But Dad pushed his hand away. “I’ve been in rescue for so many years. What kind of situation haven’t I seen?” “Move!” The next second, when he rushed into the scene and saw the well cordoned off by caution tape, he couldn’t help but run to the side and throw up violently. The well reeked of decay. Bloated, decomposed body parts were being retrieved, unrecognizable. Beside them lay a pile of marked, sealed bags containing the murder weapons. There was a hammer, an axe, a saw. Even a heavy grindstone. The police said these were the tools the killer used on the victim. And not just for dismemberment. “These tools were used on the victim repeatedly while he was still alive.” “We found multiple bloodstains at the scene, as well as skin tissue embedded in the rocks, likely left by the victim struggling against the pain.” “He was tortured to death.” “The victim’s information has also been largely deduced: male, a fractured left leg bone consistent with a canine bite. The victim likely had mobility issues…” With each word, Dad’s eyes grew darker. Dad, was he feeling sad for me? The next second, Officer Jenkins seemed to remember something and suddenly spoke. “Commander Grant, I recall your son Leo also had a slight disability in his left leg, and his build… I remember it being similar to this kid’s.” “Officer Jenkins!” The sympathy in Dad’s eyes vanished, replaced by deep anger and displeasure. “What has that punk been telling you? You’ve been mentioning him quite a lot lately!” “I told you, even if that punk dies out there, it has nothing to do with me!” “Besides, someone so desperate to cling to life, who could watch his own mother die, how could he ever die?” Officer Jenkins tried to say more, but Dad had already walked away. The next second, a police officer nearby received a call from the school. “Commander Grant, Leo’s school reported him missing.” But Dad grabbed his phone and smashed it violently on the ground. “Enough! Are you done yet?!” “The victim is already in such a horrible state, and you’re still playing these childish games with that punk!” “If he wants to play missing, let him! Solving this case is what’s important!” The officer tried to say more, but Dad’s phone suddenly rang. Brandon’s voice came through. “Dad, the thunder is really loud, I’m so scared…” Hearing Brandon’s voice, Dad immediately began to reassure him. “Good boy, Brandon. Dad’s coming home now.” But he hadn’t taken more than a few steps before the officer behind him called out. “Commander Grant! Come back!” Dad was forced to stop. It was Ms. Albright, who had arrived despite the heavy rain. She brought the surveillance footage from the day I left school. The red jacket I was wearing was identical to the victim’s!

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A week before the wedding, my fiancée Luna said she had to hold a wedding ceremony with her first love, Adrian, before she could marry me. Because Adrian’s father had passed away, and his dying wish was to see them married. But the company had already decided to launch the True Love jewelry collection on the day of our wedding. She said impatiently, “It’s just a few tens of millions. How can that compare to keeping a promise? If you really want to earn those tens of millions, go find someone else to marry.” Faced with her cold words, I understood everything. I turned and dialed my brother Cameron’s number. “Help me find a new bride.” Cameron asked in disbelief, “You’re calling off the engagement?” “No. She’s marrying someone else.” I smiled bitterly. To be with Luna, I’d spent so much effort convincing my parents to support us, and had even scheduled the True Love jewelry collection launch for our wedding day. But now, it had all come to nothing. Cameron was stunned for a long time before saying, “Then there’s only Vivian. Her family’s pressuring her hard, and she’s been looking for a marriage prospect lately too.” I frowned. Vivian was my rival. On my engagement day, she’d said that my marriage wouldn’t last—and now her words had come true. Time was tight. I could only say, “Let’s go with her then. Ask if she’s interested. If not, I’ll figure something else out.” My brother was quick to respond, “No need to ask. She’ll definitely agree.” “What?” Before I could ask more, a group of people surrounded me. “You must be Luna’s fiancé! You’re so handsome!” “You’re here to pick up Luna after work, right? She’ll be down soon. You two are so in love.” I gripped the steering wheel, lowering my eyes to hide the self-mockery in them. Luna had introduced me to her colleagues and friends years ago. In everyone’s eyes, we were an enviable couple. But who would have thought she was about to marry someone else? After saying goodbye to everyone, Luna got in the car and handed me a tie. “Adrian wanted me to give you this. You embarrassed him at the funeral yesterday. Find time to apologize to him.” This tie was obviously a freebie that came with a purchase. I’d seen it in Luna’s shopping cart a few days ago. I said flatly, “I don’t want it.” Luna frowned. “What are you fussing about now? You’re the one who crashed the funeral and said I wasn’t his fiancée, embarrassing him. He didn’t even hold it against you and still thought to bring you a gift. How can you be so ungrateful?” The woman who used to protect me no longer existed. Now she cherished someone else. Luna irritably opened the window for air. After a long while, seeing I wouldn’t humor her, she finally said, “Fine. I won’t argue with you today since we’re going to try on your tuxedo.” This was the first time she’d backed down this year. At the boutique, the staff greeted us: “Miss Luna, Nolan, your custom-ordered twenty tuxedos and wedding dresses are ready.” But Luna’s eyes weren’t on the clothes. She was looking down at her phone, her face showing some urgency. Noticing my gaze, she quickly put away her phone, a trace of apology on her face: “Nolan, something came up with Adrian. I have to rush over immediately. Try on the tuxedo yourself. Just pick a wedding dress for me—I trust your taste.” With that, she hurriedly hailed a cab and left, leaving me alone. The staff approached cautiously. “Mr. Nolan, will you be selecting the wedding dress yourself?” I withdrew my gaze and nodded. Of course I’d select a wedding dress—just not for Luna. After all, the bride had changed. I got in the car and drove home. I thought Luna would be out all night, but I saw her before dinner. She strode over to me, holding a takeout box. “I ran all over the city to buy this for you. Late-night snacks from Patisserie.” I looked at the box of cream puffs. There were three fewer than usual, and one had a bite mark on it—clearly someone had already taken a bite. Half an hour ago, I’d seen Adrian post on social media. The photo showed the exact box I was holding. “My darling went out of her way to buy me a late-night snack. Thank you, darling!” I set down my fork with self-mockery, instantly losing my appetite. “Don’t want it. Throw it away.” Luna immediately looked at me with displeasure, but she held back her anger and sat beside me to complain: “You have no idea how pitiful Adrian was today. My parents went over and yelled at him for not being able to afford a proper wedding. He was so upset.” “Adrian just returned to the country and doesn’t have much money. I want to use the wedding budget you prepared and give it to him first.” Her tone left no room for objection, making me feel sick. I looked at her mockingly. “So I’m supposed to pay for your husband’s wedding?”

I used to care about Luna. As long as she asked, I’d give her anything, do anything for her. But now she’d woken me up herself. Thinking carefully, ever since Adrian returned to the country, everything she’d done was for him. She’d forgotten that I was the one meant to spend a lifetime with her. My response angered Luna. “What do you mean by that? You’re not willing? You’d better understand—Adrian is my best friend. You’d better make him happy, or I won’t marry you!” With that, she slammed the door and left. Feeling frustrated, I went downstairs to run in the park. After just one lap, I got a call from Vivian. Thinking of Vivian with her perpetually stern face, I hesitated for two seconds before answering. “Once you’re on my ship, you’re my man. Try to run and I’ll drag you back!” Vivian’s first words were a critical hit. I stayed silent. She continued: “Send me your ID first. We’re going to the courthouse to register our marriage.” “I’m afraid you’ll back out.” Vivian, something’s wrong with you. I’d already imagined ten thousand scenarios of her using marriage as a convenient way to torture me. In the end, I could only manage: “See you at the wedding, Vivian.” The moment I finished speaking, Luna appeared behind me out of nowhere: “You’re inviting Vivian to our wedding? I won’t allow it!” She stared at me as if facing a great enemy: “Nolan, didn’t I tell you not to associate with Vivian? She has ulterior motives toward you. If you insist on inviting her to our wedding, don’t blame me for turning hostile!” I hadn’t said a word, yet she’d already issued her ultimatum. Luna had never liked Vivian, bearing some inexplicable hostility. When we first got together, we even had fights because Vivian and I constantly bickered on social media. Later, I gradually cut off contact with Vivian. But she actually said… Vivian had ulterior motives toward me? I was about to ask more when Adrian suddenly spoke. “Luna, you’re pinching me…” Only then did I notice their fingers were interlaced as they strolled. Luna coughed unnaturally twice but made no move to pull her hand back. Adrian looked at Luna with deep affection, then apologized to me with feigned helplessness: “Nolan, I’m sorry. Luna and I are rehearsing the wedding ceremony in advance. Please don’t mind.” “I won’t tell anyone about you hiring people to beat me up or vandalizing my father’s grave, but please don’t hurt Luna. True feelings can’t withstand such tests.” I didn’t want to watch his performance. I turned to leave: “Since you’re so eager, I’ll hire someone to beat you up tonight and destroy your father’s grave!” Slap! Luna hit me. “Nolan, how can you be so vicious?!” Her brows darkened and her chest heaved. I’m vicious? One sentence from someone else and she believed it, but my five years with her couldn’t earn me half her trust. I suddenly felt a surge of anger and wanted to question Luna, but Adrian blocked her: “Nolan, please, I’m begging you. As soon as the wedding’s over, I’ll give Luna back to you.” “Please show mercy. Don’t hurt the people around me, and don’t hurt Luna anymore.” He made as if to kneel before me. Luna quickly wrapped her arms around his waist, preventing him from kneeling, and glared at me furiously. “Nolan, stop playing your rich boy bullying games!” “You know I hate this kind of thing most. If you still want to marry me, stop making trouble!” With that, she warned me not to appear before them again until after the wedding. Unexpectedly, Luna contacted me the very next day. She launched into a tirade: “Nolan, did you really vandalize Mr. Foster’s grave?! I never thought you were this kind of person!” Confused, I called my assistant to investigate, but the investigation uncovered something shocking. Adrian’s father… wasn’t dead.

No wonder Adrian could act this way, using his own father’s grave to frame me. Turns out the death was a hoax. I sent Luna a text: “Adrian’s father isn’t dead. The truth is in the email I sent you.” Whether she looked at it or not was no longer my concern. The plane ticket was booked for three days later. Vivian booked it herself. When Luna came back, she saw me packing. Half my clothes were being thrown out, a small portion shipped to South City. “Why are you packing already?” Luna’s expression was puzzled. I gave her a perfunctory answer: “Moving.” She was silent for a moment, not catching anything wrong, and said to herself: “The headquarters is in South City. We’ll have to settle there after the wedding. Makes sense to pack early.” Then she fixed me with a stern look. “Apologize to Adrian about his father as soon as possible. Don’t make things difficult for me. Do it on the wedding day. What do you think?” After saying this, she tossed her phone aside and went to find her documents. Today was the day she and Adrian were registering their marriage. She didn’t come back until evening. I opened my phone to find a message from Adrian. The photo showed Luna and him wearing matching outfits, sleeping in the same bed. I closed my eyes, my heart unable to help but ache. I suppressed that emotion and turned off my phone. Late at night, my phone vibrated every hour. Each vibration was Adrian sending me videos of him and Luna, taunting me. Until the next morning, when Vivian sent me a message. “Nolan, the flowers bloomed. Come back.” The photo showed two marriage certificates. And a brilliant red peony in full bloom. I never expected she’d still be caring for the flower I’d casually given her years ago. Inexplicably, a strange emotion rose in my heart. I replied with one word: “Okay.” I put down my phone to pack my work files and laptop. I didn’t know when Luna had returned. She was packing her daily necessities. “I’m moving in with Adrian for a few days. He’s too busy preparing for the wedding alone. Remember to show up on time the day after tomorrow. Don’t be late.” After that, she explained at length, basically saying she was just helping normally and telling me not to cause trouble again. “Mm, I won’t go.” I said with downcast eyes. After last night, the last bit of affection I had for her had completely dissipated. Luna looked at my calm demeanor, and a nameless panic swept through her. She suddenly felt hesitant. But thinking of Adrian, her grip on her phone loosened. Nolan loved her so much—what could possibly change? With that thought, she breathed a sigh of relief, stopped pestering me, and disappeared from my view. I watched her departing figure and made a phone call. That evening, a helicopter landed in the plaza. A man approached. “Mr. Nolan, the helicopter you ordered has arrived. It will safely deliver you to South City in half an hour.” I nodded, then handed him a document envelope. “Deliver this envelope to the wedding venue tomorrow. It’s my wedding gift to the bride and groom.”

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On our wedding anniversary, my sister Lila miscarried because of a slap I gave her. Everyone called me vicious and cruel. “When you do something wrong, you have to face the consequences.” My husband Ethan and my parents forced me to sign divorce papers, then sent me to jail. The day I got out, Ethan and Lila were getting married. I didn’t show up to cause a scene at their wedding like everyone expected. Instead, I boarded a train to another city and disappeared without a trace. … Seven years later. I unexpectedly ran into Ethan at the entrance of a small-town hospital emergency room. Just then, a child’s voice suddenly piped up behind me. “Mommy, how much longer? My tummy is so hungry.” Staring at the little face that looked so much like his own, Ethan’s eyes instantly turned red. “Whose child is she?” He was a patient’s family member, bringing his pregnant wife here for threatened miscarriage. And I was the on-duty doctor in the emergency room. “Clara?” Recognizing me, Ethan froze, instinctively looking at my palm. There was a shocking scar there. “You…” His Adam’s apple bobbed twice. The question he wanted to ask got stuck in his throat when he saw my cold, emotionless eyes. His gaze shifted to the child beside me. I moved the child behind me protectively and said to him coolly: “Family members please wait outside.” My eyes were calm, revealing no emotion whatsoever. As if I were looking at just another ordinary patient’s family member. After the emergency treatment ended, I carefully explained the post-procedure precautions to him. Ethan seemed to be listening attentively, nodding constantly, but his expression was clearly distracted. Finally, he asked a completely unrelated question. “After you got out, why didn’t you come home? We were all worried about you.” “And this child…” Just then, a nurse called for me. I nodded politely at Ethan, took my daughter’s small hand, and quickly left. “Mommy, who was that man just now?” My daughter looked back curiously. My voice was flat: “A patient’s family member.” “He looked like he was crying. He kept watching us.” I didn’t break stride: “You saw wrong.” The nanny who usually took care of my daughter had an emergency, so I had no choice but to bring her to the hospital. Fortunately, the nanny just called me. She’d finished her business and would be here soon to pick up my daughter. That evening, emergency cases kept coming in. I stayed busy until late into the night before finally dragging my exhausted body back to my office. I didn’t expect Ethan to still be waiting at the door. I frowned slightly: “Does Mr. Walker need something else?” The overly distant form of address made Ethan daze for a moment. “Mr. Walker can rest assured, Mrs. Walker’s condition isn’t serious. If there are no problems after observation overnight, she can be discharged tomorrow morning.” My tone was no different from how I spoke to other patients’ family members. Perhaps it was the words “Mrs. Walker” that touched some nerve in him. I clearly saw Ethan’s eyes redden, emotions churning. He seemed to have a thousand things to say, but his lips moved twice, and in the end, he only managed to say two words in a hoarse voice: “Thank you!” “If Mr. Walker has nothing else, I’ll be leaving now. If anything comes up, you can find the other on-duty doctors.” I nodded slightly and turned to leave. As I passed the nurses’ station, a young nurse grabbed me with a gossipy expression. “Dr. Reed, that was Ethan Walker, Manhattan’s most famous lawyer, right?” I nodded: “Yes.” “I heard Attorney Walker has never lost a case since he started practicing. They call him a legend in the entire legal field.” “Handsome, gentle, and rich—Mrs. Walker is so lucky. I heard they came here specifically to pray at the mountain temple for the baby Mrs. Walker is carrying.” As the young nurse spoke, her eyes showed undisguised admiration for Ethan and undisguised envy for Mrs. Walker. I smiled without saying anything. The current Mrs. Walker was indeed very fortunate. She had a husband who loved her, parents who doted on her, and a baby about to be born. She was practically showered with endless love and favor. Almost no one knew she was the other woman who had successfully taken the original wife’s place. My phone vibrated, snapping me back to reality. [Sorry, something urgent came up at the company. I’ll come get you a bit later.] I curved my lips slightly and replied: [You handle your business first. I’ll take a cab home.] Almost as soon as I sent the message, I received a reply: [Be careful on the road. Remember to text me when you get home.] Putting away my phone, I only then noticed it had started snowing outside. After waiting a long time, the ride-sharing app showed no available drivers. “Beep beep!” A car horn sounded behind me. A black Porsche Cayenne slowly stopped beside me. I recognized it as Ethan’s car at a glance. Because his license plate number was my sister Lila’s birthday. And my birthday was only one day later than Lila’s. The passenger window slowly rolled down, revealing Ethan’s sharp jawline. “Get in. I’ll give you a ride.” Looking at the still-spinning ride-sharing app, I only hesitated for a few seconds before opening the back door and getting in, giving him my apartment complex’s name. I was truly tired today and wanted to get home and rest early. And with the sudden weather change, the scars on my palm and abdomen were both painful and itchy. Since there was a ready car available, I might as well use it. Ethan had a strong sense of territory. Once upon a time, I wasn’t even allowed to put a small decoration in his car. But now. Inside the car, the air was filled with the scent of gardenias—Lila’s favorite. Everything in view was decorated in Lila’s favorite pink. Seeing me sit in the back, Ethan laughed self-deprecatingly: “So you really are treating me like a driver?” My voice was flat: “Just don’t want your wife to misunderstand.” The words “Mrs. Walker” were like a silencing spell. All the words Ethan wanted to say were swallowed back down. The car fell into suffocating dead silence.

I said nothing more, turning my head toward the window. Outside, lights and shadows flickered. In a trance, I found myself recalling that day seven years ago. That darkest day of my entire life. That day was our third wedding anniversary. I was away on a business trip but flew home overnight to surprise him. Instead, I accidentally stumbled upon Ethan and my sister Lila’s affair. They were in my marital home, in my marriage bed, tangled together. They were so lost in their passion that they didn’t even notice me standing in the doorway for a long time. Until Lila accidentally turned her head. “Clara!” Lila’s eyes widened as she cried out in shock. I thought Ethan, caught in the act, would be panicked or at least look guilty. But I was wrong. Ethan didn’t rush to explain to me. Instead, he gently pulled the blanket over Lila, covering the glaring intimate marks all over her body. “I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow?” Not only did Ethan show no guilt, his tone was actually reproachful. Back then, my temper was fiery. I couldn’t tolerate even a grain of sand in my eye. In that instant, resentment and rage nearly burned away my rationality. I became hysterical like a madwoman, attacking them with the most vicious words, smashing everything breakable in the room. The room was a complete mess. Lila cowered behind Ethan, trembling with fear. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to. Your husband and I just couldn’t help ourselves.” Lila’s voice carried an obvious sob. At this moment, her eyes were misty with tears, like a fragile white lotus flower, innocent and helpless. Completely different from the passionate, unrestrained woman on the bed just moments ago. Ethan carefully shielded Lila behind him, looking at me with condemning eyes. “You’re scaring Lila!” “Look at yourself right now. How are you any different from a lunatic?” I thought I was the one going crazy. I sent photos and videos of Lila and Ethan to our family group chat. I wanted everyone to see their ugly faces. Who would have thought, the moment the video was sent, my parents called with scolding words. “Clara Reed, have you lost your mind?” “Delete those photos and videos right now! If others see them, how will Lila ever show her face in public again?” My parents had always favored Lila. Just because Lila had been kidnapped on the street when she was little. She wasn’t found by my parents until she turned eighteen. To make up for all those years of loss. Dad and Mom were especially indulgent and doting toward her. And they demanded that I accommodate my sister in everything, always putting Lila first. Even our birthdays—because mine was only one day after Lila’s, my parents forcibly required me to celebrate a day early together with her. But the birthday cake always only had Lila’s name on it. But I never imagined that even in this matter, my parents would unconditionally protect Lila. “Divorce Ethan.” My sister had an affair with my husband behind my back. Not only did my parents not blame her, they forcibly demanded I divorce Ethan. “Why should I?” I demanded unwillingly. Lila was clearly the one in the wrong. Why should I be the one to give up my husband to her? My parents’ favoritism had gone completely off the rails. My chest felt like it was being pressed down by a huge rock, making it impossible to breathe, almost suffocating. “Lila is your sister. As the older sister, you should accommodate your younger sister.” As if dissatisfied with my feigned ignorance, Mom frowned, her tone extremely impatient. I instinctively looked at Ethan, at the man I had once loved as much as life itself. However, Ethan only looked at me coldly. He had no intention of explaining. Lila leaned weakly against Ethan’s chest. “Clara, Ethan doesn’t love you anymore. We truly love each other. Please, I beg you, let us be together.” “You know he’s your brother-in-law?” Consumed by rage, I slapped Lila hard across the face.

Lila’s body swayed and she fell toward the coffee table nearby. Lila cried out in pain, her face contorted as she clutched her lower abdomen. “Lila!” Ethan’s expression changed dramatically. “My stomach, my stomach hurts so much.” Lila’s face was deathly pale, her voice trembling. Ethan scooped Lila up and rushed toward the hospital. As he passed me, his eyes were as vicious as if I had committed some unforgivable crime. But I knew very clearly that Lila had hit the table herself just now. That was also when I learned. Lila and Ethan had been sleeping together for a long time. They even had a child. After several hours of emergency treatment, the child still couldn’t be saved. “Are you satisfied now?” Dad’s face was flushed red with anger. He raised his hand and slapped me hard across the face. Dad had used his full strength with that slap. My cheek burned with pain, my eardrums ringing. But the physical pain was less than one ten-thousandth of the pain in my heart. Everyone blamed me for causing Lila to lose her child, forcibly demanding I kowtow to Lila in apology. Of course I wouldn’t agree. The consequence of my stubbornness was this: Ethan and my parents put pressure on the hospital where I worked. The promotion that was within reach evaporated just like that. They even used this as leverage to force me to sign divorce papers. Then I was sent to the detention center by the three people closest to me. “When you do something wrong, you have to face the consequences.” “When you realize your mistake, then we’ll bring you home.” I laughed bitterly in my heart. Home? What home did I have left? The moment I discovered Ethan and Lila’s affair, my home was gone. After I went in, I was deliberately targeted. I ate rotten food, drank dirty water. I was also frequently subjected to unprovoked beatings… While I was being tortured to the point where life seemed worse than death, my husband and my parents were accompanying my sister on vacation abroad. It wasn’t until a month later when they returned that they heard I had nearly died inside. After a full eight hours of emergency treatment, I was finally pulled back from death’s door. When Ethan and my parents rushed to the hospital, I had already been sent back to my room. However, when they saw me on the hospital bed—emaciated, barely human in form from the torture— Ethan’s first words were actually: “Do you know you were wrong now?” “Don’t forget you still owe Lila an apology. You can use your recovery time to think about how you’re going to apologize to her. Because of you, Lila has been in a terrible mood. She almost developed depression.” Ethan’s voice was cold and hard, his tone as indifferent as if I were just some unimportant stranger. They say the greatest sorrow is a dead heart. If my heart had died when Ethan and my parents sent me to the detention center, Then after hearing Ethan’s words just now, my heart died even more completely. In that moment, I lost all desire to argue. My tone was flat, devoid of any emotion: “I was wrong.” I was wrong. Wrong to have been blind enough to fall in love with a cold-hearted, ruthless man like Ethan. Wrong to stupidly expect my parents’ love when I knew they were biased. Ethan kept glancing at me through the rearview mirror, several times wanting to speak but holding back. Until the car stopped at the entrance of my apartment complex. I opened the door and got out, thanking him politely: “Thank you!” Just as I turned around, Ethan finally couldn’t hold back and called out: “Clara!” I stopped and turned back around, quietly waiting for him to continue. “How can you live in a place like this?” “All these years, have you… been struggling?” As Ethan spoke, he surveyed the surroundings of the complex. The lighting was dim, the rickety iron gate covered in rust. The exterior walls of the building were mottled and dilapidated. His eyes reddened, his voice hoarse: “Do you want me to help you…” “No need. I’m doing fine. Thank you for your kind offer.” I didn’t understand. The person who had been so ruthless to me, who forced me to divorce and sent me to jail—why was he now putting on this deeply sincere act?

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To help his childhood sweetheart who desperately needed money for cancer treatment, my husband volunteered to pay ten million dollars for her virginity. I was about to object, but he shut me down with a lecture. “Vivian has always been so proud and strong-willed. If we just gave her money outright, she’d see it as charity and it would hurt her self-esteem.” “Can’t you have a little compassion? Are you really going to be jealous over something this trivial?” I said nothing, just smiled and nodded in agreement. He had no idea. As an infectious disease specialist, I had already spotted the warning signs. She didn’t have cancer. She was in the late stages of AIDS. When Adrian came home, it was already past midnight. He casually removed his shirt, inadvertently revealing the scratch marks on his back. I froze in place, unable to speak for a long moment. He was the first to break the silence: “It was Vivian’s first time. It’s normal for her to react intensely.” I clenched my fists. Unable to hold back, I couldn’t help but ask: “Did you at least use protection?” He shook his head indifferently: “Vivian took medication beforehand. Stop worrying about nothing.” At those words, my tightly wound heart sank completely. Just then, Adrian’s phone rang. It was Vivian calling, her voice tearful: “Adrian, I’m suddenly bleeding a lot. I’m so scared…” Hearing this, he immediately panicked. He rushed to reassure her: “Don’t be afraid, I’m coming right now. I’ll be there in ten minutes!” Despite feeling utterly devastated, I still couldn’t help myself. I reached out to stop him. I was going to tell him about Vivian’s true condition. But he shook me off with an annoyed expression: “I already told you, I’m only doing this to help Vivian. If there was really something between us, would I have even let you know about it?” He glared at me, quickly changed his clothes, and headed for the door. Before leaving, he turned back and tossed out: “Wash my clothes and underwear. They got blood on them. They’ll be harder to clean if you leave them too long.” The door slammed shut. After Adrian left, I stared blankly at our wedding photo on the wall. All these years, I’d been by his side as he built his business from nothing. From a rental room smaller than ten square meters to a luxurious penthouse in the city center. I knew every hardship we’d endured along the way, each one etched in my heart. Adrian had been, by most measures, a decent husband. After his startup earned its first big profit, the first thing he did was give me the wedding ceremony I’d never had. He even had a ring custom-made for me. The diamond on the ring wasn’t large, and it had a tiny flaw. Despite that, I’d always treasured it. But this very man—the “good husband” everyone admired—had done the thing that hurt me most. Without any protection, the infection rate after high-risk sexual activity was virtually one hundred percent. Though I was furious, I ultimately couldn’t bear it. He still had seventy-two hours. If he took post-exposure prophylaxis in time, he could still effectively avoid infection. I was about to call him to remind him. But just then, a new post appeared in my feed. It was from Vivian, just posted: “I thought married men were supposed to be restrained. Turns out someone showed me zero mercy.” The photo showed her neck and shoulders covered in bite marks. It seemed like a complaint, but it was really a brag about how intense things had been between her and Adrian. More than that, what caught my eye first was the ring on her finger—glaringly bright. The ring was almost identical in style to mine. Except the diamond was larger, more flawless. My heart trembled. I found the serial number engraved inside my wedding ring and called the brand’s customer service. After checking, the representative politely informed me: “Mr. Harris did previously order a diamond ring from our brand, but the first batch had defects, so we remade it for him later.” She paused. “Ms. Sullivan, we’re very sorry for any inconvenience. Is there anything else you’re unhappy with?” I forced down my emotions and softly denied it, then hung up. So this wedding ring had been custom-made for Vivian all along. What I received was nothing more than a defective product. In that moment, I felt like someone was strangling me. It hurt. I couldn’t breathe. I had loved the wrong man. But at least I could cut my losses now.

While I was still reeling, Adrian suddenly called me. His voice was frantic: “Honey, Vivian’s body is covered in red rashes, and she has swollen lymph nodes. What’s going on?” “You’re a doctor—does she need to get tested for this?” Hearing his description, I became even more certain. After being infected, Vivian had never taken medication to control the viral load in her body. Based on her current symptoms, she wasn’t just in the late stages of AIDS. She’d likely also contracted other infectious diseases. Like syphilis. On the other end of the line, Adrian kept pressing: “Honey, give me a straight answer!” I bit my lip and finally replied calmly: “It’s probably just common complications. She should be fine after a few days of rest.” With that, I hung up. Outside, the night was deep. I put on gloves and carefully collected Adrian’s clothes. I walked to the balcony and burned them completely. I knew full well that Adrian’s infection was only a matter of time. Living under the same roof with him, if I wasn’t careful, I could get infected too. To avoid tipping him off, for now, I could only avoid him as much as possible. Early the next morning, I quickly packed my bags and left. Then I sent Adrian a message, claiming I had to travel out of state for work and wouldn’t be back for half a month. After settling into a hotel, I opened a monitoring app on my phone that I’d never used before. A few months ago, the apartment complex had upgraded its security system. They’d sent workers to install surveillance cameras in every unit. Adrian wasn’t home at the time, and I’d been too busy with work to tell him. Soon, my phone connected to the bedroom feed. But what I saw made my blood freeze. I’d only been gone half a day, and Adrian had already brought Vivian home. Right now, she was wearing my pajamas, sitting cross-legged at my vanity, opening my expensive face cream. She didn’t apply it to her face. Instead, she scooped out a large chunk and slowly rubbed it onto her feet. Then, finding that too much trouble, she actually stuck her toes directly into the jar and stirred them around. Adrian was lying nearby, completely ignoring her behavior. “Adrian, these skincare products aren’t cheap. If she finds out, won’t she be upset?” Vivian said this, but her hands didn’t stop moving. Adrian slowly sat up, naturally wrapping his arm around her waist, his expression doting: “That face of hers doesn’t deserve such expensive products anyway. Might as well use them on your feet.” As he spoke, he hooked his finger under the ties of Vivian’s pajamas. “It’s the same pajamas, but somehow they look so charming and seductive on you. Not like that frumpy wife of mine—she looks like she’s wearing a potato sack no matter what.” Vivian leaned into his embrace, laughing delightedly. When I saw the two of them rolling into bed, I quickly shut off my phone. If I kept watching, I was afraid the filth would reach me through the screen. Soon, half a month had passed. I took post-exposure prophylaxis in advance, put on a mask, and steeled myself to return home. I’d notified Adrian ahead of time, so I figured he’d at least have the decency to send Vivian away first. But when I opened the door, I saw she was still there, lounging on the sofa, eating my expensive imported fruit. I suppressed my anger and looked at Adrian: “Adrian, you brought an outsider to live in our home without even consulting me?” Before he could answer, another voice came from the kitchen: “This house was bought by my son. He can let whoever he wants live here. It’s not your place to interfere.” I was startled. That’s when I realized my mother-in-law was here too. She gave me an impatient glance and immediately positioned herself protectively in front of Vivian: “Besides, Vivian is not an outsider.” “She’s carrying a baby now—she’s the most precious person in the Harris family!” Hearing this, I shuddered involuntarily. A woman with AIDS… pregnant…

When I looked at Adrian again, he deliberately avoided my gaze, his lips moving slightly: “Honey, you know my mother has always wanted a grandchild, but all these years… you’ve never gotten pregnant.” Just then, Vivian spoke up timidly: “Victoria, don’t blame Adrian. It’s all my fault. Last time I mixed up my birth control pills with my vitamins and accidentally got pregnant.” “If you’re disgusted, I’ll go to the hospital right now and terminate the pregnancy…” Her eyes reddened as she made to stand up. My mother-in-law immediately flew into a rage. She stormed up and slapped me hard across the face: “Victoria Harris, are you trying to make my son childless? Let me tell you, if anything happens to Vivian’s baby, I’ll never forgive you!” From that slap, my ears rang. I covered my face, unable to react for a long time. Turning my head, I saw three place settings on the dining table. Seeing this, my mother-in-law spoke matter-of-factly: “I didn’t know you were coming back. I only prepared lunch for three!” I understood her implication. I bit my lip and turned to leave. My mother-in-law slammed the door hard behind me. But I could still hear her deliberately raised voice from inside: “Son, you’re a billionaire CEO. You should have divorced that barren woman long ago.” “She’s the one beneath you now, wasting all these years of your life!” With my back against the door, I suddenly laughed. Years ago, to support Adrian’s startup, I worked at the hospital during the day and washed dishes at the night market for extra money. Every cent I earned went to him. How ridiculous. Adrian’s mother had always put me down, and he’d never defended me once. The stinging pain on my face hadn’t faded, but my heart had gone numb. Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out to see a message from a colleague: “Victoria, I got someone at the CDC to pull Vivian’s medical records.” My brow furrowed as I quickly opened it. Though I’d expected it, seeing the long string of data still left me stunned. Vivian’s late-stage AIDS combined with third-stage syphilis was what I’d basically confirmed already. But I never imagined that besides those two, she carried over a dozen other infectious diseases. Though these diseases were primarily transmitted through blood and sex, close contact in daily life, sharing towels and utensils, or even contact with broken skin could all pose infection risks. Fortunately, this wasn’t something I needed to worry about. After all, the ones who’d suffer were someone else entirely. I simply requested an extended leave from the hospital, collected myself, booked a flight, and headed to the seaside town I’d always wanted to visit. On the twentieth day away from home, Adrian called: “Victoria, where have you been all this time? There’s a limit to throwing a tantrum, you know.” When I didn’t respond, his tone softened further: “Don’t take what my mother said to heart.” He paused, seemingly weighing his words: “Honey, Vivian and I have already discussed it. After she gives birth, I’ll give her a sum of money and send her abroad. She’ll never come back.” “You’ll be the child’s mother from then on, and we’ll stay together.” I verbally agreed with Adrian’s words, pretending to be moved to tears. After hanging up, I immediately pulled up the home surveillance feed. In the video, Adrian was holding Vivian, his voice full of smugness: “Don’t worry, I’ve got Victoria handled.” “Once you have the baby, I’ll divorce her. A woman who can’t have children has no right to compete with you.” My mother-in-law beamed beside them, handing Vivian a bowl of tonic soup: “My son is so clever! Keep that jinx stable for now so she doesn’t make a scene and disturb your pregnancy.” “Vivian, eat more. You must give birth to a baby boy!” Watching this “heartwarming” scene, I laughed until my sides hurt. With Vivian’s wrecked body, they expected a healthy baby? It would be a miracle if she even survived to delivery. These two lived and ate with her without any precautions whatsoever. They’d probably already been thoroughly marinated in viruses.

Sure enough, a few days later, Adrian called again. Only this time, his voice carried obvious panic. “Victoria, my mother’s sick. It’s really strange—she has a fever that won’t break, and she’s covered in rashes.” “I haven’t been able to eat or sleep these past few days either. My whole body aches.” I suppressed my amusement and deliberately offered gentle comfort: “It’s gotten colder lately. It’s probably the flu or some viral infection.” “Here’s what we’ll do—you take care of my mother first, and I’ll buy a ticket home as soon as I’m done here. Whatever medication you need, I’ll get it from the hospital when I get back.” “Okay, please hurry…” On the other end, Adrian’s voice was noticeably weak. After hanging up, I immediately booked my next travel destination. I let it drag on for several days. During that time, Adrian’s calls never stopped. Finding them annoying, I simply blocked him. Finally, one day, Adrian’s assistant called me, voice panicked: “Mrs. Harris, Mr. Harris suddenly collapsed during a board meeting today and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment!” “The old Mrs. Harris was admitted to the ICU yesterday. The doctor says she has multiple organ failure and might not last more than a few days.” Hearing this news, I realized the time was right. I booked the earliest flight and flew back overnight. When I arrived at the hospital, the attending physician called me into his office alone, his expression grave as he handed me a stack of reports. “Ms. Harris, as the patient’s family member, it would be more appropriate for you to inform your husband about these matters.” He hesitated, seeming to look at me with sympathy. “Mr. Harris and his mother’s blood test results are back. The situation is very complex.” “Currently, they’ve been infected with up to twenty different infectious pathogens, including HIV and syphilis spirochetes. I strongly recommend you get tested as well.” I nodded, my expression unchanged as I accepted the reports: “I understand. Thank you.” After putting on protective gear, a mask, and goggles, fully suited up, I walked into Adrian’s isolation room. He lay in the hospital bed, his face ashen. An IV was inserted in the back of his hand, and he was hooked up to monitoring equipment. Seeing me dressed like this, confusion first appeared in his clouded eyes, followed by a trace of fear: “Honey, what disease do I have? Is it serious? The doctor wouldn’t tell me anything…” “Have you seen my mother? How is she?” I said nothing, quietly sitting by the bed and pulling out the test report. Seeing the densely packed list of conditions on the report, Adrian stared for a long time. Then he laughed absurdly: “Honey, you’re still joking with me at a time like this? How could I possibly be infected with so many viruses at once?” “Syphilis, AIDS, and hepatitis B… This is absolutely ridiculous!” I feigned concern as I looked at him: “Honey, I thought the hospital made a mistake at first too, but…” Adrian started: “But what?” I sighed: “But my mother has the same thing. Besides AIDS and syphilis, she has almost every virus that can be transmitted through saliva.” He froze on the spot, then desperately shook his head in denial: “That’s impossible! My mother and I have always been careful about hygiene, and we always eat at home. How could this happen?” As he spoke, Adrian suddenly went rigid, as if realizing something. His voice trembling, his face deathly pale as he looked at me: “Is it… Vivian?” I nodded. “Honey, I had someone investigate Vivian. She used to work as a hostess at a nightclub. Her private life was a complete mess. This disease was probably transmitted to you and my mother by her.” Learning this news, Adrian looked utterly shocked, but still clung to hope: “There must be a mistake. This can’t be true! Vivian has always been so innocent. How could she work that kind of shameless job!” He struggled to get up, insisting on going to the ICU to see his mother. I quickly stopped him: “Honey, my mother isn’t in the ICU anymore.” Hearing this, Adrian immediately relaxed, a relieved smile appearing on his face: “See, I knew it. The hospital must have made a mistake. If my mother’s fine now, it means it wasn’t anything serious…” But my next words plunged Adrian into an icy abyss. “Honey, please accept my condolences.” Watching that trace of relief on Adrian’s face freeze and shatter, finally turning to complete devastation, I added one more sentence: “My mother… has already been sent to the morgue.”

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My husband’s mistress really knows how to manipulate him. Every so often, she pulls a disappearing act. Adrian adores her. Each time she vanishes, he drops everything—his work, his responsibilities—and frantically searches for her like a madman. Once he finds her, they reconcile as if nothing happened, their love even sweeter than before. Their little game of cat and mouse is so touching, even I, the actual wife, find myself moved by their romance. The third time Rain disappeared, Adrian shoved divorce papers in my face. “Sign them. You know how Rain is—she gets jealous easily.” I calmly took the papers and read through them carefully. “Don’t worry, it’s just for show. I’m not really divorcing you,” he said. I nodded and signed my name. “When you find her this time, can you come home a little earlier?” Adrian frowned impatiently. “All you ever do is nag me to come home. What, you can’t survive without me?” With that, he grabbed the signed divorce papers and left, eager to show off to his mistress. As I watched him disappear through the door, a smile curved my lips. I’m just worried you might come home too early…

After Adrian left, I started taking inventory of my assets. The dream of love was over. It was time to settle accounts. I made a list of everything that belonged to me and checked off each item one by one. Occasionally, I glanced out the window at the peach blossoms falling, petal by petal. I stood and walked to the backyard. I called the butler and told him to hire someone to uproot all the peach trees in the garden. The butler looked confused. “Ma’am, you’ve carefully tended these trees for years. Why remove them now?” His words pulled me into memories. During our first year of marriage, I was curled up in Adrian’s arms scrolling through videos on my phone. One video showed a vast grove of peach blossoms. After watching it, he said wistfully, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had our own peach grove? It would be our romantic sanctuary.” The next day, I cleared out all the flowers and plants in the backyard and planted peach trees. Five years flew by. The trees grew tall, the blossoms bloomed. But the man who once yearned for that peach grove had long lost interest. Looking at the now-barren ground, I sighed and returned to my room to continue packing. I picked up a sapphire necklace. The moment I saw it, my eyes stung and my heart ached. Years ago, Adrian’s grandfather approached me about an arranged marriage. He wanted me to marry Adrian. But I worried Adrian wouldn’t like me. So I took out this necklace—a gift from my late mother—and asked Grandfather Blackwood to give it to Adrian. The sapphire was unique, shaped like half a heart. I hoped he would decide according to his own heart. After receiving it, Adrian had another sapphire necklace made—a men’s version—and sent it to me as a gift. He included a note: My heart is yours too. That necklace’s sapphire was also shaped like half a heart. Together, the two halves formed a complete heart. That night, I clutched the necklace to my chest, too excited to sleep. No one knew I’d loved Adrian for years. Finally, my wish had come true…

I placed his necklace on the desk and continued packing. Suddenly I found the property deed Adrian gave me on our wedding day. I fell into thought. On our wedding day, Adrian presented me with property documents. When I opened them, I saw only my name on the deed. I looked at Adrian in confusion. He gazed at me with adoring eyes. “Clara, from now on, this is your home. You’re no longer an orphan without parents.” I was moved beyond words. I vowed to love him forever and be the best wife possible. Women are so emotional—especially orphans like me who lost both parents. Anyone who showed me the slightest kindness could have my whole heart, my very life. But happiness lasted only a year before Adrian grew tired of me… “Clara, do you have to wait by the door for me?” “Clara, I told you not to hover around me when I’m working. You’re distracting.” “Clara Hayes, can you stop following me everywhere? You’re so annoying.” … What was wrong with wanting to be with the person I loved? He used to enjoy having me close. It wasn’t until I noticed Rain’s existence that I understood. When a man’s heart changes, everything you do for him becomes a burden, every kindness an annoyance. I gathered all these belongings and moved them to the study. Looking at the now-empty room, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Thinking about how Rain would soon move in here… To avoid disgusting her, I collected our custom wedding dress and wedding photos and burned them in the backyard. After finishing everything, I checked the villa once more, carefully and thoroughly. I made sure there wasn’t a single trace of my existence left behind. Finally done. I let out a long breath. Walking outside, I looked at the empty villa and felt a moment of disorientation. All the sweetness, sadness, arguments, and compromises of these years in this villa felt like a dream. Now the dream was over. It was time to leave. Butler Wilson looked at me with pity. After joining the Blackwood family, only Grandfather Blackwood and Butler Wilson had been kind to me. “Ma’am, perhaps wait a bit longer. Mr. Blackwood does love you, he just doesn’t realize it. When he returns…” I smiled and interrupted him. “No need, Wilson. Thank you for everything these years. Goodbye.” With that, I picked up my suitcase and walked toward the front door. Five years. It was time to say goodbye to the past…

Before I reached the door, Wilson called out urgently. “Ma’am! Mr. Blackwood is calling. He wants you to answer personally.” “See? I told you Mr. Blackwood loves you. He’s calling to apologize.” Looking at the phone Wilson held out, I felt indescribable emotions. Adrian and I hadn’t spoken on the phone in nearly a year. When I called him, he never answered. So when I decided to leave, I left behind the phone he’d given me as a wedding gift. It was a matching couple’s phone with matching numbers from our wedding. I wouldn’t need it anymore. “Ma’am, please answer!” Wilson urged anxiously. I bit my lip and took the phone. “Hello.” “Clara Hayes, what took you so long to answer? What are you doing?” I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. “I found Rain. I’m staying here with her for a while before coming back. She’s been through a lot this time. Make her some chicken soup to help her recover.” “Also, Rain likes rooms with morning sun. Clear out our bedroom—she’ll be moving in when she gets back.” “Rain is sensitive and easily upset. Put away the wedding photos, any pictures of us together. Don’t let her see them.” … For a full ten minutes, everything Adrian said was about Rain. Finally, he added, “Even though I can’t legally marry Rain, I need to give her a proper wedding. Help me prepare it.” Ten years of knowing each other. Four years of marriage. In that moment, the last shred of hope I held for Adrian dissolved. “Wilson, you heard everything he asked for. I’ll leave it to you.” I handed the phone back to Wilson. I turned and left the villa without a trace of regret.

Adrian found Rain in Las Vegas. After finding her, he didn’t bring her back immediately. First, Rain wanted to stay and play in Las Vegas for a few more days. Second, he’d already entrusted all the wedding preparations to me, so he felt confident. So he stayed, focusing entirely on keeping Rain company. “Adrian, you’re something else—enjoying Las Vegas with Rain while making Clara plan your wedding.” After hanging up, his friend gave him a thumbs up. Someone asked curiously, “Won’t Clara Hayes be angry?” Before Adrian could answer, his friend jumped in, “Clara is completely devoted to Adrian.” “Forget planning a wedding—even if he asked her to serve him and Rain on their wedding night, she wouldn’t complain. Right, Adrian?” Adrian raised his eyebrows smugly. “Right.” He had every reason to be confident. I’d always been understanding, obedient, with eyes and heart only for him. Even when he said he wanted to give Rain official status, I didn’t resist. I even told him to come home early. Actually, that day he got angry precisely because I didn’t resist. He thought that since I loved him so much, cared about him so deeply, I should have been consumed with jealousy. Why suffer in silence? Adrian liked using this method to repeatedly confirm my love for him. He always said I was too quiet—so quiet he couldn’t feel my love. So he refused to accept it. He needed proof that no matter how terrible he behaved, I would love him unconditionally. As for Rain, he enjoyed her vivacity, her youth, but it was just fondness, not love. Adrian knew Rain was only good for playing around, but I was the one to spend his life with. While Adrian was lost in thought, his phone rang. It was Butler Wilson. Adrian answered with a frown. “What is it?” Wilson’s voice carried hesitation. “Mr. Blackwood, is now a good time to talk?” Adrian’s frown deepened. “Just say it.” “The mistress has left.” “Left? Where?” “I don’t know. The mistress took all her belongings with her.” Adrian shot to his feet. Rain, who’d been leaning against him, jumped in fright, then let out an inappropriate laugh. Adrian looked at her questioningly. “I didn’t expect Clara would learn from me and disappear too. But she’s Adrian’s wife—nothing like me, just a mistress.” As she spoke, Rain’s eyes reddened. “It’s all my fault for making her unhappy. Adrian, let’s go back to New York quickly. If she’s really angry, I’ll feel so guilty.” Hearing Rain’s words, Adrian sat back down with a cold smile and spoke into the phone. “She’s an orphan. Where else can she go without me?” “Don’t worry about her. Don’t go looking for her. I want to see how long she can last out there.” Wilson sighed, about to say something when Adrian hung up. Putting down his phone, Adrian pulled Rain into his arms and said to his friends, “Book another week’s worth of activities. We’re going to have a good time. I want to see just how long she can keep this up.”

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I was born with a naturally sweet scent. But the transfer student—the self-proclaimed queen bee of the campus—claimed it was the smell of cheap perfume. Unpleasant and overpowering. My childhood sweetheart beside me immediately darkened his expression and frowned. “It really is too strong. Zoe, why don’t you switch seats?” So I was moved to the back row. Right next to the most feared star quarterback in school. Later, the star quarterback pinned me against the hallway wall, inhaling my scent desperately, and my childhood sweetheart caught us. He crushed the soda can in his hand, eyes red, teeth clenched. “Zoe. I’m counting to three. Get your ass over here. Now.” I was born with a slow brain. My childhood sweetheart, Ethan, on the other hand, was a straight-A student—top of our major. Whenever I couldn’t grasp something even after he’d explained it several times, he’d always say, “It’s okay if you’re a little slow. Worst case, I’ll just take care of you later.” He never bothered to hide it. His voice would ring out loud whenever he said this, as if declaring ownership. The whole class would look at us with knowing smiles. I’d feel mortified, my face flushing. “Ethan, I can learn it myself. I don’t need you to take care of me.” Then I’d grab my error notebook and study it over and over on my own. It was hard. But with enough time, I could figure it out. Yet the whole class had already firmly linked Ethan and me together. So when the transfer student—Melissa—appeared, tilted her head proudly, and tapped Ethan’s desk, asking if she could sit next to him, everyone stared at me and whispered. “Look at the way Ethan’s looking at her. That’s not innocent.” “Of course he’ll agree. She’s gorgeous and gets great grades. They even competed together in the math olympiad. What does Zoe have to compare with her?” “Poor little childhood sweetheart is about to be dumped.” The pen in my hand trembled. Listening to the endless voices around me, I couldn’t help but hunch my shoulders. It felt like ants were crawling all over my skin. Unbearable. I’d clearly reminded Ethan not to reveal our childhood sweetheart relationship after we ended up in the same class. But Ethan was the one who kept binding us together. Yet I was the one being mocked. Just because I was slow, while he was an honor student. Beside me, Ethan slammed his desk and stood up, his eyes coldly sweeping across everyone. “Anyone got something else to say about Zoe?” The room fell instantly silent. Melissa looked displeased and directly straddled his desk. She pressed her knee against his chest, impatient. “Ethan, do you want me sitting next to you or not? I’m only asking one more time. If you don’t answer, I’m leaving.” “Look, so many people want to be my desk mate.” She lifted her chin toward the boys eyeing her hungrily from around the room. Ethan stared at her long, pale, slender legs for a moment, his throat moving. A smile tugged at his lips. “I already have a desk mate. Can’t switch.” “But you can sit at the desk in front of me.”

I was born with a naturally sweet scent. Ethan always liked to lean close to me. Even during class, he’d rest his head on my shoulder from time to time. My face would burn as I whispered, “Ethan, the teacher’s right there.” “He turned around to teach.” He’d quickly pull away, acting as if nothing had happened. But after Melissa transferred in, everything changed. She sat at the desk in front, her ponytail pulled high, exposing her long, graceful neck that gleamed white under the fluorescent lights. Ethan would often stare at her in a daze, propping his chin up and spacing out through entire classes. Every time class ended, Melissa would turn around to discuss problems with him. The two would lean in close, and sometimes her long hair would accidentally brush across Ethan’s face. His ears would turn completely red. On the way home from school, he’d say to me, “Girls like Melissa are too forward. She thinks she’s so pretty she can flirt with any guy. I don’t like that. You’re more innocent.” But when I encountered a difficult problem I couldn’t figure out for two whole days and nights—when I went to ask Ethan during break— He’d stare distractedly at the empty desk in front of him, pushing me away coldly. “You’re so slow. It’d probably take all afternoon to teach you. Other people need to ask me questions too. Can’t you just look it up on your phone?” I’d already tried searching on my phone, but I still couldn’t understand it. I pressed my lips together. “Ethan, I’ve been studying this problem for days. If you explain it once, I’ll definitely get it.” Before I could finish, the person beside me shot out like an arrow from a bow. Heading straight for that slender figure in the hallway. Melissa wore a white shirt paired with a pretty pleated skirt. When the wind blew, her skirt would flutter slightly. Ethan moved even closer, perfectly blocking her from view. I stared blankly at them. Right before my line of sight was completely obstructed, I clearly caught Melissa’s provocative gaze. She did it on purpose. “Is the little childhood sweetheart going to cry? I told you Ethan definitely likes her, but you didn’t believe me.” “You’re so slow—what are you going to do without Ethan?” A hand reached out from beside me to pull me over. Owen stared directly at my chest, his tone arrogant. “Why don’t you come sit with me? I’m third in our major. Not much worse than Ethan.” I quickly backed away, accidentally bumping into the corner of a desk. Just when I had nowhere to retreat— A bottle of soda came flying hard. It struck Owen’s hand. He let out a pained howl and curled up on the ground. A tall boy walked over from the back row, carrying his jacket. His features were cold as he kicked Owen hard. “Get lost. You’re in the way.” Owen scrambled away, half-crawling. I swallowed hard and started packing my things to leave too. Someone tapped their knuckles on my desk. “Which problem don’t you understand?” I froze, following the hand up to see Derek’s face with its excellent bone structure. “What did you… say?” Derek’s ears turned red. He cleared his throat lightly and repeated, “I’m asking which problem you don’t understand. I can teach you too.”

Ethan was first in our major. Derek was second. But Derek had a wild reputation. He was the campus star quarterback. Fighting, skipping class, bad temper, and a small, fierce-looking scar at the corner of his eye. Almost everyone was afraid of him. Naturally, I was no exception. Normally when I passed by the back row, I’d try to avoid him as much as possible. But finals were only two weeks away. And I still couldn’t solve the last major math problem. Ethan refused to help me anymore. If I didn’t learn it soon, I’d run out of time. I bit the bullet and followed Derek to the back row. He sat alone, so there was plenty of space. I could just sit next to him. Surprisingly, Derek wasn’t fierce at all when explaining problems. His voice was like a gentle breeze and soft rain, pleasant to hear, without a trace of impatience. And his teaching method was very different from Ethan’s. Ethan spoke fast—often my brain hadn’t caught up yet when he’d already moved to the next step. It made my head spin. But Derek deliberately slowed his pace, breaking down each step of the problem. After hearing it just once, I understood ninety percent of it. I corrected the error completely with my red pen. Looking up, I smiled at him with crescent-shaped eyes. “I got it. Thank you.” Derek’s lips curved. “You’re welcome.” I don’t know if it was my imagination. But Derek’s face seemed even redder. Even his ear tips looked ready to drip blood.

PE class was canceled because the teacher called in sick. No tai chi today—everyone had free time. I went to the self-study room alone. Ethan was there too. And Derek was in the back row, spacing out. He didn’t go play football today. I organized my other error problems, planning to take this opportunity to ask him for more help. But my hand was pressed down. “Which problem did you ask me about at lunch? I have time now to teach you.” Ethan still had that casual manner, reaching to flip through my error notebook. I quickly pressed it down. “I already figured it out. You can go do your free activity.” He paused. He looked me over suspiciously. “You figured it out that fast? Did you do it yourself?” I’d originally wanted to say I asked Derek. But thinking of his gloomy, keep-away demeanor, I shook my head instead. If everyone knew Derek was good at explaining problems, they’d all go ask him. That would be too much of a bother. Besides, I had a small selfish reason. If Derek could keep helping only me with problems, I could learn so many more. “I figured it out myself. I’d been studying it for days, and suddenly it just clicked.” Ethan scrutinized me for a few moments. “I can help you with other problems too.” I quickly shook my head. “I want to try solving them myself.” The hand Ethan had pressed on the error notebook tightened, his knuckles protruding. He stared at me for a while, then let out a cold laugh. “What’s going on with you, Zoe?” “Fine. Don’t ask me anything from now on.” My face fell immediately. That wouldn’t do. Even though Derek explained things better, we weren’t that close yet. What if he changed his mind later and refused to teach me? “Ethan…” I tugged at Ethan’s sleeve, about to smooth things over. A striking figure suddenly appeared in the classroom doorway. When she smiled, two dimples appeared in her right cheek. Her small face was translucently pale. She waved at Ethan, acting cute. “The teacher asked me to help write test questions, but I’m overwhelmed. Can you help me, please?” Her voice was tooth-achingly sweet. Ethan immediately grabbed his jacket and walked out, skillfully draping it over her shoulders with a frown. “Stop wearing short skirts from now on. All those guys keep staring at you.” Melissa hooked his chin with her finger, raising an eyebrow. “You dare say you don’t like it?” Ethan’s lips curved. He didn’t answer. Watching their departing backs— Unexpectedly, my heart no longer ached. Instead, I felt a hint of relief. After all, no one said a childhood sweetheart had to be for the childhood sweetheart. The childhood sweetheart could find someone else too. I exhaled and slowly walked toward the back row with my notebook.

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Seven years ago, I pushed my brother out of a burning building. He escaped without a scratch and later became a top celebrity. I was burned beyond recognition and became a monster hidden away in the attic. Mom was his star manager. When she looked at my face, her eyes were filled with nothing but disgust. “Aria, your brother is a public figure. Your face will destroy him.” My brother stood under the spotlights, basking in the cheers of millions. He told the cameras, “My sister is my hero.” But then he turned around and let them lock me in the lightless attic, feeding me their leftovers and scraps. I thought if I just stayed hidden away quietly, we’d still be a family. Until that day when he brought home a famous actress. I was just thirsty and wanted to go downstairs for some water. Mom looked at me like she’d seen a ghost and shoved me back into the darkness of the stairwell. “Get back up there! Are you trying to scare someone to death?” I fell to the floor and looked up at my brother. He just frowned and coldly looked away. In that moment, I heard something inside me shatter. So this was the fate of a hero—to become a stain on their lives. I should disappear. I should die. If I died, no one would find me disgusting anymore.

I dry-swallowed dozens of white sleeping pills. No water. The pills lodged in my throat, barely making it down. My throat burned with a searing pain. But this pain, compared to what I’d endured these past seven years, felt like nothing more than a mosquito bite. My consciousness began to blur, like countless ants crawling through my brain. I thought back to that fire seven years ago. That night was just like this one. The villa caught fire. My brother Lucas was trapped in his bedroom, crying like an abandoned child. “Help! Save me!” I didn’t hesitate. I rushed into the flames and pushed him out with all my strength. He cried outside the inferno. I burned inside it, my flesh charring. Later, he woke up in the hospital without a scratch. Mom held her perfect son and cried her heart out. “You scared me to death! Thank God you’re okay. Thank God your face is okay.” No one asked if I was in pain. I lay in the ICU for three months, wrapped head to toe in bandages like a mummy. When I woke up, my brother held me and cried. “Aria, you’re my hero. I’ll protect you for the rest of your life.” I believed him. I was such a fool. My eyelids grew heavier and heavier. From downstairs came the faint sound of a guitar. Then a woman’s laughter, playful and sweet. “Lucas, you play so beautifully.” That was the famous actress, Yasmin. The same woman who looked at me like I was trash, the one who made my mom force me back into the darkness. The guitar music pierced through the floorboards, hammering against my heart with each note. I used to play guitar too. My fingers were long and slender, my nails had a pink sheen, and they looked beautiful when I pressed the chords. Later, these hands burned together until they fused, like deformed chicken feet. I tried touching the piano at home once. Mom rushed over and slapped my hands away. “Don’t touch it! Those rotted hands are disgusting just to look at!” After that, I never touched an instrument again. My stomach began churning violently—the pills were taking effect. Spasms. Convulsions. I curled up on the floor like an abandoned, charred broken doll. That suffocating feeling crept over me bit by bit. But I actually felt relieved. Before my vision went completely black, I struggled to move my body. I dragged over an old cardboard box nearby and pulled out a white lace dress. This was a birthday present Mom bought me seven years ago, three days before the accident. She’d said, “My Aria looks best in white, like a little princess.” That was the last gift I ever received. The dress had yellowed and smelled of mildew. I clutched it tightly to my chest, as if holding onto the version of myself from seven years ago who hadn’t been destroyed yet. I closed my eyes. I thought about how, if there was a next life and I could be a little prettier—didn’t have to be very pretty, just clean. Would Mom hug me more? Would my brother not lock me in the attic? There was no heartbreaking farewell. No one rushed up to save me. In this luxuriously decorated, glamorous villa attic, with the sound of laughter and joy coming from downstairs. I rotted away in the darkness. I died without a sound.

When I opened my eyes again, the world felt light. No pain. No heaviness. I looked down and saw with horror that I was floating in midair. On the floor lay a curled-up corpse wearing ill-fitting pajamas, clutching that white dress. That was my corpse. But I didn’t have time to worry about that. I raised my hand and saw pale, slender fingers. I touched my face—the skin was smooth and delicate, the bridge of my nose high. I rushed to the mirror. The mirror reflected the vibrant, youthful Aria from seven years ago! No scars, no grotesque red flesh. I was healed? Overwhelming joy instantly went to my head. I thought this was a gift from heaven, a miracle. Was that fire just a nightmare? Had I never been disfigured? “Mom! Lucas!” I shouted excitedly. I wore that white dress, barefoot, rushing downstairs like a happy butterfly. I wanted to surprise them. I wanted to tell Mom I’d become that beautiful daughter again, that she could hold me now. I wanted to tell my brother I wasn’t a monster anymore, that I could stand by his side now. The living room downstairs was brightly lit. Mom sat on the leather sofa, handing a document to my brother with an expression as serious as if discussing a multi-million dollar deal. Yasmin had already left. “Send your sister to a nursing home.” Mom’s voice was ice-cold. I stopped at the stairwell, the smile on my face instantly freezing. What? A nursing home? “That reality show is coming to film the pilot episode at our house next week. They’ll need to install cameras throughout the house.” Mom tapped the document’s terms. “She’s a ticking time bomb here. If they catch her on camera, your image will be ruined.” My brother sat across from her, playing with a lighter. “Mom, wouldn’t that be too heartless?” He frowned slightly, hesitating. “She only became like that because she saved me… And as long as she doesn’t leave the attic…” “Can you guarantee staying in the attic is foolproof?” Mom cut him off, her voice rising. “Didn’t Yasmin see her yesterday? Scared her half to death! Lucas, you’re a top star! Your face is your livelihood!” “If your fans found out you keep a monster sister at home, your commercial value would be finished! What would your sponsors think? They’d consider it bad luck!” Monster. Bad luck. These words from Mom’s mouth burned hotter than that fire. My brother fell silent. Finally, he nodded and tossed the lighter on the coffee table. “Okay, Mom. I’ll do what you say.” He paused, then added, “But don’t let her know. Just have someone take her away directly. Send her far away so the media can’t dig it up.” I stood between them, trembling all over. So the so-called “family” had no room for me anymore. So in their eyes, I wasn’t just a burden—I was a bomb that needed to be disposed of. “I won’t go!” I rushed to the coffee table, screaming at the top of my lungs. “This is my home! I’m not a monster! I’m Aria!” I reached for the document on the table, wanting to tear it up. But. My hand passed right through the paper. My brother stood up and walked straight through my body, reaching for his water glass. He didn’t notice a thing. He just felt a cold breeze and hunched his shoulders. “Is the AC too high?” he muttered. I stared blankly at my hands. Translucent. No substance. I turned around and looked toward the stairwell. There was no shadow of me there. Overwhelming despair flooded over me like a tide. Only then did I understand. There was no miracle. I was already dead. I’d become a wandering ghost.

Since I was dead, that was fine. At least I wouldn’t be packed up and sent away like garbage. I wouldn’t be tied up and stuffed into a psychiatric hospital van. I floated above the living room like a ghost, watching these two people I once loved most. That actress Yasmin might have left, but her influence remained. My brother picked up his phone, probably texting her. “Baby, don’t be mad. I’ve already decided to send that mons… to send my sister away.” A voice message quickly came back. “Lucas, that thing in the attic is really your sister? She looks so scary, like a ghost from a horror movie. I had nightmares about it last night.” My brother laughed awkwardly and said into the phone, “Don’t bring her up. It kills the mood.” Don’t bring her up. Kills the mood. When I pushed you out of that inferno, you didn’t think it killed the mood. When you climbed to the top using my shoulders as a ladder, you didn’t think it killed the mood. Now you think I’m ugly? I crouched by the coffee table, looking at those hands that once peeled shrimp for me and played guitar for me, now degrading his own sister to please another woman. Mom was busy in the kitchen. The aroma drifted out. Medium-rare steak. That was my brother’s favorite. It was also a taste I hadn’t experienced in seven years. For these seven years, I ate their leftovers. Sometimes cold pasta, sometimes a dried-out piece of bread. Mom said, “You don’t even exercise, just lie around all day. What’s the point of eating well? It’s a waste.” But now, she carried out a full plate of steak with a loving smile on her face. “Lucas, come try this. Mom made it especially for you.” My brother forked a piece, took a bite, and praised it endlessly. “Mom, your cooking keeps getting better.” Mom watched him eat with a smile, then suddenly sighed. “If Aria hadn’t been disfigured, she’d be in college now, wouldn’t she? She used to love my steak.” I floated over, getting close to Mom’s face. I wanted to hug her. I wanted to tell her, Mom, I’m beautiful now. I’m not ugly anymore. I can go to college now. I want steak. I want to hear you call me baby. But my hand passed through her shoulder. Nothing but emptiness. My brother snorted coldly and spat out a piece of bone. “Mom, don’t talk about hypotheticals. Reality is she’s a burden now, a waste of food.” “And she’s become so psychologically twisted. Yesterday she deliberately came out to scare Yasmin. I think she’s just jealous.” Jealous? I was just thirsty. My throat was parched. I just wanted to go downstairs for some water. I watched my brother take out his phone and open a TikTok live stream preview. The title read: [Tomorrow morning live stream waking up family, showing the most authentic warm daily life] Mom frowned. “Don’t film the attic. What if…” My brother smiled confidently, cutting Mom off. “Don’t worry, Mom.” “Recently people online have been saying I’m a diva with no compassion. This is the perfect opportunity.” “I’ll have her covered with a blanket, just show her back or maybe a hand.” “I’ll say my sister is sick and I’m taking care of her without abandoning her.” “Sell the ‘devoted brother caring for his sick sister’ persona. Those idiot fans eat that up. It’ll definitely attract and retain followers.” So even in death. My only value was as a faceless prop. To perfect his devoted brother image. Not only did they drain my blood and flesh while I lived. Even my corpse after death—he wasn’t planning to let it go. Lucas. You’re something else. I floated in the air, looking at that impeccably handsome face, and suddenly felt disgusted.

The next morning. The sunlight was beautiful, golden rays spilling through the villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows. For the living, this was a beautiful day. For the corpse in the attic, this was a day of decay. I floated by the attic window, looking at the stiff corpse on the bed. After one night. Livor mortis had already appeared on the body. That white dress hung loosely on the frame, making it look even more eerie. That face, under the sunlight, was grotesquely terrifying, with white foam still at the corners of the mouth. The eyes were wide open, dying with grievances unresolved. There was movement downstairs. My brother hadn’t slept until noon as usual. He’d even put on a “no-makeup” look, his hair styled perfectly, wearing a cozy beige sweater that made him look warm and harmless. He held up a selfie stick, flashing a perfect smile at his phone camera. “Good morning, my Little Universe.” “Today I promised to show you my family—my sister.” The live stream instantly filled with hundreds of thousands of viewers. Comments flooded the screen: “So handsome! Love you!” “Lucas is such a good brother, taking care of his sick sister!” “I heard his sister’s in poor health. That must be hard!” Mom was downstairs, off-camera, but couldn’t help whispering instructions: “Remember not to film her face! Whatever you do, don’t film her face! Keep the blanket tight!” My brother made an OK gesture and put a finger to his lips for the camera. “Shh—my sister’s still sleeping. Little lazy bones.” He lowered his voice with an indulgent tone. His voice was so tender it made me want to vomit the dinner I didn’t eat last night. He climbed the attic stairs step by step. Each step landed on the tip of my heart. The wooden stairs creaked. Closer and closer. Closer and closer. He pushed open the attic door. Because the windows were sealed shut and the air didn’t circulate well. A strange smell permeated the room. Mildew, medicine, and a faint trace of… the smell of decay. My brother clearly smelled it. He frowned slightly, a flash of disgust in his eyes. But for the sake of the live stream, he forced himself not to cover his nose and maintained that perfect smile. “My sister hasn’t showered in a few days. She’s a bit lazy.” He joked to the camera, trying to ease the awkwardness. The comments filled with “hahaha” and “brother is so tolerant.” He walked to the bedside. He didn’t kick the bed frame or yell loudly like usual. Instead, he gently patted the blanket covering “me.” His movements were tender, as if handling a treasure. “Aria, time to get up for breakfast.” “I brought you milk, and it’s still warm.” The person on the bed didn’t move. Only deathly silence. Comments began appearing: “Sister seems so aloof.” “Is she uncomfortable from being sick?” “Don’t wake her up. Let her sleep.” To prove their sibling bond and show his meticulous care to his fans. My brother decided to add more drama. “Stop being lazy. The sun’s shining on your butt.” He smiled and adjusted his phone camera angle, aiming at the lump on the bed. “Say hi to the fans.” He reached out his hand to pull back the blanket. I floated in the air, coldly watching all of this. Lucas. Since you want to be famous so badly. Since you want to be the perfect star in your fans’ hearts so much. Then I’ll grant your wish. His hand grabbed the corner of the blanket. He pulled hard…

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My brother was born evil. He’s been trying to kill me since we were kids. When he was five, he threw a lit lighter at me. Half my face was disfigured, my sweat glands permanently destroyed. The burning, itching pain never stops. When I told the truth through my tears, Mom held me and cried too. “I know you’re hurting, sweetheart, but your brother’s just a baby. He couldn’t possibly do something like that.” When he was ten, he deliberately sent me into a thicket hiding a hornets’ nest to fetch a ball. I was attacked by countless hornets. I tumbled down the hill and broke my leg. My kidneys were permanently damaged—I’ll need a catheter bag for the rest of my life. Once again, nobody believed me. “How can you blame your brother when we didn’t watch where you were going?” “Emma, could you please be more careful? Stop causing trouble for this family.” On my eighteenth birthday, he deliberately shoved an entire slice of peanut butter cake into my mouth. My throat swelled shut instantly. I collapsed, consciousness fading. After watching me nearly die, my brother ran out. “Dad! Mom! Emma ate cake and had an allergic reaction! Come quick!” Mom was screaming. Dad was cursing. “This damn girl is always causing problems. Why doesn’t she just die already!” I smiled. [Congratulations on achieving the hidden ending condition: Death #99.] [In 24 hours, the portal to the real world will open.]

My airway was almost completely closed. My breathing sounded like a broken accordion, yet I couldn’t draw in any air. I lay on the floor, barely conscious, hearing only hurried footsteps in the distance. When Dad burst in, the first thing he did was slap me hard across the face. Twice. “Always eating! So greedy! I must have owed you in a past life! Can’t you give me one day of peace!” Mom rummaged frantically across the table. “Where’s the EpiPen? Where did this stupid girl put something that could save her life?” When I first got injured, emergency medication was stashed in every corner of the house. At the slightest cough, Mom would nervously pat my back. “Are you okay, Emma? Should I take you to the hospital?” But as the incidents piled up, the concern in my parents’ eyes turned to exhaustion. Eventually, I dragged myself to follow-up appointments alone, limping out the door on my injured leg. Of course she had no idea where I kept the medication. Dad’s face darkened. He dumped the entire drawer onto the floor, his tone growing more irritated. “Maybe it’s better if we don’t find it. Then we’d all be free.” Two minutes later, they finally found it in a cabinet. Mom’s hands trembled as she jabbed the needle into my thigh. The suffocation gradually faded, but the angry red hives covering my body still itched unbearably. My muscles ached so badly I couldn’t move from where I lay on the floor. Mom glanced at Dad, a flicker of guilt in her eyes. “Maybe we should take her to the hospital to get checked out?” Hesitation crossed Dad’s face, but then he erupted again. “Hospital? Every cent we make goes to her!” “Lucas, next time your sister pulls another stunt, don’t even bother telling us. Once she’s gone, this family can finally live in peace.” He stormed out, slamming the door. Mom sighed and followed. Lucas crouched by my ear and whispered with a soft laugh. “Can’t die, can’t escape. Frustrating, isn’t it?” “Guess what new game I’ll come up with next time?” He left looking pleased with himself, so he didn’t see the genuine smile on my face. Finally. I’m the one who’s truly free. Back when I was severely ill and didn’t want to burden my family, I jumped from the rooftop. That’s when I heard the System’s voice. [Hello, Host. Survival instinct detected at less than 10%. Initiating Rebirth Redemption scenario.] [If you complete the mission and return to the real world, your reward will be a healthy new life.] My mission was to reform my born-evil brother, Lucas. So from the day he was born, I devoted myself to caring for him, talking to him every day. But on the very first night Lucas could speak, he suddenly looked at me with an eerie smile. [You’re the 99th host I’ve encountered. I killed all the others. Hope you’re luckier.] That’s when I learned he was a corrupted transmigrator. Lucas was experienced. Soon I was covered in injuries and had lost my parents’ trust completely. When I lay dying in a hospital bed from severe burns, the System’s voice returned. [Due to a critical bug in this world, the Host has unlocked a hidden ending.] [Meeting the condition of 99 deaths also counts as successful mission completion.] The truth is, every one of Lucas’s attacks should have killed me. The System kept me alive—barely—all this time. I gritted my teeth through over a decade of his torture, all for this moment. [After 24 hours, the return portal will open. You need only experience Death #100 to successfully depart.] I struggled to crawl back onto my bed. My finger accidentally pressed the emergency alarm on the headboard, triggering a loud buzz. Hurried footsteps approached. The door was thrown open again.

Dad stood in the doorway, panting, car keys clutched in his hand. Mom looked me up and down, still shaken. “What now?” I shook my head weakly. “Nothing, I just—” The car keys were hurled into my face. My nose felt like it had shattered. “If it’s nothing, why’d you press the alarm! Do you want me and your mother to die because of you before you’re satisfied!” “You’re already useless. Is your mind that twisted too? Learn something from your brother! Have some sense!” Looking at his hysterical rage, I no longer felt my heart being carved to pieces. Stolen happiness always has to be returned eventually. Before Lucas was born, my parents treated me like their precious treasure. Everything I ate, wore, and used was the best they could afford. When I mentioned wanting to learn piano, Dad worked overtime for three months to buy me the most expensive brand and hire the best teacher. When a boy at school cut my hair, my shy mother stormed into the school and confronted those unreasonable people, standing up for me. In the real world, I was raised by my grandmother. I never knew what it felt like to have a complete family. For a moment, I even thought—how wonderful it would be to stay with them forever. But then he came, and everything ended. Even as an infant, Lucas would spit on my face. When I got upset and pinched his cheek, Mom pulled me aside, her face full of disappointment. “Emma, you’re the older sister. How could you hurt your brother! Everything we taught you was for nothing!” After I was burned, every time my wounds flared up, I would break down crying and grab Mom’s hand. “He really did throw the lighter at me! He’s been this evil since the day he was born. He’ll destroy our whole family!” “There’s still time. We can watch him together. Don’t let him fool you!” At first, they would comfort me. Then one day Dad smashed an ashtray on the floor, his eyes bloodshot. “Emma, we’ve tolerated your tantrums once, twice—fine, we humored you.” “But now you’ve gone too far! It was clearly an accident you caused yourself, and you’re trying to blame your baby brother!” He was so angry he wanted to hit me, but Mom desperately held him back. “Emma, listen to me. We’re both women, I know what you’re thinking.” “But if you’re jealous of your brother and try to get our attention this way, we’ll only hate you more!” Lucas found opportunities to hurt me regularly, and my parents grew increasingly impatient with me. Once he pushed me off a slide. I landed headfirst on the ground and lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was still lying on the concrete. Mom stood over me, arms crossed. “Your brother did this too? How long are you going to keep playing victim?” “Do you think the hospital is your personal property? I can barely pay off my credit cards!” From then on, I gave up completely. I let go of any hope of redemption. Seeing me silent, Mom reached down to help me up. Lucas’s eyes darted, and he suddenly cried out loudly. “Mom! Dad! Say something to me!” “I was standing right next to the alarm. It was so loud—I think it damaged my ears.” Mom’s face went pale. She dropped me, and my leg slammed hard against the floor. “Then let’s get you to the hospital right away. This is serious.” Dad grabbed my hair and dragged me furiously toward the basement. “This damn girl causes problems every day. She’s already a wreck, and now she wants to ruin her brother too!” “Stay in here and think about what you’ve done! No dinner tonight!” The basement door slammed shut. The room was pitch black—I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. All I could hear was rats scurrying past. I closed my eyes quietly and waited for my chance to go home. After what felt like forever, someone shook me awake.

Dad threw a coat at me, his tone flat. “Put it on. Come with me.” My whole body felt like it was about to explode with pain. A sudden high fever made my head swim. Dad’s expression grew impatient. Mom grabbed my arm and started stuffing it into the coat sleeves. “Emma, be good, don’t fight us. We’re doing this for your own good.” Suddenly she stopped. “Why are you burning up? Are you—” Mom’s hand was about to touch my forehead when Lucas put on an exaggerated performance, his voice strained. “Do we really have to send Emma to a nursing home? I can quit tutoring, stop hanging out with friends on weekends—save all the money and time to take care of her.” “Emma, just apologize. Promise not to cause Mom and Dad any more trouble. We can get through this as a family.” Years ago, when one of Dad’s friends visited and saw my condition, he suggested sending me to a nursing home. Dad slammed the table in anger. “Your father-in-law died within a month of being put in one of those places. You want me to kill my own daughter?” “As long as this family has food to eat, I will never let Emma live alone in a place like that!” Looking back now, it seems almost ironic. I shook my head weakly. “I didn’t do anything wrong.” Mom’s hand froze mid-air. Disgust crossed her face. Dad grew even angrier and grabbed my arm, dragging me toward the door. “I should have sent you away long ago. Wasting my time on an ungrateful wretch like you.” I was thrown into the back seat. Every bump felt like a thousand knives stabbing my organs. Even breathing became difficult. I gritted my teeth, losing consciousness over and over, jolted awake each time by the pain, until the car finally stopped in front of a run-down building. The director wore a grimy white coat as he settled me into a wheelchair. “You came at just the right time. A bed just opened up.” “Once you pay the fees, we can process her admission.” Before we even entered, I heard someone inside screaming in agony and the sound of things being smashed. Several burly men rushed in and pinned him down like an animal, injecting something into his neck. The man’s eyes went vacant. He lay motionless on the floor. Mom was too scared to go inside. “What’s wrong with him? And our daughter is a girl—how can you put her in a room with a man?” The director smiled as if this were routine. “He just has a mental illness. He’s fine when he’s lucid.” “All the other rooms are full. Besides, once everyone ends up here, does it really matter if it’s a man or a woman?” Dad’s face was dark, but he said nothing. Mom’s eyes flickered toward me. After a long silence, Dad sighed and was about to speak when Lucas cut in. “Dad, Mom, the air in here is making me feel sick. I think I might be getting a fever.” “Emma grew up with me, so she should be pretty used to younger guys, right?” He forced out a few coughs, his face reddening. Mom and Dad quickly pushed him toward the exit. “Okay, okay, let’s go. Director, we’ll leave Emma in your care.” I was thrown onto a bed by the staff like a dead pig. After the director left, no one came to check on us. Late that night, the man on the floor woke up. He turned his head and saw me. A crazed, eerie smile spread across his face. He pulled a small fruit knife from under his pillow, playfully traced it across my body a few times, then stabbed it deep into my thigh. Blood splattered onto the sheets. I was too weak to move a single finger. Even if I could move, I had long since stopped wanting to fight back. He went into a frenzy, slashing at my face and body. The room echoed with the sound of flesh being torn. I bit down hard on my lip, swallowing every scream. Just a little longer. Then I’ll be free. After what felt like an eternity, I looked at my mutilated body. The System’s voice sounded in my ear. [Congratulations on clearing the scenario. The return portal will open at noon. Please wait.] I drifted out and wandered around. Around eight in the morning, I actually saw Mom and Dad appear in the corridor. Mom’s eyes were red. “I couldn’t sleep all night. No matter how angry we were, we shouldn’t have left Emma here.” Dad seemed a bit impatient, but his tone softened. “You women are always so sentimental.” “Let’s see how she’s adjusting. If it’s not working out and she apologizes to me, I suppose we could take her back.” The director rolled his eyes when they weren’t looking. “They got along great. Not a sound from either of them last night.” “But just so you know—if you want to leave now, I can only refund half the fees.” The card reader beeped. The door was pushed open.

The director made a satisfied round of the room. “See? I told you everything was fine. They’re both sleeping peacefully.” My roommate had dissociative identity disorder. His normal personality had surfaced briefly around dawn. Seeing the hellish scene in the room, he had frantically wiped away all the blood, then stuffed the soiled bedding into a cabinet. So apart from a faint smell of blood, my mutilated body was hidden beneath a neatly arranged thick blanket, as if I were simply fast asleep. Dad cleared his throat awkwardly and struck a pose at the doorway. “See? I told you she’s fine. What time is it and she’s still sleeping?” “Her parents are here and she can’t even get up to say hello?” Mom walked a few steps closer and set a meal container on the nightstand. “Alright, Emma. I know you must be upset. That’s why I got up at five this morning to make your favorite noodles.” “Go wash up, eat, apologize properly to your father, write a promise letter, and then we’ll take you home, okay?” It was always like this before. First they’d blow up at me because of Lucas’s manipulation, then once their guilt kicked in, they’d make me some food to smooth things over. The truth is, I never liked noodles. I just went along with it for their sake. When Mom saw I wasn’t responding, she reached to pull back my blanket. The man in the next bed suddenly shot upright and let out a piercing scream. “Ahhh! Don’t touch it! Everyone out! Get out!” Mom immediately retreated to the doorway, gasping for breath. “Emma, why are you being so difficult? Get up now!” Staff rushed in when they heard the commotion, expertly strapping him to the bed with restraints and giving him another sedative injection to calm him down. An older staff member noticed the blood between the man’s fingers and suddenly frowned. “Didn’t you secure him properly last night? Look at the blood on his hands and sleeves. Did something happen between them?” The new employee’s pupils contracted for a moment before he forced himself to speak. “Impossible. I watched them all night. They were completely calm.” He patted the edge of my bed. “Hey, everything okay last night? I told you to press the call button if anything happened.” Of course I couldn’t answer. Another staff member looked suspiciously at my bed and reached to pull the blanket away. “Miss, please wake up. Are you injured? Can you speak?” A bit of my hair was visible. Just a little more and they would see the knife wounds he’d carved into me. That’s when my dad bellowed. “My daughter is a girl! A grown man pulling off her blanket—that’s harassment!” “If you need to check, send a female staff member!” The male attendant stepped back, exasperated. “Then perhaps your wife could check? Once we confirm she’s okay, we’ll leave.” Mom nodded. Lucas covered his mouth and began his performance. “Emma must have been awake for a while now. I remember she’s always been a light sleeper.” “When she’s in a mood, she just ignores everyone. If you pull off her blanket, she’ll probably throw a tantrum.” “Mom, you know how extreme Emma can be. Maybe we shouldn’t provoke her.” Dad nodded at this and stood up with a sweeping gesture. “He’s right. Why are we still indulging her? Let’s go. I want to see how long this stubborn girl can keep up her attitude!” Mom kept looking back as they left, but in the end, she followed behind him. I watched them get in the car and drive farther and farther from the nursing home. The System sent a notification. [Host, the return portal is now open. You may prepare for departure at any time.] Before pressing confirm, I pulled my hand back and followed that car. [Wait a little longer. I want to see how long it takes them to realize they killed their own daughter with their own hands.]

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In my past life, my husband and best friend secretly changed our vacation plans. They knew I had a severe fear of deep water, yet they still took me diving. I wanted to refuse, but they said this would help me overcome my phobia. One was my husband of three years, the other was my best friend since childhood—I chose to trust them! But they brought me to a deserted island, where I accidentally caught them having rough sex under a palm tree. After I discovered them, they immediately abandoned me and swam away in their diving suits! Because of my fear of water, I survived on wild fruits for a week on that island, until I was finally torn apart and devoured by wild beasts! Meanwhile, they collected my massive life insurance payout and lived happily ever after! After my rebirth, they once again suggested a vacation. I smiled and agreed! Half my body was hanging over the edge of the yacht, the cold metal railing digging painfully into my skin. Derek and Megan each grabbed one of my legs, pulling me down with all their strength. I gripped the railing for dear life, my knuckles white from the effort. Memories of nearly drowning in a river near my hometown as a child wrapped around me like seaweed, making it impossible to breathe. Derek knew about this. I looked at him with reddened eyes, my voice trembling uncontrollably. “Derek, I’m scared.” A flash of undisguised annoyance crossed his face. “Emma, we finally get a chance to have some fun together. Can you please not ruin it?” “It’s just getting in the water. It’s not going to kill you.” Megan had a smile plastered on her face while she kept pulling. “Come on, Em, don’t be scared. There’s a breathing mask, oxygen—Derek and I will protect you.” When Derek saw I wouldn’t let go, he pulled even harder. My whole body lurched, and I almost slipped off. The icy seawater slapped against my calves, and a bone-chilling cold instantly spread through my entire body. Derek cursed under his breath. He released my leg and climbed nimbly back onto the yacht from the water. Before I could even catch my breath, he kicked me off. Splash The freezing, salty seawater instantly flooded my mouth and nose, choking me until my vision went black. Megan’s piercing laughter cut through the water into my ears. “Oh my God, Emma, you look like a drowning chicken! I’m dying!” I finally managed to surface, desperately gasping for air, feeling like my lungs were about to explode. The breathing mask was still hanging around my neck—I hadn’t had time to put it on properly. Derek stood at the edge of the yacht, looking down at me. He didn’t even reach out a hand. I slowly slipped on my swim ring and followed behind them. Derek and Megan moved through the water like fish, diving down and then surfacing again. Watching Derek’s athletic figure in the water, my eyes suddenly stung. Our first meeting was also in water. He was a swimming instructor, and I had signed up for lessons to overcome my childhood trauma. That day, I slipped and fell into the deep end. The terror of drowning from my memories instantly consumed me. I thrashed wildly, certain I was going to die. He pulled me out of the water and held me tightly in his arms. I still remember the warmth of his embrace, and the comforting words he whispered in my ear. “Don’t be scared. I’ve got you.” Later, we grew closer and closer. On the day he proposed, he knelt down and promised me. “Emma, as long as I’m here, you don’t have to be afraid of anything. I’ll protect you forever!” Two years ago, during a heavy storm, the city flooded—water up to our knees. He carried me on his back, step by step, through the murky floodwater. When we reached safety, the bottom of his foot had been sliced open by broken glass in the water, bleeding profusely. But he just breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at me. “Good thing you didn’t have to touch the water.” But now, he was trying to kill me—with someone else’s help! 2 My thoughts snapped back to reality, and I suddenly realized the two people ahead of me had disappeared. All around me was nothing but a vast white expanse of ocean, stretching endlessly with no sign of the yacht. I called out tentatively. “Derek? Megan?” Except for the sound of the waves, there was no answer. I was trying to decide whether to swim back now or wait for them a little longer. Just then, the water in front of me erupted with a splash, and someone burst up from below! “Ahhh!” I screamed in terror, my heart nearly leaping out of my throat! Megan clutched her chest, looking annoyed. “What are you screaming for? You scared me!” I was still catching my breath, my heart pounding. She rolled her eyes dismissively. “It was just a joke. Relax.” I bit down hard on my bloodless lips and asked her. “Where’s Derek?” Megan jerked her chin toward a direction. “He found a small island up ahead. You were taking forever, so he sent me back to get you.” She urged me impatiently. “Let’s go, hurry up!” I looked toward that hazy direction and offered a warning. “There might be wild animals on an uninhabited island. We should probably stay off it.” Megan laughed like she’d just heard the funniest joke. “Emma, you’re such a coward.” She looked me up and down, her eyes full of undisguised contempt. “Honestly, I have no idea how someone like Derek—who loves extreme sports—ever ended up with someone like you.” With that, she swam off without looking back, leaving me behind. I watched her retreating figure and slowly curved my lips into a smile. Oh, Megan. I warned you. You just wouldn’t listen! The waves pushed me, bit by bit, toward that dark green, isolated island. In my past life, this was the island where I was torn to pieces! The searing pain of beasts ripping through my flesh, the crunching sound of my bones being crushed, the endless despair in my final moments—it all came flooding back. I finally crawled onto shore. Derek was standing not far away, waving at us. Seeing how slowly I moved, Derek’s patience finally ran out. He grabbed me roughly and dragged me forward. “Emma, your pathetic whining makes me sick!” “I want a partner who can stand beside me and experience life and see the world—not some cowardly little mouse!” Megan suddenly burst out laughing. “Don’t be mad at her, Derek. She’s always been like this.” “When we were kids, she was scared of chickens. Now she’s scared of dogs. Her courage is smaller than a pinhead.” “Isn’t that why we planned this trip? To toughen her up?” I frowned at her. “What do you mean?” Megan smiled mysteriously. “You’ll find out soon enough!” They exchanged a look, then grabbed me from both sides and dragged me to a tree, tying me up tightly with rope they had brought. Derek dusted off his hands. “If you can make it through tonight, you pass the test!” I stared at him in disbelief. “There could be wild animals on this island! Tying me up here—are you trying to kill me?” But seeing the terror on my face only made Derek and Megan smile with satisfaction. No matter how much I screamed behind them, they didn’t look back once. The scorching sun burned my skin, quickly raising blisters that stung like fire. When night fell, they built a fire in a cave. From where I was tied, I had a clear view of everything inside. In the flickering firelight, Megan tilted her head up and kissed Derek on the lips. Derek only froze for a moment. The next second, he took control, pressing his hand against the back of her neck and deepening the kiss aggressively. As they tangled together, Megan opened her eyes slightly and looked directly at me over Derek’s shoulder. In her eyes was undisguised triumph and mockery! I felt every last trace of warmth in my blood crystallize into pure hatred. The night grew deeper. The firelight in the cave flickered, casting two intertwined shadows on the walls. Their panting, their shameless laughter—it all reached my ears. I closed my eyes, refusing to watch that disgusting scene any longer. The blisters the sun had burned into my skin throbbed with stabbing pain in the cool night sea breeze. The bloody welts on my wrists and ankles from the ropes had long gone numb. Hunger and thirst tortured my body, but my mind was clearer than ever. My gruesome death in my past life. Their betrayal in this one. Scene after scene replayed in my mind like a movie. I rubbed my wrist against the rough bark of the tree behind me, over and over. The sharp edges of the bark dug deep into my flesh. The pain made my whole body tremble. But this pain was nothing compared to what they had put me through! Blood ran down my wrist. The sticky sensation mixed with the salty sea breeze, giving off a strange metallic smell. A small tear appeared in the rope. I pulled hard, and the rope binding me snapped. I collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. My wrist was a bloody mess—I could almost see the white of bone. I steadied myself against the tree trunk and stood up shakily, then slipped silently into the dense forest nearby. 3 Derek was woken by the blinding sunlight. Megan was still asleep, a smile lingering on her lips. Derek nudged her. “Wake up. It’s morning.” Megan reluctantly opened her eyes and yawned. “What time is it? I bet that little coward Emma pissed herself from fear.” Her voice was full of schadenfreude. “Let’s go check out her pathetic state!” Derek nodded, and they walked out of the cave together. But when their eyes fell on the tree outside, they both froze. Under the tree—nothing. Only a piece of broken rope lay alone on the ground, stained with dried, dark red blood. Where was I? Megan’s eyes instantly lit up with excitement, and she nearly jumped for joy. “A wild animal must have dragged her off last night!” “This is perfect! Absolutely perfect! Saves us so much trouble!” She laughed maniacally, as if she’d just heard the best news in the world. But Derek’s brow furrowed tightly. He crouched down and carefully examined the traces on the ground. “Something’s wrong.” Megan’s laughter cut off abruptly. “What’s wrong?” Derek pointed at the broken rope and the surrounding ground, his expression cautious. “Look—the rope looks like it was worn through, not bitten.” “And besides this blood, there’s not a single sign of a struggle on the ground.” “If there really was a wild animal, it wouldn’t be this clean.” The smile on Megan’s face froze. “Then… where is she?” Derek stood up and brushed the dirt off his hands. “I don’t know.” His gaze swept over the dark, dense forest around them, a cold glint in his eyes. “Alive or dead, I need to see for myself.” “Without seeing her body, I can’t let my guard down.” Megan’s face went pale. “What do you mean? You’re going to look for her?” “This island gives me the creeps. I’m not going in there!” Derek shot her an icy look. “Then stay here alone. I’m going.” With that, he headed into the depths of the forest. Megan gritted her teeth. Even though she was terrified, she reluctantly followed. In my past life, after Derek and Megan brought me to this island, they quietly put on the diving gear they had prepared in advance and left. Because I was afraid of water, I could only wait alone for rescue! And I ended up dying a horrible death! So after my rebirth, the first thing I did was learn how to swim. My hatred helped me overcome my fear! Watching their figures disappear into the trees, I silently made my way to the spot where they had hidden the diving equipment in my past life. I threw away one set, put on the other, and left this island. Derek. Megan. Enjoy your thrilling wilderness survival experience! The terrain on the island became increasingly treacherous. Towering trees blocked out the sunlight, and a damp, rotting smell filled the air. Megan was already timid by nature, and now her face was pale with fear. “Derek, I’m so scared. This place is terrifying…” “Let’s go back, please? Emma must be dead by now. The animals have probably eaten her—bones and all!” Derek turned to glare at her impatiently. “Shut up! If you want to leave, go ahead!” While they were talking, neither of them noticed the danger at their feet. Two seconds later. “Ahhh!” A terrified scream echoed through the silent forest.

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