At our holiday family gathering on New Year’s Eve, my mom suddenly blurted out, loud enough for everyone to hear: “Which man gave you the flu?” I stared at her, completely confused. “What are you talking about?” My mom smirked, looking smug. “I knew you couldn’t stay out of trouble.” Then, she looked pointedly at my husband, Ryan, and added, her voice dripping with implication: “You probably don’t know this, but before Emma married you, she was wild. Her dad and I couldn’t rein her in at all.” My eyes widened. “What are you saying?” Seeing my anger, my mom seemed to get even happier. “What’s wrong? Did you do it but can’t own up to it now?” Facing my mother’s slander, I clenched my fists under the table. Since you love spreading malicious rumors about me so much, I guess I don’t need to keep your secrets anymore. At the dinner table, in front of everyone, my mom continued her endless stream of nonsense: “Emma, you’re incredibly lucky to have found a husband like Ryan. Yet, you’re still not satisfied, going out and messing around behind his back. Do you think you’re some kind of irresistible charmer?” I was so furious my head was spinning. “What right do you have to say I’m cheating? Do you have any proof?” My mom rolled her eyes, airily dismissing me. “Ryan doesn’t have the flu, but you do. And you had hives recently too. If you weren’t messing around, where did these illnesses come from?” It was true, I’d been sick a few times lately. Year-end financial closings were brutal, with tons of projects and constant overtime, leading to irregular meals and a weakened immune system. But I thought it was all worth it, because I’d achieved my goals, delivering accurate data by year-end. My colleagues even said I was the most promising candidate for promotion next year. I never imagined all that hard work would become my mother’s excuse to badmouth me. Facing the questioning gazes of my in-laws and Ryan, my dad chuckled and said to me: “Alright, your mom is just joking, don’t take it seriously.” My dad always felt Mom had sacrificed a lot when they were building their business, so no matter how wild she got, he chose to forgive her unconditionally. And because of that endless indulgence, my mom only became more outrageous. Watching everyone’s faces return to normal, she turned back to Ryan and continued: “Starting tomorrow, I’ll move into your house to keep an eye on Emma, so she doesn’t mess around again.” Ryan awkwardly waved his hand. “No, Mom, it’s fine. Emma is perfectly good, she won’t cause any trouble.” My mom grabbed Ryan’s hand, glaring. “A man shouldn’t be such a doormat! If she does something to hurt you, I absolutely must discipline her.” “If you can’t bring yourself to scold or punish her, I will. I promise I’ll whip her into shape.” Watching my mom’s earnest declaration, I suddenly felt a twisted urge to laugh. Were these words really coming from my own mother? Other mothers wish their daughters well; even if there’s conflict between a young couple, they’d side with their daughter. But my mom? She just dragged my name through the mud and then offered to discipline me on behalf of my husband. After the holiday dinner ended, my mom continued to monopolize Ryan and my in-laws, talking endlessly. Seeing my in-laws’ grim faces and Ryan’s evasive eyes, I suddenly realized I was truly fed up with my mom.

I don’t know why, but my mom always seemed to find it incredibly amusing to spread rumors and belittle me in front of others. From fabricating stories about me stealing when I was a child, to spreading a rumor that I was having an affair with a professor at my college graduation ceremony. I had almost no friends; everyone avoided me like the plague. But every time I confronted her, my mom showed no remorse, claiming she was “just joking” and who knew people would actually believe her. Whether she was joking or not, all I knew was that whenever she opened her mouth, nothing good ever came out. After dating Ryan for a year and a half, hiding it from my parents, I decided to take him home to meet them. Worried that my mom would say something detrimental again, my palms were sweating the entire way home that day. My dad tried to reassure me, saying she was my mother, and no matter what she was usually like, she’d surely think of me at a crucial moment like this. When we arrived, my mom’s attitude towards Ryan was actually quite decent, and half my worries dissipated. I started to believe my dad; at key moments, my mom was different. But then, my mom proceeded to badmouth me to Ryan for the entire afternoon. “Look, this is Emma when she was in high school. So dark and fat, and so tall. She looked like a mountain standing there.” My mom showed Ryan my high school class photo. Back then, I’d gained a lot of weight due to academic stress and had even been bullied because of my size. My mom knew all of this, yet now she was telling it as a funny story. I held back tears, struggling to say: “There were so many assignments I couldn’t finish them all. Every day after dinner, I went straight to homework, and I wouldn’t sleep until 1 or 2 AM. The doctor said my weight gain was due to hormone imbalance.” My mom shot me an annoyed glance. “Alright, alright, don’t act like you were some brilliant student.” Then, my mom turned back to Ryan: “You probably don’t know this, but Emma’s grades were actually terrible. She almost got kicked out of college.” The extreme suppression of my emotions made my voice tremble. “That was just one class I failed, and I passed the make-up exam in the second semester.” But this time, my mom didn’t even acknowledge it. She just kept telling Ryan stories about my past. My dad tried to stop her several times, but she wouldn’t shut up. That entire afternoon, if Ryan showed even the slightest interest, my mom would dig up even more embarrassing stories about me. Some things I didn’t even remember, but no matter how much I questioned or protested, my mom just kept talking. That afternoon, I felt like I was sitting on pins and needles. As I walked Ryan out, watching him head to the parking lot, I was even prepared for him to break up with me. But as I turned to leave, Ryan took my hand and said: “No matter what your mom says, I only believe what I see.” “Our wedding will proceed as planned, don’t leave me.” My eyes suddenly stung. This was the first time someone had listened to my mother’s words and still chosen to believe in me.

After the holiday dinner ended badly, Ryan saw I was still upset, so he suggested we go on a road trip for a few days. We chose a nearby rural town. Compared to the city, it had a more festive atmosphere, and the food was fresh and delicious. Ryan and I had a great time there. Two days before the end of the holiday break, I suddenly received a FaceTime call from a distant relative, Aunt Carol. “Emma, where are you now?” “I’m out of town.” “Oh? So you really did run away and hide.” I was full of questions. “Hide from what?” After my question, Aunt Carol’s tone became anxious. “Emma, don’t try to hide it from us anymore. If you lost your job and have no income, you can tell us.” “We relatives can all chip in a little, and you’ll get by. Why on earth did you take out predatory online loans?” “Now, during the holidays, you’re hiding from creditors and can’t even go home.” Hearing Aunt Carol’s words, I nearly collapsed. I tried my best to explain, even screenshotting my employee ID from my work software to prove I still had a job and absolutely had not taken out any online loans. Seeing all the evidence I presented, Aunt Carol grudgingly believed me, but still urged me to call my mom right away. At that, my temper instantly flared. Sure enough, this ridiculous rumor had been spread by my mom again. Before I could even call her, my mom called me. “How can you embarrass me like that? Telling Carol you’re still working is basically telling everyone I’m talking nonsense, isn’t it?” I gripped the phone, a cold laugh escaping my lips. “And weren’t you talking nonsense?” “They just asked me where you were, and I didn’t know, so I just said whatever came to mind. How was I supposed to know they’d actually believe it?” “Is this my fault? Can I control what they think?” Listening to my mom’s self-righteous excuses, I sighed deeply. But my mom wasn’t done. “Besides, with the economy slowing down, who knows, you might lose your job any day now.” I could tolerate anything else my mom said, but this statement, I absolutely could not. Who could understand how many rounds of assessments I went through to secure my position at the company among so many interns? Gripping the phone, I said, my voice low and steady: “I’m not going to lose this job.” I don’t know if my tone was too cold, but my mom went silent on the other end. But after a few seconds, she suddenly sounded excited: “Don’t be so absolute. Believe it or not…” She was hopeless! I didn’t want to hear her rambling anymore, so I hung up the phone. But later events proved I shouldn’t have hung up. At least then I would have been somewhat prepared.

After our holiday break, Ryan and I both returned to our respective jobs. The morning rush hour on the first day back was exceptionally congested, and of course, I hit every red light. A trip that usually took half an hour to the office ended up taking almost fifty minutes today. Rushing into the office, I noticed everyone looking at me strangely. Just as I reached my cubicle, Mr. Harrison, my director, appeared in front of me: “Emma, can you come over here for a moment?” “What’s wrong?” Mr. Harrison’s gaze was unreadable. He said in a low voice: “Just come with me.” Before I even entered Mr. Harrison’s office, I heard my mom’s voice. A sense of foreboding instantly shot through me. Opening the door, I found my mom inside, as expected. Besides Mr. Harrison, several company executives were also there, and the atmosphere was suffocating. My mom saw me enter and pointed at me directly: “Even though you’re my daughter, since you’ve done something to betray the company, I have to expose you.” “What did I do?” “What did you do?” My mom said righteously: “Last night, you sent all of our company’s data to a competitor from your computer. I saw it all.” I gasped. As a financial professional, leaking company data was the gravest taboo. If the leaders actually believed her, I would be completely ruined. Sure enough, after hearing my mom’s words, all the executives’ eyes turned to me. I steadied my breath: “Last night, you weren’t even with me. Where did you see this?” “And which company data are you talking about? What’s the competitor’s name?” My mom was speechless for a moment, but then quickly replied, her voice loud and clear: “You’re the one who contacted them, how could you not know?” I looked her straight in the eye. “I want to hear you say it.” My mom’s eyes darted around. “If the leaders don’t believe me, they can check her computer. There must be records.” Mr. Harrison’s face was cold as he told me to open my computer. The data spreadsheet was right on my desktop. The last modification time was yesterday evening at 10:30 PM. Mr. Harrison’s glasses glinted coldly. “Why were you working on it so late?” “Because I thought it might be needed for a meeting on the first day back to work, so I just opened it to check before going to bed.” Mr. Harrison didn’t say anything, but he immediately revoked my access to the company system. “You’ll take a few days off first. We’ll let you know after the company has investigated everything thoroughly.” With that, Mr. Harrison turned and walked away, not saying another word to me. My mom grinned, looking smug. “Thought you had some amazing job, didn’t you? All I did was say a few words, and they told you to pack your bags and hit the road.” “And you were foolishly working overtime every day. Now you know, they didn’t care about you at all.” Intense anger brought tears to my eyes involuntarily. I challenged her: “Is this another one of your ‘jokes’? Do you know this could make me lose my job?” My mom shrugged indifferently. “So you lose your job. Just stay home and relax. What’s the big deal?” Fine. Since you love spreading rumors about me so much, I won’t keep your secrets anymore. When I got home, I pulled out a yellowed piece of paper. “Mom, does this look familiar?” Seeing the paper in my hand, my mom’s face instantly turned ashen.

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My husband Daniel and I adopted two girls. Just before their freshman orientation physicals, both were found to be pregnant. In front of the reporters’ cameras, they swore Daniel was the father. In my last life, we presented Daniel’s infertility diagnosis. It was dismissed as a forgery. This time, I will clear our names for good The violent pain in my chest felt like it was still lingering. Looking at the familiar furnishings around me, I was a little dazed. “Mom, the teacher said the school physicals are next Wednesday.” My older daughter, Skylar, spoke, and that’s when I knew I had been reborn. Reborn one week before the physicals. Because Daniel couldn’t have children, we adopted two daughters from the orphanage in our second year of marriage. Daniel and I cherished them, treating them like the apples of our eyes. In my previous life, during the Freshman Orientation Week physicals, both daughters were found to be pregnant. I was furious, pressing them about the father of the babies. With tears welling in their eyes, they swore they didn’t know. But then, they immediately went live on social media, accusing Daniel of rape and getting them pregnant. They even smeared Daniel and me, claiming we had peculiar fetishes and had adopted them only to satisfy our twisted desires. I produced Daniel’s infertility diagnosis report, hoping to prove our innocence. But the two daughters deliberately misled the online users, making everyone believe the report was fabricated. Even worse, extremists ambushed me on my way home from work and stabbed me to death. Since heaven had given me a second chance, I was determined to uncover the truth and clear Daniel’s and my names! I looked at the sisters, feigning concern. “Why do you both look so pale? Are you feeling unwell? Come on, let me take you to the doctor.” My younger daughter, Brianna, averted her gaze, a flicker of panic crossing her face. It was Skylar who responded calmly. “Brianna and I stayed up late studying last night. We’re just tired. We’ll be fine if we get some rest tonight. No need for all that trouble.” My gaze swept over their faces. At that moment, I was absolutely certain they already knew they were pregnant. And it also confirmed that the tragic fate Daniel and I met in my previous life was entirely their doing. “Alright then.” I frowned, piling all the rich, greasy stew from my plate onto theirs. “You’re at an age where you’re still growing; you need to eat more meat.” The oily, fatty meat shimmered with a sinister glow under the light. One after the other, they clapped their hands over their mouths and bolted for the bathroom. The sounds of retching echoed from inside. I waited by the door, a faint smile playing on my lips. A little while later, they pushed the door open, and I quickly swapped my expression for one of worry, rushing to meet them. “Why are you throwing up like this? Maybe we should still go to the doctor?” Skylar quickly waved her hand. “I just ate a little too much, Mom. It’s nothing.” “Yeah, Mom,” Brianna echoed. “Don’t worry about it.” “As long as you’re okay.” I sighed and began clearing the dishes from the table. “It’s getting late. Go study. I’ll clean up the leftovers.” After making sure both daughters were in their bedrooms, I pulled out my phone. I ordered a miniature camera. Marked for urgent delivery. I wanted to see what these two were really up to.

My twenty-dollar expedited shipping fee wasn’t wasted. The next morning, the package arrived at the door. Both daughters had already left for school. I installed cameras in the living room, the bathroom, and both of their bedrooms. Just as I finished, my phone rang. It was a text from Daniel. Just like in the previous life, he was attending a business gala and wouldn’t be home. I immediately texted both daughters. I told them Daniel and I would be working late and wouldn’t be home, so they should be careful. Then I hid out in a nearby hotel, quietly waiting for the fish to bite. At 9:30 PM, the two daughters arrived home promptly. After confirming Daniel and I weren’t home, they walked into the house and hugged each other tightly. But on the monitor, I clearly saw an organ that didn’t belong to a woman… I rewound the video a few seconds, staring intently. The moment I clearly saw it, I felt dizzy. How was this possible? How…how could this be! I barely slept a wink that night. The next morning, I stormed to the orphanage where we had adopted them. The old director from back then hadn’t retired yet and seemed genuinely pleased to see me, like an old friend reunited. But I had no time for pleasantries. I immediately recounted the entire story. The memory of being maliciously murdered over this incident in my previous life made me seethe with rage. I wanted nothing more than to tear the culprits to shreds. After listening to my accusations, Ms. Miller pulled out Skylar’s personal file from the cabinet. In the gender field, a large “F” for female was written. “This is a certificate issued by the local hospital. We would never make a mistake like that,” Ms. Miller stated confidently, her expression not looking like she was lying. Seeing this, I pulled out the surveillance footage, found that specific scene, and showed it to her. Ms. Miller was stunned after watching it. Her face instantly turned ashen, and she repeated “impossible” several times. “The evidence is conclusive. So where is my actual elder daughter?” “This… this is simply impossible!” Ms. Miller replayed the footage repeatedly. Then she took out a stack of photos from the archive box. “These are Skylar’s childhood pictures. She clearly exhibited female anatomy. How could she possibly have male genitalia?” Though the child in the photos still had a baby face, her features were unmistakable. The classic split-crotch pants for toddlers left nothing to the imagination. It wasn’t until a corner of the photo wrinkled in my grasp that I finally let go. “Did she have a twin brother or sister?” “No.” Ms. Miller shook her head emphatically. “I personally handled her adoption papers.” How strange… I sank back into thought. Leaving the orphanage, I walked down the street in a daze, nearly getting hit by a speeding car. It was a call from my best friend, Megan, that saved me from the jaws of death. “Just finished surgery, want to grab afternoon tea?” Hearing Megan’s cheerful voice, the stifled emotions I’d been holding finally found an outlet. “Okay.” At the coffee shop, Megan took a bite of tiramisu. “You’re saying Skylar is a guy? Are you out of your mind?” I slapped away her hand from my forehead and showed her the surveillance video. Megan watched the video over and over. Her expression grew increasingly solemn. “Things are a bit complicated. See if you can get me a blood sample from her.” “You’ve figured something out, haven’t you?” Megan nodded. “But I need proof.”

After parting ways with Megan, I turned into a nearby pharmacy. On the pretext of insomnia, I bought two boxes of diazepam. I ground them into powder and mixed them into the girls’ rice. The medication was potent; halfway through their meal, both of them successively retreated to their bedrooms. After confirming there was no movement behind their doors, I quietly pushed one open, blood collection tubes in hand. Carefully, I inserted the needle into Skylar’s arm. After drawing the blood, I put away the needle and prepared to leave. My gaze fell upon Brianna nearby. Seeing her still-not-showing belly, I redirected my steps. Two minutes later, I placed the tubes containing their blood into a pre-prepared sealed bag. I then went to the bathroom and also put Daniel’s toothbrush into the bag. After the delivery driver left with the package, I sent Megan a message. “And while you’re at it, please run a paternity test for me.” Megan messaged me back as soon as she received the package. “Got it. Results in a week.” Time quickly advanced to the day of the physicals. As usual, after smilingly sending the girls out, Daniel came forward to support me as I felt about to collapse. “You look terrible. Are you feeling unwell?” I waved him off, my gaze fixed on the wall clock. At 11:30 AM, my phone rang precisely. It was the homeroom teacher. “Is this Skylar and Brianna’s parent?” “Yes, it is.” “Well, during the Freshman Orientation Week physical today, the doctor found that both of your daughters are pregnant.” I calmly let out a breath. “I understand, Teacher. Where are the girls now?” “They’re already on their way home.” Seemingly afraid I might do something drastic, the teacher tried to console me for a few more moments before hanging up. “What happened? Why do you look so upset?” Daniel asked. I looked at him, my voice sharper than usual. “Today’s physicals. Your daughters tested positive for pregnancy.” “What?!” Daniel was shocked. “Which one?” “Both of them.” Daniel’s face instantly turned as black as thunder. I stared at him for a long moment but still couldn’t bring myself to tell him about being reborn. It was simply too unbelievable. I could only reassure him that what’s done is done, and I would talk to the girls properly when they returned. Just as I was speaking, the doorbell rang. The sisters appeared at the doorstep. Daniel’s eyes were almost spitting fire. I stepped forward to take their backpacks, my expression grim. “The teacher just called. She said you two are pregnant. What’s going on?” Brianna burst into tears. “Mom… I’m so sorry…” Skylar stepped forward, shielding Brianna behind her. “Mom, it’s already happened. Brianna is still young, please don’t blame her.” My gaze lingered on Skylar. I said coldly, “You’re right, it’s already happened. So, tell me, who are the fathers of the children?” Brianna blushed and glanced at Skylar. She shook her head, slightly shyly. Skylar bit her lower lip, refusing to speak. “Speak up!” Daniel, unaware of the full truth, paced anxiously. He wanted to break the necks of those brats who had messed with his daughters. No one spoke. I looked at these two faces, which had ruined Daniel and my lives in the previous life, my heart brimming with hatred. After a long pause, Skylar shook her head. “I… I don’t know…” I sighed, looking at Brianna with disappointment. “I… I don’t know either…” Daniel angrily kicked the wall. Having learned from my previous life, I didn’t press any further. I confiscated both of their electronic devices, citing their studies, and sent them back to their bedrooms to rest. Daniel’s face was pale with worry, and he asked me tremblingly what we should do. I looked at the empty chat window and reassured him. “Just wait a little longer.” Soon, they would reap what they had sown.

The next morning, when I opened my phone, my DMs suddenly showed “99+” unread messages. I clicked on them, surprised. Without exception, all of them were insults directed at Daniel and me. It turned out that last night, the two of them had used a hidden spare phone to start a live stream. They accused Daniel of raping them, leading to their pregnancies. I rushed to push open their bedroom door. But it was empty; not a soul was inside. The online abuse continued. “Worse than animals!” “Ever since the internet, I’ve seen everything but ghosts.” “Propose castration for all rapists!” “Scum! Should be shot!” “Men are only well-behaved when they’re hanging on a wall.” … After a night of fermentation, the incident’s popularity had climbed into the top three trending topics. And it was still rising. I quickly messaged Megan. “The results will take a little longer. I’m rushing them. Hang in there a bit.” The cold words felt like the blade that had pierced my chest in my previous life. Before I could even react, the next second, I received a message from Daniel. “Honey, I’ve been fired.” Just like in the previous life. Daniel’s company, after seeing the news online, immediately fired him regardless of the truth. Without even giving him a chance to explain. I could only, as in my previous life, pull out Daniel’s infertility diagnosis certificate to prove our innocence. “The sisters’ live stream already debunked it; this proof is fake.” “But poor woman, stuck with such an animal of a husband.” “Poor? My ass. The kids said it themselves, the whole thing was planned by both of them. This couple loves to pick little girls from orphanages…” “Like parent, like child.” “Sickos!” … The online abuse intensified, but Megan’s message still hadn’t come through. Just then, there was a knock at the door. I thought it was Daniel and quickly opened it. A bucket of blood-like liquid splashed across me. Several elderly neighbors, armed with brooms and feather dusters, furiously attacked me. “Slut! How dare you lay hands on such young kids!” “You inhuman monster!” “You damn animal! You’re lower than dirt!” “Heartless witch! Have you no conscience?!” … I didn’t bother trying to explain, desperately dodging. But the blows still landed on me, one after another. Someone grabbed my hair, pulling so hard I almost fainted from the pain. In the chaos, I heard a familiar voice. “Who are you people? If you don’t leave, I’m calling the cops!” The neighbors weren’t afraid of Daniel; instead, they became even more emboldened. “Go on, call them! We’ll see if the police arrest us or you!” “How can you lay hands on your own daughters? You’re truly heartless!” … As they spoke, they moved to strike again. Daniel pushed several people away with force, then quickly slammed the door shut. I was shaken. I clung to Daniel, sobbing uncontrollably. Finally, my phone rang. It was Megan’s report. The paternity test showed that the babies in their wombs had no blood relation to Daniel. It also confirmed that Skylar was the biological father of both children. I publicly posted the paternity test results. From a top hospital, black and white on paper. But the online users didn’t buy it. “Can’t you try harder with the Photoshop, hahahahahaha…” “Is this woman stupid? The biological father is a woman?” “To cover up their crimes, they’ll even make up such ridiculous lies.” “They said AI couldn’t replace humans, right?” … Someone had begun doxxing my personal information. immediately messaged Megan. “Are Skylar’s results ready?” The chat window stayed dark. The wall clock read 12:25 PM. In my previous life, at exactly 12:30 that day, two extremists had stormed our home and murdered Daniel and me. Watching the time on the screen tick down, my heart pounded faster and faster. Then, at 12:28 PM, Megan’s reply finally flashed on the screen. “The results are in! Just as I thought.”

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Finally, after bearing three of his children, I was permitted inside Julian Campbell’s mansion. But in this house, I was not Julian’s wife, nor the children’s mother. I was just a nanny, brought in to help. Julian placed the newborn in my arms. His voice was cold and distant. “You have three days. Leave when the regular nanny Martha returns.” “Do not tell Charlotte who you are. Do not make trouble for me.” “After these three days end, I’ll send you back to your villa outside the city.” “I will give you everything you want, except the title of Mrs. Campbell.” He was so sure, so certain I would compromise again, as before, for the children. But he did not know I had already bought my plane ticket to leave the country before coming here. I was only here to say goodbye. The baby in my arms, as if sensing my turmoil, began to whimper. Julian frowned, his eyes darting toward the master bedroom upstairs. “Keep the child quiet. Don’t disturb Charlotte.” As if on cue, Charlotte descended the stairs in a white dress, a child held firmly in each hand. Her delicate, pale face seemed to glow with an almost ethereal light. And in that instant, Julian’s entire demeanor softened. He slipped back into the role of the perfect husband, the doting father. He returned to the home that belonged only to him and Charlotte. He quickly went to her, pulling her frail body into his embrace. His voice was doting, yet laced with a hint of reproach. “It’s so cold out. Why are you barefoot?” “You’re so delicate; be careful not to catch a cold.” As he spoke, he naturally bent down, carefully slipping a pair of cashmere socks onto Charlotte’s feet. He was so reverent, so earnest, as if he were tending to an invaluable treasure. Charlotte was clearly accustomed to Julian’s doting care. She leaned into his embrace, her voice soft and sweet. “I just wanted to see you sooner.” “You’ve been gone for so many days. If I didn’t have Leo and Lily with me, I’d be so lonely…” Hearing this, Leo immediately puffed out his chest, his face beaming with pride. “I said I’d be Mom’s big hero!” “I’ll always stay by Mom’s side and never let her be sad!” Lily nodded along. “Me too!” “Dad, I even picked fresh flowers for Mom today. I’m even better than Leo!” The two children, one after another, crowded around Charlotte, showering her with affection and concern. What a heartwarming scene, what a wonderfully happy family of four. But it was me… I was their mother! My heart twisted painfully. Tears blurred my vision as I looked at Julian. But he ignored my tearful gaze, simply taking the baby from my arms and presenting her to Charlotte. Charlotte took the infant with practiced ease, smiling. “What a darling baby. Have you decided on a name?” “How about we call her Ava?” Faced with Charlotte’s suggestion, Julian gave his consent without a moment’s hesitation. He immediately nodded, instructing his assistant to change the baby’s name. I instinctively reached out to stop him, my voice urgent. “Julian, you promised me…” When I gave birth to this child, I suffered a severe hemorrhage and was forced to have a hysterectomy, losing my ability to bear children forever. I pleaded with Julian, begging him to let me keep this last child by my side. But he looked at me with cold indifference and said, “Amelia, don’t be childish.” “The Campbell bloodline cannot be left outside the family.” “However, considering all you’ve been through, I can allow you to name this child as a keepsake.” That fleeting moment of tenderness, hard-won after almost dying, was now being casually erased by a single sentence from Charlotte. I looked at Julian, unwilling to accept it. My eyes welled up, tears threatening to spill. Julian noticed my distress. But he merely frowned slightly, quickly averting his gaze. “Charlotte, this is Martha’s niece. Martha is sick, so she’s filling in for three days.” “If you don’t like her, I can have her sent away right now.” “She’ll never appear before you or the children again, ever.” That statement was an open threat, bare and brutal. I bit my lower lip, desperately trying not to cry aloud. But the wrenching pain in my heart only intensified. Years of accumulated grievances surged over me all at once.

During my college years, I met Julian, who was giving a guest lecture at our university. He fell in love with me at first sight, pursuing me relentlessly. Designer jewelry, expensive bags, luxurious accessories. Everything I’d once only dreamed of was suddenly showered upon me. Everyone said our backgrounds were worlds apart, that Julian was just playing games. But he proved his love with every little action. He’d light up the entire city with fireworks just because I said I liked them. He’d climb thirty flights of stairs to bring me late-night snacks just because I mumbled I was hungry. He was so meticulous, so thoughtful, planning every detail for me. From big life decisions to the smallest thing, like what I ate and drank. I completely succumbed to his charm. Our passion burned fiercely, and soon, we were expecting our first child. Unlike the playboys who would simply vanish, he carefully chose a premier maternity clinic for me and began planning our wedding. Everything was set until the wedding day, when he suddenly stopped me. “Amelia, I’m already married.” Before the shock could settle, Julian laid a marriage certificate before me. His voice was gentle, yet it left no room for argument. “The title you want, I cannot give you. But I will cover all your mother’s medical expenses.” Julian explained that as the sole heir to the formidable Campbell legacy, he had long been married. His wife, Charlotte, came from a family of equal standing-a fragile beauty with a chronic condition. While she could not produce an heir for the Campbells, her family brought indispensable business alliances. Divorce was not an option. “Charlotte understands the rules of our world. She will not interfere with our…arrangement.” “I need you to bear healthy children for the Campbell family, for us.” “Beyond that, you two will live entirely separate lives, never crossing paths.” As he spoke, Julian placed a platinum card in front of me. He analyzed everything about me as if I were a commodity. “I’ve checked your background. You’re from the West Coast, no hereditary family illnesses.” “Your height, weight, education, appearance-all meet my requirements.” “Your mother’s in the hospital after a car accident; you desperately need money.” “This is a shrewd bargain for you.” “Of course, you can refuse.” “But understand this: in this city, no one dares cross the Campbells. Leave me, and you’ll find no job, no partner, no one to pay your mother’s medical bills.” His words abruptly jolted me awake from my dream. It was then I realized Julian’s feelings for me were never love. He cared for my every need, planned my future. In countless nights, he intimately ‘measured’ my body-all just to pick the perfect vessel for himself, for Charlotte. He blocked every escape route, forcing me to make that humiliating choice. That night, I cried myself almost unconscious. In the end, I signed my name on that contract, which felt more like a bill of sale. My love for my mother became my reason to compromise. It also became the cage that trapped me. From that day on, I became Julian’s mistress, the woman he kept hidden away. A nameless, unrecognized tool for bearing children.

Five years. Three children. It drained my health and utterly crushed my dignity. If this last, agonizing childbirth hadn’t rendered me unable to have more children, if it hadn’t stripped me of my ‘reproductive value,’ I imagine this nightmare would have continued endlessly. A dense, suffocating pain spread through my heart. Yet, the perpetrator had long since swaggered away. Charlotte’s gaze towards me grew increasingly contemptuous. She poked the soft flesh around my waist with her finger and sneered. “So you’re the mistress Julian keeps outside? You’re not even that pretty. It must have been a real sacrifice for him, to ‘branch out’ and stoop to someone like you.” “You probably don’t know, but Julian and I aren’t just bound by family alliances; we’re childhood sweethearts.” “His love for me is something no other woman can ever replace.” I believed her, of course. All these years with Julian, Charlotte always came first. Even when we were intimate. Even when I was in labor, hovering between life and death. A single phone call from Charlotte, and he would rush back to the main house. He would spend a fortune to make me happy. He would also use his actions and the disdain in his eyes to remind me to remember my place. But honestly, Julian’s reminders and Charlotte’s precautions were all unnecessary. The moment Julian presented that contract, the moment he trampled my dignity, any love or lingering affection I had for him vanished. I stayed by his side only for my mother’s medical expenses. And for the chance to see these children again. Now, my mother was gone. And I finally understood: no matter what I did, no matter how much I bowed my head and compromised, these children would never truly be mine. Since that was the case, it was better to leave now, taking with me what little dignity I had left. I managed a polite, strained smile for Charlotte and spoke slowly. “Mrs. Campbell, you’re overthinking it.” “I’m just a nanny brought in to help. There’s no other relationship between Mr. Campbell and me.” During these last three days, I wanted to avoid any more trouble. But my concession only led to Charlotte’s escalation. She slapped me, hard, across the face, her voice spitting fire. “What are you? How dare you look at me like that?” “I should have let you die on that operating table!” Charlotte, who moments ago seemed too delicate to fend for herself, was now utterly vicious. She threw a report at my face, a cold laugh escaping her lips. “You think Julian bringing you into the Campbell house means he acknowledges your status?” “Dream on! There will only ever be one lady of this house, and that’s me!” “He keeps you around simply because your blood type matches mine.” “In case anything happens to me, your blood can save my life!” “Believe me, I could have you killed with a single word!” The sharp edge of the paper cut my eye, leaving me stunned and disbelieving. How could a man be as heartless as Julian? He took my children, destroyed my body. Now, he wanted to turn me into a tool to prolong his wife’s life! The difference between being loved and not loved was truly staggering. My long-suppressed emotions completely shattered. Large tears streamed down my face. I was about to confront Julian when Charlotte suddenly rose, stumbling backwards into a nearby bench.

The cut wasn’t deep, just a scraped patch of skin. But the sudden commotion still alerted everyone in the mansion. Julian rushed over, only to see Charlotte, beautiful and tear-streaked like a wilting flower, and me, my heart cold as ash. Charlotte collapsed like a willow branch, her tearful eyes fixed on Julian. “Amelia, Amelia, why does she hate me so much? What did I do wrong?” Seeing the tears on Charlotte’s face, Julian’s heart broke instantly. He had no logic left, no desire to discern right from wrong. He immediately turned to me, his voice sharp with accusation. “Amelia, I know you harbor resentment.” “If you have grievances, take them out on me directly. Why attack Charlotte?” “You’ve been spoiled rotten by me, haven’t you? If anything happens to Charlotte, I swear I won’t let you get away with it!” There was no trace of affection left in his eyes for me. Only undisguised disgust and fury. Leo and Lily also stood defensively in front of Charlotte, glaring at me, their faces contorted with anger. Looking at the menacing group before me. Looking at Charlotte, who was triumphantly flaunting her claim, eager to assert her dominion. I suddenly lost all energy to defend myself. What was there to say? Who would even believe me? Julian wouldn’t believe me. To him, I was just a vessel for bearing children. A woman who could be paid off and dismissed. Leo and Lily wouldn’t believe me either. To them, I was just a stranger they’d never met. A horrible person who was bullying their mother. From the moment I fell for Julian, I was doomed to lose everything. From the moment I stepped into this villa, I was just setting myself up for humiliation. Countless tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision. I had no strength to argue, no strength left for hatred. All I wanted was to leave. And quickly. To end this farce, I snatched the fruit knife from the table and slashed it across my own arm. Once. Twice. Three times… Until my entire arm was covered in blood. Until the last remnants of feeling in my heart bled out. I lifted my head, my gaze meeting Julian’s with numb exhaustion. “Ten times over, are you satisfied now?” My sudden actions terrified everyone present. Charlotte recoiled into Julian’s embrace, coldly uttering two words. “Psycho.” Then, she turned her head, half-coaxing, half-commanding. “Julian, make her leave.” “How can a psycho like her take care of our children?” “I don’t care if I’m hurt, but I absolutely won’t let our children be in danger!” The scene erupted into complete chaos. Julian finally lost his temper, roaring at me. “Amelia, what the hell are you doing?!” “Before you showed up, we were perfectly happy in this home.” “If I’d known this, I never would have been soft-hearted enough to bring you back!” Hearing his words, Leo and Lily no longer held back. They started hitting me, muttering fiercely. “Don’t you dare bully our mom!” “Bad lady! Bad lady! Go away!” The children’s blows were weak, but each one struck deep into my heart. It hurt more than any blade to the flesh, more than the agony of childbirth. I stared blankly at these two children, my own flesh and blood, and shook my head helplessly. How foolish. If Julian, after five years, did not love me… How could these children, whom I had only just met, hold any lingering affection for me? They would only ever know Charlotte as their mother. I looked down at the infant in my arms, crying uncontrollably. She was not even a year old; she could do nothing but cry. But when she grew, she too would call Charlotte “Mom.” She too would learn to hate me, to despise me, just like Leo and Lily. She too would scorn my origins, just like Julian. After all, in this house, I was nothing. Tears and blood mingled on my skin. I couldn’t see the path ahead, nor the faces from my past with any clarity. I drew a deep breath, etching the images of these three children into my heart. Then I forced a pale, hollow smile and spoke softly. “Julian, don’t worry.” “I’ll never bother you again.” Never again would I disrupt your perfect family. Leaves fell, borne away by the wind. The world around me seemed to wither. II took one last look at Julian, then turned my back and walked straight into the desolate winter awaiting me.

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After two decades with Julian, pulling him from the abyss to the absolute peak, a voice in my head, the System, suddenly asked. “He cut down your peach tree for his new lover. Do you regret it?” He no longer loved me. There was no point in holding on. With a bitter smile, I nodded, ready to leave this world completely. But after I vanished, Julian lost his mind, searching the entire city for me. He even followed me to my real world, his eyes bloodshot, pleading. “Please, come home with me.” My new husband stepped forward, tossing the engagement ring Julian offered into the trash. “She is married to me now. Please leave.” Scarlett’s POV The moment the peach tree in the backyard was cut down, I knew my time in this world was nearly over. “Wow, Mr. Thorne! You actually cleared a whole plot for me! Thank you so much, now I can grow vegetables for you!” Julian stood in the yard, his voice gentle. “Whatever makes you happy.” I watched them from the balcony, a silent observer behind glass. It was as if that man wasn’t my husband, and that girl had no connection to me. “Hello, long time no see.” The familiar electronic voice of the System echoed in my mind. I took a sip of my coffee. “You don’t seem surprised at all.” “The peach tree was destroyed. Of course, you’d show up.” My voice was calm. “When do I leave this world?” “You’ve stayed too long after your mission ended, forming too many ties with this world. You can’t detach the instant your soul host disappears. It will take at least two weeks.” “Okay.” The System was silent for a moment, as if calculating. “Ten years ago, you chose to stay, anchoring your soul to an object in this world. Now you’ve watched your host object be destroyed, watched your husband’s devotion shift to another woman…Do you feel no regret?” I looked down at the coffee in my mug, lost in thought. I was only sixteen when I first arrived in this world. Back then, Julian was shunned and despised for the scandal of his birth. Almost overnight, he went from a bright student to a branded ‘homewrecker’s son.” At school, he was isolated and bullied. His mother’s small business, their sole livelihood, was maliciously ruined. The relentless accusations broke his mother first. She fell from a great height and ended her life. Then it was his turn. Friends slowly drifted away, teachers chose to avoid him. The once outgoing boy gradually closed himself off, letting the cold stares and malice wash over him. When he was about to lose all will to live, I stood by his side. During that time, I did so much. I slowly pulled him out of that dark abyss. Later, his biological father appeared. Julian refused to accept this sudden presence in his life. He couldn’t forgive that man for destroying his once peaceful life, nor could he forgive his mother’s death. The man left him with a threat- If Julian didn’t return to that family, his path forward would be incredibly difficult. In the days that followed, we endured pressure from all sides. Countless sleepless nights, endless doubts, and sneers. Eventually, he stood firm on his own, making a name for himself in the industry. Ten years ago, his company went public. My mission was completed that day. According to the rules, I had to leave this world after the mission was done. Unless I chose to anchor my soul to an object- If the object lived, I lived; if the object was destroyed, I left. We had been through too much together. Those memories ran too deep; I couldn’t bear to leave. So, I stayed, even though I knew it meant immense risk. “Hello?” I snapped back to reality, looking at the man in the yard who was intently listening to the girl talk. “I never regret the decisions I’ve made.” “Aren’t you sad?” I didn’t answer. A knock sounded at the door. It was Julian. He walked up beside me, looking at the busy figure in the yard. I shifted my gaze, my chest tightening. How could I not be sad? He was the man I had poured my entire heart into loving. “Scarlett, don’t you think Stella is a lot like you back then? Passionate, lively, full of life.” I knew very well that nostalgia was just an excuse. The real reason was that he had changed. I wiped away the dampness from the corner of my eye, adjusting my breathing. “Do you remember what I told you when we planted that tree?” “You said I should take care of it as if I were taking care of you.” He had taken care of that tree for ten years. But he couldn’t resist someone who had only been in his life for a few months. I looked at him, not speaking, but he already understood what I wanted to ask. “Out with the old, in with the new, right?” I forced a smile, laced with a touch of bitterness. I really wanted to ask- Did “the old” he spoke of include me too? I also really wanted to tell him that I would be leaving soon. But in the end, I said nothing. Perhaps it was because I already understood that the passion in our relationship had long since faded. Maybe he hadn’t completely fallen out of love, but he was no longer the man who looked at only me with his whole heart. If that was the case, what was there to say?

Scarlett’s POV “Ms. Thorne, I heard that tree was planted by you and Julian, a symbol of your love.” Stella fiddled with the hem of her shirt, looking cautiously at me. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know how important that tree was before. By the time I found out, it was too late to save it.” “I made you a dessert with its petals, and I even started brewing wine. I know it can’t make up for anything, but I just hope you’ll feel a little less regret.” I took a few bites of the petal dessert. “It’s delicious, thank you for putting so much thought into preserving it for me. But I probably won’t get to drink that wine.” I didn’t have much time left in this world; I wouldn’t be here to see the wine finish brewing. My calmness seemed to panic Stella. The destruction of the tree should have provoked anger. “It’s all my fault… If you’re angry, please punish me. Whether it’s a fine or making me do extra work, anything.” Her voice grew softer and softer, her eyes turning red, tears streaming down her face. I raised my hand, intending to comfort her, but I didn’t know what to say. In that hesitant moment, hurried footsteps approached, and my hand, suspended in mid-air, was swatted away. Julian steadied Stella by the shoulders, turning her around, and looked down at her red-rimmed eyes. “Did she bully you?” The “she” he referred to was obvious. My outstretched hand felt utterly superfluous. Stella tried to explain, but her crying was too frantic for coherent words. It was the first time I’d seen Julian look at me like that. “Scarlett, do you have to be like this?” I withdrew my hand, speaking softly. “I didn’t do anything.” “You did nothing, and she’s crying like this?” “I’m the one who had the tree cut down. If you’re upset, take it out on me, don’t pick on a young girl.” “Julian, I’m telling you one last time, I didn’t do anything.” He looked at me, his voice growing colder. “Scarlett, that incident was an accident, Stella is a victim too. Can’t we all just get along? Do you have to make a scene?” Six months ago, he was set up, given something he shouldn’t have consumed. He barely made it back to the mansion before losing control and sleeping with Stella. That incident might have been an accident. But everything that happened afterward wasn’t. I watched him change little by little, watched him start prioritizing another woman’s feelings over mine. It felt like being slowly, clearly cut by a dull knife, over and over again. I had retreated to a point where I just wanted us to stay out of each other’s way. “There are security cameras in the house,” I said. “If you don’t believe me, you can check them yourself.” Stella, beside him, tugged at his sleeve anxiously, shaking her head softly. “No… it’s really not like that.” “You don’t need to speak for her.” Julian lifted his hand, wiping away the tears from her eyes, his voice softening. “I’m here. No one will ever hurt you.” With that, he took Stella’s hand and walked away without looking back. I stood there, watching their retreating figures, feeling a sudden sense of disorientation. I had heard those words before. Back then, he was being crushed by his family’s influence. I finally managed to contact an investor who was willing to help. When I arrived at the agreed meeting place, I found the table covered with high-proof whiskey. I didn’t want his efforts to be in vain, so I drank glass after glass. He arrived and immediately smashed a whiskey bottle over the head of the man who tried to touch me, holding me tightly in his arms. “I’m so sorry, Scarlett. I was useless, I couldn’t protect you.” That six-foot-three man, who hadn’t cried when he was ostracized in high school, hadn’t cried when he was disowned by his family, hadn’t cried when he was severely injured and hospitalized. But he held me and cried uncontrollably. “I’ll get stronger,” he said. “With me here, no one will ever hurt you again.” He had kept his word, protecting me fiercely. I just never imagined that many years later, the one who would hurt me again, would be him. At that moment, the System in my head spoke: “Confirmed departure in ten days. I will appear in ten days to open the portal for you.” “Okay.”

Scarlett’s POV Julian didn’t come home for several days, and Stella wasn’t there either. I knew he was giving me the silent treatment. In the past, if he disappeared for two days, I would inevitably give in, making excuses for him, covering for him, even proactively backing down and taking all the blame myself. But this time, I didn’t. I just quietly started packing up my things around the house. Mrs. Davies, the housekeeper, stood by, hesitant. “Ma’am, these are all gifts from Julian. Are you really getting rid of all of them?” I lowered my eyes, looking at the gift boxes laid out on the floor. When I first opened them, my heart had indeed been filled with anticipation and joy. But now, only emptiness remained. “Get rid of them,” I said. “Keep the money and give it to the children I sponsor.” Anyway, I was leaving soon; these things had no more meaning to me. After handing the last box of luxury items to Mrs. Davies, I picked up the charity auction invitation and drove out, planning to spend all the remaining money on my card. I just hadn’t expected to see Julian there. Stella, holding up her dress, ran ahead, full of fresh curiosity about everything. Julian followed behind her, constantly keeping an eye on her movements. The moment our eyes met, I saw a fleeting look of displeasure in his. “What are you doing here?” Before I could even speak, I was surrounded by people. “Mr. Thorne and his wife are here for charity again!” “Mrs. Thorne, you’re so lucky to have such a thoughtful husband…” These kinds of pleasantries were unavoidable at such events. He used to enjoy hearing them, and whenever people complimented our relationship, he always played along. But this time, his expression visibly hardened. “There’s no need for such talk today.” “Besides, she’s not my companion.” As soon as he said that, he walked away, searching for Stella in the crowd. Upon seeing her stumble outside the crowd, he quickly moved to scoop her up in his arms, his eyes filled with tender concern. The petite woman nestled in the man’s broad embrace-a beautiful scene that drew everyone’s gaze. After Julian left, the crowd’s bewildered eyes turned to me. I quickly composed myself, but I could still feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere. “Mrs. Thorne… well then, we won’t disturb you.” They politely dispersed, leaving me standing there alone. I looked in the direction Julian had left. In a corner of the hall, he was half-crouching, head bowed, carefully examining Stella’s ankle, his movements patient and focused. Soon, hushed whispers began to rise. “I’ve never seen Mr. Thorne with another woman before.” “Even his staff used to be almost exclusively male.” “Who is that girl? Has something gone wrong with their relationship?” I took a deep breath, forcing myself to look away. I straightened my back, put on a standard, controlled smile, found the seat with my name on it, and tried hard not to listen to those voices. For the next few hours, Julian bid again and again, securing expensive auction items for Stella. The smile on my face slowly faded. Until finally, he bid for a high-priced gem ring, a symbol of eternal love. Under the envious gazes of the crowd, he personally slipped it onto Stella’s finger. In that moment, I finally couldn’t hold on anymore. My chest felt as if something heavy was crushing it, making it hard to breathe. I stood up, didn’t spare them another glance, and turned to leave my seat, practically fleeing the venue.

Scarlett’s POV In the restroom, the host’s teasing voice filtered through the speakers. I looked at myself in the mirror, my chest tightening with each passing moment. Eight years ago, Julian’s status was unmatched. Countless people tried to send women his way. In their eyes, in that world of gilded extravagance, a wife like me-without a powerful background, who had merely stood by him through thick and thin-would eventually be cast aside. Some even secretly bet on when he would abandon me. Julian was furious when he found out. He projected our wedding photos onto the city’s most prominent screens, openly recounting our love story in public interviews. He bought priceless gems at multiple auctions and visited top jewelry designers several times, all just to design a unique ring for me. His extravagant actions, regardless of cost, caused a sensation throughout elite circles. Everyone said I was incredibly lucky. And now, the scene outside mirrored eight years ago. Only this time, Julian wasn’t doing it for me. I had no interest in watching any further. I straightened myself up, ready to leave. Just as I stepped out, a gunshot suddenly shattered the air, followed by ear-splitting screams and chaotic footsteps. Someone crashed into me, and the next second, my wrist was gripped tightly. I was yanked, stumbled a few steps, and pulled into a restroom stall. Stella’s face was pale with terror, her hand trembling as she clung to mine. “How… how could someone have a gun…?” Julian subtly moved her hand from my wrist, taking it into his own palm. He softly reassured her. “Don’t be scared, I won’t let anything happen to you.” I looked at the two of them, tightly huddled together. The bitterness I had managed to suppress earlier surged back. In this cramped space, I, his legal wife, seemed to cease to exist. The shouts of the perpetrators outside came in fits and starts. I knew very well that we couldn’t hide here forever; we had to find a way to leave. I stepped onto the toilet seat, reaching up to test the small window on the side wall. The window shifted slightly. “It moves, we can get out this way.” Julian followed my movements with his eyes. Just then, a command rang out from outside: “Search. Bring everyone alive in the hall to the main lobby.” Footsteps began closing in on the restroom. The air instantly grew taut. I had just lifted my foot when I was suddenly pulled down. “Let Stella go first.” I lost my footing, and a sharp pain shot through my ankle. But the pain of that moment was nothing compared to the sting of his words. I looked at Julian. He didn’t even glance at me, instead, he simply hoisted Stella onto his shoulder, shielding her as they went through the small window. Once Stella was safely out, he immediately restored the window to its original position. In that moment, I finally realized that from the very beginning, he had never intended for me to leave. My eyes burned. Even though I understood the answer, I still wanted to hear him say it. I took a deep breath, but my voice trembled uncontrollably. “Why send her, and not me?” Julian lowered his eyes. “She’s younger.” “Besides, you’ve been with me through so much over the years. You can handle situations like this better than she can.” “Then why couldn’t we both go?” The attackers hadn’t reached here yet. There was plenty of time to get both of us out. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for a man like me to hide in the women’s restroom, so…” I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. So, in Julian’s eyes, I was just a convenient target to be left behind. The two decades I’d spent with him felt like a ridiculous joke.

Scarlett’s POV Unfortunately, I was chosen as a hostage along with four other women. Two captors guarded each woman, blades pressed to our necks, cold gun muzzles at our temples. We became bargaining chips. Everyone else in the venue had been evacuated, Julian among them. My gaze pierced through the crowd, clearly seeing him pull a distraught Stella into his arms, softly comforting her, then turning to leave without a backward glance. In that moment, my heart plummeted completely. The five of us were forced into a car, which sped off toward the remote outskirts. Then, a black cloth was thrown over my head, and I quickly lost consciousness. When I next opened my eyes, I was in an abandoned factory on the city’s outskirts. The police found us two days later. With them were the families of some of the other hostages. I scanned the crowd, but Julian was nowhere to be seen. I couldn’t help but scoff at myself. Even now, I was clinging to a sliver of hope for him. I watched the other women collapse into their loved ones’ arms, sobbing. I watched them release all the terror and breakdown of the past days. I watched them being held close, soothed and reassured. To say I wasn’t envious would have been a lie. “Ms. Thorne?” A police officer, whose face seemed vaguely familiar, crouched down in front of me. He looked around, a clear flicker of surprise in his expression. “Mr. Thorne didn’t come?” I recognized him. He had been among the officers who responded when Julian’s enemies had kidnapped me before. “That’s not right, we notified him.” He scratched his head, a little confused. “Last time you were kidnapped, Mr. Thorne was so frantic, he got stabbed in the chest but wouldn’t leave, insisting on exchanging himself for you. This time, how could he-” My disappointment was palpable. Yes, the old Julian would rather exchange his life for mine. This time, though, he was the one who had left me in danger with his own hands. I didn’t speak. The officer sensed something was wrong and quickly changed the subject, asking the standard questions, then handed me a cup of water. “If no one comes to pick you up, you can ride with me later. I’ll take you to the hospital. You look like the most injured one here, you need proper care.” “Thank you.” At the hospital, the nurse frowned immediately when she saw my injuries. A deep gash on my neck, numerous glass shards embedded in my calf, and a badly swollen ankle. “Where’s your family? You can’t walk properly on this foot right now.” “It’s okay, I’ll just borrow a wheelchair.” After my wounds were treated, I slowly wheeled myself out of the ward. In the hallway, I heard a familiar voice. Following the sound, I saw Julian carefully supporting Stella, shielding her from bumping into anyone, his voice laced with anxiety. “Didn’t I tell you to rest well during this time? Let someone else handle these things. You just wouldn’t listen, and now you’ve fallen.” “You’re exaggerating. It was such a thick carpet, it’s not that serious.” “No, we still need a full check-up. I won’t feel at ease otherwise.” I curled my lips, a bitter taste filling my mouth. She had merely stumbled, and he was this worried. Yet, until now, he hadn’t thought to ask- If I had been safely rescued, if I was injured. I didn’t watch any longer. I turned my wheelchair and rolled past them, heading toward the elevator alone. Their voices followed me. “Oh, and Mr. Thorne, you should still ask the police about Mrs. Thorne’s condition. It’s all because of me that she was in danger, I’m very worried.” “Okay.” “And that day, Mrs. Thorne really didn’t bully me. She just said she wouldn’t get to drink my wine in the future, and I felt so guilty that I cried.” I didn’t look back.

Scarlett’s POV I sat in my wheelchair, watching my belongings being moved out one by one, piled haphazardly in the staff quarters. I felt utterly paralyzed. Mrs. Davies, who had been our housekeeper for nearly a decade, stood by, her hands twisting together. After a long, hesitant pause, she finally spoke. “Ma’am, Julian said… Stella’s had a shock and isn’t well. She needs the sunniest room for a while. He asked us to pack your things…” Her voice grew quieter as she spoke, eventually barely daring to look at me. I just sat there silently, my face devoid of expression. “I tidied up the best guest room yesterday. I can help you move your things there.” I shook my head. “No, this is fine.” Anyway, I only had five days left. No matter how grand the room, it was just a temporary place for me. Seeing Mrs. Davies’s slightly red eyes, I comforted her softly: “It’s okay, it’s convenient for me to be on the first floor since I can’t move around easily right now.” Julian, who had just walked in, heard my words and came over to me, looking at my bandaged arm and leg. I didn’t look up to meet his gaze. He spoke, his voice tinged with blame. “Why didn’t you say anything when you got back? Stella couldn’t eat because she was worried about you.” I explained. “My phone was smashed by the attackers, and the police probably contacted you, but you were too busy to notice.” He was silent, and I didn’t give him any more opportunities to speak. In that brief silence, I had lost all interest in staying there. I simply turned my wheelchair and went into the room myself. I tried to stand up from the wheelchair, to lean against the bed. But my legs gave out, and my body tilted forward. The next second, I fell heavily to the floor. The pain came quickly. I gritted my teeth, propping myself up with my hands against the edge of the bed, trying to slowly stand, but I couldn’t find my balance. Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open. “Scarlett!” As I fell into his arms, I felt a strange sense of disorientation. It had been so long since I’d been this close to anyone. He gently placed me on the bed, his voice finally losing its hardness, even taking on a rare, pleading softness: “Scarlett, I’m so sorry, I wronged you. Please give me one year, okay? In one year, I promise I’ll come back to our family and be your model husband again.” I looked at the ceiling, my emotions flat. I said calmly, “Okay.” He said, “Get some rest. I’ll go out now.” After the door closed, I vaguely heard Stella’s soft voice outside. “Mrs. Thorne isn’t mad at me, is she?” Julian replied, “No, don’t worry, I won’t let you suffer.” I closed my eyes, pulled the covers over my head, and forced myself to sleep. Time slipped away. I had only one day left in this world. Mrs. Davies wheeled me to the backyard for sun, thoughtfully bringing a stack of books. Slipped between them was a photo album. I opened it to Julian’s younger face. Us standing side-by-side at high school graduation. Us walking across the university campus. Us holding each other for warmth in our first cramped apartment. Us working through the night after the company launched. Us toasting the IPO. Us cutting the cake on my birthday… Every smiling face in those photos was real. My vision blurred, a tear spreading on the photo paper. The next instant, a large hand gripped my neck, and my breath gradually grew ragged.

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After the car crash, I lay bleeding on the hospital bed. But my father? He just said, “No money!” I was used to it. My parents only ever saw my brother. Just then, a wealthy couple entered my hospital room. They said I was their daughter, swapped at birth. I asked them, “Will you pay for my surgery? Will you pay for my college tuition?” After they confirmed, I immediately said, “Thank you, Mom, Dad!” I didn’t care if they genuinely loved me, nor did I ask what would happen to Summer, the fake heiress. All I knew was I had to live well. I’d use them as my stepping stones to claw my way to the top. The surgery went smoothly. I was moved to an exclusive VIP suite for post-op observation and recovery. These were the most comfortable and peaceful days I’d had in my life, or at least as far back as I could remember. It was in that room that I learned my biological father was Arthur Sterling, chairman of the renowned Sterling Industries, and my mother was Evelyn Sterling, the heiress of Summit Electronics. Turns out, just two months ago, I was working as a part-time usher at Sterling Industries, unknowingly earning money from my own family. What was the theme of that gala, again? Oh, I remember now. It was to celebrate Sterling Industries’ only daughter’s eighteenth birthday. As an usher working outside, I wasn’t even allowed inside the main hall, shivering in the cold. Since Grandpa died, no one had ever remembered my birthday, let alone thrown a coming-of-age party. Hungry, I peered through a small gap, watching the lavish party inside, overflowing with congratulations and warmth. At that moment, I remember thinking, Look at her, showered with adoration, while I, like a rat in a gutter, secretly watched the princess’s joy. A world of difference. That day was also my own forgotten eighteenth birthday. That night, when I returned home, I was met with: “Where the hell have you been gallivanting? Don’t you know it’s time to cook dinner?” “Your brother has big tests coming up. What if he gets hungry?” “We should have given you away the moment you were born. One less mouth to feed.” I scoffed internally. They probably couldn’t bring themselves to ‘give me away’ back then, could they? When I was born, our old neighborhood was being redeveloped, and they only kept me because an extra kid meant a bigger payout. And if Grandpa hadn’t insisted on my name, Willow, they would have just called me ‘the mistake’ or something even more demeaning. But I never spoke up to argue. I knew that would only make them angrier. My adoptive father would get physical. I’d get beaten. That was a lesson I’d learned over years. Stay silent, quietly do what I was told, and it would pass. My only hope back then was to get into a university far, far away. A gentle knock sounded. My biological parents walked in, followed by a tall, handsome young man in a sharp suit. “Willow, this is your brother. We’ve come to take you home.” Just as I suspected. This was Leo Sterling, the heir to Sterling Industries. I’d heard for ages that this heir absolutely doted on his only sister, giving her the moon and stars if she asked. Of course, that sister wasn’t me. He strode over to me, his face slightly stiff, his warm tone betraying a hint of awkwardness. “Willow, I’m your brother.” I looked up, offering a small smile, and softly said, “Hey, Leo.” When I was bullied at school, seeing other boys protect their younger siblings, I used to wish I had a brother. Leo froze for a split second when I said his name, then his expression softened. “Mom, Dad, and I talked it over,” he began, “and we think it’s best to pay your adoptive parents a visit.” “We investigated what happened that day; it was an accident.” “They did raise you for so long, after all. And then there’s Summer… she’s still overseas…” I watched them. Their faces held guilt, and their eyes, when they met mine, darted away, yet also held a trace of affection. Banking on that affection, I tentatively spoke, “They weren’t good to me…” “Willow.” I hadn’t even finished my sentence when Leo cut me off. “From what I found, your adoptive family isn’t exactly impoverished. They raised you for eighteen years; you should be grateful.” I glanced at my parents behind him. Their expressions seemed to convey mild disapproval of Leo’s words, but they didn’t contradict him. I fell silent. Turns out, that affection wasn’t solely for me. Much of it was for the daughter they’d adored for eighteen years. They’d judged me, assuming I was some gold-digger, based on an unfinished sentence. Fine. “Okay. Let’s go now.”

They looked at me in surprise as I swung my legs off the bed, my bandaged left arm protesting slightly, and headed for the door. If their love wasn’t exclusively mine, then I’d make them fill that void with guilt. When we arrived at the Millers’ place, it was lunchtime. I used my key to open the door and went in first. The three of them were sitting there, casually eating steak. They paused for a second at my sudden entrance, then went back to their meal as if nothing had happened. “Oh, you’re back. Go wash the laundry in the bathroom.” “Mom, I told you Willow always finds a way. See? She got out of the hospital just fine, even without us paying a dime.” “That little tramp! Never home. Who knows how she’s making her money? Probably doing something dirty.” I stood rooted to the spot, a look of wide-eyed fear spreading across my face, shrinking back as if terrified. My adoptive father saw me standing still and his face darkened. “What are you standing around for? Didn’t you hear your mother tell you to do the laundry?” I nervously raised my bandaged arm slightly, my voice small and trembling. “I… I just got out of the hospital. My injury isn’t healed. I can’t handwash. Can I use the washing machine?” No sooner had I finished than Brenda’s sharp voice cut in. “Does the washing machine run for free? Don’t you have another hand?” “I…” Seeing I was about to protest again, my adoptive father’s infamous temper flared. He slammed his empty plate down, and with Brenda and Kevin’s eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction, he started walking toward me. He raised his hand to strike. I swiftly crouched down, covering my head, muttering repeatedly, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t talk back.” “I won’t do it again, Dad, please don’t hit me. Please don’t hit me. I’ll go wash the clothes right away, by hand.” As expected, the blow never landed. Leo, who had followed me in, grabbed Frank’s arm and shoved him aside. My biological parents carefully helped me up, their eyes filled with concern and guilt. Seeing the unexpected intruders, Brenda quickly got up to steady Frank. She shrieked, “Who are you people?” Then, seeing my parents comforting me, she realized what was happening and started screaming at me. “You little tramp! Bringing strangers here to bully your parents, huh?” “We should have just drowned you in the river when you were born! You’re worse than a stray dog!” Then came a torrent of insults: “slut,” “loose,” “no upbringing.” My adoptive parents didn’t hold back. I wondered, They don’t even know I’m not their biological daughter yet. Why could they shower their son with endless affection, but subject their daughter to such extreme insults and beatings? Especially Brenda. She used to be a girl herself. How could she become the very monster who terrorized the “little girl” she once was? I used to think she was trapped, forced by some twisted ideology. But later, I realized she was just plain mean, narrow-minded. She believed her own daughter had to suffer every hardship she herself had endured, and then some. When I was little, I’d bring home good grades, win awards, still longing for her love and approval. All I got in return was indifference and cold snickers. From childhood, Brenda was always the first to hurl those cruel words. Now, I was practically immune to their verbal abuse; I could just tune it out and get on with my chores. My biological parents, however, looked absolutely horrified, and Leo’s fists clenched in pure fury. Well, well. My little plan worked even better than I expected. Now, I didn’t have to do anything. Just act scared. This feeling of having someone step in front of me for once wasn’t bad. I used to desperately crave it. Now? It was just… optional. Not a necessity for survival anymore. Besides, this ‘love’ was mostly calculated, and I knew it would never truly be mine. There was still Summer, the Sterling heiress they’d raised for eighteen years. As soon as they heard I wasn’t their biological daughter, Brenda started wailing and causing a scene. Frank, however, shrewdly assessed my biological parents and quickly started negotiating terms. Leo gently ruffled my hair, his voice soft. “Willow, go with Mom and pack your things.” “Leave this to me and Dad.” I nodded timidly, and under Evelyn’s pained gaze, I went to my room.

The glorified storage room. One side was crammed with junk, the other held my old bed, a worn-out closet, and a desk and chair. That was it. I saw Evelyn’s red-rimmed eyes, but pretended not to notice as I started packing. When she saw me stuffing my faded, worn-out jeans and jacket into a battered suitcase, she finally couldn’t take it anymore. She walked over, pulled the clothes from my hands, and threw them onto the narrow bed. Her voice choked with emotion. “Willow, no. Don’t bother with these. Your mom will buy you new ones.” I looked up, confused. “But they’re not completely worn out yet. I can still wear them.” Evelyn’s lips trembled, but she couldn’t speak. She just hugged me, her tears soaking my shoulder. When I changed out of my wet clothes, I was wearing a sports bra, and behind me, another choked sob. “Willow, what happened?” Evelyn pointed at the scars and burns on my back and arms. Before I could even speak, the door opened. Arthur and Leo stood in the doorway, their eyes fixed on my wounds. A heavy silence filled the air. Frank, who had followed them, saw the commotion and pushed his way in. He yelled, “What are you doing? Hurry up and pack so you can leave, then send us the money!” Then he saw me, froze for a second, and his face twisted in anger. “You stupid girl, what are you staring at? You did that to yourself!” He lunged for me. I flinched slightly, my voice barely a whisper. “Yes, I… I did it by accident.” Leo stepped forward, pushed Frank out of the room, and growled, “If you want that money, you’d better calm down. My sister isn’t someone you can scream at anymore!” Arthur’s eyes were also red-rimmed. “My Willow, you’ve suffered so much.” I shook my head, saying nothing. On the ride home, I was still thinking about how smoothly things had progressed. At least with my biological parents’ help, I could finally break free from that rotten family. They mistook my thoughtful silence for shock, believing I was still reeling. “Willow, we’re so sorry. We shouldn’t have brought you back there.” “We’re so sorry. If only we’d found you sooner, you wouldn’t have had to suffer so much.” “Willow, don’t worry. I’ll get revenge for you.” “From now on, with Mom and Dad, no one will ever hurt you again.” Seeing the blatant guilt and a surge of protective love in their reddened eyes, it was impossible not to feel a tiny flicker of emotion. But it was only a tiny flicker. Revenge? I’d take that myself, later. And the ‘suffering’? It was all in the past now. The car stopped. Standing in front of the mansion, a place I’d only ever heard about in passing at other people’s galas, I felt the extreme disparity of this world for the first time. I lowered my gaze. I was starting to feel something, something thrilling. After all, I was now one of the heirs to this boundless wealth and power. “Mr. and Mrs. Sterling are back!” Mr. Davies, the butler, and several housekeepers emerged from the main estate to greet us. He saw me, surrounded by my biological family, and hesitated, a question lingering in his eyes. “This is Miss Willow, the second Miss Sterling. Take good care of her from now on.” Arthur said, ushering me inside. The surrounding staff bowed, acknowledging his words. As soon as we entered the grand hall, I looked up and saw a girl standing by the staircase. The girl who had lived my life for eighteen years.

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Late at night, I was scrolling through my phone when I stumbled upon a faceless help video. But I recognized her instantly—it was my wife! “I’m pregnant, but the man I truly love found out and is demanding I get an abortion. He’s terrified I’ll lose my figure. But my husband already knows about the pregnancy. How can I convince him to let go of this baby?” The top comment read: “Easy. Just pretend to accidentally trip and fall. Smear some chicken blood on your thigh to fake a miscarriage, then go to the hospital for the real abortion. Your husband won’t suspect a thing. Plus, you can blame him for not caring enough and make him feel guilty!” The comments section exploded with outrage. Everyone was cursing the poster—calling her vicious for cheating and plotting to kill her own child. My whole body trembled as I stared at that video. Just this morning, Jennifer had told me she was pregnant. I’d been over the moon, calling all our relatives to share the news. But she was planning to kill the baby?! Right then, a crash echoed from the kitchen. Jennifer’s panicked, pain-filled voice followed: “Honey, I fell…” 1 I dropped my phone and sprinted to the kitchen. Jennifer lay on the floor, face twisted in agony. She clutched her stomach, trembling all over. Blood was slowly pooling between her legs. “Honey, quick… call 911. Something’s wrong with our baby!” Watching Jennifer’s frantic expression, my heart sank like a stone. A chill ran down my spine. If I’d only been suspicious before—unsure whether the video was really her—now I was one hundred percent certain. That video was hers. But if she wanted to put on a show, I’d play along. I told her to stay calm, then dialed 91

While waiting for the ambulance, I secretly grabbed a cotton swab and collected some of the blood from the floor. At the hospital, Jennifer was rushed in for examination and emergency treatment. I took the swab to the lab for testing. Before the results came back, a nurse called me using Jennifer’s phone, asking me to come sign some papers. “Sign what?” I asked when I reached the ER entrance. “Your wife’s condition is critical. The fall caused severe internal bleeding. We can’t save the baby.” “If you want to save her life, you need to sign consent for the abortion.” “What if I don’t sign?” “Then we can’t operate. Your wife’s life will be in danger.” “Then I won’t sign.” Under the shocked stares of several nurses, I refused to sign and turned to leave. “Sir, wait!” The nurse who’d asked me to sign called out urgently. “What is it?” I turned back. “Sir, did you hear me correctly?” “If you don’t sign…” “The doctors can’t operate.” “Your wife could die!” She emphasized the last few words, clearly trying to remind me that refusing could cost a life. But I shook my head firmly and repeated: “I won’t sign.” 2 The nurse stood frozen. I smiled at her. “Can I see my wife?” She nodded blankly and pointed toward the ER room. I walked into the room just as the doctor was leaving. “Did you sign?” “Not yet.” My answer made the doctor pause. I approached the hospital bed. Jennifer looked pale and weak, tears streaming silently down her face. “Honey,” she choked out, “is our baby… really gone?” I pulled up a chair and sat down beside her. “Yes.” My calm reaction confused her. “The baby’s gone. Why don’t you seem sad at all?” “Maybe it’s fate.” Jennifer nodded slowly. She stroked her stomach gently, sobbing quietly. “Baby, Mommy was careless. Mommy is so sorry.” Just then, her parents burst into the room. “Daughter!” Her mother Rachel rushed in wailing, cursing God for being cruel. Her father Thomas also had tears in his eyes, his expression heavy. “How did you fall out of nowhere?” “I was hungry. I went to the kitchen to get something to eat, but there was water on the floor. I slipped.” Jennifer explained through her tears. “Ethan, is this how you take care of my daughter?” “She was hungry and you couldn’t fix her something to eat?” “You let a pregnant woman go to the kitchen by herself?” Rachel immediately turned on me after hearing her daughter’s explanation. The fury in her eyes suggested she wanted to tear me apart. “You were so careless! Your own wife is pregnant and you don’t pay attention! She was carrying your child!” “Now something’s happened to the baby. You’re the murderer!” Thomas seemed to find an outlet for his rage, pinning all the blame on me. It was as if I’d deliberately pushed their daughter down. Faced with Jennifer’s parents’ accusations and criticism, I didn’t argue. I chose silence. “Mom, Dad, don’t yell at Ethan. It’s all my fault.” “I shouldn’t have been so greedy, shouldn’t have been hungry.” “If I hadn’t gone to the kitchen, none of this would have happened.” “I failed my baby.” Jennifer cried as she defended me. But the more she spoke this way, the angrier Thomas and Rachel became. Rachel’s eyes reddened, and she raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face. “You heartless asshole!” “You promised us you’d take care of our daughter.” “And what happened? You broke your promise! You not only let our daughter get hurt, you indirectly killed our grandchild!” “You’re a murderer!” Right then, the doctor entered with several nurses. “Why hasn’t the family signed yet?” 3 “Sign what?” Thomas frowned. “The patient urgently needs surgery to remove the fetus.” “Otherwise her life will be in danger.” “He hasn’t signed yet?” Thomas pointed at me. “That’s correct.” The doctor nodded and explained, “We already reminded Mr. Cole to sign, but he refused!” “You asshole! What are you hesitating for?” “Why did you refuse?” “You already killed the baby!” “Do you want to kill my daughter too?” Thomas shook with rage, his eyes flashing with menace. If there weren’t so many people around, he would have already attacked me. “Doctor, if he won’t sign, I will.” “And you are?” “I’m the patient’s father.” “I’m sorry, but only the patient’s husband has the authority to sign for this procedure.” “The patient is my daughter! I’m her father and I don’t have the right to sign?” “That’s correct.” The doctor nodded. “Give it to him! I’ll make him sign!” When the nurse handed me the pen, I didn’t take it. “You asshole! What are you waiting for?” “Take the pen and sign!” Thomas roared at me. When I still didn’t move, Rachel went mad and lunged at me, clawing at my face. “You monster ! Do you have someone else?” “First you killed the baby!” “Now you want my daughter to die in this hospital bed?” “I’ll kill you!” I kept backing away. Rachel advanced relentlessly, her face twisted with rage. She looked ready to tear me to shreds. I backed up to the bed. Jennifer suddenly grabbed my hand. “Mom, let me talk to him.” Only then did Rachel force herself to calm down. “Daughter, what is there to say to this asshole?” “He doesn’t love you at all!” Rachel glared at me furiously. “Honey, I know losing this baby is devastating for you.” “But it’s already happened. We can’t change it.” “Besides, we’re still young.” “We’ll have many more chances.” “Please just sign, okay?” I stared at Jennifer. After a moment, I said calmly: “I’ll sign—but before I do, I want a divorce.” Jennifer froze. She stared at me, her eyes filled with disbelief. Thomas and Rachel reacted like they’d been struck. They both lunged forward and grabbed my collar. Thomas punched me several times, roaring: “You bastard ! Are you even human?” “My daughter is in this condition!” “And you’re bringing up divorce right now?”

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My mom divorced my dad after he cheated on her. Ever since, she’s struggled with crippling anxiety and needed to monitor my every move. When I started college, I had to check in with her three times daily just to receive my allowance. Then one morning, I overslept and missed a check-in. I’d come down with severe pneumonia from the flu. Mom flipped out and cut off my allowance for the entire day. Without money for medication, my pneumonia worsened and developed into sepsis. Barely making it to the hospital, I called Mom begging for a month’s allowance in advance to pay for medicine. But she shut me down immediately: “Lily! You’re just like your lying, cheating father—nothing but a manipulator!” “You planning to blow this cash on some shady stuff with him, huh? No way in hell!” Her enraged yelling echoed through the phone—loud enough for the billing clerk to overhear every word. “Ma’am, you have acute sepsis. It’s life-threatening. Maybe you should try explaining the situation to your family again?” I glanced at the long line behind me, forced a weak smile, and stepped aside. “I’ll try calling again.” I huddled in a corner, burning with fever. Every breath felt like inhaling shards of glass. My hands trembled as I typed a message: “Mom, I’m so sorry. I won’t mess up again. Please just help me this once.” I hit send. *Message Not Delivered.* Desperate, I opened Snapchat and messaged my stepdad David, hoping he could spot me some emergency funds. That’s when I saw his post from a minute ago. In the photo, he, Mom, and my half-sister Mia were all grinning with their cheeks pressed together. “December 8th—taking my wife and kids out for French dinner!” Mom hadn’t smiled like that around me since the divorce. Whenever she looked at me—saw Dad’s face staring back at her—all I saw was hatred and resentment. After she remarried and Mia was born, that smile came back. David and Mia were both genuinely kind, always greeting me warmly. But I always felt like an outsider—a ghost haunting the edges of their perfect little family. Too scared to get close, too scared to rock the boat. I just lingered like a shadow, quietly watching the fragile happiness Mom had finally found. Those three daily check-ins were all that kept us connected. My roommate called me nuts for letting my family treat me like a prisoner, but it was a twisted kind of comfort. It was the only tie I had left to Mom. Every check-in, I ached to share my day—all the little wins and worries. But I was terrified of annoying her, so my messages got shorter and shorter—never more than a sentence. She never replied, just sent cold, impersonal allowance transfers. For years, I held onto those transfers like lifelines, convincing myself Mom still cared. The pain in my body intensified. Finally, I worked up the nerve to text David: “David, I’m really sick. Could you loan me some emergency cash? I’ll pay you back, promise.” The second I hit send, my phone rang. I answered, but Mom’s enraged voice exploded through the speaker. “Lily, you ungrateful brat! You think you can hit up your stepdad for money? Can’t stand seeing me happy, huh?” “How could you even be my daughter? You’re probably his and that whore’s kid!” I couldn’t say a word. I knew Mom was reliving the day she found out about Dad’s affair. His mistress got pregnant. Dad, panicking, tried to pressure her into an abortion and cut things off—but she refused. She showed up at our house, flaunting her pregnancy, and told Mom she’d terminate for $50,000. Otherwise, she’d latch onto our family forever with that baby. Back then, Mom was secretly pregnant with my little brother, though no one knew it yet. Not until she flew into a rage, started bleeding, and ended up in the ER. That’s when we learned she’d miscarried. The divorce was inevitable after that. I waited terrified for her decision, scared she’d abandon me too. Thankfully, she took me with her. She jabbed her finger at my temple, voice dripping with loathing: “From now on, you’re Lily Green—my name. You’ll have nothing to do with that father of yours!” “You better be a perfect daughter, or I’ll disown you! Got it?” I forced a smile and carefully took her hand. “Got it, Mom. I’ll be good!” “Don’t you dare bother your stepdad again. Understand?” “Yes, Mom…” Before I could finish, she hung up. I slowly sank to the floor, burying my face in my knees as silent tears soaked my jeans. My eyelids grew heavy. I closed my eyes and slipped into darkness.

When I opened my eyes again, I was in a restaurant. Mom, David, and Mia sat at a table—laughing like one big happy family. I called out “Mom” without thinking, but no one turned around. I looked down at my translucent hand and laughed bitterly. So I died, huh? Good. My face always bothered Mom—too much like Dad’s. Now that I’m gone, she can finally have peace. After hanging up, David turned to Mom in a quiet voice. “Eleanor, Lily might actually need that money. You should’ve asked what was wrong.” Mom scowled. “Please. She’s just a college kid—how much could she possibly need?” “Give her too much cash, and she’ll get reckless. Start partying or something.” “She needs to learn a lesson. I’m cutting her off for a week. Otherwise, she’ll run wild—who knows what she’d do!” I shook my head frantically, wanting to scream that I was a good kid. But I was just a ghost. No matter how hard I tried, no one could see me. Mia perked up when she heard my name. “Was that Lily? Can I talk to her? I miss her!” She looked up at her parents, bottom lip sticking out in a pout. Mom—who usually gave Mia anything she wanted—shook her head. “Mia, don’t talk to Lily. She made bad choices. She’s trouble, and she’ll lead you astray!” Mia shook her head. “Teacher says everyone makes mistakes! Even if Lily messed up, she deserves a second chance.” “I learned a new saying today: ‘Admit your mistakes and fix them!’” Tears blurred my vision. I reached out to stroke her hair—my hand passing right through. Thanks, Mia. For sticking up for me. For believing in me. Mia’s innocent words softened Mom’s scowl a little. “If your sister were half as sweet and smart as you, I wouldn’t be so upset.” “C’mon, Mia. Let’s not talk about your sister anymore.” “Let’s try this soup!” She changed the subject, ladling steaming soup into Mia’s bowl. Mia frowned. “Fine, but tomorrow I’m calling Lily!” Just then, Mom’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it—a message from my college advisor, Professor Thompson. “Ms. Green, have you heard from Lily? She didn’t check into her dorm tonight and hasn’t requested leave. We’re concerned for her safety.” Mom’s brief smile disappeared. “Always causing problems!” I wrung my ghostly hands, silently begging for forgiveness. I’m sorry, Mom. I should’ve told the school I was sick. I messed up again. Mom texted back to Professor Thompson: “Don’t worry about her. She’s probably out partying somewhere!” Professor Thompson called right away. Professor Thompson called her. “But her roommate said she went to the hospital today.”

Mom scoffed. “Professor Thompson, don’t waste your time. Lily’s a bad seed—born to lie and manipulate!” Professor Thompson tried to reason with her. But Mom hung up without a second thought. David stood there, looking like he wanted to say something but biting his tongue. Mom didn’t seem worried at all. “She’ll check in by tomorrow morning, tops.” “If not, she gets zero allowance for the whole month!” But the next day, my check-in never came. Mom started pacing the house, clearly anxious. Her phone rang, and she grabbed it instantly. It was Dad. “Eleanor Green speaking.” “Your ex-husband’s a little short on cash. Send me some money!” Mom’s face turned red with rage. “Victor Adams! You bastard, how dare you call me?” “Believe me, I don’t want to. But our daughter didn’t send me my monthly money.” My chest tightened. Oh no. Mom would lose it if she found out I’d been in touch with Dad. Ever since Dad found out I got into a top university, he’d been harassing me nonstop. “My successful daughter’s forgotten her poor old dad,” he’d sob outside my dorm, putting on a whole show for everyone to see. “Your old man’s barely scraping by. No money, and I’ll have to go bother your mom!” To keep him away from Mom, I’d been sending him $100 from my monthly allowance—whatever I could spare. But this month, being sick, I had nothing extra to give. I told him I was sick, but he didn’t care. I never thought he’d go straight to Mom! I floated around in a panic. Bitterness welled up inside me. It was his fault Mom lost the baby, got divorced, and developed anxiety! Why couldn’t he just disappear? Mom was already on edge from me missing check-in this morning. This call was like pouring gasoline on a fire. Her voice shot up in volume. “You son of a bitch! You’ve been talking to her??” “Do you have any idea what Lily went through when you cheated? The looks, the whispers??” “And now you’re dragging her back into this??” “Just drop dead! Go crawl in a hole and die!” She slammed the phone down. I froze. So Mom *had* noticed how much I was hurting back then. She did care about me. A small smile tugged at my lips. I wanted to hug her so badly. But Mom was trembling all over. “Lily… Lily!” “I told her not to talk to her father. How could she lie to me…” Her hands shook so hard she could barely hold her phone. My chest tightened—Mom was having a panic attack. Mom dropped to her knees, gasping for air, then collapsed to the floor. “Mom!” I tried to help her, but my hands just passed through her body. “Mom!!” Mia ran in when she heard the noise. “Mom! I’ll get your medicine!” Mia wasn’t even five, but she knew exactly what to do. She was calmer than I ever could be. She grabbed the pill bottle, got a glass of water, and helped Mom sit up. After Mom took the medicine, her breathing steadied. I let out a shaky breath. “Mia, you’re my little angel.” “Not like your sister. She’s nothing but trouble.” “I warned her a hundred times, but she kept sneaking around with him.” “Why would she…” Mom’s voice cracked, and she started sobbing. Mia wrapped her tiny arms around Mom’s neck like a little grown-up. “Don’t cry, Mom. Both me and Lily are your angels!” Watching them hug, I hung my head. She was right to be upset with me. She told me never to talk to Dad again. I promised, but I broke that promise. Just then, Mom’s phone rang again—urgently.

It was David, sounding frantic. “Eleanor! The hospital just called—Lily’s dead!” Mom went rigid. She opened her mouth, but only a bitter laugh came out. “Enough!” “David, don’t fall for her games.” “You know what? She’s been sneaking him money every month, right under my nose.” “Sick in the hospital? Please. She’s just scamming me for cash to give that man!” David paused. “But… it was from Lily’s phone. The nurse gave me her patient ID.” “So what? She texts me yesterday, and now she’s ‘dead’?” “If something really happened, why wouldn’t she call me? Her own mother?” Because you blocked my number, Mom… My chest ached. But I couldn’t blame her. Mom’s anxiety made her block out anything too painful. She probably didn’t even remember blocking me. David went quiet. Mom hung up without another word. Then Mia started coughing hard. Mom snapped to attention, feeling Mia’s burning forehead. “Mia, you’re burning up! Why didn’t you tell me you felt sick?” “Didn’t wanna worry you, Mommy,” Mia whispered weakly. I looked away, ashamed. I was ashamed of myself. Mia was sick but tried not to worry Mom. I only ever caused problems. Mom took Mia to the hospital. The same one I died in. As they left with Mia’s prescription, Mom heard nurses talking. “Poor kid. No family came to claim her.” “College student, too. Such a waste.” “This flu is brutal. Killed her in days.” Mom slowed down. “Her mom blocked the hospital calls. Can you believe that?” “Her stepdad said he’d come, but never showed.” Mom stopped walking. Something clicked in her head. She pulled out her phone and checked our messages. There it was—she’d blocked me. Her face went white. “No wonder she didn’t check in… I blocked her.” “I’ll forgive her. Just don’t do it again, Lily.” She unblocked me and called. No answer. Her hands shook as she tried again. A covered gurney rolled past. The hospital doors whooshed open, blowing cold air.

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After being kidnapped and rescued, my sister Seraphina developed PTSD. She swore she’d never lie again. On her first day back, she curled up, sobbing: “Avery thinks I’m damaged goods now, doesn’t she? It’s fine, really. Sleeping in the dog kennel is a huge step up from the filth I was stuck in out in the boonies.” Mom and Dad flipped out. They locked me in the basement with aggressive dogs for three straight days and nights. But just as I woke from my terror and hunger, Seraphina pointed at me, tears streaming down her face: “What did I ever do to you? How could you drug me with that aphrodisiac?! Thank God Damian was there to help—otherwise I would’ve rather died!” I shook my head frantically, denying everything, but my fiancé—his shirt wrinkled and hair messy—already had this icy look in his eyes. “Seraphina never lies. Why would she make this up about you? Guess you need to suffer more before you learn your lesson!” They ganged up and sent me to the strictest psychiatric hospital for ‘rehabilitation therapy’. I was clinging to life by a thread when, in my darkest moment, I made a desperate wish. The second I finished, my sister—who was being interviewed on live TV—suddenly froze. Her eyes went glassy, and before anyone could stop her, she stripped off her clothes and threw herself at my fiancé!

The broadcast cut to black immediately. That same night, they rushed me home from the hospital. The second I walked through the door, Dad backhanded me so hard my ears rang. “Seraphina’s your sister!” he screamed. “You couldn’t even behave in the mental hospital? You bribed someone to drug her and humiliate her on live TV!” “How did I end up with such a twisted daughter?!” I wiped the blood from my lip and let out a bitter laugh: “You took my phone, and I’m on camera 24/7. No cash, no access—how the hell could I drug her?” His red face went rigid. Seraphina was sobbing nearby, looking like a wreck: “You drugged me even when you were locked in the basement last time! A psych ward wouldn’t stop you!” “Avery, I barely survived. I just want to move on! Please, can’t you leave me alone?” “Now everyone’s calling me a homewrecker…” Mom pulled her close, voice breaking: “Avery, how did you get so cruel? If you hadn’t run off that day, Seraphina never would’ve been taken!” “I’ve already talked to the Maxwells. Your engagement’s going to Seraphina! We’ll hold a press conference tomorrow to clear her name!” Even though I’d given up on them long ago, my throat still tightened: “What about me? You know the internet will destroy me if you do this!” And I hadn’t run off that day. Seraphina hated sharing Mom and Dad’s attention, so she took me to the amusement park and ditched me! The cops found me and brought me home. But she got kidnapped. None of this was my fault! Dad’s eyes bored into me, tone final: “You’ve had it easy your whole life. Taking one fall for Seraphina won’t kill you! Tomorrow, you’ll admit you were jealous and set her up!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Seraphina, eyes puffy from crying, burrowed into Mom’s arms: “Avery, if you just confess, I’ll forgive you. I swear I won’t steal your fiancé or cross any lines with him. If I do, may I never have children!” Mom gasped and waved her hands frantically, tears spilling: “Seraphina, you’re too good-hearted! Don’t make such a terrible promise! It doesn’t count!” Dad’s jaw tightened when he saw Seraphina’s trembling. He barked at the bodyguards: “Take her to the cold storage room and make her kneel all night! Maybe that’ll knock some sense into her!” My knees hit the marble floor with a crack, and the cold seeped straight through my bones. I laughed. Never have children? Seraphina, did you forget you can’t lie anymore? I used my wish to make your oaths come true. The next day at the press conference, cameras flashed as my sister gave a shy smile. As Mom and Dad placed her hand in Damian Maxwell’s, Seraphina shot me a secret grin and mouthed: “You’ll never beat me.” Then a bloodcurdling scream cut through the room. A reporter pointed at Seraphina’s dress, horrified: “Blood! There’s blood everywhere!” The conference dissolved into chaos. Seraphina was rushed to the hospital. She’d miscarried. After finally getting pregnant with Damian’s baby, she lost it. Dr. Evans looked completely confused: “This doesn’t make sense. Our tests show Ms. Seraphina was born infertile—she can’t get pregnant, let alone miscarry!” Mom and Dad froze, faces going pale: “That can’t be right! Seraphina was just…” I looked down, smirking to myself. Of course it was because she’d broken her promise—kissing Damian backstage before the conference. Her vow to ‘never have children’ had come true. Then a man’s voice boomed from the hallway: “Infertile? That’s bull!”

My ex-fiancé Damian Maxwell stormed in, scowling, followed by my stuck-up brother Jasper. He backhanded me to the floor, planting his boot on my stomach and grinding down: “Talk! What did you do to Seraphina? Did you pay off this doctor to lie about her infertility?!” I went white from pain, but before I could speak, Jasper kicked me in the ribs: “You’re just jealous! Mom and Dad left everything to Seraphina and me, so you’re taking revenge!” “Seraphina’s my only sister. A monster like you doesn’t belong in this family!” The physical pain didn’t hold a candle to what I felt inside. The room spun. The absurdity of it all almost made me laugh. I was family too, but the long-lost sister got all the love, and the golden boy brother got everything else. I was just… invisible. I’d tried so hard to be the perfect daughter—obedient, responsible—but they only saw me as their doormat. Now I wasn’t even getting a cent of the inheritance. Seraphina dragged herself off the hospital bed and threw herself at my feet, wailing: “Avery! Please! My baby was only three months along, and you killed him!” “Mom and Dad can leave their money to whomever they want! How could you take this out on me?!” Damian scooped her up, face twisted with pity. He turned to me, jaw tight: “Avery, you’re a monster. You should be locked up forever.” I pushed myself up, every breath sending stabs of pain through my stomach: “I was under guard all night, kneeling in that freezing room. When would I have done this?” Even Dr. Evans looked terrified, stammering: “It’s the truth—I wasn’t bribed, I swear…” Dad cut him off, grabbing me and slamming me against the wall. “I’m the head of this family!” he roared. “You’ve always been cold and heartless. You don’t deserve the Maxwell name!” Something inside me snapped. I screamed: “Cold-blooded? You’ve blamed me for Seraphina’s disappearance since day one! I was your punching bag—you hit me whenever you were mad, and Jasper got to push me around too!” “Seraphina was the one who left me! This is all her own fault!” Seraphina went white as a sheet, hyperventilating through her sobs: “I didn’t… I would never! You’re my sister!” “Avery, please calm down. I’ll tell everyone I was the homewrecker! I don’t want the inheritance—I don’t want anything!” “We’ll always be family, even without money! It’s all my fault. I deserve this… I deserve to be unhappy forever…” She sobbed until she fainted, and the whole family swarmed around her. Damian shoved me away like I was garbage: “You’ve become someone else. The sweet Avery I knew is gone.” Whatever was left of my heart turned to stone. I laughed bitterly. Yeah, I’d changed. The Avery who used to pour her heart out to him, who begged for his love—she died the day he chose Seraphina. If Seraphina didn’t want the money, then no one would have it. Dad’s phone started ringing like crazy. He scowled and answered. “Mr. Maxwell, we’re ruined! Stock prices crashed, partners are pulling out—we’re gonna go bankrupt!”

The hospital room went dead quiet. Then Dad exploded: “That’s impossible!” He went pale when he saw the bankruptcy notice, trying to steady Mom: “It’s fine! Even if Maxwell Corp goes under, Grandpa will help us! He has to!” The door slammed open. Grandpa Arthur strode in, stone-faced, with a frail old woman trailing behind him. The woman spotted Dad and collapsed to her knees, wailing: “My poor boy! I’m so sorry I left you in the snow that night. I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Dad recoiled, shoving her away: “What are you talking about?! I’m the Maxwell heir! You’re crazy!” He turned to Grandpa, voice shaking: “Dad, tell her! I’m your real son, right?” Grandpa’s eyes swept the room, finally landing on my bruised face. He motioned me over. I walked over silently. He took my hand and announced: “From this day forward, Avery is the sole heir to the Maxwell fortune.” “She’s proven herself at the company, and she’s my only true blood descendant.” Dad’s face lit up. He rounded on the old woman: “Did you hear that? Avery’s my daughter—she’s a Maxwell! Who paid you to lie?” He spun to me, eyes blazing: “Avery! What did you do? Did you brainwash Grandpa? I’m supposed to be the heir!” The old woman wiped her tears, sniffling: “How can you say that? If I hadn’t left you on the Maxwells’ doorstep, you’d have starved to death!” Dad grilled her, demanding to know about birthmarks or identifying features. The woman stammered, clearly making things up. Dad pounced on her hesitation: “We’re in a hospital—let’s do a DNA test right now!” He didn’t notice Grandpa’s icy stare. When the DNA results came back, Dad crumpled to the floor. Jasper went berserk. He charged at me, fist raised: “Avery! You rigged this!” Grandpa’s bodyguards intercepted him, shoving him onto the floor. Dad lost all his dignity. He crawled to Grandpa, begging: “Dad, please! You can’t throw me away like this!” He was over fifty, still clinging to Grandpa’s coattails. Grandpa sighed, his eyes flicking to Seraphina: “You couldn’t see what was right in front of you. Avery’s my granddaughter, and you let them hurt her.” Dad snapped out of his stupor and charged into Seraphina’s room. Seraphina’s eyes flew open as he backhanded her off the bed: “You idiot! Your little games cost me everything!” She clutched her cheek, tears instantly welling: “Dad? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” Even Mom, who’d always coddled her, pointed a shaking finger: “You selfish little liar! How could you frame Avery? You deserve to rot in that backwoods shack!” They dragged Seraphina out. She broke free and lunged at me: “Avery! What did you do to me…” This time I didn’t hold back. I kicked her down and turned to Richard and Eleanor: “While I’m still calling you Mom and Dad—get her out of my sight.”

After that day, Richard and Eleanor treated me like royalty. They’d seen the DNA results. They didn’t understand how it happened, but they knew better than to cross me now. Grandpa let them stay in the mansion, but Seraphina got thrown out—broken and alone. Eleanor even started cooking for me personally. Before, I’d been lucky to get Jasper’s leftovers. I’d eaten in the kitchen with the staff. Funny how I’d once tried to kill myself for their attention. Turns out, money works better than tears. “Avery, today’s the big announcement. Do we look okay?” They wanted to play the perfect parents for the cameras, of course. But I remembered Damian’s face in that hospital room—how tender he’d been with Seraphina. He’d looked at me like he was planning something. I knew he wasn’t done. So I let them tag along. Grandpa feigned illness that day, sending his lawyer to announce me as heir. “I object!” All eyes turned. Damian strolled in, Seraphina on his arm. He shoulder-checked me as he passed: “You don’t deserve the Maxwell name.” He hit a button, and a screen lit up behind him: “Avery’s a criminal! She runs a DNA forgery ring and traffics people!” “She faked the DNA results! None of you know if your own kids are really yours!” “How many families has she torn apart? How many kids stolen?” “Is this who you want leading Maxwell Industries?” “Is this the woman you want as your leader?!” Fake documents flashed across the screen. Richard and Eleanor’s eyes lit up. They put on their shocked faces: “Avery! Tell us this isn’t true!” Seraphina clutched her chest, tears streaming: “I saw her! I saw her making deals with them! It’s all true!” “Dad, we’re your real children! How can she be the heir and not us?!” “I swear on my life—if I’m lying, may God strike me down!” The crowd turned on me, worried about their own fortunes. Damian capitalized on their fear: “Guards! Take her away! She belongs in prison!” Richard and Eleanor mouthed to the guards: ‘Make sure she disappears.’ They dragged me out, blood smearing the floor. I locked eyes with Seraphina and smiled. Struck down by lightning? Terrible end? You just cursed yourself, Seraphina.

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I was on a business trip when my neighbor texted to say my husband had brought home some gorgeous woman. I booked the next flight home. Derek wasn’t there. I tore through the place like a lunatic. “You slut! Show yourself!” I bent down to check under the bed and found a bloody corpse. Her head had been cut off. Her eyes were wide open, staring right at me. I nearly jumped out of my skin. That’s when I heard footsteps. Derek was coming back! The lock clicked. My body jolted. On pure instinct, I scanned the room and dived into the closet. The closet had louvered doors. Through the slats, I could still see that severed head under the bed. She was wearing heavy smoky eye makeup and theatrical contact lenses. At first glance, her eyes looked completely black—bulging like they might pop out of their sockets any second. I clapped a hand over my mouth. My heart thundered so loud I thought it would burst through my ribs. This wasn’t happening. I came to catch him cheating, not walk into a crime scene. Why would Derek do this? Did they get into a fight? Derek had a temper, sure. If our server was slow at restaurants, he’d pound the table. Picking fights was practically his hobby. But murder? That’s crazy. Did he even think about the consequences? My thoughts raced as Derek stepped into the bedroom. He seemed to be in a great mood, carrying a black trash bag and humming cheerfully. “What a beautiful day, everything’s going my way~” Still humming, he knelt down slowly, set the trash bag beside him, and pulled that head out from under the bed. He cradled the head in his left hand, tapping the woman’s nose playfully with his right. “You just wouldn’t listen, would you?” His tone was teasing, like they were old flames bantering. “Look at you. So beautiful. I really did like you.” “I told you to stay put, but you just had to go digging through my stuff.” “You found my secret. What was I supposed to do? You left me no choice.” “We had such a good thing going. Hate to see it end like this.” As he spoke, he leaned in and smacked two loud kisses on the woman’s bright red lips. The metallic stench of blood hit me hard. I gagged, clamping my mouth shut tighter. I never knew Derek had this side to him. Kissing a severed head? What the hell? Was he some kind of psychopath? And what secret was he talking about? We’d been married four years. I cleaned this house, organized his life. His phone password was my birthday—I could check it anytime. Never saw anything suspicious! I stared at Derek’s blood-smeared face, contorted into that sick grin. He looked like a total stranger. He kissed the head a few more times, then went back to humming. “What a beautiful day, tomorrow’s gonna be even better…” Still humming, he tossed the head into the trash bag, then bent down to drag the woman’s body out from under the bed. That’s when I noticed she was naked. She had an amazing figure—would’ve been a knockout if she were alive. But now there was a gaping wound across her slim waist. Derek reached out and stroked the wound slowly, his face almost mournful. “What a waste. Didn’t want to have to do this so soon.” He went to the kitchen and came back with a meat cleaver. He knelt on the floor and started dismembering the body with practiced ease. His movements were smooth, almost elegant. I could barely hear the bones cracking. He was completely focused, like an artist admiring his work. Soon he had both legs separated at the joints, bones laid out neatly, flesh chopped and stuffed into the trash bag. He stood up and stretched. Suddenly his eyes locked on something. His expression shifted instantly.

I followed his gaze and froze. Cold sweat broke out all over me. It was my earring! I touched my earlobe automatically. The left one was empty. Must’ve fallen off when I was tearing through the room earlier. Derek frowned. He walked over and picked it up. “Rachel was wearing these when she left. I’m sure of it.” These pearl earrings were Derek’s birthday gift to me. I loved them—before my trip, I’d even picked out an outfit specifically to match them. Derek had teased me about it, saying people usually pick jewelry to match their outfit, not the other way around. Like making dumplings just because you had soy sauce, he’d joked. Derek clearly remembered that conversation too. His expression darkened. He lifted his head and scanned the room, eyes raking every corner. I held my breath, petrified. Then it hit me. I fumbled for my phone in my pocket. My palms were so sweaty my fingers kept slipping. I tried unlocking it several times, but my hands were shaking too hard. My whole body trembled. My heart felt like it was in my throat. Through the closet slats, I watched Derek pick up his phone from the nightstand and call me. I hadn’t silenced it. If it rang, I was dead! In a split second, I pressed and held the power button, shutting it off just in time. Right then, a robotic female voice cut through the silence. “We’re sorry, the number you are trying to reach is not available.” After a few failed attempts, Derek’s scowl deepened. “Why’s it off? Dead battery?” “Whatever. Probably overreacting. She shouldn’t be back yet.” “Must’ve dropped it before she left.” Derek shook his head with a small laugh, slipped the earring into his pocket, and went back to cutting up the body. About half an hour later, he had all the bones and flesh separated and packed into different large trash bags, which he took to the kitchen. I was still hiding in the closet. My legs had gone completely numb from squatting. I could hear water running in the kitchen. I flexed my numb ankles and carefully cracked the closet door open a fraction. Our apartment had an open floor plan. The small room next to the kitchen had been knocked through to make a dining area, and the kitchen opened right into it. A set of cabinets divided the dining area from the living room. In other words, if I left the bedroom quietly, I could get straight to the front door without Derek seeing me. I had to take this chance to escape. What happened after that? I didn’t know, and I didn’t care right then. I just needed to get away from Derek—from that monster.

I opened the closet door and stood frozen for a few seconds, waiting for feeling to return to my legs. Then I tiptoed forward as silently as possible, inching toward the front door. One step, two steps, three steps. The dark red security door was right there! Derek was still in the kitchen, running water. I reached for the doorknob, my knuckles white from gripping so hard. Suddenly— “Knock knock knock!” A loud pounding came from the door. I jumped, my body jerking violently. “Rachel? Derek? Anyone home?” It was our neighbor Karen—her voice loud and excited, like she was bursting with gossip. Almost instantly, the water in the kitchen stopped. My scalp prickled. I yanked my hand back and scanned the room. The living room was wide open—nowhere to hide except behind the big L-shaped couch angled by the door. I dove behind it, curling into a ball, my heart hammering against my ribs. Derek’s footsteps approached, passing right by the couch where I hid, heading for the door. “Who is it?” His voice was totally calm. “It’s Karen!” The voice outside sounded even more eager. “Heard noise and thought maybe Rachel was home?” “Baked fresh cornbread muffins—Rachel’s favorite. Still warm!” “Hey Karen.” Derek opened the door a crack, not all the way. “Rachel’s not back yet. Just making bone broth—chopping up bones. Want some?” “Really?” Karen’s tone changed. She craned her neck through the crack, like she wanted to squeeze inside. “Weird. Swear I saw her come into the building this afternoon.” “You two fight or something?” “Derek, you’re a good guy. Don’t go messin’ around on our Rachel!” I lay on the cold tile, my shirt soaked with sweat. Karen lived right across the hall. She was friendly enough, but couldn’t mind her own business to save her life. She was the one who texted me about Derek bringing a woman home—said I should come catch him in the act. I never thought she’d stick around for the show after sending that text. Now she was here, trying to stir up drama. And now she was going to get me killed! Derek’s expression shifted when he heard that. “What are you talking about?” “Rachel’s not supposed to be back until tomorrow. I bought her train ticket myself.” “How could she be here today? You must have seen wrong, Karen.” Derek’s voice still had a smile in it, but there was an edge underneath. He gripped the doorknob, his knuckles whitening slightly. Karen let out an “Oh!” and lowered her voice, but you could hear the gossip-hungry excitement. “Tyler saw her! Said he ran into Rachel at the building entrance half an hour ago. She even said hi. No way he’s mistaken!” She paused, then her voice went up again, fishing for information. “What, she didn’t come up?” “Or did she come in, see something she shouldn’t have, you two fought, and she took off?” Karen raised her eyebrows meaningfully. “Derek, you can’t do this!” “Rachel’s such a sweet kid. Her parents treat you like their own son—always bringing you food, buying you stuff, looking out for you.” “Don’t do something stupid!” Derek’s face turned stone cold. His jaw tightened. After a long silence, he finally spoke, his tone forced. “Karen, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Rachel really hasn’t come back. And there’s nothing to hide here.” He stepped aside, sounding almost helpless. “If you don’t believe me, come on in and check for yourself.” Karen laughed awkwardly. “Listen to you! Of course I believe you.” She mumbled something about Rachel probably getting stuck in the lobby. Otherwise, if Rachel had really come back to catch him cheating and found that woman, there’d be screaming by now. No way it’d be this quiet. With that, Karen thrust the plate of cornbread muffins into Derek’s hands and forced a smile. “Tyler must’ve been mistaken.” “You get back to your broth. I’ll let myself out. Tell Rachel I stopped by when she gets in.” “Will do. Thanks, Karen.” Derek closed the door and slowly turned around. He stood there for a moment. Then a slow smile spread across his face. “Baby~” “You’re home. Why don’t you come out?” “Playing hide and seek with your husband?” As he spoke, he started walking toward the couch—slow, deliberate steps. Each footstep echoed in my head. I was petrified, my mind going blank. I couldn’t move, couldn’t think. The footsteps stopped. Derek’s voice came from above me, low and cold. “Well, well. Found you.”

My body went rigid. I lifted my head slowly, my neck stiff as a board. Derek crouched down and reached out to brush my hair. “Rachel, why didn’t you tell me you were coming home early?” “Ahhh—” I let out a bloodcurdling scream. Derek moved fast. His hand slid down from my hair to clamp over my mouth. My scream turned into a muffled gurgle. I thrashed wildly, pushing against him with all my strength. “Let me go! Let me go!” Derek was bigger, stronger—all muscle. I couldn’t break free. With my mouth and nose covered, black spots danced in front of my eyes. My chest felt like it would explode from lack of air. My eyes rolled back, and everything went dark. When I came to, I was lying on the couch with a thick blanket over me. Derek poked his head out from the dining room and smiled at me. “Hey, sleepyhead. Figured you’d be up soon.” “You sure can sleep. C’mon, breakfast is ready.” “Spent three hours on that bone broth. Smells amazing, right?” I sat up so fast I got dizzy, my body rigid with terror. For a second, I wondered if I was already dead. But the warm blanket over me and the cool autumn breeze drifting in from the balcony—still damp from the rain—reminded me I was alive. I stared at Derek, clutching the blanket tight, my eyes wide with fear. Derek walked over with a white ceramic bowl. “Try it. You’ll love it.” A thick layer of yellowish fat floated on top. A few off-white bones bobbed underneath. The memory of what he’d done made my stomach heave. I almost retched. I swallowed hard and shrank back. “I need to use the bathroom.” “Sure, go ahead.” Derek moved the bowl aside and sat down next to me on the couch. I stood up shakily and took a few steps toward the bathroom. I glanced back at Derek. He was still smiling at me—no sign he thought I might fight or run. Like everything that happened was just my imagination. I didn’t know what game he was playing, but I wasn’t about to waste this chance! I spun around and ran for the door, screaming for help at the top of my lungs. Derek didn’t even try to stop me. He just sat there on the couch, watching calmly with a dark look in his eyes. I wrenched the door open and ran straight into Karen, who was just stepping out of her apartment. When she saw me, her eyes lit up. “Rachel! I knew you were home!” She hurried over, leaned in, peeked into my apartment, then stage-whispered, “Well? Did you find her?” “If there’s gonna be a fight, just holler. I’ll help you take that homewrecker down!” “Karen, call 911! Now!” I grabbed her hand, tears streaming down my face. “Derek killed her! He murdered that woman! Call the cops!” “What? Murder?” Karen’s eyes went wide. “Don’t say stuff like that! You’re scaring me!” “I’m telling the truth! He killed her—cut her up…” I babbled, trying to explain what happened. Karen turned pale. She pulled me into her apartment, locked the door, and called the police.

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When I was ten, my parents’ business went bankrupt, and they were driven to take their own lives. Facing the threats of the creditors, my older sister, who was someone’s mistress, came back. She arrived with bodyguards, sold my parents’ house, paid off the debts, and then forcibly dragged me into a car. “From today on, you’re with me. Mom and Dad’s remaining debt is eight hundred thousand. You’ll earn it back when you’re older.” I glared at her, full of hatred. “Why did you even come back?! Mom and Dad died because of you! Why wasn’t it you who died instead?!” She fell silent. I’d known since I was little that I had an older sister. She’d left home at 18, claiming our family was too poor to give her the life she wanted. So she got involved with a rich man, becoming his mistress. At school, my classmates would always ask me, “Brooke, is it true your sister became someone’s mistress? How shameless!” “Your sister threw her life away, didn’t she? Is that how your family gets all its money?” “My mom says your sister is shameless and told me not to play with you!” I’d always hated her. Hated her for being shameless and dragging my name through the mud. I also hated her because if it weren’t for her, Mom and Dad wouldn’t have tried to start a business, bought that store, only for it to fail and leave them bankrupt. Now she was back, selling the last tangible memory of our parents. After I cursed at her, she looked at me with a cold laugh. “Oh, believe me, I wanted to die, but I just couldn’t!” “Little girl, you want me dead? Well, I’m not going anywhere! Nobody wants you besides me, so you’d better behave, or I’ll throw you right back where you came from!” At her words, my ten-year-old face went white with fear. Even though I hated her, I knew I had no choice. Our relatives all thought my parents had left me a secret inheritance. They’d barely speak two sentences before telling me to check the bank. They weren’t truly good to me, but this sister, who was practically a stranger to me, didn’t seem much better. But I had no choice; she was my guardian. I took a long-distance train with her to a strange city and then moved into an apartment. It was her place, neatly kept, with men’s clothes and shoes scattered around. My room was upstairs, small, but still pretty nice. “You can do whatever you want normally, but if my boyfriend comes over, you have to stay in your room. Don’t come out and cause trouble for me!” I lowered my head and said nothing. My sister’s boyfriend was a middle-aged man with glasses. When he saw me, he smiled faintly. “So this is Brooke!” I nodded, quickly carried my glass of water upstairs, and shut the door. From his smile, I could tell he was distant. Just like the teachers at my old school. They’d nod and smile at me too, but their smiles never reached their eyes. It was as if I was just some insignificant little thing. As my mom used to say, “Some people have their noses so high in the air, we can never reach their level.” He was one of those people we couldn’t aspire to. Scarlett told me to call him Richard. He owned a trading company in the area and drove luxury cars. Richard would bring gifts for Scarlett when he visited, and snacks for me too. But he only stayed for a few hours, never overnight. I was enrolled in a nearby elementary school. Here, no one knew my sister was a mistress, but I was still scared. Scared someone would find out about Scarlett, scared I’d be mocked. This went on for two years. I started middle school, and during summer vacation, with nowhere else to go, Scarlett took me to her company. That’s when I found out she worked at Richard’s company. On my very first day, I was told that the plump lady in the office was Richard’s wife. In that moment, a chill ran through me. I hated Scarlett for bringing me there. Every time I ran into the boss’s wife, my heart would pound, terrified she’d call me a mistress’s kid. The boss’s wife, Victoria, would always call out to me when she saw me, “Brooke, come help me with this!” She’d ask me to carry her bag and offer me money, but I never dared to take it. I was afraid she’d take it back later, and even more afraid she’d call me shameless. Seeing me refuse the money, Victoria just patted my head. At the end of summer, she bought me two new outfits and even drove me to school herself on the first day. When I learned the school had dorms, I immediately applied.

Scarlett was a bit unhappy. “Our apartment is perfectly fine, why do you want to live at school?” “It’s easier to study. You work late, and you don’t come home on time every day. I get hungry.” That explanation silenced her, and she eventually agreed. But Richard was displeased. “Why live at school? Come back and play on the weekends!” His hand, a little too close for comfort, was about to land on my head when Victoria slapped it away. Fearing they’d argue, I quickly grabbed my backpack and ran inside. After that, I’d go back once a week. Scarlett’s apartment still kept a room for me. But gradually, more things started appearing in the room. I didn’t think much of it; I only slept there one night before going back to school, and it was her apartment anyway. Until a new student transferred to our class. She was from my old hometown. Seeing her, my heart filled with dread, but she still cornered me. “Brooke, it really is you! You and your sister came here?” “Is your sister still someone’s mistress?” After saying that, she deliberately clapped her hand over her mouth, feigning shock. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to! I really forgot!” All the other students looked over. In that instant, my blood rushed to my head. And the real culprit, Brittany, just stood there, smug and unafraid. “Oh, Brooke, don’t look at me like that, you’re scaring me!” Classmates crowded around. “Brittany, is that true? Is her sister really a mistress?” “Oh my god, I never would’ve guessed. No wonder she was dropped off in a fancy car on the first day of school!” “A mistress’s sister will probably become a mistress too!” I clenched my fists. Brittany continued, “Don’t say anything more, or she’ll just transfer schools again!” “After all, a mistress isn’t exactly a good person!” I looked up at her. “And what about you? Why did you transfer? In elementary school, you stole things and the principal made you apologize under the flag. Now you’ve transferred, could it be your old school couldn’t stand you anymore?” Brittany’s face suddenly changed. “Brooke, what’s so great about you? Your sister has stolen more than just one! And you? You’re probably your sister’s kid!” “What are you talking about?!” “Everyone says you’re your sister’s little… bastard!” The words had barely left her mouth when I couldn’t take it anymore. I lunged at her, slapped her, grabbed her hair, and fought like my life depended on it! Eventually, the teacher separated us. “Brooke! Brittany, what are you doing?!” “Teacher, she hit me first!” Brittany was crying hysterically. I wiped a streak of blood from my face and said coldly, “Teacher, she has a nasty mouth!” I stared fiercely at Brittany. She stopped crying, but eventually, parents were called. Brittany’s mom arrived, looking at me with disdain. “Brooke! You little stray, how dare you hit my daughter!” “Mom, she hurt me so much!” Brittany shrieked. “Mom, hit her! Kill her!” I didn’t get angry; instead, I laughed. “You know I don’t have a mom anymore, just a sister. And she’s a mistress, so technically, I have nothing!” Brittany froze for a moment. Her mom’s face went from pale to flushed with anger, finally roaring, “No matter what, you have to apologize!” My sister didn’t come. Victoria did. After hearing what happened, Victoria pointed at Brittany. “You apologize first! Who told you to be so foul-mouthed?! Calling my little sister a mistress’s bastard, huh?!” “I’m calling the police right now to report you for defamation! Do you have any proof? If not, I’ll sue you into oblivion!”

Brittany’s face was beyond awful. She was finally forced to apologize. Brittany’s mom’s face was green with rage, clearly not expecting me to have backup here. She shot me a venomous glare, then fiercely pinched Brittany’s arm, cursing her for being useless! I said nothing, just went back to class. Victoria patted my shoulder. “Don’t overthink it, Brooke. Your sister, she’s had it rough, but she’s definitely not a bad person.” I didn’t reply. Back in class, my classmates’ gazes were different, but I didn’t care. When Brittany returned, she glared at me. I glared back and said loudly, “Brittany, if I hear any rumors about me in this class again, I’ll report you to the police for spreading gossip!” Brittany buried her face on her desk and cried. I felt incredibly satisfied. Yeah, they all said my sister was a mistress. Where was the proof? Without proof, who dared to talk nonsense? My fierceness, coupled with Brittany’s crying, made the other students back off. Instead, Brittany was branded a thief and could never shake the label. That weekend, when I returned home from school, Scarlett was there. I noticed some baby clothes and a cradle in the apartment, and Scarlett’s belly was big. Seeing me, she waved. “Come here quickly, look at your little nephew!” I clenched my fists. The secret I’d guarded for two years at school was just shattered by her own hand. And here I was, threatening Brittany, telling her to produce proof if she claimed my sister was a mistress. But the moment I saw Scarlett with her big belly, I felt like a complete joke. My legs felt like lead, but I managed to shuffle closer, staring at her. “Why did you become a mistress? Why did you have an illegitimate child?” As soon as I asked, Scarlett’s lips trembled. She couldn’t speak for a long time. I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned and ran out. Scarlett called after me, “Brooke! Get back here!” I screamed back, frantic, “I’m not coming back! I don’t have a sister like you!” I missed Mom and Dad. When they were alive, they often told me how smart Scarlett was, then complained they were useless and couldn’t provide for her, which was why she ran off. But why did she come back? And not just come back, but bring me here, to witness her degradation and sin firsthand. I felt utterly disgusted! I went back to school and never returned home. Scarlett learned through my homeroom teacher that I was back at school. She didn’t say anything but asked the teacher to transfer my living expenses to me. I wanted to stubbornly refuse, but I couldn’t. At the end of the semester, I stood at the school gate with my luggage, and again, it was Victoria who came to pick me up. She pulled me into the car, trying to speak several times but hesitating. I could tell this wasn’t the way home. Judging by the time, Scarlett should be close to giving birth. Victoria sighed. “Brooke, I’m taking you to see your sister.” At her words, I looked up at her, finally asking the question, “Don’t you hate her? She destroyed your family. She’s a mistress.” Victoria patted me. “Silly girl, she’s not a mistress at all. Your sister is the most sensible child. She’s not a home-wrecker. You’ll understand when you see her.” I didn’t want to see her, but Victoria drove me straight to the hospital. My heart sank! Had Scarlett given birth? But Richard and Victoria were married… their relationship was confusing me. When I followed Victoria into the hospital room, I found Scarlett lying in bed, her belly still swollen, her face sallow. Seeing this, my mind went blank! It was as if everything suddenly made sense.

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