My husband, Dominic, sneered in Italian, calling my inheritance “crumbs,” not even enough to buy his mistress a handbag. Then he turned to me, his voice soft with English endearments. “Honey, why not go abroad to clear your mind? I’ll buy your ticket.” I smiled and accepted the one-way ticket. Dominic had no idea I understood Italian. He knew even less that the inheritance he scorned was a vast business empire, large enough to buy out ten of his companies. Elara’s POV Dominic was on a video call. Seeing me enter, he casually pulled me into his embrace. The man on the screen chuckled, his Italian fluent and relaxed. “Dominic, you’re not worried your wife will overhear us discussing your little secretary while she’s right there in your arms?” Dominic carelessly kissed my earlobe, replying in Italian, “Why would I be? She doesn’t understand a word. The farthest she’s ever traveled is an all-inclusive resort. She can’t read Italian. She can barely make sense of a French menu.” I leaned against his chest, compliant, my fingertips trembling slightly. Dominic didn’t know that I had spent three years learning Italian, just so I could understand those hushed phone calls he tried to hide from me. The man on the screen laughed even more brazenly. “So what about your little drama queen, threatening a hunger strike? Next week is your fifth anniversary with her, and she insists on having your spot.” Dominic’s fingers gently massaged my waist, his tone laced with cold indifference. “I’m trying to appease her. In fact, I’m planning to send the woman in my arms away. Her uncle left her some inheritance, perfect for her to spend half a month abroad. Get her out of the way, make room for the new one.” “Is it worth it? All this trouble for a bit of inheritance?” “Even crumbs are still something.” Dominic scoffed. “I don’t even care for that money; let’s just consider it her pocket change.” Then, he ended the video call. When he looked down at me, he had seamlessly switched back to gentle English, his eyes full of affection. “Honey, I was just discussing business with a partner. Don’t be too sad about your uncle’s passing. Since it was his wish, you should go ahead and handle it.” I looked up, flashing a sweet, innocent smile. “Okay, thank you, darling.” Dominic patted my head, satisfied, and quickly typed something on his phone. “I’ve transferred a million dollars to you. Have my secretary book your flight. Buy whatever you like over there, don’t hold back.” I smiled, accepting the transfer notification on my screen. It wasn’t until he turned and went into the bathroom that I opened the unread lawyer’s email on my phone. At the top of the attachment was a property deed for a Tuscan vineyard, along with a trust fund balance with so many zeros it made my head spin. I turned off the screen and calmly sent a reply to the lawyer. “Proceed as planned. See you in half a month.”

Elara’s POV The next morning, Dominic’s secretary sent me the flight information. “Ms. Hayes, Mr. Julian specifically asked me to book you the earliest first-class flight. He said he was worried you might miss the notarization appointment there.” I looked at the flight information on my screen, a mocking smile playing on my lips. Worried I’d miss the notarization? That was a lie. He was worried I’d mess up his anniversary with his mistress. “Thank you for your trouble,” I replied. “By the way, I’m not sure how long this trip will take. To make changes easier, please only book the outbound flight.” The secretary replied instantly. “Of course, Mrs. Hayes. Mr. Julian said the same thing-that you should enjoy yourself there and come back when you’re ready. A return ticket can be booked anytime.” I closed my phone, looking at the e-ticket, feeling eerily calm. Dominic thought this was just a one-way ticket for easy changes. But he didn’t know it was truly a one-way ticket. No return. Fifteen days left until departure. Fifteen days was all I needed. It was enough. After Dominic left for the office, I called in two people who dealt in second-hand luxury goods. In my walk-in closet, the Hermès bags and limited-edition jewelry Dominic had given me were piled high on the floor. “Ms. Hayes, do you really want to get rid of all of these?” The recycling store owner’s eyes gleamed at the sight of all the genuine articles. In this circle, wealthy women usually only bought, rarely cleared out their entire collection like this. “Yes, sell them all.” I casually picked up a limited-edition diamond necklace. Dominic had bought it at an auction last year, specifically to appease me and cover up a hickey on his neck. “I’m going abroad, these things are too much of a burden. Out with the old, in with the new.” The owner had his staff pack and appraise the items, while he chuckled, “Of course, Mr. Julian dotes on you so much, there’ll definitely be even better things waiting for you when you return.” Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he asked casually, “Oh, by the way, Ms. Hayes, aren’t you selling that sapphire necklace today? The one bought at the auction with this bag?” My hand, as I was tidying clothes, paused. That was Dominic’s birthday gift to me during our first year of marriage. A few days ago, I wanted to wear it, but he said the clasp was loose and he’d sent it for maintenance. Seeing my silence, the owner thought he’d spoken out of turn and quickly tried to mend it. “I just asked casually. Because a few days ago, I saw an influencer on Ins showing off a picture, and it looked like she was wearing that exact necklace. I thought maybe you’d lent it to a friend.” An influencer on Ins? I understood immediately, but my face remained impassive, maintaining a polite smile. “Oh, that one. It’s still being serviced. You must have seen wrong; that necklace is a one-of-a-kind piece. I don’t lend it to anyone.” The owner gave an awkward laugh and didn’t press further, swiftly getting his staff to clear out the items. “Don’t transfer the money to my card; just give me euros in cash,” I instructed the owner. Once the house was quiet again, I took out my phone and downloaded the app the owner had mentioned. Using the app’s location filter and a few keywords, I quickly found the account. The latest post was a selfie in the rearview mirror of a luxury car. The young woman in the picture was wearing my sapphire necklace. The caption read: “Even though it’s an old design, as long as he gave it to me, I love it. Can’t wait for next week’s surprise.” I wasn’t angry. I didn’t even bother to screenshot it. If I was leaving, I was leaving cleanly. I wouldn’t take a single thing that belonged to Dominic.

Elara’s POV To appease his mistress, Dominic, for the first time ever, brought Chloe to a private business dinner that evening. The irony was, Chloe was there as a “translator,” but she was decked out in a custom-made gown flashier than anything I, the actual wife, would wear. From the moment she walked in, her eyes never left Dominic, that clingy intensity practically screaming their inappropriate relationship to everyone present. “Ms. Hayes, long time no see.” A few business partners came over to toast, and Dominic smiled, pulling me close by the waist, playing the part of the model husband. “My wife doesn’t understand much about business. I’ll drink this for her.” An important Italian client approached with a glass, and Dominic released me. He turned to Chloe behind him and whispered in Italian, “This old man is a lecher. Go have a few drinks with him, don’t let him bother Elara.” Chloe looked reluctant, pouting in Italian, “Darling, I’m not feeling well today. Shouldn’t Elara do the blocking? She doesn’t understand business talk anyway, it’s such a waste for her to just stand there like a flower vase.” Dominic hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking between us. Ultimately, his heart, predictably, went out to his mistress. He turned to me, his voice gentle in English. “Honey, Chloe isn’t feeling well today, and this client is quite important. Could you help me toast him? Just smile, you don’t need to say anything.” I looked at his face, so full of feigned affection, and scoffed inwardly. In his eyes, his mistress held a higher position than I, his wife. “Of course.” I took the wine glass, smiling gracefully and generously. “Since Ms. Chloe isn’t feeling well, as the boss’s wife, it’s only right that I look out for the staff.” I walked towards the Italian client, glass in hand. Chloe, standing behind Dominic, flashed me a smug, defiant smile. She thought I hadn’t understood their Italian conversation. As I passed her, my high heel slipped. A full glass of red wine, without missing a beat, spilled directly onto Chloe’s expensive gown. “Ah!” Chloe shrieked, clutching her chest in embarrassment. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!” I stood steady, feigning panic, my expression innocent. “Ms. Chloe, are you alright? You looked a bit pale, so I tried to steady you, but my hand slipped.” All eyes instantly converged on us. Dominic’s brows furrowed. He instinctively reached out to help Chloe, but seeing all the business partners around, he abruptly redirected his hand, steadying a seemingly startled me instead. “Elara, are you okay? Did you hurt your ankle?” His voice was concerned, but his eyes swept over the red stain on Chloe’s chest with unconcealed pity. Chloe’s eyes welled up with tears of indignation. She bit her lip and complained to Dominic in Italian, “Darling, she did it on purpose! This dress is the one you gave me-” “Shut up.” Dominic coldly snapped at her in Italian, his eyes warning her. “Go to the restroom and clean yourself up. Don’t make a scene here.” Turning back to me, he put on his doting husband persona, gently smoothing my hair. “It’s nothing, just a dress. If it’s dirty, it’s dirty. What matters is that you didn’t fall.” I leaned into his embrace, watching Chloe’s retreating figure, clutching her dress in embarrassment. A barely perceptible smile touched my lips. After the dinner, Dominic used the excuse of seeing a drunk client home, telling the driver to take me home first. I knew he was rushing to appease his wronged mistress. Back home, I didn’t turn on any lights. My phone screen glowed in the darkness, an unread message from my lawyer. “Ms. Hayes, your overseas account has been activated. All asset transfer procedures will be completed within a week. Please confirm your travel plans.” I glanced at the date circled in red on my calendar. That was the anniversary Dominic and Chloe were so eagerly anticipating. It was also the day I would finally leave. I calmly replied with two words. Confirmed.

Elara’s POV The day after I sold off my luxury items, Dominic, unexpectedly, came home in the afternoon. Normally, he’d be at the office, or having afternoon tea with Chloe. His sudden return today clearly meant something urgent had come up. I was sitting on the living room carpet, tossing the last few photo albums into a cardboard box beside me. They were photos from college, and a handful of anniversary pictures from our five years of marriage. “Why are you digging all these out?” Dominic loosened his tie, glancing at the box without much interest, asking casually. “Just tidying up.” I closed the box and sealed it with tape. “I’m going abroad, so I thought I’d send these things to my old house for storage, instead of letting them gather dust here.” Dominic nodded. “Good idea. It’s better to have fewer things around, more peace and quiet.” He probably thought I was carefully preserving these precious memories. In reality, that cardboard box’s final destination was the trash compactor downstairs. “Oh, by the way, Elara.” He suddenly turned and walked into the walk-in closet. “Where’s that pink diamond bracelet I bought at the auction last year? A client’s wife is having a birthday, and I wanted to borrow it as a sample for the designer to reference.” I sneered inwardly. “Client’s wife?” More like Chloe must be throwing a fit about yesterday’s spilled wine and demanding compensation, right? That pink diamond bracelet was a multi-million dollar piece; he certainly wasn’t shy about using it to appease his mistress. Too bad he was a step too late. Sounds of rummaging came from the closet. A few minutes later, Dominic emerged, frowning, a hint of frustration in his voice. “Why can’t I find it? The jewelry box is empty.” I remained seated, taking a slow sip of tea, and calmly said, “Oh, that bracelet. Last time you said the necklace was sent for maintenance, and I thought the bracelet hadn’t been worn in a long time, so I sent it along to the brand for care too.” Dominic froze. He clearly hadn’t expected me to do that. He knew better than anyone where that necklace was. But he hadn’t anticipated that I would use the same excuse to get rid of the bracelet. “Sent it overseas?” His brows furrowed even deeper. “When did you send it?” “Just two days ago.” I looked at him with an innocent expression. “What’s wrong? If you’re really in a hurry, I can call and have them intercept and return it now? But it’s already international shipping, so it might take a while.” Dominic’s expression stiffened for a moment. Intercepting it was impossible; once intercepted, his scheme to take the necklace would be exposed. Besides, going to such lengths to retrieve a bracelet from overseas for a mistress simply wasn’t his style. “Never mind. It’s not worth the trouble.” He waved a hand, hiding the disappointment in his eyes. “Since it’s gone for maintenance, that’s fine. I’ll have my assistant pick out another gift.” As he turned to leave, I suddenly called out to him. “Dominic, I also packed up and sent away all the other bags and jewelry from the closet.” I gestured towards the empty closet space, smiling sweetly and dutifully. “Since I’m going abroad, there’s no one to wear these valuable items at home, and they’re a hassle to maintain. Might as well store them together.” Dominic glanced back. The once lavish display shelves were indeed half empty. But he didn’t suspect a thing; instead, he seemed relieved. “That’s good. You arrange it.” He walked over and gave me a perfunctory kiss on the forehead. “Once you get your inheritance abroad, I’ll buy you new ones.” After Dominic left, the house became utterly silent. I looked at the sealed cardboard box, picked up a marker, and wrote TRASH across it in bold, black letters. Then I called the housekeeping service. “Hi, could you send someone up? There’s a pile of things in the living room that need to be taken away. Yes, no sorting necessary. Just remove it all.”

Elara’s POV The lawyer sent the final batch of documents that needed signing. A thick stack, filled with dense paragraphs of Italian and French clauses. When Dominic returned that evening, I was sitting by the living room coffee table, frowning at the pile of papers. “Dominic, you’re back.” I held a pen, my brows slightly furrowed, feigning a headache from the cumbersome procedures. “What’s wrong?” Dominic took off his jacket, tossing it onto the sofa, his gaze sweeping over the coffee table. “Still dealing with that inheritance business?” “Yes, the lawyers over there are incredibly particular.” I sighed, pulled a thin sheet from the stack, and handed it to him. “They said that for tax purposes and procedural compliance, my spouse needs to sign a waiver of inheritance and an informed consent form.” Dominic took the document, casually glancing at it. It was all obscure Italian legal jargon. He couldn’t be bothered to read it. In his eyes, it was just a few thousand dollars, and now he had to sign a stack of papers-what a waste of time. “This is such a hassle.” He frowned impatiently, tossing the document back onto the table. “For such a pittance, they’re acting like it’s hundreds of millions to inherit. And they want me to waive it? As if I’d be interested in your petty pocket money.” I gave an embarrassed laugh, handing him the pen. “I think it’s troublesome too, but the lawyer said the transfer of ownership can’t proceed without this signature. So please, just help me out, sign it, and I won’t bother you anymore.” Dominic took the pen. Without even glancing at the content of the page, he flipped directly to the last page, to the signature line. “Alright, where do I sign?” “Here, and here.” I pointed to two blank spots. Those spots were not just for waiving the inheritance; they were also for a cleverly concealed legal document voluntarily surrendering any claims to the wife’s assets and acknowledging no other property disputes between the two parties. Once he signed that name, even if I took every single thing that belonged to me, he would have no right to object. The pen tip scratched against the paper with a soft rustling sound. Dominic signed decisively. He completely failed to notice that another document, hidden under his elbow, was in fact a meticulously crafted divorce agreement with stringent enforcement clauses. “There.” He capped the pen and tossed the document back to me. “Next time, handle these small matters yourself.” “Thank you, darling. You’re so good.” I collected the documents in a good mood, tucking them into a file folder. “Oh, right.” Dominic stood up, glancing at his watch. “Chloe said she left an urgent file at the office. I’ll go pick it up and be back later.” It was almost ten o’clock. What kind of file required the boss to personally fetch it? Besides, it was Chloe’s birthday. I knew exactly what was going on, but my face remained compliant. “Okay, drive safe.” After Dominic left, I picked up the file folder and gently blew on the signed spots to dry the ink. I locked the folder in the safe; it was what I needed to take to the notary public in the morning.

Elara’s POV With only three days left until my departure, Dominic, to maintain his “devoted husband” facade, purposely canceled his evening engagements, claiming he would cook dinner for me. From the kitchen, I could hear his busy movements, punctuated by occasional phone notifications. He thought if he put his phone on silent, I wouldn’t hear it, but the frequent vibrations were jarringly loud in the quiet villa. “Dinner’s ready.” Dominic emerged with the last dish. “Try this.” He cut a piece of steak for me, but his eyes kept darting towards his phone on the table. Each time the screen lit up, his brows would subtly furrow. I pretended not to notice, taking a bite. “It’s delicious, thank you, darling.” “Glad you like it, eat more.” Dominic smiled, but the warmth didn’t reach his eyes. To mask his distraction, he picked up a plate of lobster rolls, intending to pass it to me, but then suddenly paused. “Oh, I almost forgot this!” He put the lobster rolls down with a look of annoyance, pushing them further away from me. “You can’t eat these lobster rolls, you’re allergic to seafood. You’ll break out in a rash.” I looked at the plate of lobster rolls, my hand tightening around my fork. It wasn’t me who was allergic to seafood. It was Chloe. I grew up by the sea; seafood was my favorite. Back when we were dating, he’d often shared seafood feasts with me. Now, he’d projected his mistress’s dietary restrictions onto me. I looked up at his face, so full of feigned concern, and felt a wave of nausea. But I didn’t expose him. I simply played along, pushing away the bowl of clam chowder in front of me as well. “That’s right, I completely forgot. Good thing you remembered.” “Of course. You’re my wife; of course, I remember everything about you.” No sooner had the words left his lips than the phone on the table vibrated again. This time, it was a call. The moment the screen lit up, I clearly saw the caller ID: a cat in a lace nightgown. That was Chloe’s new profile picture, changed just yesterday. Dominic’s face subtly changed. He quickly hung up the call and placed the phone face down on the table. “Spam call. Too many insurance salespeople lately.” “Is that so?” I put down my fork and knife, dabbing my mouth with a napkin. “Since they’re so persistent, maybe it’s urgent? Why don’t you answer it?” “Don’t bother with it.” Dominic cut a piece of steak, trying to change the subject. “How’s the packing coming along?” Just then, the phone stubbornly rang again. This time, Dominic couldn’t pretend not to hear it. He glanced at the screen, his expression growing anxious, and finally couldn’t sit still anymore. “I’ll take this call; there might be an issue at the office.” He grabbed his phone and strode to the balcony. Through the glass door, I watched his retreating back. He stood with his back to me, his shoulders relaxed. He said something into the phone, that look of helpless affection spreading across his face. That was a look he once reserved only for me. A few minutes later, he pushed the door open, grabbed his jacket with an apologetic expression. “Elara, things at the office are a bit complicated. I have to go in. You eat first, don’t wait for me.” “Okay, go ahead.” I smiled and waved him off. “Drive safe.” Dominic left quickly, probably in a hurry to see his mistress. The door closed. I lifted a lobster roll with my fork and took a bite. It was good. Genuinely delicious. A pity, then, that the hands that made it no longer held a place for me in the heart they belonged to. I stood, carried the plate into the kitchen, and scraped every last piece into the trash. If he’d gotten the love wrong, then the food deserved no better fate. Dominic. I don’t love you anymore.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “339015”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

My brother brought his girlfriend home for a holiday dinner for the first time. During the dinner, his girlfriend suddenly turned to me. “Chloe Davis, you look so familiar! I remember now! I saw your pictures on Pornhub. You have a really hot body.” She finished, then quickly clapped a hand over her mouth, pretending she’d spoken out of turn. All the relatives at the dinner were stunned. Then, they started pointing fingers at me. “Young people these days really have no morals.” “What’s her stage name? I wanna check it out too!” I, however, calmly set down my fork and smiled at her. “I also think you look familiar. Oh, I remember now, I performed several abortions on you!” My brother was bringing his girlfriend home this year, and my mom was so thrilled she gathered all our relatives for a big family dinner. At the dinner table, my brother’s girlfriend, Serena Lewis, was incredibly well-behaved. She proposed toasts to the adults, told jokes, and not only charmed my mom completely, but even had the relatives praising Brandon for his good taste. Just as everyone was soaking in the warm atmosphere Serena had created, a relative turned to me. “Chloe, you work in New York. You must be earning a lot of money! Your cousin graduates next year; you really should help her find a good job!” Other relatives chimed in. “Your mom says you give her fifteen hundred dollars a month. That’s amazing! Not like our useless son, who can’t even find a job.” “Chloe, what exactly do you do in the big city?” I was about to answer when Serena suddenly put down her glass and asked me. “Chloe, even though this is our first time meeting, I just feel like I’ve seen you before!” I offered a polite smile. “Maybe I just have one of those faces.” Serena shook her head, staring intently at me, scrutinizing my features. “No, it’s not an average face. I definitely saw you somewhere… Ah!” It was as if something clicked for her, and a look of sudden realization dawned on her face. “I know! You’re an influencer on Pornhub, aren’t you?” The moment she said that, several relatives at the table visibly stiffened. Serena seemed oblivious to the sudden change in atmosphere and continued. “I’ve seen your pictures; your body is so hot! I can’t believe I’m seeing you in person now!” She finished, then abruptly clapped a hand over her mouth, looking like someone who’d just said something regrettable. I was stunned. I couldn’t believe Serena would fabricate such a rumor right there. My first instinct was to confront her. “What in the world are you talking about?” She immediately put on a show of being wronged and apologized. “I’m so sorry, Chloe! I just spoke without thinking! I never imagined it would be you. I really didn’t mean it, please don’t be angry.” Serena’s words were so direct that all the relatives’ gazes shifted, scrutinizing me. “Young people these days are so… open-minded.” “No wonder she always says she’s busy and only comes home once a year. So that’s what she’s been busy with.” “No wonder she’s so rich. She’s selling herself!” “How embarrassing!” The relative who had just asked me to help her daughter find a job quickly retracted her words, clearly worried I might lead her daughter astray. “What I said earlier doesn’t count. My daughter would never do something like that; it’s utterly disgraceful!” 2 My mom’s face was beet red from the relatives’ whispers, her hands trembling. She looked at me in disbelief. “Chloe, are you really an influencer on Pornhub?” My brother’s eyes were also red with anger, glaring at me. “Chloe, is what she said true? Did you really do something so shameless?” “No, I didn’t!” I cut them off, my voice firm and resolute. Hearing my explanation, they still looked skeptical, their faces tight with doubt. I stared at Serena, the architect of this slander, a suffocating knot of anger in my chest. This was my first time meeting Serena. We had no history, no grudge, yet she had inexplicably pulled a stunt like this. I said, my voice low. “Serena, you can’t just go around spreading lies. Defamation is a serious offense!” At my words, Serena seemed to grow even more tearful. Her eyes red, she whispered timidly. “Chloe, I really didn’t mean it. Can you please forgive me?” It was something that could have been cleared up with a single sentence, but Serena deliberately chose to be vague. I truly didn’t know what I had done to provoke her. But for Brandon’s sake, I still managed to hold back my anger. “Serena, the person you’re talking about isn’t me, and it couldn’t possibly be me. You must be mistaken.” I tried to guide her toward an explanation, but she acted as if I was pressuring her. She immediately choked up. “Chloe, don’t be so mean, you’re scaring me. I truly didn’t mean it. I didn’t know your family would care so much about this… I just thought the person in the photo looked a lot like you and casually mentioned it. How can you say I’m slandering you?” Serena kept circling back to the same point, continuously implying that I had been involved in something illicit but was too ashamed to admit it. This time, I couldn’t hold back anymore and yelled. “Serena, we have no personal vendetta. There’s no need for you to target me like this!” And then Serena cried. She sobbed, hiding behind my brother, presenting herself as a poor, wronged victim. She explained to Brandon. “I’m just a straightforward person, I say what I think. Brandon, you have to believe me, I really wasn’t targeting Chloe.” Seeing her distress, Brandon immediately pulled her into his arms to comfort her. Then he turned on me, furious. “Chloe, do you have to be so aggressive? If you really didn’t do anything like that, how could Serena just make it up out of thin air? Don’t you have any self-awareness?” My brother’s barrage of accusations, his words, showed no regard for my situation as his sister. Even if our sibling relationship wasn’t the best, I never imagined he’d side with an outsider to bully me after hearing just a few words. The relatives, hearing him, chimed in their agreement. “Exactly, if you don’t want people to know, don’t do it!” “Serena is such a sweet, sensible girl; how could she possibly spread rumors without reason!” “I think Chloe really did something shameful!” My mom slammed her hand on the table, pointing a finger at my nose. “Chloe! You tell me clearly! Did you or did you not do those unspeakable things? If you really did, I’ll disown you!” I reiterated to my mom that I hadn’t done anything. Then I scanned the faces of all the relatives present, my gaze finally landing on Serena. I said. “Serena, since you claim you saw my photos in that ‘circle,’ then produce the evidence. Otherwise, I’m calling the police right now to report you for defamation!” Serena’s eyes flickered, then she stood up to go get her phone from the room. “To prove my innocence, I’ll find those photos and show them to you right now!” Soon, she returned with her phone and, in front of everyone, pulled up *that* photo of me. 3 She let everyone browse the picture, then thrust it in front of my face. Her tone was slightly triumphant. “Chloe, see for yourself. It’s really not me slandering you! I just had my best friend’s boyfriend look it up on that site. This side profile picture is definitely you!” The full-body side profile photo on Serena’s phone showed someone in revealing lingerie, and the side profile did indeed bear a nine-tenths resemblance to me. But I hadn’t done it, so I wouldn’t admit to it. As soon as Serena came back with her phone, I felt a pang of suspicion, like I’d been secretly photographed. I vocalized my thought. “What can a side profile picture prove?” “Oh, right. You just secretly photographed me, didn’t you? And used my picture for AI synthesis?” I stared into Serena’s eyes, and sure enough, I saw a flicker of guilt. But she stubbornly refused to admit it. She once again put on that wronged, pitiful expression, choking out. “Chloe, you can’t accuse me just because you don’t want to admit it! We’re family; why would I slander you?” “I should have known better than to come with Brandon. If it weren’t for me, your family would definitely be happy!” Serena spoke with such apparent sincerity that the relatives quickly rallied to her defense. Aunt Carol mocked me for having no upbringing. “Chloe, you’re shameless, and you still have the nerve to blame others? Having you as a relative truly embarrasses me!” Uncle Robert angrily reprimanded me for disgracing the family name. “Our Davis family reputation will be ruined by you! How can you face us, how can you face your deceased father?” Other relatives chimed in, their words as malicious as possible. “Shameless, what was the point of college?” “If she were my daughter, I’d have slapped her to death already!” “So unlucky to have such a dirty thing in the family!” My mom listened, trembling all over. She had always been very concerned with appearances, and now, seeing the so-called evidence, she was absolutely furious. “Chloe, how did I raise you? You insist on shamelessly degrading yourself, don’t you? How could I have given birth to such a disgraceful daughter like you!” Hearing the harsh accusations, I felt a deep sense of powerlessness. My own mother and brother, the people closest to me, didn’t believe me. At the same time, Serena spoke again. This time, she urged me to admit my mistake and turn over a new leaf. She said. “Chloe, it doesn’t matter if your body is dirty, as long as your heart isn’t! Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone about this.” At her words, I let out a cold laugh, then spoke with a chilling edge. “Serena, you know best whether the person in that photo is me or not!” “As for ‘dirty,’ you’re the dirtiest one here!” I locked eyes with Serena, wanting to see just how far her depravity truly went. Serena seemed startled by me, instinctively shrinking further into my brother’s arms, her voice trembling slightly. “You… what are you talking about! How am I dirty? You’re the one selling your body, not me!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338216”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

My husband loved me deeply. Until one night before bed, I didn’t drink the milk he gave me. That night, someone climbed into bed. A familiar scent pressed against my back, but his hands were more urgent than usual. I pretended to be asleep, then heard an argument: “The baby your wife is carrying is mine!” I quietly opened my eyes. In the darkness, two identical faces appeared before me! One was my husband. But who was the other?! After getting pregnant, I suddenly discovered I had two identical husbands. Every night, they gave me a glass of milk laced with sleeping pills. Then they took turns appearing in my bed. I held my breath, hiding behind the bedroom door, trying to eavesdrop. But I accidentally knocked over a cup, alerting them. “Who’s there?” Not daring to imagine the consequences of being discovered, I quickly fled to bed and pretended to be asleep. The door opened. I could feel two people scrutinizing me with penetrating gazes. “Maya?” After what felt like forever, the bed suddenly dipped. A tall figure pressed against my back, intimately whispering my name in my ear. The other person moved closer from the front, sandwiching me between them. They wrapped their arms around my waist, fingers tracing over my clothes, stroking every zone they knew so well, over and over again. Utterly shameless. I forced myself to suppress the trembling, holding back any sound from my throat, not even daring to move my eyes. Just then, my nightgown was lifted. My inner thigh felt cold. A burning hot palm slid upward along the inside. Fingertips stopped at the most dangerous edge. Circling gently, but never quite touching. I was terrified. Was this what they did to me every night after drugging me? I was on the verge of breaking down. Then one hand pressed down on the wandering hand: “Stop it. With this dose, she won’t wake up.” Immediately after, that hoarse voice threatened, “Cole, I’m warning you, stop drugging her! She’s carrying my son!” “Your son? How can someone with dead sperm have a son? I’m the real father here. If I don’t feel sorry for her, why should you?” Cole coldly grabbed Derek’s hand back: “Derek, don’t tell me you’re catching feelings? Don’t forget, you promised me that after she gives birth, you’d make her donate her kidney to me!” Hearing Cole’s words, Derek immediately softened his tone, coaxing: “What are you talking about? You know I only married her to find you a kidney.” Lying in bed, I felt like I’d fallen into an ice cave! My husband of two years, who had always been so loving, had only seen me as a breeding tool and a walking kidney donor. But my mother-in-law Margaret had never mentioned that Derek was a twin. What was their relationship exactly? Did Margaret, who had always doted on me even more than on Derek, know about all this?

After thinking all night, by the next day’s prenatal checkup, my eyes had dark circles under them. The doctor examined me and warned us that now that I was pregnant, we shouldn’t be so active in bed. Derek’s face darkened. He knelt by the examination bed, helping me put on my shoes and socks. From my angle, I could only see the top of his head. But from his unusually silent demeanor, I could tell he was unhappy. I sneered inwardly. This was the consequence he’d caused with his own hands—what right did he have to be unhappy? “Derek, I’ve been feeling so awful since getting pregnant. The doctor said the baby isn’t developing well. Maybe we should just terminate it.” In the end, he was someone I’d married out of love. I couldn’t help making one last test for our relationship. Did he really not care about me at all? His hands paused while putting on my shoes, then he gently stood up and kissed my forehead: “Why are you talking nonsense? Didn’t you sleep well?” The gaze meeting mine was full of sharp, uneasy scrutiny. He was wondering if I’d actually been awake last night and discovered their secret. My heart turned to ash. But then something even more desperate happened. When we reached the stairwell, he actually tried to push me down from behind. The metal handrail reflected like a mirror, showing his twisted, vicious expression. In that instant, all my hopes for this man completely shattered. I suddenly turned and threw myself into his arms, hugging his waist and acting cute with him like usual, catching him completely off guard. But inside, I was sneering coldly. You bastard, just wait. Dare to covet my kidney, treat me like a breeding tool? You two scumbags can hold hands and go to hell together!

From that day on, I gradually learned to distinguish between Derek and Cole. Derek had bigger muscles and a more prominent bulge in his pants. Cole was more delicate, without Derek’s muscular build. What shocked me even more was that Cole lived right next door to us! That evening, while Derek was showering, I insisted I wanted a late-night snack. Margaret could only reluctantly go make it. Taking advantage of the lack of supervision, I used smoke I’d prepared earlier to trigger the fire alarm. “Fire! Fire!” I screamed and ran out the door. Soon I’d attracted the neighbors’ attention. Before long, the fire escape filled with a dense crowd of people. I hid in the shadows, quietly waiting… Within minutes, Derek appeared in just a bathrobe, knocking on the door next door. Two identical faces appeared in the hallway. Downstairs was a sea of people, like an evacuation. I clutched my belly, deliberately blocking the escape route. When Margaret and Derek tried to help Cole leave, I seized the opportunity and pushed my way to Margaret’s side. “Margaret, Derek, who is he?” The moment I spoke, Derek and Margaret jumped like cats whose tails had been stepped on. “When did you get here?” They completely lost their composure, stammering without being able to form words. Cole’s face was deathly pale. I quickly pulled over a medical worker doing routine checks to examine him. “Do you have any medical history?” I asked with concern. He glanced at me, then brushed it off by saying he had moderate anemia… I sneered inwardly. What kind of anemia requires a kidney donation? After the property management announced the all-clear, we returned home with varying expressions. Derek nervously told me another version of this family’s story. “Maya, I actually have a brother. He was kidnapped years ago. I thought I’d never see him again… But incredibly, he’s been living right across from us. It’s fate!” Derek was crying tears of joy. But his tears looked utterly fake to me. I forced a smile, secretly admiring his ability to fabricate lies. Cole, is it? We’ll see about this! I would personally uncover the secrets between this family and him. Cole put on a show of reuniting with his roots in front of me, as if returning to the Carson family was the greatest fortune of his life. I took the opportunity to suggest Cole move in with us. After all, family should live together—it’s most appropriate that way. Cole happily went next door to pack his things, but strangely, Derek and Margaret seemed very unwilling. But their unhappiness didn’t affect my mood at all. Just because I hadn’t caught them in their conspiracy yet didn’t mean there wouldn’t be opportunities in the future. After all, walls have ears. Soon enough, I found his medical records in Cole’s room. He was born with only one kidney! No wonder they were eyeing mine… Then, on the medical forms, I discovered something even more intriguing. He had type A blood… But I clearly remembered that Derek’s parents were both type O. Two type O parents could never produce a type A child! Unless Cole wasn’t Derek’s real brother at all! But they looked exactly alike… Puzzled, I began observing these two men. Soon I discovered some strange clues. Cole actually… reached his hand directly into Derek’s pants?! He even used his hand to tease Derek’s bulge! Derek didn’t refuse—he even thrust his hips along with it! That evening, while setting the table, I caught Cole leaning on Derek’s shoulder, lips pressed against his ear. Saying suggestively: “Come to my room tonight, hmm?” His voice was sickeningly sweet… making me wanted to vomit. Now I was absolutely certain they were not in any innocent brotherly relationship. That night, Cole brought me a glass of milk. His malicious smile made it hard for me to believe this was a normal glass of milk. But I went along with him and drank it in one gulp. After he left, I immediately made myself throw up. For them to torment me like this, clearly something would happen tonight. Soon, I witnessed an explosive scene on the surveillance footage.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338215”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

My daughter seemed like a completely different person! My husband had been abusing me for years. My parents stood by coldly, even helped him sometimes. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was about to end my life. But then, my 8-year-old daughter rushed over and slapped me across the face. She yelled at me, “Sarah! What the hell are you doing?! Get your act together!” I was stunned. How could my usually sweet and adorable daughter say something so vulgar? Her whole demeanor wasn’t that of an 8-year-old at all. My daughter’s hand was still small, but she’d put every ounce of her strength into that slap. My face stung, a fiery throb. She glared at me, her round eyes blazing with anger. I was too shocked to react. “Lily… you…” She pointed at the rooftop ledge, her voice accusatory. “Were you going to jump?” My nose tingled, and tears instantly welled up. I didn’t know how to answer her. I’d raised this child mostly on my own since she was little. We had such a close bond. She was the only person in this world I couldn’t bear to leave. But, my darling, Mom really couldn’t go on anymore… “Good girl, why don’t you go home first? Didn’t I buy you a little stuffed bunny? Go play with it for a bit.” I wanted to coax her away, but she pulled her hand from mine, her face full of impatience. “Don’t change the subject! You’re going to jump, going to kill yourself, but did you even think about me?” “As a mother, abandoning your child to an alcoholic father and just dying – is that fulfilling your responsibility as a mother?” “And even if my dad is an alcoholic and hits you, why don’t you fight back? What kind of modern woman doesn’t know how to protect herself these days?” Her small mouth opened and closed, her expression serious and stern. I was rooted to the spot in shock! Just this morning, she was still cuddling with me, begging for a plush rabbit to be her ‘sister.’ She was only eight! I quickly reached out to touch her forehead. Was she sick? She slapped my hand away. “I don’t have a fever!” “My dear, what’s wrong? Do you feel unwell anywhere?” “I’m fine, perfectly fine. It’s you I’m worried about. If you jump, you’ll be free!” “But think about my dad, my grandma, and your entire family – who among them will take care of me?” The thought plunged me back into despair. I pulled her into my arms, tears streaming down my face. “Mom doesn’t want this either, but what can I do? I can’t take you with me…” She gently stroked my back, a comforting rhythm. “Listen to me. Neither of us has to die. They’re the ones who should suffer.” “Don’t worry, I promise I’ll free you from all this pain.”

My daughter truly seemed like a different person. But I looked her up and down, from every angle, and she was indeed my daughter. “Stop staring. It’s your daughter, authentic and genuine.” She spoke softly, as if rolling her eyes. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I was about to talk to her when the front door of the house was suddenly kicked open with a loud bang. My heart instantly clenched. Mark was back! From the sound of him kicking the door, he must have been drunk again. I quickly led Lily back to her room. “Lily, no matter what you hear, don’t come out. Just like normal, okay?” Mark’s angry shouts echoed from outside the door. I closed it, quickly smoothing my hair. With another bang, he pushed the door open, reeking of alcohol. He squinted, scanning the room. I took a deep breath, forcing down the trembling that wracked my body, and stepped forward to help him. “You’re back…” A familiar silence, then an explosive outburst! He grabbed my hair, yanked me to the floor, first with punches and slaps, then standing over me, kicking again and again… “Bitch! Whore! You worthless woman!” I curled up, hugging my head, my eyes squeezed shut. Just hold on a little longer. He’d drunk a lot today; he’d tire himself out soon… Just a little more… Just as I felt myself fading, I heard a commotion, and he yelled, “What are you doing?! Let go of me!” I struggled to open my eyes and saw three or four police officers restraining him! He was furious, swearing at them. Lily was standing right there. Suddenly, I didn’t feel the pain anymore. I sprang up and pulled her into my arms, shielding her. “Why did you come out? Are you okay, honey?” I frantically checked her over. But she wasn’t flustered at all. She took my hand and spoke to the officers. “Officers, you saw it. This man has been abusing my mother for a long time. If you hadn’t arrived in time today, my mom might have been beaten to death!” Mark had sobered up quite a bit. “Bullshit! You little Asshole! Did you call the police?!” “Oh, Sarah, you’ve really gone too far. You’ve learned to call the police!” I shook my head frantically, but Lily continued. “Officers, he goes crazy every time he drinks. My mom is covered in bruises. You have to arrest him!” In the end, Mark was taken away by the police, cursing and swearing all the way out. I shivered uncontrollably. “It’s no use. He won’t stay in there forever.” But Lily said, “But there will be a police record, and my testimony, and the neighbors’.” “What are you planning?” A confident look settled on her small face. “First, divorce. We’ll figure out the rest later.”

Divorce… I dreamed of divorce. But Mark would never let me go that easily. For years, he’d held that one thing over my head, knowing my vulnerable situation. “It’s just your first love ran off; there’s nothing to worry about.” Lily said it so casually, and my mind went blank with a loud whoosh. How did she know about that?! Seeing me cover my mouth and stare with wide eyes, she quickly rephrased. “It wasn’t your fault anyway. You were the victim. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.” “He’s always used that to threaten you. As long as you’re not afraid, as long as you’re not threatened, you’ll definitely get a divorce.” That was the first time it felt like someone was truly on my side. My tears flowed instantly, a dam breaking… At seventeen, I didn’t understand people. A few sweet words, and I believed in “love.” Against my family’s objections, I eloped without a second thought. Later, we ran out of money, and he abandoned me for a wealthy businesswoman. I returned to my hometown in shame. My parents were embarrassed; my brother Daniel and his wife Jessica looked down on me. Eventually, they forced me to marry Mark, with no conditions or expectations. Six months later, I gave birth to Lily. Everyone said she didn’t look like Mark; she was too fair and beautiful. Mark developed a grudge, and my life, from then on, became a living hell… I knew it was all my own doing. But now. Lily was saying I was the victim. I couldn’t understand how an eight-year-old could say such things. “You’re too young; you don’t understand…” It wasn’t that I hadn’t suggested divorce before. But my family would point fingers at me, calling me trashy. Mark also threatened to tell everyone that Lily was a Asshole! I honestly didn’t know what else I could do… “You’re just too weak!” Lily sighed, pulling out a tissue and handing it to me. “You’re not some ignorant woman who hasn’t been to school. You should know that no one has the right to dictate your life!” “You were hurt, and you should have faced it bravely, walked out of the predicament! But what did you do? You gave up, came back to your hometown with a bad reputation, didn’t resist your parents’ unreasonable arrangements, and after marriage, you chose to endure your husband’s abuse. You weren’t wrong, but your current situation is all because of your weakness!” Every one of Lily’s words felt like a knife piercing my heart. It hurt, but it was a sobering pain. “Yes, you’re right. I was weak. Even a child like you understands this, yet I pretended to be foolish for so many years.” Lily then added, “Mom, while Mark is locked up for a few days, let’s go back to your parents’ house tomorrow. We’re going to get even with them. I’ll tell you what to do!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338214”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

Mrs. Sterling saw something in me. She hired me to be a stand-in for her son, Julian Sterling’s first love. It was all because I looked so much like her. Mrs. Sterling said I bore a striking resemblance to Julian’s first love. Ever since his first love left, he’d become cold, ruthless, and utterly dejected. My job was to keep him company, to make him happy again. The mission went surprisingly smoothly. He didn’t just smile; he even started creating small romantic gestures for me. Until three years later, his first love, Serena, returned, fresh from a divorce. That’s when he lied to me for the first time. I cried to Mrs. Sterling, pouring out my heart, detailing my sorrow and the crushing unfairness of it all. My goal was simple: get a bigger payout and then vanish. But then Julian’s voice, dark and cold, cut through the air from just outside the door: “Stop the act. I’m renewing the contract.” I was grabbing my usual coffee downstairs at the company when Serena Vance, without a word of warning, slid into the seat opposite me. Her voice was soft, gentle. “How much did Julian pay you to hire you?” I looked at her. Eight years. She hadn’t changed much from the photo I’d seen. Still the same long, straight black hair, a simple, solid-colored dress, and the lightest touch of makeup. Only now, a subtle maturity etched itself between her brows. Her voice softened even more. “I know, it hasn’t been easy, accompanying Julian and taking care of him for three years. But this isn’t fair to you. No girl wants to be anything less than true love.” As she spoke, she lightly traced my cheek. “And no girl wants to be a stand-in.” A stand-in… she didn’t need to keep reminding me. I hadn’t forgotten it for a single moment. Three years ago, I was a fresh college graduate, just about to step into the working world. As I hustled around, résumé in hand, Mrs. Sterling herself sought me out. All because I looked seventy percent like Julian Sterling’s first love. She handed me a blank check. She promised that if I could get Julian back to his old self, I could fill in any amount I wanted on that check. And on top of that, a million dollars would be deposited into my account, right on time, every month. I got it. This was the classic stand-in trope. The deal was incredibly lucrative. No one could refuse it. Not even me. That was Julian Sterling—a legend in Sterling City. I didn’t hesitate for a second. I accepted. Under Mrs. Sterling’s guidance, I styled myself after Serena. I straightened my hair, swapped out my wardrobe for simple, solid-colored dresses. And smoothly became Julian Sterling’s personal assistant. The first time Julian saw me, he seemed to frown, but he didn’t say anything. To mold a perfect stand-in, Mrs. Sterling also gave me a thick stack of files. They meticulously detailed Julian Sterling’s preferences. From his morning coffee to his evening routine, his wardrobe, even his travel habits—every single thing. I was getting paid, so I followed every instruction without question. At first, I thought someone like Julian Sterling would be incredibly difficult to deal with. Julian was decisive, detail-oriented, and hated idle chatter. So, I focused on efficiency and precision, ensuring every detail was flawless. My proposals, often drafted overnight, had almost zero errors. My reactions and patience were sharp enough to handle any sudden emergency. My phone was always on, twenty-four hours a day, ready to answer his calls, never a word of complaint. Everyone said I was the best assistant he’d ever had. Slowly, he began to accept my presence. He’d eat the meals I cooked. He’d drink the coffee I brewed. Sometimes, when I personally prepared his lunch, he’d comment, expressionless, “It’s awful.” Then he’d eat every last bite. Our relationship grew closer with each passing day. After a perfectly ordinary banquet, I drove him home as usual. Without warning, he pulled me closer and kissed me. That night, our silhouettes intertwined against the windowpane… The next day, Julian had all my belongings moved to his mansion in the West Hills. When a black card was placed in front of me, I automatically unlocked a new identity: mistress. Besides the money from Mrs. Sterling and my assistant’s salary, I was now receiving a third income. This arrangement was overly lucrative. At least from my perspective, we were like any other couple. We went to work together, cooked together. During intimate moments, I followed my instincts and responded with passion. Yet, in my heart, I remained perfectly clear. I was Chloe, not Serena. This play, it would end one day. I just didn’t expect that day to come so soon.

I lost all interest in my coffee, getting up to leave. Behind me, Serena dropped the act, her tone laced with a hint of disdain. “I’m back. You didn’t actually think that little bit of affection you got, just because you look like me, would be enough to get you through the Sterling family’s front door, did you?” I turned and looked at her, countering, “And you think you can?” She and Julian were from families of equal standing. But she had abandoned everything to go abroad when Sterling Corp faced a crisis. She married, then divorced. And now she was back. At least, from what I knew of Mrs. Sterling, it was almost impossible for Serena to get into the Sterling family home. Unless, of course, Julian insisted. That evening, I accompanied Julian as he worked in his study. I sat in front of my computer. But my eyes kept drifting to him. Sterling City was teeming with talent. A fresh graduate like me, with no background. Without this face as my ticket in, I would never have had the chance to enter Sterling Corp. No chance to earn wealth most people could only dream of in a lifetime. And no chance to be by his side for so long. Looking at it that way, if his true love returned, I should be happy for him. Clinging on would only make me look clingy and ungrateful. “Come here.” Julian’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I obediently walked over to him. Naturally, he pulled me onto his lap. “What’s wrong?” I asked him. He looked at me, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Nothing. I just thought, this way you can see better.” Caught staring, my face flushed hot instantly, and I even held my breath for a moment. When did he start getting so charming? I hadn’t explicitly told him about Serena’s return. But that didn’t mean it could be kept secret for long. She quickly appeared at a business banquet, champagne in hand, heading straight for Julian and me. Her voice was still so soft it sounded like it could melt, “Julian, you’re here.” Many people present knew about their past, and whispers began to spread. I glanced at Julian. Even with his first love, whom he hadn’t seen in years, standing before him. His face showed absolutely no reaction. The murmurs around us grew louder. “When did Serena Vance get back? Didn’t she get married?” “You’re way behind on the news. She just divorced, probably rushed back before the ink on her divorce papers was even dry.” “Look at the woman by Mr. Sterling’s side, doesn’t she look a lot like Ms. Vance?” “I’ve thought so for ages. Mr. Sterling found a stand-in for his first love, huh?” “How devoted.” “Now that the real deal is back, shouldn’t the stand-in step aside?” Julian’s sharp gaze swept to where the voices came from. Those few people instantly clamped their mouths shut. Others wisely dispersed to different areas. I figured he was upset that his beloved was being criticized.

In an instant, only the three of us remained within a ten-meter radius. When someone had mentioned her divorce earlier, Serena had lowered her head slightly, a touch of embarrassment on her face. Now, as she looked at Julian again, her eyes were brimming with tears. Her voice, laced with a hint of grievance, trembled slightly. “Julian, please don’t misunderstand. I just wanted to come back and see how you were doing.” In such a dramatic scene, my presence felt incredibly awkward. After all, no one ever considered the feelings of the stand-in. I excused myself to the restroom, but in reality, I slipped out to the balcony to hide. Then I went online to find a resignation letter template. Preferably one that highlighted my dedication. After finding one, I made some quick edits and sent it to Mrs. Sterling. Her reply came swiftly: [Stay put for now.] “Looks like the little assistant got dumped, huh?” A lazy, teasing tone wrapped around a hint of mockery. Without even turning around, I knew it was Blake, the young master of the Blake family. I turned sideways, directly facing his leaning-in face. “There are plenty of beauties in the ballroom tonight, Blake. How can you bear to miss such a good opportunity and come bothering me?” He leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Isn’t the most beautiful one right in front of me?” I raised an eyebrow. Blake’s eyes twinkled with even greater amusement, his fingertip lightly tracing the rim of his glass. “Want to consider switching jobs? I’m much easier to please than Julian Sterling.” Julian’s voice cut in before I could reply. “Chloe.” Not far away, he stood under the lights, clearly showing a hint of anger. I suddenly felt a little guilty. I wondered if his anger was because he knew I hadn’t told him about Serena’s return right away. On the way home, he didn’t say a word. I remembered my mission. My eyes misted over, and I said sweetly, “Julian, I didn’t mean not to tell you about Ms. Vance’s return.” “I just…” My voice was so choked with emotion it was almost a sob. “I was just afraid you’d leave me once you knew Ms. Vance was back.” “I just wanted to stay by your side a little longer, even if it was just one more day, one more hour, one more minute.” After saying all that, I didn’t dare breathe. Julian remained silent, offering no response. My mind raced. My golden ticket was definitely gone. How could I negotiate a larger severance package from Mrs. Sterling? Once we got home, Julian hoisted me up and tossed me onto the bed. He didn’t say a single word throughout. But his actions were rougher than usual. I interpreted it as deliberate retaliation. At the height of our passion, on a whim, I asked him, “Julian Sterling, do you know who I am?” The words were barely out of my mouth when I regretted them. He seemed to freeze for a moment but didn’t answer. Then he gripped my chin, kissing me back with a retaliatory intensity. In that moment, I got my answer. Just before I drifted off into an exhausted sleep, I thought I heard him whisper something in my ear. The next day, he uncharacteristically didn’t go to work. First, he took me to get my waist-length hair curled. Then he took me shopping for clothes at the mall. As I stood in front of the changing room mirror, in a red dress with chestnut-colored loose waves. It felt like a strange twist of fate had brought me back to how I looked three years ago, when Mrs. Sterling first found me. Julian wrapped an arm around me, approvingly murmuring, “Beautiful.” The first love returned, and the copycat was sent back to her original form.

A few days later, Serena Vance arrived at the office, clutching a bouquet of lilies. Seeing my new look, she first scrutinized me from head to toe, then sneered. “Ms. Chloe, have you finally given up trying to imitate me?” I ignored her comment and asked, as a matter of routine, “Ms. Vance, do you have an appointment?” She looked like she’d heard the funniest joke imaginable. “I never need an appointment to see Julian. His rules are for outsiders.” I nodded, saying, “Please wait a moment. I’ll call and confirm if Mr. Sterling is available right now.” She pressed her hand down on mine, stopping me from dialing the CEO’s internal line. “Chloe, are you genuinely clueless or just pretending? Don’t you know, if it weren’t for your face looking like mine, you wouldn’t even have a chance to get close to Julian?” I reminded her, “Ms. Vance, Mr. Sterling isn’t 22 anymore; he’s 30. He doesn’t have the energy for your games.” The next second, the blooming bouquet of lilies in her hand brutally slammed into my face. I raised a hand to wipe away the pollen from my face. And swiftly delivered a slap. I hit her so hard my hand went numb. Serena froze, her face a mask of disbelief. “You dare hit me?” I shook my hand, my tone flat. “Ms. Vance, I was merely acting in self-defense.” Being a stand-in was one thing; getting hit required separate compensation. She trembled with rage, raising her hand to slap me back. Just as her wrist was about to descend— A cold, deep male voice abruptly rang out. “Stop.” Julian Sterling had appeared at the doorway, drawn by the commotion outside. His gaze first fell on my face, which was stained with shattered petals and pollen, and faintly reddened. Then he looked at Serena’s hand, still raised in mid-air, poised to strike. I discreetly lowered my eyelashes, my voice laced with just the right amount of grievance and timidity. “Mr. Sterling, Ms. Vance insisted on coming in without an appointment, and I merely tried to remind her, and then she…” Serena quickly interjected, “Julian, it’s not what you think. She hit me first, see?” She turned her left cheek, revealing a clear palm print. I kept my eyes fixed on the floor, pretending to be invisible. After a brief silence, Julian told me to go to the restroom to clean up. He then led Serena into his office. A sharp pang pierced my chest, making my eyes sting. It must have been the lily bouquet hitting me so hard. The eight-figure number in my mobile banking app made me feel incredibly secure. That was my true purpose for being here. Everything else was irrelevant. I shouldn’t get caught up in their messy romance, fighting tooth and nail with his first love. With that thought, I decided to act first and apologize later. I would resign and leave Julian Sterling.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338213”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

The year Liam Smith was at his lowest, I left him for three hundred thousand. Years later, at a class reunion, he was a roaring success, proposing with three million. Everyone said Liam was madly in love with me. But then, he treated me like a prize, delivering me straight to his rival’s bed. And I? I just took it. No tears, no fuss. He completely lost it, his eyes blazing crimson. “Elara, are you just naturally trashy? Will anyone with money get to fuck you?!” I just smiled. For someone dying of stomach cancer, none of that really mattered anymore. Five years after breaking up with Liam, I saw him again at a class reunion. I was a down-on-my-luck stripper, and he was a powerful CEO, a titan in the business world. They all whispered that Liam was still head over heels for me. He’d just returned to the country, flaunting his immense wealth, and married me. Making me the envy of every woman in our social circle—Mrs. Smith. But on our wedding night, he brought a stunningly beautiful woman into our bridal suite. I recognized her instantly. She was Chloe, my once-best friend. Liam doted on her, giving her everything she asked for. For two years, Liam brought her back almost every night, to sleep in our marital bed. He’d grip my chin, a chilling warning in his eyes: “Elara, I didn’t spend all that money to marry you just so you could live a life of luxury as Mrs. Smith. Mark my words: from the day we got married, you’re nothing but a servant in this house.” He shattered my heart, turning me into a nationwide joke. Everyone knew I was just a maid Liam had married. But I didn’t divorce him. There was a clause in our marriage agreement: if I divorced, I’d owe him three million. I’d hide in my room, silently planning how to use that money. A few days before, I’d been to the hospital. The doctor said I only had about three months left. It’s only when you’re facing death that you realize how fiercely you cling to life. The day I came back from the hospital, I got news. My dad’s case had new developments. If I could find someone to help, he might clear his name and get out early. Right now, Liam was the only one powerful enough to help my dad appeal his case. No matter what, I had to save my dad. I baked Liam’s favorite cookies and took them to his company. His employees pointed and whispered. “Dressed so shabbily, looking pale as a ghost. How did she end up marrying Mr. Smith?” “I heard she was Mr. Smith’s first love. Men always have a soft spot for their firsts, I guess.” “I think Ms. Chloe is a better match for Mr. Smith. She’s the heiress of the Chloe Group, after all…” I waited outside the company for ages, only to learn Liam wasn’t even there. He’d gone to a party with Chloe. I found their party. The place was buzzing, mostly with Liam’s friends. The moment I stepped in, the room fell silent. Chloe walked up to me, a sickly sweet smile on her face. “Elara, what are you doing here? Bored, looking to get back to stripping?” I didn’t get angry. “You don’t need to mock me. Being the other woman isn’t exactly more noble than being a stripper.” No sooner had the words left my mouth than Chloe splashed a glass of wine on me. “Elara, I’m not the other woman! You’re the one who dumped Liam for three hundred thousand back then! If you hadn’t come back, Liam would have married me! Your father is a murderer, you don’t deserve Liam at all! And your mom…” Before she could finish, I shoved her away. “Chloe, shut up!” My dad isn’t a murderer! My dad was framed!

Chloe stumbled, falling to the ground. Her palm scraped against glass shards. The people in the private room panicked, rushing to kick me out. Caught off guard, I fell too, my own palm getting cut by the glass. I watched as Liam immediately rushed to Chloe’s side, scooping her up and placing her gently on the couch. His face was etched with pain. “Don’t be scared, I’m here.” It was clear he cared about her deeply. Just like he used to care about me. Everyone else was fussing over her, showering her with concern. And I? I was the punchline of their cruel joke. Only after Chloe’s wound was tended to did they turn their venomous gazes on me. I didn’t care about their insults or their disgust. I clenched my bleeding palm, looking up at Liam. “My dad’s case has new developments. Help him with the lawsuit.” Liam wasn’t just a brilliant businessman; he was an exceptional lawyer too. Every case he’d ever handled, he’d won. If he just agreed to help, my dad would be cleared. Liam looked at me, a mocking glint in his eyes. “Elara, do you really think I’m still that poor kid who’d do anything for you?” My face went white, my heart freezing in my chest. He refused. But I couldn’t give up. Chloe peered out from his embrace, her voice soft and fragile. “Liam, you don’t have to be mad at Elara just because I got hurt. I know she hates me, she hates that I was always by your side after you two broke up.” “But Liam, my heart broke for you too. You were so desperate back then, and I just wanted to stay with you, even if you never loved me, I wouldn’t have left.” Liam reached up, gently wiping away her tears, soothing her. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” Seeing Chloe crying because I’d supposedly bullied her, his friends quickly jumped to her defense. “It’s just a lawsuit, right? All you have to do is get on your knees and apologize to Chloe, and everything will be fine. Right, Liam?” After a few silent seconds, Liam spoke, his voice slow and deliberate. “Elara, apologize.” I squeezed my fists tight, then let out a soft laugh. “Fine. I’ll apologize to her.” With that, I knelt directly in front of Chloe. “Chloe, I’m sorry.” Then I glared at Liam. “Are you satisfied now?” Turns out, they weren’t. Liam’s friend said I’d ruined the party atmosphere and “punished” me by making me drink a whole bottle of liquor. “I’m sick, I can’t drink alcohol.” As soon as I said it, his friends burst into laughter. “A stripper, saying she can’t drink? That’s hilarious!” Finally, Liam spoke. “Elara, drink this bottle, and I’ll help your dad with the lawsuit.” I looked at him calmly. “I’m not lying. I really am sick. This bottle could kill me.” He seemed furious, his smile chillingly cold. “Do you still think you’re that delicate, privileged girl you once were? A little alcohol is going to kill you?” He forced me to chug that whole bottle. Then, dragging my aching body, I hailed a taxi home. I was scared I wouldn’t make it through the night. So, while my mind was still clear, I had to do something. After closing the notebook in my hands, I shakily pulled out my phone and sent a message. If I was still alive tomorrow, I could finally leave this place.

A noise from the living room broke my train of thought. Liam was back. I stayed quietly in the staff quarters on the first floor. In two years of marriage, I was only allowed upstairs when he brought Chloe back. Even then, they’d be in their room, and I was expected to guard the door. After Chloe left, I would replace her as Liam’s convenience for the night. I stared down at the cuts on my arm for a long time, my eyes downcast. At some point, he appeared behind me, frowning as he looked at me. “Why are you so pale? Did you catch a chill?” He reached out to touch my forehead, but I flinched away. “Why my face looks like this? Don’t you know? Are you here to make me watch your romance again? Give me a minute, I’ll be right there.” I stood up, walked past him, but he grabbed my arm. Something was pressed into my hand. I looked down. It was a jewelry box. “I bought this for you. Dress yourself up properly from now on; don’t embarrass me.” I stared at the jewelry box for a few seconds, then without hesitation, threw it out the window. Just like I had done years ago, throwing the necklace he gave me into the river right in front of him. As expected, Liam’s face instantly turned ashen, and he glared at me, his eyes filled with fury. “Elara!” I tilted my head back, my smile bright. “I’m helping you. If your ‘other woman’ finds out you bought me a necklace, she’ll fight with you.” He suddenly laughed. He pressed me onto the bed, kissing my face repeatedly, his eyes bloodshot. “Elara, are you jealous? Don’t you know I’ve been waiting for you to come back all these years? I waited for you to give me an explanation. Don’t you know that if you just played nice, if you just apologized and acted a little spoiled, we could go back to how we were?” A wave of nausea hit me, and the pain in my body made me want to cry. Liam, I’ve seen how you loved me. The way you pretend to love me now, when you clearly don’t, is truly sickening. I looked up. “Liam, we can go back to how we were, but you have to promise me one thing. Ruin the Chloe family, and throw Chloe in jail. Then, I’ll give you a reasonable explanation. How about it?” Liam reached out and touched my forehead. It was a tender gesture, but his expression was utterly cold and distant. “You can ask for anything else, but you can’t bully her anymore.” I pushed his hand away with force, countering, “If you truly love her, then let’s get a divorce soon, so I can make room for her.” His expression changed, his gaze instantly turning savage. “Elara, I forbid you from mentioning divorce again! Don’t forget, you owe me this!” Yes, I owed him. But I was tired of this pain. “So, between Chloe and me, who do you choose?” I didn’t get his answer. Because his phone rang. It was his best friend calling. “Liam, Chloe’s in trouble…” I could clearly feel Liam’s body stiffen, and a flicker of panic in his eyes. But he merely hung up, his voice cold. “Alright, I know.” In that moment, I felt my wrist squeezed so hard it hurt. I turned to look at Liam. His eyes were distant, his tightly furrowed brows betraying his worry. The next second, he stood up. I instinctively grabbed his sleeve, my voice firm. “Don’t go!” He stared at me for a few seconds, moving his lips as if to say something. But I spoke first. “If you walk out that door today, we’re over for good.” Liam didn’t hesitate. “I’m sorry, it’s a matter of life and death. I have to go. I’ll explain when I get back.”

Just as my 25th birthday was ending, I felt a searing pain in my stomach. Before I could even call 911, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was in a hospital room, with only a nurse present. “Who brought me here?” Seeing me awake, the nurse quickly explained, “Professor Asher brought you in. He saved you.” “Your condition was very serious last night, and we needed a family signature. We called your emergency contact numerous times using your phone, but no one answered. In the end, Professor Asher took the risk and signed for you.” I scrolled through my phone. All the calls were to Liam. Dozens of calls, and he hadn’t picked up a single one. When I was in critical condition, needing a family signature, he was with another woman. Lying on the cold hospital bed, a wave of sadness washed over me. In my moment of crisis, it wasn’t my husband who saved me, but my childhood rival. The hospital room door opened, pulling me back to reality. “How are you feeling now?” Seeing Asher after so many years, I felt a little disoriented. He had changed so much since we were kids. If the nurse hadn’t called him Professor Asher, I might have thought I’d mistaken him for someone else. A soft chuckle came from above me. “Elara, my dear, you ungrateful wretch, you haven’t forgotten me, have you?” Yes, this was the annoying, irritating Asher I remembered. My physical condition was dire. Especially after drinking so much alcohol yesterday. If Asher hadn’t saved me, I’d be dead already. I also just learned that Asher had been abroad for years and was now a renowned Professor in the medical field. He was now my attending physician. “Elara, my dear, if you want my help, you have to be a good girl and cooperate with my treatment.” I couldn’t die yet; I still had so much left to do. I was comfortable in the hospital, but that comfort was soon shattered. Because I ran into Chloe. She looked me up and down, her eyes full of triumph. “Elara, I’m so sorry, really. It was your 25th birthday that day, but because of my troubles, Liam had to abandon you to take care of me.” There weren’t many people around, and Liam wasn’t with her, so she dropped the act. I sneered, then slapped her. “What’s there to be sorry about when you’re the other woman? I think you quite enjoy the role.” Chloe hadn’t expected me to hit her; her face instantly hardened. She walked closer, whispering, “Elara, do you really think you’re still the pampered heiress you used to be? What if you’re married to Liam now? It doesn’t change the fact that your dad is a murderer and your mom is in a vegetative state! Seeing you so miserable, pathetic like a dog, that’s all the satisfaction I need.” I glared at her furiously. “Chloe, are my parents’ troubles connected to you?” She didn’t answer, but her triumphant smile, that challenging look in her eyes, was all the confirmation I needed. It was her, indeed! I raised my hand, wanting to tear this woman apart. But before I could, I felt a sharp pain in my wrist. Liam’s voice came from behind me. “Elara! Why do you always target her? Take your anger out on me; she’s innocent!” She’s innocent? What about my family? What about us?! “Liam, let go! You’re hurting my hand.” I cried out dramatically, and as he instinctively loosened his grip, I slapped him hard across the face. “You’re pathetic!” Liam stared at me, dumbfounded, his eyes filling with rage. I didn’t bother with them anymore, just ran out. I glanced back. He didn’t follow. Chloe was sobbing uncontrollably. “Liam, I truly love you… I’d die without you.” I saw his face soften with immense pity. “I won’t leave you.” Then he leaned down and kissed Chloe, fiercely, desperately.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338212”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

On the company’s annual bonus day, my husband Derek cooked up a lie, accusing me of slacking off. He ordered me to hand over the massive, nearly completed project I’d been working on to his first love, Brianna. I didn’t get angry. Instead, a cold laugh escaped me. I even offered Brianna my partnership stake in the company. “Constant business trips every single day? Total burnout! Here, why don’t you take my partnership too while you’re at it!” For a moment, all my colleagues stared, convinced I’d lost my mind. But no one realized I still held the critical evidence for the project. Without me, that project would turn into a disaster. Derek would face massive blowback from the client for botching it, leaving him drowning in debt! “Brianna, this company owes its success to you. You’re our most valuable asset.” “This bonus pool? It’s all yours!” In the conference room, our CEO Derek wore a self-satisfied grin as he gently squeezed Brianna’s shoulder and handed her a thick stack of cash. Instantly, my coworkers swarmed around them, cheering and clapping: “With talent like Brianna on board, our company’s future is endless!” “Derek really knows how to spot talent! He and Brianna make the perfect team!” Watching the cozy scene in the conference room, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter chuckle, silently clutching the project files in my hand. Today was supposed to be the company’s quarterly bonus payout. But as I pulled into the company parking lot, Derek took a call and suddenly ordered me to run out and finalize a different project’s closing paperwork. After being his wife for years, I trusted Derek completely. Figuring it was an urgent client matter, I didn’t hesitate to turn around. I spent the whole day sweating through errands in the sweltering heat. But watching Derek hand over the entire bonus to Brianna—a new hire who’d barely been here two months—everything suddenly made sense. That “urgent client” was just Derek’s excuse to get me out of the way. He wanted to hand the achievement of my year-long work to his long-lost first love—the one he’d never really gotten over. Brianna turned and spotted me, feigning surprise: “Ava, you’re finally here? What kept you?” “I thought you had the day off, so Derek started the meeting early. My mistake.” Brianna’s tone was polite, but there was an unmistakable challenge in her eyes. She even waved the cash stack right in front of me, a blatant victory lap. Derek didn’t look the least bit sorry. Instead, he shot me an impatient glare, his voice icy: “Ava, what’s with the attitude? You expect everyone to wait around for you?” “No wonder you’re always dragging your feet on projects—you’re holding this company back.” “Since you’re here, just hand over that project you’re working on to Brianna. Save us from more mistakes on your watch.” Listening to Derek’s order, I clenched my fists as coldness spread through my chest. The project he was talking about? I’d slaved over it for a year—real blood, sweat, and tears. The client was a major regional player, and the retainer alone was a whopping five million dollars. But the case involved tangled international financial disputes. I’d logged countless miles, bouncing between time zones, my body breaking down from stress-related illnesses. Now, with the project almost wrapped up, Derek was trying to hand over a year of my hard work to Brianna with just a few dismissive words. I felt completely unappreciated. I still remember when Derek said he wanted to start a company. I didn’t hesitate—gave up my thriving career, emptied my savings, and built this business from the ground up with him. But he had zero experience in this field and honestly lacked the skills to run a business, let alone keep it going. So for years, I’ve carried this company on my back. I worked myself to the bone without a single complaint, and that’s why we’re successful today. Yet Brianna tags along on a few business trips, and suddenly she’s taking all the credit? Derek was really something—completely heartless. Ten years of marriage, and I’m worth less than the woman who dumped him years ago. He’d finally burned every bridge in our relationship. After a long pause, I nodded numbly, staring at the floor, and spoke in a monotone: “Fine. Whatever you want.” Triumph flashed in Brianna’s eyes, but she still played humble: “Ava, I’m just the new girl. How could someone like me handle a big case like yours?” “I just heard Derek say you’d been working on this for almost a year without closing it. I thought maybe I could help out, that’s all.” Derek patted Brianna’s shoulder affectionately, his voice turning encouraging: “Brianna, you’re an overseas-educated talent! If you can’t handle it, no one here can!” That almost made me laugh out loud. Brianna’s degree was totally fake—she couldn’t even recite basic legal terms during her interview. Only Derek, treating her like some prize, would pay her that ridiculous salary. After reassuring Brianna, Derek turned to me with a sneer: “Ava, you’d be nothing without me. You think you earned your spot here?” “Gotten too comfortable, forgot your role? Complaining about one project? If Brianna hadn’t stuck up for you, I’d fire you right now!” I rolled my eyes internally. Derek conveniently forgot he used to beg me to handle every deal detail when we started the company. I taught him everything, ruined my health, tapped my connections to land contracts for him. Now that we’re stable, he acts like I’m dead weight—insulting me to boot. With that, I walked straight toward Brianna. Coworkers’ eyes bounced between us, clearly expecting a showdown. But instead, I smiled calmly, pulled a partnership transfer agreement from my bag, and slid it across the table to her. “Constant business trips? Total burnout. Here—why not just take my partnership directly!”

The room went silent. Everyone stared, wide-eyed, clearly shocked. They thought I’d snapped—saying crazy things out of anger. “Ava, you’re a key partner here! It’s just one project! You’ve worked too hard to throw this away—think carefully, don’t act on impulse!” Derek, clearly thinking I was blackmailing him, immediately blew up: “Ava, are you done with this drama?!” “I say a few things and you throw a fit? Who do you think you are, disrupting everything? I’m the CEO here!” That was actually funny. I was practically handing Brianna a golden opportunity on a platter—he should be thrilled! Having his little favorite replace me completely—wasn’t that exactly what Derek wanted? Brianna clutched the agreement, greed flashing in her eyes, but she put on a reluctant act: “Ava, are you upset? Is that why you’re giving me your partnership?” “Please don’t misunderstand. Derek just wanted me to help you out for the company’s sake.” “I never meant to replace you. You’re a company veteran—how could a new hire like me become a partner?” “Everyone knows your hard work and sacrifices. Only you deserve this position, Ava.” With that, Brianna reached out like she was going to return the agreement. But her hand froze, clearly unwilling to let go of her prize. I smiled faintly and clarified: “Of course not! Why would I be upset?” “You’re an overseas talent. Fresh blood for the company? I’m thrilled!” “With you as partner, I couldn’t be more relieved.” Derek gave me a suspicious look, then scoffed: “Brianna, if Ava’s offering, take it. No need to be modest.” “Besides, with your skills, you’d make partner eventually. This isn’t about ‘deserving’—it’s a given.” “Everyone here can witness this.” Brianna stopped pretending. She gripped the agreement tightly, barely hiding her excitement. Watching her, I laughed coldly to myself. Derek, too busy fawning over Brianna, had no clue this project was way more complicated than they thought. I’d worked on it for over a year, and only I had the critical evidence needed to seal the deal. But they didn’t know that evidence hadn’t been submitted yet—it was still in my possession. Without me, that “golden opportunity” they thought they had would turn into a ticking time bomb. And Brianna clearly had no idea being partner meant real responsibility. Partners aren’t just title—they’re on the hook for everything that goes wrong. The client did pay a $5 million retainer, that’s true. But if we lost, we’d have to refund every cent plus massive damages. With how cutthroat this industry is, one failure would sink Brianna and the whole company. Since I’m such a “burden” to them, why bother warning them? Judgment day was coming for Derek, and I couldn’t wait. Derek, seeing I’d given up both the big case and partnership without argument, actually looked a little guilty. He cleared his throat, still sounding arrogant: “Ava, don’t just stand there.” “That case is practically done anyway. Today’s Brianna’s celebration—since you’re being reasonable, you can join.” Derek gestured with his chin like he was doing me a huge favor. I almost laughed out loud. This case alone had agency fees in the millions. He cut me out of the bonus entirely, then expects me to be grateful for a free meal? Besides, sitting across from Brianna would make me lose my appetite. I was about to say no when Brianna’s sickly sweet voice piped up: “Ava, we ordered before you arrived, and I forgot to save you a seat.” “My mistake entirely! You take my chair, Ava. I twisted my ankle earlier, but that’s no excuse for my carelessness.” “I’ll just grab a stool in the corner. Anyone want drinks? I’ll go get them.” Classic Brianna—playing victim to test Derek’s loyalty. Predictably, Derek panicked when he heard about her injury, immediately ordering her to sit: “Brianna, you’ve done enough for this company!” “You just landed this huge case. Someone with your talent shouldn’t be fetching drinks.” He turned to me, voice dripping with contempt: “What are you standing around for? No common sense after all these years here.” “Go get the drinks, or don’t bother coming to dinner.” Derek’s double standards were laughable. Derek always did this—yell first, then pretend to be generous. I’d worked nonstop for years, and company dinners were never for me. Like I was dying to crash their little party. Brianna looked even more smug, barely hiding her smile. She tried to sound polite, but it was pure gloating: “Ava, I’m so sorry—my ankle’s really bothering me. Thanks for grabbing the drinks.” “I’ll make sure to toast you properly later…” Before she could finish, I laughed coldly and kicked the chair out from under her.

Brianna yelped, scrambling to stand, knocking over a drink that soaked her dress. I smirked at her mortified face: “I thought you twisted your ankle?” “Seemed pretty quick on your feet just now.” Derek froze, clearly shocked. It took him a second to process. He frowned, checking Brianna over while snapping at me: “Ava, have you lost your mind?!” “What if Brianna had gotten hurt?” “I knew something was wrong with you today! You’re just jealous of Brianna’s skills—trying to hurt her on purpose!” I just stared at him, unimpressed. “Jealous? Of an empty pretty face?” “And…” “And I quit. So save the attitude—I don’t care anymore.” Derek’s jaw tightened with anger, but I didn’t let him speak. I turned and walked straight out of the office. Before I knew it, I’d wandered to the street Derek and I used to frequent. The shop owner recognized me immediately and pressed two iced drinks into my hands. “Ava! Perfect timing—just pulled these from the freezer. On the house, beat the heat!” Staring at the drinks, memories hit me like a truck. Derek and I weren’t always like this—at each other’s throats. Seven years ago, my startup crashed. I was broke, sweating through my clothes, standing outside this very shop. Derek bought me that iced drink, wiped my forehead with his big hand, and told me not to quit. We started dating, and he used his savings to launch our company—even fought his family for it. No matter how hard it got, he never complained—just stayed by my side, pushing me forward. To make him feel secure, I gave him majority shares. I was happy just being his partner. I really thought we’d be happy forever. Guess I underestimated how dangerous first loves can be. Then he hired Brianna a few years back. I knew she was his first love, but I ignored it—figured it was harmless. Turns out I was dead wrong. Derek started playing favorites, icing me out. We fought constantly—all because of her. I sighed, shaking my head. I should’ve seen it coming—Derek never really got over Brianna. He never made space in his heart for me. Just as I was leaving, Derek’s voice boomed behind me. “Big talk back there, huh Ava?” “If you’re so tough, why’re you waiting here for me to apologize?” I turned to find Derek and Brianna with the whole team in tow. Brianna tugged his sleeve, putting on her sweet act: “Derek, Ava must feel bad. She’s waiting to say sorry.” “Look—she even got your favorite drink!” Derek hesitated, then sneered: “Nice try with the drink, but it won’t work.” “I’m only cutting you slack because of Brianna…” He reached for the drink, but I cut him off. I frowned and tossed the drink straight into the trash. “Please.” “Who said that was for you? Don’t flatter yourself.”

Before Derek could respond, I hailed a cab and went straight home. I started packing—ready to cut ties with Derek for good. But I hadn’t even finished when the door slammed open. Derek stormed in, chest heaving, and started yelling: “What’s your problem today?!” “You’re deliberately making me look like an idiot in front of everyone!” Brianna followed, playing mediator: “Ava, I hate to say this, but today was a bit much.” “Is this about me and Derek? Are you upset we’re close?” “We’re just friends, I swear. If you can’t see that… maybe I should leave. I don’t want to come between you two.” She shuffled toward the door—obviously not leaving. Derek grabbed her wrist, voice softening: “Brianna, you did nothing wrong. Why would you leave?” He turned to me, eyes icy: “I’m so disappointed in you.” “You’ve changed. You’re not the woman I married.” “Apologize to Brianna right now, or we’re done.” I clenched my fists. This wasn’t the first time he’d threatened divorce. Ever since Brianna showed up, every fight ended with him using divorce as a weapon. But back then, I still loved him enough to keep forgiving him. I kept waiting for him to come to his senses. Now I see how delusional I was. He’s not worth fighting for. Derek assumed I’d back down like always. He straightened his collar, smirking: “I don’t want a divorce. Just apologize to Brianna…” I cut him off mid-sentence: “Save it. I want the divorce.” Derek’s eyes went wide. He gaped at me, speechless. Brianna jumped in: “Ava, you can’t mean that! Divorce isn’t something to joke about!” I pulled out a divorce agreement and set it on the table: “I’m dead serious.” “Sign here. Let’s make this clean.” Derek finally realized I meant it. He pointed at me, livid: “Fine!” “We’ll divorce! But don’t come crawling back!” Brianna could barely hide her excitement, but still played concerned: “Ava, think about your future. Without Derek, what will you do?” “Derek’s a CEO now. One word from him could ruin your career.” I saw right through her game. She was trying to break me down—make me think I owed everything to Derek.” Then I’d keep slaving away for them at the company. Derek joined in, sneering: “Exactly. Some people have way too high an opinion of themselves.” “Who’d want a washed-up woman like you without me?” “Brianna wrapped up that case you couldn’t finish in days. Verdict’s coming soon, and then we’ll be rolling in client money!” “You really think we need you?” I laughed out loud. Money? More like disaster’s coming. Without my evidence, their case was full of holes. They didn’t stand a chance. The other side had major connections. Messing with them wouldn’t just tank the deal—it’d drag the whole company down. Derek would be buried in debt for life. And right on cue— Derek’s phone rang before he could finish his rant. It was the court. He glanced at the screen and smirked at me: “See? All wrapped up!” “Once we win and get paid, Bri and I are taking a world tour. You’ll be stuck in your crummy apartment, seething with jealousy!” Derek answered, already daydreaming about his victory lap. But his face went white the second he heard the news. He gripped the phone so hard his knuckles turned white. “What?!” “We… lost?!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338211”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

At the restaurant, Serena’s friend asked her in Spanish. “So you’re really planning to have a baby with that side piece of yours, and Liam still hasn’t a clue?” Serena gently shook her head, her expression calm as ever: “Liam says he can’t stand emotional betrayal. If he finds out, he’ll walk right out of my life for good. That’s why I’ve been so careful.” What she didn’t realize was that I not only understood every word of Spanish, but I was already plotting my exit from her life. In a month’s time, I’d use an overseas business trip as my ticket to disappear for good and start fresh. Serena chatted fluently with her friend in Spanish, all the while feeding me pieces of fruit like nothing was wrong. She never noticed the faint redness around my eyes. She figured I didn’t understand Spanish, so she felt free to talk about this stuff right in front of me. What she didn’t know was that over the years, I’d taught myself multiple languages—five, to be exact—just to connect with her better. Even her private chats with her lover, the ones she intentionally had in Spanish? I caught every single word. She’d been hiding so much from me for so long, and turns out I had a secret of my own. In a month, I’d erase all my personal info and leave the country with a brand-new identity. By then, no matter how many resources Serena poured into finding me, I’d be gone for good. I watched the woman I’d loved for a decade in silence. Same eyes, same smile—but she felt like a total stranger now. Suddenly, exhaustion hit me like a wave. I couldn’t keep up this charade anymore. I made an excuse about being tired and needing to head back to rest. The second I stood up, Serena got up too, telling her friends in English: “You guys keep having fun, I’ll take Liam home first.” Her friends groaned playfully: “We barely get to hang out, and you’re bailing already? Party pooper.” I gently pulled my hand from Serena’s grip and said calmly, “The driver can take me home. You should stay and enjoy your friends.” Without waiting for her response, I turned and walked out of the restaurant.

Outside, the driver had been waiting for a while. Once I got in the car, I realized I’d left my jacket with Serena. I asked the driver to circle back. As we pulled up, a familiar face came into view. It was Leo—the guy Serena had been seeing for the past six months. He was dressed in a sharp dark suit, tall and good-looking, striding confidently into the restaurant. I caught my breath, my chest tightening like an invisible hand was squeezing my heart. He walked into the private room and slid right into the seat next to Serena, his arm casually draped over the back of her chair as he spoke with that clingy tone: “You called, so I dropped everything. I’ve been missing you like crazy.” As he spoke, he leaned in and gave Serena a soft, quick kiss on the lips. Serena grinned, her eyes lighting up. She reached up to the back of his neck and kissed him back, their affection on full display. Their friends wolf-whistled and teased them. “Serena’s living her best life—who wouldn’t fall for a guy like Leo?” I stood outside the door, watching it all unfold calmly as my heart slowly sank into numbness. So they all knew. They were all in on it, helping her keep it from me. And there I was, trying so hard to fit into their group, desperate to belong. Now I just felt like a pathetic joke. By the time I snapped out of it, Leo had already taken his seat. He raised his mocktail and toasted the table. One friend joked, “Serena, you’ve got it made.” “Thought you’d be the loyal type, sticking with Liam. Guess our ‘Monogamy Queen’ finally came down from her pedestal.” At the sound of my name, Serena’s smile faded. Her eyes darkened a little, and there was a warning in her voice: “I expect everyone to keep this under wraps. If Liam finds out, don’t even think about staying on my good side.” The mood instantly soured. One friend patted his chest reassuringly: “Relax, our lips are zipped. Liam’ll never find out.” “Exactly—play your cards right, and he’ll never suspect a thing. Guys are so oblivious, they only see what’s right in front of ’em.” A few others chimed in, and Serena’s expression softened a bit. To lighten things up, Leo suggested a game of Truth or Dare. They spun a bottle—whoever it landed on had to answer a question. After a few rounds, the bottle pointed to Leo. A friend grinned mischievously and asked, “When was the last time you two hooked up alone?” Leo laughed, his tone dripping with innuendo: “Yesterday. In her office.”

That got a chorus of suggestive whoops and laughter from the group. Outside the door, I gripped the hem of my shirt so tight my knuckles turned white. Yesterday. That was our fifth wedding anniversary. I’d cooked her favorite meal myself, from scratch. I sat at the dining table all night waiting, only to get a text saying she was stuck in late meetings. To keep me from getting suspicious, she even had her secretary lie for her. I remembered the day five years ago when I proposed to her. She held my hand up high, eyes teary, and announced to everyone, “I’m marrying Liam Anderson!” That day, she laughed and cried like she’d just had her biggest dream come true. But in just five years, the woman who once made me feel like I owned the world had completely broken me. I couldn’t watch anymore. I turned to leave. As I did, I ran into a waiter bringing in food. I put a finger to my lips: “Don’t tell anyone in there I was here.” To make sure he kept quiet, I slipped him some cash before walking away like nothing happened. I wiped my eyes, pulled myself together, and walked out. The driver looked confused when he saw me in just a thin shirt. “Mr. Anderson, didn’t you see Ms. Maxwell? Why don’t you wait in the car? It’s freezing out, and you don’t look so hot.” I waved him off as I got in the passenger seat: “No need. Let her keep it. Take another car back for now—I’ll need this one later.” I slid into the driver’s seat, started the car, and headed to our old business school—the place where Serena and I spent our best college years. In a haze, I could almost see her again—the bright, lively girl who used to cup my face and swear she’d love me forever. “I’ll only ever love Liam Anderson,” she’d said. “Liam, I can’t live without you,” she’d whispered. Serena, people who break promises always pay the price. So here’s my sentence: In one month, you’ll never see me again.

I sat alone on a bench by the lake for hours, lost in thought, until night finally pulled me back to reality. Five years dating, five years married—ten years of my life. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt. But right now, my heart felt weirdly calm—like the storm had passed. Time heals all wounds, I guess. I stood up to leave, but a motorcycle came out of nowhere. The impact sent me sprawling, and everything went black. When I came to, I was in a hospital room. There was an IV in my hand, and the pain had dulled to a throbbing ache. The nurse changing my bandages smiled when she saw me awake: “Mr. Anderson, you got hit pretty good, but it’s just scrapes and bruises. You’ll be back on your feet in no time.” “Ms. Maxwell’s right outside. Want me to get her? She was beside herself when she heard—voice shaking and everything. That woman really cares about you.” She started toward the door, but I stopped her: “No, thanks. Let her wrap up whatever she’s doing.” The nurse nodded and left without another word. The hospital room was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat. Even with Serena whispering outside, I caught snippets: “Really? I’ll be right there.” Her footsteps faded as she walked away. I gritted through the pain, pulled out the IV, and quietly followed her out. She walked fast, heading straight for the fertility clinic floor. Leo stood there grinning, holding some papers, and they leaned in to whisper—both looking way too excited. Back in year two of our marriage, I’d brought up kids, but Serena shot me down. She said she wasn’t ready yet—afraid pregnancy would change her body, and I wouldn’t love her anymore. She said she didn’t want anyone splitting my attention—wanted all my love to herself. But right now? Her face was lit up like a Christmas tree. She did want a baby—just not with me. I didn’t get this messed-up version of love. Honestly, I was relieved we never had kids.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338210”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

The Christmas Eve before, Julian wasn’t busy stuffing gifts into our kids’ stockings. No, he was too preoccupied, lavishing cash on a dancer’s sheer stockings. He’d turned to me, offering a hollow comfort: “Serena was making her stage debut, and it was all just a publicity stunt, she needed the buzz. I was just playing along.” Everyone laughed at me, but I didn’t make a scene. I didn’t scream, I didn’t shout. They had no idea. I had made a pact with Death himself. For every time Julian cheated, a year of his life would transfer to me. By my count, Julian, who was supposed to live to eighty, had barely a year left. Just get through New Year’s Eve, and he’d breathe his last. And I? I’d take our three children and inherit the Sterling family’s multi-billion dollar fortune. Soon enough, news of billionaire Julian Sterling stuffing two hundred thousand dollars into a dancer named Serena’s stockings exploded on social media. I put down my phone, my heart oddly calm, and took a sip of the black tea on the table. The doorbell chimed. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling stormed in, their faces alight with fury. Mr. Sterling’s face was beet red with fury, and he let out a heavy sigh. “Eleanor, Julian is an absolute bastard! I’ll send a yacht your way, go clear your head if you feel uncomfortable.” Mrs. Sterling gently patted my shoulder. “Eleanor, don’t you worry. I won’t let those… bitches… darken our doorstep!” I replied calmly: “Thank you, Mom and Dad. I understand.” Why would I make a fuss? After all, this was already Julian’s forty-third mistress. Seven more days. Then, everything would be over. The next day, the Director of Public Relations for Sterling Corp personally visited. “Mrs. Sterling, this is the draft statement. We need you to go out and clear Mr. Sterling’s name regarding the scandal.” “No problem!” I agreed readily. I looked at Serena’s photo. She was indeed different from the previous kept women. She was a ballet dancer, bore a striking resemblance to Julian’s deceased first love, and had a very pure look about her. After I issued the statement, my friends found it unbelievable. “You’re truly so forgiving. If my husband ever pulled a stunt like that, I’d break his legs!” The thinly veiled jabs? I was sick of them. I closed the group chat and went into my study. At the bottom of the drawer, hidden beneath some papers, was a small, leather-bound notebook. Julian’s first infidelity was ten years ago. “Chloe, 23, unknown actress. Dated three months, Julian bought her an apartment.” “Vivian, 25, influencer. Dated four months, Julian helped her open a clothing boutique.” “Serena, 24, ballet dancer.” What she would ultimately gain, I didn’t yet know. But I had a creeping suspicion that her intentions were far from simple. I closed the ledger. Outside, fine snow began to fall. The Christmas tree in the garden sparkled with colorful lights. My three children were building a snowman, their laughter drifting through the glass. Forty-three times. That meant forty-three years of his life gone. Julian was supposed to live to eighty. Now, he had only seven days left. The thought brought a profound sense of liberation. My phone buzzed. It was Julian. “Not coming home for dinner tonight.” I didn’t reply. He didn’t press the issue. It was our unspoken understanding, built over years. “Eleanor, you’re so understanding. I’m just having a bit of fun, blowing off steam. Don’t worry, you’re the only Mrs. Sterling.” I let out a cold laugh and called the children inside for dinner. Christmas bells chimed faintly in the distance. Seven more days. On New Year’s Eve, seven days from now, fireworks would bloom across the entire sky. And my ledger, finally, would turn to its very last page.

The next day, Julian didn’t come home alone. His hand was intertwined with Serena’s. “Eleanor, we need to talk.” I looked up at him, a flicker of unease stirring within me. He never brought women home, and certainly never introduced them to me. “Serena’s grandfather is gravely ill, and his only wish is to see her married.” I raised an eyebrow slightly. “So?” Julian hesitated, then finally spoke. “So… we need to get a divorce.” The air instantly froze. Divorce? I had endured for ten years, just when I was about to reap the rewards, at the eleventh hour, he wanted to kick me out? Seeing my prolonged silence, a hint of discomfort flashed in Julian’s eyes. “Just for a month. Once her grandfather passes peacefully, we’ll remarry immediately.” Serena, ever so timely, shed a tear. “Eleanor, please.” I didn’t move, my mind racing. If I wasn’t Mrs. Sterling when Julian died, how much money would I lose out on? The thought of Serena fighting my three children for the inheritance sent a pang through my heart. No, I couldn’t let that happen. For Eleanor, for my children, for myself, I had to keep my title as Mrs. Sterling. I looked Julian directly in the eye. “New Year’s is almost here. The family will have a gathering. Let’s not make a spectacle for everyone. Let’s wait until after the holidays. Then you two can put on whatever show you like.” “No!” Serena shrieked, tears instantly welling up. “I’m afraid Grandpa won’t make it!” She actually knelt down, her fingers clutching at my pants, her eyes brimming with tears. “Please, Eleanor, Grandpa is the only family I have left…” “If Grandpa doesn’t see me married, he won’t rest in peace. I… I won’t want to live either…” Julian’s eyes were full of anguish, and he looked at me with frustration. “Eleanor, just do me this favor. It’s not too much to ask of a young woman.” I let out a bitter laugh. “Julian, I’ve been doing you favors for ten years.” “You found forty-three kept women. I never once lost my temper with you, nor did I ever badmouth you outside the house.” “This home, your parents, our three children – I’ve taken care of everything perfectly.” “And now, you want me to give up my position as Mrs. Sterling…” Julian quickly interjected, a hint of desperation in his voice. “Just for a month!” “No!” I stood up, my stance more assertive than ever before. “This is what you promised me. You have to keep your word!” Julian remembered his promise, and he looked torn. Serena covered her face and sobbed. “Forget it, forget it. I’ll just go with Grandpa…” She tried to get up, but then, feigning weakness, collapsed back to the floor, trembling all over. Julian’s heart ached for her. He scooped Serena into his arms. He looked at me, his eyes turning cold. “Eleanor, I’m not asking for your opinion.” “Before, you listened to me. It’s the same now.” I scoffed, a plan already forming in my mind. Even if he forced a divorce through court, it would take at least two months. I just wouldn’t sign. Six days later, on New Year’s Eve, everything would be over. Seeing that I was about to leave, Julian grabbed my wrist. “Where are you going?” I gave him a cold glance. “I don’t want to see you two. I’m leaving.” Julian sneered, giving me a knowing, condescending smirk. “You think running away will stop the divorce? You’re going to my parents to spill the beans, aren’t you?” He dragged me towards the door. “We’re going to the courthouse right now. We’re getting this done today.”

On the way to the courthouse, Julian held my hand tightly, as if afraid I’d jump out of the car. “Eleanor, just one month, I promise.” I didn’t speak, simply pulling my hand gently from his grasp. Julian forcibly took my hand again. “Serena and I won’t go public, we won’t have a wedding. No one outside will know. You’ll still be Mrs. Sterling.” I silently strategized how to blow this whole thing up. If it became a huge scandal, could he still force me? I slipped my hand into my pocket and discreetly sent a message. In my contacts, there was a name: “Mr. Thompson, Reporter.” Three years ago, he’d exposed a scandal involving Julian and almost faced retaliation from the Sterling family, but I’d managed to smooth things over. He harbored a lot of resentment towards Julian and owed me a favor. Finally, we arrived at the courthouse. Just as we were about to get out of the car, several reporters swarmed us. “Mr. Sterling, are you here at the courthouse to file for divorce?” “Mrs. Sterling, what do you have to say about your husband’s infidelity? You’ve tolerated it for so long, why the sudden breakdown now?” Julian froze, clearly not expecting to be exposed. For a moment, he didn’t know how to react. I took his arm, offering a dignified smile. “You’ve misunderstood. We’re not here to get divorced.” “Today is our tenth wedding anniversary. We’re just here to revisit old memories…” Julian’s arm stiffened abruptly. After a few seconds, he finally caught on, managing a faint, composed smile. “That’s right.” The reporters were stunned but continued their questioning. “Then Miss Serena…” “Serena is a new artist signed to Julian’s company,” I said, my smile strained. “The official announcement… is just to build buzz for her new show. Right, Julian?” Julian gritted his teeth and nodded. “Right.” I took the opportunity to pull him back into the car, intending to leave. Just then, a shriek pierced the air. “Ah! Someone’s going to jump!” Across from the courthouse, on the rooftop of an office building, stood a figure in white. The wind was strong, making her sway precariously. It was Serena. My heart sank. Damn it, this wasn’t going to be easy now. Sure enough, Julian couldn’t help but shout. “Serena, don’t do anything foolish!” Serena looked down at Julian, tears streaming down her face, her voice choked with sobs. “Julian, I can’t live without you…” Julian frantically ran his hands through his hair. “Get down! I’ll divorce! I’ll do it right now!” Julian turned back to me, his eyes desperate. “Eleanor, go inside. Get the divorce done!” The reporters’ cameras instantly swung over, zeroing in on my ashen face. I clenched my fist, my fingernails digging into my palm.

“Is this divorce voluntary?” The clerk behind the counter looked up, her eyes wary. I wanted to say “no.” Julian’s fingers dug into the web of my hand, and the pain made me speechless. The clerk asked again. Julian pressed his other hand against the back of my neck, forcing my head down. Once, twice. The clerk stood up, clearly annoyed. “Sir, this is coercion!” Julian sneered. “Fine, you ask her if it’s voluntary.” He leaned in, his lips brushing my ear. “Think about your three children, Eleanor. If you don’t sign, tomorrow they won’t be Sterlings anymore.” My whole body stiffened, and I looked up at him in disbelief. “Julian, they’re your children!” “And so what?” His eyes were ice cold. “The Sterlings don’t lack heirs, Eleanor. I can always have more. Can you afford to gamble?” I couldn’t afford to gamble. Ten years of endurance, forty-three betrayals. I had poured my heart and soul into this, enduring countless betrayals. I wasn’t just waiting for Julian’s demise; I was securing a future where our three children would rightfully inherit everything. To protect my children, I could only speak with bitter resignation. “I voluntarily consent to the divorce.” The clerk stared at me for a few seconds, then finally sat down, pushing the forms across. As the last stroke of the pen fell, my wrist trembled. Not from sadness, but from resentment. Julian snatched the divorce certificate and practically sprinted out. Outside, Serena had already come down from the rooftop. She was wrapped in Julian’s coat, her face pale, but her eyes sparkled. Julian rushed over and embraced her. “Serena, I’m free.” He took Serena’s hand and pulled her into a deep hug. They kissed publicly, deeply, passionately. The reporters swarmed them. “Mrs. Sterling… no, Miss Eleanor, how are you feeling now?” “Will you fight for custody?” “Regarding the division of assets…” I didn’t answer. I watched Julian, hand-in-hand with Serena, walk back into the courthouse. This time, it was the marriage registration window. They sat close together, filling out forms, signing, taking photos. When the camera’s flash went off, Serena smiled brilliantly. Serena couldn’t wait to take a photo and posted it on Ins. Caption: “To many more years with you, @Julian Sterling” In one minute, comments soared past ten thousand. I returned to the Sterling mansion. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling had received the news; they were waiting for us at home. Mr. Sterling was so furious he threw his teacup. “That bastard! That absolute bastard!” Mrs. Sterling clutched her chest, her face pale. “Eleanor, don’t you worry, Mom will never acknowledge that gold-digger! Once that old man dies, we’ll make Julian divorce her for sure!” I lowered my head, saying nothing. I couldn’t afford to wait. Five more days. A thought struck me, and a new plan began to form in my mind. I dialed a number, contacting a company called “Aura Tech Corp.” This company specialized in legally extracting memory fragments from the terminally ill, for use in medical, legal, and inheritance disputes. Now, I was going to change my strategy.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338209”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy

Julian’s ex, Cassandra, drove a knife into me when I was eight months pregnant. That ended everything. Reborn, I vowed to stay a world away from him. What I never expected was that Cassandra had been reborn too. She was beyond unhinged. She hired men to kidnap me. “Who said you could love Julian?! I’ll kill you!” It was the perfect chance to stage my own death and claim my birthright as the lost heiress to a fortune. But then Julian stood over my “corpse.” He lost his mind completely. Audrey POV Three years into my marriage to Julian Thorne, and I remained the collateral damage in his endless, brutal war with Cassandra Vance, his ex. Cassandra had turned our wedding into a funeral pyre, setting my gown ablaze. Julian retaliated by crashing her father’s funeral and dissolving the casket with acid. Cassandra had once tied me to her sports car and dragged me for two miles. Julian had responded by digging up her father’s remains that very night, chopping them to pieces, and feeding them to strays. They knew each other’s breaking points intimately, and each blow was precise, devastating, aimed straight for the jugular. But every blade they meant for each other somehow found its way, twisting, into me. After Cassandra tossed me into a dog cage, leaving my body a mangled mess with not an inch of skin untouched, I finally couldn’t take it anymore. I clung desperately to Julian, who was about to seek revenge, tears streaming down my face. “Julian… please, stop this… I’m begging you…” Julian’s body stiffened, but his voice was as cold and hard as steel. “Audrey, after what she did to you, how can I just let it go?!” “But I’m terrified…Julian, I’m so terrified…” I pleaded, my voice raw with despair. I knew the true depth of their generational hatred. Five years ago, the night before Julian’s wedding to Cassandra, he’d walked in on his mother, disoriented, being violated by Cassandra’s father. The trauma had been too much. Julian’s mother, shattered by the violation, had thrown herself from their penthouse balcony, dying instantly. Julian himself had ensured Cassandra’s father would never walk again. From that moment, lovers became sworn enemies, consumed by their mutual loathing. But the thought of Cassandra’s twisted schemes, her venomous cruelty, sent a tidal wave of fear crashing over me. “We can’t beat a psychopath… She’s going to kill me… She’ll tear me apart, piece by bloody piece…” Julian fell silent for a moment, then slowly, painstakingly, peeled my fingers from his arm. His voice was filled with bitter resolve. “I’ll never forgive her! I’ll fight her to the death!” Watching his determined back walk away, my hands dropped, powerless. That night, he didn’t return, but his actions had an effect. Cassandra didn’t appear before me again. I thought my suffering was finally over, until a year later. Cassandra, wielding a sharpened knife, plunged it into my eight-month pregnant belly, not once, but seven brutal times! It happened so suddenly. Julian instantly tackled the assailant, his face contorted with rage. “Cassandra! What the hell are you doing?!” I lay in a pool of blood, the searing pain in my abdomen tearing me apart. My hand trembled as I reached out. “Julian! Save… the baby… she’s trying to kill us…” Julian rushed to my side, but the next second, Cassandra let out a chilling, maniacal laugh and plunged the bloodied knife savagely into her own chest! Blood welled at the corners of her mouth, but her eyes gleamed with a terrifying light. “Julian, take one more step, and I’ll gut myself! Let’s see who drains faster, you or me!” Julian actually froze. I was stunned. I couldn’t believe my eyes! “Julian! What are you hesitating for?! Isn’t she your mortal enemy?!” Blood rushed to my head, and I screamed with all my might. “You said you’d never let her go when she trapped me in that burning car wreck for hours! You vowed to make her pay a hundredfold when she left me for dead at the bottom of that ravine! Now, she’s trying to kill me!” Julian’s gaze flickered wildly between me, bleeding out on the floor, and the deranged Cassandra. More and more blood gushed from beneath me. I could feel our baby’s life fading away, and I could only beg. “Julian… you promised to protect me for a lifetime…” At my words, he turned towards me. A flicker of hope ignited in my eyes, only to be extinguished by Cassandra’s piercing shriek- “Julian! I’m pregnant!” “It’s your baby!” What?!! My pupils dilated. They… they actually… Then, I watched in horror as Julian turned, scooped Cassandra into his arms, and rushed out the door without a backward glance! In that instant, shock, fury, despair… all emotions crashed over me. A metallic taste filled my mouth, and I let out a wretched laugh. “Hahahahaha…” How ironic! Two people who, at every encounter, seemed hell-bent on tearing each other apart, had secretly been entwined in the shadows, sharing the same bed. And even conceived a child! So, the burning hatred, the endless struggle to the death, had all been a lie. Beneath the towering animosity and the tormenting entanglement lay Julian’s deepest, most unspeakable love for Cassandra! My laughter turned to tears. Years ago, I’d rescued an amnesiac Julian. For a year, we’d lived on a secluded island, growing close, falling in love. Later, when his memory returned, and he wanted to take me away from the island, his eyes were still full of tender affection. “Audrey, come with me. From now on, I will protect you with my life, forever.” But because of that promise, I was dragged into a vortex of hatred again and again, repeatedly enduring and compromising for him. Even when injured, I only dared to lick my wounds in secret, terrified that my pain would further fuel their conflict. But now, the truth was brutally clear, his promises shattered with his own hands. Our baby and I were nothing but pawns in their twisted game! Despair and bone-deep regret swallowed me whole. My consciousness completely faded into darkness. The next second, my eyes snapped open! The searing pain in my body was back, but not in my abdomen. My trembling hand fumbled for my phone. The date on the screen made my entire body jolt. I had been reborn, back to ten days before my wedding! I was in the hospital now because Cassandra, upon hearing of the wedding, had suddenly gone berserk and deliberately rammed her car into me, sending me flying thirty feet. The thought jolted me awake. Cassandra’s retaliation… always seemed to follow Julian’s declarations of love for me. One masked their unrequited longing with hatred, the other vented their love-hate entanglement with violence. Every one of their battles was, in truth, an unspoken declaration of love hidden beneath a blood-soaked feud. Two psychopaths! A shiver ran down my spine. Without hesitation, I typed a message to the number etched into my very soul. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m coming home.” His reply was instantaneous. “Good. The Gateway will open in half a month. I’ll come for you myself.” Looking at the short message on the screen, my eyes immediately welled up. I was Annelise Sterling, the long-lost heiress of the powerful Sterling family from Aethelred. In my previous life, my family had frantically searched for me before the Aethelred Gateway closed. But I had chosen Julian, sacrificing my chance to return home, and died tragically without seeing my family again. The connection to Aethelred, the Gateway, only opened once every ten years. This life, I’d seize this chance to escape these two psychopaths, once and for all! “Audrey! You’re awake?” Julian burst into the hospital room, grasping my hand. “It’s all my fault… I didn’t protect you! I swear I won’t let Cassandra get away with this!”

Audrey POV His familiar warmth instantly made my skin prickle with dread. Years ago, when my chronic cold hands and feet would act up, he’d press my icy hands and feet firmly against his warm stomach. If I tried to pull away even slightly, he’d press them back forcefully. “Why are you hiding? This spot, it’s just for warming you up, isn’t it?” But that warmth I’d once craved to my very bones had also hurled me into the abyss! I couldn’t forget the helplessness of feeling life drain from my womb in my past life, couldn’t forget his resolute back as he carried Cassandra away, and certainly couldn’t forget the despair of being betrayed and abandoned just before death! Thinking of all this, a bitter, mocking smile twisted my lips. “Not let her get away with it? What’s your plan? Run her over with a car too?” Just like in my previous life, Julian’s so-called acts of revenge were always grand, dramatic displays. But had Cassandra ever truly suffered a single scratch? Julian visibly flinched, clearly not expecting my sarcastic retort. I watched his subtle tells. His gaze flickered, and he quickly changed the subject. “Audrey, don’t worry about it. I’ll go pay your hospital bills first.” Watching his retreating back, my chest ached with an unbearable bitterness. I curled deeper into the blankets. When I heard footsteps, I assumed it was a nurse and mumbled, my voice muffled, “I need to rest. No more check-ups…” However, the next second, a sharp, searing pain shot through my arm! My eyes snapped open, meeting a pair of crazed, smiling eyes. Cassandra! “I finally got rid of you,” Cassandra hissed, pressing an acupuncture needle savagely into my shoulder blade. “This life, you still dare to marry him?!” This life? Already? My entire body jolted. She had been reborn too?! Before I could think, an even more intense pain hit me. I mustered all my strength to block her with my arm. I barely opened my mouth to scream, but Cassandra, quick as a flash, pulled out another needle and plunged it into a pressure point in my throat. “Ugh!” The excruciating pain was accompanied by an inability to speak. I horrifyingly realized I couldn’t even open my mouth properly. I could only watch, terrified, as long, thick needles repeatedly sank into my flesh, a searing, agonizing pain spreading like wildfire through my entire body. I don’t know how long it lasted before Julian finally pushed the door open. “Cassandra! What are you doing!” She calmly withdrew the needles, a light laugh on her lips. “What, scared I’d hurt her while you were gone?” Julian immediately looked at me, his voice urgent. “Did she do anything to you?” I instinctively shook my head, trying to signal that I couldn’t speak, but only to manage a muffled “Mmmph.” Julian visibly relaxed, then turned to confront Cassandra. “Why are you here?” She arched an eyebrow, slapping an invitation card onto his chest. “Welcome to my wedding.” “What did you say?!” Julian’s fists clenched so hard I saw his knuckles whiten, his hands were actually trembling. But I was beyond processing what I felt. Cassandra had stabbed deeply and viciously. I was in excruciating pain. “You’re getting married, and I’m getting married too, you know…” Cassandra giggled, turning to leave. “Don’t you dare leave!” It hurt… Julian… I was in so much pain… I was so wracked with pain I could barely stand. I weakly reached out, trying to grab a piece of Julian’s jacket. But the enraged man simply shoved me aside without a second thought- I slammed to the floor, the needles in my back plunging even deeper! Pain, like a tidal wave, crashed over me, making my vision blur with stars. Yet, I watched in horror as Julian chased after Cassandra, not even bothering to glance back. It seemed that whenever Cassandra was involved, his vaunted self-control crumbled to dust. Hearing she was getting married, he didn’t even bother to hide it anymore. If that wasn’t love, then what was it? The bitter, stinging ache in my chest, though, made me feel more truly alive. I gritted my teeth, gathering all my strength, and slammed my head against the bedside table. The vase shattered with a crash. Watching the frantic nurses and doctors rush in, I finally closed my eyes weakly- This life, I would never repeat my mistakes, never be a lamb to their slaughter!

Audrey POV The moment I’d managed to pull all the needles from my body, I’d called the police. Even though the Aethelred Gateway wouldn’t open for another eight days, I wasn’t taking any chances against a psychopath who’d lived two lives. Only by getting her behind bars could I safely make it through the remaining days. However, that very night, Julian walked in, holding a document, and placed it on my bedside table. “Audrey, sign this letter of understanding.” My eyes landed on the name written there: Cassandra! I froze for a second, then violently swatted the document away. “She almost killed me! And you want me to forgive her?!” Julian grasped my shoulders, his voice gentle, almost coaxing. “The charges for assault are too light. I want her to pay a far more brutal price.” “A price?” My voice spiked. “What price? A price I’ll only know after she’s killed me?!” “Audrey, don’t say such things!” Julian forcibly pulled my trembling body into his embrace. “Don’t curse yourself.” Perhaps sensing my rising panic, he sighed, his voice softening. “Okay, no letter of understanding then. The wedding is soon, don’t get upset. I want you to be happy and beautiful as my bride.” Hearing him back down, my taut nerves still refused to ease. I didn’t relax until I’d torn the letter of understanding into tiny pieces. I had died once. How could Julian ever understand my fear? Julian held me tightly, continuing to soothe me. The next morning, I went for a follow-up examination at the hospital. As I reached the base of the hospital building, a heavy flowerpot exploded by my feet. CRASH. Still reeling from shock, I was helped by a nurse to a room. But as soon as the IV drip was hung, a sharp, burning pain flared in my arm. I curled up, the pain was so intense, and my arm quickly swelled and turned red. The nurse frantically pulled out the needle, sniffed at it, and her face instantly turned pale. “It’s disinfectant!” Emergency stomach pumping, wound treatment, even a complete blood transfusion… After a series of torturous procedures, I felt like I’d been disassembled and put back together. Weak, I was wheeled back to my room on a gurney. In my hazy consciousness, I heard the head nurse reprimanding someone sharply. A timid voice spoke. “…It-it was Cassandra. She put a bounty on her on the dark web! She wants her dead…” My entire body jolted. Cassandra?! But hadn’t she been arrested?! The junior nurse whispered, “Does Audrey Reed not know? Mr. Thorne left with the letter of understanding late last night. Cassandra was released on bail less than an hour after they brought her in…” Letter of understanding… late last night… handprint… My face went ashen. I suddenly remembered the unnaturally deep sleep I’d fallen into last night. Julian had given me sleeping pills, then forced my handprint onto that damn letter of understanding while I was unconscious! The betrayal was absolute. Brazen. It felt like my heart had been torn clean out of my chest. I couldn’t breathe. The room tilted, my vision tunneling into darkness as consciousness slipped away, and I collapsed into a coma. … In the suffocating silence, Julian’s frantic voice, like a needle, pierced the darkness, dragging me back to reality. I struggled to lift my heavy eyelids. The concern in his eyes seemed genuine. But I only felt a searing irony. The pent-up fear and betrayal exploded. I gathered every ounce of strength and slapped him, hard. Julian’s head whipped to the side from the blow. He was about to speak when his gaze locked onto my trembling hand, holding up my phone screen- It clearly displayed a dark web bounty page, explicitly targeting me! “Julian… maybe you should just wait for me to die before showing up?” Julian’s pupils constricted. He instantly understood that I knew everything. “Audrey, listen to me!” His voice was urgent. “I only got her out because I wanted her to pay a more brutal price! I didn’t think she’d actually dare…!” His eyes churned with towering fury. “This time! I swear I’ll make her pay a hundredfold!” Always the same! A wave of helplessness washed over me, and my hot tears finally broke free. “Always the same… a hundredfold? Julian, I’m sick and tired of hearing it! She trapped me in a coffin, buried alive. She left me hanging from a cliff. She threw me into a cage of hunting dogs to be torn apart. And now, she’s had me poisoned, forcing me to undergo a full blood transfusion just to barely survive!” The terror and despair of both my past and present lives exploded in that moment, transforming into a towering inferno of hatred. “But what about her? She commits evil after evil, yet always escapes unscathed! She can’t even stay in jail for more than an hour before my own husband personally bails her out! Julian, your feelings for her…” “This time is different!” Julian’s eyes were frantic. He pulled me into a fierce embrace, his voice resolute. “This time is really different! This time she dared to hurt you so badly! I swear I’ll make her wish she was never born!” As if to prove himself, he turned and left. Watching his reaper-lethal back, a sharp curiosity cut through me: what would he do this time?

Audrey POV I pushed past the pain and quietly followed him. Julian’s car sped off, and it took me hours of searching to find his license plate in an alleyway. The moment I got closer, my pupils dilated- The sports car was rocking violently, and indistinct figures were intertwined within the windows. What they were doing was self-evident. So… they were already at it, even at this point… ! I remembered my own near-death experience just moments ago, and Julian’s solemn promises. Rage instantly consumed me. I slammed my foot on the accelerator and crashed into them, hard! CRASH. The impact shook the air. Julian’s head whipped back. And in that shattered second, his eyes locked onto mine through the windshield-met by a gaze of pure ice. “Julian! What are you doing!” His face, still flushed with lust, flickered with a trace of panic. “Audrey, listen to me!” “Listen? Didn’t you swear you’d get revenge on her?! Is this how you make her wish she was never born?! Huh?!” “Audrey, she drugged me! I just… I didn’t want to hurt you!” Julian’s breathing was heavy, and he was still involuntarily thrusting. “This way… I can make her wish she was never born too!” Wish she was never born? Hearing that shameless logic, I laughed, utterly disgusted. Cassandra’s face was flushed with passion, her eyes hazy. Wish she was never born? She was clearly enjoying herself! I couldn’t stand another second of that nauseating scene. I turned to leave, only to hear Julian roar- “Cassandra! You goddamn dare!” I spun back. Blinding headlights flared, and a black Bentley, out of control, barreled straight towards me! “Ah!” As my body was thrown into the air by the immense impact, time seemed to stretch infinitely. Countless images flashed before my eyes- I remembered Julian, on that secluded island, clumsily weaving a ring from grass. The sea breeze ruffled his flushed ears as he said, “Audrey, it’s not pretty, but one day, I promise I’ll give you the most beautiful one.” I remembered after he brought me home, at a grand banquet, he held my hand tightly, declaring to the world, “This is Audrey Reed, the only woman I, Julian, will ever love.” His devotion then made me believe I was the happiest woman in the world, willingly immersing myself in the future he painted for me. Until that warmth and sweetness abruptly shattered, and the final image burned into my mind was him, in my past life, carrying Cassandra away from my blood-soaked body, his back resolute… I looked at Julian, who was frantically running towards me, and forced a bitter, wretched laugh. Julian, your promised “hundredfold repayment,” your sworn “wishing she was never born”-how had all of it… once again landed on me? My heart sank into the boundless darkness even before my body did. My last sliver of hope, crushed under the weight of those memories.

Audrey POV When I opened my eyes again, the first thing I saw was Julian’s bloodshot eyes. “Audrey!” He frantically gripped my hand, his voice hoarse and broken. “I’m so sorry… It’s all my fault…” I didn’t cry, didn’t scream. I didn’t even ask about the culprit. I simply pulled my hand back, my voice calm. “How many days have I been asleep?” “Three… a full three days.” Good. Four more days until I can go home. I lowered my gaze, silently counting down the days. “Audrey…” Julian’s fingers brushed mine. “Don’t you have anything you want to ask?” I merely glanced at him, my gaze distant. “What do you think I should ask?” Julian fell silent, completely at a loss for words. After a long pause, Julian’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Our wedding will be held on the island where we first met. I’ll take you to see it when you have time, okay?” The island… My gaze softened slightly. In a haze, the image of Julian, holding a vibrant seashell like a treasure, presenting it to me, became clear again. His eyes then had shone brighter than the stars, saying, “The old fishermen say making a wish on it really works. I just wished for us to be together forever.” In my previous life, I’d clung to these warm fragments, repeatedly telling myself, “Julian loves me.” My phone buzzed, interrupting my thoughts. A concise message flashed across the screen. “All arrangements completed.” Julian instantly clamped onto my wrist. “What arrangements?” At the same time, his phone vibrated wildly. Julian abruptly hung up, but it rang three more times, the caller insistent. “Answer it,” I said, gently pulling my hand away. “Don’t keep them waiting.” He hesitated for a moment, then finally got up. Watching his frantic departure, a mocking smile touched my lips. We had both silently agreed not to mention it, but I knew. The person who wouldn’t stop calling, who wouldn’t rest until she got her way, could only be Cassandra. I looked down at my Aethelred travel documents, arranged by my brother, displayed on my phone. I whispered to myself. “What arrangements?” “Of course… the arrangements that will let me escape you completely.” Julian appeared to take my safety seriously now. Two bodyguards stood constant watch outside my door. Every move I made was shadowed. But I knew the truth. He wasn’t protecting me. He was pacifying his own guilt. The next evening, under the guise of a walk, I led my escorts to the hospital’s secluded back garden. When the bodyguards’ view was blocked, I reached up and unclasped the blue diamond necklace from my throat. Julian had fastened it there himself. “Audrey, this has a GPS tracker. Wherever you are, if you’re ever in danger, I’ll come for you. Immediately.” But hadn’t every storm and every danger in my life come from him? I calmly broke the chain and tossed the necklace into the fountain. The diamond caused a tiny ripple on the water’s surface, just like the last bit of sincerity in my heart for this love, sinking silently. Suddenly, footsteps rushed behind me. Before I could turn around, a sharp pain shot through the back of my neck- When I opened my eyes again, I was somewhere else. Somewhere ruined. I was tied up, unable to move. A man with a scar across his cheek gripped my chin, his smile a cold slit. “Mrs. Thorne. You’ve been difficult to catch.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “338208”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy #玄幻Fantasy