The day I got divorced, I received a system. It promised me the world, on one condition: I had to make my bastard ex-husband suffer. Oh. My. God. This was going to be epic. Aurora POV “Sign the papers if you’re awake. Evelyn is waiting. I don’t have time for this.” Owen’s voice was low, layered with the arrogance of unchallenged authority. It felt colder than the conditioned air in the room, a chill that seeped straight into my bones. My throat was packed with wet cotton, the ghost of a suffocation that wouldn’t fade. I jerked upright. My vision focused on the opulent yet stark crystal chandelier, and then on the man across from me, his head bowed, checking his watch, a look of impatience etched on his face. Owen. On the table, the divorce agreement lay, a stark, blinding white. Memories exploded in my mind. In my last life, I’d wasted three years on this man. I concealed severe depression and swallowed every humiliation for the sake of the Owen family’s reputation. Finally, on a storm-ravaged night I died of a heart attack. The trigger was a viral post: him and his lover Evelyn watching fireworks from a yacht. When I died, I was still clutching that absurd crucifix, the one I’d prayed over for his safety. “Five million dollars isn’t enough?” mistook my silence. The line between his brows deepened, his voice dripping with undisguised contempt. “Aurora, know your place. Evelyn has endured far worse than you. This five million is your last chance to leave with some dignity.” Dignity? I really wanted to laugh, but my lungs still ached. “Ding!” “Grudge Level: Achieved. Emotional Monetization System: Activated.” “Target Locked: Owen.” “Rule Set: Any negative emotion (anger, shock, regret, pain) generated by the Target toward the Host will be converted into currency in real time, at a proportional rate.” “Special Warning: Should the Host develop positive affective attachment to the Target, all assets will be liquidated, and the Host will be terminated.” Lines of translucent, icy blue text hung suspended in my vision. I froze for half a second, then pressed a hand to my chest, where my heart was slamming against my ribs. I just have to not fall in love with him to live? And I get paid to piss him off? This wasn’t a divorce settlement. This was a goddamn jackpot! “Aurora, my patience is limited.” Owen’s finger tapped the coffee table, a ‘tap-tap’ like a death knell. “Don’t force me to get my lawyers involved. Then you won’t even get this five million.” Five million dollars. In my last life, hearing that number, I’d bawled my eyes out, begging him on my knees not to leave me. I was so foolish back then, actually believing feelings were more important than money. I lifted my head. Those eyes, once filled with tentative affection and adoration, were now starkly empty, like a dry well reflecting none of Owen’s image. I reached out, bypassing his tapping hand, and snatched the divorce agreement. I flipped straight to the end. Grabbed the pen. The pen scraped across the paper, a soft, deliberate sound, without a single pause. I signed my name, a firm, decisive stroke that tore through the last page. I saw Owen open his mouth, as if he’d prepared a mouthful of scorn and threats, but the words died in his throat. He stared at the still-wet ink of my name, his face blank for a moment. Signed. She signed it. The woman who would call him three times, crying, if she so much as pricked her finger, the one who clung to him with no dignity – she just signed it. No wailing, no tearful pleas about not being able to live without him. I could feel a strange, almost irritable sense of defeat radiating from him. It was like punching a cloud, leaving him utterly frustrated. “Ding! Target detected generating ‘irritation and frustration’.” “Plus the frustration of wanting to rage but finding no legitimate excuse.” “Account credited: $500,000.00.” My phone screen lit up on the table. A bank SMS popped up: “Your account ending in 8888 has received $500,000.00. Current balance: $500,000.00.” I gazed at that pleasing string of zeros, and the color swiftly returned to my pale cheeks. Even my breathing felt easier. Owen’s discomfort really was this valuable! I tossed the signed agreement casually onto the coffee table with a crisp thump. Then I stood up, light on my feet like a bird finally freed from its shackles. “It’s signed. Mr. Owen, the access card is on the cabinet in the hallway, the password hasn’t changed. I’ll leave now, make room for Ms. Evelyn.” I didn’t even spare Owen another glance, turning to pack my handbag. Silence behind me, but I could clearly feel his gaze burning into my back. I felt the knot of unease in his chest. In his silence, I could almost hear a flicker of unvoiced doubt: Did she really not care anymore? Ding! Target ‘Self-Doubt & Trace Anxiety’ detected. Critical Hit! Bonus Activated. Account credited: $2,000,000.00. Two million! I almost burst out laughing. With my back to Owen, my lips curved into a wild, delighted smile, and my hands worked faster. I had to strike while the iron was hot, gather some startup capital. “Aurora!” Owen finally lost it, covering the distance in a few angry strides and gripping my wrist. His palm was searing hot, his grip so strong it felt like he might crush my bones. “What game are you playing?” He stared into my eyes. “Taking this five million and leaving me, what kind of life do you think you’ll have? Sleeping under a bridge?” My wrist throbbed. I lowered my head slightly, my gaze falling on his hand clamped around mine. Once, I’d longed for these hands to hold mine, even for a second. Now, they just felt dirty. I extended my other hand, slowly, deliberately, prying his fingers open, one by one. My movements were unhurried but firm, not allowing any resistance. “Owen, you think too highly of yourself.” I stepped back, rubbing my reddened wrist, then met his gaze. There was no love in my eyes, no hate, just the disgust one might feel for trash on the roadside. “I was blind before, I cherished you like a treasure. Now my eyes are open, and looking at you…” I let out a soft laugh, clear as a bell, each word a knife: “You just make me sick.” Boom- I saw Owen’s body visibly stiffen, as if something had exploded in his brain. At that moment, I’d bet Owen felt his dignity had been utterly trampled, then ground into the dirt for good measure. “Ding! Target detected generating ‘extreme shock and damaged self-esteem’.” “Assessed as S-Rank Emotional Fluctuation!” “Account credited: $5,000,000.00.” With the previous amounts, that was seven and a half million dollars. In a few words, I’d earned more than his pathetic divorce settlement. My mood soared. I pulled out my phone and, right in front of Owen’s ashen face, called for the most luxurious private car service. “Hello, Apex Car Service? Location: Hillside Villa district, I need a car now, I’m willing to pay extra.” After hanging up, I tilted my phone screen to show the massive balance that had just cleared. “Don’t worry about me sleeping under any bridge.” “After all, since I left you…” I drew a slow breath, and for the first time since my rebirth, a smile of pure, uncomplicated bliss spread across my face. “I’ve discovered the air itself smells sweeter when it’s scented with money.”

Owen POV I stood in the center of the living room, my face ashen. My fists were clenched tight, knuckles white. Watching her resolute back, a surge of blind rage shot to my head. “Fine! Aurora! Just try to come crawling back!” I roared towards the door, my voice echoing through the empty mansion. “Alfred! Cancel all her supplementary cards! Let’s see how long she lasts out there!” Seconds later, Alfred’s trembling voice came from the corner. “Sir, Ms. Aurora…she never used your supplementary cards.” My body stiffened. I whipped my head around, my gaze like a knife. “What did you say?” Alfred buried his head even lower. “For the past three years, Ms. Aurora’s expenses were all covered by her grandmother’s trust fund…” “When the company’s cash flow was tight, Ms. Aurora even covered our household expenses.” Crash! Thunder roared outside the window, but I stood frozen. She never used them? How was that possible? Her endless supply of designer couture, those expensive jewels…they weren’t paid for with my money? The floodgates of memory were violently thrown open. For three years, Aurora truly had never asked me for a single penny. Instead, I had taken everything in the house for granted. A bitter seed of guilt began to sprout, then rapidly bloomed, festering within him. I had just reached the foyer when Aurora paused. She stopped, turning to look back. Her gaze swept over the luxurious but lifeless villa. Finally, it landed on me. “Oh, Owen, there are a few things I forgot to tell you.” She raised her hand, pointing to the antique vase in the center of the living room, which I cherished. “That? It’s a fake. Picked it up at a flea market for twenty bucks.” My pupils constricted. Aurora’s finger moved towards the study. “That oil painting hanging in your study? I painted it myself.” Finally, her eyes settled on my wrist. I wore a mechanical watch there, its face worn, slightly old. Yet it was my most prized possession, worn for three years, and I proudly told everyone it was “priceless.” “And that watch.” Aurora chuckled, her eyes filled with pity. “I spent three months selling things at night markets during college to buy you that. The movement was cheap, the strap synthetic leather. Since you’re pursuing true love, you should just throw out all this trash.” I instinctively covered my wrist. A cold touch. Countless images flashed through my mind – me checking the time on my watch during board meetings, accepting compliments at galas. Everyone praised the watch for its understated luxury. But it was…a cheap knock-off? The president of the esteemed Owen Group, wearing a cheap watch for three years? And Aurora bought it by selling things at night markets? The pampered woman who couldn’t even twist open a bottle cap normally, selling things at night markets? Shame, shock, disbelief. A buzzing filled his head, and the thin string of his sanity snapped. Aurora didn’t look at me again. She pushed open the main door. Rain poured down. A sleek, black luxury sedan was waiting silently at the bottom of the steps. The car door automatically opened. The driver, holding a black umbrella, respectfully jogged over and bowed. “Miss, please.” Aurora, in her high heels, elegantly took her seat. The tinted window slowly rose. Through the one-way film, I only caught a final, blurry glimpse of her inside the car. Goodbye, my former meek self. In this life, I will be the most valuable queen. – That was the message I read in her final gaze. She spoke. “Drive.” The car cut through the rain, vanishing into the distance.

Aurora POV The car interior was a constant 24 degrees Celsius, with a faint aroma of leather. I leaned back in the leather seat, closing my eyes to rest. In my mind, my system panel shimmered into view. “Host: Aurora” “Current Status: Mild Depression (rapidly recovering)” “Current Assets: $8,800,000” “Skills to Unlock: Business Acumen (Beginner), Divine Appraisal Skill, Flawless Beauty…” “Shop: Activated” “Eight million eight hundred thousand.” I tapped the armrest. “Adding the original five million divorce settlement, it’s barely enough to get started.” I opened my eyes. My formerly sallow, tired complexion now held a hint of sharp allure. First order of business: restore this face. “Driver, take me to the most expensive hotel in the city – The Elysium Tower.” The driver’s hands on the steering wheel twitched. He cautiously warned me through the rearview mirror. “Miss, the Presidential Suite there is $88,000 a night…” Before he could finish, my phone vibrated, and a notification popped up. “Owen has contributed $100,000 in regret money.” My red lips curved into a radiant smile. “It’s fine. Someone else is paying.” … The Elysium Tower Hotel, a city landmark, was a playground for the wealthy and a stage where ambition and fame converged. The revolving door mirrored my current appearance. My dress was soaked, my hair plastered to my cheeks. Most striking was the dark red scar on my left jawline. It was a medal I earned two years ago in that fire, when I saved someone. The receptionist, deep in her VIP list, caught a glimpse of my disheveled state and her brow furrowed instinctively. Just as she was about to speak and perhaps dismiss me, I slapped a black card onto the marble counter. “Presidential Suite, monthly rental.” My voice was soft, yet cold. The receptionist froze, her professional fake smile faltering. She glanced at the card, a Centurion Black Card, then looked at me again, her voice slightly shaky. “Ma’am…the Presidential Suite for a month, even with the discount, is $2.6 million.” Her voice trembled slightly as she took the black card. “Are you sure you want to charge…” “Charge it.” I replied with a single, crisp word. It was Owen’s money, every penny tinged with that man’s subsequent regret. Spending it felt incredibly satisfying. “Beep-” A ‘beep’ confirmed the transaction, and the POS machine spat out a long receipt. Two point six million dollars, payment successful. The entire lobby seemed to hum with the tremor of it. “Ding! Host detected completing ‘First Major Expenditure’, triggering ‘Prodigal Rebate’ mechanism!” “Congratulations, Host, you have received an additional reward: God-Tier Skin Elixir.” “Effect: Reshapes skin texture, removes impurities, perfectly restores all old scars.” I picked up the room card and turned towards the exclusive elevator. The sound of my heels clicking on the floor was crisp and resolute. Like a funeral march for my old self. … Top floor, Presidential Suite. Beyond the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights flowed like a river of molten gold. I tossed the fragrant elixir into my mouth, then submerged myself in the temperature-controlled massage bathtub. A wave of heat instantly enveloped my entire body. Pain, accompanied by a tingling itch, spread, as if my cells were tearing apart and then subtly reorganizing. A fine layer of black oil, smelling foul, seeped from my skin – the accumulated toxins of three years of despair, and the lingering residue from the fire. Half an hour later, I stood before the floor-to-ceiling mirror in the bathroom, my robe loosely tied, collar slightly open. The hot water had just stopped, and the mirror was still fogged. I reached out to wipe it, then my hand froze mid-air, a flicker of unfamiliarity with the person in the reflection. My dull, tired complexion was now pristine and luminous, a healthy yet cool-toned white. The light caught the lines of my neck and shoulders, sharp and defined. My gaze drifted downward. My left jawline. The scar that had been with me for so many years was almost invisible. In its place was a sharp, sculpted jawline, extending from ear to chin, clean and controlled, yet radiating an undeniable strength. I lifted my head, looking into my own eyes. Those eyes, once always dim and lifeless, as if ready to be swallowed by the world, were now clear and sharp. The outer corners tilted slightly upward, and once fixed, my gaze held an undeniable intensity. Not a fragile beauty. But the kind that screamed ‘don’t mess with me,’ yet made you unable to look away. Standing there, I suddenly realized something. This wasn’t “me, saved.” This was a version entirely my own. My fingertips lightly traced my smooth cheek, a subtle, dangerous curve forming on my lips. “Thank you, Owen. If you weren’t such a jerk, I wouldn’t have the capital to transform myself like this.” My phone on the table suddenly vibrated, an abnormally loud sound in the quiet room. “Sophia” flashed on the screen. As soon as I answered, a furious torrent of words poured from the other end. “Aurora! Did you see that bitch’s post? I’m so mad I could spit!” “I want to reach through the screen and tear Evelyn’s mouth off!” I walked to the bar, poured a glass of red wine, my tone languid. “What did she post?” “Photos! A huge diamond ring! Like, a pigeon’s egg!” Sophia gritted her teeth. “The caption was even more sickening: ‘So glad it’s you by my side. See you at the auction next week.’ And Owen, that blind idiot, liked it!” I put the call on speaker and opened Instagram. The trending list was already flooded with tags for the city’s new “it” couple. #OwenSpendsMillionsToWooHisLove #EvelynTheTrueLady #AuroraGetOutOfTheOwenFamily The comments section was a frenzy of paid trolls. “Now this is true love. That Aurora was just a frumpy old hag clinging to a position.” “I heard Aurora used to sell things at night markets? She really lowered Mr. Owen’s status.” “Evelyn is so beautiful, she’ll definitely outshine everyone at the auction!” Sophia’s voice continued. “Aurora, we have to issue a statement! We can’t let them keep throwing dirt at us!” “A statement?” I swirled the wine in my glass, the crimson liquid clinging to the sides in alluring streaks. I looked out at the city lights, my eyes colder than the night itself. “Why issue a statement?” “Someone’s paying out of their own pocket to boost my visibility. Why would I ever say no to that?” The other end of the line went silent. “Huh? Aurora, are you crazy with anger?” “Sophia.” I tilted my head back, draining the wine. The liquid burned like a fiery blaze within me. “Do me a favor. Get me an invitation to next week’s auction.” Sophia gasped. “You? Going there? To watch them flaunt their love? Torture yourself?” “Flaunt their love?” I chuckled softly, placing the empty glass on the marble counter with a crisp ‘clink’. “No. I’m going to put a price on their ‘love.’ And teach Owen what a real…player looks like.”

Aurora POV Seven days after the divorce, the city’s gossip had reached a fever pitch. The whispers in the social circles claimed I was probably hiding in some moldy basement apartment, drowning my sorrows in alcohol after being thrown out. There were even bets at card tables on whether I’d survive the winter. Owen probably believed it too. For an entire week, I remained dead silent. No hysterical phone calls, no desperate pleas via text, and my social media accounts had gone dark since the day of the divorce. I knew this dead silence would cause him a strange irritation. Tonight was the annual charity gala, attended by all the city’s elite. The heavy, carved doors of the ballroom swung open with a dramatic flourish. The buzzing ballroom, filled with clinking glasses and chatter, suddenly went silent, as if someone had hit a pause button. All eyes were pulled towards the entrance by an invisible force. Gasps rippled through the crowd. “Who…who is that?” “My God, that presence…it feels familiar somehow.” I noticed Owen instinctively turn his head. When his gaze landed on me in the doorway, the champagne glass in his hand noticeably stilled, a faint clink against his fingers. It was me. But completely different from the woman he knew. The woman in bland suits, always in his shadow, handing him slippers, her presence so faint she was practically invisible – she was gone. I stood beneath the lights. A deep crimson gown, cut daringly and precisely, hugged my curves without an inch of excess fabric. Its high slit swayed with each step, revealing glimpses of my legs in the play of light and shadow, but never overtly. Not an attempt at seductive charm. This was powerful, controlled sensuality. My hair was casually styled, voluminous and rich, cascading down my back, swaying gently with my movements. No intricate styling, yet it captivated all attention. I wore no exaggerated jewelry. I didn’t need to. As the lights fell upon me, I knew one thing for sure- Attention itself was my only accessory tonight. I saw Owen’s Adam’s apple bob. His breathing hitched. He stood frozen, his gaze never leaving me. “Ding!” “Target detected generating intense negative emotions.” “Type: A mixture of stunned awe, possessive rage, and a sense of losing control.” “Account credited: $6,000,000.00.” “Host’s Charisma +10.” “Skin Radiance +20%.” System notifications flashed in my mind. Feeling that familiar, exhilarating rush of funds, I continued forward, a natural curve gracing my lips. The more Owen fumed, the richer I got. Was there any business model more perfect than this? I took a glass of red wine from a server’s tray and walked forward, heels clicking, eyes fixed straight ahead. As I passed Owen, I didn’t even grant him a flicker of my gaze. As if he were nothing but murky air. “Aurora!” Owen, thoroughly enraged by my disregard, took a step forward and blocked my path, his voice dangerously low. “What are you doing here? Dressed like that, are you trying to snag a sugar daddy to pay for your future?” The old me would have panicked, explained, and tearfully said “I didn’t” just like before. But now, I simply stopped and turned my head. Those eyes, once always glistening with tears, were now shockingly clear, carrying a hint of casual mockery. “Mr. Owen, your paranoia isn’t just a minor issue; it’s practically a terminal illness. I suggest you seek treatment immediately.” I swirled the wine in my glass, my red lips parting. “I’m here, of course, to…spend money.” “Spend money?” Evelyn, standing nearby, couldn’t help but let out a derisive snort. “Aurora, tonight’s auction items start at five million. Your little divorce settlement…it probably couldn’t even buy you a ticket in, could it?” I swept my gaze over her. My eyes were like those of someone looking at a clueless ant. I said nothing, merely walked directly to the front row – the very center, reserved for the city’s elite. I saw Owen staring at my straight back, that surge of panic as control slipped from his grasp returning. He must have been thinking – How dare she sit there? Who gave her the right? The auctioneer soon took the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s highlight item, the ‘Tears of the Deep’ blue diamond, starting bid – five million dollars.” It was an incredibly rare deep blue diamond ring, shimmering with a cold light under the spotlight. Owen took a deep breath and raised his paddle. He intended to buy it for Evelyn, not just to flaunt his wealth, but to slap me in the face, to show me I was nothing without him. “Six million!” Owen’s voice was steady. “Ten million.” From the front row, I spoke languidly. I didn’t even bother to raise my paddle, just casually waved the wine glass in my hand. The entire hall erupted in murmurs. Owen glared at my back, gritting his teeth. “Fifteen million!” “Ding! Target detected generating ‘raw hatred and burgeoning panic’.” “Account credited: $5,000,000.00.” Me. “Twenty million.” Owen’s veins pulsed at his temples. “Thirty million!” Me. “Forty million.” I increased the bid so quickly, so casually, as if I weren’t calling out money, but a string of meaningless numbers. I could feel his sanity frayed at the edges. The fury and indignation festered, threatening to consume his very reason. “Ding! Target detected generating ‘extreme rage and competitive zeal’.” “High-Alert! Emotion conversion triggered massive cash flow: $50,000,000.00 credited.” Listening to the system’s report, a smile flickered in my eyes. Thank you for your generous sponsorship, Owen. “Fifty million!” Owen practically roared, his eyes bloodshot. Evelyn’s face was ashen with fear. She tugged desperately at his sleeve. “Owen! It’s too expensive! It’s not worth it…” Fifty million dollars for a diamond ring, even for the Owen family, was no small sum. Just when everyone thought the farce was over. I raised my hand again. I didn’t even turn around, simply made a gesture with my hand, my back to Owen. My voice was clear, echoing through every corner of the hall. “One hundred million.” Silence. Absolute silence. Even the auctioneer’s hand holding the gavel trembled. Owen froze, his face shifting from red to green, then finally to an ashen grey. One hundred million…he couldn’t produce that. Or rather, if he threw a hundred million away for a fit of pique, the old guard on the board would tear him apart. “One hundred million once, one hundred million twice…Sold!” The gavel came down. A trembling server brought the velvet box containing the diamond ring to me. The host stammered, almost incoherently. “Ms. Aurora, you’ve acquired this ‘Tears of the Deep’ for an astronomical price. Does it hold any special commemorative meaning for you?” I took the box. Stood up. Turned around. Under the gaze of hundreds of eyes in the hall, I walked step by step to Owen. Less than half a meter separated us. I opened the box, picked up the dazzling diamond ring, and held it up to the light. “It’s beautiful.” Evelyn’s jealousy was practically oozing from her eyes. I let out a soft laugh. “No special meaning.” I looked at Owen’s ashen face, then loosened my fingers. Clink. The diamond ring dropped onto the polished marble floor with a crisp sound, then rolled to Owen’s feet. I lifted my foot, and my stiletto heel landed precisely on the setting. I pressed down, hard. The expensive platinum setting instantly warped, and the rare blue diamond popped free from the twisted metal, rolling into a patch of dust. “I just saw someone really wanted it, and I thought it would be fun.” I lifted my foot, scraping my heel on the carpet, as if I’d stepped in something vile. I met Owen’s gaze, a stunningly beautiful smile on my face: “I bought it just to hear it shatter. And to let Mr. Owen know…” “Anything I don’t want, I’d rather destroy than let you have.” Owen’s vision blurred, and a surge of blood rushed to his head. “Ding! Target detected generating ‘rage-induced internal disruption’ and ‘minor internal injuries’.” “Congratulations, Host! Rare reward triggered: Skill Book: God-Tier Business Acumen!”

Aurora POV Three days later, I was in my Elysium Tower suite, enjoying a Luxury Spa Treatment courtesy of the system. After the system’s repair, my face was completely free of the fire-induced scars. My skin was as fair as snow, and the timid ugly duckling who once lived subserviently in Owen’s house had finally transformed into a swan. “Aurora, look at the TV!” Sophia called, her voice seething. “Evelyn, that total snake, is stirring up trouble again!” I casually switched on the TV. On the screen was a talk show called “The Lady’s Code”. Evelyn, in a white dress with exquisite makeup, was asked by the host: “Ms. Evelyn, Mr. Owen couldn’t secure that diamond ring for you at the auction. Do you regret it?” A flicker of annoyance crossed Evelyn’s face, but it vanished instantly. “No regrets. Owen and I are true love.” Facing the camera, Evelyn adjusted her posture, revealing her snow-white swan neck. That perfectly measured vulnerability on her face was textbook acting. “Actually, I truly don’t care about diamond rings.” Her voice was soft, like a feather brushing against a heart, with a slight tremor. “Owen and I are never held together by material things. Our story, our connection, began with that devastating fire three years ago.” The host immediately sat up straight. This was big news. Everyone in the city knew Owen had miraculously survived a fire three years ago, but exactly who saved him had always been a mystery. Evelyn took a deep breath, seemingly lost in memory. “Everyone knows Owen was gravely injured then. The fire was too intense. Everyone was running out, but I…I went against the crowd, running back inside. I’m a weak woman. I can’t even open a bottle cap normally. But in that moment, I had only one thought. Even if I died, I’d die with him.” I was sipping lemon water and almost choked laughing. Can’t twist open a bottle cap? The last time she was at the mall, fighting for a limited edition handbag, Evelyn shoved two sales assistants aside, almost making them fall. On screen, Evelyn carefully took a velvet box from her handbag and opened it. Inside lay half of a broken antique silver pendant, engraved with a family crest. Even in its fractured state, its quality was unmistakable. The break was jagged, violent, as if torn apart by sheer force. “This pendant…” Evelyn’s eyes instantly shimmered with tears that hovered, refusing to fall. “It was my mother’s protective charm. It broke the day I saved Owen.” “Though it’s only half now, to me, it’s infinitely more precious than any hundred-million-dollar diamond. Because it witnessed the moment we almost died… together. It’s proof of what I risked my life for.” The camera, understanding the moment, zoomed in for a close-up. The half-pendant gleamed coldly in the light. screen, the host was already dabbing her eyes, overcome. “Oh, Ms. Evelyn…you’re a true heroine! This is a real-life fairy tale! Can you share…how did the pendant break?” Evelyn delicately blotted the corner of her eye, her voice thick with manufactured emotion. “The smoke was too thick. I was trying to pull Owen to safety, and I…I fell. My strength just gave out. The pendant struck the edge of a step.” ” I couldn’t find the other half. Owen was fading, so I pressed this piece into his hand. I told him, ‘This is my guardian charm. It will keep you safe.’” At the emotional peak, she lifted her gaze, letting it lock steadily with the camera. “Later, when Owen recovered, he returned it to me. He said it wasn’t just a token. It was half my life. And he promised to spend his life guarding this half, and guarding me.” “Wow!” The studio audience erupted in applause and gasps. The online chat went wild. “A fairy-tale romance! This must be why Mr. Owen is so devoted to Evelyn!” “Now this is the true grace of a lady of the house, who is that ex-wife Aurora anyway?” “Evelyn is so inspiring, I’ve soaked a whole pack of tissues.” I stared at the enlarged, broken pendant on the screen. My pupils contracted. A sharp, sudden pain detonated behind my eyes. Clatter. The glass slipped, shattered on the carpet, lemon water soaking my dress. I pressed my temples. That pendant…that break… Deep in my mind, a rusted lock was smashed open. Excruciating pain. Then, a scalding tide. Memories were no longer fragments, but vivid, burning reality, surging in a relentless torrent. Fire, dense smoke, the searing pain of a collapsing beam, shielding a blurry figure beneath me, and the cold, turning back of a woman… “Hiss…” My hand flew to my temple as a cold sweat broke across my forehead. Ding! Host has touched a ‘Core Memory Trigger Point’. System Alert: Memory restoration in progress…20% complete.

Aurora POV That fire three years ago not only destroyed half the train station but also burned away parts of my memory. The images deep in my mind gradually pieced together, no longer fragmented, but a coherent reality laced with searing heat. My mother died young, my father’s business failed, and he fell ill, never recovering. On his deathbed, he penned a letter with trembling hands, telling me I absolutely had to deliver it to Owen’s grandfather in person. “Aurora,” my father had said, “Owen’s grandfather is an old acquaintance, and my benefactor. He will look after you.” But as soon as I got off the train, before I could even glimpse the city’s grandeur, I was swept into a hellish inferno. I remembered carrying someone, heavy, their weight making my spine protest. Was it the fifth or sixth person I’d rescued? I couldn’t remember. I just recalled a splintering crash above me as I neared the exit. I instinctively shielded the person on my back, and then, with a deafening roar, the world plunged into darkness. When I awoke, I was in a sterile, antiseptic-smelling hospital bed, a sharp, persistent ache in my jaw. When the nurse changed my dressing, she forgot to cover the mirror beside me. To my horror, I saw that my once delicate face now bore a hideous, centipede-like scar on the left side of my jaw. In that moment, my world had shattered. If not for my father’s letter, I probably would have found some secluded town to live out my remaining days in obscurity. With the letter, and this ruined face, I found the Owen family. Owen’s grandfather read the letter, tears streaming down his face – genuine grief. “My old friend, you were too stubborn!” The old man cried, slapping his thigh. “You saved my life, I owe you my life!” That was the day I first met Owen. He had also just recovered from the fire, his arm still bandaged, his stern face etched with pure defiance. The old man’s decision was immediate. “Owen, this is the daughter of my friend, our family’s benefactor. You will marry her.” Owen sneered, his gaze a cold blade scraping across the scar on my face, his disgust bare and deliberate. “Grandpa, have you lost your mind? Marry her? My savior is Evelyn, and the only person I’ll marry is Evelyn!” “You insolent child! We don’t even know for certain who saved you!” The old man’s cane struck the floor with furious, staccato blows. “That Evelyn is a liar through and through! Mark my words, she is trouble! Aurora is an excellent girl, the daughter of my benefactor. This marriage is final! Refuse, and you can forget about inheriting the Owen Group in three years!” For the billions in family wealth, Owen compromised. But all his resentment poured out onto me. On our wedding day, he didn’t get me a ring, and he wouldn’t even take a single photo with me. For three years after, he never took me to any public events. I was a transparent shadow in the Owen household. I was so foolish back then, my self-esteem shattered by this face. I felt like a defective product, and I was grateful that Owen would give me a home, even if it was an ice-cold prison. I tried to be a perfect wife, managing the household, enduring his cold sarcasm, enduring his nights spent with Evelyn instead of me. I thought his heart would eventually soften. Until the day Owen secured the family inheritance. His first act was to fling the divorce papers in my face. Like a receding tide, the past washed away. My eyes snapped open, vision sharpening back onto the TV screen. On screen, Evelyn was still maudlinly flaunting that half of my pendant. I picked up my phone and called Sophia. “Get me a spot,” I said, my voice low. Outside, city lights bled into the room, their neon glow reflecting in my eyes like twin flames. “I hear The Lady’s Code is casting a challenge guest.” Sophia hesitated. “They are. But that’s a skills-based show. Evelyn’s a regular. You’d just be her foil.” “Her foil?” “No. I’m going to make her wish she’d never been born.” Ding. Host detected generating ‘Fierce Revenge and Ambition’. System Mission: Participate in ‘The Lady’s Code’ and completely overshadow Evelyn in your debut. Mission Reward: ‘All-Round Talent Shop’ unlocked. I hung up and stared intently at my reflection in the mirror.. Evelyn. Owen. Are you ready for the hell?

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I was Elara, the false heiress of the Montgomery family. To clear the path for their real daughter to marry her true love, my adoptive family forced me into an arranged marriage. My groom was her infamous, ruthless fiancé, Dominic Thorne. On my wedding day, everyone pitied me. But my only concern was the secret life growing inside me. Just as Father Michael asked if I would take him as my husband, I heard a voice from within my womb. “Mom, say yes! Do it now, or your self-righteous sister wins!” “You think you are entering hell. But Dominic has loved you in secret for ten years!” “Your sweet, caring true love is a fraud. He is marrying Seraphina Montgomery only to steal the family fortune.” “Say yes. Or tonight, both of us will be staged as an accident and drowned in the river.” I snapped my head up and stared at the man everyone called ruthless and cold. I stood beneath the harsh glare of the spotlights. Father Michael’s solemn vows hummed in my ears. “Miss Elara, do you take Mr. Dominic Thorne to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward…” Did I? My hand moved instinctively to my stomach, where a three-month-old life pulsed softly. My baby. Jasper’s and mine. For him, I had to refuse. I couldn’t chain myself to that tyrant, Dominic, and drag us both into ruin. Below the stage, my gentle Jasper Hayes watched me with a look that carved through my heart. Beside him, my so-called sister Seraphina held his arm with quiet possession, a smile of pure victory already curving her lips. I drew a slow breath, poised to voice that single, defiant word: No. “Mom! Have you lost your mind?! Just say ‘I do’!” A tiny, urgent voice detonated inside my skull. My body stiffened. I instinctively scanned my surroundings. Who was speaking? “Stop searching! It’s me, the best kid you’ll ever have, right here in your belly!” “Oh my God, you’re not seriously thinking of backing out for that scumbag down there, are you? He was with Seraphina in the green room this morning. He said once you marry Dominic, that living nightmare, you’ll be driven insane within three months. Then he’d sweep in like a hero, ‘rescue’ you, and ‘deal with’ you and your baby for good.” What? My mind went blank. An icy hand seemed to clamp around my heart, choking off my air. Jasper…wants to ‘deal with’ us? No. That’s impossible. He loves me. He promised to wait, to find a way to save me from this. “Love-struck idiot, you’re unbelievable! Mom, open your eyes! If he loved you, would he have knocked up Seraphina? Would he have shoved you into this marriage with Dominic?” “Oh, wait. My bad. Seraphina’s baby…isn’t even his.” My head jerked up. My gaze locked onto the ‘perfect couple’ in the front row. Seraphina was pregnant too. With that child, she had finally secured her engagement to Jasper. And I, the false heiress who had stolen her place for eighteen years, was nothing but a peace offering from the Montgomerys to the Thornes, neatly packaged and delivered. “Her baby? It belongs to your dear brother, Arthur Montgomery. Tsk, what a mess. A sister pregnant by her own brother, then marrying some outside fling? Your family certainly knows how to have a good time.” The sheer volume of revelations stunned me. How could this be? It was utterly absurd! “And there’s more! You think you’re marrying hell, but this is heaven. The man before you, Dominic, has loved you secretly for ten years. Since high school. Every gift you ever gave Jasper, he threw in the trash. And every time, that poor fool Dominic would retrieve them and cherish each one like a treasure.” “Say yes, now. If you hesitate any longer, Jasper will activate his backup plan. He has already arranged everything. Tonight, he will stage an accident to ensure both of us end up dead at the bottom of the river. Then he will not only claim compensation from the Thornes but also smoothly take over the Montgomery family. He plans to kill three birds with one stone.” An icy dread shot from my feet to the crown of my head. I felt all the blood in my veins turn to ice. My supposed great love was nothing but a carefully laid trap. And the abyss I feared was, in fact, my only path to survival. Father Michael, seeing my prolonged silence, repeated. “Miss Elara, will you-” “Wait.” A clear, cold voice cut through his words. It was Dominic. The man who had not spoken a single word since the ceremony began finally turned his head to look at me. His features were carved from ice, devoid of all warmth. Yet in those unfathomably dark eyes, I thought I caught a flicker of something… nervousness? “If you don’t want this, you can leave right now,” he said. A murmur rippled through the crowd. Jasper’s fists clenched instantly, and Seraphina’s smile froze on her face. I saw Jasper’s lips form the silent command: Elara, refuse him. “Mom! Don’t buy his act! Walk out today, and they’ll fish us out of the river tomorrow. He’s banking on you being too afraid of a public scene to actually do it!” I closed my eyes. When I opened them,  all the despair and grief had been forged into icy hatred. I met Dominic’s gaze, then, under the shocked stares of everyone present, I spoke each word, clear as a bell. “I do.”

The wedding concluded in an unsettling silence. Dominic drove me directly to his secluded villa in the hills. The entire ride was filled with a deathly silence. Several times, I wanted to ask him about the ‘ten-year secret crush’ rumor, but looking at his profile, colder than an iceberg, all my words got stuck in my throat. Maybe the Little One wasn’t entirely right. Secretly in love with me for ten years? Impossible. A man like Dominic, at the pinnacle of power, could have any woman he wanted. Why would he waste his time on a fake heiress like me? The villa was vast, decorated in minimalist cool tones, so empty it lacked any warmth, much like its owner. “Your room is over there.” Dominic pointed to a guest room at the end of the hall, his voice devoid of warmth. “Our marriage is merely a contract, for one year. During this year, stay in your lane, don’t cause me trouble. After a year, I’ll give you a sum of money, and we’ll be even.” My heart sank. The faint spark of hope that had ignited at the wedding, after saying ‘I do,’ was completely extinguished by his cold words. Just as I’d thought, I’d been delusional. “Okay,” I murmured, preparing to go upstairs. “Wait,” he called out again. I turned back, a flicker of hope I hadn’t even recognized myself stirring within me. He pulled a black card from his pocket and tossed it onto the console table in the entryway. “No pin, spend as you wish.” Then, he walked directly into his study, not sparing me another glance. I stood frozen, feeling like a commodity with a price tag. Humiliation, embarrassment, and a flicker of unidentifiable disappointment washed over me. Just then, my phone rang, an ill-timed interruption. It was Mrs. Montgomery. I pressed ‘answer.’ Before I could even speak, a barrage of reprimands rained down on me. “Elara, have your wings grown, have they? Get your butt back here tomorrow, immediately!” “Mrs. Montgomery, is there something wrong?” I gripped my phone tighter. “Wrong? Your sister is heartbroken over your little stunt with Dominic! Even with Jasper, she can’t bring herself to eat. And you, as her older sister-shouldn’t you be here, comforting her? Let me make this clear. If you hadn’t stolen eighteen years of Seraphina’s life, she wouldn’t be going through this hell!” Her every word was like a needle, sharply piercing my heart. “Seraphina is the true Montgomery heiress, and Jasper was always meant for her! You’re nothing but a fraud, and marrying into the Thorne family is a blessing you don’t deserve, so don’t you dare be ungrateful!” “I…” Humiliation burned. I bit my lower lip, almost agreeing. A large, strong hand, knuckles prominent, suddenly reached over my shoulder and took my phone. I gasped, turning to meet Dominic’s icy gaze. I hadn’t even noticed him emerge from the study. He brought the phone to his ear. I only heard him speak in a chilling, unquestionable tone: “The Thorne family doesn’t apologize to anyone.” Mrs. Montgomery on the other end seemed stunned, then her voice turned sickly sweet. “Mr. Thorne, I… I didn’t mean it like that. I just wanted Elara to come home and visit…” “My wife,” Dominic cut her off, “from today forward, her only duty is to take care of herself. As for comforting others, she’s busy, and I won’t allow it.” He hung up abruptly, handing my phone back. Throughout the entire exchange, his expression remained unchanged. After that, he turned to the waiting butler. “Prepare a light supper for my wife.” Then, without another backward glance, he ascended the stairs. I stood there, dumbfounded, my heart pounding uncontrollably. “Hehe, Mom, I told you! He’s just a big softie underneath!” “His words sound so harsh, but his actions are louder than anyone’s. He wasn’t reading a single word in his study just now; he was totally eavesdropping on us! The second he heard you being bullied, he rushed right out!” “He’s blushing! Definitely blushing!”

The early pregnancy symptoms were tormenting me. I had planned to tough it out, but Dominic turned out to be even more anxious than me. The next morning, he practically dragged me out of bed and insisted on taking me to his private hospital for a prenatal check-up. “I’m not going, I’m fine,” I protested, struggling. “Quiet,” he commanded in an unquestionable tone. “This child isn’t yours alone.” I froze. Was he… willing to accept this child? My heart fluttered with unease the entire ride. At the hospital, just as we stepped out of the car, we ran straight into an unexpected pair. Jasper was meticulously supporting Seraphina, who leaned weakly into his embrace, her face pale, looking utterly fragile and helpless. Speak of the devil. “Elara?” Jasper froze when he saw me, then his face contorted into an expression of profound tenderness and pain. He released Seraphina and hurried toward me. “Elara, what are you doing here? Is he… is he treating you badly? You look so pale.” As he spoke, Seraphina immediately reddened her eyes, whimpering plaintively. “Elara, don’t blame Jasper. He’s just worried about you. Are you… are you okay? Mr. Thorne, he hasn’t been difficult, has he?” Her ‘innocent’ act made my stomach churn with nausea. “Whether I’m fine or not is none of your concern,” I replied, my voice icy. A flash of pained surprise crossed Jasper’s face. “Elara, how can you say that? I know you’re still angry with me. But don’t worry. I’ll find a way to get you out of this mess soon.” As he spoke, he reached out to me, seemingly trying to take my arm. His hypocritical face made me want to throw up. “Mom! Don’t let him touch you! Absolutely not!” In my mind, the Little One’s voice suddenly turned shrill and terrified. “He has a syringe in his pocket! It’s full of high-dose abortion drugs! He wants to inject you with it when he grabs you, then fake an accidental miscarriage and blame everything on Dad!” My pupils instantly constricted. I gasped, stumbling backward a large step, and bumped into a solid chest. Dominic had appeared behind me without me noticing. One arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me securely into his embrace. He noticed my distress. “What’s wrong?” he asked, looking down at me, a hint of barely perceptible tension in his voice. Still shaken, I couldn’t utter a word, only clinging desperately to his sleeve. Dominic looked up, his icy gaze piercing Jasper. Jasper’s hand, still suspended in mid-air, froze awkwardly. “Mr. Hayes,” Dominic began, each word laced with ice, “extending your hand so far, are you trying to interfere with my family affairs?” Jasper’s face instantly turned ashen. “Mr. Thorne, you misunderstand, I was just concerned for Elara, she looked unwell.” “Concern?” Dominic scoffed. “My wife’s well-being is not a matter for strangers to concern themselves with.” He wrapped his arm around me and turned to leave. Just as he brushed past Jasper, he paused, speaking in a voice only the three of us could hear: “Jasper, control your hands. Next time, I won’t hesitate to cut them off for you.” The sheer menace in his voice made even me shiver. My body was still trembling even after we stepped into the elevator. Dominic didn’t say anything, only pulling me closer. “Whoa! Dad’s so cool! Total boyfriend material!” “Mom, did you see? That scumbag Jasper’s face went completely green! Serves him right! Mess with my mom, and you’re dead!”

The Montgomery family hosted a dinner, claiming it was to mend fences. Mrs. Montgomery’s voice on the phone had been dripping with sincerity, saying she knew she was wrong, and Seraphina knew too, begging me for a chance to make amends. Dominic answered the call. I thought he’d refuse, just like last time. But to my surprise, he said. “Fine, we’ll be there on time.” I looked at him, puzzled. He only said. “Some things need to be settled face-to-face.” I understood then; he wanted to stand up for me. But I never imagined this so-called family dinner was actually a meticulously prepared grave for me. In the dining room, the Montgomery family was effusively welcoming, more than ever before. Mr. Montgomery clapped Dominic on the shoulder, calling him ‘good son-in-law’ repeatedly. Arthur Montgomery also came over, feigning friendliness, to offer a toast, but his hypocritical eyes kept darting to my stomach. I just felt sick. After a few rounds of drinks, Mrs. Montgomery herself carried a bowl of soup to me. “Elara, dear, this is a calming soup I personally made for you. Drink it while it’s warm. I was wrong before, please don’t take it to heart.” She smiled with such maternal affection, as if I were her own daughter. I stared at the dark, murky liquid in the bowl, a sinister premonition washing over me. “Don’t drink it! Mom! It’s abortion poison! A hundred times stronger than what Jasper prepared last time!” The Little One’s frantic scream drilled into my brain like an electric drill. “They’re in league with Jasper! They want you to drink it in front of everyone, then pin the murder of the Montgomery grandchild on you and Dad! They’re insane!” My hands and feet instantly went cold. I snapped my head up, my gaze sweeping past Mrs. Montgomery’s hypocritical face, to an unfolding scene nearby. Seraphina and Jasper stood side-by-side at the top of the stairs on the second floor. She leaned against the railing, looking down at me with a condescending, utterly venomous smile. In that instant, everything clicked. It was a death trap. A no-win situation. Either I drank this poisoned soup and both the baby and I perished. Or, even if I avoided the soup, they’d force me to the stairs under some other pretext, and Seraphina would ‘accidentally’ push me down, leading to the same outcome. They had calculated every move. Today, I was trapped, unable to escape. All eyes were on me. Mrs. Montgomery still gently urged. “Elara, why aren’t you drinking? It’s getting cold.” Upstairs, Jasper watched me with an expectant, amused gaze. Dominic seemed to sense something, beginning to rise. But it was too late. I looked at the soup, then at that despicable pair by the stairs. The last shred of illusion I held for this family shattered completely. Fine. If you want my life so badly, then I’ll give it to you. Under everyone’s shocked gazes, I picked up the bowl. Then I whirled and flung the scalding contents straight into the face of Jasper, who stood nearest. Amid his raw scream, I didn’t pause. I used every ounce of strength I had, charging like a madwoman towards the stairs. Seraphina’s triumphant smile hadn’t yet dissolved before she saw me barreling toward her like a wrecking ball. She shrieked in terror, instinctively trying to push me away. But I wasn’t aiming for her at all. Just one step from her, I pivoted. I threw my full weight, not at her, but against the unforgiving wooden banister. Then I fell. The world spun. Excruciating pain ripped through my entire body. With my last bit of strength, I fiercely shielded my belly. Blood spread beneath me, staining my white gown crimson. Before consciousness completely faded, I saw the horrified faces of the Montgomery family, the ashen lips of Seraphina and Jasper, and Dominic rushing towards me, his face a mask of agony. I looked at them, my heart utterly calm. This life, I’m giving it back to you. From now on, we owe each other nothing.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “335418”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn

In the supermarket, my daughter unwrapped a chocolate before we’d paid. I immediately took her to the checkout to apologize and offered to pay. But the cashier pointed at the security monitor and screamed. “So you’re the thief who’s been stealing thousands of dollars worth of my merchandise!” Then she threw an invoice in my face. “$15,000! Pay now, or I’m calling the police!” I bit back my anger but couldn’t help arguing. “But this is our first time here today.” She crossed her arms, scanning me with blatant contempt. “My husband owns this whole street. Pay up, or I’ll have him sue you!” I laughed, a dry, joyless sound. How was it I didn’t know my husband had another wife? Just last month, the rent for every shop on this street was deposited into my account. Every cent, on time. She stood there, arms crossed, chin held high, her voice dripping with contempt. “Stop pretending. Look at yourself, dressed in cheap rags, you’re clearly trash. No wonder you raised a thief!” “You’re not leaving until you pay. Otherwise, I’ll have my husband send you both straight to jail!” With that, she lunged forward and grabbed for my daughter at my daughter. “Mommy, I’m scared…” My daughter, terrified, hid behind me, her small face pressed into my pant leg, trembling slightly. I glared fiercely at Tiffany and slapped her hand away before she could grab my daughter again. Then, I quickly bent down and scooped my daughter into my arms. Feeling her tiny body tremble, a fierce anger flared in my chest. “Pull up the surveillance footage, now.” I let my gaze drop to the name on her tag, my voice steady. “Tiffany, stick to the facts. If you’re so certain my daughter is a regular thief, pull up all the footage. Show me conclusive proof, and I’ll pay ten times the price.” I know my daughter. She’s three. She can’t even tie her shoes. And this is the first time we’ve ever stepped foot in this place. Tiffany’s eyes flickered. She then scanned us up and down with disgust, placed her hands on her hips, and sneered. “Footage? You think you can just demand that? Who do you think you are?” “In this store, I make the rules. We caught you. Pay now, or I’m calling my husband to have his men deal with you.” Her voice rose, sharp and carrying. “Everyone! Take a look! A thief and her little thief-in-training! A whole family of crooks!” Her shout drew the handful of customers in the store. They quickly gathered, a murmuring circle of onlookers, fingers pointing, eyes darting between me and my daughter. An older woman with a perm scoffed and shook her head. “Stealing so young, and the parent’s not even ashamed.” Another woman waiting in line nodded, her voice pitched high with judgment. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If the mother had any morals, the child wouldn’t be a thief!” A younger woman from a nearby couple wrinkled her nose and tugged her boyfriend’s arm. “Disgusting. We come for milk and run into a crime scene. Let’s move before their vibe gets on us.” Her boyfriend’s gaze raked over my clothes, his lip curling. “Just look at her. Can’t even dress decently. Probably taught the kid to steal ’cause she’s broke. Pathetic.” Emboldened by the crowd’s murmurs, Tiffany swelled with self-righteous fury. She seized the moment, her voice swelling to a roar. “See? It’s downright cruel! Some women have no business being mothers! Too lazy to make an honest living, so they turn their own flesh and blood into little thieves. Kids raised like that are nothing but future leeches on society.” “I bet she’s a career thief. If she doesn’t pay today, we should strip her and march her down the street. Let everyone see what a real thief looks like!” Tiffany’s eyes raked over me as she spoke, hot with a vicious hunger, as if she were already picturing it. The whispers from the crowd felt like poisoned knives, stabbing me all over. Every word was laced with the most vicious prejudice and mockery, as if they wanted to nail my daughter and me to a pillar of shame, ensuring we’d never recover. “I didn’t steal anything.” Lily sniffled in my arms, tears dripping down. “Mommy, I really just unwrapped the chocolate by accident. I know I was wrong.” “But I really didn’t mean to.” Of course, I knew my daughter hadn’t meant to. And right from the start, I had offered to pay. It was Tiffany who was being greedy, refusing to listen to reason. I kissed my daughter’s forehead, then turned to Tiffany, my gaze turning icy cold. “I’ve already told you, my daughter unwrapped the chocolate by mistake, and when we came to the checkout, I immediately offered to pay. It’s you who is baselessly accusing us of stealing $15,000 worth of merchandise. I’m giving you one last chance: apologize now, or you’ll regret it.” Tiffany laughed as if she’d heard the funniest joke, her gums clearly visible. “Are you kidding me? Apologize? Can’t you see everyone here knows the truth? Who do you think they’re talking about? Apologize to you? You’re dreaming!” I clenched my fists, taking a deep breath. My head was starting to ache terribly. Then I spoke coldly, “You won’t apologize, fine. Then pull up the surveillance footage!” “If you can’t pull up the footage, then call whoever is in charge here, and let them pull it up! Or call your husband, that works too!” I quietly turned on my phone’s recording function, then found a stool to sit on, holding my daughter close and gently comforting her. My daughter couldn’t stop sobbing. “Mommy, I want to go home…” “Don’t be scared, sweetheart,” I gently wiped away her tears. “Once we get this sorted, Mommy will take you home.” Seeing me and my daughter calmly seated on the chair, Tiffany frowned. Then, as if an idea struck her, her expression changed, and she immediately plastered on a honey-sweet smile, pulling out her phone and dialing. “Hello? Honey, there’s trouble at the store, and a thief kid with her mom! Come quick, please.” Hanging up, she wagged her phone triumphantly. She slammed her hand on the counter, making the snack jars buzz. “My husband will be here any minute! This whole street belongs to him! You two are finished!” “Unless you apologize to me now and pay $100,000, I’ll call the police immediately and send you straight to jail!”

Was she crazy? Watching Tiffany’s ugly, greedy face, I almost laughed out loud. How could someone just make up prices like that? But before I could retort, my daughter was already crying hysterically, gasping for breath. After all, I’m an adult, I can handle the psychological pressure. But Lily was only three. The whispers and accusations from the crowd, and all the judgmental stares, were too much for her small body to bear. My daughter was crying uncontrollably, sobbing and clinging tightly to my leg. “Mommy, I’m scared… let’s go home… please, can we go home?” My heart ached as I squatted down to hug my daughter, gently patting her back, constantly reassuring her. It was then that a woman in a business suit, with long, wavy, tea-colored hair, walked in, carrying the latest Chanel bag. As soon as she entered, she frowned. “Tiffany, what’s going on? All this shouting.” Seeing who it was, Tiffany immediately said proudly, “My husband is a CEO and he’s too busy, so he sent his secretary, Scarlett, to help me!” “You’re finally here! This mother and daughter stole thousands of dollars worth of snacks from our store, and I just asked them to pay, but they not only refused, they tried to argue and accuse me of framing them! And they tried to hit me!” The woman’s face instantly darkened at her words. She immediately walked to the surveillance screen, glanced at it, and pointed at several blurry, unidentifiable small figures at different time segments. She then turned to me and said, “See for yourself, who else could this be but your daughter?” “Wearing a pink jacket, with a ponytail, exactly like this little thief next to you. The evidence is conclusive, what more do you have to say?” “Just pay the amount Tiffany asked for, or I’ll have my boss, the owner of this street, kick you off this street and never allow you to step foot here again!” I looked at the footage she pulled up and couldn’t help but sneer. That pink jacket looked nothing like my daughter’s, except for being pink. And there were countless little girls with ponytails across the country. Could they really condemn us based on such blurry footage? Besides, during those time segments she pulled up, my daughter and I were on vacation in Bali! I took a deep breath, just about to reveal my identity and tell them exactly whose property this street truly was, and expose that the woman wasn’t my husband’s secretary. But Tiffany suddenly stepped forward and shoved my daughter to the ground. “Stop dragging your feet! Pay up, or I won’t be so nice!” My daughter fell, and the soft palm of her hand instantly scraped, leaving a trail of blood. My rage instantly ignited. I swung my hand and slapped Tiffany across the face. “Who gave you permission to touch my daughter?” She froze, stunned by the slap, then let out a piercing shriek that almost tore through the roof. “You Bitch, who gave you permission to hit me?! I’ll fight you to the death!” With that, Tiffany waved her long, manicured nails, flailing her arms as she lunged at me. But her hand didn’t even touch me; I sidestepped, dodging her. Tiffany lost her balance and fell to the ground, becoming even more furious. “You dare to dodge?!” “I can’t touch you, but I can touch the little one! I’ll rip her face to shreds! I’ll make her just like you, learning bad habits at a young age! A thief when she’s little, and a cheap hooker when she grows up!” She yelled, reaching out again to grab my daughter. My daughter cried even harder, terrified. Seeing my daughter’s pale face, I immediately shielded her behind me, my eyes as cold as ice as I looked at Tiffany. “Try to touch her again.” “First, the amount you claim we stole keeps changing, from $1,500 to $100,000. Which is it? Are you playing some kind of price-gouging game?” “Second, watch your language. My daughter picked up a chocolate. From the moment I realized it, I offered to pay. There was no attempt to avoid payment. What you’re doing is extortion, plain and simple.” “I should be the one calling the police to arrest you!” Tiffany’s eyes darted nervously.

Her gaze flickered wildly, darting left and right. “Scarlett, listen to me…” The other woman only smiled, a faint, cold curve of her lips. Then she haughtily tilted her head back. She cast a scornful glance at me. “My sister doesn’t need anyone else to criticize her!” No wonder she was defending Tiffany so fiercely; they were sisters! “My sister says you stole it, so you definitely stole it!” “What’s a pair of thieves got to argue about?! And you had the nerve to lay a hand on someone! Let me make one thing clear: on this street, nobody talks to us sisters that way.” “A hundred grand is nothing. If my sister said a million, you’d pay it. This whole block belongs to her husband! His connections run deeper than anyone’s in this city. You don’t pay today, you’re going to jail. And I’ll make sure you can’t get hired to sweep a floor in this town. You’ll be finished here. Washed up. And you’ll crawl out of this city with nothing.” This was truly amusing. I couldn’t help but laugh. As the heir to a family with hundreds of millions in assets, it was the first time anyone had ever told me to get lost. But my smile froze before it could fully form. Tiffany swung her handbag and violently slammed it into my face. “Bitch! What are you laughing at?!” The metal zipper clasp swiftly cut a gash across my face, drawing blood. “Blood… Mommy… Mommy’s face is bleeding.” My daughter’s sobs paused, then erupted even more fiercely. “Daddy… I want to go home. Mommy, let’s go home. Let Daddy hit her… bad woman, she’s hurting you.” I believe in an eye for an eye. With my daughter’s cries ringing in my ears, I grabbed a handful of Tiffany’s long hair. I aimed for her elaborately made-up face and slapped her, hard, not once but several times. I yanked her hair hard, pulling her body flush against mine. Let me tell you something. Growing up, I didn’t just have wealth. I had strength, and I knew exactly how to use it. “No one has ever laid a hand on me. Who do you think you are, hitting me?” With that, I swung my palm again, giving her cheeks an even, matching swell. The surrounding whispers cut off, plunging the scene into dead silence. Then a powerful force struck me from behind. I was kicked hard, sending me sprawling to the ground.

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The city’s billionaire mogul publicly announced his search for all 100 children born from his past sperm donations. My best friend, Leo Maxwell, knew he was one of them and was thrilled to claim kinship. I, Liam Blackwood, kindly advised him that the mogul was gravely ill, and his search might have ulterior motives. I told him to observe the situation first. Leo listened, holding back from connecting with him. Later, the mogul died, and all the recognized children inherited millions. Leo, convinced I had cost him his fortune, ruthlessly stabbed me to death. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day Leo came to tell me he was the billionaire’s son. I was shaken awake roughly, my body jolting. Opening my eyes again, I saw my best friend, Leo, beaming with excitement by my bed, rousing me. “Dude, you won’t believe it! I’m actually the billionaire’s son!” I felt a dizzying sense of déjà vu, instinctively pulling back, avoiding his closeness. My hand went to my throat. The suffocating memory of Leo, in a fit of madness, plunging a knife into my jugular, made it hard to breathe. Just like in my previous life, Leo wildly gesticulated as he told me his biological father couldn’t have children due to low sperm count. Through some means, the couple acquired high-quality sperm and had him via IVF. And just yesterday, Mr. Sterling Thorne, the city’s mogul, had publicly released his sperm donation information, stating he wanted to find and acknowledge all children who shared his genes. Every child who claimed kinship would gain inheritance rights to his estate. “My genetic information matches Mr. Thorne’s exactly! I’m his son! Liam, should I go claim him as my father or not?” Leo stared at me, his face alight with wild joy. He’d always been a penny-pincher, and in college, his only ambition was to hook up with a rich woman so he could live a lavish life. But rich women rarely lacked male attention, and Leo was usually just a casual fling for them. That’s why, in my previous life, once Leo learned he was the billionaire’s son, he immediately wanted to claim kinship, to fulfill his dream of being a trust fund baby. However, I knew the mogul was gravely ill, and that he had a staggering 100 children born from his sperm donations. Concerned for Leo’s safety, I kindly advised him not to rush. “I heard many wealthy people use sperm donation to cultivate their mobile blood banks and natural organ supply stations. Plus, he didn’t try to find his kids earlier, only now that he’s seriously ill. You should really wait and see.” At the time, Leo had been dismissive. It wasn’t until he heard that several children who had gone to claim kinship had mysteriously disappeared that he gripped my hand, looking terrified, and said, “Thank goodness you warned me in time! Otherwise, I would have been finished!” Yet, it was this same person, who had expressed such gratitude, who later, after failing to charm the wealthy Scarlett Dubois and hearing that the mogul’s recognized children *did* inherit property, blamed me for blocking his path to riches. On my birthday, he lunged at my throat with a knife, stabbing me again and again, his voice choked with hatred: “If you hadn’t stopped me! I’d be a rich kid already! Scarlett wouldn’t have dumped me, and I wouldn’t be living this pathetic life!” “Liam! It’s all your fault! Just die!” But what he didn’t know was this: In my previous life, on the day he killed me, The police had just announced the scam. The mogul’s sperm donation was real, but the claims of kinship were fake. All the recognized children were just lab rats for a medical experiment. The inheritance rights were real, but the mogul’s illness and death were fake. He had already transferred all his assets, simply waiting for the scam to unravel before faking his death. What he left behind wasn’t millions in inheritance, but millions in debt. And I hadn’t had the chance to tell Leo any of this before I died by his knife. The image of Leo’s eyes, brimming with vengeful satisfaction in my memory, overlapped with the fervent gaze of the Leo standing before me now. This time, I offered no more warnings. I just curled my lips into a slight smile: “Congrats.” I chose to respect his destiny.

Leo’s face was smug, as if he could already see his glorious future as a trust fund baby. “Tomorrow, I’m going to the testing agency mentioned in the mogul’s announcement for a blood test. Once I’m a rich kid, I can live anywhere I want!” He glanced around our apartment with disdain, pursing his lips. “When that happens, I’ll have my dad get me a mansion. I won’t be cramming into this run-down, cramped apartment with you anymore. It’s beneath me.” I scoffed inwardly. When Leo couldn’t find a job and had no income, he came begging to share this apartment with me, a very different look on his face then. Moreover, while it was technically a shared lease, Leo hadn’t paid a single month’s rent. He never lifted a finger for any housework, from sweeping and washing dishes to hanging laundry and taking out the trash. Each time, I had to ask him, and he’d begrudgingly do chores, calling it “helping” me. Thinking back on all those years of thankless effort, I wanted to slap myself. It would be great if he moved out. That way, if anything went wrong, he couldn’t pin it on me again. I quickly nodded. “You’re absolutely right! This neighborhood isn’t nearly good enough for your status. Your billionaire dad should get you dozens of huge houses!” “Definitely!” Leo visibly puffed up at my flattery. “And don’t say I never gave you a chance to show your appreciation. Drive me to that testing agency tomorrow.” I raised an eyebrow, quickly declining. “My car’s been in the shop for days. Why don’t you have your girlfriend drive you? Knowing your true identity, you’re not afraid she’d break up with you now, right?” My words hit a nerve with Leo. He’d recently been dating a wealthy woman, constantly showing off designer watches she’d bought him. But he also knew she looked down on him for having no background, and it was just a casual thing. Leo’s unhappy expression instantly shifted back to a smug one. “What can you earn with that crappy hospital job of yours? No common sense at all. Fine, my girlfriend can barely be considered on my level now, so having her drive me and see things for herself might be good.” With that, he strutted back into his room, brimming with self-satisfaction. In my previous life, after his sugar mama had enough of him, she unceremoniously dumped him. He went to her company to cause a scene and ended up encountering her new, much younger boyfriend. This new guy, eager to impress, immediately started punching and kicking Leo, calling him a pathetic loser trying to snag a trophy wife. Back then, I was foolish enough to try and reason with him. But Leo didn’t blame the sugar mama; instead, he blamed me entirely for stopping him from claiming kinship. He believed I had ruined his chance at a wealthy life and swore to never let me go. This time, I wouldn’t interfere with his choices. Watching Leo close his bedroom door, I immediately messaged my boss to request time off and booked a moving company. The next day, while Leo was out, I packed and moved all my personal belongings, leaving only the common area furniture. As for what Leo would do when the rental contract expired, That was no longer my concern. Following the principle of avoiding misery, when you encounter toxic people, distance yourself immediately instead of getting entangled!

After a frantic morning, I finally settled all my belongings into my new place when I received another call from Leo. “I came here for my test today, and they gave me a packet of pills. They said I have to take them all before I can claim kinship. Aren’t you a medical student? Hurry up and check if these pills are safe.” Listening to Leo’s demanding tone, I felt a chill in my heart. Leo used to be like this all the time. Just because I was a doctor, he constantly demanded that I get his relatives priority appointments, even hoping I’d pay for their treatments out of my own pocket. Every time I went out of my way to help them, Leo took it for granted and never even said thank you. “That falls under lab testing, and these pills are from your dad’s Everlife Pharmaceutical Group. If you want a detailed analysis of the ingredients, the testing fee would be at least ten thousand.” At my words, Leo immediately got agitated. “Aren’t you a doctor?! Liam, I considered you my best friend, and you’re talking about money with me now!” I sneered inwardly. Leo clearly felt something was off, so he instinctively came to me for reassurance, so that if anything went wrong, he could conveniently pin the blame on me. As if I’d fall for that again! On the other end of the line, Leo continued, “You won’t even help with something so simple! It’s like all my good deeds were wasted on you! And what about that time I saved you from the fire…” Hearing him bring that up, I dropped the act. “Leo, was it really you who saved me that day?” In junior high, my school building caught fire, and I fell unconscious. When I woke up, only Leo was by my side. He swore then that he had saved me, that I owed him my life, which led me to be at his beck and call for years, repaying his life-saving grace. It wasn’t until my previous life, on my deathbed, that he confessed, “I just couldn’t stand to see you doing well. That year, I deliberately locked you in the classroom, but I didn’t expect you to be so tough… “And since we were in the same hospital room, I decided to let you experience what it’s like to owe me for life!” Silence suddenly fell on the other end of the phone. After a long moment, Leo stammered, “What’s the fun in that, Liam? Is this how you treat me after I saved you? Stop messing around, just test these pills for me.” Listening to his childish words, I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. Actually, in my previous life, Leo had also secretly gone to the testing agency for a blood test, and after getting the pills, he immediately asked me about them. At that time, I paid out of pocket to send the pills to the most reputable and fastest testing agency. Sure enough, we found that the drug had not undergone any human trials. In short, Leo and the others were all lab rats for experiments. This was Everlife Group’s latest research project, marketed under the guise of “blood cleansing,” claiming it could filter harmful substances from the blood. And that elderly relatives could extend their lifespan and prevent aging by receiving blood from younger, blood-related family members. At the time, many of the people who claimed kinship and took this “blood cleansing pill” developed severe blood clotting disorders and organ failure, leading to numerous deaths. Leo, following my advice, didn’t take the pills and narrowly escaped. Afterward, however, he believed it was a necessary screening process by the mogul, that those who died from the pills were simply “unhealthy” children. He was convinced he would be the one to survive and ultimately inherit the fortune. He thought my persistent warnings were malicious and driven by jealousy, preventing him from joining the upper echelons of society. This time, I played along. “If you test these pills, and the mogul finds out, will he cancel your inheritance eligibility?” “Will… will he?” Leo hesitated on the phone. I smiled, calmly preparing to give him another push. “The mogul is your biological father, after all. He wouldn’t intentionally harm you, would he?” Leo seemed swayed by my words. “You’re right! Maybe this is just a test of kinship! He has so many children; he must be using the pills to select the most obedient ones to inherit his estate!” Yes, that’s right. It was indeed to screen for suitable, drug-tolerant lab rats who would eventually become the mogul’s ultimate mobile blood bank and endorsement for the Everlife experiments!

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One month after the baby was born, my wife’s male best friend got drunk. He pointed at my son, sleeping soundly in his crib, and chuckled at me. “Do you know where your son got that heart-shaped birthmark on his arm from?” I shook my head, clueless. Derek smugly rolled up his sleeve, flashing it at me. “Of course, he got it from me! Serena promised me that no matter who she married, she’d have my child first.” He finished, blowing a kiss at my wife. “We tried for three months, and boom! I finally make her pregnant!” I stared at Serena Hayes, my world spinning. For three years, she wouldn’t get intimate with me, insisting on IVF, claiming she was “allergic” to semen. I felt so bad for her, thinking she was going through so much with IVF, that I actually agreed to get a vasectomy. Turns out, all those nights, she was busy conceiving with another man! My hand tightened around the diagnostic report I was holding. I raised my glass to Serena, a cold, bitter smile on my face. Then congratulations to her, for having a son with XYY syndrome.

“Alex Thorne, are you losing it? Do you really have to humiliate me in front of everyone?” Serena awkwardly glanced around the room. She was holding onto Derek, who was still rambling nonsense, glaring at me with fury. She didn’t see anything wrong with Derek’s words. Instead, she thought my reaction was embarrassing her. Derek burped, then leaned his hands on the crib, his eyes glazed over as he admired ‘his masterpiece.’ “What do you think? My sperm quality isn’t bad, right? Look how handsome the baby is.” Serena grabbed Derek’s arm, forcing out an awkward smile. “Derek, you’re drunk. Stop making a scene.” “I’m not drunk! My family’s heart-shaped birthmark is right there on his arm! This is more reliable than a damn DNA test!” Derek shook her hand off, swaying as he jeered at me. “Alex, you should thank me. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have even had the chance to be a dad.” The entire banquet hall went dead silent, countless eyes burning into us with mocking amusement. I wanted to vanish right then and there. On our wedding night, mid-sex, Serena suddenly had trouble breathing and broke out in a rash. After a hospital visit, she held the report, her eyes red, telling me she was allergic and couldn’t conceive naturally like a normal couple. To comfort me, she added, “Honey, I don’t want to deprive you of being a father. Let’s do IVF.” For three years, I meticulously calculated Serena’s ovulation period every day. I believed her. I loved her so much that I endured the humiliation of sperm donation. I endured the disappointment after countless failures. Even after she successfully conceived, when she cried, saying IVF was too hard and she just wanted a happy family of three with me, I didn’t hesitate. I went and got a vasectomy. My friends called me crazy, said what kind of man would neuter himself for an IVF baby. But I thought it was the most steadfast choice I could make for her. But now, Derek was telling me this child was just a pact between him and Serena. A sharp cramp shot through my lower abdomen. The helplessness and humiliation of lying on that cold operating table yesterday for the vasectomy were still vivid. I gripped my wine glass, searching for even a hint of guilt on Serena’s face. But she just gave me an impatient glare. “Derek’s drunk and talking nonsense, and you actually believe him? Come on, let’s go apologize to the guests, don’t make a fool of yourself here.” She said it so righteously, as if *I* were the one being unreasonable. Derek’s drunken haze seemed to thicken. He reached out, trying to touch Serena’s face. “Serena, always protecting me. God, I fucking adore you.” Serena’s body stiffened, an unnatural blush creeping up her neck. I gritted my teeth, desperately fighting the urge to throw my drink in his face. Derek pulled his hand back, smugly enjoying my reaction. “Alex, don’t flatter yourself. You’re just the chump raising my kid. And I? I’m the one she’ll spread her legs for to have a baby.” With that, he closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair, falling into a heavy sleep. Everyone’s eyes were dissecting me, flaying me alive. I felt like the biggest idiot in the world. And Serena, the woman I’d loved for three years, couldn’t even bother to offer an explanation. She just gripped my arm, her face a mask of cold indifference. “What are you waiting for? Go entertain the guests.” I looked at her composed posture, at her utterly unapologetic face. My heart froze solid. She wasn’t trying not to explain; she simply couldn’t be bothered to.

After the last guest staggered out, the room was a warzone. Serena, still holding onto a babbling Derek, pointed at me with disgust. “Alex Thorne, what is wrong with you? This is a party for our son’s first month, and you’re putting on this sour face for everyone to see? It’s repulsive!” I forced a smile, the wound in my lower abdomen aching more fiercely. “Serena, I just got a goddamn vasectomy for you!” “The doctor told me it’s permanent! I can never have my own biological children again, ever!” I thought my sacrifice would earn me some guilt from her. But she just helped Derek to the couch, then irritably ran a hand through her hair. “So what? It’s just a damn surgery, can’t you stop being so childish?” I was trembling with rage. So, the decision I gambled my entire future on was just “childish” in her eyes. “I’m childish? So, I should be like you, basking in my meticulous care while carrying another man’s baby?” Serena showed no remorse, her tone still utterly righteous. “Alex Thorne, Derek was just drunk. You’re actually taking a drunk man’s bullshit seriously? We have a child now. Can’t we just live a happy life as a family?” “A happy life?” I laughed, a bitter, breathless sound. “Serena, tell me, what happy couple has a wife who uses the guise of ‘allergies’ to trick her husband into IVF, when she’s actually trying to have another man’s baby?” I thought with each push, Serena would feel bad for me, would apologize. But instead, she pushed back, indignant. “Didn’t I suffer too? Wasn’t I in pain? Why are you always bringing up old shit? It’s just a surgery, is it really worth holding such a grudge?” After that argument, my heart was thoroughly numb. I remembered the day I agreed to her request, to get the vasectomy. She cried in my arms. “Honey, you’re so good to me. I swear, I’ll spend my entire life making it up to you.” Looking back now, those tears were probably for Derek. And I, like a clueless idiot, personally sealed my own fate. The silence in the hall was deafening, suffocating. I kicked over a table, the crash echoing through the suffocating silence, and pointed at Serena, roaring. “Get out!” Serena’s hand, wiping Derek’s sweat, froze. She twisted her head, incredulous, her eyes wide with shock. “Alex Thorne, what is wrong with you? Just because Derek said a few drunken words, you want to kick me out? Is that all the trust you have in me?” I laughed, a humorless bark that shook my chest. “You don’t deserve an ounce of my trust.” I ignored her, throwing the baby’s diagnostic report hard onto her. “Let’s get a divorce!” “You and your male best friend can live with the child you two made.” With that, I turned and left without a backward glance. I slammed the gas pedal and sped to the north side of the city, to a place I had never taken her. I’m going to make Serena and Derek pay for what they did!

“Sir!” My former subordinates were already lined up in front of the mansion. The first time I proposed to Serena back then, she didn’t say yes. She just frowned and said, “Your… status… isn’t exactly impressive.” I just smiled, indulging her, and without a word, I stepped back from the Thorne Group, got myself a “normal” job. Everyone called me a lovesick fool, but I just soaked it up, happy as could be. Who cared about being the heir to the Thorne Group? My Serena just wanted a simple, honest life with me. That was pure love, right? Now, it’s clear I was a complete and utter idiot. I practically fell onto the couch, the wound in my lower abdomen throbbing again. “Ace, I need you to do something for me.” “Find all records of Serena undergoing IVF treatments for the past three years. Five minutes.” Ace nodded, then exited to carry out the order. I poured myself a shot of whiskey and downed it in one gulp. “Sir, I found it.” He hesitated for a moment, then continued. “No hospital has any record of Serena ever undergoing IVF treatments. Only routine prenatal check-ups.” My mind went utterly blank. The whiskey glass in my hand crashed to the floor. No records? So, all those times over the past three years, she showed me lab results, acting all happy or heartbroken—it was all a goddamn act? Those needle marks on her stomach, those so-called ovulation-inducing meds—all faked? I was shaking with rage. Then I remembered her allergy excuse. If she didn’t do IVF, then how did she get pregnant? The answer was chillingly clear. The baby was conceived the old-fashioned way, with Derek. “I want you to find every single hotel record for Serena and Derek for the past three years! All of them!” I kicked over the coffee table. “There were many instances, all in hotels owned by us. Also, I unexpectedly found this.” Ace’s voice grew quieter as he handed me the documents. My hands trembled as I took them, growing more horrified with each page. Every single date they went to a hotel was a day Serena told me she was going for a hospital check-up. Serena was using my money to have wild sex with other men, then coming home to tell me the doctors said she still needed “treatment.” And I, the clueless idiot, was pitying her “suffering,” cooking her all sorts of elaborate tonics. The last page of the file had Derek’s medical report. He has AIDS! My stomach lurched, a sickening wave of nausea washing over me. I grabbed the trash can and dry-heaved. “Sir, Derek’s private life is extremely messy. He’s been with dozens of women over the years. Your wife…” Ace patted my back, unable to stop himself. “Don’t you dare call her my wife! She doesn’t deserve that title!” I cut him off, my eyes bloodshot. “Go. Compile all the evidence. They dared to play me for a fool. I’ll make them pay dearly for it!” Watching Ace leave, I slowly calmed down. Suddenly, I felt almost grateful Serena wouldn’t let me touch her all these years, thanks to that… *thing*. It unknowingly saved me. The thought of those two disgusting people still in my house made my stomach churn. I immediately had my assistant contact my lawyer to draft divorce papers, then slammed the gas pedal and sped home.

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Aria POV I’m Aria, notorious in our circle as Hunter’s biggest simp. I practically gifted him opportunities, literally put my life on the line for him on that treacherous mountain. For three whole years, I laid my heart bare, and Hunter was finally starting to thaw. Everyone thought we were destined to be together. But then, he turned around and went official with my distant relative, Chloe. The whole social scene watched me, whispering about how heartbroken I must be. But just as they were clucking their tongues, an anonymous video suddenly went viral online. The clip showed a dimly lit private room, the camera wobbling slightly with movement. The hand of the person filming, tattooed with thorny vines, flashed at the edge of the frame. And there I was, sprawled on the couch, completely wasted. Drunk-me, face flushed, bent down to light a cigarette. The smoke rings blurred the lens. Then, I suddenly looked up, staring directly at the camera, a mocking smirk curving my wine-soaked lips. “Hunter, huh…” I flicked the ash. “His temper sucked, and his skills? Seriously underwhelming. Honestly, nothing to write home about.”

Aria POV I picked up my phone, my head throbbing from the hangover. I’d only just woken up to the video drama. I hooked my fingers around the cigarette pack on the floor, pulled one out, put it in my mouth, and lit it, exhaling a slow puff of smoke. The rush of nicotine made me sigh contentedly as I leaned back on the bed. The screen next to my pillow suddenly lit up. A new message hung in the notification bar, just one concise sentence: “Woke up? Get to Skylight Room A2.” I raised an eyebrow. Hunter… actually reaching out to me again? I’d already prepared myself for us to never speak again. I genuinely liked Hunter, I’ve never denied that. When people called me his simp, it wasn’t an unfair accusation. After all, three years ago, on that rainy night, I was cornered in an alley, taking a few stabs. If Hunter hadn’t happened to pass by and pull me out, I probably wouldn’t be alive right now. Even though back then, he didn’t even spare me a second glance. He just dealt with those thugs and left. But that was the day I fell for him, hard. I chased him relentlessly for three years, even saving his life during an avalanche. Only then did Hunter’s attitude finally start to soften. Just when I thought we were getting somewhere, he suddenly went public with Chloe. Chloe, a distant relative from a troubled background, was practically dumped on my doorstep. I wasn’t bad to her, but I never expected her to scheme against me. I decided to just call Hunter directly. My phone rang a few times, then the call was disconnected. Staring at the ‘call ended’ screen, I paused for a moment, then redialed. This time, the call connected, but there was only silence on the other end, just the faint sound of breathing. “Hunter,” I started. “Got a moment? Can we talk outside…” My words were cut short by a blurry burst of laughter through the receiver. Then, Chloe’s voice chimed in, dripping with undisguised triumph: “Aria, Hunter’s busy with me right now. He can’t come out.” I didn’t get angry. I just smiled. “Really?” “Well, tell him to call me back once he’s done.” Without waiting for another response, I decisively ended the call. My phone landed with a dull thud on the couch as I tossed it aside. I stood still for a moment, then bent down and took a car key from the coffee table drawer. Maybe, just maybe, there was some misunderstanding? Hunter was always so stubborn; I’d just have to be more proactive. I pushed the motorcycle to its limits, the wind roaring past my ears, trying to stop myself from overthinking. Soon I arrived at The Skylight Club. The first floor was a booming party scene, the music deafening. I tossed the keys to a valet and headed upstairs. Just as I was about to enter the room, someone stopped me.

Aria POV Skylight Room A2 was my VIP suite, a gift from my family. It had the best view, overlooking the entire downtown. I saw Hunter eyeing it, and like an idiot, I just gave it to him. Now, I, the original owner, couldn’t even get in. The bodyguard in front of me was a head taller, looking down at me. “Mr. Hunter said, Miss Aria, you’re not allowed in without Miss Chloe’s permission.” I looked at him. “I need Chloe’s permission to enter?” I scoffed, pushing past the bodyguard and kicking the door open. The bustling crowd inside instantly fell silent. Chloe sat in the center of the room, queen bee, accepting drinks handed to her. I grabbed her collar, yanking her from the main spot to outside the door. I stared at the panic-stricken Chloe. “Since when did I need your permission to enter this room?” Seeing her face turn white with fear, I finally let go, turning to walk back into the room. I sat directly in the center, surveying the varied expressions of the people around. “Where’s Hunter?” No one answered. Just as the atmosphere grew tense, someone clapped their hands in the corner. The person was sitting in the darkest spot, almost hidden by the sprawling plants. Hunter stood up. He was dressed all in black today, a tight black sweater clinging to his torso, concealing the tattoos on his neck, only a sliver visible behind his ear. His skin was strikingly pale, and a subtle, devil-may-care smirk played on his lips. “Well, well, Miss Aria. What a display of authority.”

Aria POV The smirk on his lips told me he was angry. But remembering my drunken words from the video, I felt a wave of embarrassment. “Hunter, about that video, I can explain. I was wasted that night, and what I said later…” I stood up, taking a few steps closer to him. “Apologize to Chloe.” My words were cut off. I froze, staring blankly at Hunter. The slight tenderness he once had for me was gone, replaced by utter coldness and mockery. Something was off. Thinking back, from a certain point, he had suddenly grown distant, instead focusing on the ever-demure Chloe. I forced down the surge of anger and hurt, softening my voice: “Hunter, can we talk outside, please?” He acted as if he hadn’t heard me, looking at Chloe, whose eyes were red-rimmed. His voice grew colder: “Last time I’m saying this: apologize to Chloe.” My nails dug deep into my palms. The room was so quiet I could hear the faint music from afar. All eyes were fixed on me, scrutinizing me with various unspoken judgments. I looked at Hunter’s expressionless face: “Why should I?” “Why should you?” Hunter seemed amused, a flicker of scorn in his eyes. “Because Chloe is mine . Who gave you permission to lay a hand on her?” He suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled. “If you don’t want to apologize with your mouth, then get on your knees.” I stumbled, dragged two steps forward. Before I could react, he pushed down on my knees, forcing them to bend. I trembled, shaking off his hand, and reluctantly lowered my head to Chloe: “I’m sorry.” I’d apologize now; I’d explain to Hunter later… But my apology hung in the air, with no response from Chloe. A few muffled snickers echoed around: “Some hotshot Aria, she’s nothing special.” “Just Hunter’s pet, ready to kneel on command.” Hunter let go of me, leaving me frozen in place. He turned and walked towards Chloe, who was still kneeling by the door, then, to everyone’s surprise, swept her into his arms. He said gently: “Satisfied?” Chloe nestled in his embrace, peering at me timidly. A flicker of triumph, fleeting yet unmistakable, crossed her eyes, then she buried her face in Hunter’s neck, shaking her head slightly. Hunter looked up at me, pointing to the unopened amber liquor on the coffee table. “Drink that yourself,” His voice was completely flat. “Until Chloe is satisfied.”

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The scholarship student I sponsored stole my earrings. When I demanded them back, my boyfriend, Alex Knight, actually threatened me. “Scarlett is the Summerbrook heiress. Why would she steal from you? Apologize to her now, or I’ll post those pictures of you with that old sugar daddy online.” I looked at his photos. The so-called old man was just Mr. Henderson, my family’s butler. Besides, I was the real Summerbrook heiress. I’d just never told Alex, preferring to keep a low profile. I gave a cold laugh, dumped him right there, and called my assistant. “Terminate all funding for Scarlett Reed. Effective immediately.” Just as I reached the classroom door, I overheard two classmates fawning over Scarlett. “Wow, Scarlett, your earrings are gorgeous! They must cost a fortune!” “Of course! Scarlett’s the Summerbrook heiress. Everything she wears is limited edition!” Summerbrook heiress? Wasn’t that me? Since when did it become Scarlett? Scarlett was a scholarship student who received monthly funds from me. I tilted my head and saw her standing there, chin held high, basking in the praise. A smile played on her lips, and she lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Oh, you two know, but keep it down. Especially around Evelyn. She’s on financial aid. I wouldn’t want her to feel…insecure.” Hearing that, I was speechless. And those earrings…I frowned. They looked exactly like mine. I rummaged through my bag. Sure enough, my earrings were gone. Scrolling through Scarlett’s Instagram, I saw almost all of my missing jewelry featured in her posts. She must have been sneaking them out for photos before quietly returning them. If I hadn’t stumbled onto this, how long would the charade have lasted? Scarlett had built quite a following online. Her bio even declared her the “Summerbrook heiress,” explaining away the different surname as her mother’s. A detailed lie. Having never met her as her sponsor, she had no idea of my true identity. I walked into the room. The moment Scarlett saw me, her face paled. She ducked behind her roommates.

Her voice trembled with guilt. “Evie, what are you doing here? Didn’t you say you weren’t feeling well and asked me to call you in sick today?” I fixed her with an icy stare and held out my hand. “Give them back.” Scarlett flinched. “What?” A cold laugh escaped me. “Scarlett, give me back my earrings!” Before she could speak, her friends Chloe and Tiffany jumped in. Tiffany shoved me back, her face twisted with disdain. “Are you insane, Evelyn? Those are Scarlett’s.” Chloe echoed like a perfect echo. “Yeah! Those are designer. There’s no way someone on financial aid like you could afford them. Where’s your proof?” I nodded, unfazed. “And does Scarlett have any proof that they’re hers?” Chloe and Tiffany froze, then looked back at Scarlett. Our commotion was loud enough to draw the attention of other classmates, who started gathering to watch the drama unfold. “No way, right? Isn’t Scarlett super rich?” “Then let her provide the proof. Why does she look so guilty?” Scarlett’s face turned ghostly white. She trembled, shaking her head in denial. “I’m not guilty! These are clearly mine, why should I fall into a trap of proving myself? I have the right to refuse to prove anything!” Watching her, I just found it amusing. I was done wasting words. I pulled out my phone and brought up the purchase receipt,complete with detailed photos. A perfect match to her earrings. “Here’s the proof. And one more thing,” I added, my tone icy. “These are limited edition. Each piece has a unique serial number engraved inside. So, Scarlett, why don’t you take them off…and let everyone here check if your number matches mine?” Scarlett, of course, knew they matched. She clutched her ears, backing away repeatedly. Her two bootlicking followers, however, were completely oblivious and kept urging Scarlett to take off the earrings. “Scarlett, just show her already, so she can stop showing off!” These two might be clueless, but the rest of the class wasn’t stupid. They caught on fast. Scornful glances shot toward Scarlett. “I knew it! The real Summerbrooks are known for being low key. No wonder Scarlett kept showing off every little thing she had. She was living a stolen life!” “Liar! And stealing from her roommate! The school needs to expel her!” Tears welled up in Scarlett’s eyes. She frantically looked around, as if searching for someone. I frowned, then heard a familiar voice from the classroom doorway. “What’s going on here?!”

I turned around, momentarily stunned, but quickly registered who it was. I almost forgot, Scarlett’s childhood friend, Alex Knight, was my boyfriend. Alex rushed over, shielding Scarlett behind him. “Scarlett, are you okay? Who’s bothering you?” Alex’s arrival gave Scarlett a surge of confidence. She was no longer as panicked as before. Instead, she firmly insisted it was my fault. “I don’t know why, Evelyn said my earrings were hers…Since she’s your girlfriend, I suggest you rein her in.” Alex glanced at me guiltily after hearing that, then quickly turned his head, refusing to meet my gaze. Seeing his reaction, I understood. He was probably involved in this whole thing. Suddenly, I saw how blind I’d been to ever fall for someone like him. Keeping my expression neutral, I planned to cut Alex’s sponsorship next and find a reason to end things. Then, he launched into a self-righteous lecture. “Evelyn, you’re the one who stole Scarlett’s earrings! I’ve told you again and again. Not only did you refuse to return them, now you’re making a scene, trying to claim they’re yours? This is too much. Apologize to Scarlett now, or we’re through!” Me? What? I let out an angry laugh, about to pull out my evidence. Tiffany suddenly grabbed my arm. “Evelyn, Scarlett has always taken such good care of you, seeing you’re on financial aid. Is this how you treat her?” “Since the evidence is clear, come with me to see the residence advisor! We’ll get the RA to kick you out of our dorm!” Scarlett looked a little panicked. “It’s okay, Tiffany. We’re all friends, no need to report her. As long as she apologizes.” Unfortunately, Tiffany didn’t understand Scarlett’s subtle hint and continued to encourage her. “Scarlett, you’re just too kind, that’s why people take advantage of you! We can’t let this slide this time. We need to let the whole school know what kind of person she really is!” I burst out laughing. “Fine. You want a scene? Let’s go then. Better yet, call the police. Let them investigate whose earrings are whose!” Scarlett knew the truth, and she kept backing away nervously, afraid I’d drag her along. But I wasn’t about to let her escape. I reached out and grabbed Scarlett, only to discover she’d also stolen my necklace. That’s when my anger truly flared. I slapped Scarlett across the face. “Have you no shame?! You stole this necklace too! Do you know how important this necklace is to me?!” It was a gift from my late grandmother. I couldn’t believe Scarlett was so low as to steal even that! Alex quickly pushed me away, tenderly cupping Scarlett’s face. “Enough! Evelyn, you’re going too far! Apologize now! Otherwise, I’ll post those photos of you being a kept woman!” I froze. “What photos?” Alex smugly held his phone up to my face. And that’s when I saw the older man in the picture. It was my family’s old butler. Idiot! I let out a bitter laugh. Ever since I learned that he and Scarlett were both scholarship students I sponsored, I’d been careful to hide my true identity, afraid he’d feel insecure if he knew who I really was. Every time I went home, I was cautious, worried he might see me. And he thought I was a gold digger? Alex’s accusation rippled through the room. Instantly, contemptuous eyes locked on me. “No way! She always dressed so well. Who knew she was a gold digger?” “Ugh, to think we’re in the same class. This is so embarrassing to talk about!” I let out a sharp, angry laugh and slapped him. “Remember, spreading rumors is illegal!” While he was still stunned, I grabbed Scarlett and yanked the necklace from her throat. But as I pulled it free, Alex snapped back. He snatched the necklace from my hand and smashed it to the floor. It shattered instantly. I stared at the broken pieces, stunned. I clenched my fist. “Alex Knight,”I roared,”do you know what that necklace was worth?!” Before, I’d only thought about breaking up. But now, it wouldn’t be that simple!

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Three years ago, my daughter went missing when I took her to the amusement park. My husband Daniel never recovered from the blow. To find Mina, I quit my job and drained our savings. But Mina never surfaced. Overwhelmed by guilt, I sank into a deep depression. The day I jumped from the bridge, ready to end it all, I saw Daniel and his first love. They walked past me, holding Mina’s hand, all of them smiling. When the New Year’s bells rang out, my body was already drifting in the cold current. At that very moment, the girl I had searched for over three years was setting off fireworks by the river. The winter wind stung Sarah’s cheeks. Daniel unwrapped his scarf and drew her into his embrace. He warmed her hands in his, a soft smile on his lips. “The fireworks are perfect this year. If only we could stop time right here.” Sarah lowered her gaze, then slowly laced her fingers with his. “It’s like a dream. Daniel, I never thought we’d be together again…that you’d give up so much for me. I didn’t mean to hide Mina that day. I only wanted to frighten Eliza. I was just…so jealous. Jealous she could be with you. Jealous you had such a perfect daughter.” Daniel’s expression deepened with tenderness. He kissed her forehead and vowed. “No one will ever hurt you again. I may not be able to marry you, but I’ll build you a home. Mina is your daughter. Nothing will ever come between us!” Mina rushed willingly into Sarah’s arms, begging to stay with her forever. A picture of a happy family of three. And I, a ghost forgotten by all, could only watch from the shadows, weeping without a sound. Three years ago, it happened by this same river. I lost Mina because of a call from Daniel. The surveillance footage showed Sarah, Daniel’s first love, was the last person seen with her. Every time I tried to find Sarah and demand the truth, Daniel stopped me. No matter how desperately I pleaded on my knees, he would only shout back at me, furious. “Yes, I loved Sarah once, but that’s in the past! You can’t pin your own failure on her just to avoid blame!” Daniel’s blame only drove my guilt deeper. To find Mina, I quit my job and searched without end. For three years, I crossed half the country and knelt in a hundred churches. I left each time with hope. I returned each time with nothing. The neighbors’ whispers ate at me. My family’s condemnation left me no place to hide. I punished myself, over and over, in penance. Finally, crushed by the weight, I chose death. But now, rushing towards death, I realized Mina’s disappearance wasn’t my fault. Mina wasn’t lost. Daniel had hidden her. My long-dead heart twisted violently. Tears nearly drowned my parched soul. Just as they were lost in their future, a phone call shattered the moment.

My mother-in-law’s sharp voice came through the phone, carrying an almost visceral disgust. “Where’s Eliza? Hiding somewhere? Today is the anniversary of Mina’s disappearance. Oh, Daniel, you’re so brilliant, how did you end up marrying a woman like that…” The familiar accusations stirred distant memories. Years ago, Sarah left Daniel, who came from a humble family, to go abroad. Daniel was devastated, heartbroken for a long time. He even gave up a guaranteed university admission, his only chance to turn his life around. I tried everything to help Daniel get back on his feet, even begging my parents to help him with his career. Back then, my mother-in-law always called me the family’s lucky star, her perfect daughter-in-law for life. But later, Daniel showed his exceptional detective skills, and his career skyrocketed. My mother-in-law’s attitude towards me subtly changed. After Mina disappeared, that subtle malice morphed into deep disgust. Every time we met, it was either verbal abuse or she would get physical with me. For years, Daniel was always mediating between us. I once thought it was his love for me. Now I know it was just a debt of conscience. The incessant accusations made Daniel rub his temples, a headache forming. He glanced at Mina, then instinctively tightened his grip on Sarah’s hand. “Mom, Mina is just missing, don’t say such things. You can’t blame Eliza entirely for what happened back then. She’s been through a lot these past few years, so please, just stop talking.” Seeing Daniel’s half-hearted defense, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. Even at this point, Daniel would rather let his own daughter be considered “dead.” And his wife bear all the blame. He still wouldn’t reveal the truth or expose Sarah. First love runs deep. His favoritism and protection of Sarah truly knew no bounds. I took a deep breath, trying not to look into his eyes. But some unseen force still compelled me to follow Daniel. The night grew darker. My body had already drifted downstream along the river. Daniel, however, didn’t notice the strangeness behind him. His heart was solely focused on Sarah. Afraid she’d catch a cold from the wind, he voluntarily took her home. Back then, Sarah had gotten into trouble abroad and was deported back home. With a dejected expression, she pleaded with Daniel for help, asking for a place to stay. Facing my objections, Daniel didn’t immediately agree. I never imagined Sarah would hold a grudge and abduct my daughter. Even less did I expect Daniel to help her conceal her crime. Looking back, I had given up almost everything to find Mina. I lost my job and my family fell apart. Missing person ads and search teams each cost me greatly. For this, I mortgaged my parents’ house and sold all my jewelry. Daniel knew the truth and my suffering. Yet when I needed help most, he used our joint assets to buy this villa for Sarah. Then with Mina, he lived here openly with his first love.

I looked around at the exquisite decorations and meticulous furnishings. Every detail was Daniel’s work, proof of his devotion. This man, who at home would drag his feet over changing a lightbulb, had done all this for Sarah. Love and its absence were painfully clear. I stifled my heartache and held back my tears. Then Mina looked up at Daniel, blinking her innocent eyes. “Daddy,” she asked naively, “when are you going to marry Sarah?” “I want her to be my mommy.” Her innocent words pierced my heart like knives. Daniel froze for a moment. He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he turned to Sarah, his expression helpless. “I’m sorry, Sarah.Being with me has brought you only pain” “You’re so wonderful, yet I can’t give you the title you deserve.” Sarah leaned into Daniel’s embrace, slowly lowering her head. “Being with you is enough for me.” “It’s just… my own suffering doesn’t matter.” “I just worry about our child being wronged.” She took Daniel’s hand and guided it to her stomach. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this child.” That faint flutter instantly made Daniel’s eyes light up. But before he could speak, his joy was interrupted by an urgent work call. Daniel, always meticulous in his work, never one to be careless. This time, however, he hung up four or five times for Sarah’s sake. Only when he had no other choice did he reluctantly answer. “What is it? Didn’t I say not to bother me when I’m resting!” The other person’s voice was especially urgent. “Daniel, it’s bad news.” “A female body was found downstream. The forensic pathologist’s initial diagnosis indicates the time of death as tonight.” “Command says the timing is sensitive, and to prevent unnecessary panic, they need you at the scene immediately for investigation.” Daniel frowned, saying somewhat reluctantly. “Something came up at home, I can’t go.” Mike’s voice grew more urgent. “Daniel, this is a major case, a matter of life and death!” Daniel’s frown deepened. He seemed to be thinking of a suitable excuse to put them off. But I let out a bitter laugh. Before I died, I had one last struggle. I called Daniel countless times, begging him to come home and stay with me. Begging him to help me search for Mina again. Begging him to just glance at me. But each time, he cruelly hung up. He just told me: “Eliza, you created this mess, now you deal with it.” “Even if you die, don’t cause me any more trouble!” As he wished, I truly died. The ironic thing was, even in death, I couldn’t get him to turn and look at me. Years of effort, years of affection. In the end, it was all so pathetic. Now, a lonely ghost, I could only watch him and Sarah kiss and intertwine. Watching him leave, looking back over his shoulder repeatedly, full of reluctance. And at that moment, by the turbulent river. That bloated and disfigured body, just like that, came into everyone’s view.

A night of washing and compression. Had made the once somewhat delicate face grotesquely disfigured, unrecognizable. Daniel, upon arriving at the scene, instinctively frowned. Then he began his methodical investigation. “No extra footprints at the scene, preliminarily ruling out homicide.” “Multiple wounds on the deceased’s arms, possibly self-inflicted.” “In conclusion, suicide is highly probable.” “The final conclusion will depend on the forensic pathologist’s autopsy report.” At this, Daniel couldn’t help but sigh. “It’s almost a new year.” “What could have driven someone to take their own life at such a time?” His teammate, Mike, also expressed regret. “Yeah, and no family around.” “Such a shame, so young.” “But Daniel, I remember your home is nearby; why did you drive here from the south? Were you spending New Year’s Eve with Eliza, or did you go somewhere else?” Daniel froze, unsure how to answer. He instinctively looked up at the nearby neighborhood. At what used to be our home. Among the myriad lights of homes, the one belonging to him and me never lit up. He opened his mouth but no sound came out. He just turned back, gave Mike a faint glance, and continued methodically with his work. While examining the wrist, Daniel’s gaze briefly lingered on the diamond ring. But in the end, he didn’t recognize me. Then again, Daniel was busy. Busy with work, busy covering up lies for Sarah. How could he remember any details related to me? I was the one who proposed, I bought the ring, I arranged everything in the house. The one who gives the most is always the easiest to overlook. I poured my life’s efforts into this family. In the end, I not only lost my daughter and my love. But also my own life. I sighed softly. When I looked up again, I saw Sarah standing by the roadside, waving at Daniel. Daniel, who usually complained I disturbed his work even when I brought him food. Now ran to Sarah with a face full of pleasant surprise. He turned sideways, shielding her from view, his eyes full of uncontrollable mirth. “What are you doing here in this cold weather?” Sarah smiled as she tied a scarf around Daniel, saying gently. “It’s too late, I was worried about you.” “I made you a cake, remember to eat it when you’re done.” Daniel sighed, a blend of tenderness and helplessness. “You really shouldn’t be here, it’s so… unsettling.” “What if it frightens you or the baby?” Unsettling. He wasn’t afraid of people finding out about Sarah. He wasn’t afraid of hurting me if I knew. The only thing he feared was my corpse staining Sarah’s sight. Tears fell without a sound. By then, Daniel had already led Sarah to a bench nearby and helped her sit. It was as if they weren’t at a crime scene, but had returned to their school days together. The two chatted idly, leaving my body to lie there, all alone. Sarah was the first to speak. “Daniel, I still want a proper status for the child in my belly.” “You’ve seen it yourself, Mina has always been closer to me these past years; I’m confident I can be a good mother.” She eagerly took Daniel’s hand. Her gaze now tinged with a hint of pleading. Daniel was silent for a long time, seemingly reluctant and troubled. “Sarah, you don’t understand.” “Eliza and I have a very complicated relationship.” “Although you’re the one I’ve loved all these years, I… I really can’t divorce her.” “Eliza, Eliza has done so much for me.” The hazy light cast shadows on Daniel’s face. I couldn’t see his expression, but I could understand the grievance and helplessness in his words. All these years, I had been deceiving myself. I believed if I loved him enough, if I was good enough, he would forget Sarah and truly be with me. But the truth was, the ghost of a perfect first love could never be vanquished. I was only ever the convenient Mrs. Daniel. He was grateful for my support, yet resented me for keeping him from his true love. Bound by his career, he couldn’t divorce me, and turned his guilt toward Sarah into a quiet hatred for me. Remembering the distance in Mina’s eyes. Remembering Daniel’s years of weary indifference. I saw, then, how truly pathetic my life had been. I sacrificed my entire life for a family that wasn’t truly mine. I gave my life in vain for someone who didn’t love me. Wind blew, leaves fell, the earth was desolate. For some reason, Daniel’s voice grew somewhat forlorn. He held Sarah’s hand, gently promising. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you or the baby suffer.” “Cars, houses, everything you want, except that one piece of paper – I can give it all to you.” “Sarah, you have to believe, you’re the only one I’ll ever love.” Sarah still smiled, but her smile held an indescribable meaning. “Aren’t you afraid Eliza will find out about Mina?” Daniel froze for a moment, then gently shook his head. “You don’t understand.” “Eliza loves me deeply, and she can’t live without me.” “Even if she knew the truth, she wouldn’t have the heart to blame me.” “I’ve thought it all through. Next month is her birthday; I’ll bring Mina back.” “With our daughter by her side, she won’t have the energy to bother with our affairs.” “By then, I can properly be with you and the baby.” Perhaps it was a flicker of leftover guilt. Or something else. Daniel finally remembered me. But it was far too late. Daniel, I would not wait for your return, or for your confession. A long-silent ringtone sounded from my broken body when his call connected.

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The day they auctioned off my fiancée’s virginity, I didn’t bid. I just watched. Then I called off our arranged marriage and left the country. In my past life, after I rescued her, she accused me of forcing her to marry me. For years after our marriage, she treated me like air, and later, even bore children for her first love. She even let their children poison me. As I lay dying, her voice cut through me, sharp as shattered glass. “Our family of four can finally be together.” I died, filled with nothing but hatred. Reborn into this life, my first decision was to step aside. I would grant them their perfect ending. “Next up for auction is the virginity of Chloe Miller, former heiress of the once-mighty Miller Corporation.” The fire in my gut went cold. My eyes flew open. I was back. At the very auction where my childhood friend Chloe was being sold. Taking in the familiar scene, I understood: I had been reborn. On stage, Chloe shot me a desperate, pleading look. This time, I didn’t even glance up. I kept my eyes on my phone, scrolling through nothing. In my previous life, the moment she appeared, I had paid five million to buy her freedom. Chloe and I had been engaged since childhood. Grateful for my rescue, the Miller family rushed our marriage. And I, who had loved her since we were children, agreed eagerly. But after the wedding, Chloe Chloe met me with ice every single day. I thought her her coldness was shame over her family’s ruin, so I showered her with even more care. Until the day I watched her and Blake’s twin children slip poison into my drink. She didn’t lift a hand to save me. Instead, she stood over me. “If you hadn’t used that debt to force me to marry you, Blake and I would have been together years ago.” “Do you know why I never let you touch me? Every second with you made me sick.” “Now you’re dying, our family of four can finally be whole.” Only then did I understand.She hated me to my core. “Twenty thousand!” “Thirty thousand!” The constant shouts of bids from the audience dragged me back to reality. Most of the bidders were older, portly, lecherous executives. Chloe on stage looked like she was about to cry. When her eyes met mine again, she clung to me like a drowning person, her gaze filled with desperate pleading. But I remained perfectly calm, making no move to bid. Her virginity was finally auctioned off for one million to Mr. Caldwell, the fifty-something CEO of Caldwell Enterprises. Chloe collapsed to the floor. Everyone in our circle knew Mr. Caldwell’s reputation. Old, but notoriously depraved. He delighted in breaking young, beautiful girls, often beyond recognition. His men took her away. As she passed me, her eyes burned with a hatred. I had seen that look only once before. It was in my last life, as she watched me die. I hadn’t expected to see it again so soon. “Why didn’t you save me?” Her tone was filled with a sense of entitled accusation. I knew then that she, too, had been reborn. “My apologies, I’m not interested in your virginity.” I smiled playfully. “But this particular exhibit, however, does pique my interest.” With that, I gestured to the jeweled necklace on display on the stage, casually raised my hand, and placed a ridiculously high bid, buying the necklace outright. Chloe instantly exploded in a rage. “We grew up together, we were even engaged! How could you just watch? You’d rather spend a fortune on some gaudy necklace than save me!” I scoffed. “What’s your virginity worth, anyway? This necklace, now this is a true investment.” “You!” Chloe stared at me, her eyes blazing with fury. She never expected me, who had always doted on her every word, to say such a thing. For a moment, she was speechless. “Julian, stop messing around, okay? It’ll be too late if you don’t hurry.” “Just save me. I can pretend nothing happened.” Of course, those who are loved always feel entitled, don’t they? I inwardly sneered. In my last life, everyone knew how much I loved Chloe. Even when her family went bankrupt, I never left her side. But Chloe? She took advantage of my love, treating me with utter disdain after our marriage. She wouldn’t even make out with me. Not only that, she even had children with her first love. Thinking of all this, a wave of bitter sadness washed over me. “Mr. Caldwell, why haven’t you taken your plaything for tonight away yet?”

I mocked Mr. Caldwell, who then belatedly realized Chloe was still standing there. He promptly ordered his men to escort her out. Chloe shot me a look of pure contempt before storming out. After the auction, I went to the Millers’ house. Mr. and Mrs. Miller’s eyes were filled with worry. Seeing me, they immediately dropped to their knees before me. “Julian, please, save Chloe. She’s our only child, and it’s all our fault she’s in this mess.” Looking at the two old people before me, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of emotion. In my previous life, when they found out I’d been poisoned, they immediately called an ambulance, but it was too late. They had watched me grow up and always treated me with kindness. After Chloe and I married, they treated me like their own son. I told them about Chloe’s current situation and gave them a million-dollar card, telling them to rescue Chloe themselves. While Mr. Caldwell was a lecherous man, the Millers had once been prominent in Silverwood. He’d still give them some face. I then brought up the topic of ending our engagement, and repeatedly cautioned them not to tell Chloe that I had provided the million dollars. “Julian, you and Chloe have always been so close. Why are you suddenly canceling the engagement?” “She has someone she loves, and it’s not me. In fact, they’ve been together for a while.” I explained the reason for breaking off the engagement. A flicker of surprise crossed their eyes. “Could there be a misunderstanding? Chloe has never told us about having a boyfriend.” “I saw it with my own eyes.” Though reluctant, seeing my earnest attitude, they couldn’t help but agree, saying they’d talk to Chloe when she returned. Chloe was brought back home, and I went to apply for a visa, preparing to leave everything behind. But while waiting for the visa, I still ran into Chloe at a friend’s gathering. Everyone had heard about the auction, but out of politeness, they kept quiet. Only the brief glances between Chloe and me carried an unspoken tension. When Chloe saw me, her eyes were filled with hatred. “Julian, there’s a limit to playing hard to get. Don’t come crying to me to take you back later.” I didn’t understand. I was letting them have their happiness, yet she still felt the need to humiliate me. I offered a slight smile, saying nothing. Finding herself ignored, she didn’t push it further. Just as everyone was having a good time, Chloe’s first love, Blake, burst in. He lunged at me, his fist connecting squarely with my face. I couldn’t dodge in time and hit the ground hard. “They auctioned off Chloe’s virginity, and you didn’t even look at her. You just threw money at some stupid necklace!” “Her life would be ruined if she married a man like you.” My gaze flicked to Chloe in the corner. The moment she saw Blake, her eyes lit up, softening with unmistakable tenderness. My mind drifted back. To that other life. In my previous life, she never gave me a moment of kindness, let alone such an expression. Only when she needed my help would she offer a symbolic smile, which always looked worse than a frown. And only when Blake was in trouble did she need my assistance. For Blake, she would swallow her pride and try to win me over. I thought that if I was good enough to her, one day she would see me. But I forgot, solid ice can never be truly warmed. My silence only fueled Blake’s anger. He lunged forward and grabbed my collar. “Are you deaf? I’m talking to you!” “What kind of monster are you? Just standing by while your fiancée suffers?” At Blake’s words, the gathered friends broke into hushed whispers.. “Julian always acted like Chloe’s lapdog. How could he not spend a million when she was in real trouble?” The taste of iron flooded my mouth, pulling me back to the present. I shoved his hand away violently. “Why do you sound more concerned about my fiancée than I am?” “Why didn’t you bid for her that day, no matter the price?”

At my words, everyone fell silent. Everyone in our circles knew about my engagement to Chloe, and she had always, with complete entitlement, accepted all my affections. Everyone assumed we were already a married couple, and now, suddenly, Blake appeared. All eyes turned to Blake and Chloe. Blake was choked up, unable to respond. “I… I just can’t stand what you did. I don’t have the money, but if I did, I would have thrown it all at her rescue.” Chloe looked at me, her expression changing. “You… you found out.” In my previous life, I only found out about Chloe and Blake on our wedding day. Blake appeared at the wedding with red eyes, and Chloe’s eyes were red too. Out of respect for Mr. and Mrs. Miller, the wedding proceeded as planned. But on our wedding night, she ran off to find Blake. She claimed I owed them, that it was because I had taken advantage of her distress that they couldn’t be together. Yet, when I finally couldn’t take it anymore and suggested divorce, she refused, saying she didn’t want to disappoint her parents. I loved her, and I was willing to wait for her to change her mind. But my repeated concessions only made her more brazen. She even had children with Blake while abroad and then brought them back home. When I learned the truth, I was furious, demanding answers. Her chilling reply was: “I’m already married to you. What’s the big deal about having two kids for Blake?” When I finally made up my mind to divorce her, I was poisoned by their twin children. At this thought, a bitter, tragic smile twisted my lips. “If I hadn’t known, would you still be planning to play me for a fool?” “After all, your precious Blake couldn’t cough up that much money to save you, could he?” With that, I challenged Blake with a glance. Before Blake could speak, Chloe snapped. “You’re lying! Blake was the one who scraped together a million dollars to save me from Mr. Caldwell!” Hearing that, I couldn’t help but laugh aloud. The sheer audacity. It proved just how far true shamelessness could go. I had explicitly asked Mr. and Mrs. Miller not to reveal that the money came from me. I didn’t want Chloe feeling obligated to me again. I never expected Blake to claim the credit. “What’s so funny? You think that money was yours?” “Julian, you heartless monster. You don’t deserve anyone’s love.” Blake glared at me, his confidence clearly faltering. I scoffed. “You’re right. It wasn’t my money. But it is impressive-scraping together a million dollars in just a few hours.” “Especially for a man who can’t usually scrape together a thousand.”

A flicker of guilt crossed Blake’s face. Chloe also looked stunned. “Chloe, don’t listen to him. I agreed to be a test subject for some experimental drugs to get that million.” As he spoke, he exposed his arms, covered in dense needle marks that looked horrifying. The people around us gasped. Chloe gave me a cold stare. “You wouldn’t help, and now you’re slandering someone else!” “I want you to apologize to Blake!” Blake was a university student Chloe had sponsored, from a poor background. In my previous life, he never worked a day after college. Chloe always covered for him. Even after her family went bankrupt and she married me, I provided a generous monthly allowance. It was enough for her to maintain her old lifestyle without compromise. Yet she gave nearly all of it to Blake. My friends began to whisper among themselves. “No wonder Chloe chose that poor guy. At least he’s there for her when it counts.” “A million dollars is nothing to Julian, yet he wouldn’t even spend it.” “Chloe, we’re on your side. You absolutely shouldn’t marry Julian.” “If this is how he treats you now, imagine what it would be like after marriage.” Everyone started to criticize me, one after another, as if I were some heinous criminal. But in my previous life, I had cared for Chloe with all my heart for so many years, only for her to allow her children to kill me. What wrong had I done? I frowned. How could everyone believe such an obvious lie? Who gets a million bucks for a drug trial, let alone one that pays out that fast?! These pampered socialites, born with silver spoons in their mouths, clearly had no clue how real money was made. At that moment, Chloe grabbed Blake’s hand, looking furiously at me. “Julian, I declare that I’m canceling our engagement!” After saying that, she kissed Blake’s lips, and he responded with equal fervor. Even now, she thought her place in my heart was irreplaceable, that this would be enough to threaten me. “You can’t cancel the engagement!” Just as I was about to reply, Mr. and Mrs. Miller burst in. “Chloe, we always thought you and Julian were just having a small disagreement.” “Julian was still willing to give a million dollars to save you, which shows he still cares about you.” “That day he said you had someone else in your heart, we didn’t believe it, but it was all true.” “Chloe, do you know what kind of person he is? You can’t be with him!” Mr. Miller jabbed a finger at Blake and flung a stack of photos in his face. “He’s on drugs!” But Chloe was past caring. She stared at me, her face etched with disbelief. “Was that money really from you?” I ignored her question and offered only a cold reply. “I agree to break the engagement. From now on, we are nothing.” With that, I turned and walked out. That night, Chloe stood outside my apartment building until dawn. I didn’t look at her. Instead, I messaged the elders of both families, calling off the engagement for good. The next day, the moment my visa cleared, I boarded a plane and left the country.

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At Chloe’s third wedding, my wife Skylar’s best friend leaned in and whispered: “Skylar, look at me! I married a real estate mogul last time, and now I’m with a tech CEO! How are you still stuck with Liam, that broke loser?” Skylar fell silent, offering no rebuttal. That night, I saw messages on Skylar’s phone — she was consulting a lawyer about divorce and asking Chloe to help her find a new partner. I scoffed. Skylar, since you think I’m not good enough for you, I’m curious to see what kind of man a fool like you can land. When we went to my parents’ place for dinner, Skylar pulled out the divorce papers. “Liam, let’s get a divorce.” Her face was calm, her voice didn’t even waver. She’d clearly made up her mind. Everyone else in the room, except me, gaped in shock. Normally, Skylar and I were considered the perfect couple by them. Married for five years, we’d never once fought. No one ever expected us to be getting a divorce. “Skylar. Why are you divorcing out of nowhere? Did Liam, that jerk, bully you?” Mrs. Carter gripped Skylar’s hand, then turned to glare at me. “What are you staring at? Apologize already! Do I have to teach a grown man how to say sorry?” Mr. Carter chimed in, “If you’ve pushed Skylar to divorce, you must have made an unforgivable mistake.” “Unless you apologize today, you’re not leaving this house!” Skylar’s relatives all nodded in agreement. “Liam, you’re sick! My cousin is so sweet and understanding, what more could you possibly want? Why would you mistreat her?” “Everyone used to say you were gentle and thoughtful. Turns out you’re just a scumbag!” “He probably even hits her!” They looked at me with utter contempt, their words venomous. But the truth was quite the opposite. On the surface, Skylar seemed sweet and sensible, but in reality, her emotions were incredibly unstable, like a ticking time bomb. When she was in a good mood, she was passionate and loving. But when she wasn’t, it was a completely different story. For example, if she woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep, she’d scratch and bite me, doing everything to keep me awake. Another time, when I couldn’t get her the cake she wanted, she threw a fit and locked me out of the bedroom. Of course, she’d always apologize afterward. I loved her. That’s why I tolerated everything, shaping her into the perfect wife. But I never imagined it would all fall apart because of one little jab from her best friend. I took a deep breath and replied calmly, “We don’t have any problems.” “She just thinks I’m not good enough for her anymore.”

What? The room went silent, everyone turning to stare at Skylar. Waiting for her response. “That’s right!” Skylar didn’t hesitate, nodding directly as she admitted, “Chloe was absolutely right.” “Women are meant to marry up, always.” “Her first husband owned a bakery, her second was a real estate developer, and she’s always rocking new diamond necklaces and rings.” “Now, her third husband is a tech CEO, and she’s living a life of endless luxury. Plus, he’s five years younger than her!” “So I can definitely do that too.” She lifted her chin proudly, her eyes brimming with self-confidence. But everyone else was stunned. I let out a bitter laugh. Maybe Skylar never truly saw me from the start. Perhaps she was just enjoying the perks of my kindness and support. After all, she and Chloe always thought I was plain-looking, and being with her was a miracle from heaven. Even if I treated her a hundred times better. Even if I agreed to be DINK. It was all useless. After a brief silence, Mrs. Carter slapped her thigh and urged me, “What are you just standing there for? Apologize and win her back! Buy her a new handbag, get her a necklace.” “You must have done something wrong to upset Skylar! Otherwise, she wouldn’t be doing something so foolish, saying such ridiculous things!” Hearing that, I felt a surge of exasperation. Skylar had just made it so clear, yet they were still blaming me and demanding I grovel. They weren’t even leaving me a shred of dignity. Seeing I didn’t move, Mr. Carter repeatedly nudged my leg with his knee, subtly prompting me, while saying, “Liam, you’re a man. It’s no big deal to swallow your pride or take a hit for the team.” “Saving your marriage is what matters most.” “After all, you won’t find another wife as gentle and beautiful as my daughter anywhere.” “If you don’t win her back today, you’ll regret it forever.” The others started chiming in again. “Apologize now, or my cousin will get serious, and you’ll be finished!” “Marrying my cousin was a huge stroke of luck for you, your family’s been blessed for generations, so hurry up and win her back!” “You big, oblivious idiot, do you even know how to sweet-talk your wife? Even if it’s not your fault, you still need to admit it!” Not a single person in the room spoke up for me. They all told me to back down. But why? Because of Skylar’s looks? Because of her inflated ego? Because she couldn’t be content with what she had? Thinking this, I slowly stood up, looked Skylar in the eye, and said, word for word, “I agree to the divorce.” “From now on, our marriage is over. We have nothing to do with each other.”

Though my voice wasn’t loud, it stunned everyone. Even Skylar paused for a moment, seemingly surprised I agreed so readily. Before anyone could react, I took the divorce papers, signed them, and pressed my thumbprint. “Are you out of your mind?!” At that moment, Mr. and Mrs. Carter finally snapped back to reality, both jumping to their feet in agitation. “Liam!” “Are you even a man? Is it that hard to just apologize? Skylar says divorce, and you just agree? Can’t you show some responsibility?” “Tear up those divorce papers, get on your knees and apologize to Skylar! List all your mistakes and beg for forgiveness, one by one.” Skylar was the one who initiated the divorce, yet they weren’t trying to talk her out of it. Instead, they were convinced I was the one who messed up. Like daughter, like parents, I guess. The whole family was just a bunch of arrogant, self-important people. Skylar, fearing I might actually tear up the papers, quickly snatched them back. “Let’s go. To the courthouse. The staff will be leaving soon.” She was so impatient. It only made me feel like I’d wasted my genuine affection on someone undeserving. What did these five years of marriage even mean? A total dumpster fire. I said nothing, just followed behind Skylar. Mr. Carter grabbed my arm, furious. “Liam!” “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. You’re over thirty. If you divorce my daughter, even a stray dog wouldn’t want you!” “If you know what’s good for you, get on your knees and apologize right now. I’ll put in a good word for you. If that’s not enough, hand over your parents’ retirement savings for us to hold, just to give my daughter some peace of mind.” “Oh, and that old house they live in? The property deed should be changed to my daughter’s name.” He’d brought this up before. Now, he was taking advantage of the situation, trying to get their greedy hands on my parents’ retirement home. Unbelievable. If I agreed, would I even have the right to call myself a son? I clenched my fists, shaking off his hand. “Maybe I won’t be the one nobody wants.” With that, I walked away without looking back. Behind me, I heard Mr. and Mrs. Carter’s curses. “You cursed jerk! You’re so selfish! It’s just retirement money and a house! No wonder my daughter divorced you!” “My daughter with you? It’s like pairing a goddess with a peasant.” “Exactly, this divorce? Best thing that ever happened!” “My daughter will only marry up, and you? You can just rot in the ground!” Skylar’s relatives also hurled insults. They called me ungrateful trash. They said I wasn’t handsome enough, and I had no money. But over the years, I’d helped them out countless times, lent them a lot of money that I never got back. I’d even given Mr. and Mrs. Carter many expensive gifts. Once, they were in a car accident, and Skylar was away on a business trip. My parents and I took care of them for a whole month. I thought five years of devoted care and diligent effort would at least earn me some respect. Now it seemed it wasn’t just Skylar who looked down on me. Deep down, the entire Carter family thought I had married above my station. No matter how hard I tried, it was useless. On the way to the courthouse. Skylar turned to me and asked, “What did you mean by ‘maybe I won’t be the one nobody wants’?” “Are you saying I can’t land a good partner? Or that you think you can find someone better than me?”

Before I could answer. Skylar suddenly laughed out loud. “Liam, stop dreaming. What else can you offer besides emotional support?” “Might as well tell you.” “Honestly, I got tired of all your ‘goodness’ a long time ago.” I never thought she’d twist the knife even as we were parting ways. I remembered when we first got married, Skylar told me, “You’re the only one in the world who’s genuinely good to me. Everyone else has an ulterior motive.” “I love you, and I’ll never get tired of you.” But now? Our relationship ended before another woman even showed up. After finalizing the divorce. We returned to our home. The first thing Skylar did was take down our wedding photos, smash the frame, and burn the pictures inside. “Liam.” “Delete everything related to me.” “I don’t want any bad memories left behind.” Her tone was almost command-like. For a moment, she seemed like a stranger. “Okay.” I nodded, pulled out my phone, and deleted Skylar’s Ins account, her phone number, and all the photos I’d saved. Gazing at my almost-empty phone storage, I paused, then let out a long sigh of relief, like a huge burden had been lifted. Skylar thoroughly checked my phone, then, satisfied, grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door. But at the entrance, she suddenly stopped. “Liam.” She called my name softly. I looked up, meeting her eyes, and couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. “Liam, people have to look out for themselves, don’t they? Don’t blame me. Blame yourself for not being good enough.” This time, Skylar didn’t look back, turning and walking away, her steps light. Chloe was already waiting downstairs. Next to her was a stylishly dressed man. He leaned against a Ferrari sports car, a Rolex on his wrist, looking very wealthy. “Skylar! Congrats on the divorce! Congrats on escaping that misery!” Chloe smiled, waving at her, then introduced the man beside her: “This is my husband’s good friend, Damien!” “He said he just loves women like you!” Hearing this, a blush rose on Skylar’s cheeks. She looked at him closely, her eyes lighting up. Damien curved his lips into a smile, opening the rear car door for Skylar. He said humorously, “Princess, your carriage awaits.” “You’re so funny,” Skylar laughed. I watched everything from upstairs. Seeing the luxury car drive away, Damien looked oddly familiar. So I sent a picture to my college friend, who’s an international police officer. [Isn’t this the wanted criminal you guys are looking for?]

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