“Congratulations, you’re pregnant!” I shook my hands, hugging the pregnancy test result to myself, the doctor’s words still echoing in my head. Three years of trying finally paid off. The thought of holding our child one day filled me with excitement, even as an old ache lingered. Frank’s emotional distance had been a constant, unspoken presence in our lives, but tonight, I hoped things would change. Maybe a child could be the bond that brought us closer together. Frank’s voice pulled me back to reality. “What’re you thinking about?” he asked, his hands busy unbuttoning his shirt. I stared at his chest, my cheeks flushing. Three years of marriage, and his looks still took my breath away—but not in the way they once did. Before I could respond, he stepped into the shower. The water hissed to life, and I waited until the steam blurred the bathroom door before pulling out the report. My smile faded. How would Frank react to this news? The shower turned off, and Frank emerged, water dripping from his hair. “Frank, I have to tell you something,” I said, taking a step forward. My heart raced. “After all these years, I’m finally—” His phone shrilled, cutting me off. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening. “Hold that thought,” he growled, stepping out onto the balcony. I lingered in the doorway, listening to his low, agitated voice. When he returned, his usually calm expression was gone, replaced by a tense set line on his face. “I gotta go,” he said, grabbing his keys. “Wait—Frank! It’s midnight. Can’t this wait?” I pleaded, the report crumpling in my hand. He didn’t look back. “Something came up,” he said, and the door shut behind him. I collapsed onto the couch, the paper slipping from my grip. Another “emergency” that didn’t involve me. My throat burned. How many nights had I stayed up waiting for him, only to be met with silence? How many times had I pushed aside my doubts, clinging to the hope that one day, he’d truly see me—not just his secretary or a convenience—but his wife? A vibration startled me. Bianca’s name flashed on my screen. “Hey, Lisa,” she said, her voice teasing. “You in a wheelchair now?” My brow furrowed. “What?” “I just saw Frank pushing some woman in a wheelchair into that fancy restaurant downtown. Thought you two were together.” The line went quiet. My stomach twisted. “Are you sure it was him?” “Pretty sure. But maybe I’m—” The call cut off before she finished. My thumb hovered over the home button as a news alert beeped. Dera Pete returns with mystery billionaire companion.*  Dera Pete. The name hit me like a punch. The photo was fuzzy, but there he was—Frank, grinning as he walked alongside a wheelchair-bound woman in a diamond-studded gown. The caption called them “the city’s most elegant couple.” Comments flooded the screen: “Her fiancé’s face is heavenly!” “When’s the wedding?” My vision blurred. So this was where he’d rushed off to—not for work, not for an emergency, but for her. The woman who’d hurt him years ago, the one he’d sworn he’d never speak of again. The pregnancy report lay forgotten on the floor. My baby, our future, meant nothing compared to the ghost of his past. A tear slid down my cheek. How long had this been going on? Dera’s laughter echoed from the screen, and Frank’s possessive hand rested on her shoulder. The knife in my chest twisted deeper. In the morning, I forced myself to get up and head to the company, even though I hadn’t slept a wink. The night’s events replayed in my mind, each detail sharper than the last. “Have you seen the news? Dera Pete has returned!” Manda kol, one of the employees at the Lanka group, remarked. She was talking to her friend while they waited for the elevator. Behind them, I stood quietly as they continued to talk about me as though I was invisible. “You mean that jewelry designer?” Lili Samuel asked. “Yeah, she’s not just an ordinary jewelry designer. She’s also the only girlfriend our boss has ever admitted to dating publicly. I heard she’s his first love.” “Wow, but isn’t it rumored that our boss and Ruth have some—?” “Of course not! She was just his mistress!” Tatiana said with a laugh. “Haha! What a failure. She thought sleeping her way to the top would make the boss fall in love with her. Now that the woman he loves has returned, I’m sure she’s not only going to lose her position as the mistress but also her job.” My hands clenched into fists. I gritted my teeth but stayed silent. After all, our marriage was a secret known only to Frank and his family. I was Frank’s personal assistant, but everyone assumed we were just close colleagues. Frank never corrected them, and I had no right to either. He made me promise to keep our marriage a secret. The elevator doors opened, and we all stepped inside. Tatiana and Lili exchanged a glance before continuing their conversation. “If I were her, I would resign. It’s clear the boss has someone he loves. It’s so degrading to cling to him like a desperate person,” Manda said, her words full of mockery. “Hey… chill. She can hear you,” Lili whispered, though she laughed as she said it. They seemed to be having a field day at my expense. They were among the many women who were jealous of my closeness with Frank. Now that his real woman had returned, they found an opportunity to ridicule me. “I’m just stating the truth. She’s a mistress who’s about to be abandoned now that the future Mrs. Lanka has returned to the city,” Manda declared. My hands tightened into fists at her words. Mistress? I was his legal wife! And yet, I couldn’t even declare that out loud. I pursed my lips, my heart aching. Frank hadn’t come home last night. He didn’t even have the decency to call and let me know where he was. I concluded he must have spent the night with his ex-girlfriend. The thought made my heart feel like it was being clawed by a cat. My colleagues’ mocking words echoed in my ears, and my throat went dry. I was his legal wife, but I couldn’t even defend my position. Could I even defend something that wasn’t truly mine to begin with? It didn’t take long for me to arrive at the CEO’s office. However, I wasn’t in the mood to work that day. So, I went to Frank’s office to ask for a day off. Sure enough, when I knocked and entered, I found him seated in his swivel chair, wearing different clothes from the ones he’d had on the previous night. “You’re late,” Frank said in a cold, deep voice. “Yes… I slept late. I’ve come to ask for a one-day leave,” I requested, trying hard to hold back my tears. He didn’t seem bothered by his absence. “Why? Are you sick?” Frank asked nonchalantly, his gray eyes studying me. “I’m not feeling well,” I replied, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. The truth was, I wanted to ask him where he’d spent the night, but I didn’t want to hear that he’d been with another woman. Knowing it and hearing it from him were two very different things. “Okay,” Frank said, and when I didn’t move, he raised an eyebrow and asked, “Anything else?” I shook my head. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Frank didn’t even attempt to explain where he’d been. He acted as if what he’d done was perfectly normal. With a heavy heart, I left the company and went to the parking lot. However, I bumped into someone in the underground parking area. It was none other than Dera Pete—the woman of Frank’s dreams. In her wheelchair, she looked incredibly vulnerable, evoking a protective instinct in everyone around her. She maneuvered her smart wheelchair and stopped in front of me, blocking my path. “So, you’re Ruth, Frank’s wife? I’m Dera. Nice to meet you,” Dera said. I turned pale. I hadn’t expected to meet Dera so soon. “Thank you for taking care of Frank these past three years,” Dera added with a smile. I internally scoffed! She made it sound like I was just a caretaker! Was she indirectly asking me to back off now that the owner had returned? “You don’t need to thank me for doing my duty as his wife,” I replied through gritted teeth. I felt sorry for her because she was in a wheelchair, but her words felt like a mockery of the real state of my relationship with Frank. Dera smiled gently. “Of course. See you around,” she said before beginning to wheel herself away. Just as she was leaving, her phone slipped from her lap and fell to the ground. Looking at me, she asked, “Can you help me pick up my phone? I can’t reach it as you can see.” I nodded and approached her. However, as I crouched down to pick up the phone, Dera suddenly fell to the ground and screamed. “What happened—” “Ouch! That hurt!” Dera cried, blood trickling down her face, horrifying me. “What the—” “DERA!” Frank’s deep voice boomed as he rushed toward us. My heart skipped a beat when I heard his familiar voice. It was my husband, and I’d never heard him sound so worried before. He hurried over and held Dera in his arms. Seeing the blood dripping from her forehead, his eyebrows furrowed in anger. He glared at me coldly, sending chills down my spine. Did he think I did this? My eyes widened in shock as I realized what was happening. I was being framed! “Frank! I swear, I didn’t push her—” “Get lost!” Frank yelled and pushed me, causing me to fall onto my backside. He carried Dera in a bridal style, his eyes filled with worry. He looked at her and whispered gently, “Don’t worry, I’ll take you to the hospital.”

“Yes, she’s no regular jewelry designer. She’s also the only girlfriend our boss ever publicly acknowledged dating. I heard that she’s his first love.” “Gosh, but isn’t it heard that our boss and Ruth have some—?” “Certainly not! She was only a mistress!” “Haha! What an idiot. She thought sleeping her way to success would get the boss’s heart.” I clenched my fists. My nails pressed into my palms, but I didn’t say a word. My marriage was known to Frank’s family and him only. No one had guessed the truth; everyone had assumed I was Frank’s mistress because we worked together so intimately. Frank never denied the rumors, and I never tried to refute them. When he insisted on having me promise we’d never confess our marriage, I complied without hesitation. The elevator doors opened, and we all entered. Manda and Lili glanced at each other before they went on talking. “If I were her, I would quit on my own. It looks like the boss has someone he likes. It is so shameful to hang around him like a starving chick,” Manda sneered. “Shh, be quiet. She can hear you,” Lili whispered, although her tone was playful. They reveled in my misery. For years, they’d envied my closeness to Frank Lanka. Now that his ex, Dera Pete, was back in town, they relished the chance to tear me down. “I’m just saying the truth. She’s a mistress who’s about to be abandoned now that the future Mrs. Lanka has returned to the city,” Manda declared. Mistress? I was his lawfully wedded wife. But the words stuck in my throat. Frank did not come home last night. He did not call. I imagined him with Dera, and the vision ate away at my heart like a saw-edged knife. When I got to Frank’s office, I couldn’t focus. I knocked and entered, and he was sitting behind his swivel chair in a suit I had never seen. “You’re late,” he snapped, his voice cold. “Yes. I overslept. I’m here to ask for a one-day leave,” I said, pushing the lump from my throat down. “Why? Are you sick?” he snarled, his gray eyes scanning me as if I was an annoyance. I’d rather have asked where he’d stayed. But it would shatter me to find out. To not know. “I’m awful,” I whispered. “Good,” he snapped. I stood there uncertainly, then he raised one eyebrow. “Anything else?” I nodded, my heart as heavy as lead. He did not care where he’d spent the night. To him, it was insignificant. I exited the office and out into the parking lot, vision blurry. Then I rounded a corner and bumped into somebody. It was Dera Pete. She curled in a glimmering wheelchair, her gaunt body framed by a taut smile. “So, you’re Frank’s wife, Ruth? I’m Dera. Nice to meet you,” she oozed, voice sugar-sweet with goodness. My blood froze. “Thanks for taking care of Frank the past three years,” she told me. I snorted in my mind. Taking care of him? Me, a professional nurse? Was that how she was attempting to threaten me away? “You don’t have to thank me for doing my duty as his wife,” I growled, the words trembling out of me. Dera’s smile grew wider. “See you around.” She wheeled off, but her phone fell off her lap. “Will you pick it up? I can’t reach it like you,” she said, dripping with condescension. I moved forward, but before I could crouch, she lunged forward, screamed, and fell on the concrete. “Ack! That hurts!” I yelled, a trickle of blood running from my cheek. “DERA!” Frank’s yell shook the garage. He rushed towards us, his face pale with rage. He scooped Dera up in his arms, his eyes blazing at me. “What did you do?!” “I didn’t push her!” I yelled, terror rising. But he shoved me aside, and I fell on the hard ground. He cradled Dera in his arms, his voice softening. “Don’t worry. I’ll take you to the hospital.” His words were to her, not to me. And as I saw their receding backs, I knew the truth: Frank Lanka had already chosen his past over his secret wife.

“What in the name of the devil is happening?” Frank demanded from Dera when the doctor had examined her. Guilt welled up as he gazed at the bandage on her forehead. “I’m sorry. I have no idea why Ruth changed. She was once so kind to me.” When he’d crashed into the parking lot, he’d been convinced he’d seen Ruth dragging Dera from the wheelchair. Fear had muddied his reasoning. But Dera’s legs—her strength already weakened due to her illness—had collapsed beneath him. He’d been the one to bring her down. “I hope you can forgive her. She doesn’t get angry very often,” Frank added, his tone grating. We were in a VIP hospital room, Dera sitting on the edge of the bed without her wheelchair. She smiled and grasped Frank’s hand. “Hey, don’t get this wrong. This isn’t Ruth’s fault. I fell on my own. My wheelchair must’ve had a malfunction.” Frank’s eyes opened wide. “Are you saying Ruth didn’t push you?” Dera shook her head, her lips trembling. “No, she didn’t push me. Don’t blame her for this. I don’t want the two of you fighting because of me.” Frank’s chest tightened. He remembered pushing me away carelessly, assuming the worst. How could he have been so blind? “I had no idea,” he whispered. Dera squeezed his hand. “You should go to her and clear things up.” Frank nodded, his face filled with guilt. “I’ll take you home first. I’ve already put an order in for a new wheelchair to replace the broken one.” “Okay. Don’t leave Ruth alone long enough,” Dera said in a low voice. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to her,” Frank replied. Later, I bumped into my best friend Bianca at a cafe on my way back home. “What? Pregnant?” Bianca’s eyes popped open. “That’s great news!” A bitter smile twisted at my lips. “I don’t think so. You were right last night. That was Frank I saw. And the woman he’s been loving? The woman he always wanted to love? That was Dera.” Bianca’s jaw dropped. “Is he cheating on you with his ex?” “I don’t know. But it hurts to finally know the truth. Perhaps I should do what I’ve been resisting all along,” I said, my voice hollow. “Are you insane? Why would you leave your marriage—especially since you’re pregnant now? Being a single mother is pure hell, Ruth. You’re his lawful wife! If you can’t stand up to her, I will.” “And then what, Bee?” I shook my head. “You should have seen how fast he shoved me away when he believed I hurt her. He did not even hesitate. He did not inquire if I was okay. How am I to remain with a person who shelters her more than me?” Bianca’s fists were tight. “Try telling him about the baby. Perhaps that will wake him up from his insanity.” I rubbed my belly gently. “He pushed me without hesitation. He didn’t call to see how I was. Maybe he doesn’t want this child. Maybe he’d rather I just disappeared so he can be with Dera.” Bianca sighed. “If that’s what you’ve set your mind on, I’ll be with you. Just promise me you’ll do what will make you happy.” When Frank arrived, I sat in the lounge. As soon as he entered, guilt flickered across his face. “Ruth, about that back there, I’m—” “I have something to say to you,” I told him quietly. I handed him the papers I’d lugged all day. Frank frowned as he read the documents. “What’s this? Work? Can’t it wait until tomorrow morning? I wanted to talk—” “Those are divorce and resignation papers,” I told him. “Let’s end this, Frank. It’s been long enough.” Frank’s eyes sprang up, shock taking the place of guilt. “Ruth, wait—” “Let’s divorce,” I said again. “I’m no longer standing in the path of your happiness.”

Frank was taken aback. Hearing those words from my mouth wasn’t something he’d anticipated. He glanced down at the papers in his hands—yes, they were a divorce petition and my resignation notice. He glared at me and demanded, “You’re throwing a tantrum over what happened a while ago. That’s why you’re giving me these papers?” I shook my head. “It’s not that. I’ve been wanting to divorce for a long time now. Now that Dera’s back, you can openly be with the woman you love.” Frank laughed, a bitter, bitter laugh. He tore the papers in two, and I shrieked. “Why did you do that? You don’t love me, why won’t you divorce me?” I screamed. My voice was desperation-tinged, my heart thudded painfully in my chest. During the three years we were married, Frank never loved me. He’d held me at arm’s length, never once being affectionate. I’d loved him, thinking that if I dedicated myself to him and loved him unconditionally, he’d come to love me. But three years had passed, and Frank’s heart remained as cold as ice. As much as I tried, I couldn’t make him love me. “Frank, please. Let me go so you can be happy,” I pleaded, tears welling up in my eyes. “Never. Divorce? You think you can just wake up and ask me to divorce you? In your dreams, Ruth,” Frank taunted. “Why? Don’t you want to be with Dera? Isn’t that why you slept with her last night?” I couldn’t help but yell. “Ah, so this is what all this is about? No time for unnecessary jealousy, Ruth. I did nothing with her. Dera fell sick after her welcome party and I had to stay with her at the hospital. She was okay in the morning,” Frank explained. I clenched my fists. “I don’t want to listen to your excuses. There’s no love here. It’s better to dissolve this marriage.” Frank stepped closer and grabbed my chin, forcing my head backward to glare into my hazel eyes. “I’m the one who gets to decide when this marriage is over. I don’t ever want to hear you speak of divorce, do you understand?” “The woman you love is back and clearly, you will never love me. Why not a quick ending instead of dragging it out?” I begged, crying profusely. My heart ached, as though there was something cold and hard squeezing it. Frank didn’t love me, but he didn’t wish to lose me either. It was hard to say what he truly wanted. He wanted to be with Dera, didn’t he? That’s why he’d rush to her the moment she returned. Frank’s face relaxed when he noticed my tears. He cupped my face in his hands and wiped away the tears on my cheeks with his thumbs. “Nobody’s getting divorced. Nana loves you. Let’s not disturb him with petty problems.” I was about to respond when I caught a whiff of a powerful scent from Frank’s jacket. It was a woman’s perfume, one I recognized as belonging to Dera. The smell was overpowering, and I vomited, covering my face with my hand. I moved away from Frank and ran to the kitchen, which was the nearest place. Frank frowned and followed me, reaching my side as I vomited into the sink. “Are you alright?” he questioned, holding my hair back from my face as I retched. When I was done and had water splashed across my face, my heart was racing. I had no idea whether Frank suspected I was pregnant or not. “What is it? Why suddenly vomiting?” Frank asked again. “Uh, I ate some bad food today,” I fabricated. Frank watched me. “You’re always so mindful of what you eat, Ruth. Are you hiding something from me?” My heart was racing frantically, and my stomach was twisting with knots. Has he found out? I asked myself. Frank gazed at me for a few seconds. I knew he noticed that I was pale and gained a bit of weight. His eyebrows furrowed. “Wait, are you—” I sighed in relief as Frank’s phone rang, cutting off his sentence. Frank grunted and answered. “Hello—” “Mr. Lanka, Miss Pete is gone!” the voice on the other end said. Frank’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? I’m coming!” He did not even glance my way before rushing out the door, his face strained. I laughed at myself. And here I thought he wasn’t divorcing me because he had feelings for me. Turns out that was wishful thinking. When Frank found out something was wrong with Dera, he’d all but vanished from the mansion to go look for her. I couldn’t help but speculate about what Frank would have done if I were the one who was missing. I had walked out of the kitchen and was going upstairs to the master bedroom when I felt a burning pain at the back of my head. I was enveloped in darkness.

I awoke to find myself tied to a chair. The cold of the damp air in the old warehouse seeped into my bones and I shivered helplessly. I could sense my heart pounding as I remembered the blow to the head and loss of consciousness. Was I kidnapped? I screamed, “Where am I? Help! Help me!” “Relax, Ruth. Shouting isn’t going to benefit you. I tried it myself, I swear,” a voice I recognized rang in my ears. I glanced to the right and noticed Dera bound into a chair similar to mine. My eyes bulged with horror. “What is it? Why were both of us kidnapped?” I asked, my chest pounding in terror. At the very back of my mind, I feared for the welfare of the child I carried within me. In case anything should happen to me, I would lose my baby.”. “Good question,” a low male voice boomed somewhere in the warehouse. I spun back toward the voice and my heart ran wild when I saw four goons coming our way. The leader of the group, a bald man with yellow-stained teeth, had a pungent smell of alcohol on him. “Don’t worry, Ruth. Frank will rescue us,” Dera said with determination. I felt a glimmer of hope. Frank, my husband. But then I remembered how he had rushed out the instant Dera disappeared. He would rescue Dera. I mean nothing to him compared to her. It did not take long before Frank arrived at the warehouse. He walked in and did not move when he saw the two of us tied up. He clenched his fists and glared at the goons. “Untie them! It is I who have an issue with. Leave the women alone.” “Rapido. These two ladies are obviously very close to you,” said the leader, spinning a knife around his fingers. “Let them go immediately,” Frank commanded again. “No can do. Because they are so special to you, they are in this trouble,” the thug replied. “I’ll let you keep one of them. The other one will remain with us as a hostage.” “You’re kidding, right?” Frank growled. “You save one or none at all,” the thug sneered. “Oh, Frank Lanka, I should like to see whom you will choose. I had just come to a mind to have a little sport, but now I have a wish to know whom you love most of the two.” Frank’s fists were clenched. He ground his teeth as he glanced at the two of us, both frightened and helpless. “Frank, choose Ruth. She is your wife! Do not listen to me,” Dera looked up at Frank with watery eyes. She was pale and weak, but so kind, treating me with every care. Frank’s conscience was overwhelmed with shame. His fists were clenched, ready to spill blood on his hands. “Go, Frank. You can save one woman. The time is escaping.” Frank snarled, his eyes darting back and forth between the two of us. My heart pounded in my chest when I saw his eyes darting back and forth between Dera and me. Frank looked at me only once before he spoke to the thug, “Let Dera go.” My heart fell. He had picked her. I should have realized this was the inevitable, but I had hoped secretly that Frank would pick me. I was his rightful wife, for goodness’ sake. It hurt me to see him pick another woman and leave me to be the thug’s hostage more than I ever thought I would. Frank. Was I not important to you? I wept like an idiot. “Frank, you look as cold as is rumored,” the thug snarled with a revulsion-filled smile. “Are you at ease leaving the other woman in our hands?” “Let Dera go,” Frank commanded icily. The thug grinned wickedly and undid the rope from Dera’s waist. Frank stepped up and wrapped his arms around Dera, holding her against his chest as if she were one of those delicate porcelain dolls that would break if set down. “Frank, you must take Ruth. I’m a cripple and will be in a wheelchair for the remainder of my life. I’m of no use to you,” Dera breathed. “Don’t worry, I’ll rescue you from here,” Frank promised while pulling her out of the warehouse. I couldn’t utter anything. My heart was broken into a million pieces. The only thing that frightened me was my innocent child, who would be killed because of my stupid love for Frank. If I were to go back in time, I would never give my heart to such a heartless man. “Because Frank has made a choice, I have no use for you to live,” the thug declared, playing with his knife as he glared at me. “Proceed. What are you waiting for?” I spat back as I glared at the thug. “I was waiting for you to beg for your life. I would not have let you go either,” the thug laughed. He ordered his henchmen to fill the place with gasoline. “But boss, is this to be done?” one of them asked. “She wants her out,” the thug answered. I heard that but could not even begin to take in what he was saying. My heart ached. To the very last, I never came first for Frank. Why was I doing this? Why was I allowing Frank to treat me so poorly? I knew I was having my last moments and there were just so many things that I was regretting. “Hey, Miss, last words?” the thug grinned at me. My eyes were closed, accepting fate. Boom! A huge explosion rocked the ground. Frank, who had run back to the warehouse, was blown back by the explosion. He looked in terror at the warehouse, now engulfed in flames, burning the whole building to the ground. I, his wife, stayed in the warehouse. “Ruth!!” “NO!!!” Frank’s anguished cry filled the air.

years later The top-class events facility in Charles State buzzed with activity. Josephs & Co, owners of the biggest jewelry company, had returned to the country to introduce their long-lost daughter to the world. Jack Josephs, a renowned jewelry craftsman, was a force to be reckoned with who had taken his family’s jewelry company and made himself wealthy. He had always been at the front of the fashion parade in the jewelry industry. Everyone was always complimenting the jewels he made. But he left the country with his wife several years ago. All of them wished that they never had the chance to develop relations with the Josephs family. The Josephs family eventually came back. Most of the number one men and women in Charles State yearned to greet their hands with Jack Josephs, MD of Josephs & Co. They arrived in limousines and brought expensive gifts in an attempt to capture the hearts of the family. A reporter from KB Entertainment made a live appearance on television as they covered the event live. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have come to the largest event of the year where Josephs & Co.’s MD is going to present his only daughter to the world. Everyone is waiting with bated breath to see Miss Josephs, including Charles State’s most eligible bachelor, Frank Lanka, who has also brought with him his fiancée, Dera Pete. It appears that the dignified MD also wants to meet the missing daughter of the Josephs family.” Continuing repeating himself, a handsome tall man strode by the door wearing a suit made to measure and proceeded into the hallway. The reporter’s remark angered him and provoked him to jest. He was not ‘interested’ in greeting the missing daughter. He only wished to put forth an offer of union with Jack Josephs in behalf of his impending jewelry venture. The guy was none other than Lanka CULT CEO Frank Lanka. Tall dark-haired guy with a sharp angular jaw that could cut through a diamond. He had a trimmed, well-groomed beard that made him a hunky, macho-looking dude. “Frank, over here!” A voice barely above a whisper whispered on one side of the hall. Frank turned his head to glance at Dera Pete. He smiled and approached her, inquiring, “Have you talked to Mr. Josephs yet?” Dera laughed nervously. She had tried to venture out earlier to see Mr. Josephs but was driven away by his security guards. Anyone who wished to see the man would have to wait until the event. The fact that she knew him from her father did not work in her favor. “I just sat here waiting for him. Don’t you worry, Frank. I will get you a partnership with Mr. Josephs. He is my father’s friend, so he owes me some face,” Dera said. Frank shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded. He had no other choice but to turn to Dera since his own efforts to reach Jack Josephs were an exercise in futility. It seems the man is deliberately avoiding him for one reason or another. Before long, the MC had called out that Mr. Josephs had arrived and all were standing by the door waiting. One minute went by, and in walked a man in his late fifties with a gorgeous woman. He was his wife, Freya Josephs, a famous jewelry designer. “There he is, let’s go and meet him. I’ll introduce him to you,” Dera declared in confidence. Frank nodded and rolled Dera’s wheelchair forward. They inched up to Jack Josephs and his wife when they stopped to greet some other partygoers. Dera smiled and said, “Uncle Josephs!” Jack Josephs turned at the sound of his name. He frowned when he saw it was Dera. “Remember me? I’m the daughter of—” “Good evening,” Jack Josephs brushed Dera aside with a greeting and moved on without glancing back at Frank. Dera’s face turned red like a tomato. She did not expect Jack Josephs to cold-shoulder her in front of all these people. “I thought you said you were family friends?” Frank asked, surprised that Jack cold-shouldered Dera who claimed to know him on a personal level. “Perhaps he does not know me. Because I’m a cripple now,” Dera gasped, and Frank scowled at her statement. “Let him be. I’ll take care of him afterwards,” Frank had said softly. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Jack Josephs stood up on the platform and grasped the microphone. “Welcome.” The party crowd were immediately hushed and all of them looked over at the Josephs couple on stage. “Thank you for your support. Josephs LIFTX is moving its business centre back out to the countryside today,” Jack announced. The crowd applauded thunderously. Everyone was aware of the news once they received the invitation, but no one was hesitant to show their happiness. “Alright, let me introduce to you my long-lost daughter. Welcome on stage, Lydia Josephs!” There was a commotion at the entrance. A lady walked in and everyone’s attention was focused towards her at once. She was wearing a fashionably dressed outfit. Her complexion was light and she wore her dark brown hair in an up styled updo. She had on an open back, sapphire blue formal dress with light makeup on her face accentuating her stunning features. Frank also turned to see what everybody else was staring at. But when he saw the woman entering the room, his jaw dropped and eyes widened. “Ruth?” he thought to himself. Was he dreaming? The woman looked so much like his deceased wife, Ruth. Frank was also shocked, just like Dera. She looked pale and whispered, “Is it Ruth? How is this possible? She died!” But Frank didn’t utter a single word. He was staring at the goddess-like lady who was similar to his wife. The heart of Dera sank when she realized that Frank’s eyes were diverted to the mysterious lady. She clinched her fists into tight balls as fear started creeping onto her. Who was the lady and why did she look so much like Ruth? The crowd lost it as Lydia Josephs descended onto the stage elegantly. She proceeded to her dad with a smile on her face. She took the microphone from her hand and smiled at the audience and proclaimed, “Hello everyone, I am Lydia Josephs. I’m back and I will be occupying the office of the MD of Josephs & Co. Jewelry Company from here on.”

I was stunned. There was the woman on stage who looked like my late wife. Her face, her shape, her voice—there was a striking similarity between the two women. I scowled as I listened to Lydia Josephs give her speech. “Ruth, is that you?” I asked myself, a look of confusion on my face. Lydia Josephs finished speaking and stepped down from the podium. The MC then told her that she would have to share the dance floor with her partner, Dean Anderson, a new mysterious young man who appeared to be a debonair new face in Charles State. He was tall and lean and had sandy brown hair and brown eyes. The guy, in a three-piece gray suit, grinned at Lydia and walked up to her. In front of everyone, he took Lydia’s hand and asked, “May I have this dance, Lydia?” Lydia smiled and took his hand. They stepped onto the dance floor and moved to the beat. Dean glanced at Lydia as they danced. He grinned and said, “Congratulations, boss lady.” Lydia grinned and said, “Thank you, Dean.” “I’m the happiest man in the room now, and I bet the men who are looking on are jealous of me,” Dean explained, staring into Lydia’s eyes. “Oh Dean, you’ll always be so flirtatious,” Lydia pleasantly said. “As the youngest female MD of Charles State and the mysterious daughter of the Josephs clan, it’s all enough to make all the men go crazy about you,” Dean continued. “Dean, you’re on stage as well. You’re the mysterious new MD who’s just moved to Charles State. Honestly, I’ve known you for so many years now, and you’re still as mysterious,” Lydia teased her friend. My teeth were locked into a scowl of frustration. Witnessing the woman who so closely resembled Ruth dance so intimately with another man kindled an unidentifiable spark of jealousy in my heart. I knew that she would not be my wife. So why was I so angry and disturbed noticing this unfamiliar woman with another guy? My eyes constricted and I felt as if someone was squeezing my heart. I could only try to stop myself from walking out onto that dance floor and tearing them apart. From the corner of my eye, Dera happened to catch a glimpse at my face when I gazed at Lydia Josephs. She clenched her fists into tight balls as bitterness crept into the corners of her heart. “Do you still carry that bitch in your heart?” she asked herself. Eight years had passed and I still hadn’t married her. Was it perhaps because I couldn’t let go of Ruth? Dera glared at Lydia Josephs with ill will in her heart. No one was going to steal me from her! I belonged to her and her alone! “Frank. Do you actually think she resembles Ruth?” Dera surprised me by telling me to hear her. “I’ve thought of her every waking moment of all those eight years and blamed myself the entire time. If not for you rescuing me, Ruth would have been killed. But how can Lydia Josephs be Ruth? She’s not that one. How can she be from a wealthy family?” I came to my senses when I heard that. Of course, Ruth was an orphan and had no relatives. There was no chance she was Jack Josephs’ daughter. I glanced at the woman dancing on the dance floor and saw how she danced gracefully. Ruth could not dance and she did not enjoy attending such gatherings. “Right. There’s no chance that she’s Ruth. I saw her body myself,” I told myself. “Yes. Ruth is dead,” I grumbled, but I sounded as though I was trying to convince myself. But I could not shake the tightening in my chest. I felt like I was something short. Within a few minutes, Lydia had just greeted and been introduced to most of the older guests. Dean departed Lydia alone after offering an apology for leaving to answer a call. Noticing that she was by herself, I got up from beside Dera to greet her. “Good evening, Miss Josephs,” I replied softly with a velvety voice. Lydia swiveled around to catch sight of me since she heard the sound of the man’s voice. My heart skipped a beat as eyes met. Those hazel eyes. Up close, she was more Ruth Bennett-like. Wasn’t she her? “Good evening,” Lydia’s soft voice came to my ears. She was being courteous, but I could sense there was no recognition in her response to me. I raised an eyebrow. I smiled and said to her, “I’ve wanted to get a chance to talk to you. I’d like to make an offer of partnership— “Neither is it the time nor the place, Sir. First of all, shouldn’t you introduce yourself? You can’t skip introducing yourself to talk business,” Lydia said. My heart fell like a stone as reality hit me. This lady was not my wife. My wife would have recognized me. How could someone resemble a dead individual so much? Even their eyes were the same. “Sir?” I shouted, my face twisted in confusion. “I’m Frank Lanka, Managing Director of the Lanka CULT,” I stated, though bitter on my tongue. Why was it so inappropriate to be strangers with the lady before me? “Alright, Mr. Lanka. You can have your assistant deal with whatever business-related things,” Lydia said. She smiled and went on, “Excuse me.” “Hold on.” I couldn’t help but hold her back. I looked into Lydia’s eyes and I had this feeling of an unspeakable emotion coursing through me at the moment. Although I was aware that the woman standing in front of me was not Ruth, it was great to look into the face of a woman who bore some resemblance to her. It had been eight years since my wife passed away and yet, I couldn’t help but think of her. “Mr. Lanka, what’s that? And why do you stare at me like you do?” Lydia replied, not even a wisp of emotion on her face. Racing heart. I swallowed the suddenly formed lump in my throat and then said, “Lydia Josephs, you’re so familiar. Are you Ruth?”

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After being diagnosed with pregnancy at the military base hospital, I, Sarah Robinson, heard the heartbeat of the baby inside me. Coincidentally, my brother Cooper Robinson came to visit me. I was about to share the good news of my pregnancy with him. But the baby inside me cried and stopped me. The baby inside me said, “Mom, please don’t tell Uncle Cooper. His wife is also pregnant. Uncle Cooper is afraid that after you have me, you won’t help their family anymore, so he will force you to abort me.” So, I contacted the security department and asked them not to let Cooper in. But the next day, I heard the news that Cooper was brutally tortured and killed by his enemies, and his body was thrown into the river. It was then I realized he wasn’t here to visit but to seek help after provoking his enemies. Cooper’s wife, Bella Robinson, cried bitterly and accused me of causing Cooper’s death. When I was in so much pain that I didn’t want to live anymore, my husband, Henry Ross, supported and encouraged me to pull myself together. But the baby inside me reminded me again. The baby inside me said, “Dad is kissing Aunt Bella. He’s being nice to you only because he feels guilty about cheating on you.” By the time I realized it, I had already rushed into the military base to find them. But an important combat meeting was being held at the military base, and Henry was demoted because of it. He was very disappointed and wanted to file for divorce with me. The baby inside me said, “If you take a tough stance, Dad will definitely resist. Mom, as long as you agree to the divorce, Dad will beg to remarry you within three days because he’s just that kind of man who loves his wife.” I signed the divorce agreement and waited for three months, only to see him publicly remarry a woman who resembled me by seventy percent. I rushed to the wedding venue but was dragged into an alley by drunk thugs and gang-raped to death. My child, however, was clapping happily. I couldn’t understand why my child wanted to harm me, even until my death. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I found out I was pregnant. ***** The doctor said, “Sarah, congratulations. After trying for so long, you’re finally pregnant this time. Just in time, Cooper is here to see you. You can share this good news with him.” Hearing the doctor’s words, I realized I had truly been reborn. My hand trembled as it touched my lower abdomen, and the familiar inner voice came through again. The child in my belly said, “Mom, please don’t meet Uncle Cooper. His wife is also pregnant. Uncle Cooper is afraid that after having me, you won’t help their family and will definitely force you to abort me. I don’t want to leave you.” I pretended not to hear and quickly shouted to the doctor, “Let Cooper in right away.” In my previous life, it was because I believed my child’s inner voice that I didn’t let Cooper see me. As a result, he, targeted by thugs, didn’t seek help from my husband Henry in time. In the end, his body was brutally mutilated. Bella held Cooper’s body, crying in deep sorrow, accusing me of being the murderer. I was in so much pain that I didn’t want to live anymore. It was Henry who brought Bella to our home to settle her. Afterward, he patiently stayed by my side. But just as I recovered from the guilt, I heard the voice of the child in my belly again. The child in my belly said, “Mom, actually, Dad is only being nice to you because he feels guilty about cheating and wants to make up for it. If you go to the military base now, you’ll see Dad kissing Aunt Bella.” My mind went blank, and by the time I realized it, I had already rushed into the military base to find them. But an important combat meeting was taking place inside. My sudden intrusion caused Henry to be demoted. He disappointedly dragged me to the Courthouse to file for divorce. I didn’t know what to do and felt very flustered. My child’s words became my support at this moment. The child in my belly said, “If you’re too firm, Dad will definitely resist. Threatening not to divorce will only completely sever your relationship with him. It’s better to let go and calm down. “Mom, as long as you agree to the divorce, Dad will beg to remarry you within three days. He’s just that kind of man who loves his wife.” I believed my child’s words. Then, I signed the divorce agreement. But after three months, Henry still didn’t come to me. When I went back to him, I saw him proudly showing off a marriage certificate with a woman who resembled me by seventy percent, while accusing me of heartlessly abandoning my husband and child. I wanted to confront Henry for an explanation, but a group of thugs dragged me into an alley and gang-raped me to death. Now, living again, I will never repeat the mistakes of the past.

Cooper came to my hospital room. After hearing the news of my pregnancy, he smiled. He said, “Congratulations, Sarah, you’re finally pregnant.” But I noticed Cooper’s smile was a bit forced. I grabbed his hand directly and asked, “Cooper, what’s going on with you?” After my repeated questioning, Cooper revealed the reason. “Last time, I angered a gang by helping someone. They threatened to harm Bella. “Henry is in the military. I think he should have a way to handle it.” Thinking of Cooper’s tragic death in the previous life, I wanted to completely eliminate these vicious people. But I didn’t have the ability to do it. I said, “Henry went on an urgent mission, he won’t be back today.” I saw a trace of guilt flash in Cooper’s eyes. I understood he was afraid of causing me trouble. So, I quickly said, “Cooper, I’ll call a few guards to escort you back first. That should scare them off.” “When Henry comes back, I’ll have them arrest that group immediately to ensure the safety of you and Bella.” Cooper grabbed my hand and said a heavy “thank you.” Watching him leave under the escort of the guards, my tense heart finally relaxed. However, early the next morning, the police said they had found Cooper’s body. The police said, “When Cooper was pulled from the river today, his body was covered in slash wounds.” I said in shock, “How is that possible?” I already met Cooper and even arranged for guards to escort him. How could those thugs make a move? I still haven’t accepted this reality. Immediately, Bella rushed in with swollen red eyes and grabbed me by the neck. “Sarah, Cooper came to you for help because he was in danger. Is this how you brushed him off?” “You killed him, leaving me a widow. The baby in my belly will be born without a father.” She let go halfway through her words, crouched on the ground, and burst into tears. I collapsed weakly onto the bed, overwhelmed by a suffocating sense of panic. I panicked, thinking, “I clearly didn’t follow the voice of the child in my belly, so why did Cooper still die?” Henry rushed over upon hearing the news and pulled me into his arms, comforting me, “Sarah, this is the killer’s fault. You don’t need to blame yourself.” “Right now, the most important thing is to take care of you and Bella. Both of you are carrying children.” I held him tightly, as if clinging to my only support. I said, “Okay.” I held back my tears, knowing the dead can’t come back to life, and I couldn’t stay negative any longer. After that, Henry was always very considerate to me and also brought Bella to our home to take care of her. Our lives gradually got back on track. But at this moment, my child’s voice broke the silence. The child in my belly said, “Mom, Dad is being so nice to you only because his guilt from cheating is making him compensate.” “If you go to the army base now, you’ll see Dad and Aunt Bella kissing.” I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. In my previous life, I saw Henry as my only support. So, when I heard someone was interfering in our marriage, and that person was Bella, I stormed in angrily. As a result, the price was Henry being demoted. This time, I asked Henry in advance. He said there was a confidential meeting today. So, I absolutely can’t disturb him again. So, I pretended not to hear and continued ironing Henry’s uniform. When Henry came home, he hugged me and said, “During the meeting today, a subordinate’s wife actually wanted to take him home for dinner. “The general was so angry that he directly demoted him three ranks.” He gave me a kiss and continued, “Honey, luckily you never cause me trouble. Having a wife like you, I’m truly lucky.”

I gave him a smile, feeling deeply grateful. Sure enough, trusting Henry was the right decision. This time, Henry wasn’t demoted, and I should be able to live peacefully with him. As long as we don’t divorce, he won’t look for another woman. The next day, I found a package for Bella in the mailbox. My child’s inner voice surfaced again, telling me earnestly. She said, “Mom, this is the evidence of Aunt Bella having an affair with Dad. Open it quickly and see.” However, I didn’t hesitate and handed the package to Bella. I thought I had defused another crisis, but just as I stepped out for a walk, Bella’s room exploded. I collapsed to the ground, watching the house engulfed in flames, my mind completely blank. I thought, “Where did the bomb come from? This never happened in my previous life.” Henry arrived quickly. I instinctively reached out for comfort, but he pushed me away. He said, “Sarah, as a military family member, don’t you know that unidentified packages must be sent to the bomb disposal unit for inspection?” “Cooper is dead, and I once swore to take care of Bella. Now, she’s been killed because of you. How am I supposed to face Cooper?” He was deeply grieved, his eyes filled with disappointment as he looked at me. Henry said, “Sarah, let’s get a divorce.” Hearing those words, my heart trembled violently. I thought, “Why did I always believe Henry didn’t cheat and didn’t ruin Henry’s career, yet still ended up with a divorce?” How could there suddenly be a bomb? “This never happened in my previous life.” I was utterly shocked, almost on the verge of breaking down. At that moment, a tender, comforting voice echoed in my mind. The child in my belly said, “Mom, please don’t resist Dad. He’s very angry right now. If you don’t divorce, it will only push him further away.” In my previous life, it was because I made a mistake and divorced Henry that those thugs who coveted me ended up assaulting me. In this life, I will never let such a thing happen again. I firmly said to Henry, “No, I don’t agree to the divorce.” The child in my belly said, “Mom, don’t do this. If you go against Dad, he’ll get even angrier.” I ignored the noisy voice in my head and held Henry’s hand. Then, I softened my tone and said, “Henry, I know you feel guilty. But divorce can’t bring the dead back to life. Can you give me a chance to go through this tough time with you?” “And besides, we have an unborn child. Don’t you want to raise her with me?” Henry’s furrowed brows gradually eased. As if calming down, he hugged me apologetically and said, “Sarah, I’m sorry. I was just too upset earlier.” “You’re right. The dead can’t come back, and the living must live well.” After that, he never brought up divorce again. So, have I changed that tragic fate? This discovery made me so happy I almost cried. Afterward, to make up for the negligence that caused Bella’s death, I worked hard to accommodate and care for everything about Henry, managing the household beautifully. My child is also growing safely in my belly. Just when everything was steadily improving, a sudden change occurred. Henry, while on a mission, carried an injured woman down the mountain but was maliciously slandered as harassing her and reported to the army. He said with deep guilt, “That family couldn’t bear the harassment of rumors and came to the military base to cause trouble. My superior gave me two options. The first is permanent suspension.” Without thinking, I asked, “What’s the second?” Henry said self-reproachfully, “We fake a divorce, and then I marry her.” I was stunned and thought, “Are we really going to divorce?”

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My son Jack Miller’s PTSD episodes are becoming more frequent. He’s getting irritable, quick to anger, and scared of fire and light. I was kicked by him again and spat blood. Everyone tells me that having a “Firefighting Hero” like Jack as my son is my good fortune. Until the fire brigade’s PR team came to my house, saying they wanted to do a “Firefighting Hero Family Documentary live streaming.” The PR person said to me, “Athena, we want to document Jack’s real life and let society remember the sacrifices of heroes.” Athena Miller is my name. I ran my hand over the coffee cup, avoiding his probing gaze. I replied, “Jack would feel uncomfortable in front of the camera.” He assured, “Athena, don’t worry. We aim for authenticity, and the live streaming will be very discreet.” I agreed. After the live streaming started, flowers and praise flooded toward Jack like a tide. Six years, and the deepest pain of this family is finally about to be uncovered by me. ***** The hidden camera has been installed. I clipped a tiny microphone inside my shirt, held the cake, and knocked on Jack’s door. My ribs ached faintly, the spot where he kicked me last week. I knocked on the door for a long time before Jack finally opened it. Burn scars covered his neck and half of his face. In the dim room, he looked like a monster. I trembled as I forced a smile, then lit the lighter in front of him to light the candles. I said to him, “Jack, today marks your sixth year as a Firefighting Hero. I specially bought a cake to celebrate.” When the flame leapt out, Jack’s eyes widened, and he took half a step back. At this moment, the live streaming comments started scrolling like crazy. [Jack is already burned like that, and she still lights a fire in front of him? Is she out of her mind?] [Celebrate? Didn’t her husband die in that fire?] [Please, just put out the fire. Can’t you see Jack is uncomfortable?] I forced myself to stay calm and held the cake up to Jack’s face. Jack’s breathing grew heavier. I closed my eyes, waiting for the familiar punches and kicks to come. Six years ago, Rowan spoiled me so much that I didn’t have to do any chores. But now, I’ve become a nanny skilled in handling all household tasks. I also became a punching bag for Jack to vent his emotions without restraint. That devastating fire took the life of my husband, Rowan Miller, and ruined my son, Jack. The father and son rushed into the fire seven times and saved thirty-two people. In the end, Jack shielded the trapped child with his body. And Rowan placed his fireproof mask over the child’s face, leaving the hope of survival to them. Later, Jack became a hero but developed severe PTSD. In these six years, anything slightly related to fire would instantly drive him crazy. One time, I just opened the oven to cook. The moment the flames flared up, Jack rushed over and pushed me to the ground. He roared, “You b****! Are you trying to burn me alive?” Jack’s scars twisted with anger, making him look terrifying. He shouted, “Do you know what it feels like when fire burns your skin?” He repeatedly kicked my abdomen. Coughing up blood, I explained to him, “Jack, I just wanted to cook a meal.” “Fire! It’s all fire!” Jack screamed. Then, he smashed everything in the kitchen he could. Since then, I never cooked again, only ate takeout and cold food. It took me a long time to accept this cruel reality. My son, my pride, had turned into a monster who didn’t even recognize his own family. But today, the violence I expected didn’t happen. Jack, with red eyes and a sorrowful voice, said, “I will never forget the screams when Dad was burned to death.” “Mom, are you celebrating so grandly on Dad’s death anniversary because you’ve forgotten him?” My hand trembled, and the cake almost fell to the ground. How could I forget? This is my beloved’s death anniversary. Rowan died, and took the old me with him. Now, all that’s left is Jack’s mother. I am the mother everyone calls great and lucky, who must wholeheartedly care for Jack without any selfishness. But years of domestic violence have left my body and soul utterly exhausted, almost unbearable. As long as netizens see what Jack has done, I can definitely send him to a professional place for treatment. That way, I can be free. Thinking of this, I gathered my courage and stepped closer. The flame flickered, seemingly about to touch the terrifying scar on Jack’s face the next second.

Real-time comments instantly filled with accusations against me. [Rowan is dead, Jack is injured like this. What is there for her to celebrate? Has she abandoned her humanity for money?] [I truly feel sorry for Jack. He lost his father and still has to endure such a neurotic mother.] [This is Jack, who saved countless families. How can she treat a hero like this?] Jack suddenly laughed, a laugh more grating than a cry. He said, “Mom, every time you say you love me and it’s for my own good, yet you insist on using fire to remind me again and again.” His voice was filled with despair. “I’m a failure. I saved so many people, but I couldn’t save my father.” Jack spoke with a heavy nasal tone, making my eyes sting too. He knocked the cake to the ground. The candle grazed my instep, bringing searing pain. I quickly said, “No, Jack, you’re not wrong.” I wanted to say he was just sick. I crouched down to clean up the mess on the ground. After the fire, I immediately took him to see every psychologist in the city, and he never stopped taking his medication. When first diagnosed with PTSD, Jack would hold me and cry with guilt. He said, “Mom, I didn’t mean to, I just can’t control myself.” But later, things escalated from verbal abuse to shoving, and eventually to punching and kicking. At its worst, I was beaten so badly that I couldn’t get out of bed for three days. I once showed the doctor the bruises on my body. But they frowned and told me it was just a rare case, and later they even stopped treating Jack. Not just doctors, even nurses and passersby tried to persuade me. Someone said, “He’s a Firefighting Hero. You’re his mom. You should think more about your child.” Some also said, “You’re his mother. You can’t be selfish at a time like this. You need to stay strong. It’s your responsibility.” Others said, “Even if not for yourself, for society, you must take good care of the hero.” I tried many ways, but none worked. But I didn’t give up. If this hospital doesn’t work, we’ll go to a better one. But Jack grabbed my neck and screamed, “If you mention going to the hospital again, I’ll kill you!” I once cried to his teammates who came to visit, saying Jack’s mental issues were too severe, and I couldn’t hold on any longer. His teammate patted my shoulder and said, “Athena, we know you’re going through a lot.” “Everyone says you’re amazing. “Jack is already pitiful. If you give up first, how will he survive?” The word “amazing” choked back everything I wanted to say. No one believes this hero would beat his mother until she vomited blood. I can only feed this monster devouring me day after day. But now, Jack’s unusual calmness scares me. Normally, he loses control at the sight of a spark, never accusing me with such clear logic like now. A terrifying thought crossed my mind. I thought, “Does he already know about the live streaming?” I instinctively touched the microphone under my collar, my heart pounding like a drum. That’s impossible. The PR staff assured me repeatedly that it was absolutely confidential. The camera was so well hidden, how could he possibly notice it? Jack suddenly stood up and walked toward me. I instinctively protected my head. But he just crouched down and took the cloth from my hand. He said, “Mom, let me tidy up.” Real-time comments started praising him. [Jack is so filial. Even though he feels so unwell, he still helps his mom clean up.] [I’ve seen his photos from before the accident. He was quite a handsome young man. It’s such a pity.] [He’s still quite handsome now. Does he have a girlfriend? I want to marry him.] I have a bad feeling in my heart. I thought in despair, “Why? Could it be that even after risking everything and betting all on this live streaming, I still can’t bring relief to Jack and myself?” If that’s really the case, then I can only disappear completely and go find his dad. At least in that world, someone cared about me. Jack’s back of the head swayed as he mopped the floor. Suddenly, I noticed a fresh wound behind his ear. That was accidentally scratched by me yesterday while struggling. But now, that wound is carefully covered with foundation.

I nervously thought, “Could he really know he’s live streaming now?” “Jack.” I tried to make my voice sound natural. I asked him, “Have you been in touch with your fire brigade teammates recently?” Jack looked up, a hint of confusion in his eyes. He replied, “No. Why are you suddenly asking this?” I forced a smile, trying to brush it off, but the weight in my heart felt even heavier. If he doesn’t know about the live streaming, then what made him so restrained today? I decided to test him again. After tidying up the cake, I pulled out an old photo album from the drawer. Those were old family photos. Inside were photos of Jack in uniform, looking handsome and strong, as well as a picture of him and his son standing side by side in front of a fire truck. “Jack, look at this one,” I said, pointing to one of the photos. That was taken after Jack’s first fire rescue. His face still had soot on it, but he was smiling brightly. I continued, “You were so proud back then.” Jack’s gaze lingered on the photo for a moment, his fingers trembling slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He said softly, “That’s all in the past now.” The live comments started criticizing me again. [What’s wrong with this woman? She’s always bringing up sad things.] [Jack is so strong, staying calm even after seeing all this.] [Does his mom have dementia? Why does she keep bringing up Jack’s sad memories?] This doesn’t seem like the Jack I know. I run my hand over the indented patterns on the heavy album backboard. The last time I took out the album, Jack roared at me, asking why I still kept these memories. He took the hard album and smashed it against my head until I passed out. I couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope, thinking, “Could Jack really be better?” “Could my six years of torment finally be coming to an end?” At lunch, I specifically ordered grilled fish that needed to be heated with a small candle. Jack took the initiative to help me clean the table. I stared at him intently. He naturally picked up the small candle, struck a match to light it, and placed it under the grill pan. Jack neither dodged my outburst nor forced my hand into the boiling soup. My heart was pounding. I didn’t know whether to feel sad or happy. I turned on the TV and switched to a channel reporting a fire. Flames soared in the footage as firefighters worked hard to extinguish the fire. “Turn it off,” Jack said in a low voice. I could almost feel an invisible pressure, instinctively tensing my muscles. I explained, “I’ll just watch for a bit. You firefighters really have it tough.” Time passed second by second. But nothing happened. I turned my head and saw Jack standing at the doorway, his back to the TV. He said, “Mom, please. I don’t want to watch this.” After speaking, Jack lowered his head, walked to his room, and closed the door. I stood there in a daze. The crackling sounds of the fire were still coming from the TV. A hope, hard to put into words, sprouted like a tender bud in spring. I couldn’t help but smile. Maybe the medication finally worked, or maybe time truly heals the deepest wounds. I gently touched the microphone under my collar and suddenly felt a wave of guilt. What am I doing? I actually wanted to expose Jack’s pain, to let the whole world see his most vulnerable side. Yet he was silently striving to get better. At that moment, the doorbell suddenly rang. I opened the door, and outside stood Jack’s girlfriend, Anna Scott. My heart sank suddenly, thinking, “Could Jack’s unusual behavior today be because Anna is coming?”

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In my previous life, on the first day my lost sister Layla Harris returned home, I heard her inner voice. She thought to herself, “Back by the river, watching other kids have their dads teach them to swim, I really wished someone would take me just once. The water must feel so cool, right?” The next day, I drove her to the cleanest part of the river in the countryside and taught her how to float and swim. She suddenly screamed and sank abruptly. I desperately dove underwater to pull her up, but she clung tightly to my arm, dragging me deeper. In the end, I forcefully pushed her to the shore, but I passed out from choking on water. Amid the piercing sirens of the ambulance, she curled up in my mother Aurora Harris’s arms, coughing violently and crying heartbreakingly. Aurora slapped me, while my father Miles Harris’s eyes were filled with disappointment. He said, “She’s been wandering outside for over ten years, suffering a lot. You come back and try to drown her right away.” I had so much to say but couldn’t defend myself. Later, she was harassed by thugs outside the school. I “heard” her desperate cries again. She said in her heart, “He said if he doesn’t see me tonight, he’ll burn down my family’s garage. Naomi, help me. Only you can save me.” Naomi Harris is my name. I grabbed a stick and rushed to the small woods behind the school. But she didn’t come. Those thugs, with cruel laughter, easily took away my stick. The leader of the thugs pinned me down by the pond. He said, “Don’t blame us. It was your dear sister Layla who paid half a million dollars for your life.” “She said, as long as you’re dead, the hundreds of millions in inheritance will all be hers.” Before the suffocation consumed me, I saw Layla slowly step out from behind a tree not far away. Her dress was pure white, and her face showed no expression. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day Layla was brought home. ***** She looked at me fearfully, her inner voice echoing. Layla thought to herself, “I really want to swim. If only Naomi could take me swimming.” After hearing Layla’s inner voice again, I finally confirmed that I had truly been reborn. Looking at the seemingly harmless Layla in front of me, I just couldn’t believe she wanted to kill me. Right after, her inner voice came through again. She thought to herself, “Back by the river, I saw other kids being taught how to swim. If only Naomi could teach me.” Hearing the exact same inner voice as in my previous life, I couldn’t help but feel a bit concerned. Recalling the drowning incident in my past life, I decided to pretend I didn’t hear it this time. Seeing no reaction from me, Layla’s eyes showed a hint of confusion. Then, she blinked at me and softly said, “Naomi, it’s so hot. Can you take me to play in the water? I want to learn how to swim.” I was a bit surprised but still said, “If it’s hot, just turn on the air conditioner. It’s not safe to go into the water during this season; accidents can easily happen.” Layla was visibly a bit disappointed but didn’t say anything further. Seeing this, I also breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Layla doesn’t get into trouble this time, perhaps the subsequent events won’t happen. But just when I thought this matter was over, the unexpected still happened. Perhaps Layla actively asked Miles and Aurora, and surprisingly, Miles and Aurora rarely organized a family picnic by the lake in the park. That day, I had a bad feeling. So, I sat alone by the lake, trying to stay as far away from Layla as possible. But she somehow appeared beside me without me noticing. At Miles and Aurora’s request, I had to split my attention to keep an eye on her. But in the moment Miles and Aurora turned away, Layla pretended to slip and fell into the lake. I was startled by the sudden situation and hurriedly shouted, “Layla, be careful!” Miles heard the commotion and turned around, quickly jumping into the water to save her, while Aurora stayed put and dialed emergency services. I was so scared that my face turned pale. I only breathed a sigh of relief after seeing Miles rescue Layla. Miles held the barely conscious Layla and asked with concern, “Layla, tell us. What happened just now?” Layla glanced at me and didn’t dare to speak. Seeing this, Miles immediately pressed further. He asked, “Layla, speak up. We’ll stand up for you.” Seeing this, Layla finally said fearfully, “It was Naomi who pushed me from behind.” Then she quickly explained, “Dad, don’t blame Naomi. Even though Naomi doesn’t like me, she definitely didn’t do it on purpose.” Hearing this, Miles immediately pointed at me in anger. He shouted, “Naomi, how could you do such a thing?” Aurora also looked at me with a disappointed expression. She said, “Layla has been wandering outside for over ten years, suffering a lot. And you still wanted to drown her?” Hearing the exact same conversation as in my previous life, I was instantly too shocked to speak. I thought, “Could everything be predestined?” Or perhaps, was it intentional by Layla?” I looked at Layla with frightened eyes, but she hurriedly avoided my gaze. She didn’t speak, but her inner voice echoed. She said in her heart, “Stop talking about Naomi. Maybe I really saw it wrong.” My hands trembled as I explained, “I didn’t push her at all. I was at least 10 feet away from the water.” Miles got even angrier. He asked, “Would Layla lie? Why would she deliberately frame you?” I instantly became furious. After looking around, I pointed to the distant surveillance and said, “If you don’t believe me, then check the footage.” Of course, there would be surveillance around the park. Miles immediately stood up, ready to use the footage to shut me up. But Layla hurriedly grabbed Miles. She said, “No, Dad. Maybe someone else pushed me. I must have been mistaken.” Right after, Layla’s inner voice sounded again. She thought to herself, “Could I really have been mistaken? What should I do? I think I misunderstood Naomi.” I looked at Layla, still pretending to be fragile in Miles’ arms, and a chill instantly ran through me. Miles picked up Layla and carried her to the arriving ambulance. Then he said, “No matter what, you failed to take care of Layla. I punish you to walk home alone, no riding.” I lowered my head, silently staring at the map showing over ten miles, without saying a word. Watching them leave quickly, my mood sank to the lowest point. I thought, “Why does Layla’s inner voice always contradict her actions?” Could her inner voice lie too? Maybe that’s not her true inner voice at all.”

Three hours later, when I got home, it was completely dark. My family had already finished dinner, but I was still hungry. Seeing there was no food left in the kitchen, I could only eat the fruits from the platter. At that moment, Layla suddenly appeared before me, bouncing around without a trace of weakness from her recent drowning. So, I somewhat doubted the truth of her drowning. At this moment, she looked at me with a wronged expression, saying nothing, but her inner voice echoed in my ears. In her heart, she said, “I misunderstood Naomi today. Will she forgive me? I was so flustered at the time that I didn’t see clearly, which is why I misunderstood Naomi. I hope she’s not angry.” I felt a bit doubtful but didn’t pay attention and just kept eating fruit. But Layla was still standing nearby. She licked her lips, wanting to speak but not daring to. In her heart, she said, “The mango looks so delicious. I really want to try it too.” I instantly recalled things from my past life. At that time, it was also because of her inner voice that I unknowingly fed her a bite of mango. But she suddenly had an allergic reaction, convulsing all over and foaming at the mouth. For this, Miles slapped me hard, swelling half of my face. At this moment, Layla’s words interrupted my thoughts. She asked, “Naomi, can I have a bite of this mango?” I didn’t hesitate and shook my head directly, saying, “I haven’t eaten. In a couple of days, ask Mom and Dad to buy it for you.” Layla pursed her lips, looking a bit aggrieved. She thought to herself, “Naomi must still be mad at me. She won’t even let me have a bite of the mango.” Seeing that I still hadn’t changed my mind, she left feeling disappointed. However, I didn’t notice that a mango was missing from the fruit plate. Not long after, cries and roars of anger from Miles and Aurora came from the living room. I immediately went to the living room and found Layla collapsed on the floor, unconscious. She was still clutching a half-eaten mango in her hand. We immediately took her to the hospital. After some treatment, her condition quickly stabilized. In the hospital room, Miles’s yelling made my eardrums ache. He yelled, “Naomi, did you already know Layla is allergic to mangoes? Layla is unconscious.” I immediately explained, “How would I know she’s allergic? Besides, I didn’t give her the mango. She ate it on her own.” Aurora was just about to say something when Layla woke up. She rubbed her eyes and then asked, “Where am I?” Seeing her wake up, Aurora immediately comforted, “You probably had an allergic reaction just now. We brought you to the hospital.” “Layla, tell me. Who gave you the mango?” At this moment, a hint of grievance appeared in Layla’s eyes. She said softly, “It was Naomi.” I said, “Layla, you!” I looked at Layla in disbelief, just about to explain, but Aurora interrupted. Aurora said, “Layla said you gave it to her.” “You did it on purpose. How did I end up with such an ungrateful daughter?” Her words broke my heart. I clutched my chest, too angry to say a word, just staring blankly at Layla. She curled up in Aurora’s arms, avoiding my gaze. I wanted to hear her thoughts, but suddenly realized that only if she was willing to let me, could I truly listen. At this moment, I heard nothing. When discharged, Layla and I sat in the back seat. I lowered my voice and asked as calmly as possible, “Layla, I clearly told you not to eat mangoes. Why did you still eat them?” Layla pretended to be innocent and said, “I just never had mangoes before, so I really wanted to try.” I asked, “But why did you say it was me who gave it to you?” When I asked her that, she immediately started crying and said, “I’m sorry, Naomi. I didn’t mean to.” “Because I was afraid Mom and Dad would say I was disobedient, so I said that.” I knew Layla was lying, but there was nothing I could do. Her inner voice always appeared to deliberately guide me and even caused me trouble. The only possibility I can think of is that Layla did it on purpose. It seems I’ll have to guard against her from now on.

Sure enough, a few days later, I heard Layla’s inner voice again. She thought to herself, “What should I do? Those thugs told me to meet them behind the school tomorrow, or they’ll burn down my family’s garage. Only Naomi can save me. No, I can’t trouble Naomi again.” At this moment, Layla was looking at me with a pitiful expression. In my previous life, I trusted Layla’s inner voice, went to the back mountain, and was brutally killed. This time, I decided to ignore it and pretended not to hear. Seeing this, Layla immediately showed a hurt expression and began sobbing softly. She said, “What should I do? I’ll be beaten to death tomorrow.” I looked down at my phone, pretending not to hear, then got up to head back to my room. But she urgently grabbed the corner of my shirt. So, I reluctantly pretended to know nothing and asked in surprise, “What’s wrong, Layla? Were you bullied?” As I asked her, Layla’s tears instantly welled up. She said, “Naomi, some thugs are forcing me to go to the hill behind the school tomorrow. If I don’t go, I’ll die.” “Naomi, please help me, okay? You’re the only one who can help me.” Looking at her innocent expression, I remembered her indifferent face when she appeared at the hill in her past life. Thinking of this, I couldn’t help but feel a bit angry, and I quickly came up with a plan. Then I calmed down and smiled, saying, “Don’t worry. I will make sure the bad guys get what they deserve.” Since I can’t avoid it, I should make good use of this opportunity. The next day, I went to the hill behind the school according to the address Layla gave me. After I reached the designated spot, a few thugs emerged from the shadows of the woods. I looked around but didn’t see Layla anywhere. The leader of the thugs, Daniel Kelly, easily snatched the stick from my hand and then pinned me down beside a filthy puddle. I struggled hard and said humbly, “What do you want? Please let me go.” A harsh voice came from beside my ear. Daniel said, “Stop struggling. You can’t escape.” Horrifying memories from my past life instantly flooded my mind. My hands trembled slightly as I cried and asked, “Who told you to do this? I can give you more money.” Daniel just laughed. He said, “You? How could you give? Your sister Layla gave us a full five hundred thousand dollars.” As he mentioned the five hundred thousand dollars, the strength in his hand gradually increased. He said, “She said that as long as you’re dead, she can inherit that billion-dollar fortune and enjoy endless wealth in the future.” Daniel covered my mouth, leaving me unable to speak, so I could only stare at him in shock. Then, he directly pushed me into the sink. A strong sense of suffocation instantly overwhelmed me. It wasn’t until I had no strength left to struggle and my body went limp that Daniel finally let go. He stood up and whistled. Soon after, Layla slowly emerged from the nearby woods. Her tidy skirt and face barely containing excitement made it impossible for me to connect her with the usually pitiful-looking Layla. Layla nudged me with her foot, then showed a worried expression. She tentatively asked, “Naomi, are you okay?” Seeing no reaction from me, she finally smiled. She said, “You did well. Clean everything up and make it look like an accident. After that, I’ll give you the appropriate reward.” But just as she was smiling smugly, Miles’s voice suddenly came from nearby. He shouted, “Layla, what are you doing?”

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My husband Easton Anderson fell from the third floor. He not only broke both his legs but also injured his genitals. Not only did I not rush to take him to the hospital, but I also sent him to the hospital farthest from us. Just because in his past life, to help his childhood friend Alice Howard, who was interning at the hospital, successfully become a full-fledged doctor, Easton chose to jump from the third floor. He gave up on nearby hospitals and instead went to a faraway one, making me drive over 1,864 miles to find Alice. At the time, I considered that Alice was just a Community College student who got into the hospital through connections and wasn’t qualified to perform surgery, so I refused Easton’s suggestion. However, Easton suddenly slapped me. Easton said, “I just want to use my injury to help Alice get a permanent position. Are you really fussing over such a small matter?” Seeing his insistence on seeking Alice for treatment, I was afraid that delaying too long would leave his leg permanently disabled, so I had to bring his mother, Olivia Anderson, to help persuade him. However, because she didn’t get a permanent position in time, Alice felt overwhelmed with shame and anger and jumped to her death at the hospital. And Easton, thanks to timely treatment, successfully kept his legs. However, on the day he was discharged, I happily went to pick him up, only to be killed by him in a car accident. Before I died, I unwillingly and angrily questioned him, but he looked at me with disgust and said, “If you hadn’t stopped me from making Alice permanent, she wouldn’t have died.” When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day Easton broke his legs. ***** Easton shouted, “Hannah, what are you standing there for? Can’t you see my legs are broken? Hurry up and take me to the hospital where Alice is interning.” Hannah Ramos is my name. At this moment, Easton’s familiar words echoed in my ears. I suddenly snapped out of my daze and saw that I was standing perfectly fine at home. In front of me was Easton, who had fallen from the third floor and couldn’t move. He endured the pain of his broken legs, looking at me with disdain and wariness. “Hannah, if you dare send me to the nearest hospital again and make me lose Alice, I swear I’ll make you die even more miserably than in the last life.” Easton’s words cleared the last bit of confusion in my mind. At this moment, I was certain that I had been reborn, and Easton had also been reborn. In the previous life, Easton saved me from my burning home while pursuing me. Later, I willingly married him, using the inheritance my parents left me to support his dream of starting a business. I helped him become a young CEO in the tech innovation industry. When he got off work, I was still at the company writing proposals for him until midnight. Even when Olivia was sick and had surgery, I personally took care of her and never let anyone replace me. I devoted all my effort and energy to this family and his career. In the end, all my hard work couldn’t compare to Alice’s request for a promotion. Just because I didn’t follow his request to take him to Alice’s hospital, and after Alice failed to get promoted and jumped off the building, he blamed me for not taking him to Alice for treatment, so he drove and killed me. How ridiculous! My sacrifices ended in a bloody, tragic death. Since he wants Alice to perform the surgery, this time, I’ll grant his wish. I wondered, “With a journey over 1864 miles, will his leg still be salvageable by the time we arrive?” Easton shouted, “Hannah, hurry up and take me to Alice’s hospital. She’s waiting for me. If you dare disobey, think about the consequences.” Afraid I wouldn’t listen, Easton kept yelling at me. Olivia came out of the house at this moment. Seeing Easton like this, she was furious. She roared, “Have you lost your mind? Alice’s hospital is 1864 miles away. By the time you get there, can your leg still be saved? No, Hannah, take him to the nearest hospital immediately.” I sneered inwardly but pretended to look troubled as I glanced at Olivia. “But Easton insists on going to Alice’s hospital.” Olivia said, “No way! Who doesn’t know Alice’s education background? A Community College student, what skills does she have to perform surgery? Hannah, why are you still standing there? Hurry up and take Easton to the nearest hospital for treatment.” Easton shouted, “I’m not going. If you don’t take me to Alice’s hospital as I said, I’ll die right here in front of you.” Seeing Olivia’s firm attitude, Easton also resisted strongly, glaring fiercely at me and Olivia. I couldn’t help but sneer, then pretended to sigh helplessly and said, “Olivia, let’s just do what Easton wants. I’ll take him there now.”

Olivia shouted, “No way!” Her attitude was equally firm at this moment. “Easton is being foolish, are you too? What level is Alice at? What illness can she even treat?” Before Olivia could finish her words, Easton shouted like a madman, “I won’t let you talk about Alice like that. Do you think I don’t know if she’s capable or not?” Easton then glared at me viciously. “She just wants to get a promotion, she wouldn’t gamble with my life, let alone harm me. Hannah, you’ve always been narrow-minded. If it weren’t for you acting on your own, Alice wouldn’t have died.” I knew he was talking about the events of the previous life, but I didn’t want to reveal that I was reborn too. Seeing Olivia looking puzzled on the side, I also asked in confusion, “Easton, what are you talking about? How could Alice die?” Easton looked at me suspiciously, seemingly convinced that I wasn’t reborn like him, and a trace of arrogance and glee flashed in his eyes. Then, he said coldly, “Hurry up and take me there. Otherwise, Hannah, if Alice dies, you won’t survive either.” I instantly clenched my fists. My nails dug deep into the flesh of my palms, keeping the hatred in my heart from bursting out. The scene of being run over by a car repeatedly in my previous life instantly flooded my mind. I didn’t want to experience that pain and despair a second time. Since Easton could say this, he must be capable of doing it. But in this life, I won’t give him that chance again. Olivia, still clueless about the reason, continued, “I think you’ve really lost it. Hannah, just tie him up and drag him into the car for me.” At this moment, Olivia was clearly furious with him. I didn’t want to make it too obvious or let Easton realize that I was reborn too, so I pretended to follow Olivia’s words and walked toward Easton. However, Easton suddenly picked up an object nearby and hurled it at my face. “You b*tch! If you dare not take me to Alice’s hospital, I’ll kill you right now.” The heavy object struck my head hard, causing Olivia to gasp in shock. Taking the chance, Easton grabbed my arm and yanked me forcefully to the ground. Then, he raised both fists, ready to slam them down on my head. Even with his legs broken, I couldn’t break free for a moment due to the difference in strength between men and women. Olivia screamed in fear. Seeing that Easton was really about to hit me, she quickly shouted, “Enough! Stop hitting her! If you hurt Hannah, who’s going to take you to Alice?” Finally, Olivia gave in. Easton indeed stopped. I clutched my aching head and got up from the ground. Seeing the smug look on his face, my resentment grew even stronger. This 1864-mile journey took me a day and night of nonstop driving. By the afternoon of the second day, we finally arrived. Olivia and I urgently admitted him to the hospital. Then, Olivia tried to schedule his surgery. The moment Easton saw that the attending doctor wasn’t Alice, he tore up the surgery agreement. Easton shouted, “I said, I only want Alice to perform my surgery.” The nurse nearby kindly reminded, “But Alice isn’t at the hospital today. Your leg looks serious and can’t be delayed any longer. Why not choose another doctor for the surgery?” Olivia anxiously wanted to persuade him, but Easton took out his phone and called Alice on the spot. The moment the call connected, Alice’s sweet voice came through. “Easton, are you there already? Sorry, I thought you wouldn’t arrive so soon. I’m walking my dog right now. Please wait for me. I’ll head over right away.” Olivia stood nearby, fuming with her chest heaving and rolling her eyes nonstop. Easton said, “It’s okay, I’ll wait for you. This time, with me here, you’ll definitely get promoted.” Watching Easton endure the pain while pretending to be gentle, I just found it ridiculous and ironic. I hadn’t rested for a whole day and night, not even had a sip of water. Yet, I didn’t get a single word of concern from him. But now, I don’t need any of that anymore. In this life, I want to see his legs completely rot away. We waited a long time, but Alice still didn’t show up. Seeing the growing urgency and worry on Easton’s face, even the doctor nearby couldn’t hold back. He turned to me and said, “You’re his wife, right? His leg can’t be delayed any longer. If it’s delayed further, his leg will be completely ruined. You’d better find someone else to perform the surgery quickly.” However, Easton’s face instantly darkened. “You just want to take Alice’s job opportunity. Forget it. I insist that Alice perform my surgery.” Immediately, Easton gave me a cold, warning look. “Let me tell you, only Alice can treat my legs. If she doesn’t come, I’ll wait until she does. If you don’t want to force me to divorce you, you better behave.” I didn’t want to talk to him. From the moment I was reborn, I never planned to stay with him. What I’m more interested in now is seeing how an inexperienced intern doctor from a Community College, who got in through connections, will treat him.

An hour later, Alice finally arrived, wearing high heels and heavy makeup. Olivia was already very anxious. Seeing her appear, Olivia quickly pushed the surgical cart, ready to wheel Easton into the operating room. “She’s here. Hurry up and start the surgery now.” However, Alice, who had rushed over, grabbed the hospital bed and asked in confusion, “Weren’t you asking me to perform the surgery on him?” Olivia resisted the urge to roll her eyes and looked her up and down. “How are you supposed to perform surgery dressed like that? Besides, you don’t even have a medical license. You’re just an intern who got in through connections. If something goes wrong with my son, can you afford to take responsibility?” Even the doctor who had been persuading Easton couldn’t help but say, “Alice has never performed a single surgery. The risk is really too high, it might even endanger your life.” I also pretended to persuade on the side, “The doctor and Olivia are right. Besides, operating rooms are sterile. I’ve never seen a doctor perform surgery in high heels and heavy makeup. Easton, think it through. Don’t end up not only losing the use of your legs but also your life.” However, upon hearing my words, Alice pouted and said aggrievedly, “Easton, I dressed like this only because I was in a hurry to get here quickly to perform the surgery for you. Hannah just looks down on me. Since none of you want me, then find someone else. Anyway, if I can’t get a permanent position…” Before she could finish her sentence, my cheek was slapped hard. Easton glared at me with malice and disgust. “Stop showing that ugly face of jealousy and attention-seeking! This time, I must ensure Alice gets the position. Don’t even think about scheming to stop it.” I pressed my burning cheek, the resentment in my eyes turning into deep sarcasm. He thought I was trying to stop it, but I was merely pushing things to escalate faster and worse. This time, I wanted to see him treated by Alice even more than he did. Olivia angrily said from the side, “If she had the ability to get the position, would she still need your body to help her? And does she even look like a doctor?” Easton stubbornly said, “Alice was just worried about me, so she rushed over without changing clothes. Besides, it’s just a leg surgery. So what if it’s not sterilized? How could I possibly lose my life? My leg must be treated by Alice. I trust her skills. Nothing any of you say will change that!” Saying that, Easton grabbed a new surgery contract from the nurse’s hand on the spot and quickly signed it. Easton said, “Now I’ve signed the surgery contract. If you keep stopping me, I’d rather let this leg be ruined than let anyone else treat it.” Hearing his words, Alice put away her aggrieved expression and glanced at me smugly and arrogantly. Then, Alice snatched the surgical cart from Olivia’s hands and swayed her way as she pushed Easton into the operating room. The other doctors had no choice but to agree to Alice as the attending physician for this surgery and followed her into the operating room. Three hours later, with a scream, the operating room doors finally opened.

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I gave my husband Leo Morgan a VIP card for a luxury cruise, one of only three in the world, but it ended up in the hands of a small-time thug. Because of that VIP card, the small-time thug bossed people around arrogantly on the cruise, and no one dared to oppose him. He said, “This table is too low. Squat down and hold the plate. I want to eat.” “Your skirt is so short, who are you trying to seduce? You might as well just be with me.” I couldn’t help but fight back, but they ganged up on me and beat me up. The leader actually claimed to be the brother of Leo’s girlfriend. I laughed in anger and called my dad. I said, “Dad, tell the cruise to turn back to the port. I want Leo to leave the marriage without getting a single cent.” ***** On the day of the banquet, I was assigned to work in the first-class dining department. While serving guests, I kept waiting for Leo to show up. Suddenly, a commotion broke the silence in the first class. Someone said, “Wow, I never thought I’d get a chance to come to such a fancy place in this lifetime.” Another person said, “Of course. We all have to thank Jordan.” “I need to take more photos to impress those women back home.” I looked in the direction of the voice. A few men wearing T-shirts and ripped jeans, with cigarettes tucked behind their ears, walked in. They looked around excitedly. Under his companions’ flattery, the leading Jordan Allen showed a very pleased expression. He was wearing a tailored suit. Although the suit fit well, it somehow felt oddly out of place on him. In the hall, quite a few people were already casting disapproving looks at them. But they didn’t notice at all, still flattering Jordan and laughing loudly. I frowned, wondering to myself, “Why would such a banquet invite people like them?” However, I still put on the standard smile of a cruise attendant and stepped forward. I said, “Gentlemen, hello, and welcome aboard the Symphony Cruise Ship.” “However, in public areas, please mind your volume to avoid disturbing other passengers. Thank you.” As soon as I finished speaking, Jordan looked up and glared at me. Then, he impatiently pulled a card out of his pocket and threw it at my face. He said, “You’re so annoying. How dare you tell me what to do?” “Take a good look. Do you know what this card is? If you see it clearly, then get lost.” The two companions behind Jordan exchanged a glance and let out a “wow” sound. They said, “Jordan is so impressive, really commanding.” The commotion here had already drawn quite a few onlookers. Ella Mitchell, the manager of the dining department who had been observing the situation, immediately stepped forward, picked up the card, and respectfully handed it back to him with both hands. Ella said, “I’m terribly sorry, sir. She’s new and doesn’t understand the situation yet. Please don’t hold it against her.” Jordan rolled his eyes at me, snatched the card from Ella’s hand, cursed, and swaggered away. As he passed by me, he blatantly glanced at my chest with a lewd look. I clenched my teeth. Ella got one thing wrong. Although I’m new, I recognize that card. That’s the Myers Shipping Group’s premium membership card, and there are only three in existence. One is with my parents, one with a family friend, and the other is with me. And I lent it to Leo so he could appear more distinguished when doing business outside. But why is this card in the hands of this unfamiliar thug? Before I could figure it out, Ella suddenly yanked me aside and rolled her eyes impatiently. Ella said, “It’s really my bad luck to be in the same shift as you. Don’t you research the guests’ backgrounds in advance? Do you know who that is?” “That’s Jordan. His sister is Mr. Morgan’s secretary, Ariana Allen.” “How dare someone like you mess with him? You can cause trouble, but don’t drag us into it.” After saying that, she rolled her eyes and walked away. I was stunned, thinking, “Where did Leo get the nerve to secretly find a lover behind my back?” I stood there, starting to recall Leo’s usual behavior. We’ve been married for three years. Leo has always been respectful and considerate towards me, and he behaves well in front of my parents too. Even my parents, who were somewhat dissatisfied with Leo before, have started to change their opinion of him. I thought, “Would someone like Leo really betray me?” “Would he dare to do that?”

I remembered the prenuptial agreement we signed before marriage and felt a bit relieved. I stepped aside, staying on standby while observing Jordan. After my reminder, his behavior didn’t change at all. Seeing him like this, his companions became even more reckless. The entire restaurant was filled with the sound of their loud chatter. Many people couldn’t stand it and went to other floors. Suddenly, Jordan looked up, glancing around as if searching for someone. And just like that, our eyes met in the air. After seeing me, he gave a wicked smile and pointed at me. Jordan shouted, “Hey, get over here!” I already didn’t like him, so I had no intention of paying him any attention. However, he walked over, sat in the seat in front of me, crossed his legs, and leaned back against the chair. Jordan said, “Kneel down and hold the plate for me. I want to eat.” “This table is too low, I feel uncomfortable.” The smile on my face froze. I heard two other people jeering maliciously. One person said, “Jordan, you always pick the pretty ones.” Another person said, “Jordan, my table is pretty low too, can you find someone to help me?” One of them showed a lewd smile, while Jordan looked confident. Jordan said, “Of course. There are a few women over there, just call them over.” The two actually started sizing up the female attendants in the restaurant and casually commenting on them. I stared at them expressionlessly. I said, “We don’t have such rules here.” Jordan dropped his smile, stood up, and kicked the table hard. He said, “What do you mean, waiter?” “You’re determined to go against me today, aren’t you?” Then, Jordan took out that card again and tapped it on my head twice arrogantly. He said, “Open your eyes wide and look carefully. What is this?” “I am God here. Rules? Mess with me, and you’re done for today.” “Unless you apologize to me now and beg for my forgiveness.” “In that case, I’ll let you go.” Jordan adjusted his collar and looked at me mockingly. Seeing him still using that card to humiliate the staff, I couldn’t hold back my anger anymore and sneered at him mockingly. I said, “Sir, is this your card? How dare you openly flaunt it to act impressive?” Jordan obviously knew where the card came from, but he never expected someone to question its origin to his face. As a result, Jordan became furious and swung his fist at me. His two companions also rushed over, each grabbing one side of me, trying to pin me to the ground. They even took advantage of the chaos to grope me. I held back my anger and kept struggling, but I couldn’t overpower the strength of two grown men. I shouted, “Let go of me. Where’s security?” I frantically looked around, only to see that the security guards, who should have stepped in, weren’t even looking this way. They didn’t dare intervene, so they pretended not to see. My heart sank. Seeing this, Jordan became even more arrogant. He said, “Go ahead, call someone! Let’s see who dares to help you.” The two people behind him chimed in as well. One person said, “You guys are really smart. This is the boyfriend of the Morgan Group president’s younger brother.” They both kicked me in the knees. The other person said, “Hurry up and apologize to Jordan.” I fell hard to the ground, my whole body aching. But I refused to bow my head. I said, “Jordan, you will regret this.”

Jordan pointed at me and laughed, as if hearing a joke. He said, “Are you crazy? You make me regret?” “I’m so scared. Come on. I want to see how you can make me regret it.” “If you don’t apologize, don’t blame me for punishing you.” “You two force her to apologize to me.” His two companions were already enjoying the thrill of bullying without restraint. Upon hearing the order, without any hesitation, they placed their hands on the back of my head, trying to push me to the ground. At that moment, the door opened, and someone walked in. The tight dress outlined the woman’s graceful curves. Her wavy long hair draped over her chest. She walked steadily even in very high heels. After seeing who it was, Jordan shouted before the other person could speak. He said, “Ariana, I was bullied by the waitresses. I asked them to apologize, but they made excuses to avoid it. “Have Leo fire her.” I stared at the woman who just arrived, thinking, “Is this Leo’s mistress, Ariana?” Ariana looked over, then quickly walked up and stood beside Jordan, looking at me. She sneered disdainfully. Ariana said, “Bitch, don’t you know the customer is always right in your line of work?” “God demands an apology. Didn’t you hear?” I stared at her without backing down. I said, “We don’t have such a requirement.” Ariana impatiently interrupted me, raising her hand and slapping me hard with her diamond-studded acrylic nails. She said, “Enough. I don’t care what your requirements are.” “My brother is upset, so obviously it’s you servers who have a problem.” “I’ll give you five seconds to do as he says. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you can’t stay here.” I didn’t expect her to suddenly make a move, so I couldn’t dodge in time. In an instant, a burning pain spread across my face, and I even felt liquid trickling down my cheek. I looked up at her angrily. I said, “How dare you?” Seeing me still daring to glare at her, Ariana’s face twisted in anger as she reached out and yanked my hair forcefully. She said, “Idiot. Look at your status and mine. What wouldn’t I dare?” “Even if I throw you, a mere waitress, off the ship to feed the sharks today, no one will help you.” My hands were held, and my hair was almost torn from my scalp. I could only lift my head following her force. Surprisingly, no one around stepped forward to stop her violent behavior. Ariana wanted to slap me on the other side of my face as well. But a man’s voice calling her name came from behind her. Ariana’s fierce expression instantly turned into a normal smile. She let go, then turned around to greet him, her sharp voice turning sweet and soft. Ariana said, “Leo, why are you so late?” She affectionately linked arms with the man, who casually wrapped his arm around her waist. The man was still wearing the suit I had custom-made for him. I let out a cold laugh, thinking, “Leo, your good days are truly over.” Ariana leaned on Leo’s shoulder, and Leo looked down at her. Leo said, “I think I just heard your voice. What’s wrong? Who dares to bully you?” Ariana pouted in grievance. She said, “I was bullied by those crew members.” “I just asked them for a favor. Not only did they refuse, but they also threatened my brother.” Ariana started crying as she spoke. She said, “I came over to ask them to apologize, but that woman glared at me and scolded me.” “They’re too much. How can they bully people like this?” Leo gently patted her head, his face full of concern. He said, “Don’t cry. Someone actually dared to bully you. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it for you.” Ariana was still crying over there, and Jordan couldn’t wait to rush forward, pointing at us. He said, “Leo, it’s these people. Their service attitude is terrible.” Leo didn’t even look up, holding Ariana’s face and wiping her tears. Without asking the reason, he directly started threatening. He said, “You all apologize to them right now.” “Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make you get out of Myers Shipping Group, and even the entire industry.” Hearing his threat, I was furious. How come I didn’t know when Leo gained the ability to interfere in Myers Shipping Group’s affairs? While Jordan’s two companions were still stunned, I shook off their hands, stood up, and coldly looked at Leo. I said, “Leo, you’re really blind. Say it again. Who do you want to apologize?”

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My husband wanted a divorce because his mistress was pregnant. I looked at the liver cancer diagnosis in my hand and the positive pregnancy test, then let out a sigh of relief. The liver cancer was Marcus’s. The baby was Marcus’s best friend’s. To keep me from getting suspicious, Marcus had put the house and all our savings in my name. I looked at him with feigned sympathy. “Marcus, aren’t you worried I’ll actually divorce you?” He smiled gently. “Then I’ll just have to accept it.” I shook my head. Poor guy. I turned around and married his best friend instead. Marcus couldn’t believe it. “Ava, don’t you love me anymore?” I clutched my wallet. “Don’t be ridiculous! I’m not your wife anymore. I don’t owe you anything!” My husband, Marcus Reed, was gentle, attentive, and incredibly good to me. But that didn’t stop him from cheating with Chelsea Lane, his junior from college. When I first found out, I felt like my world was falling apart. But Marcus worked in investment banking, pulling in a hefty annual salary. He earned so much, I just couldn’t bear to give him up. Plus, he had a best friend, Julian Price, a rich second-gen who was handsome and polite. I really liked him. Before, I’d felt bound by my marriage vows, only allowing myself to fantasize. But after finding out Marcus was cheating, those moral restraints just vanished.

Marcus’s best friend was Julian Price. They were colleagues. Whether it was after working on a project or when Marcus got drunk, Julian was always the one who brought Marcus home. I actually found out about Marcus’s infidelity because of one of those nights. Julian had brought a completely plastered Marcus home and said to me, “Ava, you should really go out with Marcus more often. You know how easy it is for guys to lose their heads.” After settling Marcus in the bedroom, he left. I rushed after him, demanding, “What do you mean by that? Explain yourself.” Julian sighed, then showed me intimate photos of Marcus and his junior, Chelsea. Chelsea was a repulsive woman who’d been after him since their college days. But Marcus had always been firm about being with me, so I never paid much attention.

I went through Marcus’s phone. His main SnapChat showed nothing, but he had a burner account, tucked away deep in a folder of random apps. The two of them often exchanged explicit photos and private messages. I recorded all the chat logs. I thought about compiling it all into an exposé, to blast them both online. But then I felt like that would be too easy on him. And he earned so much, I really couldn’t bring myself to let him go. I’d found out about Marcus’s cheating two months ago, and I’d been dragging my feet ever since. During this time, Julian had started showing me an unusual amount of attention.

One time, he brought Marcus home again. Marcus was absolutely wasted. We both struggled to get him onto the bed in the bedroom. As I was trying to undress him, I suddenly felt a hand on my waist. Then, a warm body pressed against mine. I gasped softly. “What are you doing?!” Julian held me close and whispered, “Ava, I’ve liked you for a long time. Haven’t you noticed?” I struggled. “Let go of me first.” “Marcus is cheating on you, why are you still with him? I’m younger, richer, and I’d never cheat on you. Ava, be with me. I’ll treat you right. What do you say?” I was about to refuse when he already leaned in and kissed me. After three years of marriage, Marcus and I barely had sex anymore. Once a month, at best. And we rarely kissed. I used to wonder if his job was draining him. Later, I realized Chelsea was probably doing the draining. Now, Julian’s fervent, lingering kisses sent shivers down my spine. With Marcus passed out right beside us, it only made it more thrilling. But I hardened my heart and slapped him! “You… you get out!” He clutched his face, which was flushed. Then he left.

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The rain poured as I rode my scooter with my daughter on the back, delivering a package of condoms. The destination? My ex-husband’s house. We’d been divorced for seven years. A woman, barely covered in a flimsy bathrobe, peeked out from behind Julian Hayes. He looked embarrassed, quickly pushing her head back inside. “It’s pouring outside, Elara. Camilla couldn’t possibly leave in this weather,” he mumbled, trying to explain. I ignored him, turning to leave immediately. Julian’s face darkened. He called out, “That’s it? You have nothing to say?” I simply said, “Don’t forget to rate your delivery.” The smile on his lips instantly froze. He grabbed my wrist tightly. “It’s been seven years. Don’t you have anything you want to ask me? Like, about me and Camilla…” My next delivery was due to be late in ten minutes. “No.” Julian was desperate to see a flicker of jealousy on my face. He frantically snatched the package bag. Several condoms and some almost transparent lingerie tumbled out. Unlike seven years ago when he was so brazen, Julian fumbled to pick them up, his face flushing crimson. “Listen, Elara, I can explain. Camilla bought these, the store assistant must have made a mistake.” But I just listened quietly until he finished. “My delivery is going to be late. If there’s nothing else, I have other customers waiting.” A rare crack appeared in his composure. His lips moved, pale and trembling. But in the end, he said nothing. Only then did he speak, “It’s still raining heavily outside. Are you going to be okay alone?” I looked at him, confused and baffled. Julian, who had never cared about such details, was now suddenly pretending to be concerned? “Mom! Why aren’t you coming down yet? The delivery’s going to be late!” My daughter, wearing her helmet, came pattering down from upstairs, her innocent little face peeking out. Julian’s eyes widened, shock evident on his face as he looked from me to my daughter, then back again. “You’re married? And you have a daughter?” Let him misunderstand. I hugged my daughter, calmly replying, “Yeah.” The color drained from Julian’s face, as if he couldn’t process this new reality. When he finally snapped out of it, my daughter and I were already heading downstairs. Julian followed, his eyes quickly turning red as he looked at my worn-out electric scooter. “How have you been all these years? Where’s your husband? How can he let you and your child deliver food in this weather?” “How can you be so careless with your safety? This broken-down scooter, it’s completely unsafe.” “Your husband is an absolute jerk.” “Forget it, stop delivering. I’ll find you another job…” He was suddenly playing the doting, responsible family man, a role he’d never genuinely embraced. If he knew whose child Hazel really was, he would chase me relentlessly. “But Julian. We’re divorced. Seven years ago.” The pounding rain suddenly felt like a bucket of ice water dumped over Julian. “Julian…” Camilla’s saccharine voice floated from the room inside. “My robe belt is tangled. Can you help me with it?” Julian’s expression froze.

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The day I announced my relationship with Liam Hayes, the CEO of Hayes Corp., my parents blew up. They exploded, declaring I wasn’t their biological daughter. They brought their true daughter, Chloe , back from a small remote town. I fought hard to keep the real heiress out of the Sterling household, even earning a reputation as a vicious villain. It was useless. Chloe stepped into my life, her eyes shining with triumph. From that day on, my parents became my adoptive parents. They cut me off from all family affairs and kicked me out of the company. Chloe even said to me, “You’ve enjoyed a privileged life long enough. You have no idea how hard my life has been. I don’t blame you, but please, stop trying to prevent me from reuniting with my parents, okay?” Ultimately, I chose to leave the Sterling home, observing their drama from a cold distance. But barely two weeks later, Chloe was crying, begging for my help. “You have to save me! I don’t want to marry that monster!” I was Aria Sterling, the family’s golden child. At school, I was a model student, top of my class. At home, I was polite and obedient. Everyone said the Sterlings had raised a perfect daughter. But when my parents chose Victor Thorne as my future husband, I rebelled. I clashed with my parents three times over Victor, even running away from home. Everyone was talking about the good girl gone rogue. My parents played the helpless victims in public. But in private, they hired bodyguards and private investigators, obsessively trying to drag me back. Eventually, I returned on my own terms and publicly announced my relationship with Liam Hayes, the head of Clover City’s wealthiest family. When my parents confirmed the news, there was no joy about marrying into high society. Only fury. They swept the entire dinner table onto the floor and watched with cold eyes as a piece of shattered porcelain cut my leg, blood streaming down my skin. “Aria Sterling, you’re unbelievable! Your father and I raised an ungrateful viper!” I sat silently in the dining chair, already accustomed to their theatrics. “So, are you still forcing me to marry Victor? Because if you are, I can’t promise the Sterling Corporation’s survival, but I can absolutely guarantee its demise.” I was Liam Hayes’s girlfriend now. Even if the Sterlings tried to force the marriage, the Thornes wouldn’t dare take me. The Thornes might be arrogant and think themselves above everyone, but even they wouldn’t dare cross the Hayes family. My parents gritted their teeth. My adoptive mother’s voice was cold. “Aria Sterling, you are our daughter, but not by blood. Our true daughter is coming home. And the Sterling Corp. shares you hold? They all belong to our true daughter. I expect every last share returned.” This was unexpected. I never looked much like my parents, a fact often noted while I was growing up. They were decidedly ordinary, my father bordering on plain. The contrast was obvious. I was striking. So striking that an offhand photo from my middle school years went viral, and my family was suddenly flooded with inquiries from entertainment agencies. I used to think it was a genetic mutation. The truth, it seemed, was that I simply didn’t share any of their genes. And from their tone, they seemed to have known all along that I wasn’t their own. I frowned, sending this piece of news to Liam. “Oh, and who knows if the Hayes family will still acknowledge you once you’re no longer ‘Miss Sterling.’” My adoptive mother, who had raised me for over two decades, now looked like a wicked stepmother from a fairy tale, glaring at me with a twisted face. I promptly forwarded her message to Liam too. His reply came almost instantly. “Even better. I won’t have to worry about you having Sterling genes and us ending up with an ugly child after we get married.” I immediately relayed Liam’s words. He was backing me up, and I wasn’t about to waste the chance to leverage his power, ensuring that while I was still in the Sterling house, they wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me because of the Hayes family. I’d asked Liam to track down the real Sterling heiress, and he hadn’t disappointed. He’d found her. I immediately set off for a remote, forgotten town, deep in the countryside. There, in a dilapidated farmhouse, I found Chloe, covered in grime, feeding pigs, alongside my birth parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller. I stood before Chloe. She sized me up and said, “You must be Aria Sterling. Hello. From today on, my name is Chloe Sterling, as in ‘glorious’ Chloe.” I nodded slightly. It seemed the Sterlings had already filled her in on the truth. I looked at her, speaking seriously. “The Sterling family isn’t a good place, Chloe. If you’re willing to abandon this idea of going back, you can name your price.”

Chloe’s expression immediately hardened. She pressed her lips together, clearly annoyed. “My parents raised you for over twenty years, and this is how you talk about them behind their backs?” “Didn’t my parents raise you for over twenty years too? And you’re just cutting ties with them right away?” I shot back. Chloe slammed the basin in her hands onto the ground. “Look at the difference between us! What kind of life did you live in my house? And what kind of life did I live in yours? You want this life? You can have it!” I had to admit, it was because of her identity that I had my current capabilities. The Sterling family had indeed elevated me. But I didn’t feel guilty. I simply looked at her, asking calmly, “Was your childhood happy?” Before I arrived, Liam had already sent me a background check on my birth parents. They weren’t wealthy, but they owned a farm, and their daily income was substantial enough that they never lacked food or clothing. And my parents had only one child – Chloe. Growing up, Chloe also had everything she wanted. While not extravagant, her life was one of comfortable contentment. Chloe gritted her teeth, glaring at me. “Life without money isn’t happiness! You’ve been Miss Sterling for two decades. How could you possibly understand the struggles of ordinary people like us?” I lowered my head and chuckled bitterly. Humans truly are interesting; they always envy the lives they haven’t lived. Chloe envied my privileged, comfortable life as a rich girl. And I envied her free, cherished life with her parents. “From the age of three, my life was a relentless cycle of dance, piano, and foreign languages. While other kids played, I was shuttled between tutors and instructors, trapped in various classrooms.” “Until six months ago, I never knew freedom.” “I..” Before I could finish, Chloe raised her hand, cutting me off. “Enough! Are you trying to brag about your life as a rich girl? You’re sick!” She pushed me away. After taking a few steps, she turned and added, “Aria Sterling, I don’t hate you for taking my life. I know it wasn’t your fault. But if you try to stop me from going home, then you’re just pathetic and evil.” Chloe might have a temper, but she knew right from wrong. And that’s precisely why I wanted to stop her from going back to the Sterlings. Because the Sterling heiress was destined for sacrifice. I didn’t learn all those things growing up because I liked them; it was because the Sterlings needed a perfect daughter. Besides me, the Sterlings had a son, Julian. He was the one they truly intended to elevate. To ensure Julian could mingle in elite circles, I had to be the perfect, obedient daughter. Whenever my parents took me to gatherings, I was expected to charm every adult, to be flawlessly agreeable. Even at kindergarten age, I had to learn to sit quietly. If they told me to perform, I performed. If they allowed me to speak, I spoke. If I failed, I faced the dreaded dark room and the sting of their ‘discipline.’ Most of my childhood was spent in that dark room. That pitch-black environment remains a nightmare I can’t shake, even now. Even as an adult, I couldn’t escape the Sterling’s control. Julian, the Sterling heir, had developed a dangerous gambling addiction six months ago. He’d lost hundreds of millions and was now being held by the casino’s enforcers. The Sterlings were desperate to get him out. The Thornes were their chosen saviors. This family had deep ties to the city’s underworld, controlling the shadowy parts of society. A marriage alliance would clear Julian’s gambling debts and give the Sterlings an untouchable, illicit powerful ally. But everyone in their circles knew Victor Thorne’s reputation: brutal, sadistic, taking perverse pleasure in humiliating others. The women he’d been involved with almost always ended up with severe psychological issues; some had even taken their own lives. For Julian’s sake, the Sterlings were willing to push their daughter into a fiery pit. I had already found a way to save myself, but I wanted to save Chloe, this innocent girl. Seeing her today, knowing her temper, I could already imagine how difficult her life at the Sterling house would be. I wanted to keep persuading her, but Chloe had already given me my marching orders. “This is still my house. Please leave.”

I didn’t leave. Instead, I waited for my birth parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, to return. Their expressions were incredibly complex when they saw me. There was longing and affection in their eyes, but also guilt towards Chloe. After all, from their perspective, their biological daughter had taken someone else’s happy life. “Aria, could you please leave for now? I hope you understand, darling. It’s not that your mom doesn’t love you, it’s just that… we did take advantage of the situation.” My mom spoke very gently, persuading me to leave. I couldn’t be too forceful. I stayed in a hotel, looking out at the endless night, feeling a strange loneliness. And by chance, as I was gazing at the night view, I saw Chloe on the street, laughing and playing with her friends. “Soon I’ll be a rich heiress! Don’t worry, once I’m back with the Sterlings, I’ll make sure you all live the good life too!” Watching her bright, uninhibited smile, I genuinely hoped she would have a good ending. If the Sterling family was a good place, I wouldn’t stop her. But the Sterling house was a den of wolves. She would be stripped bare, left with nothing but bones. After much thought, I bravely went downstairs. I never used to go out at night. I was terrified of the dark, a severe phobia. But this time, I wanted to stop another girl from becoming like me. I hurried out to follow Chloe. Her group was making noise and taking their time, so they hadn’t gone far. When I caught up to her, the bright smile on her face withered instantly. “Are you done yet? Are you really that scared I’ll go back to the Sterlings and steal your good life?” Chloe frowned, her eyes filled with hostility. Her friends clustered around her, glaring at me. “Your biological brother owes hundreds of millions in gambling debts. The Sterlings can’t handle it, that’s why they’re bringing you back.” I tried to keep my explanation as concise as possible. I knew Chloe had a preconceived notion of me and wouldn’t have the patience to listen. “Oh, please. You’re just terrified she’ll take back your status. Honestly, you’re shameless, wanting to hog all the good life yourself and making up stories. A billion? What’s that to the Sterlings?” Chloe completely agreed with her friend’s words and took a few steps towards me. “Aria Sterling, I promise that once I’m home, your life won’t change. I won’t let the Sterlings kick you out. So, can you please stop harassing me? You’re incredibly annoying.” I maintained my patience, explaining, “Most of the Sterling family’s assets have been squandered by Julian these past few years. You can just search online to see how extravagant he is. The Sterlings truly can’t handle this situation, so they want to use a marriage alliance…” “Hey, are you deaf? She said you’re annoying, didn’t you hear her? Can you just shut up?!” A few guys, fists clenched, started closing in on me. I instinctively stumbled back, right into a solid chest. I looked up. It was Liam Hayes. “What are you doing here?” Liam wrapped his jacket around me, speaking softly. “My security team said you’ve been down. I came to see who upset you.” I shook my head, looking at Chloe with deep concern. I wasn’t upset. I was just worried. Worried that she would fall into hell. Chloe met my gaze, then looked at Liam, her eyes seeming to understand something. She sneered, “You don’t need to waste your energy trying to convince me not to go back. I’m not interested in taking other people’s things. I just want to reclaim what’s rightfully mine.”

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I carry the rare “Phoenix Bloodline,” making conception incredibly difficult. Yet, when I do conceive, a golden phoenix emblem appears on my abdomen. Legend says, if the phoenix emblem fully covers the lower abdomen, it heralds the birth of a child blessed with “Divine Fortune.” A child of Divine Fortune holds the key to mastering the future. Julian Thorne defied his family to make me his wife. One month later, the phoenix emblem on my abdomen bloomed in full, and I was pregnant. The day our son was born, Julian’s gene company stock soared to a historic high, solidifying his reign as the new titan of the business world. But on the very day he became CEO, he personally ordered the harvesting of our son’s bone marrow to save the life of A-list actress Serena Vance’s son. I cried until I passed out. Yet, he was unmoved. “Your son’s purpose is served. He died for a greater cause. I couldn’t let him threaten Leo’s position. Don’t worry, Skylar, if you’re needed, I’ll put another child in you.” Less than a month after I gave birth, Julian took Serena to Dubai for a vacation. There, she was kidnapped by a local gang. In a brutal exchange, Julian’s men dragged me from my home and delivered me to black-market organ traffickers to secure her release. As he handed me over, he told them. “She’s the only daughter of the Miller family. She carries the Phoenix Bloodline. Her body is a treasure trove. Take it all apart.” He then whispered to me, “Skylar, Serena isn’t like you. She’s fragile and can’t endure torture. Don’t worry, once Serena is safe, I’ll get you out immediately.” I held onto those words for months. The news that finally reached me was of his lavish, highly anticipated engagement to Serena. Around the same time, I found myself pregnant again. A cold smile spread across my face as I caressed my swelling belly. Julian had no idea that with each conception, the child born is a hundred times genetically superior to the last. This child was different.

The day after Julian learned of my second pregnancy, he personally led a raid on that black market stronghold and rescued me. He wrapped me in his expensive suit jacket, holding me as we got into the car. “Skylar, you’ve suffered these past few months. Anyone who dared touch you, I’ll make them vanish from the face of the earth.” “No one will know about what happened to you here. You’re still Mrs. Thorne.” I looked up at him, as if watching a bad joke. “Mrs. Thorne?” He had held me just like this and made promises when he first found out I was pregnant. “Skylar, once I take over the group, you’ll be the most celebrated CEO’s wife in the world.” He seemed to grasp my mockery and quickly explained, “Serena grew up in the spotlight; she’s sensitive and fragile, unlike you, who’s always been strong and independent. If I don’t give her a legitimate status, she’ll completely break down.” His voice was gentle, as if I were the irrational one. “Skylar, I’m taking you home.” Just as he was about to tell the driver to go, Mr. Jenkins’ call came through. The speaker-phone’s voice was jarringly loud in the confined car. “Mr. Thorne, Ms. Vance has been crying buckets these past few days, just waiting for you to bring Mrs. Thorne back.” “Dr. Albright says young master Leo’s ‘Hermes Syndrome’ shows signs of recurrence. Only continuous treatment with live blood from a genetically stronger, closely related newborn can suppress it.” “Mrs. Thorne is pregnant again, so…” Julian snapped, interrupting him, “Shut up!” He hung up, and the air in the car instantly solidified. So that was it. He needed the child in my belly to be a living blood bank for his other son. He cautiously observed my expression, his voice softening further. “Serena almost died giving birth to Leo for me. If anything happened to him, she wouldn’t survive either. Skylar, you’re always the most understanding one. Just for me, okay?” A cold dread filled my heart, yet a forced smile appeared on my face. “Mr. Thorne, do you mean for me to give birth, then use my child’s blood to save Ms. Vance’s son? For my child to live in endless fear of blood extractions from birth, is that it?” Julian’s face tightened before he slipped back into his ‘devoted husband’ facade. “Serena’s body was ruined during childbirth; she can’t conceive again. Skylar, you’re different. If you wish, I promise we can have many more children. Okay?” When my silence stretched, the facade finally shattered, his voice turning icy. “Skylar, I’m the CEO of Thorne Group, and this is an order no one dares defy.” I nodded. “Okay. I agree.” A relieved smile immediately appeared on his face. He leaned down, intending to kiss me as a reward. But as he got closer, he seemed to smell something, his movement abruptly halting. He merely kneaded my hair with a look of disgust. The message was clear: to him, I was contaminated. They all believed that after being in a place like the black market, I had been defiled by countless men. Yet, when he himself had thrown me away, a masked man rescued me from those hungry wolves and brought me to his private island. Every night was like this after that; I didn’t know who he was, only that the entire black market revered him as king. He was powerful and mysterious, forcing me to beg for mercy every single night. My thoughts snapped back to reality as Julian’s voice rang out again, laced with condescending approval. “I knew my Skylar was the most obedient.” I lowered my head, hiding the silent sneer in my eyes. He didn’t know that with each conception, the offspring of the “Phoenix Bloodline” increases its genetic value exponentially compared to the previous one. When this child is born, it will be the day Thorne Group changes forever.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “302703”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #重生Reborn #校园School