It was the third year of my marriage to Daniel Thorne when I finally learned the truth. The woman he truly loved had always been his sister-in-law, Amelia Blake. When his brother died on a bungee jump fueled by Amelia’s recklessness, Daniel didn’t hesitate. He didn’t even look my way before stepping in to take the slap meant for her. Everything became painfully clear. Of course he made sure we were at the family home every time they visited. And of course, anything Amelia admired, from my favorite painting to my necklace to a mere pastry, was immediately given to her. My role was always to give it up. He calmly faced Mrs. Thorne, who was seething with rage, his protectiveness for Amelia undeniable, “Marcus is gone. Blaming Amelia won’t change anything.” “Besides, she’s pregnant. Mom, do you really want Marcus’s line to end?” After everyone left, I asked in a choked voice, “Is Amelia really pregnant?” Daniel didn’t answer. My hands and feet turned instantly cold, and I could barely stand. So, to protect her, he would give her a child? I looked at him, exhaustion settling deep in my bones. This marriage had no love left. I was done. ……

After the slap echoed, the entire hall fell silent. Everyone from the Thorne family stared at me, their gazes filled with lingering shock and then, pity. A husband, openly defending another woman – his sister-in-law, no less – right in front of his wife. I stood rooted to the spot, my fingertips trembling uncontrollably, yet my eyes were drawn, in a masochistic way, to the scene before me. I watched Daniel shield Amelia Blake, holding her securely behind him, listening to his firm, defiant words. “Marcus is gone. Blaming her won’t change anything.” “But Amelia caused your brother’s death! If I don’t seek justice, how can I ever move past this?” Mrs. Thorne, usually so composed, had tear-swollen eyes and looked at Amelia as if she wanted to kill her. “You protect this woman so fiercely. Where does that leave Marcus? And where does that leave Sarah?” It was only then that Daniel seemed to remember I was there. His gaze flickered towards me, but his protective stance over Amelia remained unchanged. I clenched my fingers, my nails digging into my palms, almost piercing the skin. Yet, that physical pain was nothing compared to the agony of watching my husband of three years openly champion another woman. It was at that exact moment I finally understood who Daniel’s never-forgotten love interest truly was. I’d guessed many people, but I had never, not once, considered it would be his sister-in-law. Daniel continued to speak for Amelia. “Marcus is dead, but Amelia is pregnant. Do you want to force her to her death, and let Marcus’s line end?” At his words, Mrs. Thorne stared at Amelia’s flat stomach in disbelief. Standing across from Amelia, I clearly saw a flicker of surprise cross her face too, but it quickly vanished, replaced by tears welling in her eyes. “Mom, Marcus is gone. I wish I could go with him, but our child is still so small. How can I bear for them to die before even being born?” This sudden turn of events was beyond anyone’s expectations. Even if Mrs. Thorne was furious, she had no choice but to temporarily back down. As people dispersed, the memorial hall was soon left with just Daniel, Amelia, and me. He leaned down and whispered something to Amelia, his posture intimate, like a loving couple. I felt like the awkward clown disrupting their moment. “Daniel,” I said, my voice hoarse. “You should rest. I’ll come see you later.” Daniel spoke to Amelia first, and only after she had walked out of the memorial hall did he turn to me. “Sarah, I was desperate. If I hadn’t protected Amelia just now, Mom’s slap might have injured her.” Marcus, Daniel’s older brother, had suffered from a weak heart since childhood, which was why Daniel, despite being the younger son, took over the family business. Years of navigating the corporate world had made him mature, steady, and unyielding. When had he ever explained his actions or words to me before? I looked at him, forcing my voice to sound normal. “Daniel Thorne, is Amelia really pregnant?” My palm was pierced by my nails, but Daniel didn’t notice my distress. However, my words clearly annoyed him. “What are you implying?” “Before, anything Amelia wanted, you’d give to her. Even things that belonged to me, as long as she liked them, you’d send them her way.” I looked at him, my throat feeling like a hand was squeezing it. My voice trembled. “All these years, I could pretend your kindness to Amelia was because you’re family. But now you’ve told this lie. How will you make that lie believable?” “Are you planning to give her a child?”

“Sarah!” Daniel’s gaze turned ice-cold. “Do you know what you’re saying? I never realized you were so petty. They were just a few material things, and you’ve held onto it all this time!” His scathing words felt like a physical slap across my face, and my heart plummeted. “Material things?” My favorite oil painting, a necklace, my car… even a pastry. If Amelia liked them, I had to give them up. And now, merely mentioning it made me petty? I suddenly felt incredibly tired. I didn’t want to keep fighting for this marriage. I looked at Daniel, a self-deprecating smile on my face. “So, Amelia Blake is the woman you never forgot, the one you always carried a torch for, right?” “Otherwise, why did you never call her ‘sister-in-law’ even after she’d been married to Marcus for years?” Daniel’s eyes became completely frigid, his tightly furrowed brows signaling his suppressed rage. “When you orchestrated that night to get me, you should have known I’d never fall in love with you!” His words stunned me, and I instinctively blurted out, “I didn’t! It was Mrs. Thorne who…” “Don’t bother with excuses. Do you think I’ll believe you?” Daniel stared at me with cold detachment. “Isn’t the ‘Daniel’s wife’ supposed to be compliant? What are you making a fuss about now?” “Sarah, I can overlook this for now, but if it happens again…” I looked at his sharp, severe features, my heart aching. I cut him off. “There won’t be a next time. We should…” Divorce. But before I could finish, I was interrupted by Maria, the housekeeper, rushing in. “Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thorne is trying to force Mrs. Blake to the hospital for a check-up. Things have gotten quite chaotic.” At that, Daniel stood up and strode out, not even sparing me a glance as he passed. He truly cared for Amelia. I remembered when I was so sick I ended up in the ICU, and he didn’t show an ounce of concern. I stood in the memorial hall for a long time, hearing the chaotic arguments and the sound of breaking objects from a nearby room. Finally, I saw Daniel carrying Amelia away, and only then did I stiffly go to find Mrs. Thorne. She sat on the sofa, her face streaked with tears. “Mom, three years have passed. Daniel hasn’t fallen in love with me, so I’m leaving.” The Thorne family was incredibly prestigious. Three years ago, I’d wondered why Mrs. Thorne chose me. Now, I understood everything. She feared a scandal of a forbidden affair between her younger son and his brother’s wife within the Thorne family. A true socialite, if she knew their relationship, would never silently accept such an insult. But I was an orphan. Aside from having no one to support me, there was another reason. my features bore a subtle resemblance to Amelia’s. Everyone in the Thorne family knew these things, but I had been kept in the dark all along. Mrs. Thorne looked at me, her tears flowing even more fiercely, but fortunately, she was true to her word. “Sign this divorce agreement, and you’ll get your divorce certificate in a month. Then you can go.” I looked at her, hesitated for a moment, then reached out and hugged her. In my twenty-six years of life, she was the only one who had ever truly been kind to me. Even if her kindness had an underlying reason, I was still incredibly grateful. That’s why I didn’t tell her I was pregnant. As soon as I left the Thorne mansion, I scheduled an abortion. I never expected to run into Daniel at the hospital during my check-up. He was standing in the corridor’s corner, talking to his friend. “Daniel, if you wanted to protect Amelia, any excuse would have worked. Why did you have to say she was pregnant? Marcus is dead, where’s she supposed to get a child from?” Daniel’s gaze deepened, but he said nothing. His friend’s expression shifted. “You’re not actually thinking of… stepping in yourself, are you? Are you crazy? Sarah loves you so much. Even if you don’t love her, you can’t treat her like this!”

I hid behind a pillar, not making a sound. Even though I was prepared to leave, hearing those words still sent a chill through me. I bit my lip hard, holding back my tears. Daniel’s chest tightened with irritation. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “Amelia has no child, and my mother won’t let her off the hook. I don’t necessarily have to… touch her. IVF is an option.” “Once this is over, I’ll compensate Sarah. We’ll have children and live a normal married life…” I sneered, then turned and walked away. Back home, I fell into a daze and slept fitfully. The noisy sounds from the living room downstairs roused me, and I forced myself to get up and check. Maria, the housekeeper, was coming in with large bags of things, followed by Amelia. Daniel was carefully supporting Amelia beside her, treating her like a precious treasure. Amelia noticed me first, but she pretended not to, pulling Daniel’s hand and asking, “Daniel, this is your and Sarah’s marital home, after all. Is it really appropriate for me to stay here?” “Amelia, you’re safe with me here. Just settle in,” Daniel said softly, comforting her. “I told you, my home is your home.” This was Daniel’s home, and now it was Amelia’s home too. What about me? I looked at their affectionate gazes, but I didn’t feel the sadness or pain I expected. Instead, it was more like ridiculousness and despair. Daniel only noticed me after a long while, his tone somewhat commanding. “Amelia will be staying here until her prenatal check-up results are out. She’s pregnant, so don’t make any trouble. Take good care of her.” He wanted his wife to care for his sister-in-law, who was about to carry his child? A mocking smile touched my lips, but my voice remained calm. “Okay, I’ll take good care of her.” Perhaps he hadn’t expected me to agree so readily. Daniel was visibly stunned, but a strange unease stirred in his heart. After settling Amelia, he came into our room to find me. “Sarah, just be good. Once…” His words grated on my nerves, and I couldn’t help but interrupt. “Daniel Thorne, haven’t I been good enough?” He frowned at me, said nothing, and turned to leave. He didn’t come back to our room that night. I didn’t know what else he could be dissatisfied with. The next morning, as I stepped out of my room, I ran into Amelia. She’d shed her usual gentle demeanor and sneered, “Sarah, you really can endure a lot, can’t you?” “But what good is being obedient? In Daniel’s heart, you’re still not worth even my little finger!” As her words hung in the air, a sense of dread washed over me. Before I could react, the world spun around me, and I tumbled down the stairs. My bones felt like they were shattering, and I instinctively covered my abdomen. But I still felt a warm gush of fluid between my legs. Amelia stared at me, her eyes glinting. “Sarah, don’t blame me for being heartless. If you don’t know your place, I have to take matters into my own hands.” “Marcus is dead. Daniel must become my support.” My stomach cramped with waves of pain, and I could barely hear what she was saying. The unborn child, still unformed, was slowly slipping away from me. “Daniel, help me…” Amelia cried out in pain. Daniel, who had just entered, didn’t even glance at me, who was just a few feet away. He rushed to Amelia. “Where are you hurt? Don’t be afraid, I’m taking you to the hospital right away.” His eyes overflowed with concern. It took me a while to catch my breath. “Daniel, call 911! I’m having a miscarriage…”

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At eighteen, I was dragged into an alley by our rivals and defiled. Sterling Thorne, armed with nothing but a machete, stormed their stronghold alone. He butchered every single person who dared lay a hand on me. He lost three fingers and an eye, but he still smiled at me. “I told you I’d protect you, Scarlett. I never break my promises.” Later, to make me untouchable, he boarded a ship on the open sea. For five long years, he carved his way to become the king of the underworld, controlling everything with a snap of his fingers. He married me against all his brothers’ objections. He made sure everyone bowed their heads and called me Boss Lady. Then I found her, the college girl he’d stashed away all along. She wore a flowing white dress, cradling a visibly pregnant belly. Her eyes gleamed with undisguised triumph. “Sterling said as soon as I give him a child, he’ll divorce you.” “You’re just a damaged, used-up whore who was raped. You don’t deserve to be his wife.” I was silent for a long time, then lowered my head and let out a cold laugh. The next second. With a sudden, violent lurch, I slammed my knee into her abdomen. I casually instructed my subordinate. “Get a clear shot. Send it to Sterling. Tell him I just taught his barking dog a lesson. He’s welcome.” …..

When Sterling arrived, reeking of fury, Willow Evans was already half-dead, crumpled on the ground. The spreading pool of blood beneath her told its own gruesome story. He’d just come from the casino, dealing with some troublemakers, and the thick scent of blood still clung to him. “Scarlett Hayes, haven’t you gone too far?” I met his gaze. “She’s just a cheap slut trying to use a baby to get ahead. Is she really worth arguing with me over?” His face remained impassive, betraying no emotion. Until Willow painstakingly crawled to his feet, her bloody hand grasping his coat hem. “Sterling… it was our little star…” “The baby that was kicking inside me just yesterday…” Her cries were piercing, and her tears seemed to pierce straight through Sterling’s heart. He closed his eyes, then violently pulled out his gun. The dark, gaping muzzle, chillingly cold, pressed against my forehead. “You can’t give me a child. What right do you have to stop anyone else?” “There’s a limit to how selfish you can be.” I stared into his furious eyes, suddenly feeling like I was looking at a stranger. This was the man who once, with reddened eyes, swore I was his everything, his whole world, that I was enough for him. Now he was pointing a gun at me. For another woman. My throat tightened, and I fought back the sting in my nose. Instead of retreating, I stepped forward, into the muzzle of his gun. My eyes burned crimson, my words biting and harsh. “So what if it is?” “Sterling, let me tell you this: every single one of your bastards outside of me, I will kill them all!” “If you want revenge for her, you’d better shoot me dead right now!” “Otherwise, you’ll never have a child in your life!” The air froze. We stood there, locked in a standoff, a tension we’d never shared before. His hand, clutching the gun, trembled slightly. Ultimately, he couldn’t pull the trigger. My heart eased a fraction. After all these years, he always had a soft spot for me. The next second. His eyes flared with cold rage. He swung the gun, fired a single shot, and blew the head off Felix, my most loyal subordinate for three years. Bang! Warm blood instantly gushed out, splattering my face. My pupils contracted, my eyelashes trembling. He coldly holstered his gun, then bent down and carefully picked up Willow, covering her eyes as if afraid the gruesome sight would traumatize her. His voice was frigid. “Scarlett, there won’t be a next time. If you hurt her again, don’t blame me for abandoning our past.” With that, he didn’t spare me another glance. He strode away, carrying Willow in his arms. Leaving me frozen amidst the blood-stained floor. I raised a hand to wipe the blood from my face. A chill spread through my heart. Sterling had been an orphan my father picked up from the slums. He grew up with me. Years ago, when my father’s power waned, our rivals kidnapped and brutalized me for a day and a night. When Sterling found me, one look was all it took for him to lose it. His eyes blazing red, he pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice trembling. “Don’t be scared, Scarlett, don’t be scared, I’m here… I swear I’ll kill those bastards for you, I’ll get your revenge.” “I, Sterling, swear to God, I will never let you suffer any harm again in this life.” He made good on his promise. He stormed the rivals’ stronghold alone, armed with a machete. At the cost of three fingers and one eye, he personally carved up the scum who touched me. Then he risked his life for five years, placing power and influence right into my hands. No one dared to whisper about me again. Love to the extreme. Unfortunately, the vows of yesterday hadn’t even cooled before human hearts turned to ice. I glanced at Felix, my dead subordinate on the floor, and gently closed his wide, unseeing eyes. When I stood again, all emotion had drained from me. “Send out the order. Spare no expense, spare no effort. I want that bitch dead.”

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Declan Reid was allergic to saliva. To scrape together enough money to marry me, he forced himself to take on kissing scenes. He’d even gone into anaphylactic shock once and ended up in the emergency room. Seeing that my family still wouldn’t budge, I secretly eloped with him to another state to get married. I even spent half my assets to pave his way in the entertainment industry. The day he won the Breakthrough Actor Award, he knelt before the cameras, looking straight at me. “From now on, no matter how famous I become, I swear I will never take another kissing scene. It’s only for my beloved wife.” That night, I received a video. In it, he was passionately kissing Willow Thorne, his face flushed with health. Willow pushed him away, breathless, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Mr. A-Lister, no more allergic reactions to my saliva?” Declan smirked, lifting her hips slightly. “You can try again, see what else I’m not allergic to…” Listening to their breathless sounds in the video, I didn’t even blink. With a flick of my wrist, I uploaded it for the whole internet to see. I posted: “A medical miracle! For all your bodily fluid allergy needs, consult Willow Thorne.”

That video instantly went viral. Declan didn’t come to argue with me until midnight like he used to. Instead, he immediately stepped forward, shouldering all the blame himself. “This is our job. Willow’s a newcomer in the entertainment industry; if you have a problem, direct it at me.” The director quickly clarified. “This was just a screen test we filmed. It was accidentally leaked. They’re completely innocent.” Every time Willow appeared in public, her eyes were teary-red. Netizens, heartbroken, insisted they’d misunderstood the two. Before I knew it, the blame was being squarely placed on me. “It’s all Skylar Harper’s fault, throwing a jealous fit, completely disregarding Declan’s livelihood.” “A public figure spreading rumors? So a celebrity’s wife gets to slander people, huh?” They flooded my social media, attacked my endorsement brands. All my partnerships were canceled. My negotiations for a supporting role were scrapped, and I was downgraded to an extra. Declan immediately released another statement that very night, hiring lawyers to sue those harassing me. “My darling wife can be a little spoiled and willful; it’s not her fault.” “Let’s put this behind us; I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” The topic instantly trended again. My Nana Eleanor, who lived in Miami for retirement, heard the news. She had a severe asthma attack and was rushed to the emergency room. “Declan, Nana’s in the hospital!” I cried, banging on his apartment door. The one who opened it was Willow, wrapped in just a towel, practically half-naked. “What’s with all the noise? If someone dies, just ship ’em off to the mortuary…” Water droplets from her freshly washed hair splashed onto my arm, and a bone-chilling cold instantly spread through me. “What are you talking about?!” Declan roughly pulled her aside. “Wife, we were just discussing the script…” He looked strangely flustered, then stepped aside, letting me see the director and screenwriter inside. “Don’t cry. I’ll go with you.” He wiped away my tears, pulled on his coat, and was about to head out. I was too frantic to speak, just nodding wildly. But the director inside called out to him. “Declan, Willow just threw up blood!” Declan immediately froze. “If you hadn’t picked a fight with her this afternoon, she wouldn’t have been so upset she skipped dinner.” The director grumbled, then scooped Willow up and rushed out of the room. As they passed us, Willow looked over, her eyes glistening. “Declan, it hurts so much…” Declan didn’t move. I was so enraged I lost all composure. “Declan Reid, Nana’s in the emergency room!” “If she hadn’t covered the ninety-million-dollar shortfall for your company, you’d be behind bars right now!” Declan gritted his teeth, then suddenly dropped to his knees, bowing his head in a profound gesture of pleading towards the distance. “Wife, Nana Eleanor still has your parents by her side.” “But Willow came to this city alone to make a name for herself; I’m the only one she can rely on.” Declan started out as a struggling extra; he said no one understood that kind of pain better than him. But he’d forgotten that I, too, had only him to rely on in this city. I couldn’t hail a cab, couldn’t book a flight, and stood crying desperately by the roadside. My parents called at five AM, tearing into me with a torrent of accusations. “You ungrateful wretch, your grandma raised you for nothing!” “You sacrificed seeing her one last time for a man? From this moment forward, you’re no longer a part of the Hayes family!” I choked back a sob, trying to explain, but the line was already dead. Just then, the jumbo screen on the building across the street flashed the morning’s entertainment news. Declan was slumped by Willow’s hospital bed, his hand tightly clasped around hers as he slept. I stared at the screen, calling Declan. It rang once, then he picked up. “Wife, did you make it to Miami?” “How’s Nana?” His voice on the other end sounded tired and weary. I wiped away my tears, my voice flat. “Meet me at the courthouse.”

Declan arrived fifteen minutes later. “Wife, I messed up.” He reached for my hand. I moved aside, pointing at Willow, pale-faced behind him. “We’re getting a divorce, and you brought her along to celebrate, huh?” Declan froze. “Divorce? What are you talking about? I came to take you home…” He realized, turning around. “You idiot, what are you doing following me here?” “It’s freezing out there!” He grumbled as he helped her into his own coat. He didn’t notice I was only wearing a shirt from last night, shivering uncontrollably. Willow whimpered, just crying. “I just wanted to be with you…” Before she could finish, I slapped her hard. Willow clutched her face, stumbled back a few steps, and fell to the ground. “Wife, are you out of your mind?!” Declan couldn’t help but scold me. He followed my gaze to the ground, then fell silent. “This is the sapphire pendant Nana Eleanor gave me.” I picked up that custom-cut sapphire ring. “Declan, didn’t you say the cleaning service lost it?” “So why is it on her hand?” Declan pressed his lips together. “Wife, a bracelet like this is nothing for you.” “So you just steal it to give to other women?!” Declan’s face turned cold. “Steal? Come on. I’ll just compensate you for it.” “Give it back.” He held out his hand. “That was my birthday gift to Willow.” Too fed up to argue, I pointed at the courthouse. “Go inside and get a divorce, and I’ll give it back.” Declan chuckled without humor. “This isn’t New York City, Skylar. And you’re not the untouchable socialite in front of me anymore.” He walked in without hesitation. Willow’s faint voice came from behind him. “I’m not short on expensive jewelry, Skylar.” “But you just love taking what’s not yours, don’t you?” I turned back, a smirk on my face. “You’ll soon find out if what you’ve snatched is a treasure or just worthless trash.” Three months after our divorce, Declan announced his engagement to Willow Thorne. He went to film sets with her every day, staying in the same hotel after work. The internet buzzed, saying Declan had found true love only after his divorce. Maya, my assistant, whispered in my ear. “He’s just after Willow’s family’s real estate empire, isn’t he?” I snapped, “Shut up, Maya. Don’t say another word!” But it was too late. Willow, in her high heels, strode up and slapped Maya, making her nose bleed. “What low-level nobody thinks they can talk to me like that?” The Thorne family did wield considerable power in Hollywood, and I was just a mid-tier actress who’d gotten in thanks to my family’s connections back east. I couldn’t fight her now; I could only swallow my pride and apologize. Willow raised an eyebrow, tossing an invitation from her purse. “Declan and my engagement party, Skylar. You simply must come.” Her entourage was large, and fans gathered outside the hotel. I suppressed my emotions, smiling as I took the invitation. “Of course.” The Thorne family’s engagement party was lavish, attended by dignitaries from all walks of life. I never expected the designer dress I’d just borrowed to be stained the moment I walked in. Willow, somehow, found a few goons to corner me right at the entrance of the Thorne estate. “Beg me, dollface, and I’ll let you pass.” The blond thug, a cigarette dangling from his lips, sauntered closer. The next second, Declan, who had just arrived, landed a punch square on his face. “Who the hell do you think you are, laying your filthy hands on her?!”

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Three years after my death, I was an absent guest at my own wedding. My fiancé, Damon Blackwood—the heir to a massive, influential empire—declared passionately before all the media: “Three years ago, Anya saved me in my darkest hour.” “If only she would appear, I promise to eternally fund all expenses for the Anya’s Home orphanage and sponsor the children’s education through Ivy League schools.” My Mom called me dozens of times, getting no answer, and angrily cursed me as an ingrate. My siblings, Leo and Chloe, also messaged, scolding: “Mom only has one biological child, you! Are you really going to hold a grudge against her even now?” Suddenly, I was the cold-blooded monster everyone scorned. It wasn’t until after the wedding that the police found a chest freezer at the demolition site of the old Anya’s Home orphanage. My Mom, the orphanage’s former director, finally discovered the truth. The scattered remains of a woman inside were mine. The body parts strewn across the ground made many guests throw up. Seeing the streaks of gray at Mom’s temples,my eyes welled up. Three years ago, Mom’s orphanage was in financial straits. Coincidentally, Damon Blackwood, the heir to a massive empire, proposed to me, promising a billion dollars in funding. Mom accepted on my behalf. That year, I had just started as a reporter, investigating a major case. Following the trail, we found the Blackwood Corporation. Before I could even share the good news with Mom, I was kidnapped and taken to Damon’s secluded estate. He tortured me for three months, cruelly dismembered my body, and stuffed me into a suitcase. When Mom finally remembered to look for me, he claimed that I had left in a huff because of the arranged marriage and was traveling abroad. Damon himself placed my body in the orphanage’s chest freezer. It remained hidden for three long years. During those three years, the orphanage was rapidly demolished and abandoned. A new orphanage was built in a better location. The day the old orphanage was torn down, Damon mentioned he wanted to see me. Mom sent me dozens of SnapChat messages, but there was no reply. From then on, she grew to hate me. She forbade anyone from speaking my name, searching for me, and even burned all my clothes and books. She wanted to force me to admit my mistake and come home. But my soul is trapped at the place where I was buried, cold and lonely, unable to be reincarnated. Until now, the chest freezer was opened by Mom herself, finally seeing the light of day. I could, at last, look at her one more time. Like I did as a child, trying to touch Mom’s hand, hoping she would recognize me. But she frantically flipped through the names of all the orphans in the registry, comparing each one. “Not Lily… not Rose… and not…” “Phew… this person isn’t one of our orphanage children.” “Director Hayes, think carefully, is there anyone you missed?” Mom paused, her eyes serious. “What exactly happened?” “This is the worst incident our city has seen in ten years! The victim was brutally tortured to death!” Everyone present exchanged uneasy glances, fear and sympathy etched on their faces. Mom sighed and shook her head. Perhaps my spiritual call was too strong, because before leaving, she looked at my body several times. But in the end, she didn’t recognize me. A bitter ache filled my heart, and I started to leave. Then I saw Damon approach. Mom quickly put on a smiling face, gazing at him adoringly. “Damon, dear, Mom is so sorry. The day of great joy has been turned into such an inauspicious mess. Anya is so childish, but luckily you’re so magnanimous. Mom truly needs to thank you!” My siblings, Leo and Chloe, also gathered around Damon, chattering and laughing. “Brother-in-law!” “This case happened at the old orphanage, it won’t affect our new one, will it?” “Don’t worry! My brother-in-law has vast magic powers. he can fix anything!” Mom patted his hand affectionately. “Don’t listen to these little rascals!” “Damon, you must be tired. Come home, Mom will make your favorite ribs!” “Mom is favoring Brother-in-law! I want some too!” “Brother-in-law is so much better! Unlike that heartless Anya, who didn’t even show up for her own wedding.” At the mention of my name, Mom suddenly froze. “That body just now… it looked about Anya’s age…” She didn’t finish before Damon, frowning, interrupted. “Mom, you’re overthinking it!” “Anya and I are still in contact. She’s living it up abroad; she’s just not ready to come home yet.” “Yeah, Sister is living the high life! Who cares about us, right?” My siblings sneered, their words dripping with disgust. Each word was a sharp knife piercing my heart. In the past, I would have been heartbroken for a long time. But now, my mind was a blank. My gaze locked onto the emerald jade pendant hanging from Damon’s neck. Inside it, I knew, lay the truth of my death!

I floated to Mom, wanting to scream and tell her. I hadn’t left in a fit of pique, nor had I abandoned my siblings or the orphanage. To tell her, Damon killed me. To tell her, the jade pendant around Damon’s neck was the evidence of my death! It was the family heirloom Mom had given me! But a veil lay between Mom and me, the living and the dead. She couldn’t hear my injustice, nor could she see my tears. She just clutched her anxious chest, taking Damon home to cook. Three years had passed, and the photo wall at home had changed. My section in the group photo had been removed. The picture of Mom and me, once proudly displayed in the center, was replaced by a snapshot of Damon, laughing, with his arm around Mom. Mom, usually so busy, now busied herself in the kitchen, chopping and dicing, preparing a pot of ribs for Damon. Just like the day I died, Damon arrived with the suitcase containing my remains, tiredly claiming I had stormed off abroad in anger, and he just needed someone to talk to. Mom offered to make him my favorite ribs, apologizing profusely, saying that “my Anya has a difficult temper.” Damon, acting dutifully, helped Mom wash vegetables, a tolerant smile on his face. Just as he had always done with me. I turned my back, unable to watch. Yet, the memory of meeting Damon for the first time flashed in my mind. He was the illegitimate son of the city’s wealthiest magnate, bullied relentlessly at Northwood University. I let him out of the locked bathroom, gave him a blanket. And encouraged him, word by word: “Your birth isn’t something you can control, but you can create everything you desire with your own hands.” I never expected that he would resort to any means necessary, even to the point of getting involved in the underground Industry. I repeatedly urged him to turn from his destructive path, promising I’d stick by him no matter what. But I never expected to be imprisoned in that mansion by his deranged cruelty. Even now, thinking about everything I endured during those three months, my soul still felt phantom pain. At first, he merely inserted needles into my fingertips; seeing I wouldn’t yield, he personally pulled out all my teeth. To conceal my identity, he burned off my skin, whipped me until there wasn’t an inch of unblemished skin. Finally, in a fit of rage, he put me on an industrial cutting table. Three months later, Mom received my letter of severing family ties. But if she had looked closely, she would have seen the handwriting was blurry and shaky. My fingertips were riddled with needles then; I couldn’t even hold a pen. But Mom just tore the letter to shreds in resentment, cursing me as a heartless beast. At this moment, I finally understood that the most painful thing wasn’t death. It was the oblivion and abandonment of those closest to you. I was truly unwilling. Unwilling to sleep in darkness, forever denied justice. Unwilling that my tormentor still walked free, and my loved ones were lost to me. Knowing it was impossible, I still hoped Mom could see me, speak for my injustice, and see justice served. But Mom’s next words, plunged me into an abyss of despair.

Damon lowered his eyes, apologizing softly:”Mom, it’s all my fault.” “If I hadn’t let Anya go abroad then, you wouldn’t be so sad.” Mom lovingly placed the largest rib onto his plate. “This has nothing to do with you.” “Even if Anya hadn’t left, I would have cut ties with her anyway!” Her eyes blazed with a fire that scorched my very soul. As they shared their cozy meal, I gradually understood. This wedding was Mom’s idea, all to secure funding from the Blackwood Corporation, so the orphanage children could afford to study abroad. Mom even admitted herself, she couldn’t bear to part with the children, but felt only annoyance towards me. “I was already too far along when I was pregnant with her, and I couldn’t abandon her, but I absolutely wouldn’t let the children suffer.” “I was an orphan myself, I know how hard it is. Everything she had, I’ll give to the children, doubled!” When Damon proposed to me, Mom not only didn’t worry about my well-being, but urged me to accept. In her eyes, marriage was a win-win: she could get rid of me and secure funding. After hearing their words, my soul felt like it was being ripped in two. My eyes burned with unshed tears, tears of blood. I couldn’t help but remember a thousand nights of my childhood. Remembering Mom, whom I sometimes didn’t see for a month. The day I got into a prestigious high school, Mom bought me a cake to celebrate. But Sam, one of the younger orphans, just stared at it, drooling, and Mom took the cake back to the orphanage. I didn’t get a single bite, bursting into tears, demanding to know why. But she always said:”Anya, what are you getting angry about?” “They’re your younger siblings, can’t they even have a bite?” Mom grabbed my arm and locked me in the chest freezer, telling me to calm down. I stayed there until my homeroom teacher found me the next day and rushed me to the hospital. Outside the emergency room, my guidance counselor called her dozens of times, but Mom never came. It turned out, Mom truly didn’t love me. I finally understood why she didn’t care about my life or death. Why she didn’t even recognize my corpse. It was because she didn’t care! She didn’t remember! I clutched my chest, almost suffocating. Just then, the police called again. Mom’s face paled drastically after she answered.

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At two in the morning, my mom suddenly called. “Chloe, your sister just had dinner with a friend, and her husband is insisting on a divorce. You *have* to help her.” I managed to lift my heavy eyelids, already knowing what this was about. “Mom, did Samantha have ‘dinner in bed’ with that friend? This is her ninth divorce, and she cheats every single time. What man would put up with being cheated on? I can’t help her.” Less than five minutes after hanging up, my mom called again. “Your sister agreed to the divorce, but she’s so hurt by all of this. As her sister, you need to transfer ten thousand dollars to help her with the emotional trauma.” My sleep-addled brain barely registered what she was saying. I mumbled an agreement and hung up. But in less than half an hour, the phone rang again. “Chloe, your sister wants your husband. You’re divorcing him tomorrow; she’s going to marry Liam.” That woke me up completely. I burst out laughing, furious. “Mom, you’re out of your mind! Liam has been my husband for three years, we’re happily married, and I just got pregnant! Divorce? You can forget about it!” I thought that would be the end of it. But the next morning, as soon as I turned my phone on, over a hundred missed calls popped up.

Seeing over a hundred missed calls, all from my mom, my heart sank. I bolted upright in bed. I thought something terrible had happened. I hurriedly called her back. “Mom, what in the world—” My mom cut me off with a cold laugh. “Well, well, still alive, are we?” “Didn’t die and couldn’t answer the phone? Are you trying to kill me with stress?” Hearing her booming voice, I let out a breath of relief and rubbed my temples. “Mom, I had an early shift today, my phone was off last night. What’s so urgent?” “Your sister is devastated by her divorce, and you had the nerve to turn off your phone and sleep? Have you no heart?” “Raising an ungrateful brat like you, I’d rather have raised a dog! You didn’t answer over a hundred calls. Do you think you’re hot stuff and can just ignore me now?” I sighed, exasperated. “Mom, I didn’t mean that. Samantha’s divorce is her own fault because she cheated. What does that have to do with me?” That sentence seemed to hit a nerve with my mom. Her voice suddenly rose, piercing my eardrums. “What do you mean, ‘it has nothing to do with you’? It’s *your* fault, you little bitch! You didn’t show your sister enough sympathy, and that’s why you’ve ruined her marriage!” I froze for two seconds. A familiar weariness slowly consumed me, and I felt a prickling pain all over my body. It was my fault again. Everything was my fault. Every single time Samantha was unhappy, it was all my fault. When she dropped out of high school to become a mistress and got humiliated and attacked by the wife, it was my fault. When she hung out with the wrong crowd, drank and street-raced, and had eight abortions, it was my fault. When she grew up and manipulated her way into nine marriages, the shortest lasting less than a week. Every time she was caught cheating, it was still my fault. It felt like my very existence, even my breathing, was wrong. After twenty-eight years of being treated like a doormat, I finally snapped. “Mom, if you think I’m such a bitch, then don’t call me again. Just pretend Samantha is your only daughter.” My mom’s voice instantly became shrill. “No! I gave birth to you, why wouldn’t I bother you? You have to give me money, you have to send me on trips, you have to buy me gold and silver! And when I’m old, you’ll be wiping my butt and waiting on me hand and foot 24/7! These are all things a piece of trash like you *should* do! This is your chance to atone!” I laughed, exasperated. “You gave birth to me, but wasn’t Samantha born to you too?” My mom stated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world: “Can your sister be compared to you? She was born to live a life of luxury, you were born to serve.” My throat tightened, a painful lump forming. The favoritism, it’s always been there since childhood. I was never chosen, not once. I should have been used to it by now, but my chest still ached and swelled with that familiar bitter sadness. I fought back tears, about to hang up. My mom suddenly ordered, “Grab your ID and marriage certificate and get over here now!” My eyelids jumped. “What are you planning?” “Are you brain-dead? Didn’t I tell you yesterday? You’re divorcing Liam today. Your sister is going to marry him.” I was incredulous, my vision swimming. “Mom, are you insane?! Liam is my husband! Just because Samantha wants him, I have to hand over my own marriage too?” “What are you howling about?” She said impatiently, “Samantha is beautiful and successful. It’s an honor she even looked at your husband! She’s not even bothered that Liam’s ‘used goods’ after three years with you. What right do you have to complain? You’re a useless nobody, always have been, always will be, unlike your sister.” My ears buzzed, and I screamed, furious. “I’d die before I divorce him, and so would Liam!” “Oh really?” My mom chuckled, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “I already told Liam you were caught sleeping with five men in a hotel last night! He’s rushing back to divorce you right now, so he and Samantha can get married immediately.” I couldn’t believe my ears, tears streaming down my face in sheer anger. “Mom, how could you accuse me of something like that?!” She scoffed dismissively. “If you don’t divorce him, I’ll go to your company and spread rumors. I’ll expose you online, tell everyone you abused and beat me. I’ll drag your name through the mud, make sure no company ever hires you again. Yes, just like those online mobs on Ins and TikTok! You’ll be begging on the streets.”

Without giving me a chance to speak, the phone hung up. I quickly wiped away my tears, requested time off from my boss, and immediately took a taxi to the registry office. On the way, I called Liam. We work at the same company, but in different departments. He’d been busy with a major project recently, often pulling all-nighters, so he’d been sleeping in his office to avoid disturbing my rest. Hearing my choked voice, he immediately comforted me. “I’m already on my way to the registry office. Don’t panic, we’ll talk when I get there.” Liam and I, we’ve been together since high school, from school uniforms to our wedding outfits. Our love story felt so natural. Four years of dating, three years of marriage – we supported and tolerated each other through everything. Hearing his steady voice was like a calming balm. Not long after hanging up, I arrived at the registry office. From a distance, I could already hear my mom relentlessly harassing the staff. “Aren’t you here to solve marriage problems? I’ve already told you, my daughter is a cheater, a shameless hussy who sleeps around with a bunch of men! With proof like that, why aren’t you fast-tracking her divorce?” “What’s taking so long? Is it that hard to just click a few buttons on your computer? Just divorce her! My eldest daughter is waiting to marry her new husband!” This outrageous conversation stunned all the staff members. A young staff member said awkwardly, “Ma’am, we are a public service institution. Everything must be handled according to regulations. We cannot process a divorce without both parties present.” “Why not? If your husband was sleeping around with a bunch of women, would *you* put up with it and not divorce him? I bet you’re just like my daughter, probably begging to sleep with a bunch of men yourself!” The young woman’s face flushed crimson with anger. “Lady, what are you even saying?” “Am I wrong? Unless you understand exactly how she feels, why would you be dragging your feet on this divorce?” “I’m ordering you right now: divorce my youngest daughter and her husband, Liam, immediately! Then issue a marriage certificate for my eldest daughter and Liam! I’m giving you five minutes!” The staff’s faces went rigid. “Ma’am, marriage is a serious matter, you can’t just dictate it with a few words! If you keep causing trouble, we’ll have to call security!” Hearing this, my mom immediately slapped her thigh and theatrically slid to the floor, ready to cause a scene. “I don’t care! If you don’t listen to me today, I’ll cause such a commotion that your registry office will never be quiet! If anyone dares to touch me, I’ll break my arm and leg, and you’ll all be bankrupt from compensation!” I stood at the doorway, my knuckles white from clenching. Watching my mom make such a scene, all to force my divorce, a chill ran through me from head to toe. I walked forward, feeling utterly helpless. “Mom, that’s enough. Stop making a fuss.” Seeing me, my mom immediately sprang up and yanked me toward her. “Perfect timing! Hurry up and tell them you’re a slut who sleeps around with a bunch of guys, and you want an immediate divorce!” I forcefully pulled my hand away, unable to take it anymore. “I didn’t cheat! I am *not* getting divorced!” Hearing this, my mom lunged forward and slapped me across the face. “So you played the slut, and now you don’t want a divorce? How pathetic are you? How did I ever give birth to such a worthless piece of trash? Liam belongs to your sister! You’re getting divorced today, whether you like it or not!” Samantha suddenly appeared from somewhere, yelling, “Sister, I always told you to cherish your marriage! Look at you, you’ve had eight abortions before marriage, and you’re still acting like a slut even after! What man could put up with that? Just hand Liam over! Only a good woman like me deserves him!” Staring at their disgusting faces, listening to the whispers of passersby, I laughed, a bitter, furious sound. When Liam and I got married, my mom and Samantha used to call him a pauper, chase him with brooms, throw cold water on him! They stood at our door, screaming he’d be a beggar his whole life. Because we had no money, we didn’t have a wedding or a banquet. My mom didn’t give me a single dime for a dowry. Now that he’s successful at work and has been promoted to company Vice President, they’re shamelessly trying to snatch my husband. Seeing my silence, my mom tried to hit me again, but her hand was caught mid-swing.

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I was secretly married to Fleet Commander Marcus Thorne for three years. All that time, people kept trying to set him up with socialites and heiresses, but he never once publicly acknowledged me. At the gala dinner after the commendation ceremony, my fellow officers, emboldened by alcohol, dared to tease me. Even he, holding a glass, smiled and said: “Audrey, if any of them catch your eye, why don’t you give them a chance?” In my previous life, I couldn’t hold back. I threw our marriage certificate right in his face. The war reporter he’d saved on the battlefield immediately burst into tears and ran out of the banquet hall. Marcus Thorne didn’t say a word, but after that, he became even colder towards me. It wasn’t until I was captured by enemy forces during a border mission, on the verge of death, that he delayed sending help. Instead, he stood by the war reporter’s side at her press conference. Later, that same reporter falsely accused me of leaking military intelligence. I held a scalpel to her throat, demanding she produce proof before speaking. But Marcus Thorne revoked my medical license, saying, “Handle it according to military regulations.” Only then did I understand. I was nothing more than a burden he could discard at any moment. Given a second chance, I smiled and raised a toast to him: “Already taken. He’s got a six-pack and stamina that could power a city. He keeps me busy all night.”

The room went silent for a beat, then erupted with cheers and jeers. Marcus Thorne’s face instantly darkened, the veins in his hand, clutching his glass, bulging. He shot me an icy glare. Serena, seated beside him, nervously clutched the hem of her dress, biting her lip as she looked at him. “Dr. Audrey, what kind of joke is that? How unbecoming for a female officer to say something like that. You must be drunk.” I’d always been aloof, almost icy, in the military, and suddenly being embroiled in gossip made me the hot topic of conversation. “I can’t believe it, Dr. Audrey keeps her secrets well. Who’s the lucky one that finally stole her heart?” “I thought Dr. Audrey only cared about surgery! Didn’t realize she had someone warming her bed!” I met Marcus Thorne’s gaze calmly: “He understands how to respect me. Naturally, I’m willing to trust him. That’s my bottom line.” In my past life, I thought war reporters like Serena, risking their lives to film, were truly dedicated to journalistic ideals, just wanting to convey the truth to the world. It wasn’t until my license was revoked and she smugly told me she’d been after the Commander’s wife position from day one that I saw her true colors. Serena’s eyes turned slightly red. She looked piteously at Marcus Thorne, seeking help. Lieutenant Commander Dawson, Marcus Thorne’s adjutant, stepped in: “From the sound of it, Dr. Audrey’s guy must be truly exceptional. You should bring him around sometime and let us meet him.” “If he ever dares to let Dr. Audrey down, we’ll show him what military regulations really mean.” I couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle: “Oh, he’d be terrified.” The moment the words left my lips, there was a sharp *CRACK*. Marcus Thorne had crushed the wine glass in his hand. Serena frantically grabbed his hand, carefully clearing away the shards while cautiously saying: “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t suggested we toast Dr. Audrey, she wouldn’t have drunk so much…” “Dr. Audrey spends all her time in the operating room; how would she know anything about men and women? She must just be confused from the alcohol, right?” She looked up, her eyes filled with expectation and pleading as she gazed at Marcus Thorne. My expression hardened, my eyes fixed on Marcus Thorne. Watching him nod after a moment of silence, my heart felt like it was being ripped apart. Serena let out a breath of relief, a flicker of triumph in her eyes. I only felt pathetic. Even after living a second life, I still foolishly hoped to hear a word of honesty from him. Just then, a man in a perfectly tailored suit pushed open the door and entered. He took my wrist, saying softly: “Who says? I, for one, admire a woman like Dr. Audrey.” Everyone’s expressions varied, and even I was stunned. Murmurs spread among my fellow officers: “That’s Dorian Blackwood, The Maritime Baron, who controls the Southeast Asian seas! Even Commander Thorne has to be deferential to him!” “Since when did Dr. Audrey know Dorian Blackwood?”

My wrist burned where he held it. I met his gaze and calmly rose. “As you can see, this wild dog is hard to tame. I’ll be taking my leave.” Dorian Blackwood chuckled softly, naturally putting an arm around my shoulders and leading me out. I knew a burning gaze was fixed on my back, but I didn’t turn around. Just as we reached the door, Dorian Blackwood suddenly leaned in, his lips almost brushing mine. Marcus Thorne spoke, his voice cold: “Audrey.” I pressed my palm against Dorian Blackwood’s chest and turned to face him: “Commander Thorne, do you need something?” He clenched his jaw, his eyes blazing with fury. But before he could speak, Serena grabbed his arm and said timidly: “My birthday is after midnight. Marcus promised to celebrate with me. Dr. Audrey, would you like to stay and join us?” I glanced at Marcus Thorne. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and he remained silent. “No need. I have other plans.” Raising my hand, I gripped Dorian Blackwood’s collar, straightened my back, and left, ignoring Marcus Thorne’s sharp gaze. I sighed with relief as I sat in the passenger seat and looked at the man beside me: “Dorian, what brings you here?” Dorian Blackwood dropped his flirtatious demeanor, returning to his usual laid-back, casual self: “Making Commander Thorne uncomfortable is always a pleasure for me.” I pursed my lips, saying nothing more. He suddenly leaned closer: “How about a little demonstration of my moves? I promise you won’t regret it.” I raised an eyebrow, pushing him back half an arm’s length: “No need. Just take me home.” As we reached my door, Dorian Blackwood called out to me: “Dr. Audrey, remember, you owe me one.” I turned back, meeting his searching gaze. He curved his lips into a smile: “Perhaps someday, I’ll need your help, Dr. Audrey.” I wasn’t in the mood to guess his intentions and simply pushed open the door to my house. This house rarely had visitors. A photo of Marcus and me was still displayed in the living room. Marcus faced immense pressure in the fleet; his only peaceful sleep happened here. He said that I and this home were like his sanctuary, a place where his weary soul could finally find peace. But it had been a long time since he’d been back. The alcohol went to my head, and I drifted into a hazy sleep, only to be woken by a call from my assistant, Harper. “Dr. Audrey, Commander Thorne went public with Serena last night!” “Commander Thorne used celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday as an excuse to send her a ten-tier birthday cake!” My limbs suddenly felt cold, and I involuntarily tightened my grip on my phone. Marcus Thorne and I had known each other for five years and been married for three. I had longed for this public acknowledgment day and night. He had given it so casually to another woman. Harper gritted her teeth in anger on the other end of the line: “It was clearly you, Dr. Audrey, who was always by Commander Thorne’s side. How could he…?” “They’re saying you were obsessed with Commander Thorne, and he had no choice but to announce his relationship with Serena to make you give up!” “Those two shameless dogs!” I thought I could face it calmly after being reborn. But when reality was cruelly laid bare, my tears still betrayed me and fell. After a long silence, I cut her off: “Have you prepared everything I asked for?” Harper paused, then reluctantly asked: “Dr. Audrey, are you really leaving?” I tossed the framed photo on the table into the trash. Ten years ago, I gave up reuniting with my biological parents for Marcus Thorne. Now, I wouldn’t sacrifice my life for anyone again.

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My best friend accidentally fell into the raging river, and I risked my life to pull her to shore. But who would have thought my best friend wouldn’t thank me? Instead, she cried to the crowd, accusing me: “This wasn’t an accident, she pushed me!” “Before you all arrived, she kept kicking me further into the water!” “She clearly wanted to kill me!” I was about to explain when my husband rushed over, pointed at me, and started yelling. “Riley, I never knew you could be so wicked!” “Even if I’m your husband, I can’t help you cover up attempted murder!” Ultimately, I was sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder. When I got out, I discovered Chloe had moved into my mansion and even had a baby with my husband. A picture-perfect family of three, living in blissful happiness. That’s when I realized, this had all been their elaborate scheme. Just as I was about to confront them, a out-of-control truck slammed into me, killing me instantly. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day Chloe fell into the river!

“Help me!” A frantic cry jolted me awake. I stared at my surroundings, utterly stunned. In the turbulent river, Chloe was struggling desperately. Wave after wave crashed over her face, threatening to sweep her away at any moment. “Riley, quick… quick, save me!” Seeing me frozen, Chloe frantically called out again. The familiar scene sent shivers down my spine, finally snapping me back to reality. I had been reborn. Back to the day I was framed. “Riley, what are you standing around for? Go save her!” Seeing me motionless, my husband Liam anxiously pushed me. “The river’s so swift; if we don’t save her now, it’ll be too late!” However, faced with his urgency, I remained unusually calm. In my previous life, the moment I saw Chloe fall into the water, I immediately rushed to save her. But that was the beginning of my tragedy. Not only was I framed and sent to prison, but I also ended up with a ruined family and my own death. Last life, I was blind. I didn’t see the true colors of that wicked duo. This time, I’ll make them both pay. I discreetly started recording on my phone, shaking my head. “I didn’t push her in, so why should I be the one to save her?” Liam froze, stunned. He stared at me in disbelief, as if he couldn’t believe I’d say such a thing. But the next moment, he spoke again, his voice urgent. “I know you didn’t push her!” “And I’m not blaming you, either.” “But Chloe is your best friend! You can’t just leave her to drown in the river!” Liam grabbed me and pulled me towards the riverbank, practically begging me to jump in and save her. But after the lesson from my previous life, how could I let him get his way? I shoved his hand away, my voice hardening. “She’s too far away from me. I can’t save her!” “It’s not far! We can go around; it’ll only take thirty seconds to reach where she fell in.” “I’m saying it again… I’m not going!” “If you want to save her, you go yourself!” Liam’s expression froze, then twisted into pure fury. “Riley, I never thought you’d be such a cold, heartless person!” “Have you no conscience?” His words were harsh, giving me no quarter. But my resolve remained firm. I wouldn’t save her! So what if he cursed me to hell? Was that worse than losing my life? While we argued, people who’d heard the commotion started gathering. A crowd stood around, panicking and yelling for help. “Does anyone know how to swim? Quick, save her!” Many cried out anxiously, but no one dared to jump in. The river was swollen and swift with recent floods. For an ordinary person, going in wouldn’t just mean failing to save someone, it would mean losing their own life too. Seeing a well-meaning elderly man, who clearly couldn’t swim, try to enter the water, I quickly stepped forward to stop him. “Everyone, don’t bother!” “The river’s so fast, yet it hasn’t swept her away. Who knows, maybe she’ll just climb out herself in a bit; we don’t even need to save her!” 2. My ill-timed joke instantly ignited the fury of everyone present. “Is this really the time for nonsense? Shut up!” “If it weren’t for the rule of law, I’d slap you twice!” “You uncultured idiot, if you’re just going to talk trash, get lost!” The crowd was enraged, but I remained perfectly calm. Last life, I was too impulsive. Seeing Chloe call for help, I jumped in without a second thought. But now, looking at it calmly, I saw just how terrible her and Liam’s acting was. The river was so swift, yet she showed no signs of being swept away. Clearly, there was a rope holding her underwater. Even if I didn’t save her, she’d be fine. Last time, you ruined my life. This time, you can stay right there in that freezing river. It was winter, and the river water was bone-chilling. Chloe’s face was already pale, and she was shivering uncontrollably. Even her cries for help had grown much weaker. Liam, seeing I still had no intention of saving her, gritted his teeth, then dropped to his knees in front of me with a thud. “Wife, you’re a national swimming athlete. Saving her would be nothing for you, wouldn’t it?” “Chloe is your best friend! You can’t just stand by and watch her die!” At his words, the crowd’s gaze immediately swung back to me. Their angry whispers and curses were completely undisguised. “What? She’s a swimming athlete?” “Oh my God, and the person in the river is her best friend?” “This is truly mind-boggling!” “She won’t save her, and now she’s stopping others? That’s practically murder!” I looked at Liam kneeling before me, a sneer playing on my lips. Trying to use the crowd to pressure me into jumping in? Not a chance! I shook my head calmly, my stance firm. “Husband, the river is so cold. I’d die if I went in!” “Would you really stand by and watch me lose my life?” Liam instantly flared up, pointing at me furiously. “You’re a swimming athlete, how could you die?” “You’re just cold-hearted!” He was right, if I only went in to save her, I probably wouldn’t die. But the problem was, they never intended for me to come out alive. Last time, when I went to save Chloe, as soon as I touched her, she desperately kicked me towards the center of the river. Back then, I thought it was just her panicked, subconscious reaction. Now, looking back, I was too naive. She wanted me to drown, and even with my excellent swimming skills, I wouldn’t last long in that icy water. When that plan failed, they changed their story and accused me of attempted murder. “Believe whatever you want!” With that, I couldn’t be bothered to deal with him anymore and turned to walk away. So what if the crowd cursed my name? As long as I could live, I didn’t care one bit! Just as I sat down nearby, someone who knew how to swim arrived in the crowd. Without a word, they jumped into the river and rescued Chloe. “What a shame!” “If she’d stayed in a little longer, she probably would have crawled out herself!” I muttered to myself, a look of mock regret on my face. But the next moment, Liam and Chloe rushed over to me, Liam’s face contorted in rage as he slapped me. “Riley, do you have any idea how close Chloe was to dying because of you?” “When did you become so wicked?” Before I could speak, Chloe, soaking wet and looking pitiful, also chimed in: “Riley, how could you do this to me?” “Even if we had a disagreement, you shouldn’t have deliberately pushed me into the river!” “Do you know I almost died?” The familiar scene unfolded again. They were ready to frame me. But too bad, I wasn’t the same me from the last life!

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My cousin Chloe had a wild and restless spirit, especially when it came to men. The night before her wedding to Julian Blackwood, heir to a powerful family, she ran off with her lover. I had loved Julian since we were children. So when my cousin fled, I took her place at the wedding. But at the altar, Julian turned and walked away without a word. He abandoned me there, and from that day on, never looked my way again. The Blackwood staff took their cues from Julian’s contempt. My meals dwindled to moldy scraps. His mistress seasoned my wine with poison and slipped a viper into my room. My life was worse than a stray dog’s. Years later, Chloe came back, her wild days behind her. “It was Evie,” she sobbed to Julian. “She’s the one who turned us against each other.” Julian’s heart shattered for Chloe. He believed every word. He took her back and ended every other affair. Then, to comfort her, he had me tortured until my body was a canvas of wounds. “But Evie is still your legal wife, isn’t she, Julian? She’s the rightful Mrs. Blackwood. How can I…” “Then kill her.” Those three words were all it took. His men forced the poison down my throat. As I lay dying, Chloe whispered a secret into my ear. My eyes widened in utter shock, and then, in a wave of agonizing despair, I died. But my spirit refused to fade. The bitterness of my end was so profound that Death grand me a second chance. A voice echoed in the void: “Remake the past, and you will be granted a new beginning.” A flash of white light, and I was back to six years ago, the day Chloe ran away from her wedding. …

The God of Death told me I had three days. If I could change my fate of marrying Julian in someone else’s place, if I could ensure Chloe married Julian, then I could alter my tragic end and set everything back on its destined path. “Evie, you can finally be my Julian’s wife.” Staring at the outstretched hand before me, my blood ran cold, and a shiver of icy dread swept through me. That God of Death was truly unreliable! Couldn’t they have sent me back just one day earlier? Then I could have stopped Chloe Dawson from running off. But there was no time to ponder. If I entered the Blackwood estate, my fate would be sealed again. I took a step back, tearing off the veil that obscured my face. I looked at a stunned Julian. “Julian, I’m Evelyn Reed. Not Chloe Dawson.” Julian’s eyes narrowed. He lunged forward and kicked me hard in the stomach. “It’s you! Where’s Chloe? What kind of trick are you pulling now? Did you hide your cousin away?” “Today is my wedding to Chloe! Are you trying to die by doing this?” The kick knocked the wind right out of me. It felt like my insides had been scrambled. I coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood. “Chloe… she’s gone. I… I love you, so I thought of impersonating her. I didn’t hide her.” I knelt on the ground, my voice small and pleading. I didn’t dare reveal that Chloe had run off with someone else. For one, I knew he wouldn’t believe me easily. For another, I was terrified Julian might snap, and I’d still end up dead. “Then why are you telling me now? What game are you playing?” “Even though I love you, Chloe is still my family. What if she was kidnapped by someone bad? Wouldn’t I be selfish for hiding it, and harming her?” “Guards! Search the entire house!” Julian snapped, his eyes cold as he glared at me. “If I find out this is some elaborate scheme of yours, I swear I won’t let you get away with it.” The bodyguards surged in and out, turning the villa upside down. I clutched my chest, kneeling on the floor, not daring to move an inch. It was because whenever Chloe and Julian had a disagreement, she would always push the blame onto me afterward, claiming I was the one who provoked them. So, Julian’s attitude towards me was always terrible. Because I admired him, he assumed I was jealous of Chloe and wanted to break them up to take her place, making him despise me even more. “Sir, Miss Dawson is not in the villa.” “I know where she is.” Julian’s eyes narrowed, cold and scrutinizing. “What trick are you pulling now?” It was because of what Chloe herself had told me in my previous life, just before I died. “Evie, do you know? I intentionally ran away from my wedding to let you take my place. I just wanted you to see that the man you love only has eyes for me. Even if you married him, he would only despise you.” “On our wedding day, I was actually having a wild time with Landon at his estate. I’ve had my fun these past few years, and look! As soon as I came back and shed a few tears, he loved me like his life again. And you? You were nothing.” Landon Thorne, he was one of Chloe’s usual admirers. He owned a place called The Orchard Retreat outside of town. She’d even taken me there once to use the hot springs, just to flaunt how she was the undisputed center of attention, adored by so many men. “I’ve seen Landon lurking around suspiciously near here these past few days. He once drunkenly confessed his admiration for Chloe.” “I thought… perhaps he kidnapped her?” “If you don’t believe me, you can have someone go to the Thorne estate and check if Landon is home.” A short while later, Julian’s assistant reported that Landon hadn’t been home since yesterday. Julian’s cold gaze fixed on me. “Tell me, what else do you know?” “I only know Landon has The Orchard Retreat outside of town. He took Chloe and me there once. Maybe you can check there for clues?” Julian ordered his men to tie me up and take me with them. “If I find out this has anything to do with you, I won’t let you off.” He immediately had his bodyguards surround The Orchard Retreat. When we burst into the villa, Chloe was partially dressed, with Landon pressing down on her. Julian’s eyes instantly blazed red. He grabbed a knife from a nearby table, ready to strike. “Landon, I’ll carve you up!” Landon looked back, his face going ashen with fear as he tumbled from the bed. The long blade sliced across his back, leaving a bloody gash, and he cried out in pain. Chloe, on the bed, trembled with fright. Her eyes red, she immediately rushed forward, clutching Julian and sobbing, “Julian, you finally came to save me! He almost… he almost succeeded!” “Landon, he…” Seeing Chloe’s distraught state, Julian grew even more furious. He lunged with the blade again. Landon looked at Chloe in disbelief, his mouth agape. “How could you say that? Didn’t you say you didn’t want to marry Julian, that you didn’t want to be tied down? You asked me to take you away!” Julian froze, looking at Chloe suspiciously. “Is that true? You didn’t want to marry me?” Chloe shook her head, her face innocent. She spoke with feigned indignation. “Julian, you believe him over me? Then I’ll just have to prove my innocence with my death!” With that, she made a show of trying to run headfirst into a pillar. Julian grabbed her, pulling her into his embrace, his eyes filled with guilt. “I’m sorry, I believe you. Don’t do anything foolish.” Chloe cried even harder, as if she would pass out from grief. “You bitch! You clearly told me you loved me! How could you—” But before he could finish, Julian’s blade plunged into Landon’s chest. Landon gasped, then went limp. Seeing that he was dead, Chloe let out a sigh of relief. “Julian, thank you for saving me and believing me. If you hadn’t come, I would have had to die to preserve my honor.” “It’s all thanks to your cousin, Evie. If she hadn’t pointed the way, I would never have found this place.” Chloe suddenly pulled away from Julian’s embrace. To everyone’s shock, she lunged at me and slapped me a dozen times.

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Everyone in our circle knew I was Dean Davies’s untouchable. I was the delicate flower he cherished, held close in his palm. When I was twenty, kidnappers snatched me away. My parents thought I was dead. The police said my chances were slim. But Dean? For three days, he didn’t eat or sleep. Then he just stormed into the wilderness alone and found me. At that moment, I was convinced. No one would ever love me more. Later, our engagement date was set. But right before the ceremony, another girl show up. …. Arlene Hayes POV Everyone in our circle knew I was Dean Davies’s untouchable. I was the delicate flower he cherished, held close in his palm. When I was twenty, kidnappers snatched me away. My parents thought I was dead. The police said my chances were slim. But Dean? For three days, he didn’t eat or sleep. Then he just stormed into the wilderness alone and found me. At that moment, I was convinced. No one would ever love me more. Later, our engagement date was set. But right before the ceremony, another girl appeared by his side. I remember it all. The first day she showed up, Dean fought half-dead in an underground boxing ring just to win a necklace to make her smile. The seventh day she appeared, I couldn’t reach Dean at all. So I called the police, reporting him missing. They found him in a hotel room, and there she was, lying in his arms. The twenty days after she appeared, he brought her into our home – the very home where he had vowed to “spend his life with me.” No one could believe that Dean, who’d once treasured me as his life, would actually bring another woman home. He was quite the playboy back then, I knew that. In the first few years we were together, women often tried to tempt him. But those women vanished like thin air the next day. From then on, I truly believed his heart was only for me. But I was wrong. Today, I came home early from work. The moment I opened the door, I froze. In the living room, he was pressing a woman down on the sofa. She was completely naked, her moans piercing my ears. My breath hitched. I looked around, spotting the coffee pot on the coffee table. I walked over, said nothing, grabbed the pot, and splashed it directly over them. “Ahh!” A scream tore through the air, mingling with the sound of scalding liquid. I saw Dean throw himself in front of her, his body taking the full force of the hot coffee. My heart gave a sickening, visceral wrench. He would go that far for her. “Scarlett, are you okay?” His voice was so gentle it almost made me gag. And the woman, Scarlett Vance, trembled, clutching his arm, softly saying, “I’m fine, but you… does it hurt?” I sneered, “Cut the act. Get out.” Scarlett’s face went pale. But Dean stood in front of her, looking down at me, his voice cold as ice. “Apologize.” The Dean I’d known for seven years had never shown me such a cruel expression before. I clenched the pot in my hand, my knuckles turning white. “Dream on.” I gritted my teeth, squeezing out each word, then turned and walked upstairs. The moment the door closed, tears completely broke free. I never thought he could be so gentle with someone else. He betrayed me, yet he wanted me to apologize. And I caught him, of all days, right here in our home. I pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from my pocket. It read. “I was just over a month pregnant.” That was the report I’d gotten today. I knew he’d been spending a lot of time with that woman lately. But she was just a waitress. I thought he was just messing around. Even if he wasn’t serious, seeing this report, he should understand what truly mattered. But I was horribly wrong. I collapsed onto the bed, clutching the report, tears splattering onto the pillow. I don’t know how long passed. Suddenly, I was roughly pulled up and thrown to the floor. Looking up, Dean’s icy face loomed over me. “What are you doing?” I asked hoarsely. He didn’t answer, just grabbed my shoulders. “The coffee scalded her today. She might have a scar.” I froze, then laughed aloud. “So? Are you going to douse me now?” He was silent for a long time, then sighed, “Arlene, why are you targeting her? I promise you, I’ll still marry you in a month. But for what happened today, you have to apologize to her.” “Dean…” Before I could finish, a sharp pain shot through my shoulder. He actually poured hot water on me! I gasped, almost laughing through the pain.”You want me to apologize? Never!” His face completely darkened. He grabbed my chin, “Think about your family’s company, think about your parents. Now answer me – are you apologizing or not?” His words hit me like a lightning bolt, tears blurring my vision. “You know exactly what means the most to me, and you’d use my parents against me?” A complex emotion flickered in his eyes, and his tone softened. “Arlene, Scarlett is different from you. She hasn’t had an easy life. Everything you have, she doesn’t. Why do you have to be so petty with her?” “So, I should even give my own man to her?” He paused. “No matter what I do this month, my fiancée will still be you. My wife’s place, your place, will always be yours.” I closed my eyes, my gaze utterly lifeless. “Fine, I’ll apologize.” He dragged me in front of Scarlett, who was still wearing my pajamas. I lunged forward, trying to rip the pajamas off her. “Those are my pajamas!” Dean just said, “It’s just pajamas. I’ll buy you new ones. Hurry up and apologize!” Dean gripped the back of my neck until I apologized. Only then did he release me, satisfied. Watching the smirk on his face, my heart shredded into a million pieces. I thought this whole ordeal was finally over. But the next day, his people escorted me to the hospital. He didn’t even look at me, just said, “Go in.” A cold operating table, blinding lights, an expressionless doctor, a needle glinting coldly. Before I could even understand what was happening, I heard him say from outside – “Scarlett is very upset about the scar on her shoulder. Give her a skin graft.” Before I could even react, my consciousness faded into darkness. When I woke up, the white ceiling swam, making me dizzy. Dean’s friend Evan quickly helped me sit up. “Arlene, you’re awake. I’ll go get the doctor.” Evan hurried off to find a doctor, leaving his phone on the stool. I saw Dean and his friends’ Snapchat group chat pop up on Evan’s phone. “Dean, what’s going on with you and Scarlett? Are you really dumping Arlene? The engagement’s in a month!” “Didn’t say I’m dumping her. But Scarlett’s a type I’ve never seen before. She’s so sweet, so innocent. I just melt whenever I see her.” “What about Arlene, then? She doesn’t tolerate any nonsense.” “Don’t worry. Her family’s company still needs our family’s investment. She won’t leave me.” I clenched the phone, my knuckles white. In that moment, I finally understood. In his eyes, I was just a pawn to be used. I smiled, pulling out my own phone and making a call. “Mrs. Davies, I don’t want to marry Dean anymore.” Dean’s mother on the other end seemed to ask something urgently. I answered softly, my voice strangely calm. “No, it’s not that I don’t want to marry into the Davies family.” “I just… want a different person.” “I want to marry Dean’s older brother, Ryan Davies.”

Arlene Hayes POV I knew my family’s company was on the verge of collapse. If the capital chain broke, my parents’ life’s work would be ruined in my hands. The Davies family’s investment was the only solution. But the Davies family didn’t just have one son. As long as I married into the Davies family, no matter who it was, Hayes Holdings would survive. On the other end of the phone, Mrs. Davies’s voice held surprise and hesitation. “Arlene, are you… sure about this? I know what Dean has done recently has hurt you, but Ryan hasn’t woken up yet. Marriage is for a lifetime; I hope you think it over carefully.” I closed my eyes, my voice calm. “Mrs. Davies, you know me. I’ve never been a generous person. Since Dean likes that woman so much, I might as well make them happy.” A sigh came from the other end. “Since your mind is made up, I can’t persuade you further.” After hanging up, I looked at the sterile white ceiling of the hospital room, a hollow ache in my chest. The door pushed open, and Evan hurried in. “Arlene…” He looked awkward, “I’m really sorry, but there’s no dermatologist on duty right now.” I frowned. “You’re telling me a major hospital like this doesn’t even have a dermatologist?” He scratched his head, avoiding my gaze, mumbling incoherently. Just then, two nurses pushed a medical cart in to change my dressing. They chatted casually as they worked. “Hey, that woman in the next room is so lucky. Just a tiny scar, and Dean Davies actually got every doctor in the hospital to go over.” “Yeah, what a fuss. I thought she was seriously injured, but it was just a little scratch on her shoulder.” I sat on the bed, listening to those airy whispers, and actually laughed. A year ago, I fell hiking and scraped my knee. It was just a little scratch too. Back then, Dean was the same way. He found every dermatologist in the hospital for me, looking anxious, wishing he could feel the pain for me. Then, I found it funny and sweet. But now, he gave that same tenderness to another woman. After the nurses left, Evan seemed to want to say something else. I raised my hand to stop him. “Don’t bother. You can go. My injury isn’t serious, I don’t need care.” He hesitated, then nodded, softly saying, “Then get some rest.” Once I was alone in the room, I propped myself up on the edge of the bed and slowly stood. The anesthesia hadn’t worn off completely; my steps felt light. I’d just reached the bathroom door when I heard Evan’s voice from the hallway. “Dean, why don’t you come see Arlene? She’s all alone, it’s quite pitiful…” “What’s pitiful about her?” Dean’s voice was full of irritation, “Scarlett’s the victim. Arlene’s the aggressor, she deserves this.” I froze, a suffocating tightness in my chest. The next second, I pushed open the bathroom door and locked it. I didn’t want to hear another word from him. I suddenly remembered the night I first met Dean. I was at an upscale lounge to meet a potential investor for my company. The middle-aged man shamelessly slid his hand up my thigh. Furious, I splashed his drink right in his face. Just as he grabbed my hair, ready to hit me, Dean appeared. Without a word, he slammed the man to the ground, punching him repeatedly. The brutality scared me, but it also captivated me. From that day on, I accepted Dean’s help and secured his investment. And I secretly decided in my heart that I would give everything for this man. I knew he liked “innocent, fragile girls.” So I changed my style of dress, my makeup, my way of speaking. I became the “gentle angel” everyone admired, the way he liked me. Finally, I became his girlfriend, just as I wished. But when I saw Scarlett, I finally understood. He didn’t love me. He loved that kind of “vulnerability” that stirred his pity. No matter how much I imitated it, it was just an act. She, on the other hand, was naturally like that. Thinking of this, I laughed. Laughed at myself for knowingly stepping into a trap, yet plunging headfirst into it. Since that was the case, letting go was probably for the best. At least, this time, I was the one who said goodbye first.

Arlene Hayes POV On my seventh day in the hospital, he finally called. “How long are you going to keep this up? It was just a little scratch, are you planning to live in the hospital forever? Scarlett’s already home; aren’t you coming back?” I leaned against the bed, staring at the ceiling and sneering. “Home? Dean, that’s not my home anymore.” There was a moment of silence on the other end, then his tone seemed to soften slightly. “Arlene, stop being difficult, okay? That’s your home, and it’s our future home.” I wasn’t interested in hearing his pretentious lies, so I simply hung up. But the next second, my screen lit up again. “Arlene Hayes, did you just hang up on me?!” His anger was practically seeping through the phone. “Are you done? I’m going to sleep.” I couldn’t be bothered. “If you dare hang up, I’ll pull all the funding.” He gritted out the words, and the smile on my face vanished instantly. “Dean,” I said coldly, “You’re addicted to threatening me, aren’t you?” He was silent for a few seconds. “It’s because you won’t talk to me properly.” I took a deep breath, suppressing the surge of anger. “What exactly do you want?” “There’s an auction the day after tomorrow. I’ll send you an invitation.” He said, “You have to come. Consider it… my compensation to you.” The word “compensation” from his mouth was so ironic. But I knew it wasn’t time to openly break ties. My family’s company was teetering; if he pulled the funding, everything would be over. So I replied. “Got it. Can I hang up now?” He seemed about to say more, but then Scarlett’s sweet voice came from his end. He quickly hung up. I watched the screen darken, a self-mocking smile on my lips, then turned off my phone. Two days later, Dean sent a dress to the hospital. The moment I opened the box, I froze. It was a white gauze dress, gentle, pure, and dignified. Exactly the “look” Dean liked. I picked up a pair of scissors and, without hesitation, shredded it into pieces, tossing it into the trash. Then I called someone to send over a red strapless gown. Confident, flamboyant, sexy – that was the real me. After applying heavy makeup, I smiled at my reflection. In the years I was with Dean, my clothes were always plain, my makeup barely there. But I never liked plain colors, nor did I like pretending to be docile. Since I’d already decided to leave him, I didn’t need to pretend anymore. The auction house was brightly lit. The moment I walked in, I felt countless eyes on me. That attention gave me a long-lost sense of exhilaration. After all, no one had ever seen me like this. “Isn’t that Arlene Hayes? Why is she dressed like that?” I heard astonished whispers. The moment Dean turned his head, I saw him clearly freeze. My lips curved into a smirk, and I raised my champagne glass, toasting him from afar. His face darkened several shades. Someone nearby joked, “Didn’t you two break up? Does that mean I can pursue her now?” Dean sneered, “We haven’t broken up. She’s probably jealous that I’ve been too close to Scarlett lately, so she’s deliberately dressed like this to win me back.” Win him back? I laughed softly, a laugh more bitter than the wine. He continued to socialize, while I stood with my glass, drinking one after another. Until someone approached me, a hand reeking of alcohol attempting to rest on my shoulder. I frowned in disgust, warning coldly, “Keep your distance.” But the man smirked lewdly, still trying to touch me. I grabbed a wine bottle from the table and smashed it against his shoulder. The shattering glass made ears ring, and he cried out, collapsing to the floor. I looked down at him, my voice cold as ice. “That’s a warning. Try to touch me again, and next time it won’t just be a wine bottle.” Security rushed over and dragged him away. I picked up another glass of wine and continued to socialize. Glass after glass went down, and my awareness began to blur. I stumbled towards the restroom, but the moment I entered, I heard intimate gasps. That sound – I recognized it instantly. It’s Dean. I froze, my fingertips growing cold. He called me here, supposedly to “compensate” me, but then turned around to embrace another woman. How ridiculous. I calmly washed my hands. The heavily made-up face in the mirror was cold and unfamiliar. The place in my heart that used to ache was now just numb. As the auction was about to end, I finally understood his true intention in calling me here. On the table was a thick stack of contracts, all the collaboration projects I wanted. At least tonight, I got what I came for. “Wait for me in the parking lot,” I told my driver. I walked into the elevator and pressed for the basement. The moment the elevator doors opened, I took a step and felt my vision go black – I lost consciousness.

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The night Julian Reed and I got engaged, his eyes were captivated by a stunning, seductive model. Every move she made was pure allure, and she apparently had a keen talent for investment and business. Men always seem to fall for women who are graceful and charming in public, yet also down-to-earth and supportive. But Julian just scoffed, dismissing her with disdain: “Tch. A woman like her is absolutely not wife material. She’s a magnet for male attention, always attracting drama. Good for a fling, maybe, a casual hookup. But I have standards, I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole.” His words were dismissive, but his eyes were incredibly honest, glued to the model’s alluring figure. Three days later, the whispers quickly escalated into a full-blown scandal: the scion of a powerful family, Julian Reed, checked into a hotel with a supermodel. The news was everywhere. Finally, he couldn’t hold back. He came to me and said: “Eleanor, I’m sorry, but I’ve decided to formalize things with Chloe. She’ll be my mistress, of course, and you’ll remain my fiancée. How about you both… attend to my needs?” Standing outside the door, watching them entangled in bed, I finally turned away, utterly disillusioned. I would marry Julian Reed’s uncle instead.

“Miss Eleanor, don’t look!” Mrs. Jenkins, our housekeeper, was watching the news. Hearing my heels clicking down the stairs, her face flushed with anger as she fumbled for the remote, trying to switch off the TV. But it was too late. The paparazzi had captured Julian Reed and the famous model, Chloe, walking hand-in-hand into a hotel. “It seems our famously abstinent scion couldn’t resist the captivating Chloe after all. He’s finally landed the CEO known for spoiling his girlfriends…” The commentator’s voice droned on, but in that moment, my ears felt like someone had detonated a bomb inside them. A deafening blast, then a sharp, piercing pain. “Mrs. Jenkins, move.” I pushed past her, my hand reaching out to her blocking body, forcing myself to witness the sight: my fiancé, kissing a supermodel, walking into a hotel. Mrs. Jenkins began to open her mouth, perhaps to offer comfort, but I had already turned and left the living room. I started my Maserati, speeding towards the Reed family estate like a furious leopard. Julian had given me the sports car on my birthday. He’d said, “My Eleanor is so wonderful; she deserves everything I can give.” As I arrived at the Reed estate, all the staff immediately tensed. They tried to block me, their eyes darting with a mix of pity and mocking curiosity, trying to prevent me from going upstairs. Their attempts to stop me only confirmed something was wrong. I swept them with a gaze as cold as ice, completely freezing them in place, none daring to move. Reaching Julian’s room, I heard sounds through the door that made my face burn. I clenched my fists tightly, but ultimately, I pushed the door open. In that moment, my heart plummeted into an icy abyss, tearing me apart with excruciating pain. When I first saw the news, I’d made excuses for him, thinking it was just a mischievous rumor. But now? Julian had brought her right back to his own home. He was acting as if I didn’t exist, grinding my dignity into the dirt. “Julian Reed!” Julian flinched when he heard the desolate sound of my voice, his kiss with Chloe faltering. But he couldn’t bring himself to let go. He kissed her for another three minutes before finally turning his head to look at me. “Well, since you’ve seen everything, it’s probably for the best. I’ll just tell you directly.” “I’ve decided to formalize things with Chloe. She’s still… an innocent, and I can’t let her be wronged. But I can’t lose you either, so listen! You’ll be my primary partner, and she’ll be the woman behind me. You both can attend to my needs, how does that sound?” My heart felt as if it had been stabbed with a knife, but I couldn’t let Chloe see my distress. “You’re actually making such a shameless demand?” Julian’s face instantly darkened at the word “shameless.” “What do you mean, ‘shameless’? You and I are only engaged. I have every right to decide how to manage you both. Which man in our circles doesn’t have mistresses or affairs? Your father was no different.”

He had no idea how deeply his words cut me. I hated that my father had abandoned my mother for his mistress. Julian knew this; he had even sworn an oath to me once: “I, Julian Reed, will never cheat or take mistresses. I will love and cherish my wife, Eleanor Vance, for life.” The oath still echoed in my ears, yet the man who swore it had changed beyond recognition. “Alright, you’ve always been gentle, understanding, and considerate of me. I know this situation is unfair to you, but I’ll make it up to you later.” “Here’s a card with three million dollars. Go use it.” He tried to appease me, as if I were a beggar. I didn’t say a word. Instead, a sudden clarity washed over me, showing me exactly what I needed to do. Seeing me walk out in silence, Julian assumed I had agreed to his outrageous request. He pulled a smug Chloe closer, resuming their passionate entanglement. I found Mrs. Reed, who was deep in meditation. I waited. After two agonizing hours, I took out the heirloom diamond pendant she had given me and handed it back to her. “Mrs. Reed, I’m afraid I’m not worthy of this pendant. Please take it back.” Mrs. Reed’s gentle face froze in surprise. She looked at me, bewildered, “Eleanor, my dear, what’s wrong?” I answered truthfully: “Julian already has another woman beside him, planning to replace me. He wants to marry her, and she’s in his room right now. So, I hope you’ll give this pendant to her, Mrs. Reed.” “My mother always told me: if your fiancé ever cheats or messes around with other women, you are absolutely not to marry him. I won’t betray her memory, and I certainly won’t betray myself.” Mrs. Reed’s face immediately fell. She slapped the table and stood up. “That scoundrel! How dare he bring some cheap woman from outside back here!” “The alliance between the Vance and Reed families was set when your grandfathers were alive. Our late patriarch insisted that the matriarch of the Reed family must be you. He was a man of great foresight and impeccable judgment, so my daughter-in-law can only be one person, and that is you. He is not to bring a second wife into this house and break our family’s rules.” I looked up at the peach blossoms outside the window, blooming profusely in the spring air. “Mrs. Reed, if we cannot go against Grandfather’s dying wish, then I shall marry someone else. I want to marry Sebastian Reed.” My words stunned Mrs. Reed. She stared at me, unable to compose herself for a long time. She had been observing her spiritual practices for years, and from the first to the fifteenth of each month, she would not leave her meditation room, strictly adhering to her traditions. Otherwise, she would have stormed out to confront Julian. Mrs. Reed twirled her prayer beads, “Eleanor, are you truly determined to marry his uncle? You must think this through. Sebastian is involved in both legitimate and illicit dealings, known for his ruthless and brutal methods. He’s not a tender man.” “Mrs. Reed, we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Some people hide their dirty deeds behind a facade of virtue and kindness. Others may appear ruthless and cold, yet they are capable of surprising acts of goodness.” At that moment, the peach blossoms were scattered by the spring breeze, and I seemed to see that cold man patiently comforting children at an orphanage. Just then, Julian violently pushed open the door and stormed in. He grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly.

“I knew you’d run to my mother to complain and tattle! Hmph, I truly misjudged you.” His fingers dug deep into my flesh, as if I were his mortal enemy. It took all my strength to wrench my hand free. The lingering scent of Chloe’s perfume on him filled me with disgust. “I didn’t come to complain, I came to—” “You think I believe you? I can tell by Mother’s sudden coldness towards me. You must have been gossiping and twisting things, that’s why she’s looking at me like this.” “I’m not saying I won’t marry you, so what’s the rush? Chloe has already agreed to be the woman behind me. See how generous she is? Not like you, so petty and small-minded, always consumed by jealousy. If you had Chloe’s business acumen, I might actually give you more than a passing glance, and we’d have more to talk about.” He meant I wasn’t as gentle and understanding as Chloe, nor as sharp and brilliant. But Julian, if you had only waited a little longer, you would have discovered my secret. Oddly, hearing his insults, my heart remained calm. Mrs. Reed, however, was furious. But before she could speak, Chloe also entered. Julian, fearing his mother would scold Chloe first, pulled her into his embrace, defensively shielding her. “Mom, I’ve fallen for this understanding woman. Can’t you let her be the woman behind me? She isn’t even trying to snatch Eleanor’s position as the primary partner; she’s being incredibly reasonable.” Hearing that, I actually laughed. The matriarch’s position in the Reed family was a highly coveted prize. Chloe wasn’t snatching it *yet* only because she couldn’t. Once her timing was right, she’d certainly go for it. “Didn’t you say you wanted grandchildren? Chloe and I have real chemistry, that spark a man should feel. With Eleanor, it’s like an old married couple already; there’s no longer that passion.” Chloe pressed herself tightly against Julian, her voice soft and fragile: “Mrs. Reed, I promise I’ll be obedient and won’t cause any trouble. I love Julian, not his money, so I don’t care about property or status. I only care about Julian’s happiness.” Mrs. Reed watched the two of them, so inseparable, she was nearly beside herself with fury. Because what Julian didn’t know was that I had just proposed to marry his younger uncle. Grandfather’s will stipulated that the Matriarch of the Reed family must be Eleanor. Whoever marries Eleanor inherits the entire family fortune. Otherwise, they’ll be stuck with a paltry million a month allowance. Julian had no idea, which was why Mrs. Reed was so anxious. But Julian’s attitude was so unyielding, and my determination to marry Sebastian was just as strong. Mrs. Reed could only sigh and close her eyes, allowing us to make our own decisions. She decided not to interfere, returning to her quiet meditation and prayers. As I walked out the door to get into my car, I was blocked by several bodyguards. “This is what you get for running to my mother to complain.” Julian appeared behind me, embracing Chloe, his eyes blazing with anger as he glared at me. “That car is a gift from me. You can’t take it.” “I just want you to remember: you need to learn to be agreeable and please me if you want to have a good life. Just like your Vance family.” “I allow you to have a good life, and you will. The same goes for the primary partner position, do you understand?” With that, he took Chloe’s hand and led her to the Maserati, opening the door for her to try out the sports car. “Do you like it? Anything you want, just say the word and it’s yours.” Chloe’s face lit up instantly, and she left a fragrant kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Julian.” The staff looked at me with sympathetic eyes. Julian’s actions were a blatant slap in my face. The fiancée, less valued than a mistress. He was also warning me not to be rebellious, or he would retaliate against my family. I had no choice but to walk away from the Reed estate in my heels. It was a long way from my house, and finding a taxi would be difficult. Watching my humiliated retreat, Chloe was practically ecstatic. She was using her ‘strategic retreat’ to slowly, steadily, take over Julian’s heart. Just as I was still reeling from the shock, a black Lamborghini pulled up in front of me. The door opened, and a deep, pleasant male voice spoke: “Get in.” I lowered my head, meeting his cold, handsome gaze, and slid into the car without hesitation. Neither of us spoke until we reached my house. Only then did Sebastian Reed break the silence.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299343”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn