I had loved Lucas Hayes for ten long years. He was always so cold, so distant, yet he never objected to our engagement. I foolishly believed that meant he was okay with it, that he wanted it. Until that day. I was braving the torrential downpour, rushing to bring him his stomach medicine. That’s when I stumbled upon Brittany Miller, the heiress of a rival company, playfully coaxing him to drink. I stepped forward to stop her, but his voice was scathing: “Do you really think you’re going to be Mrs. Hayes?” “Mind your own business.” In the noisy, crowded bar, my tears mingled with the rain, blurring my vision. Lucas, from this moment on, your life means nothing to me. Your affairs are no longer my concern. Lights flickered, casting shifting shadows across the bar. My hand clenched around the stomach medicine, and my body felt numb with cold. Mocking glances and looks of amusement and contempt fell on me from all directions. But what stung the most was Lucas’s impatient expression. He had chronic stomach issues; he had to take his medication after eating, otherwise the pain would be unbearable. I’d called him several times, but he hadn’t picked up, so I’d had to ask around for the location of tonight’s gathering. Just as I was about to arrive, a sudden downpour started. It was peak hour traffic; a mere five-hundred-meter stretch, but the GPS blared “thirty minutes.” Desperate to get the medicine to Lucas, I’d dashed through the downpour, soaked to the bone. In the sultry lighting, Brittany was draped against him, playfully coaxing him to drink. He, a man who loathed physical contact, was letting her do whatever she pleased. The moment I pushed the door open, her glass hovered at his lips, a scene of unbearable intimacy, dripping with unspoken desire. A pang of bitter jealousy twisted in my gut, but what flashed in my mind was Lucas’s face, pale with pain during one of his episodes. “He can’t drink!” The words burst out before I could stop them. The room fell silent, the buzzing chatter evaporating. I instinctively looked down. My mud-splattered black leather shoes left a tiny, dark stain on the pristine floor. A wave of mortification washed over me. But what humiliated me even more was Lucas’s response. He leaned back on the couch, a faint ‘Tsk’ escaping his lips. “Do you really think you’re going to be Mrs. Hayes?” “Mind your own business.” He didn’t even spare me a glance, tipping his head back to down the whiskey in one swift gulp. The words I’d meant to say died in my throat. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. I swallowed hard, battling the tears, desperate not to look as pathetic as I felt. The others subtly shifted their gazes, treating me like invisible air. They moved carefully, detouring around me when they passed. A sympathetic girl, unable to watch, offered me a dry napkin. But her friend immediately yanked her away: “Why bother with her?” Rainwater dripped incessantly from my hair. Past memories replayed, one after another, in my mind. It hit me then, a cold, crushing realization. Lucas didn’t object to our engagement, not because he secretly wanted it, but because… he simply didn’t care. He didn’t care about his mother’s promise, about my grandma’s dying wish, or about me. To put it more cruelly, he held me in contempt. That’s why he’d stayed silent when others said I wasn’t good enough for him. That’s why my heartfelt concern was nothing more than “meddling” in his eyes. Mortification, humiliation, anger, and a deep sense of betrayal intertwined, but strangely, they dissolved into an eerie calm. I slowly dried my hair, then quietly placed the stomach medicine on the table. One last glance at Lucas. And then, without a backward look, I walked out of that bar.

The lights were still on at the Hayes’ estate. Vivian and a few friends were sitting in the living room, sipping tea. I was at the doorway, changing my shoes, and their conversation drifted clearly into my ears. “Vivian, you’re not actually going to let Lucas marry the housekeeper’s granddaughter, are you?” “If you ask me, you’re just too superstitious.” “Kids get sick easily! Look at Lucas now, he’s grown up, and his health is perfectly fine, isn’t it?” It was Karen, Vivian’s closest friend. Ever since Lucas and I got engaged, she’d always found reasons to disparage me. She’d said things like this not just behind my back, but to my face countless times. Vivian sighed. “Chloe has had a hard life.” “She took such good care of Lucas.” “When Lucas gets married, I’ll make sure to compensate her generously.” My vision blurred, hot tears stinging my eyes. I bit down hard on my lower lip, remembering how Vivian had once wept, begging me not to leave. Lucas had always been sickly. When he was fourteen, he fell gravely ill, so ill that everyone feared for his life. Desperate, Vivian had consulted a renowned spiritual advisor. That advisor, in turn, had singled me out. She claimed I possessed a rare aura, destined to bring good fortune to my future husband, and that my presence alone would ensure Lucas’s recovery if we were engaged. Just like that, I, an orphan adopted by the Hayes family’s housekeeper, was thrust into the role of Lucas Hayes’s fiancée. Lucas had always been cold towards me. When I greeted him, he’d pretend not to see me. When I secretly watched him, he’d frown and turn away. Once, he had an urgent matter and went home early, but I didn’t know, and was too scared to go look for him in class. I could only wait at the school gate. I waited and waited until the sky darkened, until the school was utterly deserted, walking home with tears streaming down my face. That day, I thought for a long time, and finally, I gathered all my courage and spoke to Vivian about breaking off the engagement. But she’d wept, pleading with me not to be angry with Lucas, listing countless reasons to ‘prove’ he actually liked me. “Chloe, Lucas is just a boy who isn’t good at expressing his feelings.” “He doesn’t say it, but in his heart, he can’t live without you.” “If he didn’t like you, why would he go to school with you every day?” “Why wouldn’t he hang out with other girls?” “And why wouldn’t he object to the engagement?” Her words had anchored me, year after agonizing year, in Lucas’s chilling indifference. Vivian’s kindness towards me had also grown, and sometimes, I’d secretly fantasize about her being my own mother. But the illusion, however, was bound to shatter. While I painstakingly learned how to be a good wife and daughter, they had already, unilaterally, pronounced my sentence. After ten years, this house felt less like a home and more like a gilded cage, and I didn’t know if I could even step inside anymore. On the dark street, I dialed my college roommate Riley’s number. “Riley, is that offer for you to work in the States still on the table?”

By the time I returned to the Hayes’ estate, the tea party had dispersed. Vivian saw I was alone, her face fell, and her voice held a note of accusation: “Chloe, why didn’t you bring Lucas back with you?” It was as if I had intentionally abandoned him outside. Yet she knew perfectly well that Lucas did whatever he pleased, accountable to no one. It used to make me feel small, wronged, but mostly anxious, terrified of displeasing her. Now, I simply stated the fact, my voice even: “He didn’t want to come back.” “Even if he didn’t want to, you should have persuaded him! You know his health isn’t great.” “Who was he with? Why didn’t you stay there and wait for him?” I lowered my eyes, unwilling to argue with her. “Just his usual friends, and Brittany.” At Brittany’s name, Vivian’s expression softened instantly. “Brittany was there? Oh, that’s nice.” Then, as if suddenly remembering something, her brows furrowed as she shot me a quick glance. I knew exactly what she was thinking: that my presence might upset Brittany. I didn’t react with my usual anxious compliance when she was displeased. I simply changed my shoes and went to my room to pack. I had very few belongings at the Hayes’ estate. What needed to be tossed, I tossed; what needed to be discarded, I discarded. What remained fit perfectly into a 28-inch suitcase. Only one thing, I didn’t know what to do with. It was a teddy bear in a brown dress, a gift Lucas had given me the day my grandma passed away. The young Lucas had gently pulled me into his arms, his voice a low, rough murmur: “Chloe, don’t be sad.” “I’ll take care of you from now on.” It was an embrace and a promise born out of pity, yet I had foolishly believed it was proof of Lucas’s special feelings for me. The bear seemed to stare back at me, mocking my foolish, self-deluded heart. I’d originally thought of returning it to Lucas, but then I realized, knowing his temperament, he’d simply toss it into the trash without a second thought.

I barely slept that night. Early the next morning, I carried my belongings downstairs. Lucas was eating breakfast. He glanced at the bundle in my arms, a flicker of doubt in his eyes, but he said nothing. As indifferent as ever. Vivian, however, asked, “Where are you going?” “Nowhere special. Just packing up some old things, I plan to take them out to—” Before I could finish, Lucas’s phone rang. He mumbled a few replies, then stood up and started getting dressed. “Something came up at the office. I’m heading there now.” Vivian reminded him, “Drive safely.” No one cared about my answer anymore. I let out a self-deprecating laugh, then left to hail a cab for the mall. Though the Hayes family had a chauffeur, I never used him. My tuition and living expenses, everything, I earned through odd jobs and part-time work. It was my pathetic way of clinging to some dignity in front of Lucas. As if by not taking advantage of their wealth, I could face him with a sliver more of self-respect. In the city’s most bustling mall, dazzling lights shimmered. I stood at the counter, thinking of buying Riley a brooch as a gift. A familiar voice, laced with a playful whine, floated from behind me: “Lucas, darling, doesn’t this necklace just scream ‘me’?” I instinctively turned my head. A tall, aloof man and a pretty, delicate girl. Anyone would say they made a perfect couple. I merely glanced, my eyes meeting Lucas’s. His eyes held a flicker of impatience. “What are you doing here?” I knew what he was thinking: he suspected I was following him. Back in high school, he’d go out with friends every weekend to unwind. Vivian, always worried, would make me tag along. But those rich kids never liked me. And I couldn’t refuse Vivian, so I’d always trail them secretly. When Lucas caught me, I’d just duck my head, stammering, unable to explain myself. But now, I pointed to the sales associate who was wrapping my purchase, my expression calm. “I’m just here to buy Riley a gift. I’ll be leaving immediately.” Lucas frowned, clearly unconvinced, but I didn’t press the issue or add anything else. From start to finish, I treated him like an acquaintance I’d bumped into by chance.

Back home, I knocked on Vivian’s door. After all, I’d lived in the Hayes’ estate for so many years; it was only right that I said goodbye. When I told her I was going to work in the States, she hesitantly nudged, “The States? What about your engagement to Lucas, then…?” “A childhood promise, nothing more.” Hearing me say that, Vivian feigned annoyance, but a look of profound relief washed over her face. “Chloe, how can you make such a big decision without telling the family?” “But since you’ve made up your mind, then do as you please. You’re a grown woman now, and matters of the heart aren’t for me to interfere with. When are you leaving?” Looking at Vivian, my heart twisted with a bitter ache. Not for her, but for the naive girl I used to be. “Tomorrow morning.” “So soon!” This time, Vivian genuinely looked shocked. Because tomorrow was her birthday. Every year, I’d prepare a surprise and cook her a special birthday meal. Vivian would hug me, teasing, “My daughter-in-law is so thoughtful. That boy Lucas has never cooked for me once!” I paused, then continued, “I won’t be attending your birthday dinner tomorrow.” “So no one gets the wrong idea.” As for what “wrong idea” people might get, Vivian and I both knew perfectly well. She also realized this, her expression turned complicated, and she hesitated, saying nothing for a long moment. I took her silence as consent.

The next day, I timed my descent down the stairs. Lucas was leaning against the sofa, meticulously instructing Martha about the evening’s party arrangements. Broken strands of dark hair fell across his forehead, giving the usually composed man a hint of youthful carelessness. Brittany, in a white cocktail dress, leaned casually against the armrest of the sofa. They were so close they were almost touching. The suitcase was heavy, clattering loudly against the marble stairs. The few people in the living room paused, looking up at me. “Excuse me,” I offered a polite, strained smile, trying to lift the heavy case higher. Lucas took a few steps forward, pointing at my suitcase. “What do you think you’re doing?” His expression was as indifferent as ever, as if asking about something trivial. If not for the noise, and the fact it was Vivian’s birthday, he probably wouldn’t have even bothered to ask. I didn’t want to talk much with him, so I vaguely replied, “Just some work to take care of. I’ll be gone for a few days.” Lucas stepped closer, his expression cold. “Today is my mom’s birthday.” “It’s urgent business. I’ve already spoken with Vivian about it.” I tried to step around him, but he stood still, blocking my path, radiating displeasure. “When are you coming back?” I won’t be returning. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t bring myself to say them. Saying something like that in this situation felt highly inappropriate. It was Brittany who spoke up, smiling sweetly: “Don’t you usually make a birthday cake for Vivian every year?” “Just because Lucas said a few things to you the other day, now you’re intentionally skipping her birthday?” “Anyone who didn’t know better would think the Hayes family had done something truly awful to you.” I pretended not to hear her words, pulled my suitcase, and quickly walked past both of them. Lucas wouldn’t let me go. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. A suffocating pressure filled the air, as if the temperature in the room had plummeted.

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After we got back together. I shed all the bad habits Julian Sterling hated. No more tracking his every move, no more getting jealous over nothing, no more sweating the small stuff. I even found a lipstick in the passenger seat that wasn’t mine. I carefully put it away for him. But Julian’s face darkened, and he slammed on the brakes. Julian had sharp, angular features and an intensity that instantly commanded attention, making him effortlessly intimidating. Yet at this moment, he pinched the bridge of his nose, looking utterly exhausted. “That lipstick belongs to Cassie Davies.” “Last night, the business dinner ran late. She covered for me with drinks, couldn’t drive, so I dropped her off.” He looked at me, giving an explanation he usually disdained: “I’ve told you countless times, it’s only because she’s the daughter of a close family friend and business partner that I have to look out for her.” “Whether in the past, now, or in the future, there’s absolutely nothing between us.” Seeing my silence. His usually composed expression showed a rare crack. A hint of helplessness, something I’d never seen on his face, peeked through: “What will it take for you to believe me?” I calmly said, “Nothing, I believe you. I’m not angry.” Like a punch landing on a pillow, Julian’s expression went blank for a rare moment: “…Then why haven’t you said a word this whole time?” I glanced at my watch, calculating the time to the airport, and brushed him off: “You used to say you didn’t like hearing useless information.” “I’m going to be late for work. Why don’t you just drop me off at this intersection?” My focus was entirely on the road ahead, completely missing Julian’s face as it instantly turned grim. “You always get off at the next traffic light.” “It’s still two miles from our office here.” I hadn’t thought of that, forced to meet Julian’s scrutinizing gaze: “It’s early morning. If not to the office, where are you going?” Just as Julian’s hesitation deepened… “Ding—!” The exclusive ringtone, Cassie Davies. Julian’s sharp gaze retracted, his eyes darting around, a guilty attempt to appear innocent: “It’s a work call. I need to take it.” He immediately threw his suspicion of me out the window, unlocking the car: “Then you can get out here.” I nodded, quickly unbuckled my seatbelt, and he called out to me. “Don’t be so clumsy. Watch where you’re walking.” His voice softened behind me, a hint of coaxing. “That restaurant you always wanted to try? I booked it.” “I promised you before, I’ll never miss another anniversary.” “Happy seventh anniversary.” “Aurora, see you tonight.” My hand, on the car door, paused. The last anniversary, he’d left me for Cassie Davies. It hurt so much then, but now, recalling it, my heart felt strangely calm. “Go on, answer the phone,” I said softly, opening my mouth. “Don’t keep them waiting.” After all, Cassie Davies couldn’t wait. And neither could my plane. As for anniversaries. This year, next year, every year after that, I’d be absent.

I finally made it onto the plane. After settling into my seat, I felt a little dizzy, having missed breakfast. Habitually, I reached into my pocket and, sure enough, found three chocolates. Ever since I’d fainted from low blood sugar a long time ago. Every day, Julian would habitually put a few chocolates in my pocket. The sweetness melted on my tongue, and the dizziness quickly subsided. But then, a persistent, lingering bitterness crept up. Seven years together. How did Julian and I end up like this? At first, I truly believed Cassie Davies was just a ‘favor’ he had to do for a family friend, someone he brought into the company out of obligation. That’s why Julian had to be strictly professional with me at work multiple times, while giving her special treatment. My department head, Mr. Henderson, would constantly make my life miserable, and nothing would happen; but if he was even slightly curt with Cassie, he’d be fired. Everyone secretly nicknamed Cassie behind her back, calling her the future Mrs. Sterling even to me, Julian’s secret girlfriend. I forced myself to understand his difficulties, but this ‘special treatment’ extended to our home. Julian would repeatedly leave me for her phone calls. A furious argument erupted one night. I saw a photo in a colleague’s SnapChat group. Julian, who told me he was working late, was out watching a midnight movie with Cassie Davies. It was the exact movie I’d begged Julian to see with me multiple times, only to be ruthlessly rejected. I tugged on his sleeve, swaying, “Everyone watches it with their true love! Let’s go too!” Julian didn’t even bother to lift an eyelid, refusing, “Watching those mindless rom-coms is a waste of life.” But the man in the photo looked dashing, smiling brightly. Not a trace of impatience. The messages in the SnapChat group scrolled furiously, then blurred into a jumble before my eyes. When Julian came home, I asked him, my voice devoid of inflection: “Was ‘Ever After’ good?” A hint of surprise seemed to flash in his eyes. Or perhaps I was mistaken. He was utterly indifferent, expressionless: “Are you stalking me?” My heart felt heavy, suffocated, like a thick, wet towel pressed against it, stealing my breath. “Why would I need to stalk you?” “Your sweet photos with her are all over the company SnapChat group!” My chest heaved uncontrollably: “Julian, if you want to break up, just say so. You don’t need to lie to me like this!” Julian’s expression didn’t even change, calm as an outsider. “If you don’t even have basic trust in me, then I have nothing more to say.” “Aurora, I’ve had a long day. I don’t have the energy to argue with you.” No guilt, no explanation. Compared to my frantic state, he was so composed. He even remembered to place the paper bag in his hand steadily on the table. The words ‘Ever After’ on the paper bag were like icy daggers, plunging straight into my heart. All the emotions I’d suppressed for so long, mixed with a tidal wave of resentment, crashed down on me. Finally, it snapped the last thread of my sanity. I snatched the paper bag in a fit of rage, smashing it to the floor. It wasn’t sealed. The contents tumbled out, vying for release. Making a few soft thuds. I didn’t even look, just stared at Julian, my eyes red-rimmed. We met gazes, a silent standoff. After a long moment, he slammed the door and left. I stood there, stiff as a statue. Until something rolled to my feet. I looked down, startled. Chocolates. Handmade chocolates, scattered all over the floor.

I still caved. I wanted to talk to him properly. But for three whole days, Julian didn’t answer my calls and didn’t come home. Swallowing my hurt, I sent him a message. “It was wrong of me to lose my temper without communicating first.” “But it’s also true that you said you were working late but went to the movies with her.” “Tonight is our six-year anniversary. I’ll be waiting for you at home.” “Can we sit down and talk, please?” But I waited from morning till night, and he didn’t come back. As it approached eleven, I made up my mind to go to his office. On the way, I ran into Mr. Henderson, the department head Julian had fired because of Cassie. He grabbed me and dragged me into the shadows: “Damn it, I can’t go after *her*, but you’re fair game!” Repeated unanswered calls to my private number, desperate, hopeless cries for help. If a passerby hadn’t intervened and scared him off, my injuries wouldn’t have been limited to just a swollen, bruised face. When my phone suddenly rang. Like a startled bird, I let out a short, sharp scream. Seeing the name on the screen, my entire back, which I’d kept rigid all night, instantly collapsed. I almost cried out, a cry of pure relief: “Jul—” “Hello?” Cassie’s sweet, innocent voice purred: “Julian’s in the shower~” “I saw you called several times.” “May I ask who this is, and what’s the matter?” My throat felt like it was stuffed with burning coals. The raw, throbbing flesh felt seared, utterly ravaged. It hurt so much I wanted to tear out my own vocal cords. Hanging up the phone, such a simple act, seemed to drain all my strength. I limped, utterly humiliated, to the police station to report the assault. When everything was finally over, and my alarm clock read 00:01 the next day. I finally received a call from Julian. His tone was still so arrogant: “Realize your mistake?” I instantly understood, he had done it on purpose. All those unanswered calls on our “anniversary.” They were his punishment for my “lack of trust” in him. Tears streamed down my swollen face, burning like acid on an open wound. When I spoke, my voice was a raw, rasping whisper. I said, “Julian, let’s break up.” The other end of the line was silent for just one second. Julian scoffed, “Fine. Don’t regret it.” He hung up without hesitation. Agreeing to the breakup without a second thought.

At first, I just found it hard to sleep. I couldn’t help but repeatedly replay the details of our time together. I was terrified I’d misjudged him, condemned him unfairly. I started going back through our SnapChat messages again and again. But the more I looked, the sadder I became, the more resentful. I started to hate Julian. Six years, a whole six years. I hated that he’d discarded me so casually, like I was trash. At four in the morning, I painfully deleted all his accounts. I got up, and in a fit of anger, gathered all his belongings. Shoved them into a large trash bag and slammed it into the dumpster downstairs. After all that, I expected to feel relieved. But it was like painstakingly killing a mosquito that had been tormenting me, only to find it was my own blood that splattered. I went to work on time, as if nothing had happened. But only I knew that a huge chunk of my heart had been ripped out. That part of me had once belonged to Julian, but it had festered. To survive, I’d surgically removed that dead, rotting piece of my heart. But I forgot that if the wound was too big, a person couldn’t survive. The emotions came crashing back completely when I saw him at a company meeting. Julian was still unfazed, composed, and utterly in control. He looked even more vibrant, more confident. As if losing me had had absolutely no impact on him. Cassie Davies, thinking she was subtle, met his gaze, her face flushing slightly. I started having sleepless nights, throwing up everything I ate. Julian didn’t use social media. So I obsessively stalked Cassie’s social media accounts. Analyzing every signature, every post related to Julian. Until I fainted from low blood sugar at work and was rushed to the hospital. Julian deigned to visit me at the hospital. It was the twenty-ninth day since our breakup. He idly twirled our matching couple’s ring on his finger: “Aurora, you’ve lost weight.” My gaze was blank, and I spoke mechanically. “I’m sorry.” Julian offered a triumphant smile. We got back together. They say, “better a sharp sting than a slow bleed.” But that doesn’t apply to everyone.

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I uncovered Julian’s secret. There was a stunningly beautiful woman locked away in his house. Right now, I was peering through the crack of a door, watching him repeatedly whip her delicate body. The woman whimpered in low, choked sobs, but Julian showed no signs of stopping. In the dim light, the floor was mottled with bloodstains. “Please, just kill me. Let me go,” the woman pleaded, lifting a blood-smeared face, her eyes vacant as she stared at Julian. Julian sneered, grabbing her hair and slamming his fist into her face. 0 I recoiled in horror, stepping back and kicking a bottle. At that exact moment, Julian whipped his head around, his dark eyes fixating on where I was. Luckily, I had already ducked into a closet, so he didn’t see me. Julian pushed the door open and walked out. His profile was chillingly grim. I hid in the closet, barely daring to breathe. Julian slowly turned his head, and I saw his gaze linger on my hiding spot. My heart hammered against my ribs. Thankfully, Julian only looked for a few seconds before moving his eyes and walking back inside. This time, I heard him lock the door. From inside, the woman’s terrified screams erupted. I didn’t dare come out, trembling in my hiding place. Fifteen minutes later, Julian emerged. I watched his every move through the gap in the closet door. Julian coolly lit a cigarette. Then, with a look of pure disgust and indifference, he stripped off his clothes, revealing the toned physique that once made my heart race. He went upstairs. He also locked the basement door. I was trapped in the basement by Julian. Only when the sounds from upstairs completely faded did I crawl out of the closet. Today was our hundred-day anniversary. I had planned to surprise Julian by sneaking into his house early, but I never imagined I’d stumble upon such a horrifying scene. I was utterly terrified. I wanted to go in and check on the woman’s injuries, but the door was securely fastened with a heavy lock. The woman was still alive. I could hear faint moans. Lowering my voice, I whispered through the door, “Don’t worry, I’ll call the police and get you out.” The moans from inside instantly ceased. Clearly, the person inside was shocked by my presence. Then, broken, hesitant words came from within. “No…don’t call the police.” I didn’t understand. Why couldn’t I call the police? Even though I still loved Julian, this was clearly illegal confinement. I knelt down and peered through the door crack. I saw a pair of dark, bloodshot eyes. The woman was also lying on the floor, staring directly at me. “You’re his…girlfriend?” the woman said with effort. I nervously mumbled, “Yeah.” The woman continued with difficulty, “I know where he keeps the keys here. They’re in that red bucket over there, there’s a spare key.” Following the woman’s instructions, I went to a red metal bucket. Sure enough, I found a key. And many burnt photos. I picked up the key and these photos, almost all burned in half. The pictures were gruesome. They showed the horrific states of various women before they died, along with severed limbs. “Your boyfriend is a sick serial killer,” the woman’s voice came from inside the room. 0

I didn’t want to believe Julian was a murderer. He was always so nice, and his smile was incredibly charming. We first met at a coffee shop. Sunlight had spilled onto Julian’s almost translucent face, and on a whim, I walked up and asked for his SnapChat. As a boyfriend, Julian was attentive to my every need. But now, the stark evidence lay before me. The woman’s voice was hoarse and grating, like sandpaper. “He likes to date young girls, play the perfect boyfriend, then trap his prey here and slowly torture them to death.” “I don’t think I’ll last much longer. He’s already getting bored with me. You’re his next victim.” “It’s Sunday night. He has his regular Sunday evening church service. You can use this time to escape.” “Any later…and you won’t get out. Have you ever heard the fairy tale of Bluebeard?” I had heard the story of Bluebeard. Duke Bluebeard married a new bride and told her not to go into the innermost room, handing her the key. But the bride couldn’t suppress her curiosity and entered the room. She saw several hanging corpses – Bluebeard’s previous wives. The bride was terrified, dropping the key into blood, but she could never wash it clean. 0 The woman let out a strange laugh. “He’s marked this door. Once you’ve been here, he’ll know the moment he sees you.” I instinctively looked down at my hand. There was a deep blue mark, strikingly obvious. I tried to wipe it off with my clothes, but it had no effect at all. “You’re probably trying to wipe off that mark, just like I was. It’s useless.” “It’s methylene blue, used for cell staining. There’s no way to get that mark off for at least a week,” the woman said with difficulty. I started to panic. “Why can’t I call the police?” I asked. At the mention of “police,” the woman’s voice suddenly became agitated and fragmented. “No, absolutely not! If you call the police, we’ll both die!” Just then, I heard a sound from upstairs. It sounded like a car pulling into the driveway.

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On our wedding anniversary. I aborted the child of Damian Thorne’s beloved. As revenge, he had me brutally attacked, leaving my left eye permanently damaged and my right hand crippled, shattering every dream I ever had. Tears streamed down my face, but a bitter laugh still bubbled up as I systematically dismantled the business empire he’d painstakingly built for that woman. I thought we’d be entangled in this game of vengeance until death. But then, he threw a divorce agreement at me. “Scarlett Reed’s embryo transplant was successful. I owe her a name, so let’s call a truce.” “Now, you have two paths before you.” “One, burn to death with me here.” “Two, sign the papers and get out of my life.” The expensive carpet was burning, and the thick smoke stung my eyes. Damian Thorne glared at me, his eyes blazing crimson. He never expected that even in such a desperate situation, I could still smile. “What’s wrong with you? Sign the papers, and I’ll let you go!” I was just laughing at how naive he was. “I can go, but you can’t.” I walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the fire trucks below. With my left eye’s vision damaged, the smoke made my eyes ache. But the more it hurt, the crazier my heart became. The fire sprinklers on the ceiling began to spray a fine mist, precisely extinguishing the flames around us, yet perfectly avoiding the precious documents and servers that were still burning fiercely. The fire was neither too big nor too small—just enough to cause maximum damage without truly spiraling out of control. The ferocity on Damian Thorne’s face froze. He hadn’t expected this, had he? I personally oversaw the design of this building. My intention was always to build him a cage. And today, it served its purpose. I walked toward him, step by step, forcing him back to the charred office desk. “Now, I’m giving you two choices.” My voice was soft, yet it cut like a poisoned blade. “One, you sign this equity transfer agreement and return everything you stole from me.” “Two…” I paused, tilting my head, my smile innocent and cruel. “Before that embryo was implanted, I added a little gift for you both. I think you’ll like it.” I leaned close to his ear, speaking in a voice only we could hear, every word distinct. “I injected that embryo with a little genetic virus. I wonder if the child, when it’s born, will be deformed, or perhaps mentally ill?” “You’re insane!” Damian Thorne’s voice cracked as he roared, his eyes so red they looked like they would bleed. His body swayed as he lunged forward, probably too much blood loss, unable to stand steady. I sidestepped him, watching his weak, impotent rage, and the sweet, intoxicating taste of revenge finally bloomed in my heart. “I’m insane? Damian Thorne, you’re the one who drove me mad.” “You’re the one who threw me into the mud, destroying everything I had.” “Now it’s my turn. I invite you and your Scarlett Reed to take a good tour of my hell.” His cell phone began to ring frantically in his pocket. It was Scarlett calling. Damian Thorne’s hands trembled as he answered, putting it on speaker. As soon as the call connected, Scarlett’s almost inhuman wails filled the speaker. “Damian! Save me! Sera Blackwood is a maniac! She’s trying to harm our baby! She’s not human! She’s a devil!” Mixed with her cries was another sound. Tick-tock… Tick-tock… One beat after another, cold and rhythmic, tapping on the heart. Damian Thorne’s face went white. “Scarlett, what is that?” “It’s… it’s something Sera sent! A metronome! It’s been ticking by my bedside, and I can’t turn it off! I’m going crazy! Damian, please come quickly! Boo-hoo-hoo, please hurry!” I snatched the phone from his hand, and with my crippled right hand, finger by painstaking finger, I typed out a few keys. In Scarlett’s hospital room, the speakers turned on. The sound of a piano, not a melody, but shattered, sharp noise, abruptly filled the entire space. It was the first time I’d touched the piano keys since my hand was crippled. Every note, my blood, my hatred. “Ah!”

Scarlett’s scream escalated to its peak, then abruptly cut off, as if someone had choked her. “What are you doing! What exactly do you want!” Watching the grim expression on his face, his eyes brimming with tears. Besides a surge of pleasure, a pang of sorrow hit me, and tears fell without warning. “What else could it be? You crippled my hand and eye. I’m just giving you an eye for an eye.” “Ah!” “Listen, isn’t it beautiful? Every joint in her fingers must be breaking.” Watching his pupils constrict violently, my smile grew even wider. Damian Thorne’s breathing hitched. His self-proclaimed calm and composure shattered completely at that moment. “Sera! If you dare touch that child or Scarlett, I will kill you!” He lunged at me like a mad beast. But he forgot, the price of crippling my right hand was that I learned to use my left. In my left hand, I held a sharp surgical knife. A cold glint flashed. The hand he reached for me was sliced open, a wound deep enough to expose bone. Blood dripped. I licked my lips, pressing the knife tip against his heart. “Don’t get too excited, Damian.” “Murder is illegal. I wouldn’t want to dirty my hands.” Listening to the woman’s desperate cries from the phone, Damian Thorne’s spine seemed to crumble, but he was restrained, only able to stare, impotently furious, before finally dropping to his knees before me. I curled my lips, cut the call, and casually tossed the phone back to him. “Go on, go be with your precious darling.” “But you’d better hurry. I’m afraid she’ll lose her mind after hearing this ‘music’.” The sirens outside were getting closer. I didn’t look at him again, turning to walk towards the elevator that belonged only to me. “Damian Thorne, do you like this ‘return gift’?” The elevator doors slowly closed. Through the gap, I saw his face, contorted with rage and terror. He thought this fire was the end. No, this was just the beginning. I returned to the old Blackwood estate. This was the last place my parents left for me, and it was my fortress of revenge. After washing up and changing into clean clothes, I sat down at my mother’s old vanity. The woman in the mirror had a face as pale as death, only her eyes shone with a terrifying intensity. I twisted open a lipstick and applied the fiercest shade of red. Damian Thorne, you crippled my hand and eye. From the moment you kept a mistress, trampled our years of affection, and ruined my life, you deserved my hatred. I will carve into everything you hold most dear.

Damian Thorne rushed into the hospital like a madman, only to find chaos. Outside Scarlett Reed’s private room, a swarm of reporters crowded. A horde of reporters, armed with cameras and microphones, were all aimed at the door, their questions more aggressive than the last. “Ms. Reed, what exactly is your relationship with Mr. Thorne? Is the child you’re carrying really his?” “We all know Ms. Blackwood is the legitimate Mrs. Thorne. Are you the other woman, breaking up their marriage?” “Rumors say you faked a car accident and miscarriage to frame Mrs. Thorne, just to marry into wealth. Is that true?” Damian Thorne’s bodyguards struggled to hold them back, but it was no use. He finally squeezed into the room, and Scarlett, as if she’d seen her savior, burst into tears and threw herself into his arms. “Damian, what are they all talking about? I’m so scared…” Her face was ghostly pale, her body trembling uncontrollably. The metronome was still ticking on the bedside table, persistently sounding. Tick-tock, tick-tock. Like a death knell, pounding on both their hearts. Damian Thorne, furious, swept the metronome to the floor, smashing it to pieces. But that damned piano music then blasted from the room’s speakers again. Like a vengeful ghost, it was inescapable, clinging to them. “Sera Blackwood!” Damian Thorne gritted his teeth, looking like he wanted to rip me apart. Only then did he realize that the background music throughout the entire VIP floor had been replaced with my ‘masterpiece’. He tried to turn it off, but found the central control system locked by me. He wanted to transfer Scarlett to another hospital, but the director, with a troubled expression, told him that due to “unexpected” circuit maintenance, all elevators were out of service. And Scarlett, having just undergone embryo transplantation, was too frail to endure such a commotion. They were trapped here. Trapped in the musical hell I had created for them. “Damian, I’m so scared…” Scarlett trembled even more. “Our baby… he’ll be fine, right?” Damian Thorne held her, his voice dry and hoarse. “He’ll be fine, Scarlett, don’t believe that lunatic’s words, she’s just trying to scare us.” He offered comforting words, but the seeds of doubt and fear I’d planted were already taking root in his mind. He immediately called Dr. Miller, who had performed Scarlett’s surgery. Dr. Miller was a student my mother had sponsored during her lifetime, and he was loyal to me. Following my prior instructions, he told Damian Thorne with a troubled expression: “Mr. Thorne, I’m truly sorry, but before the lab results are in, according to regulations, I cannot guarantee you anything.” “What do you mean?” “It means that, medically speaking, there is indeed a possibility of embryo contamination before implantation.” Damian Thorne’s heart sank. He looked at Scarlett’s tear-streaked face, his eyes filled with pain. “Don’t worry, I’ll make her pay for this.” Meanwhile, I was comfortably seated in the living room of the old estate, enjoying the hospital drama unfolding on the tablet Mr. Davies handed me. I raised my wine glass, making a silent toast to Damian Thorne on the screen. “Don’t rush. This is just the beginning.” “The pain you made me suffer, I will return to you a thousandfold.” My phone rang. It was Damian Thorne. His voice was tightly controlled, like a volcano about to erupt. “Sera Blackwood, where are you? Get out here! We need to talk!” I smiled. “Alright.” “Come to the Blackwood estate. I’ll be waiting.” “I’d like to see what right you have to talk to me now.”

Damian Thorne arrived, radiating fury, like a trapped beast. He kicked open the front door, his crimson eyes scanning the living room for my presence. “Sera Blackwood!” I was sitting on the second-floor balcony, leisurely sipping afternoon tea. “Damian Thorne, after so many years away, have you forgotten even basic manners?” He looked up, and the moment he saw me, all his rage transformed into palpable killing intent. “Sera Blackwood! What exactly do you want?” I put down my teacup and slowly walked to the railing, looking down at him. “I don’t want anything. I just want to take back what’s mine.” He let out a scoff, as if he’d heard the biggest joke. “Your things? Sera, everything you have was given to you by me! What do you possess? Without me, you’d be nothing but ash, just like your dead parents!” “How can you do this to me? Aren’t you afraid of karma?” He thought that sentence would pierce me. But he didn’t know that for all these years, hatred was the only thing that kept me alive. I laughed, tears almost streaming down my face. “Given by you? Damian Thorne, you really have the audacity to say that.” “This business empire, your so-called Thorne Group—every single brick bears my mother’s name.” “If karma truly exists, it should be reflected on you, shouldn’t it? Have you forgotten? You’re the one who caused my parents’ death!” Damian Thorne’s expression froze. “You… what nonsense are you talking about?” “Nonsense, you say?” I turned, retrieved a document from the study behind me, and tossed it down. The papers scattered across the floor, landing at his feet. “Open your eyes and truly see!” “The core technology of the Thorne Group, that biological patent that made you a rising star in the business world—whose name is on that patent!” Damian Thorne stiffly bent down and picked up one of the papers. On it, in black and white, the signature of the patent owner was my mother—Evelyn Blackwood. His pupils constricted violently. “Why do you think my parents had that car accident? Why were you so eager to take over the company right after their deaths?” Watching Damian Thorne’s face turn even paler, I curled my lips. I descended the stairs step by step, closing in on him, the hatred in my eyes almost burning him to ashes. “You bribed our driver, faked an accident, and killed my parents. You pretended to comfort me, tricked me into trusting you, and seized control of the company.” “You drained my family’s assets, using my mother’s patent to build your own empire! Damian Thorne, you owe the Blackwood family two lives! It’s a debt of blood you’ll never repay in this lifetime!” “The evidence I have is enough to put you in prison for life.” He was forced to collapse to the ground, trembling uncontrollably, unable to utter a single word. All these secrets he thought were buried deep, I had brutally exposed.

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My sister, Seraphina, and I were married into the Phoenix Clan at the same time, and by a twist of fate, we also conceived at the same time. Seraphina gave birth to a pure-blood, golden-feathered phoenix. The First Prince, Valerius, whom she married, was immediately proclaimed the next ruler of the Phoenix Clan. But I… I birthed a patchy-feathered chick, cursed as an ill omen. My husband, the Second Prince Kaelen, was implicated, tortured, and died. It was only after my death that I learned the truth: that chick was clearly *hers*! It was all a sinister plot orchestrated by her and the First Prince. Their goal? To conceal the First Prince’s true lineage and usurp the Phoenix throne. Then, I opened my eyes again. I was back. Back to the time before I gave birth, with Seraphina arriving, laden with tonics, to ‘visit’ me… “Ever since I got pregnant, I’ve had to sleep in the room by the Sacred Emberwood. Otherwise, I just can’t fall asleep. Sometimes, colorful birds and magpies gather around me, chirping incessantly. It must be this little one in my belly acting up,” Seraphina simpered, feigning annoyance, stroking her belly and droning on about all the “unusual occurrences” around her since she became pregnant. Watching Seraphina, I knew. I had been reborn. A mongrel egg, nested by the Sacred Emberwood? Surrounded by magpies? What a sick joke. But I wasn’t about to expose her lies right then and there. She’d been weaving this web of deceit since the start of her pregnancy; I wouldn’t unravel it with just a few words. I offered a small smile. “All these strange phenomena around you, Seraphina, could it be you’re carrying a tiny phoenix?” At my words, Seraphina’s face lit up with a beaming smile. But all I could feel was the venomous malice festering behind that smile. Seraphina and I were both legitimate daughters of the Azure Avian Kin, yet I was unloved by my father, Lord Alaric, and scorned by my mother, Lorelei. Mother blamed me for not being a son, for her losing Father’s favor, pouring all her affection onto Seraphina instead. Growing up, only Seraphina would occasionally check on me. She was the only one I felt close to. We married into the Phoenix Clan together. She wed Valerius, the gentle and refined First Prince, while I married Kaelen, the brave and formidable Second Prince. And we both became pregnant at the same time. So, when she came to visit me, bearing tonics, and then invited me to Silverwood Manor for a change of scenery, I suspected nothing. But little did I know, it was the beginning of my nightmare. In my past life, only after my own agonizing death did I discover the horrific truth: my husband’s and my tragic end was all Seraphina’s and the First Prince’s doing. Valerius was the result of Queen Regina’s illicit affair, a mongrel born of infidelity. Naturally, the egg Seraphina carried was also a mongrel egg. King Theron was aging, desperate to see a pure-blood Phoenix egg hatch before his death. He decreed that all newly laid eggs be brought to the Royal Palace for incubation. Valerius, terrified his true lineage would be exposed, knew discovery meant certain death. And if Valerius died, Seraphina would not only lose her esteemed status as First Princess but also be banished back to the Azure Avian Kin. No matter what, Seraphina’s offspring *had* to be a pure-blood egg. That’s when Seraphina and Valerius set their sights on me. They conspired with Queen Regina. While I was exhausted from labor, they drugged me, then swapped my pure-blood golden Phoenix egg for theirs. Had I not overheard it myself after my death, I would never have believed my own sister, the one I grew up with, capable of such betrayal! To cover their monstrous secret, after swapping my egg, they slandered me, claiming I’d birthed an ominous commonfowl egg, and threw me into the dungeons. My husband, Kaelen, used his military merits to free me, only to have King Theron question *his* lineage. He was tortured to death. But Seraphina wasn’t done with me. She deliberately sought me out, sneering, “You truly are a jinx, just as Mother always said! At home, you caused Mother to lose favor. Married, you brought about your husband’s torture and death. What good are you alive? You might as well just die!” After her cruel words, she summoned the guards and had me thrown into the Demon Lands, where I was dismembered and brutally murdered. Now, seeing Seraphina’s smug, triumphant smile, I forcefully suppressed the tidal wave of hatred surging within me. This time, I swore, I would protect my child. And they would pay!

We’d just arrived at the manor today, and I wouldn’t go into labor until the third day. There was still time. Without a sound, I crushed the jade pendant Kaelen had given me. It held a wisp of his spiritual essence; crushing it would alert him to my distress. In my previous life, when my labor began, I should have sent for Kaelen. Because as the flames of birth flared around me, I finally knew: I was carrying a golden Phoenix. A golden Phoenix born to an outsider like me required the Phoenix Clan’s divine power for protection, lest the mother’s body be scorched by the egg’s fierce flames. But Seraphina and Queen Regina wouldn’t allow me to send for anyone. They earnestly pleaded, “The Second Prince is at a crucial point, fighting back the Demonkin! We can’t distract him. Just set up a screen, and let the First Prince protect you with his magic.” Kaelen’s mother had been an unremarkable concubine. His current standing was solely built on his hard-won military achievements, earned through countless battles. If my labor forced him to withdraw from the battlefield, it would indeed damage his reputation. So, I foolishly trusted their words and didn’t send for my husband. This meant I was surrounded only by Queen Regina’s maids and midwives. During labor, Queen Regina seized full control, silently swapping out my egg. This life, I wouldn’t let them have their way! With the jade pendant crushed, I ordered my maids to pack our things. I needed to get out of there, back to the Royal Palace, *now*. The palace was my territory. There, I could contact other Phoenix Clan royals who supported Kaelen. Kaelen could arrive by the next day. By then, no matter how Queen Regina tried to interfere, it would be futile. Seraphina saw me packing and instantly panicked. She rushed to block my path. “Little sister, you just arrived! Why the hurry to leave?” I subtly pushed her hand away, smiling. “I just remembered, Kaelen’s mother has a medical consultation today. She hasn’t been well lately, and as her daughter-in-law, it’s my duty to be there for her. It saves Kaelen from worrying about domestic matters while he’s on the battlefield.” Seraphina tried to dissuade me. “Just a day or two won’t hurt! Queen Regina herself is here. Is Kaelen’s mother more important than the Queen?” Queen Regina being here only meant one thing: she was planning to swap my egg! A cold sneer twisted my lips. I signaled my maids to guard me, ignored Seraphina, and headed straight for the carriage. Just then, Queen Regina’s enraged voice bellowed from behind us. “Second Princess, what’s with the sudden rush to leave? Are you perhaps tired of an old mother like me?” I suppressed my rising anxiety, offering a polite smile. “Your Majesty, you’re overthinking things.” Despite her words, I persisted in leaving. Everyone in the Phoenix Clan knew Queen Regina and the Second Prince were at odds. King Theron, due to the Second Prince’s immense military achievements, simply turned a blind eye to it. As my maids helped me, just as I was about to step into the carriage, Valerius rushed up, breathless. He called out loudly, “Sister-in-law, wait! There’s a demon uprising ahead. It’s too dangerous to leave!” My fists clenched. My chest heaved with fury. In my past life, there had been no such “demon uprising.” They actually *instigated* a demon disturbance within the Phoenix Clan’s borders, just to stop me! Despicable! “Ah!” Seraphina shrieked, clamping a hand over her mouth. Her other hand trembled as she pointed at my abdomen. “Blood-fire…” I followed her gaze, and my breath caught in my throat. It was time. I was going into labor! Perhaps my intense emotional upheaval had triggered premature labor. Seeing this, all three of their faces lit up with malicious glee. Queen Regina’s expression instantly softened, becoming sickly sweet. She personally came forward to support me, intending to lead me back to the manor. But I refused. I’d been granted this second chance! How could I possibly let my child fall into their hands again? I *had* to go back. I *had* to wait for Kaelen. “Your Majesty, I cannot give birth in a strange place! I must return to the palace! A mere demon horde is no match for my guards!” I grit my teeth against the pain, gesturing for my maids and guards to protect me. Seraphina and Valerius exchanged a look, then subtly signaled Queen Regina. Queen Regina’s voice turned sharp and menacing. “Don’t listen to the Second Princess! She’s about to give birth. If anything happens on the road, not only will I not spare you, but even King Theron will hold you accountable!”

Caught between a demon uprising ahead, Queen Regina’s threats behind, and my imminent labor, my options were dwindling fast. My maids and guards all hesitated. Queen Regina beckoned her attendants, intending to force me into the Sacred Emberwood Treehouse prepared at the manor. My guards stepped forward to block them. While unsure whether to retreat or advance, these were seasoned veterans from the battlefield, loyal only to Kaelen and me. But then, a fiery aura pulsed violently from my abdomen, growing even larger and more intense. I screamed, wracked with searing pain. My agonizing scream startled my maids and guards. They quickly surrounded me and hurried me into the manor. Behind me, Queen Regina murmured gleefully, “Born amidst fierce flames, it must be a phoenix! And conveniently, the manor has a Sacred Emberwood Treehouse. Take her there to await the birth!” Seraphina’s eyes darted around. She subtly cast a spell to induce her own labor, then shrieked “Ah!” herself, her face contorted in “pain,” claiming she was also going into labor. “What do we do? There’s only one Sacred Emberwood Treehouse in the manor!” Valerius fretted, holding her, feigning distress. Giving birth to a commonfowl egg didn’t require a Sacred Emberwood! They were clearly trying to use this as an excuse to swap my child! Cold sweat plastered my skin as searing pain threatened to overwhelm my sanity. I could only order my maids to surround me entirely with screens, ensuring no contact with Seraphina and preventing Queen Regina from bringing anyone inside. With my guards positioned outside the screens, a flicker of calm returned to me. I desperately poured my magic into the egg, urging my precious hatchling to hold on, to wait until its father arrived before coming into the world! But before I could even catch my breath, Queen Regina’s shrill voice pierced through the screens. “What impropriety is this, allowing guards inside? Get out, all of you! Standing guard outside is perfectly adequate!” My guards stood firm, refusing to yield. Seraphina, however, declared she was afraid of so many people in the room. Soon after, sounds of a struggle erupted from beyond the screens. I bit down hard on my lip, a thin trickle of blood escaping the corner of my mouth. My voice, though strained by pain, was sharp with fury. “What are you doing to my guards?!” Queen Regina swept past the screens, her smile sickeningly sweet. “Your sister is also giving birth in here! How can we have so many crude men around?” Then her tone shifted, becoming deceptively reassuring. “Kaelen isn’t here, and this is an emergency. I’ll just have Valerius perform the protective ritual for both you and your sister.” It happened just like this in my previous life. Queen Regina claimed Valerius would perform the ritual from behind the screen. I was in such agony, practically delirious, that I didn’t think twice. Desperate to protect my child, I agreed. Not long after, they cast a spell on me, and I blacked out. When I woke, all I had was a patchy-feathered commonfowl egg. But during my labor, I’d been engulfed in furious flames—a clear sign of a phoenix’s birth! How could it possibly have been a commonfowl egg? Queen Regina, however, declared I was hallucinating, that I refused to accept my ominous birth, and had gone mad. King Theron, in a rage, had me thrown into the dungeons. Recalling the horrors of my past life, I knew that if Valerius performed that ritual, I’d be utterly at their mercy! “Not even through a screen! I refuse to be touched by any other man! I’ve already alerted my husband; I will wait for *him*!” The room fell silent for a moment, save for my uncontrollable groans of agony. Queen Regina immediately snapped, “Why are you being so unreasonable? At a critical moment like this, you care about such trivialities? If you fail to deliver this child, it will be a grave sin!” Valerius, from behind the screen, said, “Sister-in-law, I won’t be able to see you. Just let me perform the protective ritual for you.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the hem of the First Prince’s robe slip past the screen, about to enter the room. Panic seized me. I reached out, desperate to grab a maid’s hand. But already, furious flames were spreading around me, pushing everyone else back. Queen Regina barked for all “unnecessary personnel” to leave. My maids, by now, had clearly caught on. They stubbornly refused to budge. “Get out, you useless wenches!” Queen Regina shrieked, ordering her guards to drag my maids out and beat them mercilessly. Valerius, along with another person, stepped past the screens and entered. That person held a box. Clearly, Seraphina had already “given birth” to her commonfowl egg, and they were just waiting to swap it for mine! As the two of them drew closer, I felt a chilling despair seep into my bones, even as furious flames scorched my body. My hope was rapidly turning to ash. Was I truly fated to fall into their wicked hands once more, even after being granted a second chance? “Stop!” Just as Valerius and his accomplice closed in, a calm, powerful voice rang out from outside the room. The faces of those in the room froze. Before they could even react, Kaelen burst through the door. My husband had come back for me!

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I’m a good girl. My husband told me not to be so clingy, to go out and ‘explore’ other guys. So, like the good girl I am, I went out and ‘explored’ three. Eventually, all three of them wanted to make things official. So, I, like the good girl I am, went to Julian to ask for a divorce. But Julian said he’d fallen in love with me and refused to divorce, no matter what. He cried while washing my clothes: “You can bring them home! We can all live together, but divorce? Absolutely not!” So, I listened to Julian and didn’t divorce him. And I brought all three of them home. I’m just a good girl. What did I do wrong? Seven years of loving Julian, and I finally married him. Just as I was overjoyed, ready to be the perfect wife, Julian cheated. He and a popular young actress, Vivian, went viral on Ins, caught in a kiss. Looking at the photos, I felt struck by lightning. I cried and went to confront him. But he snapped at me impatiently: “Anya, don’t you have anything better to do? Is it really that interesting to obsess over me all day? Look, why don’t you go find yourself a guy too? Just stop bothering me, okay?” I stared at Julian. What he said was terrifying! How could I just go out and find a random guy? But I’ve always been a good girl. So, I found Julian’s best friend, Caleb.

Caleb, one of the most respected and enigmatic figures in the city’s elite. Rumor had it he was incredibly disciplined, practically ascetic, always wearing a string of dark, polished beads around his wrist, never showing interest in women. My hands trembled as I messaged him, typing and deleting words over and over. Finally, I just sent one line: “Mr. Caleb, are you free to meet? Julian told me… to ‘have some fun’ with someone else.” After sending it, I threw my phone far away, my cheeks burning. Julian’s best friend shouldn’t count as just a ‘random guy,’ right? I just wondered if he’d agree… Unexpectedly, my phone vibrated almost immediately. Just one word: “Okay.” The location was a very secluded, high-end lounge. When I arrived, Caleb was already there. He sat by the window, the afternoon sun streaming through the ornate windowpanes, bathing his handsome, refined face, only adding to his icy, almost ethereal allure. His long fingers held a cup of clear tea, wisps of steam blurring his strikingly perfect features. The air was filled with the calming scent of sandalwood mixed with tea. I was so nervous I almost walked in lockstep, sitting down opposite him, my throat dry. All the words I’d prepared vanished. He looked up at me, his gaze as still as water, calm and unruffled, the beads on his wrist gleaming softly. “He sent you?” Caleb asked, pouring me a cup of tea. His voice was just as captivating, clear and crisp, like fresh spring water. I twisted my fingers, looking down, my nose suddenly stinging. I nodded hard. “M-hm.” Silence stretched, thick with the scent of tea. Just as I was about to bolt, feeling like I couldn’t sit still another second, he gently set down his teacup and looked at me: “This ‘having some fun’ you mentioned… what exactly did you have in mind?”

Caleb, for all his icy, ascetic appearance, absolutely drove me wild, pushing me to my limits. “I really can’t anymore, ugh…” I collapsed, exhausted, onto Caleb, burying my face in his firm, muscular chest, my body trembling. Caleb’s thumb gently wiped away the involuntary tears that welled in my eyes, coaxing me, “Okay, okay, just one more box, then I’ll let you off the hook.” Hearing Caleb’s tender voice, I looked up through tear-filled eyes at the headboard. On the box resting there, it clearly read: “12 Extra Large.” I then looked down at the wastebasket, where five used ones lay. That meant there were still… “W-waah, you jerk!” I cried even harder.

Caleb often left me with aching back and shaky legs. Eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore and secretly went to see Dr. Albright. As Dr. Albright took my pulse, his brow furrowed deeper and deeper, finally sighing, “My dear, you need to slow down on your activities and rest for a while, otherwise, this intense activity is seriously depleting your energy and could lead to long-term health issues.” Me: !!! What?! Too much activity could seriously mess with my health?! I was terrified and didn’t dare go near Caleb again. But if I didn’t go to him, he came to me. He actually came directly to the house Julian and I shared! When the doorbell rang, I was curled up on the sofa watching a reality show, assuming Julian had gone out and forgotten his keys, so I just opened the door. Seeing Caleb standing there, I nearly slammed the door in his face! “Y-you, what are you doing here?” My voice trembled, and I instinctively tried to close the door. Caleb put his hand against the doorframe. The force wasn’t immense, but it kept me from moving it an inch. His gaze fell on my panicked face, and he asked, “Why haven’t you come to ‘play’ with me lately?” Play? You play that hard, who’d dare play with you, ugh! “I… I’ve been a bit busy lately,” I mumbled, my eyes darting away as I scrambled for an excuse. “Busy?” Caleb raised an eyebrow slightly, taking a step closer. The clean scent of sandalwood mixed with a hint of pressure washed over me. “Too busy to even answer your phone?” I retreated under his intense gaze, my heart pounding. Dr. Albright’s warning about “depleting my health” echoed frantically in my mind. “Mr. Caleb, I think… what we’re doing isn’t right,” I bravely tried to reason. “That day, I was impulsive. We really should…” “Should what?” he interrupted, his gaze calm but carrying an undeniable intensity. “Julian told you to ‘play,’ remember?” The mention of Julian instantly deflated me, like a popped balloon. He was right, Julian had told me to do this. How could I disobey him? But… I was really scared of getting sick! Just as I was at a loss, Julian’s confused voice came from behind me: “Caleb? What are you doing here?”

Julian hadn’t gone out?! I was scared out of my wits, almost jumping as I spun around, my cheeks burning with the guilt of being caught red-handed. Caleb, however, remained composed, turning to face Julian who was coming down the stairs, his tone flat: “Just passing by, thought I’d drop in and see you. Anya and I were just chatting by the door.” As Caleb spoke, his gaze lingered on me, subtly. My back instantly stiffened. Julian didn’t seem to notice anything amiss. As he descended, he casually remarked, “What’s there to chat about with her? She just idles around the house all day.” Normally, hearing him say that would upset me for ages. But now, my mind was only filled with panic, terrified Caleb would say something shocking. Caleb didn’t respond, just watched me, a fleeting, almost imperceptible smirk playing on his lips. Julian finished tying his shoes and walked over, naturally putting his arm around my waist. He told Caleb, “My brother’s back from overseas. Since you’re here, why don’t we all have dinner tonight? I’ll call Ryder and the others.” My body stiffened, the spot where Julian touched me suddenly burning. He rarely made affectionate gestures towards me in front of others, but today he… Caleb’s gaze rested on Julian’s hand on my waist for a split second, then moved away. He simply replied, “Sounds good.” The dinner reservation was at an incredibly exclusive, members-only restaurant.

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My Brother’s Bride Wanted Me as a ‘Live-in Sister-Duty’… Until I Turned the Tables My brother, Ryan Collins, found himself a wealthy heiress, Tiffany Sterling. She demanded he “move into their family estate,” and I, his older sister, had to come along as part of the “package deal.” I was expected to live in their house, serving as a free assistant for life, all under the sweet-sounding guise of “sibling solidarity.” My mom, Joyce, clutched my hand, tears spilling from her eyes instantly: “Avery, you love your brother the most. Just help him this one time.” “If you go, you two can look out for each other at the Sterling estate, and I’ll rest easy.” My dad, Robert, chimed in, nodding in agreement: “What’s the good of all that education for a girl? You’ll just end up married anyway. Helping your brother out, that’s your real blessing.” Ryan hid behind them, head bowed, not daring to look at me, murmuring: “Sis, Tiffany… she doesn’t mean any harm.” A bitter laugh escaped me, furious at my shameless family. I anonymously posted online. “Forced into ‘Live-in Sister-Duty’ for My Brother’s Wealthy Fiancée – Help! Urgent!” The post immediately shot to the top, and the comment section exploded. One top-rated comment caught my eye: [Say yes! Why wouldn’t you?] [But go through the most formal process, sign the strictest contract, and be the most professional employee!] [Let them know what a modern-day labor rights warrior looks like!]

Just then, the doorbell rang. Ryan darted to open the door: “It must be Tiffany!” The door swung open, and a girl in a Chanel suit, with perfectly applied makeup, walked in. She affectionately linked her arm through Ryan’s, but her eyes scanned me up and down. She was Tiffany Sterling. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Collins.” Her sickly sweet voice sent a shiver down my spine. “And this must be Avery? Ryan told me you agreed to come live with us?” “Agreed?” Tiffany shot a glance at Ryan. Ryan looked to my mom. My mom quickly tried to smooth things over: “Oh, Tiffany, don’t misunderstand. Avery already agreed just now.” “She’s just a little shy, she must have said something wrong when she saw you.” “Shy?” Tiffany eyed my faded T-shirt and jeans, letting out a dismissive scoff. “Looks like poor taste to me!” “Ryan, your sister doesn’t look too bright. Don’t let her embarrass me.” My mom and dad’s faces went through a kaleidoscope of emotions, but they didn’t dare utter a single word. Ryan, flushed red, tugged at my sleeve: “Sis, apologize to Tiffany…” I ignored him, pulling my hand free from Tiffany’s grip, and smiled at her beautiful face: “Ms. Sterling is right.” Everyone froze. I continued: “Precisely because my image is unimpressive and I appear unintelligent, a formal employment contract is even more necessary to clearly define responsibilities and rights.” “This is to avoid unnecessary losses to your esteemed company due to my personal shortcomings.” “It’s also to better serve you and Ryan, ensuring the employer’s interests are protected.” Tiffany’s smile stiffened on her face. “Employment contract?” Her voice rose sharply: “Avery Collins, are you crazy from being poor? We’re offering you a spot, you should be grateful!” “No.” I met her gaze directly: “This is a society governed by law. Professional conduct requires professional procedures to ensure it.” “Since this is a special position, a ‘live-in assistant,’ it’s even more important to specify job duties, working hours, salary, benefits, especially worker’s compensation standards, and personal rights protection clauses.” “After all, this job seems to carry no small amount of risk.” You could have heard a pin drop in the living room. Tiffany scoffed, impatiently dialing a number: “Hello, Mr. Miller from Legal? Draft an employment contract for a ‘private assistant’ for me.” “Yes, make it as harsh as possible. Salary… just the city’s minimum wage.” “Also, add a clause: service term, for life.” She hung up and leaned close to me. “Avery Collins, you wanted to play this game. Now, do you dare to sign?” I met Tiffany’s challenging gaze, a subtle smirk playing on my lips, and gave a slow, deliberate nod. “Sure. When do I sign?”

An hour later, a man delivered the contract. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored, high-end black suit, and his face bore a slight resemblance to Tiffany’s, but a hundred times colder. “Seb, why did you come yourself?” Tiffany’s usual sharp edges softened the moment she saw him, and she clung to him docilely. “Dad wasn’t comfortable.” His gaze swept over my parents, finally settling on me. He was Tiffany’s brother, Sebastian Sterling. The true heir to the Sterling Group. And my brother Ryan’s future boss, the one he’d have to grovel to. “Sign it, or get out.” He tossed a file envelope directly at me. “Take a look. If there’s no problem, sign it.” Service term: For life. Working hours: 8 hours. Salary: City’s minimum wage, $1800. Leaking any information about the Sterling family: $100 million compensation. Someone, probably thinking I was as useless as Ryan, had even added a handwritten, domineering clause at the very bottom: Party B voluntarily waives all labor rights granted by law. This wasn’t a contract; it was a modern-day bond of servitude! My mom peered over my shoulder, then abruptly shoved me. “Avery, sign it quickly! Mr. Sterling personally delivered the contract – that’s a huge deal! Don’t be ungrateful!” My dad was just as anxious: “Once you sign, you’ll be part of the Sterling family, no worries about food or clothes. What a great opportunity!” I looked up at Sebastian. He leaned against the wall, hands in his trouser pockets, his eyes filled with undisguised urgency and impatience. “Seb, look at her, she’s so poor and slow, she’s clearly scared to sign.” “Ms. Sterling,” I interrupted her. “I can sign the contract.” I held up the contract, pointing to the very last clause. “However, there’s a small issue here.” Sebastian’s brow furrowed. “‘Party B voluntarily waives all labor rights granted by law.’” “As a professional, Mr. Miller should know that this clause itself is illegal and therefore invalid.” “I suggest removing it to avoid unnecessary legal disputes in the future, which could bring negative publicity and ridicule to the Sterling family.” Tiffany’s eyes widened, completely blindsided by my move. Sebastian straightened up, finally looking at me properly. “You know the law?” “A little.” I said, feigning humility, “After all, I’m an Oxford graduate. Can’t let my alma mater down.” Sebastian stared at me for a full ten seconds. Suddenly, he pulled a Montblanc pen from his inner jacket pocket and crossed out the supplementary clause. “There. It’s done.” He handed me the pen and the contract. Tiffany’s face was as dark as a thundercloud. I took the pen and decisively signed “Avery Collins.” I handed the contract back to Sebastian. “Mr. Sterling, pleasant working with you.” He took the contract, gave me a deep, scrutinizing look, and turned to leave. Tiffany stamped her foot, then hurried after him. The moment the door closed, my mom threw her arms around me, trembling with excitement. “This is wonderful! Avery! Our good days are coming!”

On my first day of work. I strictly followed the netizens’ advice, portraying myself as a “hyper-compliant but utterly clueless” assistant. Tiffany told me to be up at six to await her instructions, and I reported to her room promptly. “Avery Collins, are you a ghost? It’s so early! Don’t you know I sleep until I wake up naturally?” She roared at me, her hair a messy bun. I innocently held up my phone’s memo app. “Ms. Sterling, these were your instructions from yesterday: six o’clock sharp, not a minute more, not a minute less. I’m just demonstrating my professionalism.” She was speechless, rolling her eyes at me. “Get down and prepare breakfast!” “Certainly. Do you have any specific requirements for breakfast?” “Like calorie count, ingredient origin, cooking method…” “Shut up! Just make whatever!” Alright, whatever it is. I prepared a “whatever” breakfast for her: A bowl of plain congee, a plate of boiled cabbage, and two hard-boiled eggs. Next to it, I thoughtfully placed a handwritten nutritional analysis chart. Tiffany’s face went green staring at the sparse and unappetizing meal. “Avery Collins, are you doing this on purpose? Trying to starve me?” “Ms. Sterling, you said ‘whatever’.” “According to the healthy eating pyramid, this is the most scientifically balanced breakfast combination. I’m only looking out for your health.” I spouted nonsense with a perfectly straight face. In the morning, she asked me to polish what was supposedly an antique vase from the last century. I asked: “Do I need any special cleaning agents?” She waved her hand dismissively: “Use your rough hands! If you talk back again, I’ll make you scrub it with a steel wool pad!” “Understood. Message received.” Ten minutes later, Tiffany’s shriek echoed from the study. She pointed at the vase, now covered in scratches and completely devoid of its former luster, trembling all over. “Avery Collins! What did you do to my vase!” I held up the steel wool pad, smiling. “Ms. Sterling, I merely followed your instructions strictly and ‘scrubbed’ it clean with a steel wool pad.” “See? There’s not a speck of dust now.” In the afternoon, she asked me to iron a custom-made silk gown. I again “humbly” inquired: “Ms. Sterling, what temperature should I set the iron to?” “Max! Max heat! Make it perfectly flat! Not a single wrinkle!” She gritted her teeth. “Certainly, mission accomplished.” The result was predictable. That six-figure gown now bore an eternal triangle branded onto the chest area, thanks to my highest-setting iron. Tiffany lost it. She raised her hand, ready to slap me. I didn’t dodge. Her hand was stopped mid-air. Sebastian, who had appeared at the doorway, caught her wrist. “Seb! Let me go! I’m going to tear her apart!” Tiffany pointed at me, crying with rage. “Look at the mess she made! She’s utterly useless!” Sebastian’s gaze shifted from the scorched gown to my face. “What happened?” Tiffany rushed to cry out: “I told her to iron a dress, and she ruined my gown!” “Seb, she did it on purpose! She’s jealous of me!” I lowered my head, whimpering pitifully: “I’m sorry, Mr. Sterling, I just… strictly followed Ms. Sterling’s instructions to set the iron to maximum heat…” “And you dare talk back!” Sebastian’s face grew darker and darker. He released Tiffany and walked towards me. “You’re fired.”

“Fired?” I looked up, meeting Sebastian’s eyes directly. “Mr. Sterling, I’m afraid you can’t unilaterally terminate my employment.” I pulled the neatly folded contract from my pocket and spread it open. “Firstly, my employer is Ms. Sterling.” “Secondly, according to Article 4, Section 3 of the contract, if the employer wishes to terminate the contract early, written notice must be given thirty days in advance, and Party B, which is me, must be paid twelve months’ salary as economic compensation.” I paused, then added: “Additionally, since the contract’s service term is ‘for life,’ it falls under special clauses.” “According to relevant judicial interpretations, early termination in such a case should be regarded as compensation for the loss of my entire professional career.” “Twelve months might not be enough.” Sebastian’s face visibly darkened. Tiffany, even more eager, interjected: “What? Seb! Listen to her! She’s trying to extort us!” “Extortion?” I waved the contract in my hand. “Ms. Sterling, it’s all in black and white. You signed it yourself.” “How can that be extortion? That’s called ‘contractual integrity’.” Sebastian glared at me furiously. He probably hadn’t been defied like this in his entire life, especially not by someone he considered a “maid.” “Fine. You don’t want to leave, do you?” He walked to the sofa, sat down, crossing his legs, his posture casual yet radiating an intimidating presence. “Then stay.” “Tiffany,” He looked at his sister, “Since Ms. Collins is so professional and so eager to keep her job, why don’t you give her more ‘professional’ tasks?” He deliberately emphasized “professional.” “Let her really experience whether working for the Sterling family is worth that $1800 monthly salary.” Tiffany caught on immediately, a malicious grin spreading across her face. “Understood, Seb! I’ll make sure Ms. Collins gets ‘more than her money’s worth’!” The real game, now began. Tiffany’s first move was to make me clean the entire outdoor swimming pool by hand. It was early winter, and the pool water was bone-chilling. “Avery Collins, I want to see your reflection at the bottom of the pool before dark.” “No tools allowed, no draining the water. Just use your hands, scrub it clean, little by little!” Maria, the housekeeper, couldn’t bear to watch and secretly tried to hand me some tools. I shook my head, refusing. Without another word, I took off my shoes and socks, rolled up my pant legs, and stepped directly into the water. The icy pool water enveloped my body, the cold searing from my feet all the way to the crown of my head. I gritted my teeth, using my hands and a single rag to scrub the tiles on the pool walls. Tiffany sat on the second-floor balcony, sipping hot coffee and watching me. I could feel Sebastian’s gaze, too, projected from his study window. All afternoon, I stayed in the water, not saying a single “no.” By the time the sun set, I had finally completed the task. When I climbed out of the pool, I was drenched. My lips were blue with cold, and my entire body was trembling uncontrollably. I walked under the balcony, looking up at Tiffany. “Ms. Sterling, the pool is clean. Please inspect it.” Tiffany, probably not expecting me to actually endure it, paused before curling her lip in disdain. “Fine. You know what’s good for you.” I turned, dragging my stiff body towards the staff quarters. Passing the living room, Sebastian called out to me. “Stop.” I halted. He walked down from upstairs, a clean towel in his hand, and tossed it onto the floor in front of me. “Clean yourself up. Don’t drip water everywhere.” I looked at the towel on the ground, not moving. “Mr. Sterling, I am your sister’s ‘private assistant.’ I am not required to follow your instructions.” “If you insist, then cleaning the floor now would be considered overtime, and overtime pay would be required.” 6. “Overtime pay?” “Avery Collins, do you think I can’t do anything to you?” “I’m merely stating the terms of the contract.” He advanced towards me, step by step. “Do you really believe I don’t have a hundred ways to make you unable to stay in this house, and without a single penny?” “I believe you.” I nodded, “But those methods probably aren’t entirely legal.” “And I, for one, have few virtues, but I do enjoy being precise, especially when it comes to legal matters.” We faced each other, neither willing to back down. Finally, he conceded, pulling a hundred-dollar bill from his wallet and tossing it onto the floor. “Is that enough?” I bent down, picked up the money, and then, right in front of him, carefully wiped the water from my hands with it. After wiping, I handed the damp, crumpled bill back to him. “Mr. Sterling, please process overtime pay through the company’s finance department. I do not accept cash.” “Additionally, according to labor law, overtime outside of statutory holidays should be paid at no less than one hundred and fifty percent of the normal wage.” “My hourly rate is $1800 divided by 21.75 working days, then divided by 8 hours, which is approximately $10.34 per hour.” “Based on the duration of the floor cleaning, you should pay me…” I pulled out my phone, opening the calculator. “…approximately $4.00. Thank you.” Sebastian stared at me as if I were a monster, then, after a long moment, squeezed two words through gritted teeth. “Get out.” “Certainly, Mr. Sterling.” I turned to leave, naturally not taking the towel from the floor. That night, I inevitably spiked a high fever. I lay in the staff quarters, burning up, every bone aching deep in my bones. Sebastian and Tiffany wanted this exact outcome: for me to give up and leave on my own. But I wouldn’t. I forced myself up, chugging several large cups of hot water. Then, I swallowed two fever reducers and wrapped myself tightly in blankets. The next morning, at six o’clock, I appeared at Tiffany’s bedroom door again, on the dot. My face was pale, my voice hoarse, but my back was ramrod straight. “Good morning, Ms. Sterling. It is precisely six o’clock.” Tiffany looked at me as if she’d seen a ghost. “You… you can still get up?” “Thanks to you, I’m not dead yet.” I managed a weak but standard smile. Over the next few days, Tiffany tortured me even more relentlessly. She made me hand-wash mountains of designer clothes; Scrub the soles of dozens of her shoes with a toothbrush; She even made me get up at three in the morning to buy late-night snacks from that place across town. I did everything, without a single complaint. But I recorded all her instructions on my phone and meticulously logged my working hours. On payday at the end of the month, I sent a detailed overtime summary, along with the audio evidence, to the Sterling Group’s finance and legal departments. The CFO’s face went green when he saw the overtime request totaling a five-figure sum and immediately reported it to Sebastian. That afternoon, Sebastian called me to his study. It was my first time in his study; the walls were lined with books, and a faint, cool cedarwood scent permeated the air. He slammed the overtime application onto his desk in front of me. “Avery Collins, have you had enough fun?” “Mr. Sterling, I’m merely claiming the compensation I’m owed, according to the contract and the law.” “Aren’t you afraid I’ll actually…” “No.” I interrupted him, “Because I know Mr. Sterling is a man of integrity.” “It’s not worth it to cause a labor dispute over such a small amount of money, thereby damaging the Sterling Group’s reputation.” He stared at me with a complex expression for at least three minutes. There was anger, confusion, and something else… something I couldn’t quite read. He still picked up the phone on his desk and dialed an internal extension. “Finance department? Process Avery Collins’s overtime pay, every single cent.” He hung up and leaned back in his chair. “What exactly do you want?” “Mr. Sterling, you’re overthinking it. This corporate drone is just sticking to the contract.” I replied. 7. My refusal to compromise completely wore down Tiffany’s patience. She realized that these petty tricks couldn’t faze me at all. Instead, they only gave me leverage, allowed me to rake in a substantial amount of overtime pay, and seemed to pique Sebastian’s interest in me. She decided to play a more vicious hand, to destroy me. One day, she called me to her room, smiling sweetly. “Avery, you’ve worked so hard these past few weeks.” “I was out of line before, please don’t take it to heart.” She personally poured me a glass of water. I didn’t drink it. “Ms. Sterling, please get to the point.” Her smile froze for a moment, then she continued: “It’s like this, my brother has a very important project he’s working on lately.” “But it seems a rival company has bribed someone inside our organization and has been stealing our confidential business information.” She lowered her voice, speaking conspiratorially: “My brother suspects the mole is someone close to him.” I listened quietly, waiting for her to continue. “Avery, you’re so smart. I was hoping you could help me with something.” She pulled a small USB drive from her drawer. “This is a spare key to my brother’s study.” “I want to ask you to go to his computer tonight, after he falls asleep, and install a program from this USB drive.” “It’s a monitoring program that can help us catch the mole.” She clasped my hand, her eyes “pleading.” “I know this is dangerous, but I really can’t find anyone else I can trust.” “Ryan… you know, he’s too honest, he can’t handle this kind of thing.” “It’s only you, Avery!” “If you succeed, I’ll definitely put in a good word for you with my brother, and he’ll give you a raise and a promotion!” Was my “clueless assistant” act really that convincing? Ms. Sterling was setting such an obvious trap for me. Even with my toes, I could figure out that the moment I plugged that USB drive into Sebastian’s computer, the little program or virus inside would instantly steal core data from the computer and automatically send it to a designated email address. And that email address, nine times out of ten, would belong to the Sterling Group’s competitor. By then, Sebastian would lose the project, and the charge of corporate espionage would fall squarely on me. Stealing trade secrets was enough to make me rot in jail. Tiffany’s move was undeniably vicious. I looked at her, deciding to play along. I just couldn’t guarantee the final outcome. I put on a flustered, overwhelmed expression. “Ms. Sterling, do you really… trust me that much?” “Of course!” She nodded vigorously, “We’re going to be family, after all!” “Alright.” I took the USB drive, clutching it tightly in my hand, “I agree. For you and Ryan, I’m willing to take the risk.” That night, deep in the quiet hours. Following the plan, I took the key and softly opened the door to Sebastian’s study. The study lights were off, only moonlight streamed in through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor. I walked to the desk and opened Sebastian’s laptop. Then, I pulled out the USB drive. I deliberately acted nervous, my hand trembling slightly, missing the USB port a few times. Just as I was about to insert the USB drive. The study lights suddenly flickered on. Sebastian stood in the doorway, his face grim, watching me. Behind him, stood a smug Tiffany Sterling. “Avery Collins, what are you doing?”

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The Intern, My Cheating Husband, and My Billion-Dollar Revenge For three months, this naive intern had been working with us. Now, my husband wanted to make her a new shareholder. His friend tried to talk some sense into him. “Skylar Reed served dangerously adulterated drinks to a client, leading to their hospitalization with severe internal bleeding; she sent a funeral bouquet to a sick client, causing them to suffer a heart attack on the spot; she baselessly accused an international client of corporate espionage, almost getting the company sued… Are you *really* sure you want to make someone like that a new shareholder?” “Plenty of our loyal mid-to-senior level employees don’t even have shares yet. If you do this, they’ll be completely disheartened, won’t they?” “Besides, will your wife even agree? She’s the company’s second-largest shareholder.” My husband, Damian, just puffed on his cigarette and chuckled. “Ellie will definitely agree; she never challenges my decisions. As for those old-timers, if they’re not on board, they can pack their bags.” “Skylar might be young and prone to mistakes, but she has ambition. What’s wrong with bending the rules for a good employee?” “When I look at Skylar, I see the young Ellie, before life got so tough. I couldn’t shield the young Ellie back then, but I can shield the young Skylar. I can’t let her go through the same hardships we did.” I listened in silence, a cold smirk playing on my lips, then turned and walked away. At the shareholder meeting, Damian proposed Skylar Reed become a new shareholder. The company veterans instantly objected, but I raised my hand. “I agree!” After all, this debt-ridden company was just looking for someone to take the fall.

I stopped outside Damian Thorne’s office window. Mr. Harrison’s voice started up again. “Damian, you’re insistent on shoving Skylar Reed onto the board… Is there a personal motive here?” Damian chuckled. “Mr. Harrison, I won’t lie to you. Yes, I’ve developed feelings for Skylar.” “As for Ellie… Hmph, she’s just a corporate socialite now. How do you think those big deals came through? Wasn’t it all thanks to her looks and… her body? Why do those senior executives at the client companies only want to deal with *her*? God knows how many times she’s slept with them behind closed doors. She’s so dirty.” My body froze, as if doused with ice water. I had drunk myself to stomach bleeding for this company, plastered a fake smile on my face until my muscles ached, only for him to call me “so dirty”? Damian’s tone softened slightly. “But I know she did it for the company. I just had to pretend not to notice.” “But she’s tainted, and Skylar can’t be. Skylar is as clean as a blank page. I have to protect her, help her succeed, and keep her from going down Ellie’s dirty path.” Mr. Harrison looked confused. “But… what’s so great about this Skylar Reed? Why should she get all the benefits?” Damian took a drag from his cigarette, seeming to get lost in thought. “Don’t you see it? Her naive, innocent, and kind demeanor… she’s so much like Ellie was in college! And she’s even more delicate than young Ellie, making you want to protect her.” Mr. Harrison hesitated. “Naive? Innocent? Ellie back then… she wasn’t quite like that, was she? I remember her being quite strong-willed and hardworking…” Just then, the office door burst open with a loud *bang*, interrupting Mr. Harrison. “Damian, sweetie!” Skylar Reed burst in, completely ignoring Mr. Harrison, and plopped herself directly onto Damian’s lap. Her arms wrapped around his neck with practiced ease, and she snuggled into his embrace. Damian didn’t seem awkward at all; instead, he lovingly wrapped an arm around her waist. “What’s wrong, my little troublemaker? What kind of mischief have you gotten into now?” Skylar pouted, wiggling her body. “Today, I accidentally sent our purchasing price list to Mr. Jenkins instead of the product brochure. Now he knows how much we’re making and he’s furious! What should I do, Damian? I really didn’t mean to!” Damian laughed heartily, as if this was the funniest thing in the world. “I thought it was something major! What’s so hard about that? Just let Ellie handle it. She’s best at smoothing things over. She can fix any mess.” Skylar’s eyes lit up. “So… if we secure this project in the end, will it count towards my业绩? Will Ms. Vance get mad?” Damian pinched her cheek, his voice indulgent. “Of course it’s yours! Silly girl, the credit, the bonus, it’s all yours! What’s she going to say? I’m here.” Skylar instantly beamed, giving Damian a loud, unashamed kiss on the cheek. Mr. Harrison, beside them, was squirming in his seat, his face deeply uncomfortable. “Uh… Damian, something just came up. I’ll take my leave now.” Damian patted Skylar’s behind. “Skylar, stand up for a moment. I’ll see Mr. Harrison out.” Skylar wiggled playfully, hugging him tighter. “No way, I’m tired. I want Damian to hold me!” Damian gave a helpless yet delighted smile, and just waved goodbye to Mr. Harrison while still holding Skylar. Mr. Harrison shook his head, sighed, and quickly left. Before the door was fully closed, ambiguous kissing sounds and Skylar’s soft gasps could be heard from inside.

I stumbled back a step, then slowly turned and walked away. Ten years. A full decade. Damian and I built this empire from nothing. I thought we were partners fighting side-by-side, a loving couple. And he, he used the memories of our shared hardships as an excuse to coddle another woman’s “innocence” and “ignorance.” Skylar Reed had been with the company for three months, and Damian had already made countless exceptions for her. He’d not only spent millions on her but also alienated many long-standing clients, causing indirect losses of at least a hundred million. I’d warned him, but he just told me not to overthink it. “Young people need a chance to make mistakes. Some clients are indeed too demanding; if they leave, they leave.” Left with no choice, while Skylar made one blunder after another, I was left to clean up her messes. If it weren’t for me, the company would have faced a major crisis long ago. But what did all my hard work get me? I suddenly let out a self-deprecating laugh, realizing how foolish I’d been. I took a deep breath and pressed the intercom button. “Book me and Chloe Vance tickets to Sea City. We’re leaving tonight.” The next morning, as I was getting ready in my hotel room, my phone rang. It was Damian. “Ellie Vance! Where the hell are you? Skylar’s project is a disaster! The client is furious, threatening to cancel the contract and blacklist us in the industry! Get over here and fix it for her, now!” He roared, completely out of his mind. I held the phone slightly away from my ear. “Didn’t you say some clients were too demanding? That if they leave, they leave? Why the change of tune now?” Damian paused, stumped, then immediately started yelling again. “Is this client the same as the others? He’s a long-term partner who brings in twenty million annually! Are you out of your mind? Do I really need to remind you of this?” His words changed faster than the weather. I forced myself to keep my temper in check. “I’m in Sea City right now, pretty swamped.” “Damian, didn’t you always say I was too overbearing, hogging projects and not giving new people a chance to grow? Well, I think now’s the perfect time. Let Skylar handle it herself; she’ll learn faster.” Damian grew even more enraged. “You’re her mentor! It’s your job to guide her! How can you just abandon her? I’m telling you, if this project falls through, you’ll be held responsible!” I chuckled softly. “Oh? Is that so… And if, by some miracle, this project *does* get secured, will the bonus and credit be mine?” Damian clearly hadn’t expected me to state my terms so directly. He paused, then spoke with clear dissatisfaction. “Ellie! Why have you become so petty? Competing for credit with a newbie?” “You’re a long-standing employee and a shareholder; you should have the generosity to support new talent! You can’t hog all the frontline resources forever, can you? You should step back and start thinking about having a family; that’s what truly matters!” He finally said what was on his mind. Everyone in the company respected me. Whenever there was a problem, they mostly came to me for advice, not him. He had long resented me for sidelining him. He was desperate to tie me down with my identity as his wife, force me out of the company, and clear the path for him and Skylar. My eyes turned utterly cold. “Damian, you’re right. Mentoring new talent is crucial. So why don’t you personally guide Skylar Reed? You’re the boss; your direct instruction will surely be more effective than mine.” Damian was completely furious now, his voice suddenly rising. “That client only trusts you! No one else will do any good! I don’t care where you are or who you’re meeting, fix this immediately! Otherwise, don’t blame me for revoking your shareholder status!”

*Click.* He hung up after roaring, not even giving me a chance to retort. “Revoke my shareholder status?” I murmured to myself. “Damian, have you forgotten how this company grew from a small workshop to what it is today? Do you really think your 40% stake gives you the right to do whatever you want, to control everything?” My mind raced. I held 30% of the shares, and the other six senior executives held 30%. Whose slice of the pie was he planning to take to bring Skylar in? No matter whose, he was digging his own grave. I still called Skylar’s client, even paying out of my own pocket to send them a gift. I also promised that starting next quarter, all discounts and promotions would be set at 90%. It took a lot of effort, but I finally appeased the client. Chloe, who had been listening quietly beside me, finally couldn’t hold back. She spoke with indignation. “Auntie! Why are you still cleaning up Skylar Reed’s messes? She’s just a shameless woman who only knows how to seduce men! It was her own stupidity that caused this trouble, and Uncle Damian… he’s just unbelievable!” I raised a hand to stop her. “Chloe, Auntie will teach you another lesson today. In business, you can cross people, but you should never cross money.” “As for Skylar Reed… let her gloat. The higher she jumps now, the harder she’ll fall later. Don’t worry, I have a plan.” I stood up, picked up my purse and jacket. “Get ready. I have a meeting with the trust company tomorrow. That’s the most important thing right now.” After all, securing my rightful assets was what truly mattered. This company, which was about to go bankrupt, Damian and Skylar could have it if they wanted it! Skylar Reed’s project was successfully signed. Damian threw a celebration dinner for her. In the ballroom of a five-star hotel, Skylar raised her glass, her face radiant with triumph. Several empty bottles of Romanée-Conti littered the table. All the project department employees were there, their faces filled with sycophantic smiles. I expressionlessly scrolled through her social media. Below, it was a stream of likes and fawning comments. “Skylar, you’re amazing!” “Please look out for us, CEO Skylar!” Skylar replied below. “Once I become a shareholder, I’ll give everyone a raise!” Below, there were countless likes and flattering remarks. A cold smile played on my lips. Several of the company veterans hadn’t liked or commented. It seemed not all hearts were lost yet. Just then, my phone vibrated violently. It was Damian calling. “Ellie, what are you doing? Have you seen social media? Skylar did something amazing for the company today! As a company shareholder, why aren’t you showing some support? Leave a comment, a like, set an example for the newcomer!” I rolled my eyes and said calmly. “I don’t make a habit of constantly checking other people’s social media. I have a lot of work to do.” Damian clicked his tongue, his tone laced with displeasure and suspicion. “You’ve been in Sea City for a week now, haven’t you? What project is so tricky that Ms. Vance needs to personally tackle it for so long?” His mind was clearly drifting further and further from work. I chuckled, a hint of mockery in my voice. “The ABV company project. A two hundred million dollar budget! Our competitor, Mr. Sterling, has been here for over a month, personally overseeing it. If you think it’s easy, why don’t you try it, Mr. Thorne?” The other end of the phone went silent for a moment. Damian seemed to sober up a bit. He knew very well the importance of the ABV project; it was a huge deal he knew he couldn’t handle. I seized the moment, my voice returning to a calm tone. “Don’t worry, though, things are almost wrapped up here. I’ll be back tomorrow, right on time for the shareholder meeting.”

Damian gave an “Oh,” then tentatively asked. “Uh, you’ve seen the agenda and proposals for the shareholder meeting, right?” My gaze swept over the equity transfer proposal on my computer screen. My voice remained calm. “Yes, I’ve seen it.” He was silent for a second, then asked cautiously. “So… do you have any objections?” I smiled indifferently. “No objections.” From the other end of the phone, I heard his sigh of relief, his voice instantly becoming relaxed and triumphant again. “That’s good! That’s good! Ellie, I knew you were sensible! You’ve worked hard, get some good rest tonight. See you tomorrow!” Before he finished speaking, Skylar Reed’s sweet, simpering voice came through the phone. “Damian, come on! I want to drink a loving cup with you! Mwah!” Damian hastily muffled the receiver. I pretended not to hear and simply hung up. 【Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.】 It seemed the old saying was absolutely right. I smiled coldly. The night was still long. And the show was about to begin. At the shareholder meeting, Skylar Reed walked in wearing a professional suit. Her gaze swept across the room, finally settling on the chair next to the head of the table. It was my seat. The faces of several veteran shareholders immediately darkened, their gazes turning to me with concern. I smiled faintly, unhurriedly walked to the third seat down the long table, and sat down calmly. Damian seemed quite pleased with my “discretion,” cleared his throat, and announced the start of the meeting. “I propose that Ms. Skylar Reed of the Project Department be exceptionally granted company shareholder status, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the company recently.” Before he finished speaking, Mr. Henderson, a senior shareholder, slammed his hand on the table. “I object! Skylar Reed has only been with us for three months, and she’s made a pile of major mistakes! What right does she have to become a shareholder? How many diligent, long-serving employees in this company haven’t had this opportunity!” Another executive, Mr. Davies, also sneered in agreement. “Outstanding contributions? I heard the deal she just signed was also secured with Ms. Vance’s remote assistance, wasn’t it? How does the credit for that just fall to her?” Damian’s face instantly turned grim. “Why dwell on past minor mistakes? Skylar is a quick learner and has made rapid progress! The MegaCorp project she just signed was secured by her independently!” “Ellie, tell them, whose credit is the MegaCorp deal, really?” All eyes immediately focused on me. I slowly lifted my head, my voice clear and steady. “The credit, of course, goes to Skylar Reed. She’s young and capable, full of drive. She did indeed… contribute to that project.” Skylar immediately breathed a sigh of relief, her back straightening, an unconcealed look of triumph on her face. Damian also smiled with satisfaction, a hint of “I knew you were sensible” approval in his gaze toward me. Mr. Henderson and the others, however, were wide-eyed, staring at me in disbelief, their eyes filled with disappointment and incomprehension. Damian struck while the iron was hot, his momentum growing. “Excellent! Since her contribution is outstanding, she should be given a commensurate reward! I propose granting Skylar Reed 20% of the company shares!” “Twenty!” Mr. Davies gasped in shock. “That makes her the third-largest shareholder directly! More shares than us?” Damian shook his head, a smile playing on his lips, his gaze falling on me once more. “Not third, but second.” “Ellie Vance, you have 30% of the shares, don’t you? You’ll transfer 20% to Skylar. From now on, keeping 10% will be enough for you. You’ve been tired lately anyway; this is a good chance for you to rest more.” At these words, the entire room fell into a deathly silence. Everyone was stunned by this blatant usurpation. Mr. Henderson shot to his feet, his face ashen, seemingly wanting to curse but too furious to speak. “Ms. Vance! This… this is outrageous! You can’t agree to this!” Under everyone’s tense gaze, I slowly smiled. Sure enough, the only pie he dared to touch was mine. I slowly, firmly, raised my right hand. “I agree.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299119”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

My Ex-Wife’s Obsession Celeste Hayes, the poor, stunning girl I once shamed, finally made me pay. And the price was excruciating. She drove my parents to their deaths, then broke my limbs and threw me into a doghouse to sleep. Everyone said it was her well-deserved revenge. But on the night I jumped into the ocean, a terrified Celeste, who couldn’t even swim, bravely plunged in after me. To save my life, she lost a hand to a shark. Celeste even spent billions, assembling a team of hypnotists, just to make me forget our past and marry her. As she wished, my entire world had shrunk to a single purpose: loving her. But on our tenth anniversary, I saw her slip into my male caregiver Jaxon Miller’s room late at night. His intimate murmurs gradually merged with the voice of the man I remembered Celeste truly loving. Jaxon asked her why she still hadn’t divorced me. Celeste’s reply, laced with a sigh of pained affection: “I did all this just to make Liam Thorne suffer more when he finally comes to his senses. You know, you’re the true light in my life.” I slipped the memory-loss pill I’d been hiding into my mouth. Celeste didn’t know. I’d never forgotten a thing from before. But from this moment on, I would forget everything. Including her.

I waited five hours before Celeste finally returned to our room. The dampness clinging to her, mingled with the scent of Jaxon Miller’s shower gel, felt both clammy and unsettling. When she saw me still awake, she nearly jumped out of her skin. A cold dread spread through me, but I forced a smile onto my face. “Why such a strong reaction? Did you do something to betray me?” Her face flickered through a range of emotions, her eyes darting away, unable to meet mine. “Clients were demanding. Drank too much. Just rinsed off in the lounge.” Her excuse was laughably flimsy. Her moniker as the “Ice Queen” of the corporate world was well-earned; no one in their right mind would dare force her to drink until past midnight. I couldn’t be bothered to expose her lie. Instead, I slowly rolled up the sleeve of my silk pajamas. A vast, hideous burn marked my arm, stark and alarming. “Jaxon Miller did this.” My voice was flat. “Make him leave.” Celeste’s gaze dropped to the wound. Her brow furrowed for a moment, but then quickly relaxed. “It’s just a small cut. I’ll have the doctor bandage it tomorrow.” “He’s just out of college, a bit clumsy. Go easy on him.” She spoke as she unbuttoned her shirt. “I’ll make him apologize to you later, and he’ll cover the medical expenses.” I smiled. Years ago, when her own mother merely called me a bastard, Celeste had immediately sent her back to her rural old house. She hadn’t even allowed her to pack her luggage properly. In all our years of marriage, let alone a burn, if I so much as shed a few more hairs than usual on the floor, she would fire the entire care team. Those were her exact words: “Liam, your world is just me now, and I won’t let anyone or anything hurt you.” But now, this angry, festering wound on my wrist was, in her words, “just a small cut.” I pretended to be understanding, pulling my sleeve back down to cover the ugly mark. “Got it. I won’t pick a fight with the kid.” A “kid” the same age as me. I pressed my temples, letting out a soft sigh. “Headache.” This was the real amnesia medicine at work. I’d faked it for years, but this pain was brutally real. “Still hurting?” Her tone was thick with exhaustion. “It’s been years, it should be fine by now. Liam, stop using that old headache as an excuse; you’re driving everyone crazy. And stop driving *me* crazy too. I have a transatlantic meeting first thing tomorrow, I’m exhausted.” The room fell into a deathly silence. The piercing pain spread from my brain to my heart. I softly mumbled, “Okay.” My fingertip brushed the cold metal of my ring finger. Without even pulling hard, the wedding band, worn for so many years, slipped off. It felt like countless needles were simultaneously piercing my brain, the pain so intense my vision blurred. I bit my lip, forcing back the tears. In my mind, the image of Celeste, eyes red-rimmed, slipping that ring onto my finger, shattered and peeled away, finally becoming indistinguishable. At breakfast, Celeste couldn’t find me. She frantically tore through the villa. She even pulled every string she had, mobilizing a specialized search and rescue team. Finally, they found me in the basement. But beside me, coiled, was a highly venomous snake. Its head suddenly darted forward. “Don’t move!” Celeste, without a second thought, lunged forward, shielding me tightly with her body. The fangs sank into her neck, and her face instantly turned black and blue. She was rushed into the ER. It took a full day and night, and a complete blood transfusion, before she finally crawled back from the brink of death. Dr. Reed’s face was thunderous as he pointed at Celeste’s assistant, scolding him. “Why were you ten minutes late?! She was this close to dying!”

Everyone’s gaze pierced me like knives. Because on the way to the hospital, *I* was the one who insisted on going back for my teddy bear, causing the delay. Celeste’s assistant, who had been with her for ten years, couldn’t hold back. He lashed out at me directly: “A stupid teddy bear? Is that more important than Celeste’s life? Do you have any idea what she’s sacrificed for you all these years? And you? You don’t give a damn if she lives or dies!” Celeste’s face instantly darkened. “You’re fired. Go to payroll to collect your last check.” The hospital room fell silent. Celeste then turned to me, forcing a reassuring smile onto her pale face. “Don’t listen to him. If you like it, Liam, not just a simple teddy bear, but even my life—I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.” I hugged the faded teddy bear in my arms and gave a foolish smile. It was strange. Celeste wasn’t taking amnesia pills, so why was her memory so bad? This wasn’t just any ordinary bear. This was the one Celeste had given me in high school. It cost three thousand dollars. Celeste had to scrub toilets for five months just to scrape together that much. To me, that kind of money wouldn’t even cover the cost of decent wrapping paper for a gift. So, in front of all our classmates, I threw the bear into the trash. Then I pulled out a wad of cash—easily ten thousand dollars—and threw it in her face. “Go get some taste. Don’t ever insult me with this kind of trash again.” Thinking of this, my gaze fell on her remaining hand. These past few years of luxury had left it soft and smooth. Nothing like that year, when it was raw and peeling from harsh detergents, covered in swollen, painful chilblains. Celeste’s hand shouldn’t have been like that. Even the current me felt that way. The hospital room door burst open with a bang. Jaxon Miller practically threw himself onto Celeste’s bed, sobbing hysterically. He bumped into me, sending me sprawling to the floor. The wound he’d inflicted with scalding water just days ago ripped open, blood soaking through my sleeve. Celeste’s eyes were filled with such tender concern, but it was all for Jaxon Miller. It wasn’t until a nurse came in for rounds that she suddenly remembered I was still there. She offered me a somewhat awkward explanation: “Jaxon’s just… very emotional. Don’t read too much into it.” Then Celeste suddenly remembered my headaches. She asked the doctor to take me for a check-up. But from start to finish, she never once looked at me. And she certainly didn’t see the spreading crimson on my sleeve. The doctor went back to get something, leaving me alone in the hallway. Suddenly, a violent shove from behind sent me sprawling. Jaxon Miller grabbed me, pulling me to the floor. He snatched the teddy bear from my arms, shoving it hard against my face, his voice sharp, laced with venom: “You piece of trash! I’ll make you taste Celeste’s pain!” The suffocation made me struggle desperately, and I instinctively called Celeste’s name. The plush fabric smothered my nose and mouth, and panic, swiftly followed by suffocation, overwhelmed me. I struggled with all my might, instinctively crying out Celeste’s name. My fingernails scraped long, bloody trails on the floor. The room was only a few steps away, but no one came to help me. Just as darkness began to consume me, Celeste’s voice, eerily calm, finally drifted into my awareness. I thought I was saved. But she merely watched the scene unfold, then instructed Dr. Reed, who had followed her out: “Dr. Reed, please, do what you always do. Erase this memory for Liam.” Jaxon’s shrill voice detonated in my mind. “If Celeste hadn’t been wiping your memories clean every time, you would’ve learned your lesson years ago!” So, Celeste allowing Jaxon to hurt me wasn’t the first time. A torrent of fragmented images slammed into me, like countless knives piercing my skull, a pain so sharp it felt like my head would explode.

On our very first day of marriage, Jaxon Miller moved directly into our marital home. Time and again, he used the excuse of “getting revenge for Celeste,” splashing scalding coffee on me, pushing me down the stairs. He even, in front of me, pinned Celeste to the sofa. Celeste struggled, pushing him away. Until that late night, when she finally gave in. She held a cigarette, her bloodshot eyes locking with mine, her voice a raw rasp. “Liam, there’s too much baggage between us.” She was right. The humiliation of my youth, the death of my parents, the hand she lost for me. These were burdens of hatred too immense for us to overcome. I was dragged to the treatment chair, my head covered in electrodes. Celeste walked over, her face a mask of complicated emotions. Seeing the fresh tears on my face, she leaned down and kissed me. “Liam, just sleep. Everything will be a fresh start when you wake.” As she reached for the switch, Dr. Reed’s hesitant voice broke the silence. “Ms. Hayes, the memory wipes have been too frequent lately. It will harm Mr. Thorne’s brain.” Celeste paused, then sighed helplessly. “But I can’t let him hate me.” A harsh sizzle. The current savagely pierced my brain, tearing apart every unbearable, agonizing memory until nothing remained but dust. My fingers went limp, and the teddy bear I’d been clutching rolled into the trash can beside the bed. Just like all those years ago. Only this time, no one would pick it up. I slept for a long time. When I opened my eyes, I saw a handsome, slightly unfamiliar face. I frowned, abruptly pulling back the hand she still tightly clasped. “Who are you?” Her body instantly stiffened, immense panic flooding her eyes. “Liam, it’s Celeste, your wife.” She desperately grabbed my hand, her grip so strong it felt like she wanted to crush my bones. “We’ve been married for three years, you love me very much, remember? You said I was your life.” Seeing my blank expression, Celeste kept repeating how much I loved her. I rubbed my throbbing temples. I seemed to remember the things she was saying. But that love, it felt like it had been surgically excised. I habitually spoke to comfort her. “Sorry, my head just hurts so much.” Celeste’s expression froze for a moment, unnaturally rigid. She awkwardly averted her gaze, looking flustered, and her eyes landed on the teddy bear in the trash can. Her brows furrowed, and she immediately called for staff. “What is this trash? Get it out of here now!” I looked at the dried, dark crimson stains on the bear, and instinctively touched the wound on my own lip. Celeste’s body instantly tensed. “Did you have a nightmare?” she blurted out, then frantically added, “Dreams aren’t real, don’t believe anything you see in them!” Her attempts to cover it up were clumsy, almost comical. But I didn’t even have the energy to investigate. I just watched as the bear was taken away, and calmly said, “A rotten bear. It should have been thrown out long ago.” Just like our love. Celeste seemed to sense something. Despite being ordered by the doctors to rest, she clung to my side almost twenty-four hours a day. Oh, no, not at night. In the dead of night, when she got up to find Jaxon Miller, I would always wake up. Sometimes, they even returned to our bedroom. Right beside the bed I was lying in. “Celeste, when are you going to let Liam Thorne get his memory back?” Jaxon Miller’s voice was tearful, cutting through the lust-filled silence with chilling clarity. “You sacrificed ten years of marriage for revenge, and I’ve waited ten years for you. It’s enough, truly, it’s enough.”

Celeste always said “soon.” She was so absorbed in her own world, she didn’t see the poisoned hatred in Jaxon Miller’s eyes when he looked at me. Jaxon began to secretly take my medication. He didn’t know that Celeste, afraid I’d discover their dirty little secret, was adding even more pills to my food every day. Large blanks began to appear in my memory. I would often sit by the window for an entire day, doing nothing. Celeste was quite pleased by this. She just thought I wasn’t clinging to her anymore, and even inexplicably seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. It was laughable. She’d gone to such lengths to turn me into a useless shell whose world revolved only around her, and now she found it tiresome. I said nothing, merely existing, slowly, steadily, falling out of love with her. Until that evening at dinner, the mansion door burst open. Jaxon Miller stumbled in, disheveled and frantic, collapsing to his knees directly in front of me. “My mom has a heart condition! Come for me, but leave my family out of this!” He cried hysterically, as if I had committed some heinous crime. Outside the villa, flashbulbs erupted, reporters had swarmed the mansion, practically blocking out the light. “Ms. Hayes, what’s your comment on your wife publicly exposing your affair with Mr. Miller online?” “Ms. Hayes, was ten years of deep affection just a facade?” For ten years, Celeste’s deep love for me had been a fairy tale, whispered about by everyone in our circle. Now, with the fairy tale shattered and a third party exposed, all fingers naturally pointed at Jaxon Miller. Reporters’ microphones practically poked Jaxon Miller’s face, their questions harsh, their tone accusatory. Celeste’s face instantly darkened. She stared at me, her eyes a maelstrom of barely contained fury. But in the end, she still didn’t touch me. She simply pulled Jaxon Miller aside, saying she would handle it. Turning away, she called her assistant, instructing them to prepare for Jaxon Miller’s entire family to move abroad. Jaxon Miller’s eyes hardened. He tapped his phone a few times. Less than a minute later, Celeste’s phone rang. Jaxon Miller’s parents, reeling from the shock, had been in a car accident and died. Jaxon Miller crawled over, desperately tugging at my pant leg. “I’m sorry, I’m truly sorry…” He sobbed, his words a jumbled mess, yet with chilling clarity, he twisted all the blame onto me. “You warned me in high school not to try and take what was yours… I was expelled then, why didn’t I learn my lesson… Now I’ve caused my parents’ deaths, I’ve ruined our whole family…” Celeste’s eyes flashed crimson. She clamped onto my wrist, her grip so tight I thought my bones would shatter. “Why are you so cruel?!” Jaxon Miller wailed, kowtowing to me: “Please, I beg you, spare my family! I don’t want anything anymore…” Celeste let go of me, reaching to help him up. But Jaxon Miller swayed, then deliberately collapsed, tumbling right into me. A sickening pool of vibrant crimson bloomed beneath him. I looked down, seeing the stark red spread under him. Clutching his stomach, he cried out pitifully: “I told you I wasn’t going to fight you anymore! Why are you still trying to ruin me?! You secretly stopped your meds, faked your amnesia, all just to wait for this moment to get your revenge, didn’t you?!” That last sentence detonated in Celeste’s mind like a thunderclap. Her face was a mask of dark fury as she sharply ordered a servant: “Search his room!” Soon, a servant returned from under my bed with a dusty box. Inside, it was packed full of the unused pills I’d saved over the years. SLAP! Celeste’s hand connected with my face, sending me sprawling to the floor. Every word was squeezed out, venomous and precise. “So all these years, you’ve been lying to me!” “You never loved me!” I was locked away, forced to press my handprint onto divorce papers. Through the servant who brought my meals, I learned that Celeste was going to marry Jaxon Miller. In the public statement, I was portrayed as the homewrecker. Our marriage, merely a form of revenge against her. Now, everything was back on track. I was the one being sent abroad. Even with ten times the normal dose of medication pumping through my veins, Celeste still wasn’t reassured. She believed I would never love her. The excessive medication often left my mind in a haze. I couldn’t even distinguish the passage of time. On the night before my flight, Celeste came to my room. She traced my face. “If only you could have loved me.” I looked at her and smiled, a vacant, foolish grin. As soon as dawn broke, I was escorted onto a private jet. I was bundled up, my face mostly hidden, and no one recognized me. Everyone around was buzzing about Celeste and Jaxon Miller’s wedding of the century. They chattered on, full of excitement. Only I wondered, who was Celeste? But once the plane took off, I cast the question from my mind. Strangers’ affairs weren’t worth the effort.

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My Life, My Rules: No Second Chances for Toxic Exes Seven years after my supposed death, my ex-boyfriend showed up to pay his respects at my grave. He stared at the overgrown plot, his voice thick with a sniffle. “Aria, you’re really holding a grudge, aren’t you?” “It’s been so long since you died, and you still won’t visit me in my dreams.” “I was wrong about what happened back then, Aria. I truly apologize.” “For the sake of everything we once shared… please, just this once, forgive me.” Hidden in the dense bushes behind the grave, I rolled my eyes. Of course, I wouldn’t visit him in his dreams. Because I was never dead to begin with. That accident all those years ago had left me with a limp, but it also led me to the life I truly wanted. Now, I have a wonderful marriage and a happy family. Naturally, I wanted nothing to do with him ever again. The cemetery was desolate, choked with weeds. One look and you knew it hadn’t been cared for in years. Liam, however, seemed oblivious, utterly lost in his own manufactured grief. He placed a spread of offerings before the headstone – a pile of food I never even liked. He murmured, his voice cracking, “Aria, I really didn’t mean for things to turn out that way.” “Dad still feels awful about that slap he gave you.” “And I regret forcing you to donate blood for Chloe.” “You must have hated us so much all these years, that you never even came back to see me once.” He stroked the headstone, tears streaming down his face. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes again, my mind drifting back to the past. There wasn’t really a huge misunderstanding between Liam and me. Just a very clichéd story. The Petersons’ nanny lost their biological daughter, and in a desperate attempt to cover it up, she swapped me in. When their real daughter, Chloe, was finally found, everyone felt an overwhelming sense of guilt towards her, showering her with every luxury imaginable. I knew my position was awkward, so I never argued with her about anything. Chloe wanted my room; I gave it to her. Chloe wanted my shares; I gave them up. When Chloe set her sights on my husband, I gave him up too. But my endless compromises didn’t lead to a happy ending; they only emboldened her. Then she started wanting my organs. My life. Terrified, I fled in my car, only to suffer a terrible accident, plunging off a cliff. My adoptive family searched for me for a long time, eventually concluding I was gone. They say when a person dies, all grudges and past grievances fade away. Everyone suddenly started reminiscing about how good I was, constantly recalling memories of me. I’d often stumbled upon countless online tributes and obituaries dedicated to me. Every word, every line, poured out their deep remorse and aching longing for me. Those words were so touching, they actually made me a little curious. Curious if my biased family truly regretted their actions after my death. Curious if they actually held any genuine affection for me. So, I took advantage of Julian’s business trip to the city and secretly followed him. I never expected to run into Liam on my very first day here. Looking at how abandoned the grave plot was, I understood. Liam hadn’t really cared about me all these years either. He and Chloe quickly tied the knot. He’d occasionally remember me, shed a few tears, and parade his “deep affection.” I couldn’t help but curse under my breath, “Hypocrites.” As I turned to leave, I accidentally stepped on a dry twig. The sharp *snap* echoed clearly in the silent woods. I prayed Liam hadn’t heard. But as I turned my head, my eyes met his, trembling and wide with shock.

My heart dropped. Then I heard Liam’s voice, filled with a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy. “Aria, is that really you?” “You’re not dead? Am I dreaming?” As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. “Aria, you have no idea how much I’ve missed you all these years.” “I kept everything that ever reminded me of you, just hoping you’d visit me in a dream.” “But how could you be so cruel? You left for years without a single word, didn’t even give us a chance to say goodbye.” I frowned. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to say goodbye back then; it was that they refused to listen to me. They stubbornly insisted I had bullied Chloe, and they were planning to harvest my kidney and then commit me to a mental institution. But so many years had passed, and I didn’t want to waste time arguing about it anymore. My husband gets jealous easily, and if I wasn’t back on time, he’d make a huge fuss. I feigned ignorance, offering a polite but distant smile. “I’m sorry, sir, you’ve mistaken me for someone else. I don’t know you at all.” Liam, however, grabbed my arm, yanking up my sleeve to expose the distinctive red birthmark. His voice was laced with excitement, revealing a hint of possessive pride. “How could I be mistaken?” “We were together for so many years; there’s no way I could mistake you!” “Aria, where have you been all these years? Why didn’t you ever contact me? Do you know how hard I looked for you…?” Liam, true to form, was about to launch into his usual accusations. But his words caught in his throat when he saw my prosthetic limb. His eyes slowly reddened, and he murmured, “Your leg… what happened to your leg?” “Aria, you must have suffered so much out there all these years, didn’t you?” “I’m so sorry, so sorry. It’s all my fault. I failed to protect you…” I brushed the dirt off my clothes, unsure how to explain. In truth, I’d been living wonderfully all these years. That accident, though it cost me a leg, inadvertently led me to find my biological parents. I wasn’t the Petersons’ real daughter, but I was the only daughter of the Sterling family, a top-tier dynasty. My birth mother and father were incredibly wealthy. My husband was the CEO of Newport City’s wealthiest enterprise. All I lost was a leg. What I gained was endless wealth and the complete affection of a loving family. My family provided me with the most elite medical team and the best of everything. This custom-made prosthetic limb alone was worth millions. It was just that the path up the mountain was slick from the rain and difficult to navigate, which made me look so disheveled. Thinking about it, it was Liam’s heartlessness to bury me on this desolate mountain just to save some money. My patience was wearing thin. “Liam, stop putting on an act for me.” “Seven years ago, I divorced you, and my parents said they’d disown me. I have absolutely nothing to do with any of you anymore, and I’m certainly not going back. So why are you still playing this charade?” My adoptive parents were incredibly controlling. From a young age, they forced me to dance and play piano. To control my weight, they starved me for years, and often resorted to corporal punishment. If I didn’t get perfect scores on tests, they’d hit my palms. If I didn’t win dance competitions, I was forced to kneel for hours. That’s why my first reaction to losing my leg wasn’t despair, but a profound, almost shameful, sense of relief. Relief that I finally wouldn’t have to practice dance anymore. When I grew up, they twisted my college application, forcing me to choose schools close to them. Even my marriage had to be arranged according to their wishes. And Liam, the brilliant, dependable man they deemed worthy of my hand? He quickly cheated on me shortly after we married, falling into Chloe’s arms. Back then, isolated and utterly devastated, I was truly heartbroken and lost. But now, I have a family who cherishes me completely. There’s no way I’m going back to endure that kind of humiliation again. Liam, however, thought I was just being stubborn. He grabbed my hand. “Stop being so childish, Aria.” “I promise I’ll treat you well, I’ll make up for all the suffering you’ve endured, and I’ll never let you be wronged again.” Liam’s tone became somewhat smug. “I got a new job at Sterling Enterprises as a manager, with a six-figure salary.” “We even moved into that villa you always liked. I can give you the best life!” Sterling Enterprises? Wasn’t that Julian’s company? Julian had indeed been planning to expand in the city recently, which was why he was recruiting so heavily. It was a cruel twist of fate that Liam had been hired there too. Seeing that I didn’t show any hint of admiration, but instead frowned, Liam grew annoyed. His voice unconsciously turned cold. “Aria, what’s wrong with you? Why are you still throwing tantrums?” “Haven’t you suffered enough out there all these years? Where could a cripple like you possibly go without me?” “Just be obedient and come back with me. I know you and Chloe had some misunderstandings, but that’s all in the past.” “She’s moved on, so why are you still hung up on those petty past grievances?” This was Liam, alright. He talked about guilt, but his heart had always belonged to her. Annoyed, I reiterated my desire to leave. But Liam’s face suddenly darkened. “Aria, don’t you understand? Now, only I can protect you.” “Otherwise, if word gets out about your attempted murder, you’ll be facing serious jail time, maybe worse!”

Attempted murder? When did I murder someone? I didn’t know anything about it. Meeting my bewildered gaze, Liam said grimly, “After Chloe was found, you resented her for taking the spotlight. You bullied her relentlessly, even tried to drown her in the pool.” “You were terrified of being exposed, that’s why you jumped from the car and ran away!” What in the world was he talking about? I listened, completely confused. Just as I was about to demand an explanation, I saw Chloe approaching, leaning on my adoptive parents. Seeing me, Chloe burst into tears instantly. “Sister… Sister, you’re not dead? Oh, that’s wonderful! Please come home, I’ve missed you so much!” “Even though you and Liam are divorced, you’re still Mom and Dad’s daughter.” “We all love you, Aria. If you’re willing to come back, I’ll even step aside and let you reclaim your place as our daughter, and I won’t ever mention the terrible things you did to me…” Chloe’s pitiful act completely shattered Liam’s heart. He quickly pulled her into his embrace, soothing her gently. “It’s not your fault. You’ve sacrificed enough for this family; I won’t let you be wronged again.” My adoptive parents also sighed. “Aria, stop making a scene. We know about all those things you did before.” “We spoiled you rotten back then, so we don’t blame you for those actions.” “You’ve suffered enough out there all these years, so you’ve learned your lesson.” “Since you’re willing to come back, we can still be a family.” The more I listened, the more something felt wrong. In the past, I might have been too lazy to argue with them. But now my identity was special; any small incident could impact Sterling Enterprises’ stock value. I absolutely couldn’t allow them to spread these outrageous lies and slander. I stared at them coldly. “Liam, you need to provide evidence for your accusations.” “When did I commit attempted murder? And when did I ever bully Chloe?” Seeing my defiant attitude, Liam grew annoyed. “Aria, I was trying to be discreet, to spare your reputation, but since you’re so utterly unrepentant, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” With that, he pulled out his phone and played a video. It was surveillance footage, a bit blurry. I could vaguely make out myself dragging Chloe into a swimming pool, holding her head firmly underwater. Chloe struggled painfully, and I ignored her, only letting go when someone passed by. As if afraid I’d deny it, Liam added, “I had the video professionally authenticated; there are no signs of editing, no fakery.” “Only you know the true extent of your depravity!” How could this be? I looked at Chloe in confusion. Just one look, and she shuddered from head to toe. That genuine, deep-seated fear didn’t seem faked. Reluctantly, I zoomed in on the surveillance footage. I repeatedly watched that familiar face, feeling a strange sense of dissociation myself. For a moment, I even wondered if I had forgotten past events after falling off the cliff. Just as I was puzzling over it, Chloe suddenly dropped a bombshell.

Chloe pitifully lifted her head, her eyes brimming with tears. “Liam, please stop. I’m so scared.” “What if Sister gets angry and sends a bunch of thugs to… to hurt me again?” Liam immediately looked at Chloe with a serious expression. “What did you say? Hurt you? What happened? Why didn’t you tell me about something so serious?” Chloe looked at me, then back at Liam. Finally, she stammered, “It’s my fault, Sister. It’s normal for her to send people to beat me up to vent her anger.” “I don’t blame her, I really don’t.” “Liam, let’s go home. I don’t want to recall those terrible things anymore.” The more Chloe said this, the more Liam pressed for details. Finally, Chloe was forced to tell everyone. She claimed that I had constantly bullied her at home, and Liam had been her only salvation. One time, after they’d both had too much to drink, they accidentally slept together. She had consequently become pregnant with Liam’s child. And when I found out, fueled by resentment, I allegedly hired a dozen thugs to assault Chloe. “I lost my baby, and I can’t have children anymore.” “I was afraid you’d despise me, so I kept this secret locked away.” “But I don’t regret it, Liam, I don’t regret it. As long as I can be with you, anything is worth it.” With that, Chloe suddenly knelt and kowtowed to me. “Sister, I know you hate me, but I beg you, please spare me. I really won’t contend with you for anything.” “I just want a home, a place where I can find shelter from the storm.” “Sister, please, please give me a chance to live!” Her tragic appearance broke everyone’s hearts. My adoptive mother hugged Chloe tightly, her eyes full of pity. My adoptive father, however, outright slapped me. “You animal! We raised you, fed you, housed you for so many years.” “And you repay our kindness with hatred, bullying my biological daughter like this!” “Now you still want to come back and live as the rich young lady? In your dreams!” “Liam is now a manager at Sterling Enterprises. We have connections to bring you to justice.” “I’ll send you to the police station right now and make sure you rot in jail!” The clamor around me brought back distant memories, and my lingering doubts vanished. Seven years ago, it was a similar scene. Chloe had stubbornly claimed I put nails in her dance shoes, causing her to lose a competition opportunity. Dad had slapped me, just like today. Mom, tears in her eyes, said she didn’t have a daughter like me. And Liam had stood behind Chloe, unhesitatingly defending his beloved. Now, history was repeating itself. Everything felt exactly as it had seven years ago. All those years after my supposed death, these people spoke of love and regret. But given a second chance, they still unhesitatingly chose Chloe. My pent-up frustration and resentment reached a boiling point. I violently shook off Liam’s hand, trying to call Julian. Liam, thinking I was going to hurt Chloe, kicked me. My prosthetic limb snapped, and my head slammed against a rock on the roadside, bleeding profusely. Liam, as if blind to my condition, dragged me towards the police station. “Aria, I gave you a chance, but you’re just too foolish.” “Today, I will make you pay for everything you’ve done!” If reporters caught sight of me like this, who knew what kind of scandal it would cause? On the verge of breaking down, I couldn’t think of anything else and shouted. “Let go of me! I didn’t do anything!” “I’m Julian Sterling’s wife! If he finds out you’re treating me like this, he won’t let you get away with it!” Liam froze for a moment, then let out a scoffing laugh. “Aria, your lying hasn’t changed a bit.” “You say you didn’t do anything, so what about that video? You claim to be Julian Sterling’s wife, but what proof do you have?” “I don’t believe Chloe would jeopardize her own reputation to frame you.” “And I certainly don’t believe Julian Sterling, the CEO of a major corporation, would ever look twice at a cripple like you!” As his words fell, a light bulb went off in my head. Suddenly, I understood the problem with that video.

Before I could even speak, my daughter, Lily, somehow caught up to us. She spread her arms, shielding me. Her big, round eyes glared furiously. “You bad people, let go of my mommy!” “Lily, be careful!” My heart clenched, terrified they might hurt my child. Seeing Lily, Liam suddenly froze. He stared intently at Lily, unconsciously releasing his grip on me. “Who is she? She just called you Mommy. Does that mean… is that my daughter?!” “Aria, why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant? How could you let my daughter live such a hard life with you?!” I seized the opportunity to break free, pulling Lily into my embrace and watching Liam warily. “Lily is Julian’s and my child. She has absolutely nothing to do with you.” Liam couldn’t have fathered such a beautiful child. Lily inherited her father’s striking features; she looked more mature and refined than children her age. But Liam refused to believe me. He even reached out to Lily, trying to pull her from my arms. Seeing Liam’s dazed expression, Chloe grew anxious. She tugged at Liam’s sleeve, tears instantly welling up. “What a smart, sweet child. Liam, if our baby had lived, they’d be this age now.” “My poor baby, they didn’t even get a chance to open their eyes and see this world.” “It’s all my fault for being a useless mother, I couldn’t even protect our child…” Sure enough, after hearing her words, Liam’s softened expression turned cold again. He looked at me with a grim face. “Aria, don’t think you can use a child to make me soft-hearted.” “My daughter deserves better than a despicable mother like you. Once I’ve put you in prison, I’ll take our daughter back and let her live with Chloe. It’ll be a small compensation for her.” With that, he turned to Lily, spreading his arms with an expectant look. “Come here, Lily, come to Daddy.” “Daddy has money! I can buy you a big house and the most beautiful clothes!” I was speechless. Knowing Julian’s temper, if he ever found out someone tried to make his daughter call another man ‘Daddy,’ all hell would break loose. But right now, I didn’t have time to dwell on that; I just wanted to get Lily and myself out of here quickly. I didn’t continue to argue with Liam about Lily. Pulling out my phone, I opened a social media app I’d used before. “You all said I almost drowned Chloe, right? I have proof.” “When I watched the video, something felt off, and I finally remembered why.” “The date on the video is October 30th, seven years ago. But at that time, Liam and I were on vacation in Bali. How could I have teleported back to the country to attack Chloe?” Liam paused, then hesitantly clicked on my social media. Back then, Liam and I were still in the throes of a passionate relationship, often taking photos together. That trip was a spontaneous decision, and I hadn’t told my adoptive parents, fearing their disapproval. When we returned, my parents were furious I hadn’t kept it a secret. To teach me a ‘lesson,’ they broke a cane over my back. Because of this, the memory was incredibly vivid for me. And only Liam and I knew about it; it was our little secret. It was just a shame he never really paid attention to my affairs, which was why he so easily fell for Chloe’s manipulations. Seeing Liam’s expression falter, Chloe started crying again. She looked at me anxiously. “Sister, don’t keep making excuses.” “You already caused me to lose my baby, and you made me infertile for life. Isn’t that enough?” “Why won’t you just leave me alone? Why do you have to keep slandering me?” “Do you… do you hate me so much that you want me dead?” “Fine, then I’ll die! I’ll give you what you want!” With that, Chloe recklessly lunged towards a rock by the roadside. Seeing this, my adoptive parents panicked and immediately sided with Chloe. “Liam, don’t listen to Aria’s nonsense.” “This girl has been a liar since childhood. Just send her straight to the police station.” “Once she’s in front of the police, I’d like to see what excuses she’ll come up with!” The stark difference between love and indifference was painfully clear. For their favored daughter, even with irrefutable evidence, they chose to ignore it. For me, their daughter who had long lost her usefulness, they wouldn’t even spare a glance. I suddenly regretted coming back, regretted still holding onto a foolish hope for these people. In that fleeting moment of thought, Liam suddenly rushed forward to snatch Lily from me. “Sweet daughter, come to Daddy. Your mommy is a lying cheat, we don’t need her.” Lily was terrified by Liam and burst into loud sobs. “No, she’s not! Mommy is the best mommy in the world!” “You’re the bad guys! Let go of my mommy!” Seeing Lily’s little face flushed with tears, my heart was about to break. I lunged towards them, desperate to get my daughter back. But my prosthetic limb had been discarded somewhere. I stumbled and fell again and again, covered in dirt and scrapes. Tears mixed with blood. Lily’s cries and the harsh accusations gradually pushed me to despair. Just then, a familiar figure blocked my path.

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