After the Thorne family went bankrupt, my stepsister, Vanessa, and I were thrown into a strange selection process for a substitute bride. Whoever was picked would be married off to the comatose eldest son of the wealthiest family. Vanessa was destined to be chosen. While I, bound by a family agreement, was set to marry Alex Sterling, my childhood friend who’d been in love with Vanessa for a decade. In my last life, he begged me to undergo nine IVF procedures, and I finally conceived a boy and a girl. When I was confined to the attic during my late pregnancy, forced to rest, he and my recently widowed stepsister were having a passionate affair in the master bedroom downstairs, night after night. A week before I gave birth, he deliberately swerved, crashing the car into a guardrail, letting sharp metal pierce my abdomen. The second before my consciousness faded, I heard his unrestrained joy: “Vanessa, Iris is finally dead. We can get married tomorrow!” I opened my eyes again and found myself back on the night of the drawing. Looking at my stepsister, who was crying into her hands, I leaned in close to her ear, smiling: “How about it, sis? I’ll marry him instead of you?” That unfaithful bastard? Not even if he begged!

A round of applause erupted from the crowd. Vanessa’s face was ashen, her fingers digging into my clothes, clinging desperately. “The second Miss Thorne is truly blessed with good fortune.” “From an illegitimate daughter of a bankrupt family to the future mistress of the wealthiest household – who wouldn’t be envious?” A few people deliberately spoke loudly, then covered their mouths, giggling. Vanessa gritted her teeth, her tear-filled eyes glaring at Mrs. Thorne. “I don’t want to marry him! I want to marry Alex! Alex promised he’d only marry me! And I’ll only marry him!” Mrs. Thorne quickly clamped a hand over her mouth. I stood there, stunned, staring at the empty lot slip in my hand. The excruciating pain of the guardrail piercing my abdomen still hadn’t faded. I instinctively looked towards Alex Sterling. The man stood there, fists clenched and trembling, his eyes bloodshot with rage. It was a stark contrast to his usual gentle demeanor. The next second, he strode forward and bowed deeply to the Hayes family representatives. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he cleared his throat, “the second Miss Thorne is still young and doesn’t know how to care for others. I believe it would be better to have the eldest Miss Thorne marry instead.” The entire room fell into a sudden, dead silence. No one had ever dared to offer an opinion to the Hayes family. In my last life, Alex had merely watched helplessly as the woman he loved married another. Right up until her wedding ended, he’d locked himself in his room, numbing himself by systematically collapsing his business rivals’ stock. Could it be that… A thought flashed through my mind, and my hair instantly stood on end. Had he been reborn too? The Hayes family’s old butler slowly rose, leaning on his cane, his sharp gaze sweeping over me and Vanessa, who was trembling uncontrollably behind me. “Mr. Sterling is truly considerate.” “It appears the second Miss Thorne’s identity truly doesn’t suit our Hayes family. In that case, let the eldest Miss marry our eldest young master.” With that, the old man led the others away. Vanessa’s breath hitched, her long, sharp nails digging tighter and tighter into my arm. Her eyes were sinister, but her voice was pitifully aggrieved: “Iris, that Hayes family’s eldest young master is just a useless invalid clinging to life. If you marry him and he drops dead on the spot, the Hayes family won’t come back to haunt us, will they?” A flicker of hesitation crossed Alex Sterling’s eyes. He pulled Vanessa into a comforting embrace and murmured, “Vanessa, we’ll fulfill our engagement tomorrow, okay?” “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to throw you a wedding that will shake the entire city.” As he spoke, he glanced at me a few times, observing my reaction. In his eyes, my expression was surely one of utter devastation. But I simply offered a polite smile and bowed deeply to him. “Mr. Sterling, thank you for your help to the Thorne family. I’m truly grateful.” As the man stood there, momentarily stunned, I handed him a string of simple jade beads. We had picked them out together from a street vendor when we were little. He’d told me to keep them, and then never mentioned them again. “Just a small token of my appreciation.” When my fingertips brushed his cool palm, my body involuntarily shivered. Alex Sterling’s gaze was dark and unreadable. He released Vanessa’s hand and meticulously examined the gift. After a heavy sigh, the red string snapped, and the beads scattered across the floor. His gaze, when it met mine, was utterly indifferent. “The eldest Miss Thorne sends me this trash?” He scoffed, casually nudging the nearest bead with the tip of his leather shoe. “This kind of ‘token,’ you might as well not send it at all.”

My chest felt heavy, as if a stone had been lodged there. I took a deep breath, forcing down the stinging tears in my eyes. “Alright, tomorrow I’ll bring you the antique watch from home…” “No need.” Alex Sterling took Vanessa’s hand, lacing his fingers with hers. The plain band on his middle finger was unassuming, yet he’d worn it for ten years. Only because it was the first gift Vanessa had ever given him. “If the person giving the gift is wrong, then nothing is right.” “Mrs. Thorne, Vanessa and I have a date. We’ll be leaving now.” With that, he walked away, his arm around Vanessa, not sparing me another glance. It seemed I had been delusional. “Slap!” Before I could even process my emotions, a loud slap landed on my cheek. A ringing sound echoed in my eardrums. My face went numb, then a burning sting spread across it. “You little bitch! Still coveting the family’s assets? I’m telling you, the Thorne family won’t give you a single penny as dowry! Dreaming of that antique watch? In your dreams!” “But that was my mother’s…” Before I could finish, another slap landed. My eyes red, I met her distorted, furious face. “Your mother’s been dead for ten years! She didn’t leave you a separate will before she jumped into the river.” “If I hadn’t brought my lucky star daughter into this family, the Thornes would have been cursed into extinction by you long ago.” I staggered backward, fumbling, and knocked over a cup of scalding hot green tea. The tea splattered on the back of my hand, but it was nothing compared to the chill in my heart. My father was superstitious. She had specifically sought out a psychic to analyze my and Vanessa’s birth charts. That’s why, before my mother’s memorial rites were even over, she was able to bring her illegitimate daughter, claiming her to be a lucky charm, and they officially moved into our family home. My father loved to boast about his second daughter’s special ‘blessed’ constitution, and the rumors had long since reached the Hayes family. Mr. Hayes, desperate to save his son, didn’t hesitate to stoop low, manipulating the Thorne corporation to drain its assets, and then proposed a substitute marriage. And there was another, bigger secret, one I had kept buried deep until the day I died. Seeing that I wasn’t arguing or crying, Mrs. Thorne snorted. “Just like your pathetic mother, a complete pushover.” “After you’re married, remember to rake in plenty of money and bring it back to the Thorne family.” I swallowed the metallic taste in my mouth, letting her yank my hair as she dragged me outside. “The Hayes family has more than one son. If you play your cards right, you might even snag that playboy second son.” *In her dreams.* I silently replied. In the last life, after Vanessa married Marcus, the second son, Julian Hayes, immediately branched off from the family, cutting ties with the greedy Thorne family at lightning speed. When Mrs. Thorne dumped me at the door, the servants nearby were still gossiping: “That lady just ran off, leaving her daughter to be bullied by her stepmother.” “I say, what man doesn’t change his mind? Just turn a blind eye, and it’s over.” “They’re too used to good lives, can’t handle a little setback. All these rich ladies are like that…” I couldn’t take it anymore and roared, “Shut up!” The few women immediately fell silent, startled. When they realized it was me, they all relaxed. “What’s all this noise about?” Vanessa, holding Alex Sterling’s hand, came closer. “Sister, how can you be so mean to the servants?” Her soft, delicate voice immediately garnered a chorus of agreement. Alex Sterling frowned at me. “Although your mother’s death left you with psychological trauma, what they’re saying isn’t wrong.” “Can’t you be a little more lenient?” The elderly woman leading the group jutted out her neck in agreement. “Mr. Sterling is right, we didn’t mean to.” I laughed, exasperated, and lunged forward to hit her. Vanessa spread her arms wide, desperately blocking me. “Martha has taken care of me since I was little. If you’re angry, take it out on me, ah!”

Vanessa screamed and fell backward, pulling me down with her into the pond. “Splash!” The cold water choked my lungs the moment I hit it. I fought through the pain, trying to swim to the surface. But the more Vanessa struggled, the more I was dragged deeper into the water. “Splash!” Another splash, and the water’s surface suddenly exploded with light. Vanessa immediately released the leg she had wrapped around my waist and vanished from my sight. I desperately groped around, but there was nothing left. In a daze, the scene of my death from the previous life replayed before my eyes. I can’t die! Digging my fingernails into the muddy pond wall, I struggled to climb up. My broken fingernails peeled back, but the pain was nothing compared to my tattered heart. Finally, someone pulled me up. I pushed aside my soaking wet hair and coughed,趴吐ed at the edge of the pond, while Vanessa shivered, burrowing into Alex Sterling’s embrace. “Alex… my sister pushed me… I’m scared!” Alex Sterling took off his soaked suit jacket, grabbed a dry towel, and wrapped it tightly around her. The worry in his eyes was the genuine concern I had always longed for. And when he faced Vanessa, he was never insincere or dismissive. Warm tears flowed down my face. I bit down hard on my lip, all my accusations choked in my throat. Alex Sterling belatedly looked at me. He subconsciously released Vanessa, his eyes darting away as he helped me up from the ground. “Iris, you…” “Do you still remember this place?” I cut him off, forcing a bitter smile. My mother had just passed away then; her body hadn’t even been fully recovered from the river. My father, meanwhile, accompanied that mother and daughter on a trip. In the vast Thorne mansion, only Alex Sterling had climbed over the wall and sat with me in the courtyard all night long. “You said you’d protect me forever, that even if I fell into this pond, you’d jump in without hesitation to save me.” They say children’s words mean nothing, but I had remembered them for eighteen years. “Alex Sterling, when did you change?” His fingers, which were helping me, trembled violently. His eyes were full of heartache. Just as he was about to speak, Vanessa suddenly coughed violently. “Be careful not to catch a cold.” He instinctively warned Vanessa, yet his gaze remained fixed on my face. “Iris, get inside first, it’s cold out here.” Before I could even nod, my father roared, charging towards us. “You disgraceful child!” The brass buckle of his belt struck my kneecap directly. Alex Sterling let go, and I tumbled onto the pile of碎石. Mrs. Thorne frantically brought a fur coat and draped it over Vanessa. That was clearly my mother’s heirloom! I took a deep breath, and with all my might, I screamed, “Don’t you dare touch my mother’s things!” My father’s furious voice was my only answer: “You deliberately pushed Vanessa into the pond! How could you be as malicious as that short-lived mother of yours!” “These are all Thorne family belongings! What right do you, a daughter who’s marrying out in a few days, have to tell us what to do?” Alex Sterling remained silent. Mrs. Thorne shrieked and cried, “My Vanessa, wake up, don’t scare your mommy!” She turned, her face contorted, glaring at me, her tear-filled eyes bloodshot: “If anything happens to Vanessa, I’ll have your birth mother’s ashes dug out of the family grave!” I laughed, exasperated, and coldly watched the performance of this theatrical family. Vanessa, who had been lying there with her eyes closed, suddenly began to twitch. “Alex, I’m so cold, save me.” The sob in her voice completely unnerved Alex Sterling. The guilt on his face was replaced by urgency. He quickly scooped the heavily wrapped woman into the living room. The boy who had once saved me in my memories had now personally abandoned me. He truly died the day Vanessa and her mother moved in. “You’re to spend the entire night kneeling, and tomorrow you’ll be writing lines in the family study!” My father finished, then slammed the front door shut. The courtyard instantly fell silent. All my strength was gone. My heart was like a stagnant pool, completely still. This home had no room for me anymore. I picked at the broken stones under my knees and suddenly smiled with a sense of release. It felt so good to have no lingering attachment. They didn’t know. As long as I held out until noon tomorrow, this little sympathy play would be over.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296718”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

My five-year marriage, in that single moment, became a bitter mockery. “For tomorrow’s monthly report meeting, I want Caleb to present your brand proposal.” My wife, Sarah, said without even looking up. I put down the files I was sorting, thinking I’d misheard. “What did you say?” “Caleb just joined the company. He needs a chance to prove himself, and your proposal is perfect.” She finally looked up, her eyes showing no room for negotiation. “That’s my submission for the competition.” “You win awards every year anyway. What’s the big deal if you let him have it just this once?” Her tone was casual, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Besides, the company needs to nurture new talent.” I stared at the woman I’d shared a bed with for five years, and suddenly, her face blurred. “Do you know how many all-nighters I pulled for this proposal? You’re giving it to an intern who just started?” “Alex, don’t be so petty. It’s just a proposal, isn’t it?” Her face hardened. “I’ve already decided.” My fists clenched, rage surged through my veins.

I never imagined my wife of five years would give away the creative proposal I’d worked on through the night. Hand it over, completely untouched, to an intern who’d only been with the company for half a month. When I saw Caleb, standing on the stage at the company’s monthly report meeting, confidently presenting the brand proposal I’d spent three sleepless nights on, I felt utterly sick. The icy chill of betrayal drenched me from head to toe. Colleagues in the audience cast admiring glances at Caleb. The department manager nodded repeatedly. Some even whispered about how remarkably talented this newcomer was. I sat in the last row of the conference room, watching the young man, seven years my junior, in a perfectly tailored suit. He gracefully pointed at the projector screen, showcasing my hard work, introducing “his” creative concepts to everyone. Sarah sat at the head table, her eyes filled with pride and satisfaction, as if she’d discovered some extraordinary talent. She even praised Caleb publicly, calling him a rare creative star the company had seen in years, worthy of everyone’s admiration. My fists clenched into tight knots under the table, my nails digging hard into my palms, almost breaking the skin. After the meeting, I blocked Sarah’s office door. When she saw me, her face still glowed with excitement from before, her eyes bright and sparkling. She had absolutely no idea how serious the problem was. “Alex, you saw it, didn’t you? Caleb really is talented. That proposal is just amazing.” I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm. “Sarah, that was *my* proposal.” She paused, then waved a dismissive hand, her tone light. “Oh, you mean that. I thought Caleb just joined the company and needed a chance to prove himself, so I let him use your proposal just to cut his teeth on.” Cut his teeth on. My three days and nights of hard work, in her mouth, became a mere tool for an intern to practice with. “Do you know what that proposal means to me? It’s my submission for this year’s International Creative Awards.” A hint of awkwardness finally crossed Sarah’s face, but she quickly reverted to her usual self-righteous demeanor. “You win awards every year anyway. What’s the big deal if you let him have it just this once? Besides, this was just an internal report, not an actual competition entry.” A burning inferno raged in my chest, and my blood boiled with pure fury. “Sarah, what do you take me for?” She seemed startled by my sudden serious tone, a flash of panic in her eyes. “Don’t be like that. Caleb is just a kid, fresh out of college. I was just trying to help him grow quickly.” I turned and walked away, not wanting to hear any more of her explanations. Her voice calling my name echoed behind me, but I didn’t have the strength to turn back.

The next morning, I deliberately avoided leaving at the same time as Sarah. After arriving at work, I went straight to my personal studio. This was a private space Sarah had specially partitioned for me in the company. It housed all my creative works and award certificates from over the years. But the moment I pushed open the door, I froze. All the trophies and certificates that usually sat in the display cabinet were gone. The posters I had personally designed, hanging on the walls, had been taken down, replaced by decorative paintings I’d never seen before. What made me even angrier was finding Caleb sitting in my chair. Design drafts were spread out in front of him, and a cup of coffee sat nearby, making him look like the owner of the place. He saw me enter, a flicker of panic in his eyes, but it quickly morphed into that innocent expression. “Mr. Hayes, you’re here. Ms. Sterling said I could work here temporarily because it’s too noisy outside, and it affects my thinking.” Ms. Sterling. That title grated on my ears. “Where are my things?” Caleb pretended not to understand, his gaze darting away. “What things?” “My trophies, my certificates, my work.” “Oh, those. Ms. Sterling said she put them away for now. She said displaying them might put pressure on me.” I stared at him for a long moment, then turned to find Sarah. She was in a meeting with a few clients. Her brow furrowed when she saw me push the door open. “Sarah, I need to talk to you.” “Wait until I finish my meeting.” “Now.” My tone left no room for refusal. The clients sensed the tension in the air and voluntarily suggested rescheduling. Once only the two of us were left in the conference room, Sarah impatiently spoke. “What’s wrong now? Didn’t I explain everything yesterday?” “Why are all my things gone from my studio?” Her expression flickered with a hint of guilt, but her words remained unyielding, defiant. “Caleb needs a quiet environment to create. And those trophies, they really do put pressure on people when they’re displayed there.” “That’s *my* studio.” “Every space in this company is mine. I can arrange it however I want!” That sentence slapped me hard across the face. Yes, this was her company. Phoenix Creative, which she had built from the ground up. And I, I was merely her nominal Creative Director, in reality, more like a free idea provider. When we first partnered, I contributed my expertise as an investment, but my stake was small. Most of the decision-making power was in her hands. I always thought we had moved beyond that initial purely transactional relationship. I thought we had real love and trust between us. But now, it seemed, in her mind, I was still just a subordinate she could freely command. “Sarah, you’ve changed.” A flicker of something crossed her eyes, but it was quickly masked by stubbornness. “I haven’t changed. You’re just too sensitive. It’s just borrowing a space, why are you making such a fuss?” I turned and left the conference room, a decision hardening in my heart. Since she didn’t care about my feelings, there was no need for me to continue to compromise.

Over the next few days, I consciously distanced myself from Sarah. In the mornings, I left earlier than her. At night, I waited until she was asleep before coming home, minimizing our time alone. But what I didn’t expect was for Caleb to actively seek me out. When he knocked on the door of my temporary office, he wore that seemingly sincere smile. “Mr. Hayes, I know you misunderstand me, but I truly just want to learn.” I kept my eyes on the computer screen, not looking up. “Learning doesn’t require taking over someone else’s studio.” He sat in the chair opposite me, his tone carrying an uncomfortable intimacy. “Actually, I’ve always admired your work. It’s truly an honor to work in the same company as you.” “If you truly admired it, you wouldn’t have used my proposal and passed it off as your own.” Caleb’s face shifted, but he quickly regained that innocent expression. “Mr. Hayes, you’ve misunderstood.” “Ms. Sterling said that proposal was a collective company effort, and she just asked me to present it to train my presentation skills.” I finally looked up at him, studying his expression carefully. The young man was indeed good-looking, with fair skin and delicate features. When he spoke, his eyes would curve into crescent moons, making it easy for people to like him. But in the depths of his eyes, I caught a subtle, almost imperceptible glint of triumph and calculation. “Caleb, how old are you this year?” “Twenty-three.” “Then you should know what honesty means.” His smile stiffened. “Mr. Hayes, I don’t understand what you mean.” “My meaning is very clear. That proposal, from beginning to end, was completed entirely by me.” “You knew that, yet you still had the audacity to present it. That’s called shamelessness.” Caleb’s face instantly flushed red, but he quickly composed himself. “Mr. Hayes, what you’re saying is very hurtful. I truly was just doing what Ms. Sterling asked.” With that, he hurriedly left my office. But I knew, this wouldn’t be the end of it. Sure enough, that same afternoon, Sarah stormed into my office. “Alex, what do you mean by that?! Why did you talk to Caleb like that?!” I put down my pen and calmly looked at her. “What did I say?” “You called him shameless, said he stole your proposal. He’s just a kid who just graduated, what you said will hurt him!” I couldn’t help but laugh, but there was no warmth in that laugh. “He’s hurt? What about me? Who cares about my feelings?” Sarah froze for a moment, apparently not expecting me to retort like that. “You’re an adult. You should be more understanding. Besides, Caleb didn’t mean any harm.” “No harm? Then why did he claim it was his own creative concept during the report?” “He just has poor communication skills, maybe his phrasing was problematic.” I realized that no matter what I said, she would find an excuse for Caleb. This blatant favoritism sent an unprecedented chill through me. “Sarah, do you… do you like him?” The words blurted out before I could stop myself. Her face instantly turned ashen, a flash of panic in her eyes. “What are you talking about? He’s just my subordinate!” “A subordinate needs this much protection from you?” “Can a subordinate casually use my studio? Can a subordinate take credit for my creative ideas?” Sarah bit her lip, silent for a long time. Finally, she just said coldly, “Alex, you’re being too extreme!” Then she left my office.

The next day, I found that several important creative files on my computer had been deleted, and even the recycle bin had been emptied. These files were proposals I had recently prepared for several major clients, each one costing me a great deal of effort. Even worse, one of them was my entry for the Global Advertising Festival, an award that held significant meaning for me. I immediately contacted the IT department and asked them to help me recover the data. The technicians checked and told me that these files were deliberately deleted, and the deletion time was around eleven last night. At eleven last night, I was already home. Only the security guards and employees working overtime were at the company. I reviewed the surveillance footage and found that Caleb had indeed stayed at the company very late last night, and he had also entered my office. When I told Sarah about this discovery, her reaction utterly disappointed me. “Maybe he wanted to learn your creative process and accidentally deleted them. Don’t maliciously speculate about a kid.” “Accidentally deleted? Sarah, even the recycle bin was emptied. Is that an accidental deletion?” “Maybe he was trying to help you clear junk files.” I looked at her defending Caleb, and suddenly, this woman in front of me felt so foreign. “Fine, even if it was an accidental deletion, why didn’t he tell me? Why did he hide it?” “He was probably afraid you’d blame him.” I took a deep breath, trying to control my emotions. “Sarah, I’ll ask you one last time. If it has to be one of us, me or Caleb, who would you choose?” She froze, clearly not expecting such a question. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly. “Why are you forcing me to choose? You’re both important to me.” “Answer me!” A flicker of something crossed her eyes, but she finally gritted her teeth and said it. “I won’t fire Caleb. He’s a young man with potential. His future shouldn’t be ruined because of some misunderstanding.” Those words were like a dagger plunged into my heart. I understood then. In her heart, I held less importance than an intern she’d known for less than a month. “Alright, I understand.” I turned and left her office, having made up my mind. That same evening, I contacted my lawyer friend, Marcus. “Marcus, help me draft a divorce agreement.” There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the line. “Alex, are you serious? You and Sarah were always so good together.” “Just prepare it. I want to see the agreement within three days.” “Okay, but you need to think carefully. There’s the issue of company shares between you two.” “I know. I’ll give up all my shares in her company, but I have one condition.” “What condition?” “I want to reclaim the copyrights for all my original works, as well as the copyrights for all the creative proposals I’ve designed for the company over the past five years.” Marcus gasped. “Alex, those are the core assets of her company!” “They were always my work. I’m just taking back what belongs to me.”

Over the next few days, I quietly began gathering evidence to prove that those creative proposals were indeed my original work. I dug out all the creative drafts, organized the evolution of the design concepts. I even found testimony from some clients, proving that they initially chose to work with Phoenix Creative because of my ideas. At the same time, I was secretly contacting some excellent creative talents, preparing to establish my own studio. During this period, Caleb seemed to sense something and started badmouthing me frequently to Sarah. He told Sarah that my work attitude had been very negative recently, and that I had been hostile towards him, affecting his work enthusiasm. Sarah actually believed him and even specifically called me in to talk, saying my recent performance had disappointed her. “Alex, Caleb said you’ve been quite unfriendly to him lately. That’s really bad for the company’s team atmosphere.” I sat opposite her, calmly looking at her. “What else did he say?” “He said you deliberately assigned him unreasonable tasks and even disparaged his abilities in front of other colleagues.” I couldn’t help but laugh. This Caleb really knew how to twist facts. “And you believe him?” Sarah avoided my gaze, a hint of guilt in her eyes. “I just hope you two can get along. After all, you’re colleagues in the same company.” “Alright, I understand.” I stood up to leave, but Sarah called out to me. “Alex, are you upset with me recently?” I turned back to look at her, a bitter pang in my heart. “No, I’m fine.” “That’s good. I thought you were mad at me.” I didn’t say anything more and left her office directly. That same afternoon, I received the first draft of the divorce agreement from Marcus. I read it carefully, confirmed there were no issues, and decided to confront her that night. When I got home, Sarah was busy in the kitchen, seemingly in a good mood. “Why are you home so early today?” “There’s something I want to talk to you about.” She walked out of the kitchen, carrying the freshly cooked dishes, a smile still on her face. “What’s so mysterious?” I took the divorce agreement from my briefcase and placed it on the dining table. Sarah’s plate almost slipped from her hands when she saw the cover of the agreement. “What does this mean?” Her voice trembled, her face instantly turning pale. “I don’t think there’s any need for us to continue.” “Let’s get a divorce.” “Because of Caleb, you want to divorce me?” I shook my head. “It’s not because of Caleb. It’s because of your distrust and disrespect towards me.” “Where did I disrespect you?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296717”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Everyone knew I was the one Grandpa Hayes had personally chosen for a marriage alliance. Whoever married me was destined to inherit the Hayes family empire. At the engagement party, I stood in my custom-tailored suit, ready to announce the merger of the Hayes and Davies families. But my fiancée, Chloe Hayes, was holding hands with my adopted brother, Blake Miller. She pulled him to the center of the crowd, standing shoulder to shoulder with him. “Blake and I are madly in love. He’s the only man I’ll ever marry.” “Asher Thorne is far too reckless. He’s not fit to lead the Hayes company.” The engagement changed hands; my adopted brother was now the one betrothed to Chloe. Everyone in the room looked at me with pity or scorn. But what they didn’t know was that Grandpa Hayes had picked me to marry Chloe because my mother was the heir to the powerful, discreet Thorne family. One day, I would return to the Thorne family and inherit their legacy. Since Chloe had made her choice, it was time for the Hayes family heir to change as well.

Chloe gripped Blake Miller’s hand tightly, pulling him to a halt in front of everyone. Blake gasped, trying to pull his hand back. “Chloe, sweetie, this isn’t right. Your engagement to my brother was personally set by Grandpa Hayes.” “I’m in love with you, Blake. I won’t agree to marry anyone else.” She held Blake’s hand firmly, her eyes fixed on Grandpa Hayes, who sat in the place of honor. “Grandpa, my heart has always belonged to Blake. I will only marry Blake and have him as my husband.” The guests exchanged glances, filled with sympathy and thinly veiled mockery. Everyone knew that Chloe and I had grown up together, practically childhood sweethearts, and that Grandpa Hayes had internally designated me as his grandson-in-law. But now, Chloe had publicly humiliated me in front of everyone in our social circle. Chloe’s tone was absolute. “Even though Asher and I grew up together, I’ve always seen him as nothing more than a brother. I never had any romantic feelings for him.” “Blake and I are deeply in love; we confirmed our relationship ages ago. In my heart, Blake is the only man I can ever marry. No one else.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes’s faces paled, and they anxiously glanced at Grandpa Hayes’s expression at the head table. Chloe linked her arm through Blake’s and looked over at me, a hint of sarcasm in her eyes. “Asher, you must know I don’t feel anything for you. You wouldn’t want to force a woman who doesn’t love you into a marriage, wasting your life away, would you?” “Besides, Blake and I are already together. You can’t possibly use Grandpa’s favoritism to butt in and break us apart, can you?” I glanced at them both, then bowed respectfully to Grandpa Hayes. “Grandpa Hayes, since they are clearly in love, how could I possibly stand in the way of their happiness? Let’s grant them their wish.” “I wish Miss Hayes and my brother a lifetime of happiness together.” Chloe’s face flashed with a flicker of displeasure when she heard me say that, but Blake cautiously linked his arm through hers. “Chloe, your marriage to my brother was set by Grandpa. Won’t he be upset about this?” Chloe soothingly patted the back of Blake’s hand, murmuring softly. “Of course not. Grandpa adores me. He wouldn’t get angry with me over *him*.” “Besides, you’re the true son of the Davies family, the heir. This alliance was always meant to be between our two families. Why would we care about an outsider like him?” An outsider? Only my father and Grandpa Hayes knew my true identity. My mother was the heir to the powerful, discreet Thorne family. My father and mother had initially only had a cooperative marriage, and I would inherit the Thorne family in the future, which is why I took my mother’s surname. Moreover, she thought Blake was my father’s biological son? Grandpa Hayes frowned at Chloe’s words. “Chloe, don’t be foolish. Are you certain you want to marry Mr. Miller?” Chloe firmly slipped the ring onto Blake’s finger, then had Blake seal it with a reverent kiss on her forehead. “Grandpa, I’ve thought it through. I will marry no one but Blake Miller in this life.” Grandpa Hayes looked at Chloe with disappointment. If it were simply a matter of switching engagement partners, he wouldn’t have thought much of her. But her deliberate choice to humiliate me in front of so many people today proved that she was utterly unreliable. “Fine, have it your way then.”

Once Grandpa Hayes gave his word, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. This family alliance had invited many prominent business figures to witness the event, and everyone was eager to see how it would unfold. Amidst the whispers, Chloe took Blake’s hand and faced the assembled guests to make her announcement. “Thank you all for coming today to attend my engagement ceremony with Mr. Blake Miller.” The guests’ expressions varied; no one had expected the Hayes and Miller families to make such a public switch. My father, Mr. Davies, hadn’t anticipated this either. His face instantly darkened, and mine wasn’t much better. Yet, I forced myself to stand tall, back straight, and amidst the murmurs, I raised my glass and presented a lavish gift. “Miss Hayes just switched fiancés on the spot. She didn’t give Asher Thorne any face at all.” “Didn’t Grandpa Hayes insist on Asher Thorne being his grandson-in-law? Why did he agree to the change?” “Changing partners on the day of the engagement — that’s truly embarrassing. I wonder what he did to make Miss Hayes take such an drastic step.” The guests’ discussions weren’t quiet. My father glared at Blake, and he didn’t hold back with Chloe either. “By doing this, how much gossip will you subject your brother to?” “And you, Blake, you’re not a child anymore. Acting without considering the consequences, are you trying to slap me in the face?” Blake, chastised by my father, timidly tried to take the ring off to give it back to me. Grandpa Hayes waved him off. He guiltily patted my head and said in a low voice, “Ash, don’t worry. Grandpa Hayes will handle this for you. If you’re willing, the Hayes family has several other excellent young women.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes overheard Grandpa’s words and simply assumed he was comforting me, so they didn’t pay much attention. What they didn’t expect was for me to point to Harper Hayes, the Hayes family’s illegitimate daughter, who was watching the spectacle from a corner. “Actually, I’ve always liked Harper. I hope Grandpa can approve of our union.” Their gazes fell on Harper, their eyes darting between her and me. Harper was Mr. Hayes’s elder brother’s illegitimate daughter. After her uncle passed away, she wasn’t well-regarded at home and lived a rather difficult life. Since she was still a Hayes by blood, Grandpa Hayes didn’t want others to say the family mistreated her, so he brought her to live with him and raised her personally. My father looked at me in shock, then whispered in my ear, “Ash, Dad knows you’re upset, but she’s an illegitimate daughter. The Hayes family doesn’t value her at all.” I nonchalantly swirled my drink, raising my glass in Harper’s direction. “She didn’t choose to be an illegitimate daughter. I think she’s perfectly fine, and I’m willing to give things a try with her.” Harper’s eyes met mine, her demeanor relaxed. “Since Mr. Thorne likes me, then let’s give it a shot.” Everyone’s gazes on me grew even more meaningful. News of the Hayes family changing partners on the spot spread rapidly through the social circle. The moment the banquet ended, I received a text from my mother. In the private room, my mother, Eleanor Thorne, hugged me tightly, her eyes glinting with displeasure as she looked at my father, Mr. Davies. “Mr. Davies, how dare you let my son suffer such a humiliation?! Do you want to lose your job?” I squeezed my mother’s hand, redirecting the conversation to the important matter. “Grandpa Hayes has found me a new fiancée. Her name is Harper Hayes, and I actually quite like her.” My father wiped the sweat from his brow and sighed again. “She’s just an illegitimate daughter, a peripheral figure in the Hayes family. Why would you choose her?” I looked at my parents’ bewildered expressions and slowly began to explain. “Grandpa Hayes and Grandpa Thorne established this marriage alliance, and I am definitely going to marry a Hayes daughter.” “Although Harper is an illegitimate daughter, she’s the most capable among the younger generation of the Hayes family, and also the smartest and most composed. From a business perspective, she is the most suitable partner for cooperation.”

“Besides, since she’s an illegitimate daughter, if I marry her, the Thorne family will be her sole foundation within the Hayes family. She certainly won’t betray me.” Currently, Blake Miller was being flattered and courted by everyone in our circle. Countless people rushed to meet and connect with him. After all, a strong alliance between the Hayes and Miller families would undoubtedly elevate their respective industries to the next level. I had no time for these matters. I was focused on completing the task my mother had assigned me abroad. One day, on Grandpa Hayes’s birthday, Blake actually sent me an invitation and called me several times, leaving me no choice but to go. The moment I stepped through the Hayes family’s front door, all eyes fell on me. I showed no hint of awkwardness, smiling as I handed the gift to the Hayes family butler. “Why is Asher Thorne here? Didn’t the engagement change?” “You don’t know? At the time, Miss Hayes insisted on switching, and he, in a fit of pique, chose to get engaged to that illegitimate daughter of the Hayes family.” “Even marrying an illegitimate daughter just to get into the Hayes family—Mr. Thorne certainly isn’t afraid to go to extremes.” Just as everyone was buzzing, Chloe Hayes appeared, grandly linked arm-in-arm with Blake Miller. Unlike her usual understated and gentle attire, she was wearing a haute couture gown today, adorned with several sets of elaborate, luxurious jewelry, making her look ostentatious but also a bit tacky. And Blake? His suit alone was worth a fortune, and the watch on his wrist was comparable to the price of a luxury mansion. He spotted me there and came over, trying to sling an arm around my shoulder in a familiar gesture. “Little brother, it’s wonderful that both of us brothers can be sons-in-law of the Hayes family! For brotherly affection, I’ll definitely ask Chloe to help out your wife.” I almost laughed at Blake. Even now, he still thought I cared about marrying just *any* Hayes daughter. Chloe seemed to think the same thing. In her eyes, I’d gone to extreme lengths to try and marry her, and she looked at me as if I were something dirty. I couldn’t be bothered with these two and turned to leave, but then I noticed a jade pendant of excellent quality around Blake’s neck. This was the Hayes family’s ancestral jade pendant, always kept by Grandpa Hayes. I never expected it to be on Blake. The Hayes family heir hadn’t even been confirmed yet, so how could this jade pendant be on Blake? I pointed to the jade pendant on Blake’s neck, a hint of scrutiny in my eyes. “Where did that pendant come from?” Chloe showed a fleeting moment of guilt, while Blake caressed the jade pendant on his neck, looking slightly wronged. “Little brother, this was originally meant for you, but now that I’m the one marrying Chloe, this jade pendant naturally goes to me.” Chloe also nodded self-righteously. After all, in her mind, she was the definite heir, so letting her beloved wear the jade pendant a little early was perfectly acceptable. “This is my Hayes family’s ancestral jade pendant. I can let anyone wear it I choose. What does it have to do with you?” After saying that, she looked me up and down with disdain and stepped back. “Don’t you dare try to use this to cling to me. I will never like you. My heart belongs only to Blake.” Chloe’s voice wasn’t quiet, and several gazes around us fell on me. “Asher Thorne usually seems so refined, but I never thought he’d be so desperate to latch onto the Hayes family that he’d even try to steal his brother’s fiancée.” “They’re clearly in love. Why is he still trying to cling on?” Blake’s face flushed red, and he gently tugged at Chloe’s arm. “Don’t be so harsh on Asher, sweetie. Once he marries Harper, we’ll still be family. You’ll have to help them out then.” Chloe glanced at me, then affectionately tilted her head and pinched Blake’s cheek. “Fine, for Blake’s sake, I won’t hold it against you. But if you have any inappropriate thoughts about me, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” As the two of them were still basking in their loving display, a voice suddenly echoed from behind them. “Why would my husband have inappropriate thoughts about you, Chloe? You’re being very rude to your future brother-in-law.” Harper Hayes entered, supporting Grandpa Hayes. A faint smile played on her lips, and her eyes held a hint of challenge as she looked at Chloe. Grandpa Hayes’s gaze fell on the jade pendant around Blake’s neck, and his expression darkened.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296716”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Everyone knew I was the woman Mr. Sterling, the family patriarch, had personally chosen for an arranged marriage. He’d decreed that whoever I married would be the one to inherit the vast Hayes fortune. At the engagement party, I wore my custom-made gown, ready to step onto the stage and announce the union between the Hayes and Peterson families. But my fiancé, Derek Hayes, had Tiffany Peterson, my adopted sister, clasped firmly by the hand. He pulled her into the center of the crowd, standing shoulder to shoulder with her. “Tiffany and I are deeply in love; she’s the only woman I’ll ever marry.” “Scarlett is too headstrong, too unruly—she’s simply not fit to be a Hayes.” My engagement was suddenly switched to my adopted sister, and everyone’s eyes on me were a mix of pity and mockery. What they didn’t know was that Mr. Sterling had chosen me because my mother was the heiress to the formidable Vance family, a discreet yet incredibly powerful lineage. Someday, I would return to the Vance family and inherit its empire. Since Derek had made his choice, the Hayes heir would naturally have to be someone else.

Derek tightly clutched Tiffany Peterson’s hand, pulling her to stand before the gathered crowd. Tiffany gasped, trying to pull her hand back. “Bro-Derek, you can’t do this! Grandpa Sterling himself arranged your marriage to Scarlett.” “You’re the one I love, Tiffany. I won’t marry anyone else.” He held her hand firmly, his fingers intertwined with hers, as he looked up at Mr. Sterling, who sat on a raised platform. “Grandpa, I’ve always loved Tiffany. I will only marry her.” The guests looked on with a mix of sympathy and ridicule. Everyone knew that Derek and I had grown up together, childhood friends, and that I was Mr. Sterling’s chosen future granddaughter-in-law. Yet here, in front of everyone in our social circle, Derek had just publicly humiliated me. Derek’s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. “While Scarlett and I grew up together, I’ve always seen her as a sister, nothing more.” “Tiffany and I are deeply in love; we’ve been together for a while now. In my heart, she’s the only woman I’ll ever marry. No other woman compares.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes’s faces fell as they nervously glanced at the patriarch’s expression. Derek put an arm around Tiffany’s waist and looked at me, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. “Scarlett, you know I don’t have romantic feelings for you. You wouldn’t want to waste your life marrying a man who doesn’t love you, would you?” “Besides, Tiffany and I are already together. You can’t just rely on Grandpa Sterling’s favor and try to muscle in and break us up, can you?” I glanced at the two of them, then bowed to Mr. Sterling. “Grandpa Sterling, since they’re so clearly in love, how could I possibly come between them? Let’s just let them be together.” “Wishing my sister and Mr. Hayes Jr. a lifetime of happiness and everlasting love.” Derek’s face flashed with annoyance at my words, but Tiffany cautiously slipped her arm through his. “Bro-Derek, Grandpa Sterling arranged your marriage to Scarlett. Won’t he be upset about this?” Derek gently patted Tiffany’s hand, soothing her softly. “No, he won’t. Grandpa spoils me rotten. Why would he get mad at me over *her*?” “Besides, you’re the Peterson family’s true daughter, their heiress. This was always meant to be an alliance between our two families. Why would he care about an outsider?” An outsider? Only my father, Mr. Peterson, and Mr. Sterling knew my true identity. My mother is the heiress to the formidable Vance family. My father and mother’s marriage was merely a strategic alliance disguised as a union, and I would inherit the Vance family fortune, so I took my mother’s surname. Moreover, he thought Tiffany was my father’s biological daughter? Mr. Sterling frowned at Derek’s words. “Derek, don’t be foolish. Are you certain you want to marry Miss Peterson?” Derek firmly slipped the ring onto Tiffany’s finger, then kissed it with devotion. “Grandpa, I’ve thought it through. I will only marry Tiffany.” Mr. Sterling looked at Derek with disappointment. If it was just a change of fiancée, he wouldn’t have had much of an opinion. But Derek had deliberately chosen today to humiliate me in front of so many people, proving he was unreliable. “Fine, have it your way.”

Once Mr. Sterling spoke, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. This alliance had invited many business magnates to witness the event, and everyone was eager to see how it would unfold. Amidst the whispers of the crowd, Derek, holding Tiffany’s hand, faced the guests who had come to celebrate and announced, “Thank you all for attending my and Miss Peterson’s engagement ceremony today.” The guests’ faces were a mix of expressions. No one had expected the Hayes and Peterson families to actually swap fiancées on the spot. My father was equally stunned, his face instantly darkening. My own expression wasn’t much better, but I forced myself to stand tall, holding my head high amidst the murmurs, and raised my glass to offer a generous gift. “Mr. Hayes Jr. actually swapped fiancées on the spot? He gave Scarlett no face at all!” “Didn’t Mr. Sterling insist on Scarlett becoming his granddaughter-in-law? How did he agree to the change?” “Changing fiancées on the day of the engagement party—that’s truly embarrassing. Who knows what she did to make Mr. Hayes Jr. do something like that?” The guests’ whispers weren’t quiet. My father glared at Tiffany, showing Derek no deference either. “How much gossip will you cause your sister by doing this?” “And you, you’re not a child anymore. Acting without thinking of the consequences—are you trying to make a fool of me?” Tiffany, scolded by my father, timidly tried to take off the ring to give it to me. Mr. Sterling waved his hand, stopping her. He touched my head apologetically, his voice deep. “Scarlett, don’t worry. Grandpa Sterling will see to it. If you’re willing, the Hayes family has several other excellent young men.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes heard Mr. Sterling’s words and simply assumed he was comforting me, so they didn’t pay much attention. To their shock, I pointed to Julian Hayes, Mr. Hayes’s illegitimate son, who was watching the drama unfold from a corner. “Actually, I’ve always liked Julian. I hope Grandpa can grant us his blessing.” Everyone’s gazes fell on Julian, flickering between him and me. Julian was Mr. Hayes Sr.’s illegitimate son. After Mr. Hayes Sr.’s passing, Julian wasn’t well-regarded in the family and had a difficult life. But since he was still a Hayes, Mr. Sterling didn’t want others saying the Hayes family mistreated its own blood. So he had taken Julian in and raised him personally. My father stared at me in shock, then whispered, trying to persuade me. “Scarlett, Dad knows you’re upset, but he’s an illegitimate son. The Hayes family doesn’t value him.” I casually swirled my glass, raising it to Julian in a silent toast. “He didn’t choose to be an illegitimate son. I think he’s quite good. I’m willing to give it a try with him.” Julian’s eyes met mine, his demeanor relaxed. “Since Miss Vance likes me, then let’s give it a try.” The guests’ gazes on me became even more meaningful. News of the Hayes family changing fiancées on the spot spread like wildfire in our social circle. As soon as the party ended, I received a message from my mother. In a private room, my mother held me close, her eyes glaring at my father. “Mr. Peterson, how dare you let my daughter suffer such humiliation? Are you trying to get yourself disowned?” I squeezed my mother’s hand, redirecting the conversation to the main issue. “Grandpa Sterling found me a new fiancé. His name is Julian Hayes, and I actually quite like him.” My father wiped the sweat from his forehead and sighed again. “He’s just an illegitimate son, a nobody in the Hayes family. Why would you choose him?” I looked at my parents’ confused expressions and slowly began to explain. “Grandpa Sterling and my grandfather made this arrangement, so I definitely have to marry into the Hayes family.” “Even though Julian is an illegitimate son, he’s the most capable among the younger Hayes generation. From a business perspective, he’s the most suitable partner.”

“Besides, as an illegitimate son, if I marry him, the Vance family will be his foundation for establishing himself in the Hayes family. He’ll certainly treat me well.” Now, Tiffany was the talk of the town, everyone flattering and trying to curry favor with her. Countless people rushed to meet and connect with her. After all, the Hayes and Peterson families were a powerful union. If anyone could get a chance to collaborate, they would surely rise to the next level in their respective industries. I didn’t have time to bother with such things. I was focused on completing the task my mother had given me abroad. One day, Mr. Sterling was celebrating his birthday. Tiffany specifically sent me an invitation and called me several times, so I had no choice but to go. The moment I stepped through the Hayes family’s front door, all eyes fell on me. I showed no embarrassment, smiling as I handed my gift to the Hayes butler. “Why is Scarlett here? Didn’t the engagement switch?” “You don’t know? Mr. Hayes Jr. insisted on switching fiancées, so she, in a fit of pique, chose the Hayes family’s illegitimate son to marry.” “To marry an illegitimate son just to get into the Hayes family… Miss Vance really is something else.” Just as everyone was chattering, Tiffany appeared, ostentatiously holding Derek’s arm. Unlike her usual low-key, gentle attire, she was wearing a haute couture gown today, adorned with several sets of intricate and luxurious jewelry, making her look gaudy and somewhat tacky. Seeing me there, she came over intimately, wanting to link arms with me. “Sister, it’s wonderful that both of us sisters can marry into the Hayes family! As a sisterly favor, I’ll make sure Bro-Derek promotes your husband more.” I almost laughed at Tiffany. Even now, she still believed all I cared about was marrying into the Hayes family. Derek thought so too. In his eyes, I was desperate to marry into the Hayes family, using any means necessary. He looked at me as if I were something dirty. Too lazy to bother with the two of them, I turned to leave, but then I noticed the pair of exquisitely crafted heirloom bracelets on Tiffany’s wrist. These were the Hayes family’s heirloom bracelets, always kept by Mr. Sterling. I hadn’t expected them to be on Tiffany’s wrist, and with at least three or four other bracelets on her arm, I hadn’t recognized them at first glance. The Hayes family heir hadn’t even been confirmed yet. How did those bracelets end up on Tiffany? I pointed at the bracelets on Tiffany’s wrist, my gaze filled with a hint of inquiry. “Where did those bracelets come from?” Derek looked momentarily guilty, while Tiffany caressed the bracelets on her wrist, a hint of grievance on her face. “Sister, these bracelets were meant for you before, but now I’m the one marrying Bro-Derek, so of course, they belong to me.” Derek nodded, his expression righteous. In his mind, he was the undisputed heir, so there was no harm in letting his beloved wear the bracelets beforehand. “These are my Hayes family’s heirloom bracelets. I can let anyone I want wear them. What does it have to do with you?” He then scanned me up and down, taking a step back with a disgusted look. “Don’t you dare try to use this method to cling to me. I won’t ever like you. My heart only belongs to Tiffany.” Derek’s voice wasn’t quiet, and several gazes around us landed on me. “Scarlett usually seems so proud. I can’t believe she’s trying to steal her own sister’s fiancé just to marry into the Hayes family.” “They’re clearly in love. Why is she still trying to cling on?” Tiffany blushed, her face coyly hitting Derek on the arm. “Don’t be so mean to Sister. We’ll be family when she marries in. You’ll have to help them out then.” Derek glanced at me, then dotingly pinched Tiffany’s cheek. “Fine, for Tiffany’s sake, I won’t dwell on it. But if you have any improper thoughts about me, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” The two of them were still lost in their tender moment when a voice suddenly chimed in from behind them. “Why would my wife have improper thoughts about you? “Derek, that’s incredibly rude, talking about your future sister-in-law like that.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296715”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I secretly sent Stella’s first love, the one she’d harbored for ten years, overseas. That very night, Stella kidnapped our daughter, who had just graduated high school, and hid her at a remote reservoir. A ticking time bomb was strapped to her body. Her eyes were eerily calm, as if she was just negotiating a deal. “David, you’d better tell me where Noah is. Otherwise, our daughter will be blown to bits because of you.” I screamed, losing it, “That’s your daughter too!” Stella didn’t flinch. She just glanced at the time. “You have ten minutes.” Agony ripped through me as I revealed Noah’s whereabouts, in exchange for the reservoir’s address. I ran, desperate, to the location. I saw my daughter tied up, and the rapidly shrinking countdown on the bomb— 00:00:59 00:00:58 00:00:57 My hands trembled as I frantically fumbled with the ropes. But the bomb on Chloe, it just wouldn’t come off. The sound of the countdown shrinking pounded in my ears, like a death knell. Tears streamed down my face. I wished it was me tied up there. “Don’t be scared, sweetie. Daddy will save you. Daddy won’t let anything happen to you…” Chloe’s face was deathly pale. She was crying, saying goodbye to me. “Daddy, you have to go. Don’t try to untie it. I’m so happy to have been your daughter in this life. And Mom, you can have another sibling in the future. Don’t be sad for me…” Even then, Chloe didn’t know the person who kidnapped her was the very ‘Mom’ she spoke of. Tears wouldn’t stop falling. My emotions were spiraling out of control. I called Stella, begging for help. “Tell me! Which wire do I cut to disarm the bomb?!” Stella scoffed, her voice laced with suppressed fury. “Red. Cut the red one.” The next second, the call was abruptly cut. I stared at the countdown, found the red wire, and pulled it with all my might. The red wire snapped. Then, with a deafening *BOOM*, the explosion rocked the ground. I was thrown ten feet back by the impact. Ignoring the searing pain, I opened my eyes to find Chloe, but all I saw was a bloody mess. “Chloe—!” I couldn’t understand how this happened. I cut the red wire, exactly as Stella told me. I crawled over, cradling Chloe’s mangled body, sobbing so hard I couldn’t breathe. In the last moment, Chloe had pushed me away. But now, I could only watch her lie there. I mustered every ounce of strength to carry Chloe on my back, called for an ambulance, and stumbled onto the road. I was covered in blood – some mine, most hers. The doctors and nurses arrived quickly. They gasped in horror at Chloe’s condition. “Quick, rush her to emergency!” I waited outside the operating room. The nurses tried to treat my wounds, but I refused. I prayed again and again, offering my own life in exchange for Chloe’s. But what awaited me was a critical condition notice. I fell to my knees, grabbing the doctor’s scrubs, begging him, my forehead scraping the ground. “Please, save my daughter. She just graduated high school. Her life was just beginning…” The doctor looked pained. After a moment, he said, “I’m truly helpless. In this situation, only top specialists might be able to save her.” I rushed to beg the specialists as the doctor suggested, only to find out they had all been pulled away. And the one who pulled them away was my wife, Stella. I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. My hands shaking, I called Stella again. “Stella, Chloe is dying, she needs emergency help! You have to let the specialists—” Before I could finish, Stella cut me off, her voice icy. “David, there’s a limit to your lies. Don’t think you can use Chloe to trick me into coming home.” I pleaded, broken, “I’m telling the truth! Chloe was injured by the bomb!” Stella’s voice grew even colder. “Enough! Those bombs were fake! How could they hurt Chloe?! You’re truly a ruthless man, fabricating such lies!” The next second, the call was slammed shut. When I tried to call back, her phone was off. I collapsed to the ground, utterly shattered.

I pleaded for hours, my face smeared with blood from kowtowing, but I couldn’t get any specialists to save my daughter. Back in the ward, I looked at Chloe, her body a raw mess on the bed, and wept uncontrollably. “Chloe, I’m so sorry. Daddy is useless…” Daddy can’t save you. Chloe’s eyes slowly turned to me, her lips trembling. I leaned closer to hear her voice. “Daddy…don’t be sad…I…it doesn’t hurt…” “Mom…where is she…I want to talk to her…” “If I don’t say it…now…it might be too late…” Tears streamed down my face. I couldn’t bring myself to tell Chloe the truth. How cruel would it be for her to know that her own mother, for another man, had bombed her? She was the daughter Stella had longed for, cherished for so many years. We were once such a happy family of three. I didn’t know why things had turned out this way. I pulled out my phone to call Stella again, but it was still off. I called her assistant instead. He finally answered. I heard a voice on the other end: “Ms. Jiang, it’s Mr. David. He says Miss Chloe has something she wants to tell you.” Stella sounded annoyed, “It’s just another one of his excuses. From now on, hang up whenever he calls.” I wanted to scream that it wasn’t an excuse, that Chloe was really dying. But before I could say a word, the call was disconnected. When I turned and met Chloe’s sorrowful gaze, my heart felt like it was being ripped apart by a giant hand. “Mom…doesn’t want to talk?…Is it because…I didn’t do well on my last test…” “Daddy, please…tell Mom I’m sorry…” “Daddy, will Mom…be sad for me…after I die?” Hearing Chloe’s words, my heart ached so much I could barely breathe. Chloe had always craved her mother’s approval, studying exceptionally hard. But Stella’s heart had long since drifted away from her. I clutched Chloe’s hand, shaking my head violently. “No, darling, Mom…Mom is just busy. She doesn’t know.” “Chloe, don’t fall asleep. Look at Daddy…Just hold on a little longer. You’ll see Mom soon…” I kept calling, but the calls were hung up again and again. Broken and desperate, I could only hold Chloe’s hand, begging her to wait. But I watched as Chloe slowly closed her eyes, her hand slipping from my grasp. In an instant, the world spun around me. My vision went black, and I collapsed, losing consciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I stared at the white ceiling, momentarily disoriented. I felt like I’d had a terrible nightmare. Then I heard a nurse’s voice nearby: “Ms. Jiang pulled all our hospital’s specialists to standby, just for her beloved’s check-up. So enviable.” “But that father and daughter yesterday, they were so pitiful. I heard the girl who died had just finished high school. Oh, I guess some people are just born with different fates.” They didn’t know that the girl who died yesterday was Ms. Jiang’s own daughter. Tears slid from the corners of my eyes. I didn’t want to open them. I hated so much. Stella, you killed our daughter. I pulled out the IV needle from my hand and got out of bed. As I stepped out, I unexpectedly saw Stella, carefully supporting Noah, treating him like a rare treasure. “Stella, I told you I’m fine. You just had to make me get checked.” Stella’s voice was gentle, devoid of the cold ruthlessness she showed me. “No, it’s not enough. I’ll only be at ease after your check-up.” I watched the scene, my eyes burning. When we first got together, Stella was just as meticulous with me. If I even scraped my skin, she wouldn’t rest until the family doctor had checked me over. After Chloe was born, if she had a fever, Stella would worry and care for her all night. If Chloe coughed a few times, Stella would personally炖 (stew) her some rock sugar pear soup. She said Chloe was the crystallization of our love. I once believed we would live happily ever after. But a few years later, other men started appearing in her life. She started coming home late, and spent less time with Chloe. And now, to find out Noah’s whereabouts, she kidnapped and bombed our daughter. To give Noah a full body check, she left Chloe with no medical care, just waiting to die. Poor Chloe, even in her last moments, she was still thinking of her mother… More tears fell. The pain in my chest had begun to turn numb.

I didn’t even have the strength to confront her. I turned, wanting to leave. But Noah pointed in my direction, a timid expression on his face. “It’s… Mr. David… Why is he here? Is he trying to send me away again?” He nervously clutched Stella’s clothes, as if he was terrified of me. Stella’s brows furrowed. Her cold, piercing gaze instantly swept over me. “David, you really don’t give up, do you? You actually followed me to the hospital!” She ordered her bodyguards to restrain me. I struggled, and blood started to seep from the back of my hand. Stella saw it and sneered, “Using a pity play now?” “Yesterday you lied about Chloe being injured by a bomb, today you’re faking your own bleeding. Tell me, what’s next? Are you going to buy an urn next and set up a whole funeral service?” I sharply raised my head, my eyes burning with intense hatred. “Stella, do you have any heart?! Chloe is dead! You killed her with that bomb!” Stella froze, startled by my frantic state. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. Noah stepped forward, frowning slightly, and spoke disapprovingly. “Stella arranged for fake bombs. How could they possibly kill little Chloe? Mr. David, if you’re going to make up a story, at least make it believable.” “I know you don’t want me near Stella, but you can’t joke about Chloe’s life.” Stella’s face instantly turned cold. “David, having a father like you is Chloe’s biggest disgrace!” I stared at Stella in disbelief. Chloe was dead, and she still thought I was lying. I wanted to laugh, but tears hit the floor first. It didn’t matter anymore. Chloe was gone. Nothing else mattered. I got up from the ground, wanting only to find Chloe. But Stella had her bodyguards firmly pin me to the ground, her words chillingly cruel. “You will kneel here and reflect. When you realize your mistake, then you can get up.” She walked away with Noah, leaving me kneeling there, surrounded by the passing crowds. I tried to stand, but every time I moved, a bodyguard would kick me in the back of the knee. I crashed onto the floor, blood already seeping from my knees. I turned, glaring at them. “Don’t you dare forget who I am. How dare you stop me?!” The bodyguards were expressionless. “We only follow Ms. Jiang’s orders.” I was forced to kneel for ten hours. The blood beneath me had already stained the floor crimson, but I stubbornly tried to get up. When they kicked me again, my body went limp, and I passed out. The two bodyguards exchanged glances, then called Stella. “He fainted after only a few hours of kneeling? He must be faking it again. He’s at the hospital, he won’t die. Don’t bother with him.” When I woke up, I was still lying on the cold floor. The bodyguards were gone. Ignoring the pain in my knees, I staggered, leaning against the wall, to the morgue. But when I saw Chloe, there was a gaping hole in her chest. Her heart had been taken!

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296714”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

During the earthquake, my husband and his secretary were kissing under the debris. My hands were raw, bleeding from digging to save him. Their kiss, however, was splashed across the media, hailed as a testament to enduring love in the face of disaster. “Anya, Willow and I are trending as the ‘rubble romance’ couple. For the company’s sake, let’s get a fake divorce at the courthouse. Once this blows over, we’ll remarry.” Damon and I had kept our marriage a secret for seven years. He always said a single image was better for the company. “Clear your stuff out of the master bedroom. Willow’s moving in.” “Don’t worry, though, you can stay in the maid’s room.” I calmly packed my bags. He didn’t know this time, I was actually going to divorce him for real. At their wedding, I stepped into another man’s Maybach. “The reporters will be here any minute.” Damon frowned slightly. “Willow’s not familiar with the house, so you’ll act as a maid and look after her.” Willow gave me a playful smirk. “Oh, you’re too kind, Damon’s wife. But you’re dressed so nicely to serve me, you don’t really look like a maid, do you?” Hearing that, Damon’s eyes lingered on me. “Change your clothes.” “Take off that bracelet and give it to Willow.” The jade bracelet on my wrist was a gift from Mrs. Harrington the day Damon and I got married. She said it was a Harrington family heirloom, passed down to the daughter-in-law. I’d been abandoned at an orphanage as a child, and Mrs. Harrington took me home when I was nine. She cherished me like her own daughter, showering me with love, making up for the mom I never had. “Anya, don’t make me say it twice,” Damon said, his voice flat. I’d heard that tone before, at his birthday party. That day, Willow complimented my dress, and Damon ordered me to change. When I refused, he had someone forcibly remove my dress right there. The burn scars on my back, from saving him years ago, were exposed for everyone to see. He just covered Willow’s eyes and said blandly, “Don’t look, it’s disgusting.” I took off the bracelet and handed it to Willow. “This is a Harrington family jade heirloom, meant for the daughter-in-law. It’s only right for you to have it.” Damon seemed pleased with my obedience. His tone softened. “Anya, I’ll give it back to you after the interview.” The moment the bracelet touched Willow’s hand, she reacted as if stung, crying out that her wrist was hurting and itching. Damon immediately threw the bracelet to the ground, glaring at me furiously. “Anya, did you tamper with the bracelet on purpose?” I stared at the bracelet, now shattered into several pieces, and many memories in my heart began to crack as well. I mumbled, unable to utter a single word. Damon’s face darkened further. “I knew you wouldn’t say anything. Anya, no one needs to constantly babysit your emotions.” I used to love talking to him. But ever since Willow came into his life, I slowly stopped speaking. If he didn’t come home late at night and I asked about it, he’d complain I talked too much, that I was annoying, unlike Willow who could actually help him. When he drank too much and hurt his stomach, if I showed concern, he’d still complain I only gave hindsight warnings, unlike Willow who was more thoughtful. Even during intimacy in bed, he’d suddenly get a cold look, get up, and head straight for a cold shower, not forgetting to lecture me in between. Chapter 2 “You should watch some movies, learn a thing or two. Your moans are a total turn-off.” “Willow’s so much better at it than you.” I sat on the bed, shame creeping all over my body. “Alright, clean up the floor. The interviewers are arriving.” I picked up the shattered jade pieces and stood beside Willow. Willow and Damon sat together, a picture-perfect couple. After some routine questions, the reporter suddenly asked, “Miss Willow, when did you first fall for Mr. Harrington?” “Oh, I’m a bit embarrassed to say, with so many people watching,” Willow said, lowering her head shyly. Damon affectionately ruffled her hair. “Willow, I’m curious about that answer too.” Willow tilted her head, pondering. “Let me think… I guess it was New Year’s Day. I was working late at the office, and the power suddenly went out. I sent him a text saying I was scared, and ten minutes later, he appeared right in front of me!” Her eyes sparkled like stars. “Seeing him covered in snow, looking so worried, I knew right then and there he must love me.” The interviewing reporters couldn’t help but sigh about true love. Damon chimed in with some of their “love story memories.” I watched it all calmly, but my hands, hidden beneath my sleeves, were clenched into fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. On New Year’s Day, I had accompanied Damon back to his family estate for dinner. On the way home, after he took a call, he just left me by the roadside. No money, no phone. I walked for three hours in high heels and a thin evening gown. When I finally got home in the early hours, Damon whispered, “Willow was working late at the office today, and our house is too far away, so I let her stay overnight.” “Be quiet, she’s a light sleeper, and she just finally fell asleep.” I took off my heels, my frostbitten purple feet hitting the ground, each step feeling like walking on knives. The pain in my feet couldn’t mask the ache in my heart. While showering, I couldn’t help but let out muffled sobs, hidden by the running water. The interview ended. The director of the shoot suggested taking a few simple candid shots of Willow. Damon spoke up. “Anya, come here and assist my wife.” The director, standing nearby, then looked at me. “I never would have guessed Mr. Harrington’s maid could be so breathtakingly beautiful. I wonder if I could invite you to dinner after the shoot?” The director’s scrutinizing gaze lingered on me. I instinctively recoiled, trying to hide behind Damon. Willow smiled and answered for me. “Of course, no problem. Damon, the director worked so hard for our shoot today, why don’t we let Anya accompany them to dinner tonight? It’ll be our way of saying thanks.” Damon ignored my pleading gaze. After a moment’s thought, he nodded. My voice choked. “Damon, I don’t want to go.” His brows furrowed with irritation. “Anya, it’s just dinner.” “Can’t you see how that director was looking at me?” “Anya, if you carry yourself with dignity, no one can touch you.” Damon dropped a chilling statement. “Willow has already agreed. If you make her lose face, you know the consequences.” Damon and I used to visit the orphanage kids regularly every month. One time, Willow insisted on coming along. Chapter 3 The kids at the orphanage drew a picture for Damon and me, but left Willow out. Willow cried, saying the children didn’t like her and that she felt humiliated. That same day, Damon had the orphanage emptied, cutting off all food and water supplies, until I knelt and begged Willow, only then did he spare the children. My voice was hoarse. “Damon, let’s go get divorced right now.” He scoffed. “Anya, don’t pull that stunt with me.” Damon’s bodyguards tied me up and shoved me into the director’s car. In the private room, I was forced to drink glass after glass of alcohol until I completely blacked out. When I woke up, my stomach was churning with pain. I struggled to sit up, and Damon walked in, radiating anger. When he saw me, he paused slightly. “Why do you look so pale?” I gave a bitter smile. “Isn’t this all thanks to you?” Damon’s flicker of concern vanished, his eyes gradually hardening into a layer of ice. “Hah, I must have been overthinking it. After all, you had quite a fun time last night.” I shot back, “What are you talking about?” He threw a stack of photos in front of me. “Anya, does any man make you just throw yourself at him?” I flipped through the photos, one by one. They were all of me in different men’s arms. Memories flashed back with the pictures, and I couldn’t help but dry heave. Remembering Willow’s and the director’s glances from yesterday, I suddenly understood everything. “You should ask Willow where these photos came from.” Damon pinched my chin. “Anya, when did you become so cunning?” I struggled free from his grip. “Damon, you know perfectly well I can’t drink a single drop of alcohol.” “If you know you can’t drink, then why did you drink?” I gave a bitter laugh, tears streaming down my face. “Then why did you force me to go?” Damon’s hand, which he had extended towards me, retreated behind his back. “If you had begged me a few more times, maybe I wouldn’t have let you go.” I curled up inside the covers, muffling a quiet plea. “Just go, I’m tired.” Damon’s voice came through the blanket. “Anya, tomorrow we’ll go to the courthouse to sign the divorce papers. Willow’s worked hard cooperating with me lately. I asked her what she wanted as a reward, and that silly girl only wants a wedding.” “It’s her only wish, I can’t refuse.” Under the covers, I bit my lip tightly. The wedding I had pleaded for, time and time again, he now casually gave to someone else. After hearing Damon’s footsteps fade away, I dialled a number with trembling hands. “I want to leave.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296713”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I hated my mother most that year. To earn my forgiveness, she personally sent her best friend to my bed. After one night, I was hooked. Three months later, my wife got pregnant, and I forgave my mother. Four months after that, I used my business acumen to multiply their assets tenfold. From then on, I became Veridia City’s most talked-about financial wizard. Every time I made an investment, my mother, the city’s richest person, and my wife, the second richest, would personally oversee it, ensuring my success. Everyone envied me, saying I had it all. But on the day of the high-stakes deal, I leveraged 100x, and both my mother and wife were absent. My wife placed a kiss on my lips, “We’ll celebrate properly tonight…” I smiled, watching them leave. During the meeting, my opponent, seeing my mother and wife weren’t there, made malicious bids. I called their cell phones, but no one picked up. Five years of planning, all for nothing. Just as I worried something had happened to them, an anonymous video popped up on my phone— My mother was wearing a wedding dress, standing beside Arthur, the man who had driven my father to his death years ago. Their illegitimate son wore a groom’s suit, carefully embracing my four-month pregnant, delicate wife. “Double the celebrations!” someone in the video cheered, raising a glass. “Congratulations to Mrs. Sterling for welcoming her true love, and congratulations to Ms. Blackwell for marrying her fated love!” At the end of the video, my mother’s voice drifted softly: “You and Julian got a fake marriage certificate. Today, you actually legally married Leo. Who exactly is the father of the child in your belly?” Scarlett smiled faintly, responding: “Leo has been an illegitimate child his entire life. I couldn’t bear for his child to call someone else ‘Dad’.” Turns out, the child I had eagerly awaited wasn’t mine after all. I clenched my jaw, leaving the meeting. My phone kept buzzing with new messages— It was an appointment for a tubal ligation, and a line of text: “If you’re willing, your child with Scarlett will be my only descendant in this life.”

After leaving the hospital, I wandered aimlessly through the streets. The giant screen in the mall was playing a family exclusive interview from three months ago, right after my wife had gotten pregnant. My mother held up the auctioned diamond, explaining to the camera, “This ‘Heart of the Ocean’ is a gift for my future grandchild. The value isn’t important; what matters is the legacy.” Scarlett gently squeezed my hand, her eyes glistening. “Julian never truly experienced the warmth of a complete family growing up. Now, I can finally give him a real home.” The screen froze on the moment we smiled at each other. Below, the subtitle “Veridia City’s Happiest Family” scrolled by. I gritted my teeth, forcing back the burning sensation in my eyes. Just then, my phone rang. It was Scarlett. Before, whenever I heard her dedicated ringtone, I’d answer without a moment’s hesitation. But now, I hesitated for a long time. Finally, I picked up just before the call disconnected. I heard Chloe, Scarlett’s best friend, teasing her on the other end: “Scarlett finally got what she wanted! When Leo went abroad, she turned the entire Veridia City upside down looking for him. Now, to help Leo reclaim the Sterling Group, she even humbled herself to play along with that bigshot for two years.” “Ha, Scarlett still has her charm! Last time, Julian’s legs went weak from her kisses; he was practically leaning against the wall. No wonder he didn’t even need a marriage license, and willingly raised someone else’s child!” “Tsk, tsk, he’s the one who despised illegitimate children the most. Who would’ve thought he, who detested illegitimacy, ended up raising one as his own son!” “If you ask me, the real kicker is today’s scene! Leo said, ‘If my dad doesn’t get married, neither will I,’ and Scarlett convinced Eleanor to marry Arthur. Father and son both marrying into high society! Veridia City hasn’t seen drama like this in ages!” Chapter

I clenched my phone tightly, a ragged gasp escaping my throat. Then, Scarlett’s icy voice suddenly came through the phone. “Who touched my phone?” The clamor ceased instantly. “Honey? Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you not feeling well?” Scarlett’s voice was flawlessly gentle. It was as if those vicious words from earlier had been my hallucination. I opened my mouth, wanting to talk about divorce. But I suddenly realized our marriage certificate was fake; I didn’t even have the right to suggest divorce. Just then, a gentle male voice came from the other end of the line. “Baby, you’re pregnant; you shouldn’t stand for too long, your back will ache…” Scarlett clearly panicked for a moment. “Honey, I have an urgent matter here. I’ll come back to you later.” Without waiting for my response, the call was abruptly hung up. I don’t know how long I sat in the living room before I heard the villa’s front door open. My mom and Scarlett pushed the door open, their faces still beaming with fading joy. “Julian, Mom specially bought these for you from Switzerland; they’re all-natural brain-boosting supplements.” Scarlett came to me and leaned down, massaging the dark circles under my eyes. “Why didn’t we have a celebration party? Are you upset we weren’t there? I’ll ask Ms. Miller to reschedule for tomorrow, okay?” The two of them spoke enthusiastically, then froze when they saw I remained silent. Scarlett gave a barely perceptible shake of her head, signaling that the wedding news hadn’t leaked. I handed Scarlett a document. “Sign this.” My mother deliberately said with a touch of sarcasm, “My son now prioritizes his wife when signing contracts.” Scarlett didn’t even glance at it, signing her name with a flourish. “We’re one. What’s mine is yours. No need to be so distant in the future.” She smiled, returning the document to me. As she spoke, both their phones rang simultaneously. My mother patted my shoulder. “There’s an urgent company matter; we’ll go handle it in B Block.” Scarlett blew me a kiss. “B Block was expanded for you, so Mom and I can work without being too far from you.” With that, they hurried away. The two bride’s badges that fell from my pocket reminded me that tonight was their wedding night. I looked down at the document that read “Julian and Scarlett Sever All Financial Ties,” and laughed until tears streamed down my face. With this, all my investment gains were no longer connected to Scarlett. I, Julian, could love, and I could let go. After finishing the last cigarette, I dialed Mr. Davies’ number. “Mr. Davies, I need to end the share custody agreement early, and also—terminate all preferential treatment for Blackwell Corp.” 2 “Mr. Sterling, after initiating the inheritance process, 72% of Sterling Group shares will be transferred to your name within 10 days.” Mr. Davies paused, then added, “When your father passed away… he had thorough asset protection in place. Mr. Sterling marrying your mother won’t allow him to take a single cent from Sterling Group.” I grunted, then hung up. The year my father died, my mother knelt in front of the mourning hall, sobbing uncontrollably. She slapped herself repeatedly, saying her indiscretion while drunk was unforgivable to my father and me. I stayed hidden in my room all day, refusing to eat. It was Scarlett who brought me porridge, patiently spoon-feeding me until I swallowed. “Your father, up in heaven, would want you to be happy.” Those words helped me get through it. And they made me give her my whole heart. Only now did I understand the calculated manipulation hidden behind that gentleness. My phone vibrated endlessly. Photo after photo flooded in. A young Scarlett embracing Leo on a cruise ship, kissing him, fingers intertwined in the snow. Each photo was captioned “My Dearest Leo.” Turns out, my honeymoon itinerary was just a re-visitation of their old haunts. Chapter

“Bro, that hotel suite where you stayed for your honeymoon, the bedsheets still had traces of our passion on them.” “Scarlett said she felt safest sleeping by your side every night, right? Do you believe I could call her away right now?” Leo’s voice message turned my stomach. “Ugh—” Just as I finished throwing up, the door was suddenly pushed open by Scarlett. “Julian? Drunk again? I’ll make you something light right away!” She moved quickly, and soon brought in a steaming bowl of bird’s nest porridge. It was a stomach-soothing dish she’d specially learned from a Michelin chef. To learn it, her delicate fingers got three big blisters. My wife’s eyes held expectation, as if waiting for me to hug her tightly, moved, like before. Seeing my lack of reaction, she froze for a moment. Then, she skillfully massaged my temples. “Scarlett,” I suddenly spoke. “Have you lied to me about anything? If you tell me now…” Scarlett, just considering how you held onto me when I tried to jump out that window, not letting go even if I pulled you down with me… I’ll give you one last chance. “What are you talking about? You and our child are my true loves.” I watched her flawless act. It was utterly ridiculous. Scarlett carefully studied my expression, then chuckled softly. “I knew it. You always say things like this when you want me to coax you.” With that, she leaned in to kiss me. Outside the window, a sudden clap of thunder exploded. I instinctively ducked under the bedframe. It sounds ridiculous, a grown man, yet terrified of thunder. It was because my father had caught my mother cheating and fell from the building during a thunderstorm. But I hadn’t been afraid of thunder in so many years. After meeting Scarlett, I thought I’d found the security of a home. But now, tears and snot streamed uncontrollably. Scarlett held me tightly. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.” Her embrace was still so warm, yet I shivered uncontrollably. Just then, a servant rushed in and whispered something in Scarlett’s ear. Her face immediately changed, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Can’t you see Mr. Sterling is right here!” She patted my back dismissively, her eyes constantly darting towards the door. “Sleep, I’ll stay here with you.” But after confirming I was “asleep,” she ran out without a backward glance. My phone screen flickered on and off in the darkness. The photos Leo sent were more and more explicit. Disheveled sheets, Scarlett’s alluring back, and a bunny tail accessory, wet with fluid. The last voice message was accompanied by triumphant gasps. [Bro, your wife hasn’t let you touch her since she got pregnant, has she? But she can’t resist me. We just did it three times again…] [Heard Scarlett hasn’t told you the baby’s name yet? Our baby’s name is Nia.] As he spoke, Leo revealed a tattoo on his chest, identical in location to Scarlett’s. “Boom!” My ears rang. So, on our wedding night, when I touched the “my only love” tattoo on her chest and cried, moved… the complex emotion that flashed in her eyes wasn’t gratitude, but guilt. Every time she passionately whispered “my only love,” her mind was always on someone else. For three years, I had been living a monumental lie. I sat numbly through the night until dawn. Finally, I replied to the number that had been waiting: [That child isn’t mine. You don’t need to get a tubal ligation. Let’s work together.] 3 The next morning, I was awakened by a commotion. The grand hall was filled with Veridia City’s elite, all gathered to celebrate my birthday. I froze. Chapter

I hadn’t celebrated my birthday in ten years, not since my father passed away. I looked around; all the portraits of my father, the head of the Sterling family, on the walls had been replaced with portraits of Arthur. Mr. Jenkins, the butler, said obsequiously, “The madam specifically ordered it, saying it would make young master Leo happy.” Guests buzzed with whispers. “Did you hear? All those prime commercial properties Mr. Sterling Sr. left behind have been transferred to Mr. Arthur’s name.” “Tsk, tsk, the original wife worked hard her whole life, only for it to benefit her step-son.” “Shhh! Keep your voice down. He’s the rightful man of the house now.” Arthur stood beside my mother, his tone gentle but every word a stab. “I know young master Julian dislikes me, but today is a joyous occasion. I just wish for one small thing: to serve your mother for the rest of her life, and to care for this home in place of your deceased father.” He made no mention that today was also my father’s death anniversary. Seeing my eyes bloodshot, my mother lightly smoothed things over. “Arthur is your elder now. It’s kind of him to organize your birthday. Be more generous.” Before her words even faded, Leo appeared, holding Scarlett’s hand. “Happy birthday, my prince.” Scarlett spoke tenderly, handing me a black and gold gift box. “My God! That’s the exclusive packaging for the ‘True Love’s Heart’ brooch from Castlerock Auction House!” a guest exclaimed. “A mysterious buyer bought it for an exorbitant price last month. I can’t believe it’s Ms. Blackwell!” “What sentimental princess act! Julian’s life is too good!” But I didn’t care. Highlight auction piece, sentimental princess act—I didn’t care about any of it. I only cared about the mechanical watch on Leo’s wrist. That watch had been passed down from my grandfather and had accompanied my father his entire life. The strap had been replaced seven times, the face broken three times, and he always said the repair costs were enough to buy a new one. Yet, he personally took it for maintenance every year. On his deathbed, my father passed the watch to me, saying this old object would keep me company on my future path. “Take it off.” My voice trembled as I stared fixedly at him. Leo shivered slightly, his eyes watering, and he glanced inadvertently at Scarlett. The guests were shocked by my bluntness toward Scarlett, all gasping. Scarlett’s tone was gentle, yet authoritative. “Julian, stop it. If you like this style, I’ll invite the designer to the house tomorrow and have a new one custom-made for you, okay?” But I heard nothing, only focused on charging at Leo. Scarlett seemed frightened by me. “Julian! Calm down! The doctor said your blood pressure is high and you shouldn’t get agitated!” “Ah!” Leo suddenly fell to his knees, yanking the watch off without loosening the strap, smashing it on the ground. His wrist was covered in bloody scratches, the watch face shattered. “I know you look down on my father and me! You always bullied me!” In school, he used to self-harm like this, then cry and claim I hit him. Since then, everyone thought Julian Sterling, the eldest son, was arrogant and tyrannical, always picking on others. Guests whispered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with disdain. “Julian Sterling is indeed arrogant…” “An illegitimate child is still Sterling blood; why be so cruel?” Scarlett rushed to get gauze to wrap Leo’s bleeding wrist, giving me a cold look for the first time. “Julian, apologize.” 4 But I remained unresponsive. Watching my father’s heirloom shattered on the floor, my vision blurred. Scarlett looked at me in shock, reaching out to help me. “Julian…” Just then, Leo pretended to help me up, but as he got close, he suddenly shoved me. My lower back hit a metal railing hard, and excruciating pain instantly spread through my body. Leo, however, fell into the cake, his face smeared with cream, looking utterly disheveled. “Bro, I just wanted to apologize! Why did you push me?” “Leo!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296712”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

“Mom—” Those two, mother and daughter, had actually killed my only blood-related mother, all because Elara’s new fling was upset! She was already on borrowed time, yet she had to endure such a brutal blow. I stumbled, hoisting my blood-soaked mother onto my back, and rushed to the hospital without a moment’s delay. Only an intern doctor looked at me with a pained expression. “I’m so sorry, but a very important person’s husband got hurt – just a cut on his finger, really – and she called all the specialists over…” I gently placed my mother on a hospital bed, then, without a second’s hesitation, I bolted towards that important person’s private room. *Thud—* I dropped to my knees, utterly stripped of all dignity, my voice so hoarse it was unrecognizable. “Please, I beg you, save my mother.” I looked up, only to see Elara and Daisy standing guard on either side of Julian. They looked like the perfect, happy family. It turned out the “important person” the intern doctor mentioned was Elara. Julian leaned against Elara’s shoulder, feigning timidity. “Ryder, wasn’t stealing my mother’s keepsake enough? Now you’re even lying that your mother died? Are you intentionally trying to snatch Elara away from me?” As his words fell, Elara’s face instantly changed, her eyes blazing with fury. “Try lying to me about your mother again, and see if I don’t cancel that surgery for good!” My heart twisted with agony, I choked out my pleas, tears streaming down my face. “I’m not lying, I swear! My mother is in room 303 right now…” “Stop causing trouble!” Daisy’s cold voice cut me off. Her eyes darted around, calculating. “You’ve upset Uncle Julian so much he can’t even sleep peacefully. How about this: you lick his shoes for a minute as an apology to him, and I’ll help you beg Mom to save Grandma.” I stared, utterly incredulous. The cold indifference in Daisy’s eyes was almost identical to Elara’s. I couldn’t understand when these two had become so heartless. It was Elara who had proposed to me a hundred times before I finally believed she wasn’t just playing games. After we married, she remained devoted, showering all her tenderness on me alone. We had a beautiful daughter, Daisy, who adored me from a young age, always saying I was the best dad in the world. But then Julian appeared, and everything changed. I looked at Elara, my face ashen. She, who’d never lifted a finger in her life, was now spoon-feeding chicken soup to Julian. She didn’t even spare me a glance. I remembered my mother’s pale face. I bit down hard on my lower lip, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. For Mom, I would endure. I no longer hesitated, half-prostrated on the ground, I humiliatingly stuck out my tongue. Again and again, I licked Julian’s leather shoes sparkling clean. Julian lifted his head in disgust. “Don’t think for a second that this means I’ll forgive you for the pain you caused me. That was the only thing my mother left me!” Chapter 2 A flicker of smug satisfaction quickly crossed his eyes. He had a mother; didn’t mine deserve to live? The agonizing minute finally ended. Like a drowning man grabbing a lifeline, I clutched Elara’s sleeve. “Now, can we save my mother?” She yanked her hand away with a look of utter revulsion. “I’m not the one who promised you.” I turned my pleading gaze to Daisy. She looked down at me from above, letting out a sneer. “As long as Uncle Julian doesn’t forgive you, neither will we!” My mind went utterly blank, a deafening buzz filling my ears. I finally understood: these two were just trying to get even for Julian. They were making me beg forgiveness from the very person who had orchestrated my mother’s death. But I had no other choice. Like a broken automaton, I slammed my forehead to the ground, again and again. With each dull thud, I felt a warm stream run down my forehead. “Julian, I’m so sorry. Please, I beg you, save my mother…” Julian’s face twisted with a feigned reluctance. He magnanimously helped me up. But the words he whispered in my ear were pure poison. “Why would I save your mother? I want you to see with your own eyes how your wife and daughter abandon you and choose me. I deliberately swapped that dummy for your mother!”

My blood ran cold. My heart was pierced by a thousand invisible daggers. My eyes widened. I lunged at him, heedless of the consequences. Punch after punch, his face was quickly covered in blood. Elara and Daisy finally reacted, rushing to pull me away. Elara roared, “Ryder! Who gave you the audacity to hit my man?!” For the first time, I shrugged off both of them and bolted towards room 303, as if my life depended on it. Through the wide-open door of the hospital room, my mother lay, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, her eyes filled with unspeakable sorrow. “My son, if Mom isn’t here anymore, you must take good care of yourself…” My eyes welled up with tears. I was about to rush in and take her to another hospital, but I was stopped just a few steps from the room. A group of bodyguards, without a word, dragged me away like a piece of trash. “Let me go! Let me go!” Despite my desperate shouts, the bodyguards sped up. I watched helplessly as my mother’s face grew paler and paler. Just as my vision blurred and disappeared, I saw her hand fall lifelessly onto the hospital bed. In the operating room. The moment Elara saw me, she didn’t say a word, just raised her hand and slapped me. *SLAP!*

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296711”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Everyone in the city knew Julian was utterly obsessed with Eleanor. They’d been married for eight years, but Eleanor still faced constant criticism from Julian’s family elders for not having children. Julian’s grandma, in particular, had tried to force him to divorce and remarry countless times. He stood his ground, defying her and enduring her wrath, even when it meant pushing himself to the brink of collapse. He wouldn’t give in. “Eleanor, she’s the only one for me, this lifetime.” Then, Julian’s grandma brought a girl from her hometown and practically shoved her at Julian. Her name was Brooke. With her ruddy cheeks and a thick country accent, she looked completely out of place. Julian’s disdain for her was obvious. “She’s a complete country bumpkin, not even worthy of a single strand of Eleanor’s hair.” Eleanor never even bothered to look at her. How could some naive country girl ever compare to a sophisticated heiress like her? Until two months later, Eleanor overheard the house staff gossiping: “That country girl has some tricks up her sleeve. She’s pregnant already! Julian’s grandma must be relieved now, right?” “It’s strange, though. She got pregnant on the first try.” “Mr. Julian never even looked at her properly. That little sparrow really hit the jackpot, didn’t she? From rags to riches, just like that.” **Chapter 1** Eleanor’s nails dug into her palms as she clenched her fists, her mind a blank. When she suggested divorce, Julian had knelt in the pouring rain for a full day and night. He’d said, “Eleanor, I’m so sorry. I was drunk that night, I mistook her for you…” “Don’t worry, I’ll send her away immediately!” Eleanor looked at him, shivering, his lips blue from the cold. Her heart softened. But six months later, Eleanor saw him at the hospital, accompanying Brooke for a prenatal check-up. Julian’s eyes were red as he explained, “Grandma found out she was pregnant and threatened to take her own life. I had no choice but to hide her in the suburban villa.” “As soon as she has the baby, I’ll give it to Grandma and be done with it. It won’t affect our lives, I promise.” She gave him another chance. Until three days ago, ruthless kidnappers mistakenly identified Brooke as Eleanor and snatched her. Julian, who always claimed he didn’t care about Brooke, panicked the moment he received the kidnappers’ call. “Any amount of money! Just don’t hurt Brooke!” But what the kidnappers wanted wasn’t money. It was “Mrs. Julian’s” life. Julian’s eyes were bloodshot as he grabbed Eleanor’s shoulders, begging. “Eleanor, please, you go rescue Brooke. She’s timid and pregnant, I’m scared… I promise I’ll come save you as soon as she’s safe, okay?” Eleanor snapped back to reality. His address for Brooke had changed from “country bumpkin” to “Brooke” and now “Brookie.” Without realizing it, Brooke had carved out a place in Julian’s heart. Eleanor gave a bitter laugh. “What if I don’t go?” A cold glint flashed in Julian’s eyes. “Eleanor, Brooke is carrying the heir to the Julian family. This would be your contribution to our family legacy.” “Don’t worry, I promise I’ll save you.” She sniffled, her voice trembling and breaking in two. “What if… I don’t make it back?” Julian frowned. “Eleanor! Lives are at stake! Can’t you be more understanding?” Watching his resolute expression, her heart shattered into a million pieces. Eleanor closed her eyes in despair the moment Julian pushed her towards the kidnappers. At the same time, Brooke, clutching her belly, lunged towards Julian. “Brooke!” Julian’s expression changed instantly, his voice laced with a tremor. “It’s good you’re safe…” She leaned weakly into Julian’s embrace, reaching out. “I’m so scared I won’t be able to keep your baby…” Julian’s eyes reddened instantly. He scooped her up and rushed out. “I won’t let anything happen to you! I absolutely won’t!” He ran so fast, he didn’t even glance at Eleanor, who was being shoved by the kidnappers. She stumbled and fell onto the hard concrete ground, but felt no pain. In a daze, she remembered the day Julian confessed his love to her. He’d held her close, repeating, “Eleanor, in this life, I’ll never let anyone hurt you.” Now, thinking back, how ridiculous it all seemed. Eleanor was bound at the feet and thrown into the ocean. As she sank deeper and deeper, she gradually lost consciousness. **Chapter 2** When Eleanor woke up, she saw Julian by her side. “Eleanor, you’re finally awake!” She thought he was relieved by her safe return, but his next sentence was: “Now Brooke can rest easy. You don’t know how guilty she felt.” … Eleanor pulled her hand away. “Guilty? I’m sure that’s not the only thing she should feel guilty about, is it? Like climbing into the master’s bed and getting pre—” Julian’s face instantly darkened. “Didn’t we agree not to bring that up again? I explained why we kept the baby.” Meeting her gaze, Julian softened his tone. “Brooke kept saying she wanted to apologize to you in person, but I made her keep it a secret. I was afraid you’d leave me if you found out.” Eleanor: ??? “Besides, you’re back safe and sound now. Do you really have to dwell on this?” Eleanor paused, then said with a hint of sarcasm, “Have you ever thought that if the kidnappers hadn’t chosen to drown me, but to use a knife, I might already be dead?” Julian scowled and clicked his tongue. Brooke suddenly rushed in, kneeling at Eleanor’s bedside, sobbing. “It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have brought Mr. Julian hangover soup when he was drunk, and I definitely shouldn’t have kept his baby!” Julian immediately helped her up and sat her gently beside him, coaxing her in a soft voice. “I was the one who couldn’t control myself. How could this be your fault?” “Besides, Grandma made you keep the baby. You’re just a country girl, it’s not like you could make your own decisions.” Julian dotingly rubbed her swollen belly. “Don’t overthink things anymore. It’s not good for the baby.” Brooke’s tears turned into a smile, and she pouted, blushing, “Mr. Julian, I want to eat the roasted chestnuts from that shop on the east side of town.” Julian didn’t hesitate for a second. He got up and started to leave. “Wait patiently, I’ll go buy them for you right now.” Eleanor watched him with cold eyes, her chest aching as if a thousand-pound stone was pressing down on it. Only the two of them remained in the room. Brooke, clutching her waist, feigned to kneel again. “Mr. Julian is being so kind to me now just to ensure a smooth delivery. He only has you in his heart, I know I don’t deserve to stay by his side.” Eleanor wasn’t in the mood for her act. “Julian’s gone. You can drop the charade now.” “Julian offered you a hundred million back then to leave, but you’d rather work as a maid just to stay, and you even schemed to get pregnant with his child. I know exactly what kind of person you are.” Brooke’s expression instantly froze. Eleanor lowered her gaze. “Rotten love is like a rotten apple. I won’t take another bite.” “I’ll finalize the divorce papers as soon as possible. If you want to be the legitimate Mrs. Julian, it’s up to you to get him to sign them.” Brooke’s eyebrows twitched. “Mrs. Julian, you misunderstand. I never thought of becoming Mrs. Julian…” “I’m only giving you one chance. It’s your decision.” A moment later, Brooke bowed ninety degrees. “On behalf of the Julian family’s eldest grandson in my belly, thank you for making this possible, Mrs. Julian.” Julian family’s eldest grandson? Eleanor gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Then I wish your family of three a life of happiness.” After Brooke left, Eleanor signed the discharge papers and checked out. Returning to the house she’d lived in for eight years, she saw the photo wall in the living room, adorned with thousands of photos. There was Julian’s flushed face on the day he successfully confessed his love, and Eleanor’s tear-streaked face of joy when he proposed in Bali. Everywhere she looked were beautiful memories of her and Julian. She called the maids to take all the photos down and piled them in the yard, burning them clean. She’d once thought she would grow old with Julian, but she never imagined that an unassuming country girl could so easily shatter the vows Julian had made. From now on, she and Julian would go their separate ways. Chapter 3 Perhaps out of guilt for Eleanor, Julian had his secretary send her an invitation to the Paris Fashion Week. Going to Paris Fashion Week had been an annual ritual for her and Julian. Along with it came a red velvet slip dress and a Cartier jewelry set. While she was lost in thought, Julian hugged her from behind, his voice soft. “Eleanor, are you still mad at me?” Eleanor’s voice trembled as she replied, “No,” her eyes immediately welling up. Julian kissed her earlobe. “I knew you wouldn’t really stay mad at me. Once Brooke gives birth, everything will go back to how it was.” Eleanor wanted to ask him, could they really go back? Brooke was already a barrier between them, an uncrossable chasm. Julian’s breath against her ear grew ragged, and one hand gripped her waist, pressing her forward. Eleanor thought of him treating Brooke the same way, and a bitter taste filled her mouth. She subtly moved away. “The flight’s tonight. I’ll go pack my luggage.” Julian was left wanting more but didn’t press her. He suddenly remembered the empty photo wall upstairs and casually asked, “Eleanor, where did all the photos on the wall go?” Eleanor’s eyelashes fluttered. “They were old. I wanted to take some new ones to hang up.” Julian didn’t suspect a thing. “Sounds good. We’ll take plenty of new ones when we go to Paris.” At dawn, Julian’s car pulled up to the villa. When the driver took Eleanor’s suitcase, his eyes darted away, as if he wanted to say something but held back. She immediately had a bad feeling. Sure enough, the rear car door opened, and Brooke was sitting next to Julian. She was wearing a linen maternity dress, her ruddy cheeks giving her a rustic yet natural look. She nervously rubbed her hands, her voice humble and ingratiating. “Mrs. Julian, I… I pestered Mr. Julian to let me come. Please don’t blame him…” Before Eleanor could speak, Julian anxiously shielded Brooke behind him. “I wasn’t comfortable leaving her alone in the country. Brooke even said she was afraid you’d think she was intruding on our private time.” Eleanor’s lips curled into a smile. His gesture of protecting Brooke was so familiar. For the past eight years, whenever the Julian family elders had reprimanded her, he had always protected her the same way. The two of them, singing in unison, made it sound as if Eleanor was some sort of fearsome monster. To Julian’s surprise, Eleanor merely said, “Whatever,” and sat in the back. Her unusual behavior caught Julian off guard. He observed Eleanor through the rearview mirror. She seemed too calm, which made him uneasy. Brooke gently tugged his sleeve. “Mr. Julian, I’m thirsty…” Julian frowned. “Water’s in the drawer to your right.” Brooke froze. Ever since she’d been pregnant, Julian had taken meticulous care of her, doing everything himself. When she heard he was going to Paris with Eleanor, she’d started complaining about stomach pains early on. Julian had been very nervous, almost canceling the trip. It was she who “sensibly” consoled him, “Mr. Julian, I’m fine, don’t worry about me. Go with Mrs. Julian.” How could Julian agree? He frowned in thought for a moment. “Brooke, why don’t you come with us? It’ll be easier for me to look after you.” Only then did she reluctantly agree to join them. Eleanor hadn’t cried or made a fuss, and had simply agreed. She was originally relieved, but Julian’s expression clearly showed he still cared about Eleanor. Brooke resented it inwardly, but her face remained serene. She deliberately exposed her bulging belly as she reached for the water, tiny beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Julian’s attention was indeed drawn back to her. He quickly helped her sit properly. “You’re pregnant, how can you move around so much while the car’s moving?” He then leaned over and attentively buckled her seatbelt, adjusting the tension. Brooke seized the opportunity to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Mr. Julian.” Julian’s body stiffened, and his eyes darted to Eleanor in the back. Seeing that she was looking out the window and hadn’t noticed, he let out a slight sigh of relief. Chapter 4 The car came to a stop, and Eleanor got out first, walking ahead. Julian carefully helped Brooke, following behind her. They walked from the entrance to the VIP lounge, attracting countless gazes. “Wow, that man is so handsome and attentive, constantly supporting his pregnant wife.” “His wife looks pretty plain, but the woman in sunglasses in front of them is a top-tier beauty!” “What’s the point of being pretty? She’s still all alone, no one loves her.” Brooke proudly glanced at the gossiping bystanders, holding her head high, acting every bit the wealthy lady. These words fell into Eleanor’s ears, every single one of them. After settling Brooke, Julian sat in the seat next to Eleanor. “Eleanor, don’t be mad at Brooke. She’s from the countryside, everything is new and exciting to her.” Eleanor ignored him. He awkwardly covered her with a blanket. “Ouch!” Brooke’s gasp came from behind. She clutched her belly, her face pale as she leaned back in her seat. “I tried to get up to grab a blanket, but I twisted my ankle… It hurts so much…” Julian’s face changed instantly. He forcefully pushed Eleanor aside. He half-knelt, gently massaging Brooke’s ankle, his movements as tender as if he were handling a fragile piece of art. Eleanor’s heart ached, remembering last year when she fell off a swing and sprained her wrist. Julian had been so heartbroken he’d cried, staying by her side almost constantly until she recovered. At that moment, she finally believed that love doesn’t die; it simply migrates. For the next dozen hours, Julian stayed by Brooke’s side. “Mr. Julian, can you tell the baby a story? He loves listening to them.” “Okay, little one, Daddy is going to tell you the story of *The Little Prince* today.” “On a distant planet, lived a little prince… In the end, he decided to return to his beloved rose.” Only when a tear fell onto her hand did Eleanor realize she was already in tears. She put on her earphones, swallowed a few sleeping pills indiscriminately, and drifted into a groggy sleep. She didn’t know how long she slept, but her throat felt like it was on fire. She struggled to get up and pour herself a glass of water, hearing laughter from the back. “Mr. Julian, who do you think the baby will look like? I hope he looks like you, handsome and dashing… not like me, a country bumpkin.” Brooke’s voice was soft and boneless. Julian raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I actually hope he looks like you—kind, soft-hearted, and pure…” Eleanor glanced at them out of the corner of her eye. Brooke, blushing, leaned against Julian. They looked like a real couple, eagerly anticipating their unborn child. The glass of water in Eleanor’s hand *clattered* to the floor, shattering into pieces. She stooped down to pick it up, but her vision went black, and she fell directly. Her palm was cut and bleeding from the shards, and the pain made her whole body tremble. “Eleanor! What’s wrong with you?” Julian picked her up by the waist and gently placed her in her seat. Jealousy flashed in Brooke’s eyes. “It’s all my fault for monopolizing Mr. Julian, but Mrs. Julian, you shouldn’t hurt yourself to get his attention.” At her words, a flicker of doubt entered Julian’s eyes. He pulled out a tissue and pressed it to Eleanor’s bleeding palm, but his words were accusatory. “If you wanted something, you could have just told me. Why pull a stunt like this?” “I came with you to the Paris Fashion Show, and I bought you the jewelry you liked. What else are you not satisfied with?” Eleanor looked over his shoulder at Brooke, who was watching her with cold eyes, not a trace of the country woman’s simplicity left. Julian followed her gaze to Brooke, who immediately put on an innocent, bewildered expression. Julian frowned. “You fell and hurt your hand. Are you blaming Brooke for that too?” Eleanor pulled back her still-bleeding hand, her words crumbling into a choked sob on her tongue. “Julian, do you really think I’m such a despicable person?” Chapter 5 Julian’s hand hung in mid-air. He realized he’d spoken too harshly. “Eleanor, that’s not what I meant, I was saying…” Eleanor shook her head, interrupting him. “We’re landing soon. Please call a doctor for me. Thank you.” The plane inevitably experienced some turbulence during landing, and Brooke shrieked, hiding in Julian’s embrace. Julian patiently soothed her, “I’m here, nothing will happen to you.” Eleanor’s heart tightened. He had said the same words to her once. That year, Julian was 22, and he rushed in front of a group of thugs who had surrounded Eleanor. He was clearly scared himself, yet he stretched out his arms to shield her behind him. “Don’t be scared, Eleanor. I’m here, nothing will happen to you.” The plane landed smoothly. A private doctor bandaged her hand. “The wound is a bit deep. It might leave a scar.” Eleanor whispered her thanks, and a flicker of distress crossed Julian’s eyes. Brooke pulled his arm, murmuring, “Mr. Julian, will I have an ugly scar on my stomach after I have the baby?” Julian chuckled softly. “I’ll find the best doctors in the world. I promise it won’t leave any mark.” Brooke smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Mr. Julian!” Upon arriving at the hotel, Brooke pestered Julian to take her sightseeing. “I’ve lived in the village my whole life, I’ve never seen such beautiful streets.” Julian immediately took her on a shopping spree in Paris, bags of luxury goods piling up at the hotel. Hermes, Chanel, diamond jewelry… Brooke linked Julian’s arm, her face innocent. “Mr. Julian, how much do these cost? Is it enough to build a house in my hometown?” Julian looked at her tenderly. “Silly girl, if you like it, I’ll buy it for you. You don’t need to worry about money. You’re the Julian family’s biggest hero, after all.” As soon as he spoke, he saw Eleanor standing around the corner. His expression stiffened. “Eleanor, why don’t you come pick something you like too?” Eleanor turned and returned to her room. Brooke’s voice drifted from behind her. “Mr. Julian, give all these to Mrs. Julian. How could a country woman like me deserve such nice things…” Julian frowned. “Don’t belittle yourself. Who says you don’t deserve them? Eleanor has plenty at home. I’ll take her shopping next time.” As night fell, Julian, citing Brooke’s discomfort with the foreign environment, spent the entire night by her side. The next day, when Eleanor arrived at the show, Julian and Brooke were already seated in the reserved spots. Julian pointed to the cramped seat next to him. “Brooke’s back hurts from sitting too long. Let her have this chair.” Eleanor acted indifferent. “I’m just here to see the show, not a public display of affection.” Julian was speechless. Eleanor had been eagerly awaiting this spring/summer show, as it featured her favorite designer. As the wedding dress collection began its walk, Brooke’s eyes widened. “Is this a wedding dress? It’s so beautiful!” Julian looked at her with soft eyes. “Do you like it?” Brooke lowered her head with a look of regret. “I do, but I’ll probably never get a chance to wear such a beautiful wedding dress in my life.” Julian seemed moved. “Who says you won’t? Which one do you like? I’ll buy it for you. After you have the baby, we can do a wedding photoshoot.” Brooke looked at him with admiration. “Really, Mr. Julian?” “But I don’t have a groom…” Eleanor cleared her throat. “Mr. Julian has already been a one-night groom, what’s a wedding photoshoot with you?” Julian’s face turned ashen. He opened his mouth and called out, “Eleanor.” Suddenly, the chandelier directly above his head *clicked* and then crashed down. Chapter 6 “Mr. Julian, watch out!” Brooke shrieked, throwing herself selflessly towards Julian. The heavy chandelier crashed onto her back, sending crystal shards scattering. Julian’s face instantly drained of color. “Brooke!” Brooke slightly lifted her chin. “You’re okay. That’s good.” After saying that, she fainted in his arms. Julian’s lips trembled slightly. He scooped her up and rushed out. “Everyone, get out of the way!” His shoulder slammed hard into Eleanor – *Thud!* She was knocked to the ground, her forehead hitting the corner of the catwalk. Blood immediately flowed. She lay on the ground, staring blankly at Julian’s receding back. Pregnant, selflessly saving someone. Brooke would never be erased from Julian’s heart now. Eleanor, helped by those around her, stood up and stumbled towards the hospital alone. Just as she reached the emergency room entrance, she ran straight into Julian. A nurse rushed over. “The pregnant woman needs a blood transfusion, but the blood bank doesn’t have RH-negative blood right now. Are there any family members who can donate?” Julian turned and grabbed her wrist. “Eleanor, you’re RH-negative. Save Brooke!” She looked at him in disbelief. He knew she was anemic. Because her anemia had been so severe once, he’d invested in building a private hospital. There was an entire medical team on standby for her 24 hours a day. But now? Julian’s voice was urgent and brooked no refusal. “Brooke was hurt trying to save me. You can’t be so selfish!” Without waiting for Eleanor to speak, he forcefully pushed her into the blood donation room. The thick needle pierced her vein, and Eleanor couldn’t help but press her hand to her chest. Her heart felt as if an invisible giant hand was squeezing it, hurting so much she couldn’t breathe. Six hundred cc’s of blood were drawn. Julian’s gaze was anxiously fixed on Brooke’s direction, completely oblivious to Eleanor’s pale face. After the blood draw, Julian finally came to his senses. “How did your forehead get hurt?” “I’m so sorry, Eleanor. I’ll have a doctor give you a full check-up and then bandage it for you.” Eleanor curled her lips in a self-deprecating smile, letting him push her into the examination room. Soon, the doctor walked out with the examination report. Julian rushed forward to ask, “How is my wife?” The doctor shook his head. “Why did you let her donate blood? Don’t you know she’s already pregna…” A nurse suddenly ran out. “Brooke’s family? She woke up and has been calling for ‘Mr. Julian’.” Julian turned and left without hesitation, not hearing the rest of the doctor’s words. “Ms. Eleanor, you’re already anemic, and you’re eight weeks pregnant! Donating blood is extremely dangerous!” Eleanor took the report in surprise. “I’m pregnant?” Her mind went blank. The next second, a warm gush flowed from her lower abdomen. She slowly looked down. Fresh blood was streaming down her inner thigh, dripping onto the floor. Before she passed out, she saw Julian gently stroking Brooke’s face. When she woke up, Eleanor was lying alone in the hospital bed. The doctor regretfully informed her, “You donated too much blood. We couldn’t save the baby.” Tears streamed from her eyes. She fiercely pounded the bed, soft whimpers escaping her throat. Eleanor insisted on being discharged, despite the doctor’s objections. She dragged her weak body back to the hotel, standing in front of the bathroom mirror, laughing and crying. She looked down at the wedding ring stuck on her ring finger, and with a harsh tug. The diamond ring *clinked* as it rolled into the drain.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296710”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Blakely Corp.’s new diamond mine in Africa was officially launching, and my wife, Chloe Blakely, bought me a first-class ticket to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. But here I was, tied up in a chair, bound hand and foot. Before me, a massive stage. Our business partner, Benjamin, pulled back a red cloth, revealing a huge, colorful spinning wheel. It was marked with twelve numbers, like a clock, and my wife was tied naked right in the middle. “This is our tribe’s celebration ritual,” Benjamin declared. The men, each wearing a number tag, roared with laughter. With every spin of the wheel, my wife would be subjected to whatever twisted ‘game’ the man assigned to that number had in mind. I heard Chloe scream, “It hurts! No, stop it!” I struggled desperately in the chair, trying to break free and rescue my wife. But the ropes had barely loosened when a jolt of electricity surged through my body. I realized I was sitting in an electric chair. The remote control was in Benjamin’s hand! My eyes turned bloodshot. The more I struggled to break free, the more Benjamin cranked up the current. “Benjamin! What are you doing?!” I roared. Benjamin, black as charcoal and strong as an ox, chuckled. “Why, completing our tribal ceremony, of course! Only this way will our partnership with Blakely Corp. go smoothly!” As he finished speaking, one of his men stuffed a foul-smelling rag into my mouth. The stench of the rag, the burning pain of the electric shocks, and the horrifying sight of my wife being humiliated before my eyes, made my vision blur with tears and my heart ache with unbearable agony! Benjamin watched my struggles, laughing maniacally. “Keep struggling! Use more force if you’re not afraid of being electrocuted to death!” “Take a good look at our tribe’s customs. Let us teach you pathetic outsiders how to pleasure a woman!” My throat was choked with blood, the pain immense, but with my mouth gagged, I couldn’t make a sound! I closed my eyes, unable to watch my wife being tormented further, but two men forcibly pried my eyelids open. I watched, helpless, as a huge brute of a man intimately engaged with her, violating her. “No!” “It hurts!” “Ah…” Chloe’s screams seemed to be an aphrodisiac for these men. They laughed even louder! My blood felt like it was freezing solid, my insides twisted in agony! My heart felt like it was being ripped apart, burning as if acid had been poured into it! Benjamin, in his excitement, flung the remote control from his hand. I seized the chance, tore free from the ropes, and dashed onto the stage, heedless of the danger. But what could my 5’11” frame do against a group of 6’6″ brutes?! I had just ambushed one from behind when the big man, a literal black mountain, elbowed me, sending me flying. I spat out blood, cursing from my corner. “This is illegal!” Benjamin sneered. “Don’t think just because I’m not from your country that I don’t understand your ways. I’ve mastered your language, even studied under your Professor Davies! You have a saying, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do!’ Mr. Davies, have you forgotten your own customs?” I spat back, “To hell with your damn customs!” He strode over to my corner and kicked me in the chest with his leather shoe. “You’re on our turf now! What can you do to us?!” He dragged me back to the electric chair, tied me up again, and ordered his men to force my eyes open once more. I watched as Chloe’s body began to bruise and swell, my heart twisting in agony! I wished I could bear it all for her. I struggled frantically in the electric chair, and my phone slipped from my inner pocket. The screen displayed an email from the Chief, written in French, offering me thirty of his daughters as brides. The men couldn’t understand French. They snatched my phone, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it wildly until it was a pile of shattered fragments! I was almost insane. I lurched forward, electric chair still strapped to my back, charging onto the stage, shouting, “Chloe! I’m sorry I’m late!”

Chloe, her face flushed, paused for a moment, taking a breath mid-long, wet kiss with one of the men. “What are you doing up here?!” “You’re the audience for today!” I was utterly dumbfounded. If my wife wasn’t alive before my eyes, I would’ve sworn she was possessed. “I came to save you, my love! I’ll make these beasts pay for this, I swear!” Her body was covered in hickeys and unspeakable fluids. I had the heavy electric chair strapped to my back, and tears streamed down my face. The next second, Chloe opened her mouth and spat in my face. “You save me?” “Liam Davies, this is their tribe’s custom. What do you know?!” “Only this way can the diamond mine business monopolize the global market and make our stock prices soar!” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. I couldn’t believe this was the woman I had loved for so many years. But seeing her surrounded by a dozen men towering over six feet, I guessed she was saying crazy things to protect me from harm. I stammered, “Chloe, don’t be afraid, I’ll find a way to save you right now!” To my shock, Chloe lifted a leg, now free of its restraints, and kicked me in the chest. “Liam Davies, do you have a death wish? Are you trying to ruin Blakely Corp.’s diamond mine business?” “This is a massive monopoly deal. Can you afford to ruin it?” “Get back to the audience! Be a good spectator!” Seeing her spout such insane remarks, I finally completely broke. “Chloe Blakely, are you out of your mind? What kind of business deal involves a gang orgy?” “You’re publicly cheating on me with a dozen men! What am I to you? A fool?” “You’re Lily’s mother! Aren’t you afraid that if this gets out, she’ll never be able to hold her head up again?!” “Liam Davies!” she roared. “This is a business rule, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do,’ what do you know? Don’t you dare slander me and my business partners!” “Lily will understand someday. She’ll know her mother did this for the corporation, for her!” “As for you, you’re just jealous of your wife, who’s a successful businesswoman. Is that appropriate?” she demanded, her eyes red-rimmed and her voice filled with feigned hurt. I looked at her, like a used plaything, hung disgracefully on that wheel, still spewing her shameless nonsense, and I instantly burst into bitter laughter. Benjamin, right in front of me, violated her again! I couldn’t take it anymore. I swung the electric chair strapped to my back, trying to hit them, but the big brute kicked me flying again. Chloe, panting heavily, glared at me. “Liam Davies! If you dare ruin my transnational business, I’ll divorce you!” “Ah… Benjamin, I want more. Benjamin, tie him up tighter! Let’s continue!” My heart died. I was like a slab of meat, allowing them to drag me back to the audience. Benjamin picked up the remote control from the ground and turned the electric chair to its highest setting. He sneered, “Learn how to be a good audience member!” I was cold all over, a chill running down my spine. My eyes were vacant as I said, “Chloe Blakely, let’s get a divorce.” “I don’t want to be an audience member. I don’t want to continue this ribbon-cutting ceremony. Let me go back home.” “I want to go back to Lily! This place sickens me!” **截断点** Benjamin held the remote control for the electric chair, flipping it on and off, the current shocking my body repeatedly until I felt I was about to die. I heard the beast say slowly, “Mr. Davies, since you’ve come to our tribe, you must ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Otherwise, it will negatively impact Blakely Corp.’s business.”

“Don’t your people have a saying about fate?!” “Your talk of divorcing Mrs. Blakely right now is breaking her heart. She’s doing this for the corporation!” “Since you’ve betrayed such a good woman, and the child can’t be without a father! We’ll have to be less polite! Electrocute you? That’s the easy part!” I said coldly, “You’ll pay for your actions!” Benjamin sneered, slapping my face. “Are you dreaming?” His dark face leaned in close. “Who the hell are you? A pampered pretty boy?” “Do you know who the Chief is? I work for him! Do you know who you’re threatening?! If you dare offend me, I’ll make sure you never leave this country alive?!” I scoffed. “The Chief?” “Back when the Chief was studying abroad, he practically begged my Professor Davies for his diploma. Now he’s practically begging me to take thirty of his daughters as wives!” Benjamin gnashed his teeth in anger. “How dare you insult our Chief!” He swung a punch that landed on my face. Blood gushed from my mouth and nose, and one of my molars flew out, accompanied by a violent ringing in my ears. “Beat him! Beat this cocky outsider to death!” “How dare he speak of the Chief like that?” “He’s making our tribe a laughingstock!” Fists rained down on my face, and massive size 13 boots slammed into my chest. I ached all over. “Don’t kill him!” “I don’t want to be a widow! My child can’t lose their father!” Chloe, barely clad on the stage, cooed. Only then did Benjamin reluctantly stop. She strode up to me, pinching my chin. “Liam, are you crazy? How dare you slander the Chief! This is South Africa, not back home!” “Control your mouth. I don’t want to clean up your messes!” “Do you know why they partnered with Blakely Corp. instead of the Shen Group? Because I’m better at dealing with people, better at doing business!” “You have to make it through tonight if you want to be my man, Chloe Blakely!” I stood stunned, watching everyone return to the stage and resume playing with the spinning wheel. Chloe was re-tied to the center. Benjamin continued to spin the wheel. The men with number tags stripped off their clothes, pulled out props, and put on… raincoats. Chloe’s moans and throaty cries filled the air. “Benjamin, you guys are amazing!” “I’m going to…” My eyelids were held open, forcing me to watch the repulsive scene. My heart had been run over by a tractor a hundred times. Seven years ago, I was a college student. When I chose Chloe, my billionaire mother kicked me out. She said the Blakely family was insignificant, and that I was useless and unmotivated! Yes, my mother was right! I am so damn useless! After a night of depravity, the miserable ribbon-cutting ceremony finally ended. Chloe was discarded on the stage like a used rag, drenched in sweat, moaning all night. She draped Benjamin’s suit over herself and slithered towards me like a venomous snake. I almost vomited from disgust. I said viciously, “Chloe Blakely, let’s get a divorce!” Her eyes red-rimmed, she looked at me. “Liam Davies, do you know what you’re saying?” “You want Lily to grow up in a single-parent home? Are you insane?” She picked up the electric chair remote and shocked me repeatedly, cursing, “You ungrateful wretch! I’m doing this for the corporation and for this family! How dare you disregard everything just for petty jealousy!” “It seems I’ve been too good to you, letting you get carried away!” Then, she looked coquettishly at Benjamin. “Benjamin, my husband still hasn’t learned to ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ after a whole night. You guys need to teach him some more!”

I struggled frantically in the electric chair, resisting with all my might. The next second, Benjamin kicked me and the electric chair to the ground, then stepped on my face with his leather shoe. “Mrs. Blakely gave the order!” “Brothers, we can’t shame the tribe!” Fists rained down on my face like hail, and foul-smelling leather shoes kicked me repeatedly. Along with the constant electric shocks, I was in so much pain I nearly died. A flicker of distress finally crossed Chloe’s eyes. “Liam, as long as you apologize to them and cooperate with the smooth launch of the diamond mine, I’ll forgive you.” “Dream on! I’d die before I apologize!” I roared weakly. “Chloe Blakely, not only will I not apologize, but I’m also divorcing you!” Chloe pushed the men away, her high heel stomping on my head. “You were the one who shamelessly pursued me, willing to be my dog. Now you don’t want to be? I won’t allow it!” Benjamin fawned, “Mrs. Blakely, he doesn’t appreciate you, but we do!” “We’ll continue to teach him the rules! We’ll make sure he learns to ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’!” “I’ll make him learn from scratch!” The phrase “from scratch” was chillingly ambiguous. The men nearby began to snicker, covering their mouths. My heart sank. What were they going to do? What did “from scratch” mean? As I wondered, all my clothes were ripped off. Benjamin took a fruit knife from a huge brute. “Are you going to kill me?” Cold sweat broke out on my forehead. Benjamin sneered. “Why would we?” “You’re a VIP!” “We’re just letting you experience a unique African circumcision ritual! To help you ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’!” I struggled wildly, trying to find somewhere to hide. “You wouldn’t dare!” Benjamin scoffed. “Why not?!” With that, the men dragged me onto the stage and held me down firmly. Just as they were about to act, a voice echoed through the hall, “Stop!” I looked up and saw several of my Professor Davies’s former international students! They had received careful guidance and care from my Professor Davies when they studied his language back home. Benjamin sat arrogantly in a chair, like an NBA star. “What’s up?” One of the students said, “I saw your live stream and came right over.” “Benjamin, let this man go. I’ll give you money.” “How much do you want?” My heart warmed. Though my Professor Davies had been overshadowed by my mother his whole life, he truly had students everywhere! I used the confusion to break free from my ropes again, scrambling desperately towards the exit. The students shielded me, but Benjamin and his towering men were too formidable. We were at a stalemate. “Are you even part of this tribe? Why are you helping outsiders?” Benjamin, a large lump on his forehead from a blow, roared. Chloe suddenly walked up to me, furious. “Liam Davies, you’re determined to ruin me and Blakely Corp., aren’t you?” “Your actions are seriously jeopardizing international relations! Don’t you realize that?” I scoffed, boiling with rage. “They violated my wife, and beat me to this extent. Who’s jeopardizing international relations?!” She slapped my face, her long nails drawing blood. “That’s because you don’t respect their customs, and you’re hell-bent on ruining our business!” “And you want a divorce from me. Benjamin and the others are just feeling sorry for a poor woman like me!” “They don’t want Lily to be without a father! They’re just being helpful!” She feigned a sob, wiping away tears. “Can’t I just go back home with you? Stop being so disgusting here!” “Tell these students of your Professor Davies to leave immediately! They’re annoying!” “The private mine business in South Africa cannot go wrong! This is the result of years of my hard work! Don’t mess things up for me!” With that, she tugged at my sleeve, trying to pull me away. I shook her off. “Chloe Blakely! I said I’m divorcing you!” “Can’t you understand human language? Have the men played with you so much you forgot English?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296709”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic