In the fourth year of my involvement with Jasper, my family went bankrupt. His cherished one seized the moment to remark, “It’s the perfect time for her to face some hardships and temper her pampered nature.” Jasper listened to her and abandoned me on a street in a foreign land. Four months later, battered and bruised, I returned to New York. Everyone assumed I would continue to cling to Jasper. Instead, I deliberately avoided him and returned his gifts. I completely severed ties with him. Jasper laughed with his friends, “Finally got rid of that clingy person.” But on the day I left New York, he chased me to the airport, his voice trembling as he pleaded, “Nora, stay, let’s be like we were before, okay?” I smiled and pointed to my slightly bulging belly: “Jasper, look, how can we be like before?” 1 When I returned to New York with all my wounds, Assistant Liam came to the airport to pick me up. When I arrived, the atmosphere in the private room was lively. As I approached, I heard Jasper’s voice, “Seems like Nora has improved, she’s much more well-behaved now.” “Her pampered nature should have been tempered long ago.” “Iris was right, now that Nora’s family is bankrupt, she’s not an heiress anymore.” “If she behaves spoiled like before, who will put up with her?” “Poor Jasper, she’ll cling to you even more now.” Jasper sneered, “Don’t I know? She’s just a clingy person.” At that moment, he saw me pushing the door open. The room, filled with laughter and chatter, suddenly fell silent. I saw shock, surprise, and disbelief in their eyes. Four months ago, I was a radiant, arrogant heiress. Now I was haggard, thin, like a refugee escaping from hell. The always gracious Iris spoke with concern: “Nora, what happened to you? Come in…” But I stood there without moving. I didn’t react as I used to when I saw Iris sitting next to Jasper, writing my displeasure all over my face. Then, getting provoked by Iris’s words, crying in anger, and having a big fight with Jasper. The gatherings always ended unpleasantly, which made many people dislike me. Thinking of these, I found it laughable. “What are you standing there for? Come in already.” Jasper frowned at me, his expression was the familiar disdain and impatience. 2 I lowered my eyes and smiled faintly. “Jasper, thank you for sending Assistant Liam to the airport for me.” “Nora?” “I came today to return this to you.” I took a small box out of my coat pocket and handed it over. It was an ordinary luxury brand necklace. The only birthday gift Jasper had ever given me in all these years. I liked it a lot and cherished it, only wearing it on my birthday. But now, I don’t want it anymore. Jasper didn’t take it, sitting there with a cold face, lips tightly pressed. I hesitated for a moment and placed the box on the table beside him. “Nora, your hand…” A girl nearest to me exclaimed softly. Jasper’s gaze immediately fell on my hand. The back of my hand was full of cracked scars, and my once delicate fingertips had many blisters. They had scabbed over, twisted, deformed, ugly. I pulled my hand back into my sleeve and looked at Jasper again. “Jasper, there’s one last thing I need to do today.” “What is it?” His voice was chilling. “Clinging to you all these years must have been annoying.” I smiled apologetically at him, “I was immature and willful before, I apologize.” “From now on, it won’t happen again.” With that, I didn’t linger and turned to leave. As I stepped out, Jasper called after me. “Nora.” “You better mean it, don’t lie and end up contradicting yourself.” I paused but didn’t turn back. “Okay.” 3 The night my family fell apart, I was still abroad. My beloved dad couldn’t be saved. Soon after, mom liquidated all the assets. She went straight to the United States to seek refuge with my uncle. All she left me was this small apartment. I didn’t blame her for leaving me; I was grateful she didn’t leave me homeless. This bed was small, but compared to squeezing into a basement with seven or eight people abroad, it was so much better. I had the best, soundest sleep in four months. Until the doorbell woke me. Seeing Jasper through the peephole surprised me. But I quickly remembered he had an apartment here too. I opened the door and before he could speak, I said, “Sorry, I’ll move out soon. I’ll list this apartment with a real estate agent.” “Nora, what do you mean?” I don’t know if it was my imagination, but after I said those words, Jasper’s face turned incredibly grim. “I’ll move today, I promise you won’t see me again.” After I said that, I picked up my phone to contact a real estate agent. Just as I dialed, Jasper suddenly grabbed my phone and smashed it on the ground. “You’ve been playing hard to get for four years, haven’t you had enough?” “Sell the apartment, move out? Then end up on the streets in the middle of the night, crying and calling me for help?” “And eventually move into my place, right?” “Nora, can’t you improve a bit, stop playing these tricks?” I looked at my phone shattered on the floor with a pang of heartache. Those months, even filling my stomach was a luxury. This phone was a second-hand one given to me by a kind shopkeeper upon my return. I crouched down, trying to pick up the pieces. Jasper threw his wallet at me, “Go buy a new one, I’ll pay for it.” “So you won’t have an excuse to cling to me again.” With that, he slammed the door and left. Looking at the wallet on the floor, I laughed until tears fell. In the end, I bought the cheapest phone. He was right; it’s best to owe each other nothing. I called Assistant Liam to take Jasper’s wallet. “Miss Nora, I’m sorry, I’m really tied up right now.” “Could you please send the wallet to the company?” I thought for a moment, “Alright, I’ll send it over later.”

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Married for three years without having kids, my wife and I decided to try IVF. After a year, we were thrilled to learn she was expecting quadruplets. The pregnancy was challenging. She was nauseous for months, and her belly grew enormous. The doctor recommended reducing the number of fetuses, but my wife was adamant. “Declan, these are all our children. I can’t bear to lose any of them.” Seeing her exhaustion broke my heart. I promised to protect her and our children for the rest of my life. At six months pregnant, my wife and her friends had a playful bet about the babies’ genders. In the end, it turned out to be three boys and one girl, and my wife won a million-dollar bet. Later, I accidentally overheard a conversation between Fiona and her friends. “Fiona, you’ve outdone yourself. You’ve got Declan raising kids for four different men.” Fiona responded calmly, “Since I can’t give them the title of ‘Mr. Shen,’ I had to give them a child. Declan’s in that role, so it’s his responsibility.” A chill ran down my spine. It turns out, none of the four babies my wife is carrying are mine. “Fiona, you’re incredible, solving all problems with four kids.” Cora added, “Yeah, the fathers of these kids are all stunningly handsome. The children will surely be beautiful.” She sighed, “Jasper was such a loss. He was the heartthrob of our school, but who knew he’d succumb to a terminal illness so soon? Thankfully, Fiona is kind enough to leave him a child, just waiting to be born.” “Gideon adored Fiona for nearly twenty years, loved her but never won her heart. He only wanted a child with her.” Another voice joined in, “Too bad Fiona only has Asher in her heart. So she came up with this IVF plan to stay faithful to Asher while giving them all children.” “I wonder how Declan will react when he finds out? None of the babies Fiona is carrying are his. He’ll be devastated, right?” Fiona answered nonchalantly, “What does it matter if he knows? He shouldn’t have taken a role that wasn’t his.” The others chuckled, “True, even if he finds out, he’ll still take care of the kids. After all, they’re Fiona’s children. Declan went through so much to marry Fiona, enduring everything. No matter how upset he gets, he’d rush back the moment Fiona calls.” Their laughter dripped with malice and mockery. Standing behind the door, I felt a cold shiver travel from my feet to my head. What does this mean? The babies my wife is carrying aren’t mine? For months, I’d talk to them every night, pressing my ear against her belly. Her feet were so swollen she couldn’t walk, and I’d spend an hour each day massaging them. She had no appetite and was often sick, so I cooked and made soups just to help her eat more. I felt for her during the pregnancy, caring for her day and night, even quitting my job. But now they’re telling me the babies aren’t mine? The conversation in the living room carried on, but I couldn’t hear any more of it. I knew Jasper. We went to the same school. He was Fiona’s first love. I heard he died of a terminal illness not long ago, and I felt a pang of sympathy. — I never imagined that even after his death, my wife would be carrying his child. It’s so absurd that it’s hard to believe, a fear I can’t describe creeping up my spine. I struggled to control myself, stopping from immediately bursting out. Outside, they began another round of betting on the babies’ genders. Fiona’s voice occasionally pierced through, making me shiver. Four years of marriage, and I never truly knew my partner. I thought of my wife’s belly, so large it seemed it could burst at any moment, with four babies inside. One is Jasper’s, another is Gideon’s. Who are the other two? I also knew Gideon. He and Fiona grew up together like childhood sweethearts. Loved but never had her. Looking at it this way, Fiona is indeed kind. She didn’t give her heart, so she gave him a child. I suddenly laughed, but it looked worse than crying. If Fiona wanted to give them kids, why make me their dad? The funniest part is, none of the four kids are mine. How could she be so cruel… I clenched my fists, my lips bleeding from biting them. I once believed Fiona endured the hardship of pregnancy out of love for me. Turns out, it was all fake. — Outside, voices rose and fell, so lively. “I bet two boys and two girls.” “I bet all four are boys.” Then a clear male voice spoke up: “Why does everyone say boys? I think girls are great. I bet three girls and one boy.” Turning to Fiona, he asked, “Fiona, do you prefer boys or girls?” The voice was familiar, probably Fiona’s secretary. Fiona answered nonchalantly, “I like both. Boys are better, girls are too delicate.” Cora pressed, “So, Fiona, which do you bet on?” “Asher likes girls, so I’ll bet three boys and one girl.” Asher? So it’s him. I managed a bitter smile. They were flirting under my nose, and I had no clue. I don’t know if they acted too well or if I was just blind. Asher’s voice rang out, “Girls need to be raised delicately.” Fiona laughed, taking his hand. “I think you’re more delicate than a girl. You cried when you burned your hand cooking.” “But it really hurt.” Asher added, remembering something: “Oh right, Declan never seemed to cry. Last time, he fell down the stairs protecting you, broke his leg, and didn’t shed a tear. Has he never cried?” Fiona casually said, “Declan’s tough, doesn’t feel pain. He really hasn’t cried. Unlike you, who cries over a scratch.” Cora chimed in, “That’s because Asher has Fiona’s love. With love, you can afford to be fragile. Without, you just have to tough it out like Declan.” “Yeah, Fiona cares for Asher, worried about him being tired and sleepless with the kids. So she tricked Declan into thinking they’re his, making him a proud dad.” “I’ve noticed Declan looks older these days. By the time Fiona has all four kids, who knows what he’ll be like.” Chapter 3 “If you were lying naked on the bed, Fiona wouldn’t even glance at you. But now…” Their words were crude, punctuated by vulgar laughter that nauseated me. I stumbled back a few steps, my face already pale. I’m human too—how could I not fear pain? But knowing Fiona was carrying my child, I endured everything. Even when she hit or yelled at me, I never uttered a sound of protest. Yet all my endurance was met with comments about my thick skin. I still remember the day the IVF succeeded. Holding her hand, I was filled with worry. “You’ve suffered for our child, Fiona.” When she couldn’t eat due to nausea, I fed her spoonful by spoonful. “Be good, don’t trouble your mom.” Turns out, I was concerned about the wrong person all along. I was just a tool to raise these kids. “I heard pregnancy makes you feel more intense, even more than a non-pregnant woman. Fiona, is that true?” Asher glanced at Fiona apologetically. “Really, I’m almost drained by Fiona.” “Well, that’s because Fiona likes you. Look, she’s feeling so bad, yet she still doesn’t want to touch Declan.” “Hahaha, exactly, you’re not appreciating your luck.” I gritted my teeth to suppress the urge to vomit. I closed my eyes, wiping away the tears on my face. Fiona, I’m done with you this time. And I won’t raise the child in your belly either. 3 By the time I went out, Cora and the others had already left. Only Fiona and Asher were in the living room. I deliberately made some noise to give them time to cover up. I couldn’t confront them yet. Asher’s face still carried a dazed look, pretending to report work to Fiona. “Ms. Shen, there’s an urgent meeting tonight that requires your presence. The car is already waiting at the door.” He turned and saw me, pretending to be friendly: “Mr. Declan.” Then his gaze fell on my wife’s belly, with a knowing smile on his lips. “Ms. Shen’s belly looks even bigger. Mr. Declan, you are so blessed to have her pregnant with quadruplets at once.” I looked at his fake face, too drained to respond. Seeing this, Asher proposed to leave, but he glanced back at Fiona as he reached the door. It seemed like a secret signal. Fiona saw me coming from the first-floor room, frowned slightly, and tested the waters with her tone. “When did you come back? Why didn’t you make a sound?” I looked at the water stains still on her lips, my eyes stinging. It was so obvious, yet I was blind before and didn’t see a thing. I mocked myself with a slight curl of my lips, lowering my gaze. “I was too tired when I got back and fell asleep in the guest room. I just woke up.” Fiona seemed to relax, her face returning to normal. “Today’s prenatal check went smoothly. I promised to let you come along, but something came up at work.” “The doctor said the baby is healthy.” Fiona told me in detail because I usually asked thoroughly in the past.

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The wolf who raised me tore Genevieve’s childhood friend’s favorite white shirt. In response, she called a butcher to cut off the wolf’s paws and throw him into acid. I held him, barely clinging to life, and shouted at Genevieve. “I told you wolves raised me. How is this any different than severing my own father’s limbs?” But Genevieve just stared at me coldly while shielding Asher’s eyes. “You’re just a stray my stepfather picked up from who knows where, trying to deceive me with your words!” The wolf struggled, bloodied, to crawl towards me. I crawled over and held him close. “I stayed to repay the Aiden family’s kindness in giving the wolves a home. You couldn’t bear to let me go and chased me for miles, but it has only brought you harm.” That night, I knelt with the wolf before Nolan’s memorial, bowing several times. “Nolan, the Aiden family’s animal parks are now everywhere. They don’t need my ability to command animals anymore. I should have left long ago.” …… I was about to blow the bone flute around my neck when she struggled to stop me. Wolves repay kindness. The Aiden family took in the weak and sick animals, giving them a home. I knew he wouldn’t want me to destroy the Aiden family unless it was absolutely necessary. The vet shook his head, looking at the bones soaked and cracked by the acid. “Doctor, he used to be the fastest wolf in the forest. Just because he can’t be restored doesn’t mean he should die, right?” I cried out in despair. The wolf tried to wipe my tears with his broken limbs but, realizing he had no paws, curled up dejectedly. I watched over him all night and eventually cried myself to sleep. With a bang, the door was kicked open. The butler dragged me to kneel before the Aiden family hall. Asher lay limply on a soft chair, his collar open, looking lifeless. I was just about to get up when Genevieve slapped me hard. “Asher was bitten by those ungrateful beasts while surveying in the wild! Tell me, did you order them?” She pointed to a nearby iron cage, and I saw a few wolf pups inside, beaten and barely alive. Ignoring the pain on my swollen face, I crawled to the cage to release them, but the butler dragged me away. Genevieve looked down, “You don’t care about the injured people; instead, you care about these beasts! Bury them alive for me!” I dragged myself to the cage. The wolf pups had leg bands I had personally put on them. I had helped deliver them in the forest. Their soft paws rested in my palm as if telling me not to worry. But their low whimpers pained my heart. I gritted my teeth and glared at Genevieve, “They didn’t harm Asher. They said they saw Asher being kidnapped and scared off the bad guys to save her!” Genevieve hesitated, a hint of doubt in her eyes. Asher immediately got up weakly and grabbed Genevieve’s hand. “It was these beasts that hurt me, Genevieve. When have I ever lied to you?” “It must be him up to his tricks again. Who can understand what animals are saying?” “If he really understood, wouldn’t he have let his snake bite you, proving he intentionally hurt you?” Genevieve glared at me angrily and ordered the whole cage to be taken to the back of the villa. Previously, to find a way to save Genevieve, I got bitten by that snake, suffering many wounds, but it turned out the snake wasn’t venomous. And why did the usually docile snake suddenly attack Genevieve? I couldn’t figure it out. Before I could finish, Genevieve approached and grabbed my neck, as if to strangle me. “Then how did I get poisoned? Declan, even lying has its limits! If Asher hadn’t brought the serum, I’d be dead by now.” I broke free from her grip, mimicking a wolf’s posture, baring my teeth on top of the cage. Everyone was too scared to approach. “Anyone who dares to touch them will have to step over my dead body!” Genevieve saw my strange posture and her eyes widened, her tone softening, “I really don’t understand you. Why do you care so much about these beasts and even imitate them?” My heart was full of bitterness. Before, she allowed me to keep all kinds of animals in the villa because I loved them, even saying I was as cute as a little wolf. But after she got bitten by the snake, all those companions were sent away, leaving only the wolf by my side. Yet now she says she doesn’t understand me. I glared at them with red eyes, not letting them approach, but suddenly my head was hit hard, and everything went black. When I woke up, my scalp was in intense pain, and I held my head, rubbing it continuously. A familiar cold voice sounded in my ear, “Didn’t I tell you to go easy? Why isn’t he awake yet?” The butler bowed repeatedly, apologizing. Seeing I was awake, he quickly informed Genevieve. She hurried to the bedside, but just as she was about to sit down, she stopped and couldn’t help but mock me, “Now you know it hurts? You were so stubborn just now. Those beasts are already dead. Just apologize to Asher, and this will be over.” I grabbed her clothes, my voice trembling, “Genevieve, why are you doing this to me?” Her eyes flashed with indifference as she shook off my hand. “Nate was a homewrecker who caused my mom’s death. You’re just a stray he brought back, letting a snake bite me to take over my family’s wealth. What else do you expect?” “I’ve said that as long as you behave, I can let you live well in the Aiden family, but you keep defying me for those beasts.” “Nolan wasn’t a homewrecker! After your mom’s suicide, he and Madam Luke met because of their love for animals—” Crash! Genevieve knocked all the cups and saucers off the table, interrupting me. “You’re going to tell that ridiculous story about being raised by wolves again. I must have been under a spell to believe you before!” With that, she stormed out, her face cold. Watching her back, I felt utterly hopeless. Years ago, Nolan stopped a hunter from shooting me in the wild. He cautiously approached me and was shocked to find I was a naked teenager. I bared my teeth and growled at him, but he extended his hand to me. From then on, he taught me to read and walk upright. With the Aiden family’s wealth, he expanded a large wolf habitat. And I used my unique ability to communicate with animals to help him gather rare data, making the Aiden family a global leader in animal research, earning many patents. He brought me back to the Aiden family, and a few years later, I fell in love with Genevieve. She held my hand and said she’d marry no one but me. Until her childhood friend Asher returned from abroad with photos of her mom cheating with Nolan, and then suddenly got poisoned. After that, Genevieve changed, seeing me as an enemy. My only trusted ally, Nolan’s assistant, came in with a heavy expression. “Young Master Declan, I’ve investigated everything. You need to be prepared.” The assistant handed me the materials. The photos nearly knocked me off my feet! When we got married, Genevieve swore to me. The Aiden family would only send abandoned cubs and animals unable to hunt to zoos, never training them for dangerous performances out of greed. But the documents showed that over the years, the Aiden family built zoos everywhere, capturing rare animals under the guise of animal welfare to expand their collection. In the photos, various animals were cramped in small cages, unable to stand. They used whips to force tiger cubs to jump through fire hoops and monkeys to hold their breath underwater. Cheetahs had their sharp teeth and claws removed for photo ops, and brown bears were chained, unable to move, having bile extracted daily. The cheap and useless ones were euthanized, the valuable ones sold cheaply to circuses. Many of the poor beasts in the photos were my childhood companions. I remembered the joy of running together in the forest, but now their eyes were filled with fear. They lost their habitat to a forest fire, suffering severe injuries. I thought the Aiden family’s zoo would be a refuge, but I unknowingly sent them to hell. Their original habitat was developed into a hunting ground for the rich. Seeing them holding animal heads for photos made me sick to my stomach. I was responsible for their suffering… The assistant supported me with concern, “Young Master Declan! Protecting animals was Nolan’s lifelong goal. Now it’s up to you.” I nodded firmly, gritting my teeth. I had to take the wolf away, blow the bone flute, and make the Aiden family face the consequences! I had the wolf placed in a locked room and limped to the door, but saw a trail of blood leading from the room to the back of the villa. Sensing something was wrong, I rushed over. Before I reached the exit, I heard Genevieve’s voice from inside, “If you want wolf fur, I’ll find you another one. Why—”

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Mom was gravely ill, and her dying wish was to see me get married. I pleaded with my girlfriend, Eloise, for nearly a month before she agreed to marry me. On the day, I waited at the church until nightfall, but Eloise never came. That very day, Eloise’s childhood friend, Lachlan, posted a picture of their wedding rings on social media: “Time flies, it’s been almost a month since we tied the knot.” It was then I realized that on the very first day I started pleading with Eloise, she had already married her childhood friend. At that moment, I received a message from Eloise apologizing. “Jude, Lachlan was forced into a marriage by his family, and I couldn’t stand by and watch him marry someone else, trapping him in a cage.” “We’ll get divorced in three days.” “In three days, I’ll marry you.” Three days later, when Eloise appeared in her wedding dress at the church door, she received only my message: “Eloise, never again.” In the mortuary, I looked at Mom’s face, tears streaming down. Mom raised me by herself, never asking for anything in return. Yet I couldn’t fulfill her final wish. When I learned Mom was seriously ill, I begged Eloise, my girlfriend of six years, to marry me so Mom would know I’d have someone by my side after she was gone. I pleaded with her for nearly a month. But Eloise kept coming up with excuses. On the first day, her childhood friend’s car broke down, and she rushed to help him. The second day, she was helping her childhood friend move and had no time. … On the twenty-sixth day, her childhood friend had a stomach issue, and she went to take care of him. If Lachlan hadn’t posted that picture of their wedding rings today, I would still be in the dark. I imagined countless reasons for Eloise’s behavior, but I never thought she was already married. As I knelt by Mom’s hospital bed until dusk, Eloise called. On the phone, her voice was as gentle as ever: “Why aren’t you home yet? Where are you? I’ll come get you.” I opened my mouth but couldn’t speak. Before, I would have pretended to be angry, letting her coax me, and then waited happily for her to pick me up. But now, I could no longer say a kind word to her. Eloise’s voice had a slight urgency: “Jude, where are you now?” “The hospital.” Eloise was stunned, as if remembering that I’ve been taking care of Mom these days. “I… wait for me, I’ll come to the hospital to be with you.” After the call ended, I held back my grief and started handling Mom’s funeral arrangements. But ten minutes later, she sent me another message: [Jude, I need to help Lachlan with his family, I’ll definitely visit Aunt next time!] I wasn’t surprised. In the past two years, the phrase I’ve heard from her the most is: [Next time for sure.] Missing our anniversary, next time for sure. Promised to meet Mom, next time for sure. Avoiding marrying me. She knew I’d forgive her, so she carelessly hurt me. But this time, there won’t be a next time. Because Mom won’t have another chance. And I won’t forgive her anymore. That night, I didn’t go home; I stayed at the hospital all night. Eloise sent messages all night and called countless times. I neither read nor answered. The next day, I arrived at the company early to prepare my resignation. Eloise is the founder of the company. I’m just an ordinary designer. Since when she had nothing, I have been with her, building the business together. Now, my position in the company has become insignificant. Even if I disappeared, Eloise wouldn’t notice. As I was printing my resignation letter, Eloise suddenly appeared behind me. Under her gaze, I calmly took the resignation letter in hand. She looked at me, her tone gentle: “Finished printing?” “Yeah.” Eloise looked at me, seemingly unaware of my indifference. She cleared her throat: “Jude, come with me for a moment.” As Eloise called me away, my colleagues immediately began to gossip. “Did you know? Boss Eloise is already married.” “Really? No wonder Jude and Boss Eloise kept their relationship private. Turns out he’s the third wheel.” My dad abandoned Mom and me for another woman, making us suffer for half our lives. And now, thanks to Eloise, I’m also being called a third wheel. In the office, Eloise tried to hug me. I stepped back: “Boss, this is a company.” Eloise frowned slightly, “Don’t be mad. How about I accompany you to visit Aunt tonight?” I shook my head. “There’s no need.” My mom is already gone, and I don’t want her to see you. If she knew I was called a third wheel because of Eloise, She’d surely be angry with me. Eloise seemed to sense something different about me. After a moment of silence, she said: “In two more days, I’ll be able to divorce Lachlan. Then, we can get married.” She handed me a gift box. “This is a health supplement I prepared for Aunt.” I looked at it, somewhat in a daze. Her gesture came too late. Mom doesn’t need it anymore. Seeing my silence, anxiety flashed in Eloise’s eyes, just as she was about to speak. An urgent ringtone interrupted her thoughts. Eloise took out her phone, glanced at me, Hesitated for a moment, then left. I knew it was Lachlan calling. After all, he’s Eloise’s legitimate husband now. My heart was unruffled. After all, I no longer cared. Later, I submitted my resignation. Facing my sudden resignation request, Deputy Zhang seemed prepared. “Jude, I believe Boss Eloise will arrange everything for you.” I bit my lip, feeling it was absurd. It seemed everyone assumed I was just a pretty face kept by Eloise in the company. She had everything ready for me. But they wouldn’t believe I was Eloise’s legitimate boyfriend, now heartbroken, ready to leave. As I left the company, I ran into Eloise and Lachlan at the elevator. Seeing me, Eloise’s eyes flickered, instinctively trying to explain: “Don’t misunderstand, I brought Lachlan here to…” Before she finished, Lachlan wrapped his arm around her shoulder: “To tour my wife’s company.” I said nothing, as Lachlan spoke again: “Jude, you don’t mind, do you?” Lachlan looked at me with a provocative gaze. I silently stepped out of the elevator, giving them room. Eloise watched me, eyes filled with hesitation, wanting to say something Yet in the end, Lachlan pulled her away. In the afternoon, at the crematorium, I watched Mom turn to ashes. I placed her in the cemetery. Until nightfall. Eloise didn’t show, nor did she send any messages. I didn’t care. Without her disturbance, Mom could leave more peacefully. I believe Mom’s spirit in heaven wouldn’t want me entangled with her any longer. Nor would she want to see me marry her. Our six-year relationship should end completely. Leaving the cemetery, I walked home. It’s been a while since I walked at night. I used to hold Mom’s hand. Later, Eloise would hold my arm. From now on, I’ll walk alone. I think I’ll get used to it. I didn’t get home until early morning. The living room light was on, Eloise was on the couch sending messages. Seeing me enter, Eloise’s furrowed brow relaxed, and she rushed over to grab my hand: “Where were you? Not answering calls, not replying to messages, I was about to report you missing!” I was startled, pulling away from Eloise’s hand. “I went to be with Mom, didn’t want her disturbed.” Hearing me mention Mom, Eloise remembered what she said during the day, a trace of guilt crossing her face. She suddenly looked at me expectantly, solemnly taking out a box for me. I instinctively opened it, inside was a pair of wedding rings. I was suddenly stunned. Once, Eloise had confidently held my hand. Promising to wear the rings together, letting Mom witness our happiness. I waited countless days, hoped countless times. But that was before. I closed the box, handing it back. Eloise slightly frowned, as if realizing something, awkwardly said: “It’s already past midnight. Just one more day, and I can divorce Lachlan.” “Don’t worry, I always remember my promise.” “Tomorrow, we’ll put the rings on each other, then we’ll get married.” I wasn’t moved by her sweet talk, just said to myself: “Alright, I know, I’m a bit tired, I’ll go rest first.” Eloise’s smile froze, for the first time realizing my indifference. Panic flashed in her eyes as she tried to grab my hand. Just then Lachlan emerged from my bedroom, wearing my pajamas. He blinked sleepily at me, immediately stepping forward to wrap his arm around Eloise’s shoulder, whining: “Eloise, Jude is back, let’s go to bed.” Eloise quickly looked at me, explaining: “Lachlan had a fight with his family, I let him stay in the guest room for a night.” After speaking, Eloise watched me closely, as if afraid I’d misunderstand. I nodded, indifferently saying: “It’s alright, I can stay at Mom’s for the night.” She had a trace of panic in her eyes and reached out to grab my hand. At that moment, Lachlan emerged from the bedroom wearing my pajamas. He looked at me sleepily and immediately went over to Eloise, leaning against her shoulder and said in a playful tone: “Eloise, Jude is back. Let’s get ready for bed.” Eloise quickly glanced at me, explaining: “Lachlan had a falling out with his family, so I let him stay in the guest room for the night.” After speaking, Eloise stared at me, seemingly worried that I might misunderstand. I nodded, responding casually: “That’s fine. I can stay at Mom’s for the night.” Eloise was taken aback, as if surprised by my straightforward acceptance. However, Lachlan didn’t give me a chance to reconsider, smugly retreating back into the room. As I prepared to leave with my suitcase, Eloise was still standing in the living room. She pursed her lips, holding my hand tightly, unwilling to let go. Her eyes showed deepening guilt. Finally, prompted by Lachlan, she spoke: “Tomorrow, after we finalize everything, we’ll go see Aunt together.” When morning came, I packed up and returned to the office for the final handover. As soon as I stepped in, I noticed colleagues giving me strange looks, whispering and pointing as I passed by. It wasn’t until I saw Lachlan sitting at my desk that I understood the odd atmosphere. Everyone was focused on their screens, yet they kept glancing at the unfolding scene. Seeing me, Lachlan looked at me with arrogance: “I’m starting here today. I want this spot, so find another place.” I looked at him and calmly nodded. “Okay, I’ll pack my things.” We spoke calmly, but seeing my demeanor, the colleagues assumed I felt guilty in Lachlan’s presence. Yet, with both of us there, no one dared to say much. They just typed away on their computers, expressing disdain for me. I wanted to explain but didn’t know where to start. After all, Lachlan was legally Eloise’s husband. Saying more would only humiliate myself. As I finished packing to leave, Eloise approached. Seeing me with my luggage, her expression tightened. “Where are you going?” “I…” Lachlan cut in: “Move for me. I like sitting here.” As I was about to leave, Eloise quickly grabbed my arm. “No, this spot is yours, no one else…” Before she could finish, I interrupted: “If he likes it, let him have it.” After all, I’ve already resigned. Whoever wants to sit here is none of my concern. Eloise stood there, her expression unreadable. It wasn’t until my silhouette disappeared with the suitcase that she came to her senses. Eloise pushed aside a singing Lachlan, who was tidying the desk, and slapped him hard across the face: “Did you really think our fake marriage meant you could overstep your bounds?!” “Did you forget I warned you not to bother Jude?” After leaving the office, I received a text from Eloise. [I’ll wait for you at the church entrance tomorrow.] [The expert I invited for Aunt will arrive tomorrow.] [After we finalize everything, we’ll go see Aunt together.] I chuckled, feeling a sudden bitterness. Eloise, goodbye. I took all my luggage and headed to the airport. The next day, Eloise stood at the church entrance with a freshly issued divorce certificate. The plane began its descent, heading to Southport—a seaside city I’d never visited but always longed for. There was no Eloise, no Lachlan, none of the suffocating rumors. As the plane sliced through the clouds, I suddenly remembered that stormy night six years ago when Eloise, drenched, stood under my building and confessed: “Jude, let’s work hard together, and we’ll have a good life!” … I turned on my phone, finding seventeen unread messages, the latest from five minutes ago: “Jude, I’m at the church entrance now. When will you arrive?” I stared at the screen and suddenly burst into laughter. How ironic. Twenty-seven days of pleading, and all I got was her saying, “I’ll marry you in three days,” But now three days had passed, and I didn’t even have the strength to tear apart the lies. My fingertips brushed over the familiar number in my contacts, as six years of chat history flickered like a slideshow before my eyes. The stormy night when she confessed, soaked to the skin. The embarrassing moments of sharing a cup of instant noodles in a rented room while starting a business. Her excitement when signing the first contract, jumping into my arms.

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alpha hasn’t been close to me for a year. I discovered his affair with that human woman. I overheard him say: “Every time she gets emotional, luna transforms back. “Seeing her covered in fur is off-putting to me; you’re so clean and pure. “Give me a wolf pup, and you’ll be the most honored mother in the pack.” I watched silently with the entire pack. He’s held the alpha position for too long. He’s forgotten that the blood of the pack cannot be diluted by outsiders. And he’s also forgotten that the infertility issue lies with him! From the first day that human woman was brought back. I sensed Gideon’s special attention to her. He gave her the best cave for shelter. He even cleared the hot springs on the mountain for her to bathe. Wolves eat raw meat. But humans aren’t accustomed to it. Gideon would select the tenderest piece of meat, roast it over a fire, and season it with cumin, something we rarely use. The cumin smell was overwhelming. Every time the pack smelled it, they felt uneasy. But Gideon is the alpha. No one can question what the alpha does or says. And as the luna, I had to quell the pack’s dissent for my husband’s dignity. I privately advised Gideon that it wasn’t worth it for a human woman. But he didn’t care. He even took the warrior wolves to the tiger’s territory, skinned a striped tiger alive, and made her a blanket. For a mere blanket, the peaceful relations between the wolf pack and the tiger clan turned hostile again. We kept watch day and night, fearing a tiger attack. The wolf pack is pure-hearted. No one would think the illustrious alpha would do anything with an outsider. Besides, the alpha has a luna. In a wolf’s life. There is only one mate. That never changes. I remained loyal, guarding the territory, defending the pack, and establishing the alpha’s prestige. Unfortunately. I was wrong. Wolves, like humans, can change their hearts.

That night. Tigers and foxes attacked the territory together. I led the warrior wolves in defense, but Gideon broke through from the side, driving the foxes and tigers away. Gideon was injured protecting the wolf pups. His wound oozed black blood, a clear sign of poison. The human woman named Nora is a doctor. She came at the sound and without hesitation sucked the poison out for Gideon. But the poison had already reached his lungs. Nora said, “We must climb the mountain to get the snow lotus to cure Gideon.” She called him Gideon. But even I, as luna, can only call him alpha. In this urgent moment. I shouldn’t focus on this. The pack looked to me. Hoping I’d make a decision. The alpha fell, so the luna must rise. At this moment, Gideon held my hand. He firmly said, “Listen to Nora, she won’t harm me.” That sentence contained many meanings. But in a life-and-death situation. No one focused on anything else. I said, “Finn and Milo, accompany me up the mountain, the rest of the pack guard the territory, ensure the pack’s stability.” “Yes!” After a unified howl. I took the two bravest warrior wolves and headed for the snowy peak. Before leaving, Nora specifically instructed, “Gideon’s poison will spread throughout his body in three days, so please, luna, bring back the snow lotus within that time.” After speaking. She knelt on the ground and bowed to me. I didn’t understand what her bow meant. Gideon and I are married. We are one. Finding the snow lotus for Gideon is something I ought to do. Her bow seemed to entrust Gideon’s life to me… But what was her relation to Gideon? What position did she have to bow like that? I left. Thinking, when I return from the mountain, I will surely drive this woman out of the pack. The mountain is far. The journey is tough. Finn and Milo guarded me from behind, shielding me from the wind and snow. When we encountered a cliff, we dared to rest only briefly. Afraid we couldn’t return in three days, delaying Gideon’s treatment. “How could the alpha be injured by a fox, we both know his strength, he was clearly injured on purpose that day…” Milo bit a branch, showing dissatisfaction. “And that Nora, who is she to live in the best cave and enjoy the best resources! Even luna was never personally fed by the alpha! “Luna is the daughter of the previous alpha, if not for luna, who would have served Gideon as king, Gideon can’t even compare to a single finger of Finn’s in governance or defense!” Finn frowned, stopping them: “Don’t say that again.” Milo was defiant: “I wasn’t wrong, it was Finn who rescued Esme from the tiger pack, Gideon just helped Esme home, making her mistakenly think Gideon was her savior, which accidentally led to Gideon becoming alpha.” Esme is my name. Before becoming luna. Finn, Milo, and I called each other by our names. But after my father died, I became luna… I had more responsibilities. And grew distant from them. “Enough, luna is back.” Finn said, and Milo immediately fell silent. I threw the hunted food on the ground, handing it to the brothers to store. After thinking, I finally said, “When Gideon and I married, he told me that it was Finn who saved me, so… I’ve always known Finn is my savior.” I straightened up, looking at Finn: “I will repay your kindness, but it has nothing to do with whether Gideon becomes alpha.” Finn was startled. His sharp eyes cooled slightly. Then dimmed a bit. He lowered his head, placing his hand on his chest, promising, “I swear loyalty to luna.” I frowned slightly. I didn’t dwell on why his loyalty was to luna and not alpha. Milo, still dissatisfied, muttered softly: “We’ll talk when you’re married, Gideon really knows how to time things.” In a day and a half, the three of us reached the snowy peak. It took another half day to find the snow lotus. After picking the snow lotus, I carefully placed it in an ice box, wrapped it in a hide, and carried it on my shoulder. Racing against time, the three of us rushed down the mountain. But I accidentally got caught in a human trap, and my leg was injured. Blood splattered on the snow lotus. I quickly wiped it off, relieved to see the snow lotus was unharmed. But I couldn’t walk. The journey back was so long. Finn immediately made a sled, and with Milo, they pulled me down the slope. Finally. Within the three-day limit. We delivered the snow lotus to Gideon. But I didn’t expect. The Gideon who was gravely ill three days ago. Now had regained his vigor, sitting on the alpha throne. And the snow lotus, obtained with great effort, was given as a gift to that human woman. “Nora saved my life, so the snow lotus is her reward.” Gideon said. Casually. And I looked at my leg wound, feeling uneasy inside. Hesitating whether to expel the human woman from the pack. Gideon added, “Nora is human, it’s not suitable for her to stay in the wolf pack for too long, soon I will personally escort her back.” Sending Nora away is what I wanted. But Gideon personally escorting her, isn’t that too… casual… A human woman. Is she really worth that to the alpha? I don’t understand, I’m confused. But that night. Gideon gave me the answer.

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I have been in an on-and-off relationship with Declan for seven years. I was the one who ended things, and he always tried to get us back together. But the last time I suggested breaking up, he didn’t try to win me back. Instead, he found someone who bore a striking resemblance to me. To support her, he took away my opportunities. He effortlessly passed the Oscar-winning Actress title, which I had been striving for over ten years, to her. At the award ceremony, a reporter asked if I regretted breaking up. I smiled, raised my hand to show off the diamond ring on my finger: “I’m getting married.” As soon as I said that, everyone saw the usually composed and proud Heir of the Declan Family suddenly have reddened eyes. At a fashion gala, I attended in full glamor but went alone. Reporters curiously asked, “Miss, is Mr. Declan not accompanying you this time?” At that moment, there was a noticeable stir in the distance. I turned to look. Declan stepped out of the car, holding the hand of the woman beside him intimately. Everyone was astonished. It was his first time changing companions in seven years. I was always the one by his side. Now it was Adeline, a famed Rising Star known for her pure image. Entertainment reporters once compared our looks. They found she bore a slight resemblance to me. Declan attending with her felt like a scene from a story where the stand-in surpasses the original. Reporters swarmed around them. I met Declan’s gaze, his eyes indifferent. I nodded politely and turned away to walk inside as if nothing happened. On the way, my agent, Nora, quietly asked, “No wonder Adeline took your fashion resources. I wondered who had her back; turns out it’s Declan. Did you have another fight with him?” I shook my head, “No fight.” “We broke up.” Nora sighed, unsurprised, and advised, “Heiress, it’s only halfway through the year, and you’ve broken up three times already. Each time, Mr. Declan sets aside his ego to coax you. You should consider giving in once, or Adeline will really steal him away.” Yeah. In everyone’s mind, all year round, it’s me causing trouble. Declan is the one placating me. As for Adeline, she’s just a pawn in Declan’s little game with me. If I gave in, Declan would reconcile with me immediately. But I know. Declan isn’t acting out of spite; it’s a demonstration of power. He’s telling me, if you’re not interested, there are others who are. I clenched my fists, the diamonds on my dress pricking my skin, the slight pain making me more aware. “It’s really over.” I said firmly, “This time, I’m truly done with him.”

I’ve been with Declan for seven years. We’ve broken up and gotten back together more than twenty times. I was the one who ended things, and he always tried to get us back together. He’s the Heir of the Declan Family, surrounded by countless admirers, yet he’s willing to set aside his pride repeatedly to make me happy, to win me back. If I just mention missing him, he’d fly across the country to be with me, to hold me. Many advised me not to be so sensitive, arguing over tabloid news. He’s clearly full of love for me, so why break up repeatedly and hurt the relationship? I understood too. But I couldn’t control my emotions, leading to many nights of tears. He would hold me tight, soothing me with his deep voice, “How can it be sensitivity? It’s just that Phoebe loves me too much, feels too insecure. I’m willing to comfort Phoebe.” I asked him, eyes red, “For a lifetime?” “A lifetime.” He answered without hesitation. We were so young then. Love was always fervent, intense, and saying forever seemed so simple, as if it could be achieved just by saying it. But in reality, it was just a thought. Remembering this brought a slight bitterness to my heart. Then Nora asked me, “Why break up this time?” I was stunned, slowly blinking, finally fixing my gaze on the couple not far away, and lightly said: “He wants to get married, and he wants me to be his lover.” Nora was stunned. I withdrew my gaze, drained my glass, and no one saw my flushed eyes. “I told him I wouldn’t.” Nora paled, only murmuring: “Absurd—”

Indeed. So absurd. But Declan didn’t think so. When he mentioned it, he even seemed to take it for granted, “Phoebe, I’ve already talked with Genevieve. We’ll just be a couple in name. Privately, she won’t bother me, and I won’t bother her. We can still be together.” Genevieve. The Heiress of The Genevieve Corporation. Also, the chosen partner for the Declan family’s arranged marriage. I accidentally learned from Declan’s secretary about their possible engagement. I wanted an explanation, hoping for his denial. I never expected such a bombshell. How ridiculous. My boyfriend of seven years was getting married. He wanted me to be his lover. I looked at the man in front of me, my heart unexpectedly stopped for a moment, followed by a furious pounding, making my nose sting uncontrollably. I didn’t know whether to be angry at his insult or sad about my lost love. But Declan just looked at me. His gaze was calm and determined. As if, sure I would agree. After all, I loved him so very much. But I only wanted to ask, “Declan, did you ever plan to tell me you were getting married?” Declan slightly frowned, a hint of confusion in his gaze, “What does getting married matter? Loving you is enough, Phoebe. This is common in our circle, you’ve seen it—” I’ve seen it. Of course, I have. Being with him for seven years. He’s taken me to countless circles and gatherings. I’ve seen couples who pretend to love in front of cameras but are actually estranged, and I’ve seen arranged marriages where both parties do as they please in private. But I never thought it would be the same for Declan and me. We loved each other so deeply. I was sure we’d marry, have children, grow old together. But, I was wrong. Declan never thought of marrying me. All along, it was just my wishful thinking. I withdrew my hand from Declan’s grip, speaking clearly and steadily, “But I don’t want to be your lifelong secret lover.” Declan frowned but patiently explained, “Phoebe, you’re not a lover. You’re my wife, my partner.” “What about Genevieve?” He said nothing. He couldn’t deny Genevieve’s status but still didn’t understand why I cared about her presence. Perhaps we were never on the same path from the start. I lowered my gaze, hiding my reddened eyes, and slowly said, “Declan, I won’t be a Mistress.” “Phoebe, don’t you want to be with me? We promised forever, you clearly love me—” “I do love you.” I looked up at him, eyes earnest and unwavering, “But, Declan, I won’t lose my principles because of love.”

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Jasper said he would marry me once I got pregnant. When I got the pregnancy test results, I eagerly told him. Jasper smiled, but there was a chill in his smile that made me uneasy. He took me to a ward at City Central Hospital. On the hospital bed, my father, who had suffered a stroke, suddenly brightened up when he saw Jasper: “Son… you finally came to see me.” I was shocked. Son? The man I had loved for five years was actually my long-lost… brother? Quentin bent down and whispered in my father’s ear, “Dad, I’m getting married. My girlfriend is pregnant.” My father trembled with excitement: “Great! Which family’s daughter is she? Dad will give you…” When his gaze fell on my pale face, he suddenly screamed in agony, “Monster! She’s your biological sister!” Quentin laughed, a smile I once loved for its warmth now turned venomous: “I know. She’s the child you left behind from your affair years ago.” It turned out the baby I was carrying wasn’t a symbol of love, but a seed of revenge he’d planted five years ago. But in truth, I wasn’t part of Declan’s Family by blood. My phone buzzed; it was a message from Mom: “Lydia, Declan is useless now. I’ve already arranged a house abroad. Come with me.” Watching Jasper and my father confront each other with cold indifference, I replied with disappointment: “Okay.”

Watching my father’s chest rise and fall, Jasper chuckled softly, his gaze landing on me. “You’re just as shameless as your mother. Do you know what she asked me for on her eighteenth birthday?” “She wanted me to sleep with her.” My chest tightened. That sweet, shy night, in his eyes, was just my disgraceful entanglement. Father struggled to get up to hit him, but Jasper fiercely grabbed his hand. “I’ve been with her for five years, and now she’s pregnant. Do you think the child will call you grandpa or dad?” “Oh, I forgot. This is incest. The child might be brain-damaged and won’t recognize anyone.” “You!” Father’s face turned red, then white, and he fainted from anger. I don’t know how I walked out of the hospital. “Lydia, who are you putting on that disappointed look for?” After finding out I was pregnant, Jasper couldn’t be bothered to pretend to be affectionate anymore. The wind outside dried my tears, and I choked up, “Why did you lie to me?” Jasper wiped away my tear stains with contempt, gripping my throat tightly, staring into my eyes as he said: “Why? I should ask why your mom ruined my family.” “The day my mom died of depression, I searched for a long time before finding Declan. At that time, he was celebrating your birthday with you. You were so happy.” What he didn’t know was, that birthday ended with a slap from my father because I couldn’t play the piano piece well. Since then, I never celebrated my birthday again. “So I was just a pawn in your game?” I thought to myself how foolish I was. The truth was right in front of me, yet I refused to believe it. I couldn’t believe these five years of sweetness were all lies. I couldn’t believe Jasper had used me with no love at all. “Of course, or did you think Jasper was playing house with you for five years?” The woman’s voice came with disdain—it was Jasper’s childhood sweetheart, Keira. “Lydia, Jasper endured five years of humiliation by your side for revenge, and you really thought you were special?” I retorted angrily, “What does this have to do with you?” Jasper pushed me aside, turning to Keira with gentle words, “Keira, go wait for me in the car.” When he looked back at me, there was an unprecedented disgust in his eyes. “You’re not just a pawn; you’ll become my wife.” “Haven’t you already been secretly planning the wedding? Keep preparing. Do you think the old man will die on the spot watching us get married because of the child?” I laughed at myself, hating that I still felt a flutter in my heart upon hearing the word “wife.” But everything I cherished was just a tool for his revenge. “After the old man dies, I won’t spare you or your mom.” “Let me think, how about letting your mom take you to wash dishes?” He pinched my face sharply, hatred filling his eyes. “Like when I was a child, never having enough to eat, and enduring the malicious harassment of perverts.” I silently accepted Jasper’s humiliation. As he left, he flung my face aside, saying, “Lydia, you’re as despicable as your mother.” The wind outside was too strong. My hands trembled as I tried to zip up my down jacket, but the tears blurred my vision. It was too cold, so cold that my heart ached. The phone rang—it was the wedding planning company. “Miss Lydia, the custom-made wedding dress will be delivered to your home tomorrow. Please try it on and let us know if you have any requests.” “Cancel it, have them contact Miss Keira to try on a new dress.” The person on the other end was quite puzzled. “But aren’t you the bride?” The pregnancy test slip was blown away by the wind, and I couldn’t catch it despite trying my best. I paused and said, “Not anymore.” I hung up, and the phone vibrated again—a notification that my plane ticket was successfully purchased.

I drafted my resignation letter and submitted it. Within minutes, Jasper stormed into my office in anger. “Lydia, why are you resigning?” I almost forgot, my father had already announced that he would hand the company over to my brother. Jasper is now the newly appointed director. “I actually…” I wanted to say I was leaving, secretly hoping Jasper might not want me to go. “Jasper, did you forget? She’s a privileged young lady, now trying to use the child to bind you, so she can continue to enjoy life as Mrs. Jasper.” The hint of unease in Jasper’s eyes was quickly replaced by disgust. He grabbed a stack of tissues, wiping his hands that had touched mine repeatedly. “I almost forgot you’re the daughter of a mistress, always relying on men for a free ride.” He signed the resignation letter and then threw it in my face. But I couldn’t focus on his humiliating actions because I saw the familiar jade pendant around Keira’s neck. It was the protective jade pendant I had prayed for Jasper, step by step, on the Tibetan Sky Road. I pointed to the pendant, my voice trembling, “Who gave that to you?” Keira smiled triumphantly, her eyes filled with tender affection as she looked at Jasper. Jasper seemed momentarily dazed but quickly sneered. “Keira has always been in poor health. I gave it to her for protection, so what?” Ignoring him, I grabbed the pendant, determined to tear it from Keira’s neck. “Ah! Lydia, you lunatic!” Jasper couldn’t protect her in time, and in the struggle, I pulled the pendant off, and Keira hit the table. She held her head, tears glistening. “Jasper, my head is spinning.” Jasper’s face darkened instantly, snatching the pendant and holding Keira protectively. “What you gave me is mine. Who I give it to is none of your business.” His furious voice drew the attention of several colleagues. “Isn’t Miss Lydia Mr. Jasper’s girlfriend? Why is he holding Keira?” “I heard Keira and Mr. Jasper are childhood sweethearts. Did Lydia come between them? Didn’t I hear something about a mistress?” “Could be. Maybe Mr. Jasper was just tolerating the young lady for the director’s position and now wants to pursue true love.” Jasper gave a signal with his eyes, and people quickly dispersed. “Lydia, curb your spoiled young lady temper!” “Keira is not like your mother, who only knows how to be a mistress. Her family helped my mom and me during our toughest times. I won’t let you bully her.” “I’ll have her move into our house. You’ll take care of her until her head stops spinning.” I bit my lip hard, holding back tears, watching Jasper leave with Keira in his arms. That night, Keira couldn’t wait to move in. She stood proudly at the stairwell, fiddling with the jade pendant. “Do you want it? Come and get it. I don’t care.” She tossed it, and the pendant was about to hit the ground. I reached out to catch it. In a split second, I felt a push and tumbled down the stairs. Jasper walked in just as I lay on the ground in pain. He dropped his jacket and rushed over to help me up. “Lydia, what’s wrong?” Curling up in Jasper’s arms, I pointed at Keira on the stairs, struggling to speak: “She… she pushed me down.” Jasper’s gaze turned icy cold. Keira hurried down, kneeling to grab Jasper’s hand. “Jasper, believe me, why would I hurt her? She just wanted to fake weakness and fall down, like her mom used to do.” Jasper’s grip on me loosened. “Yes, I can’t forget how your mom pretended to slap herself and framed my mom.” “Later, my dad slapped my mom ten times in front of me.” His voice was as cold as ice, piercing my heart. He shoved me away, watching me writhe in pain with cold eyes. “You’re just like your mom, with her tricks.” “Let’s go, Keira. Let’s eat out and not let some people ruin our mood.” My head buzzed, only seeing Jasper and Keira’s hands entwined as they walked away. “Jasper… don’t leave me. I’ll die…” The pain in my bones was nothing compared to the sticky sensation below, which terrified me. “The baby… my baby…” “I later saw my dad slap my mom ten times right in front of me.” His voice was icy, cutting through me deeply. He shoved me aside, his eyes cold as he watched my anguish and fury. “You’ve truly mastered your mom’s tricks to perfection.” “Let’s go, Keira. I’ll take you out to eat. Don’t let certain people ruin your mood.” My head spun, and all I saw was Jasper walking away, hand in hand with Keira. “Jasper… don’t leave me, I’ll die…” More than the pain in my bones, the growing discomfort below terrified me. “The baby… my baby…”

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Adeline left the country, and on that day, Asher chose to take sleeping pills to end his life. In his farewell letter, he poured out all his love for her. Yet he mentioned regretting marrying me. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself five years in the past. I watched with detachment as he and Adeline indulged in their fervent love. I turned away, determined to treat him as a stranger. But later, when he realized I no longer loved him, he knelt in the rain for three days and nights, begging me to return to him. Asher, a renowned professor of surgery at City Central Hospital, single-handedly completed a highly complex heart transplant. During an interview, his composed demeanor, impressive background, and exceptional surgical skills instantly won him a multitude of admirers. Yet, such an accomplished man couldn’t escape questions about his personal life. When the audience learned he was married, many single women watching showed visible disappointment. But they were also curious about who could inspire such a remarkable man to settle down. I sat on the sofa watching the live interview, feeling a sudden surge of secret joy. The host noticed the tattoo on the inside of Asher’s wrist—”XIN.” She asked about its meaning. The moment she asked, Asher’s composed face showed a slight hesitation. His eyelids lowered, concealing the emotions swirling in his dark eyes. “It’s my beloved.”

His tone was as calm as ever, yet it carried a hint of regret. The smile on his lips vanished instantly. The person he loves the most? Why didn’t he just say it was me? My friend sitting next to me teased me with a playful expression: “Susu, I never expected it. Your Professor Jiang seems so aloof, yet secretly he’s so romantic, tattooing your XIN on his arm.” “Truly envious of your relationship.” Hearing her words, the gloom in my heart slightly lifted. Looking at Asher’s affectionate gaze on the tattoo on TV, a smile tugged at my lips. Asher and I grew up together; we were childhood sweethearts. Later, we got married as planned. He’s not one to express love openly, but it turns out he cared for me deeply in secret. Thinking of this, my cheeks warmed slightly. My hand unconsciously touched my belly. After my friend left, I was alone in the villa. I waited quietly for Asher to come. Hoping to see his joy when he found out the news. However, what I didn’t expect was. What I received was Asher’s farewell letter.

Asher took his own life. He consumed a whole bottle of sleeping pills, choosing to end his brilliant life. He also abandoned me.

When the police handed me the farewell letter, I trembled as I took it. On A4 paper, his familiar handwriting, though a bit messy, was filled with genuine and deep love from the depths of his heart. But the person he expressed it to was not me. It was Adeline. She was a girl who got into our university through school sponsorship due to her poor family background. In all the years I’d been with him, I’d never heard him mention her name. Yet, it turned out she was the one he loved. He had kept this love so carefully. I couldn’t hold on and collapsed onto the carpet. The sudden shock caused a faint pain in my belly. But in the next second, my gaze landed on the jar of Origami Cranes in the corner of the wardrobe, making my heart ache unbearably. I hadn’t forgotten when I accidentally saw him folding Origami Cranes in the study, and he scolded me for interrupting. At the time, I thought he was embarrassed because I accidentally saw a secret gift he was preparing for me. But I didn’t realize this consideration was never meant for me. With trembling hands, I took out the jar of Origami Cranes. Each one had a message. “I love you, Adeline.” “I miss you too.” Asher’s farewell letter was filled with this phrase. He fell in love with Adeline’s coolness at first sight. And he regretted that their status differences kept them apart. XIN. It was Adeline. Not Iris. The one he couldn’t forget was never me. He admitted that the person he loved the most was Adeline. And in the farewell letter, there was only one line about me. “I regret marrying Iris.”

How absurd. All those years, I gave up inheriting Iris’s Family, choosing to be an ordinary anesthesiologist for him. I even repeatedly refused others’ kindness, focusing only on him. In the end, he ignored all my efforts. His eyes only saw that girl from the slums, Adeline, who wasn’t even worthy of him. Every word in the farewell letter was like a burning ember, leaving my heart bleeding. Asher betrayed my deep love, choosing to mentally drift away. Such a scumbag doesn’t deserve for me to endure the hardship of carrying his child for ten months. Just as I made up my mind, the villa’s doorbell suddenly rang.

Standing at the door was Adeline, who was supposed to be abroad. Her eyes were red, indicating she knew about Asher’s suicide. “Iris, if it weren’t for you, he wouldn’t have ended up like this today!” Her face was pale, and when her gaze met mine, it turned hostile. Adeline told me. She was supposed to leave the country the day Asher died, but a few days before, she received a love letter from him. The letter clearly expressed Asher’s love and affection for her. He even transferred a house to her name as a gesture of sincerity. But when she realized all this and wanted to find him. He had already chosen to end his life. Separated by life and death, they could never meet again. After saying this, seemingly unsatisfied, she rushed up and slapped me hard. “It’s because of you he died!” “If you hadn’t clung to him wanting to marry, he wouldn’t have been so miserable!” Caught off guard, the taste of blood filled my mouth, making me feel nauseous. I couldn’t hold back and vomited on the spot. What made me feel sick was their so-called mental affair. Adeline frowned slightly, contemplating for a moment before her gaze fell on my tightly covered belly. She questioned me with a hint of suspicion. “You’re pregnant?” After the nausea subsided, I slowly got up. However, I didn’t directly answer her but instead returned her slap. She probably didn’t expect me to fight back and looked at me in disbelief, holding her cheek. As Asher’s rightful wife, my pregnancy is perfectly normal. But she, being someone Asher secretly admired for years without any results, how dare she openly challenge me—it’s shameless. “Besides, our marriage was consensual. If Asher didn’t want it, I would never have forced him to spend his life with me.” “As things stand, all of this is his own choice. He wasted my feelings, my youth. Who are you to judge me?” After hearing me, Adeline suddenly burst into laughter. “Iris, if I had your status and position, do you think the title of Mrs. Jiang would still be yours?” “He had no choice but to marry you because of your status. How could you be so stupid to think he willingly wanted to be with you?” I was stunned. My mind went blank. Thoughts were racing, but I didn’t know where to start sorting them. Seeing me distracted, Adeline pulled out a prepared fruit knife from her pocket, viciously stabbing toward me. “You ruined our happiness. You and your child should die!” Blood gushed from my belly, and I felt myself gradually slipping into coldness. I couldn’t hold on any longer and fell to the ground. Into darkness.

When I woke up again. I was standing in a secluded part of the campus woods, and not far away, Asher was walking towards me. His gaze was cold when it landed on me. I was reborn. Realizing this. This time, I turned and left without saying a word to Asher. But after a few steps. Suddenly, there was a rush of footsteps behind me. Asher sprinted past me like the wind, his unsteady behavior unlike his usual self. I watched his figure disappear, and a bold idea formed in my mind. So I pursed my lips and followed. He reached the classroom before me. When I arrived, he was at the door, looking lost yet relieved as he watched Adeline quietly reading inside. Sunlight fell on his face, giving him a subtle gentleness. His gaze was so focused on Adeline. On the woman he fell for at first sight and kept buried in his heart. With just one glance, I understood. Asher was reborn too. 8 Guided by memories from my previous life, I found my place. It’s lunchtime now. The academic atmosphere at Central High School is very intense. Everyone studies at a brisk pace, with no time to waste.

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Daughter’s illness urgently needed money for treatment, but my wife held onto all my money and lavishly spent it on her wealthy new lover. I begged her to visit our daughter, but she threatened me to quit my executive position and become a servant for her new lover. Helplessly, I agreed, yet my wife went back on her word. “I’m her mom, not a doctor. Visiting her won’t cure her,” she said. Later, our daughter passed away despite rescue efforts, calling for her mom until the end. At that moment, my wife was celebrating her marriage registration with her new lover. When I confronted her, she dismissed me with a light remark, “Stop using this to manipulate me.” She didn’t know yet that the man she painstakingly wanted to marry was a conman. I suppressed my hatred and called my boss at the police department. “All the evidence has been collected. We can proceed with the arrest.” I was in the villa making dinner for Adeline and her boyfriend when the hospital called about my daughter. Hearing the doctor questioning why I hadn’t answered earlier, I feebly replied, “I didn’t hear it.” The doctor informed me my daughter had just been through a rescue, but fortunately, she was saved in the end. I felt slightly relieved. After hanging up, I checked my contacts and found that the hospital had indeed called several times before. “Why didn’t you pick up?” I stood in front of Adeline, fists clenched, unable to hide my anger. I had been cooking in the kitchen, leaving my phone with her, having instructed her to answer any calls. Adeline put down her crossed legs, scoffing. “Jude, get it straight. We’re divorced. I have no obligation to answer your calls.” “Right.” I took off my apron and walked toward the door. “Then I have no obligation to stay here and take your orders.” As I reached the door, Adeline spoke leisurely, “The door’s right there. Leave if you want. But I’m afraid I won’t have time to visit our daughter.” Remembering why I came here, I paused. Adeline had promised to visit our daughter at the hospital once I finished cooking. I held back my temper and asked, “Can we leave now?” “What’s the rush?” Adeline admired her newly done nails, not taking my words seriously. “Nash hasn’t come back to eat yet.” Just then, Nash entered with his daughter. Adeline quickly greeted him, took his coat, and led him to the dining table with a smile. “Dinner’s ready, come eat.” As Nash sat down, he glanced at me with a mocking smile. “So what if you graduated from a top university? You’re still just a servant here.” Adeline laughed, agreeing, “Exactly, how can he compare to you? He’s just a useless person.” Nash chuckled, pretending to be displeased, “Isn’t that harsh on your ex-husband?” Adeline snorted, “What’s the harm? It’s the truth.” Watching their disgusting faces, I wanted to leave, but thinking of my daughter waiting for her mom in the hospital, I gritted my teeth and endured. Just then, Nash’s daughter, Cora, kicked Adeline’s chair. “Hey, Adeline, do homework with me after dinner.” Adeline looked a bit troubled. I quickly said, “Adeline, you promised me. Lydia is still waiting for you.” Cora pouted, “Do you have something?” “No, no,” Adeline hastily replied. “Auntie has time. I’ll do homework with you after dinner, not going anywhere.” Before I could question her, Adeline pulled me outside. “You go by yourself. You saw I have no time, and it’s not a serious illness anyway.” I was furious, dragging her out. Adeline shook off my arm. “Jude, don’t think I don’t know your intention. You’re just using our daughter as an excuse to tie me down.” Adeline took out a wad of cash from her bag and threw it at my face. “Is this enough? Take the money and get lost. Don’t embarrass yourself in front of me.” Adeline turned back inside. I stood there for a long time, squatted down, and picked up the money one by one. As I picked up the last bill, Nash came out, stepped on my hand, and patted my face. “So pitiful, and you’re a high achiever?” “Yes, Mr. Nash, can you spare some help?” Seeing my calm response, Nash lost interest and turned back inside. I was penniless. Pride couldn’t compare to my daughter’s life. Back at the hospital, my daughter, seeing it was just me, lowered her eyes in disappointment but sensibly didn’t ask anything. My heart felt like it was gripped tight, suffocating. Hearing from her attending physician that there was a new treatment for her condition, but it required a million, guilt filled my heart again. I had entrusted all our money to Adeline, and when our daughter got sick, I had quit my job. What used to be easily accessible money was now hard to gather even a fraction of. I was about to call Adeline when I looked up and saw her approaching. Just as I thought she might still love our daughter, a loud slap landed on my face.

Adeline’s eyes were like daggers, wanting to kill me. She asked, “Did you ask Nash for money?” To chase after Nash, Adeline had portrayed herself as wealthy, lavishly spending my hard-earned money on high-end gifts for him. That was our daughter’s emergency fund. “So what if I did?” “Our daughter needs a million now, Adeline. You took at least five million from me. I’m not asking for much, just give me some back.” I saw the gifts Adeline gave Nash today were worth over a million. Adeline sneered, poking my chest, “I’ve never seen a man ask a woman for money, using a sick daughter as an excuse.” “Does our daughter know you curse her like this?” Apparently, she didn’t believe me. I pulled Adeline toward the hospital room, “Come see our daughter with me now.” “I’m not going!” Adeline struggled violently. Seeing the strange looks from people around, I released her. Unexpectedly, as soon as I let go, Adeline ran off. Back in the room, my daughter’s eyes sparkled, “Daddy, did Mommy come? I thought I heard her voice.” Tears welled up, and I turned away, not letting her see me cry. I lied, “She came, but she’s too busy with work and had to leave.” I took out a teddy bear I had bought earlier, saying it was a gift from Adeline. Seeing her smile, I let out a sigh of relief. Now I had to deal with the medical expenses. I instinctively touched my wrist, only to find my watch missing. Cold sweat trickled down my brow. It was the only memento left by my father before he passed, worth a million. I had decided to sell it to save my daughter. I forced myself to stay calm, thinking where I could have lost it. I had it when I came to the hospital. After checking the surveillance, I found that Adeline had taken it when I wasn’t looking. When I found her, Adeline had already sold the watch. “Jude, why are you so stingy? Think of it as a loan. When I marry Nash, I’ll have all the money I want. I can pay you back.” Adeline noticed my gaze on her suit and shamelessly asked, “Does it look good?” Not hearing my answer, she stepped back, holding the suit protectively. “It’s custom-made, not worth much if sold. Don’t get any ideas. I’m giving it to Nash.” Hatred surged. I wanted to drag her down with me. But for my daughter’s sake, I couldn’t. I said nothing, turned, and left. Rain poured like a waterfall. Walking through the rain, tears mixed with raindrops. Desperate, I dialed the number I knew by heart.

“Boss, can you lend me some money?” The deputy director at the police department replied without hesitation, “Yes, the organization knows your situation and will help.” After thanking him, I hung up. Adeline only knew my public identity as a company executive, but in reality, I was an undercover agent. I had been gathering evidence on Nash’s crimes. Nash, an uneducated man, loved seeing high achievers tormented. He didn’t know it gave me a chance to get close to him. Adeline thought I was stopping her from pursuing happiness, unaware she was after a wolf. Back at the hospital, the attending physician informed me that my daughter’s account had received a million, enabling the new treatment. I smiled. Returning to the room to accompany my daughter, I found her crying. I hurried over to ask what was wrong. With a choked voice, she said her teacher and classmates visited today. “Classmate Cora said Mommy doesn’t want me anymore, and she wants to be her mom now.” I held my daughter’s small hand in mine, overwhelmed with heartache. “Mommy loves you. I’ll go find her to come see you. Wait for Daddy.” I rushed out, blaming myself for being too busy with work and neglecting my daughter. Adeline used to be a good mom, which is why our daughter relied on her so much. No matter what, I had to bring Adeline to see her. At Nash’s place, Adeline was kneeling, washing Nash’s feet, with his foot on her back. Adeline still wore a smile. My heart ached; she had never done this for me. Seeing me, Nash whistled. “Mommy loves you. I’ll go find her for you right away. Hang in there, sweetheart.” I rushed out in a hurry. It’s my fault for being so busy with work before and neglecting my daughter. Adeline was always a wonderful mother; that’s why our daughter depended on her so much. I had to bring Adeline to see our daughter, no matter what. When I got to Nash’s place, Adeline was kneeling, washing Nash’s feet. Nash’s foot rested on Adeline’s back. Adeline still wore a smile. My heart ached once more. Adeline never treated me this way. Seeing me enter, Nash whistled. “Going to see that little one still hanging on? Still not gone?” Impulse surged through me. I couldn’t hold back and swung my fist at Nash’s face. When the foot bath water splashed on my face, a slap followed. Adeline, holding the empty bucket, glared at me: “Jude, who gave you the nerve to treat Nash like this?” I wiped my face and closed my eyes. When I opened them again, applause erupted behind Adeline. I took a closer look and was momentarily stunned. The girl applauding was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. She flashed a charming smile and said to Adeline: “Sister Lin, you’re really something.” Calling a woman “fierce” isn’t considered a compliment. Adeline’s face turned extremely unpleasant. I seemed to recognize who this girl was. A few days ago, Adeline complained to me that Nash seemed to have taken a liking to a younger, prettier girl. So she was trying her best to impress Nash. Nash’s face darkened upon hearing this and pointed at Adeline and me: “You’re making such a mess every day. Today, I don’t want to see you. Leave, both of you.” Nash ordered people to throw Adeline and me out. Adeline banged on the door, but no one opened it for her. When she raised her hand to teach me a lesson, I grabbed her wrist. “Two choices: come with me to the hospital to see Nian Nian, or I won’t hesitate to show Nash your pre-surgery photos.” “You’re threatening me!” Adeline stomped her foot in anger. But it didn’t take long for her to choose to come with me to the hospital to see our daughter. With that girl around, she didn’t dare let me show Nash her old photos. Before surgery, Adeline wasn’t just ordinary; she was downright unattractive. When we arrived at the hospital, our daughter’s eyes lit up seeing Adeline. Adeline pushed me out, saying she wanted to have a private conversation with our daughter. I stood on the hospital rooftop for half an hour. Thinking Adeline’s patience was probably wearing thin, I went back to the daughter’s room, only to see her being resuscitated. My head buzzed. I couldn’t understand how she could be fine just now and suddenly need resuscitation. The doctor came to me and said something. I didn’t catch it clearly, only vaguely heard words like “mental preparation” and “doing our best.” I knelt on the ground, pleading with the heavens not to take my daughter away. I don’t know how long passed, but my legs went numb from kneeling. A doctor came over, patted my shoulder, and told me: “We’ve done our best.” “There’s still some time, talk to your daughter.” I stumbled to my feet and went to my daughter’s side. She wasn’t as happy to see me as before, mumbling “Mommy, Mommy…” I trembled as I called Adeline, but no one answered. My daughter closed her eyes. Tears trickled down from the corners of her eyes. The monitor sounded an alarm, and I stared blankly at everything. Then the door to the room opened. Adeline walked in, her laughter clear and bright, “Jude, take a look at my marriage certificate with Nash. Since you used our daughter’s death to trick me, it’s only fair to make you give up…” I turned around, stepping aside. Adeline stopped mid-sentence when she saw our daughter lying quietly on the bed. 5 “Lydia, Lydia, why are you lying in bed without saying anything?” “Mom’s here. You always wanted to see her the most. Get up and talk to her.” Adeline approached her daughter slowly.

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On the day I was announced as the company heir, someone barged onto the stage with fake documents, accusing me of embezzling project funds and colluding with competitors. My father tore up the inheritance papers on the spot and expelled me. The hall’s screen repeatedly displayed photos of the new heir, Jasper. As I stumbled out of the building, a black car suddenly lost control and struck me. I collapsed into a pool of blood, overwhelmed by pain. While in a coma, I overheard her talking to an assistant. “Madam, Mr. Nolan has already been completely ousted; why take things to such extremes?” “He’s too brilliant. Only by crippling him can we eliminate future troubles—” “Jasper saved me from a fire five years ago. If he wants the inheritance, naturally I have to help him clear the obstacles.” I gazed at the burn scar below my collarbone, a mark left three years ago when I rushed into the flames to save her. Later, clutching the Certificate of Bravery from the Fire Department, I barged into the Jasper Corporation press conference. My wife was adjusting the cufflinks of her “benefactor,” Jasper. I tore open my shirt to reveal the scar, my voice hoarse but resolute. “Fiona, you said you’d spend your life with your benefactor once he recovered—” “But your benefactor is right in front of you, and you’re the arsonist executioner.”

The assistant looked at me, speaking with resignation. “Madam, you’ve already ordered Mr. Nolan to be hit, and the impact was enough to cripple his legs. But why have the perpetrator repeatedly run him over, leaving his legs as nothing but mangled flesh, necessitating amputation?” Fiona’s eyes were cold, her tone indifferent. “I did it to ensure nothing could go wrong. What if those people didn’t cripple him? Nolan has always been exceptionally capable. It’s not impossible for him to find renowned doctors across the United States to heal those legs.” “With his legs amputated, he’ll forever be disabled. He’s always been proud and ambitious, living a lifetime in the pain of broken legs, and won’t think of fighting Jasper for the inheritance.” The assistant’s pupils contracted, his gaze falling on my bandaged, severed legs. “But what if Mr. Nolan finds out? You were at the scene of the accident too. What if he saw you, even the ambulance was called by a passerby. What if he blames you for life?” Fiona took a step closer, her slender hand caressing the wound on my forehead. “Then make sure he doesn’t remember what happened that night. Aren’t there drugs in those shady clinics that can interfere with memory?” “Use them on him. If he can forget, great. If not, increase the dosage so he can’t even remember who he is.” The assistant couldn’t bear it, his voice trembling. “Those drugs exist, but they’re untested in clinical trials. They might cause permanent cognitive impairment, and severe cases could lead to incontinence, turning him into a vegetable…” Hearing the assistant’s words, Fiona showed impatience. Her eyes flared with anger. “So what? Sacrificing him for Jasper’s career is worth it.” “Since Jasper saved me from the fire five years ago, I haven’t been able to love anyone else. If not for the family marriage, why would I marry Nolan?” “If Jasper hadn’t risked his life to save me back then, I might have died in that fire. Now the opportunity has finally come; I can repay Jasper.” I clenched my wrist tightly, oblivious to the blood from my palm. The wife who had been with me for five years seemed like a stranger. Five years ago, I risked my life to save Fiona. The burn scar below my collarbone is still there. During our five-year marriage, I never mentioned it. I thought she knew I was the one who saved her because she agreed to the arranged marriage without hesitation. I never brought it up, fearing it would trigger painful memories for her. I never imagined she considered Jasper her savior all along. The assistant handed her a necklace, his fingers trembling. “This was tightly clutched in Mr. Nolan’s hand during the car accident. His secretary said it was supposed to be your birthday gift.” Fiona stared at the blood-stained necklace, dazed for a few seconds. It was something I had specially acquired from an auction in Italy. Just because she said she liked it, I went to great lengths to get it, just to see her smile. At the moment of the accident, she was all I thought about. She rubbed the necklace with her fingertips, her other hand caressing my face. “As long as he’s obedient and doesn’t fight, I’ll stay with him forever. He’ll still be my Mr. Nolan, and I’ll still be his Mrs. Nolan.” “Oh, and Jasper just took the heir position. We should celebrate. Help me give him the family heirloom ring.” The assistant’s eyes widened, his tone more forceful. “But that’s Fiona’s family heirloom ring. It’s supposed to be for Mr. Nolan, your husband. How can you give it to—” Fiona immediately interrupted the assistant. “Don’t say so much nonsense. Hurry up, Jasper deserves something so good.” Her words cut like a knife, causing me deep pain. Over these five years, Fiona, have you not loved me at all?

After the assistant left, Fiona stayed by my bedside. She occasionally wiped my body, sometimes whispering stories of our past in my ear. Every action was so gentle. If I hadn’t just heard the brutal truth, I would’ve thought she loved me deeply. Soon, a female doctor came over with two forms. Judging by the voice, it was her best friend, Hazel. Fiona glanced at her coolly. “So? Are the results out?” Hazel handed a form to Fiona. She opened it, her eyes instantly brightening. Even her tone became cheerful. “I knew it. They’re half-brothers; the kidneys are definitely compatible.” “Prepare for surgery, the sooner, the better.” Hazel looked troubled, clutching Fiona’s hand with a tremor. “Fiona, do you really have to do this? Look at what Nolan has become, and you still want to take his kidney?” “Besides, Jasper’s kidney doesn’t have much of a problem. Last time you brought him in for a check, it was just a mild infection, cured with some meds.” Fiona pried her hand away, her gaze fixed on my pale face. “You don’t know. Jasper has exhausted himself preparing to become the heir, not eating or drinking well.” “I read online that overworking like this can cause kidney issues. I can’t gamble with Jasper’s health. This is the only way to ensure everything’s fine.” “Anyway, during this accident, we’ll take his kidney. When he wakes, we’ll tell him the crash injured his kidney, forcing us to remove one. He won’t suspect a thing.” Hazel tried to wake her, grabbing her hand again. “But Nolan’s current condition isn’t suitable for this surgery. The crash caused blood clotting issues. Forcing a kidney removal might cause shock, endangering his life.” Fiona locked eyes with Hazel. “Hazel, aren’t you the best in your hospital? I trust you can handle this minor surgery.” Hazel gritted her teeth, staying silent. Sighs echoed in my ears. Tears streamed down my face like broken pearls. My legs have already been amputated, and now my wife wants to take my kidney for my half-brother. I wanted to get up from the bed and demand why she was doing this to me. But my limbs felt like they were filled with cement, immovable. Hazel handed Fiona another form. “Fiona, your check-up from last week is out too. Congratulations, you’re pregnant.” Fiona froze, staring at the pregnancy test words for a long time. But the final words were cold. “Schedule an abortion for me.” Hazel was clearly surprised, her voice tinged with confusion. “Fiona, you’ve been married for five years. It’s not easy for this child to come! Why abort?” “Nolan’s in this state now. Who knows if he can have kids anymore.” “And you’ve taken so many contraceptives before that your body’s already damaged. If you don’t keep this one, you might never conceive again!” Fiona’s cold hand gripped mine again. Her voice pierced my soul, given the closeness. “I never planned on having kids with him. You know I’ve always loved Jasper. If I were to have a child, it should be Jasper’s.” She suddenly kissed my forehead, her voice choking. “As for Nolan, I’ll find hundreds of ways to compensate him.” Memories flickered through my mind like a movie. Five years of marriage, I always wanted a love child but never succeeded. I thought it was my body’s issue, seeking medical help and drinking bitter herbs. Fiona once comforted me, saying, “Don’t rush; we’ll have kids eventually.” The truth was, she never wanted a child.

Hazel had just left when a young nurse entered the ward with an injection. She inserted it into my skin, and any regained strength vanished. Beside me, Fiona’s voice was clear, comforting me. “Nolan, it’s okay, it’ll be over soon.” “I’ll be waiting outside; you have to hang in there.” Then, I seemed to be wheeled into a surgery room. Fiona once tried to comfort me, saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll think about kids in the future.” But the truth was, she never wanted children. 3. Hazel had just stepped out for a moment. A young nurse entered the ward with a syringe. She injected it into my arm. The small strength I had mustered drained away. Next to me, I could clearly hear Fiona’s voice trying to reassure me. “Nolan, it’s alright, it’ll be over soon.” “I’ll be waiting outside; you have to hang on.” Then I felt like I was wheeled into an operating room. Several people in white lab coats wielded cold surgical scalpels. I could vividly feel my skin being cut and my kidney being removed, yet I was utterly helpless. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I have no idea how long I was in the operating room. When I woke again, Fiona’s beautiful face was in front of me. In the past, that face brought me immense joy, but now it only brought a chilling coldness. Seeing me awake, she seemed genuinely happy, embracing me tightly. “Nolan, you’re finally awake! You have no idea how worried I’ve been about you.” “If the heir status is gone, it’s gone. I just want you to be okay.” Seeing her eyes red with tears made my heart ache. Fiona, I could have been fine, but isn’t it all thanks to you that I’m like this now? Instinctively, I glanced at my legs, amputated below the knees. The 20-centimeter scar on my abdomen still ached. I didn’t need to guess to know the surgery was to remove my kidney. Fiona, do you really not care about me at all? Do you have to be so heartless? Seeing my indifferent expression, she hesitantly asked, “Nolan, do you remember what happened back then?” I shook my head without speaking, but everything from that day was etched into my bones. Hearing my response, she softened her tone and feigned concern. “Nolan, that day you lost your heir status, you were so heartbroken you drank heavily and got into a serious car accident… Your legs were amputated, and one kidney was damaged, which is why it was removed.” “Don’t worry, no matter what you become, I’ll be by your side. I don’t care about any heir status; I only want you.” She had the audacity to say this, probably because she gave me memory-altering drugs, allowing her to distort the facts. Listening to her lies felt like a giant hand was squeezing my heart, making it hard to breathe. She didn’t suspect my lack of enthusiasm at all. She probably thought I was not yet recovering from the car accident. She busied herself around my hospital bed, playing the role of a devoted wife. 4. After a while, someone brought a wheelchair. She quickly set aside the fruit she was cutting for me. Diligently, she pushed the wheelchair in front of me. “Nolan, try it out. I had it custom-made just for you. I believe it’ll make things much easier for you in the future.” Her eyes, like peach blossoms, looked at me with innocence and hope. Thinking about spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair made me resent her. But I also loved her so much that I couldn’t bring myself to say a harsh word. I was about to ask, Fiona, why are you so cruel to me? I even kept convincing myself that she still loved me. Telling myself the things I had heard were mere hallucinations. But the words got swallowed back down, turning into a single word. “Okay.” Maybe I really needed to adapt to it. She pushed me outside to enjoy the sun, just like our old promise. When we grow old, we’ll push each other to walk in the sunset. The early autumn wind carried a chill, making me cough uncontrollably. She immediately stopped, squatted down, and asked, “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well? Should I call a doctor?” She quickly stood up, but I grabbed her hand. “No need, it’s just an old cough that comes with the changing seasons.” She patted my head, giving me a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Nolan, you don’t have to act strong in front of me. I know everything that’s happened lately has been hard on you.” “From the moment it happened, you haven’t shed a single tear. If you want to cry, just cry. Keeping it bottled up will only hurt you.” Her words showed no pretense, only concern. We’ve been together for five years, and I’ve never doubted her. But how did two people so in love end up with her as the demon pulling me into an abyss? I tried to suppress my inner pain, calmly saying, “I want to go home.” She hesitated, trying to reason with me. “Nolan, you just had surgery. I’m really worried about your health if you go home now.” “How about we wait until you’re a bit better before going home?” Of course, I needed to go back; Jasper Corporation’s product launch event was in a couple of days. I wanted to give them a big surprise. I forced a smile, even though bitterness lingered at the corners of my mouth. “Don’t worry, didn’t you say you’d always be with me? You’re my best medicine; nothing will happen with you around.” “Besides, I really can’t stand the smell of the hospital’s disinfectant.” After my repeated insistence, Fiona finally agreed. Once we reached an agreement, she pushed me back to the ward. The phone in my pocket suddenly rang. Jasper’s voice came through the receiver. She deliberately stepped away to answer the call, and soon rushed back to me. “Nolan, I’m sorry, I have an urgent matter to attend to.” “Try to get used to the wheelchair and head back to the ward yourself, okay?” Without hesitation, she let go of my hand, leaving me in the empty hallway. As she turned away, my heart felt like it was bleeding. Suddenly, I remembered all those times she took calls and left abruptly over the years. It dawned on me. She left to see Jasper every time. 5. After Fiona left, I awkwardly maneuvered the wheelchair to hail a cab home. I carefully observed the home we had shared for five years. Everywhere bore the marks of our love, but now it all seemed so ironic. I went to the study room, intending to retrieve the Certificate of Bravery I received for saving her. Instead, I found a diary in a nearby drawer. Opening the front page, it was filled with her handwriting. “October 2020, someone braved the flames to save me. He is the light of my life. He gave me life, and one day, I will marry him.” “July 2016, I finally found the person I owed my life to. He was as handsome and gentle as I remembered. I needed to find the right moment to let him know how I felt.” “October 2016, I had to bury that love deep inside. Due to a family arrangement, I ended up marrying his brother, but it’s always been him I truly loved.”

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