I was meant to enter a marriage alliance with the Taylor Family alongside my best friend. But on the eve of the celebration, I woke up in the bed of my best friend’s fiancé. Trying to flee, Liam Taylor revealed that it was all a plot by my boyfriend and best friend. To prove it, he handed me a video of them entangled together. “A doomed heir is only fit to be with a fool. Yet he dares to think he can marry the one I love.” “By tomorrow morning, Nora Bennett’s affair scandal will be all over the headlines. They’ll be tied together, and the entire Taylor Family will be ours.” It struck me that they had been together all along, and I was just a pawn in their scheme when I learned of the marriage alliance. Their cruel intentions made all my sincere efforts seem like a joke. In my rage, I sat on Liam Taylor and boldly declared, “You’re mine now. You must marry me.” “I won’t live past thirty-five. Are you sure you want to marry me?” “Yes.” I nodded firmly, meeting his gaze, and kissed him to make him believe. There were five years left until he turned thirty-five—maybe I could find a way to save him. Even if not, with his looks and wealth, spending five years together wouldn’t be a loss. Who knows, maybe I’d even have a little dumpling. By then, all his assets would be mine. How could I pass up such a beneficial deal? Liam Taylor said nothing, just held my gaze intensely. If not for his hand gripping my waist, I might have thought he was indifferent. His gaze grew deeper, and my heart beat wildly. Everyone knows that the elite Taylor Family isn’t intimidating. The only intimidating one is Liam Taylor. He took over the company at eighteen and, within two years, surpassed the leading company in New York City. By twenty-five, he expanded the company internationally. If not for the accident at twenty-seven, he would be a man many women could only dream of. Even with his short life expectancy, my family’s status isn’t the Taylor Family’s first choice. Just as I was about to compromise and leave, he softly said, “Marry me. Alive or dead, you can only be my wife.” Hearing his terms, I quickly nodded in agreement. Sworn with three fingers to the sky, I promised to marry only him in this life. Seeing his satisfied smile, I realized he agreed to the marriage exchange. Meanwhile, in the video, the two were still plotting how to humiliate Liam Taylor and me the next day and gain benefits from Mrs. Taylor. Watching the two-faced duo filled me with hatred. If they wanted to ruin me, I’d return the favor. After whispering in Liam Taylor’s ear, I dressed and headed to Fiona White’s room. Before reaching the door, I already heard Fiona White’s pleading voice inside. “Stop it. If their drug effect wears off and they sneak out, tonight’s plan will fall apart.” “Don’t worry, I used a strong dose. Once we’re done, we’ll call the reporters. Even if the old lady wants to protect him, Liam Taylor will have to leave the Taylor Family.” Their mocking voices sent a chill down my spine. Tonight, Fiona White used our best friend status as an excuse to hold a bachelorette party. After just one drink, I felt dizzy, with waves of heat coursing through me. When I came to, I was already in bed with Liam Taylor. Thinking of this, I ground my molars in anger. For Fiona White, I gave my all. What I had, she had. What she liked, I’d buy for her. For her family’s company, I asked my father for help more than once. I even introduced my boyfriend, Finn Taylor, to her. Even a hair from the Taylor Family could keep her small company thriving for a month. But I never expected the two of them to sneak around together. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed the key card Liam Taylor had prepared and kicked the door open. The two on the bed split apart in shock at the sudden noise. They scrambled to cover themselves with the fallen blanket, looking like ants on a hot pan. Barely managing to cover their exposed skin, they looked up to see me pointing my phone at their faces. Fiona White’s face darkened instantly, and she yelled in anger, “Nora Bennett, are you crazy? What are you doing here instead of sleeping?” “Nora Bennett?” Before she finished her scolding, her face turned pale with fright. She reached out, trying to shove Finn Taylor under the covers. Her panicked look made me laugh derisively, a slight sting at the tip of my nose. “I treated you like a good sister, and you slept with my boyfriend. Do you have no shame?” My question silenced Fiona White and made Finn Taylor feel sorry for her. Right in front of me, he pulled Fiona White into his arms, looking soft and tender. “Nora, where’s your upbringing? You barge in like a shrew, biting everyone. How can you compare to Fiona?” Though he was the one caught cheating, and I hadn’t even started questioning him, he turned the tables, acting like the victim. Unable to contain my fury, I threw a nearby ashtray at them. “She’s my best friend and your uncle’s fiancée. How can you justify this affair?” Finn Taylor brushed it off with a wince, his face twisted in pain. He glared at me with vicious eyes. “Don’t mention that good-for-nothing. A doomed heir who thought he could marry Fiona and compete with me for the Taylor Family.” “If you’re smart, you’ll listen. The Taylor Family can still be yours. If not, forget about the marriage.” “Fine, let’s call off the engagement. I have nothing to do with you anymore.” With those words, I slapped Finn Taylor across the face. He hadn’t expected me to suggest breaking off the engagement, and his face turned dark instantly. Ignoring his state of undress, he got up and approached me. “We can’t break it off. You and my uncle…” Before he could finish, his voice stopped abruptly. My vision went black, and I heard the sound of flesh hitting the floor. As I wondered, Liam Taylor’s deep, magnetic voice sounded in my ear. “You’ve agreed to marry me. Don’t look at others, naughty.” Tsk, so domineering. A moment later, Liam Taylor removed his hand from my face. Finn Taylor was now wrapped in a towel, like a turtle hiding its head, not daring to look our way. But Liam Taylor had no intention of letting him go. With a face full of coldness, he spoke, “What’s wrong with me and Nora Bennett? Hmm…” As Liam Taylor stared at Finn Taylor in silence, he motioned for the reporters outside to enter. They rushed in, snapping photos of the two. Finn Taylor, realizing what was happening, glared at the media and yelled angrily. “You’ve got the wrong place. Get out.” His panic and Fiona White’s pathetic attempt to hide under the covers slightly eased my resentment. The media didn’t leave despite his shouting. Instead, they focused their cameras on Finn Taylor and Fiona White, zooming in on their faces. [We heard Fiona White is your uncle’s fiancée. Are you disregarding ethics?] [Even if you don’t care, you’re getting married tomorrow. How can you do this to your wife?] [As a lady of the White family, Fiona White, are you playing with Mr. Taylor’s emotions because you’re fearless, or do you plan to seize Mr. Taylor’s assets?] … Each word pierced like a jewel, turning their faces ghostly pale. Fiona White threw off the blanket, revealing her head, and pitifully spoke to the media. “No, I was supposed to marry Finn Taylor. It’s her…” “Nora Bennett despises Liam Taylor for his short life and doesn’t want to be a widow, so she announced she would marry Finn Taylor.” Fiona White pointed at me, signaling me to agree with her. Seeing I wasn’t playing along, she awkwardly wrapped the blanket around herself and approached me. “We’ve been best friends for so many years. You don’t want to see me ruined over this, right?” Then she whispered in my ear, “Nora, I didn’t mean to. I was just drunk. Please help me this once, okay?” “Besides, you also slept with my fiancé. We’re even, right?” I was stunned by her shamelessness. Failing to harm me, she wanted me to bear the consequences. I’ve been too lenient with her over the years. Fiona White and I have been friends for fifteen years. During these years, I’ve constantly taken the blame for her. She’s the second child in her family, with an older sister and a younger brother. She wears her sister’s hand-me-downs and eats her brother’s leftovers, with only a hundred bucks a month for allowance. We met because she couldn’t afford sanitary products. I lent her money, and upon learning of her situation, I felt sorry for her and made her my best friend. Since then, whenever she was wronged, I’d stand up for her without hesitation. I never thought it would make her feel entitled. “Fiona White, this is about reputation. If I admit it, the Bennett Corporation will be scorned because of me.” “Besides, you’re the one who cheated. How can you slander me and Mr. Taylor like this?” I glared at her, tears rolling down my face. My pitiful look made the reporters view Fiona White with more disdain. Seeing the reporters continue to question her, she panicked. She looked to Finn Taylor for help, but he was too scared to lift his head under Liam Taylor’s pressure. “Nora, now that Finn Taylor and I have no way out, he can only marry me. You’re destined to marry Liam Taylor.” “I’m begging you. Help me this once, and I’ll compensate you.” Fiona White pleaded desperately but didn’t get a nod from me. She pushed me back in anger, pointing at my nose, questioning me. “Nora Bennett, what’s wrong with you? You promised to protect me. Now you want to break your word? Aren’t you afraid I’ll cut off your financial support once I marry Liam Taylor?” My heart was stabbed sharply. Over a decade of effort was wasted on someone ungrateful. We had achieved our goal, so there was no need to listen to her anymore. I gestured for Liam Taylor to leave with me. Fiona White panicked as I turned to go, desperately clutching my arm and pleading with urgency. “Mabel, I messed up this time. Please help me. You wouldn’t want to see my child and me getting hurt by my dad.” She touched her belly as she spoke. Liam and I exchanged a glance, surprised at her audacity to be pregnant. The Taylor Family had consulted a fortune-teller to find a girl whose fate matched Liam Taylor’s, believing she could change his destiny. Mrs. Taylor had spent a fortune searching among the elite families and finally found Fiona White. To persuade her to marry into the family, the Taylors had agreed to her family’s unreasonable demands. Now, whether it was her with Finn Taylor or me with Liam, either situation would anger the Taylor Family. This was why Liam wanted Finn to involve the media, to shift the blame onto them. However, seeing Fiona White’s desperate gamble, I didn’t dare take the risk. If she revealed her pregnancy, it would not just be about getting the Taylor elders to agree to a marriage swap; it would plunge the entire family into a media frenzy, making Liam and me targets of public scrutiny. There was no longer an escape. Liam and I were already entangled in this mess, inseparable. As I hesitated, Liam pulled me into his embrace. “Miss White, you must be joking. Even if you and Mabel are best friends, this kind of joke is unacceptable.” “My intended wife is Miss Nora Bennett, and Miss White is my niece-in-law. We hadn’t made it public earlier to avoid any schemes before they joined the Taylor Family.” He explained earnestly, though the crowd remained skeptical. Even though Liam was influential, they didn’t want to miss a headline opportunity. Clearly, Liam was aware of this, so he kissed me. The media got their story and didn’t linger, rushing back to write it up. Before we could confront them, the Taylor Family called us back to explain ourselves. With no other choice, we returned home to face the music. Back home, Liam ignored Mrs. Taylor’s pressure and sat with me on the sofa, holding my hand. Only after I ate the grape he offered did he finally look at Mrs. Taylor. “Mom, Finn is grown now and has his own ideas. He even drugged his uncle and fiancée.” “Grandma, I didn’t.” Finn quickly defended himself. I pinched my thigh, letting tears fall as I sobbed. “Mrs. Taylor, I never thought Finn and Fiona would drug me. They even have a child. If it weren’t for their child, I would have accepted it and never bothered the Taylor Family again.” “But Fiona used her pregnancy to threaten Mr. Taylor, leaving him no choice but to mention the marriage alliance with me.” “If you don’t want it, Mrs. Taylor, I can leave.” My tears fell, making Mrs. Taylor frown. My heart skipped a beat, and I glared at Liam. On the way back, he had told me that Mrs. Taylor was firm but soft-hearted towards him. As long as I cried and exposed Fiona’s schemes, Mrs. Taylor would go easy on me and not implicate the Bennett Corporation. But now, seeing Mrs. Taylor’s expression, I suddenly felt a bit of regret. Mrs. Taylor’s face turned from blue to red, and she handed me a tissue. “You poor child, you’ve been through a lot. The dowry will be sent to your home again tomorrow morning.” She then slammed the table in anger, glaring sharply at Fiona White. “I thought you were sensible, but you’re restless. Take a million and leave the Taylor Family.” She gestured for the maid to get the check from the room. Finn saw the old lady was serious and immediately knelt to stop her. “Grandma, I’ve always loved Fiona. Now she has the Taylor Family’s child. How can she leave?” Mrs. Taylor ignored his defense and bluntly told Fiona to deal with the child, offering another million. This infuriated Finn, and he pointed at me, yelling angrily. “Nora Bennett tricked her into marrying my uncle. How can a doomed heir match Fiona?” The living room fell silent. Seeing the loneliness in Liam’s eyes, my heart ached. He was once a bright star, repeatedly hurt because his nephew wanted to fight for the family inheritance. Not wanting to see him hide his emotions, I got up and slapped his face. Ignoring everyone’s gaze, I slapped him again on the other cheek. “The only one unworthy is Fiona White. If I had known Liam earlier, you wouldn’t have had the title of my boyfriend.” Finn held his face, staring at me in shock. His face turned from green to white to black, and his finger trembled with anger as he pointed at me. “Nora Bennett, don’t forget, our engagement isn’t dissolved. You’re still my fiancée.” I rolled my eyes at him and turned to take the marriage alliance certificate from Liam’s arms, taunting Finn. “See? Now I’m your aunt. Call me aunt, let’s hear it.” Finn looked at me incredulously, wanting to speak but not knowing what to say. Fiona White saw him silent and quickly snatched the marriage certificate from my hand. “Nora Bennett, even if you want to save face, you shouldn’t use this fake marriage certificate to deceive Finn.”

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I cherished Gideon more than anything. I proposed to him a hundred times just to marry him. As I was about to propose for the 101st time, Gideon was suddenly kidnapped. In my desperate attempt to save him, I took a fatal blow that was meant for him. When I awoke from a coma, Gideon willingly put on the wedding ring I had prepared. “Adeline, let’s get married.” From that moment, I became the envy of everyone, Mrs. Gideon. After our marriage, Gideon’s behavior didn’t change. He brought countless women home, but I didn’t mind. I even stood by and opened small umbrellas for them. Outsiders thought I was pitiable, unwilling to let go of the luxury and wealth Gideon provided. But no one knew that my relentless pursuit to marry Gideon was never about him or his money. It was for the heart beating in his chest. I watched the drunken, sleeping Gideon and placed my hand over his beating heart. “Gideon, you must live a long and healthy life.” A soft, melodious sound came from the guest room. I looked at the closed door, unable to recall how many women Gideon had brought back. Since he agreed to my 101st proposal, aside from a brief period of being a faithful husband shortly after marriage, he quickly reverted to his old ways. His handsome demeanor remained unchanged. An hour later, the noise from the room finally ceased. Following his usual habit, I opened the door and offered a glass of freshly poured red wine. Gideon watched me walk in calmly, a satisfied smile on his face. He pulled me onto the bed where he had just been with another woman, holding me tightly in his arms. He gently tapped my nose with his finger and said, “Adeline, you are the most understanding.” “Marrying you was indeed the right decision.” He drank the wine in one gulp and went into the bathroom to freshen up, leaving the woman and me staring at each other. Once the bathroom door closed, I discreetly rubbed my nose where Gideon had touched. The woman Gideon chose this time was different from the usual ones. She was pure, with a face so fair it seemed to glow. Seeing my indifferent reaction to my husband’s betrayal, she boldly flaunted her good figure in front of me. Despite her innocent appearance, her eyes were full of mockery and disdain. “You’re the ‘pathetic’ Mrs. Gideon everyone talks about.” In a lowered voice, she revealed, “I’ve been with Gideon for two months. He often tells me he likes me very much. If he weren’t already married, he would definitely marry me.” Worried about Gideon overhearing, she leaned closer and whispered in my ear, “I advise you to leave Gideon soon, or I won’t let you have an easy time.” Before I could respond to this familiar threat, the bathroom suddenly went quiet. When Gideon emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist, she suddenly fell backward, hitting the floor hard. Before he could help her up, she tearfully accused, “Gideon, she hit me!” Pointing at me, she continued, “She threatened me to leave you, or she wouldn’t let me go easily.” Watching this scene, I found it amusing. Such poor tactics, Gideon wouldn’t fall for it. But this time, Gideon showed a worry I had never seen before. He nervously held the woman in his arms. “Cora, where does it hurt? Do you need a doctor?” Gideon looked at me standing emotionlessly and frowned, “Adeline, you pushed Cora. Apologize to her now.” I glanced at Cora’s smug expression in his arms and remained unmoved. Seeing this, Gideon became furious, “Didn’t you hear me? Apologize now!” Perhaps sensing my unyielding attitude was different than usual, despite his repeated orders, I remained unmoved. Suddenly, Gideon clutched his chest, breathing heavily. This sudden change left Cora bewildered. Seeing this, I immediately took out the medicine I always carried, pushed Cora away, and forced the medicine into Gideon’s mouth. Listening to his gradually calming breath, I glanced at the surgical scar on his chest and said to Cora, “Ms. Lin, I’m sorry.”

Probably to punish me for my rebellious act yesterday, Gideon brought the meticulously dressed Cora to the company’s anniversary celebration. Everyone looked at me with mocking eyes. Even the interns who just joined the company covered their mouths, waiting to see the joke of the infamous ‘gold-digger wife.’ Ignoring their looks, I quietly stood aside, watching Gideon and Cora mingle with the partners. But in her self-importance, Cora forgot herself and cursed at a young woman who accidentally stepped on her dress. “Are you blind?” “This dress is the only one in the city. You can’t afford it even if you sell your life!” Furious at the dirty hem, Cora pushed the young woman into the champagne tower. The tower toppled, drenching the woman in wine, and she began to cry. The commotion caught the attention of Gideon and the partners. The main partner’s face turned pale, and he rushed over to help the young woman. He demanded, “Daughter, who did this to you?” Under her finger, Cora’s face turned white. Instinctively, Gideon shielded Cora, demanding, “Adeline, apologize to this lady immediately.” I was stunned, looking at his tense muscles, ready to comply. But the partner stopped me, displeased with Cora, “It was she who pushed my daughter. Why is Mrs. Gideon apologizing?” The young woman, eyes red from crying, added, “Mr. Gideon, if she doesn’t apologize, I’ll have my father cancel the partnership with Gideon Corporation. ” Facing the threat, Gideon rubbed Cora’s head to comfort her, then ordered me, “Adeline, even if you have to kneel, you must earn Mr. King and Miss King’s forgiveness.” With that, he took Cora’s hand and left the hall. I vaguely heard their conversation. “Gideon, I was so scared. Fortunately, you were by my side.” Gideon replied tenderly, “I can’t bear to see someone as pure as you get hurt.” Watching them leave, I took a deep breath, turned to King, and forced a smile. Picking up a freshly opened bottle of wine, I apologized, “Miss King, I’m sorry for what happened. I sincerely apologize.” Raising the bottle to drink, Miss King stopped me, her eyes full of pity. She took the bottle from my hand, saying, “Mrs. Gideon, you don’t need to do this. Consider the matter closed, but our companies will never cooperate again. ” Before leaving, she looked at me with disdain, changing her address, “Miss Summer, a man like that isn’t worth it.” Her words left me with mixed feelings. The scene of Gideon and Cora leaving replayed in my mind. I touched the silver chain on my wrist and smiled bitterly.

Despite my chronic stomach issues, the alcohol caused burning pain in my abdomen. After the event, I struggled to reach the car waiting at the hotel’s entrance. As I opened the door, I saw them in an intimate moment. Hearing the door, they paused. Cora, displeased, got off Gideon’s lap and gave me a look. Gideon glanced over, asking, “How did the matter with Mr. King go?” I relayed Mr. King’s statement about ‘no further cooperation.’ Hearing this, Gideon’s expression changed. Mr. King was not only the company’s biggest partner but also a primary source of income. Canceling the partnership risked a financial crisis. Clearly, Gideon understood the consequences. He looked at me with reproach, about to speak, but Cora interrupted. “Adeline, you’re useless. Can’t even apologize properly. What are you still doing by Gideon’s side?” She poked Gideon’s chest with her manicured finger, adding, “Gideon, maybe we should give Adeline a little punishment.” “Otherwise, she might ignore your advice again.” Cora’s attitude seemed to deny any wrongdoing on her part. Hearing this, Gideon affectionately ruffled her hair and slammed the door shut. The car door locked with a click. Gideon lowered the window, coldly demanding my phone, “Cora’s right. You need a lesson.” She pointed her carefully manicured red-tipped finger at Gideon’s chest, suggesting, “Gideon, why don’t we teach Adeline a little lesson?” “Otherwise, Adeline will keep ignoring your advice,” Cora said, acting as if she wasn’t the one who stirred up trouble this time. Hearing this, Gideon gently tousled her hair before slamming the car door shut. With a click, the door locked. Gideon rolled down the window and curtly demanded my phone: “Cora’s right; you need to learn your lesson.” “This time, I’ll be kind and let you walk back to the villa from the hotel.” With that, he told the driver to start the car. But just as the car sped up, it suddenly stopped. Cora leaned out the window and shouted, “Adeline, don’t forget to buy ribs on your way back.” “Whenever Gideon and I go out, he often brings your homemade braised ribs.” “Hurry back to the villa; I’m eager to have them!” As thunder roared in the sky, the car sped away. Cold rain poured down, drenching me in an instant. My heart grew colder with each heartbeat. When I finally returned to the villa, my soaked body was stiff and hard to move. I was about to head to the bedroom to change clothes when I opened the door to a scene of chaos. Especially the photo album I had hidden in a secret corner—it had been maliciously torn and thrown on the ground. The few intact photos bore dusty footprints. The smiling father and daughter in the photos were my deceased father and me. I squatted down, touching the photos, and cried out in agony. Hearing my cries, Cora, wearing a dress Gideon had given me for our wedding, swayed over to me. “What’s with all the yelling? I just picked a few clothes from your closet, no need to shout.” I clutched the photos tightly, my eyes bloodshot as I glared at her, questioning, “Who told you to dig out these photos?” Cora casually replied, “They’re just old photos, nothing valuable.” She snatched the photos from my hand and, with malice in her eyes, deliberately commented, “The man in these photos looks like he’s doomed to die young. He must be suffering in hell after death!”

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After the real daughter came home, my parents sent me to Pleasure Island. Pleasure Island is a reality show that broadcasts nonstop, 24 hours a day. Everyone saw my tragic fate, being exploited by the people of the Island Nation. My fiancé unilaterally broke off our engagement and romantically proposed to Genevieve. “How can a woman like her, who has been exposed to everyone, be fit to be the family’s matriarch?” My parents also put on a show in front of the cameras. “She insisted on going to Pleasure Island, truly degrading herself.” Later, my fiancé sent me to the Memory Tribunal. But those who intended to humiliate me once more were filled with regret. The news of the upcoming memory trial in City A became the top trending topic. In the opulent venue, I hovered in mid-air, coldly observing these hypocrites. Genevieve, with her bright eyes and pearly smile, wore an expensive, exquisite dress, looking incredibly dignified. Declan proudly handed the Oscar statuette to Genevieve in front of numerous media outlets. As the atmosphere in the venue reached its peak, Declan knelt on one knee before Genevieve, presenting a ring while announcing that I was being sent to trial. “Can’t Fiona just leave? Selling her body shamelessly and disgracing us—it’s embarrassing. How can she have the nerve to disrupt Genevieve’s awards ceremony?” “A woman who sells her body, disrupting Genevieve’s important life moments, is like an irritating nuisance.” I died during that Island Nation reality show, not even lasting a day. No one cared about the truth. They only believed what they wanted to believe. “Before Fiona went to the Island Nation, she always occupied Genevieve’s position in the Taylor family, enjoying all the family’s resources.” “I believe Fiona’s record is terrible, her character and morals are degraded, insulting the Taylor name. Therefore, I requested a global live-streamed trial to have Fiona removed from the Taylor family.” At this moment, Dad and Mom—or rather, the Taylor family patriarch and Lady Taylor—entered the awards venue. “We raised Fiona for twenty years, never treating her poorly, yet after Genevieve came home, she targeted Genevieve everywhere and acted disgracefully.” “My wife and I agree with Declan sending Fiona to trial. After all her crimes are made public, we will expel Fiona from the Taylor family.” As the patriarch’s words fell, a judge in white, wearing a mask, pushed open the venue doors with a coffin. On stage, Genevieve’s face turned pale, nervously retreating, while Declan protectively shielded her. “Shameless, even looking at such filth for a second is unbearable. Judge, quickly end the trial and expel her from the Taylor family. We don’t want this trash sharing the Taylor name with Genevieve.” The judge ignored everyone and directly lifted the lid of my coffin. Inside, my body was battered and bruised beyond recognition. Declan’s brow furrowed even more, and the Taylor couple merely paused before unwillingly looking away. Everyone present saw my battered state and gasped. Then, under the judge’s operation, my spirit gradually became half-transparent. Because I suffered extreme torment in life, my spirit appeared with bruised and bloodied skin. “Fiona, if you sincerely apologize to Genevieve, I’ll ask the judge to restore your body so you can rest in peace. You’ll still be our child in the Taylor family.” I looked at Lady Taylor’s hypocritical face and suddenly laughed. My mouth was torn, and when I smiled, half my face drooped. “I did nothing wrong, why should I apologize?” Lady Taylor was startled by my ghastly appearance, but fear quickly turned to anger. “Doing wrong and yet being so righteous, having an elder sister like you is truly unfortunate for Genevieve.” I trembled all over, and in intense pain, the judge stripped away my memory. The next second, all the electronic screens in the venue changed scenes, and the projectors played the same footage. In the Taylor family villa, Genevieve wore a cute pink princess dress with red-rimmed eyes, looking like a wronged little rabbit. While I wore a nightgown, confused, not knowing what was happening. When she saw me, she knelt on the floor, dramatically hugging my legs and even wanting to kowtow. “Sister Fiona, please stop targeting me, okay? Dad and Mom truly treat you as the Taylor family’s daughter. I won’t steal your place, please let them spare me, okay?” Mom had just entered and, hearing Genevieve’s cries, slapped me twice without a word. “Fiona, since you promised to take care of Genevieve at school, why are you bullying her behind my back?” “You’re truly vicious, saying one thing and doing another, it’s disgusting!” I fell by the stairs, not understanding what happened, tears of grievance flowing down. Despite nearly falling down the stairs, I covered my face and defended myself. “Mom, I didn’t bully Genevieve.” Mom kicked me down the stairs, coldly watching as I curled up in pain, bruised and pale. “Fiona, everything in the Taylor family belongs to Genevieve. You were always just our emotional comfort while missing her.” “If you can’t behave, be ready to leave this family.” “If you dare bully Genevieve again, I won’t hesitate to cut ties with you.” Lady Taylor was so stimulated by the screen’s ghastly face that she screamed on the spot. “I checked the school’s surveillance. That vicious Fiona bullied Genevieve, overturned her desk, threw away her food, and splashed water on her. She’s simply despicable.” On the electronic screen, I was curled up in the corner of the stairs, crying hopelessly despite my injuries. Under the nightgown, my skin was pale, and new wounds were added before the old ones healed. Other spectators noticed the scars on me and began to feel sorry. “Looking at Fiona like this, she’s really thin and has so many wounds.” Lady Taylor hurriedly interrupted everyone’s discussion, frantically explaining. “Don’t be deceived by this vicious woman. Since finding out about Genevieve’s return, she’s been causing trouble to attract our attention.” The next second, everyone in the venue began to criticize me. “Born bad, when her adoptive parents finally found their daughter, she was so jealous that she bullied Genevieve, truly deserving to die.” On the screen, Genevieve, wearing the princess dress, got up and hugged the furious Lady Taylor. “Mom, don’t be angry. Maybe sister is just insecure, afraid of being abandoned by you and Dad, so she’s using this method to suppress me.” “Mom, since she’s been taught a lesson, I believe sister won’t bully me again. I forgive her.” My empty soul trembled, anger filling the void in my heart. Genevieve, I really hate you. Some praised Genevieve’s understanding nature, while others scolded me for being ungrateful. 4 Soon, the judge switched to the second scene. On the electronic screen, I had just finished my makeup, checking my appearance. About to graduate college, I received a casting call from a film crew. My performance grades were always top-notch, so the instructor recommended me to the director. The director was very pleased with my appearance, arranging today’s audition. I knew the value of this film crew and understood how much this director’s favor could boost my future. To avoid being completely overshadowed by Genevieve, I worked hard and cherished this audition opportunity. But just after fixing my lipstick, Genevieve entered my dressing room. She clutched her dress, biting her lip, her eyes red, speaking with grievance. “Sister, when I returned home, you lost your room to me. Are you unhappy?” Before I could reply, Genevieve’s pitiful demeanor transformed, crossing her arms with a cold sneer. “Fiona, you’re such a fool.” “Dad and Mom only care about me. Where do you, an impostor, get the confidence to remain in the Taylor family?” “I can easily fabricate evidence, and they’ll believe it completely, ready to sever ties with you. It’s hilarious.” “You, an illegitimate child, are only worthy of what I discard.” I frowned, not wanting any conflict with Genevieve. “Genevieve, I’ve never been unhappy, and I don’t care about your things. If you have nothing else, please leave. I need to audition.” Feeling ignored by me, Genevieve suddenly grabbed my hair, slapping my face. “Who are you to tell me to leave? What do you even count as?” “Of course, my things are mine, and yours must be mine too.” “The only valuable thing about you is that seductive face.” “What, you think being pretty means you deserve Brother Declan’s affection?” “If it weren’t for you occupying my role as the Taylor family’s daughter for twenty years, do you think Brother Declan would even look at you?” “A trashy illegitimate child like you without the Taylor title would have been ruined by thugs long ago!” “If I ever see you trying to seduce Brother Declan again, I’ll destroy you.” The video ended, and everyone in the venue fell silent. After a long time, a voice of doubt finally arose. “Someone like you, nothing but a seductress, only has that face to offer.” “So you think just because you’re pretty, you’re deserving of Declan’s attention?” “If you hadn’t, as an illegitimate child, taken over the identity of the Taylor family’s daughter for twenty years, do you think Declan would even give you a glance?” “A disgrace like you, without the Taylor family name to shield you, would have been ruined by now!” “If I catch you flirting with Declan again, I will destroy you.” The video ended, leaving the entire venue in silence. After a long pause, a voice filled with doubt finally broke the silence. “So, Fiona never bullied Genevieve? Was it all Genevieve’s own fabrication?” The faces of the Taylor family couple changed repeatedly, and Lady Taylor looked at Genevieve in disbelief. Genevieve, looking aggrieved, hid behind Declan and timidly explained. “This was just a role-play scene with my sister. Don’t take it too seriously.” “These were all scripts my sister gave me.” The Taylor couple exchanged a glance. Naturally, they wouldn’t question their dear daughter publicly, so they seized the opportunity to make an excuse and defuse the situation. “Yes, Fiona has always been good at acting. Clearly, this clip was intentionally used to confuse everyone.” Lady Taylor gently touched Genevieve’s head and spoke softly. “Little Genevieve, your acting is really good, but this character doesn’t quite suit you. Let’s avoid such roles in the future.” “This type of malicious character is more fitting for someone like Fiona, who is two-faced.” “Someone like Fiona, who loves to pretend, obviously wants everyone to focus on her. Isn’t that why she went to the Island Nation to live-stream a reality show?” The crowd nodded frequently at Lady Taylor’s words. “Indeed, the reality show was broadcast live, and she only resisted at the start. Later, she didn’t resist at all.” “If it wasn’t to gain attention, there was no need to go to the Island Nation to participate in a reality show.” “I really don’t understand what Fiona is thinking. Declan is handsome and wealthy, and instead of appreciating that, she ran off to the Island Nation.” “So Fiona has always been pretending, no wonder she’s not liked.” I felt as if I were being judged, my body feeling as if it were falling into an icy abyss. I wanted to speak but felt a lump in my throat. Why? Why won’t anyone believe me? I’m clearly the victim. Do I have to be flawless to deserve everyone’s sympathy? Declan sneered, “Continue the trial. I want to see how she got involved with the director!” The screen rolled again, and amidst the flickering, it froze on my face, which was glowing with excitement. I happily grabbed Declan’s sleeve, so thrilled that I was grinning and dancing.

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For the tenth time, my boyfriend Kevin abandoned me at the altar after receiving a phone call from his childhood friend. I was left standing alone on stage, completely humiliated. Swallowing my pride, I tried calling Kevin, begging him to come back and finish the ceremony. But he wouldn’t even answer my calls! His childhood friend Zoe smugly sent me a photo of the two of them lying in bed together, taunting me: “I win!” My heart turned to ice. Ten weddings planned, and ten times postponed. The officiant looked at me sympathetically. “Do you still want to continue with the ceremony?” I forced a smile. “Yes! We must finish it!” I sent a message to Jack, the boy next door, and breathed a sigh of relief when he agreed to come. I told the officiant to wait just a little longer. This was my tenth attempt at getting married. It couldn’t be ruined again. Jack arrived quickly, his confident aura immediately drawing attention. He strode directly to center stage, standing beside my lonely figure with a mischievous smile. “Well, Miss Lily, have you made up your mind?” I nodded. It was just a marriage of convenience to appease our families. Anyone would do at this point. Besides… Grandpa’s condition couldn’t wait any longer. His health had started rapidly deteriorating six months ago. Whenever I visited him, he would always talk about wanting to see me married before he died. As the person I was closest to growing up, Grandpa’s only wish was to see me find someone worthy to spend my life with. That way, after he passed, I would have someone to rely on and wouldn’t be taken advantage of. Watching Grandpa grow thinner by the day, I couldn’t bear to let him leave with regrets. So I became determined to get married. My boyfriend Kevin had promised we would get married. But after ten wedding attempts, he failed to show up every single time. Leaving me to become the laughingstock of the entire city over and over again. And his excuse for missing every wedding was always because of his childhood friend Zoe. Zoe never seemed to have any problems, except on my wedding days. She would either claim to be having a depressive episode and threaten suicide, or say she was too scared to be alone after watching a horror movie. The most ridiculous time was when she suddenly decided she wanted to take wedding photos while out shopping, and called Kevin to be her stand-in groom. I wasn’t allowed to express any dissatisfaction about these absurd reasons. If I dared to send a message asking about it, I would be met with a barrage of angry words from Kevin. “Lily, can’t you be more understanding?! Zoe is like a sister to me. She needs me right now. We can have the wedding any day, why are you being so petty?” But after ten times of being abandoned and betrayed, my patience had finally run out. This time, I wouldn’t stand around waiting anymore. After truly letting go, I found the pain in my chest had eased. Perhaps I had become numb to it all. Or maybe Grandpa’s words had given me strength. “Our Lily is such a wonderful girl. After I’m gone, Grandpa hopes you can find someone who loves you and won’t let you be mistreated.” Grandpa’s aged face flashed in my mind, immediately giving me renewed determination. I couldn’t let down those who truly loved me. So I took Jack’s hand, and together we walked down the aisle. I was determined to face this wedding with my best self, so that Grandpa could watch the video later with peace of mind. As we exchanged rings, my phone buzzed with a message from Kevin. He was still completely oblivious to his wrongdoings, using the same careless tone as always: [Lily, don’t make a fuss. Zoe has a stomachache today, I really can’t get away. We can have the wedding any day, I’ll make it up to you later.] Seeing those words again, my heart couldn’t help but ache sharply. I gripped my phone tightly. Jack noticed and raised an eyebrow. “Do you still want to put on the ring?” I looked up, my gaze resolute: “Yes!” After completing all the ceremony procedures, I was utterly exhausted. Before leaving, Jack stared at me intently. “Lily, I’ll give you two days to change your mind. In two days we’ll go get the marriage license. I hope you’ve thought it through.” Those words gave me a graceful out, but I had already made up my mind to end things with Kevin. “Don’t worry, I won’t regret this!” After Jack left, I received a message from Kevin. [Lily, you have 10 minutes to buy painkillers and bring them over. Don’t make me angry.] Below was an address for a well-known lovers’ hotel in the city. A moment later, my phone buzzed again. It was a photo of two people lying in bed together. The sender was Zoe. And my boyfriend was one of the people in the picture. [I win again!] More than the pain of being betrayed and abandoned, what I felt most was disgust. On my wedding day, my groom was in a hotel with another woman. I unconsciously clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, drawing blood.

In the end, I still went to the hotel. This relationship was completely over as far as I was concerned. I didn’t want to have any more entanglements with Kevin after this. So I wanted to break up with him face to face, and get back the key to my house. After all, the place he was living in now was an apartment I had bought outright! When I arrived at the hotel, Kevin saw that my hands were empty. He immediately flew into a rage. “Lily, what’s wrong with you? Where are the painkillers I told you to buy?” Zoe sat in the corner of the bed, looking pitiful as she said: “Kevin, don’t be angry. Big sis Lily was probably too tired after preparing for the wedding all day. She must have forgotten.” She knew full well that the groom had been called away from the wedding, yet she still spoke so casually about it. Being mocked to my face like this, even though my heart was already in tatters, I still couldn’t help but feel a stabbing pain. My fingers slowly clenched into fists, almost drawing blood from my palms again. When disappointment reaches a certain level, I didn’t even have any tears left. The cramped, intimate atmosphere of the lovers’ hotel room was suffocating. Kevin and I had been together since college. It started with his crazy, passionate pursuit that gradually made me fall for him. After we got together, he remembered every holiday better than I did, always surprising me with gifts. Even when I would occasionally throw little tantrums, he would take all the blame on himself and patiently coax me. My girlfriends often envied me for finding such a good boyfriend. I thought the same, which is why I wanted to get married right after graduation. But everything changed the day Kevin’s childhood friend Zoe returned from abroad. From that day on, Kevin’s heart completely turned towards an outsider. Between me and Zoe, I was always the one left behind. Kevin affectionately ruffled Zoe’s hair. “Ah, you’re always so understanding.” Then he walked over to me, frowning to show his displeasure. “Why didn’t you reply to my messages?” My repeated concessions had only made Kevin more and more presumptuous. He had abandoned our wedding and me, yet the first words out of his mouth were accusations. I tried to calm myself, keeping my tone cold. “I forgot.” Kevin was stunned, seemingly shocked by my tone. I coldly raised my eyes to look at Kevin. “Kevin, you stood me up again today.” Hearing this, a flash of guilt crossed his eyes, but he angrily defended himself. “It’s not like I did it on purpose. Zoe wasn’t feeling well, I couldn’t just ignore her, could I?” “We can have the wedding another day, can’t we? Lily, stop being so unreasonable, can you be more understanding?” He had clearly done something wrong, yet he was trying to turn it back on me. I no longer had the desire to argue with him, and forced myself to coldly spit out a sentence. “Well, I don’t want to wait for you anymore. Let’s break up!” With that, I turned decisively to leave. “Lily, what the fuck did you just say?!” Kevin shrieked and immediately chased after me. At that moment, Zoe let out an “Oh no!” behind us. Followed by the crisp sound of something shattering. I stopped in confusion and turned to look. The next second, my eyes went wide. On the ground was a jade pendant, smashed to pieces. It was the one Grandpa had gotten for me to keep me safe, by kowtowing step by step to the temple! I stood there completely dumbfounded, with anger about to erupt. When I came to my senses, I forcefully pushed Kevin away and rushed over to carefully pick up the pieces of the jade pendant. “Why is my jade pendant with you?!” I glared at Zoe, demanding an answer. Kevin came over, looking very displeased as he grumbled. “Lily, what are you freaking out about? You’re going to scare Zoe.” I looked at Kevin in disbelief. He clearly knew how important this jade pendant was to me, yet he could still say something like this so casually. In an instant, a feeling of powerlessness crept over my heart. The soft flesh of my palms was rubbed raw, bloody and mangled. Sure enough, when it came to Zoe, I would always be the one to back down. But this time it involved Grandpa. I didn’t want to hold back anymore. I raised my hand and slapped Kevin hard across the face. “If you’re blind, go to the hospital and get treated!” “She stole the jade pendant Grandpa gave me without my permission, and then broke it. What right do you have to forgive her on my behalf?” The room fell silent for a moment. In the past, no matter how angry I got, I had never raised a hand to him. Now it was Kevin’s turn to be dumbfounded. “You dare to slap me? Lily, you actually dare to hit me now?!” He lunged at me and grabbed my neck, squeezing so hard I could barely breathe. He glared at me, his eyes full of viciousness and hatred, as if looking at a mortal enemy. I couldn’t help but wonder, when did the person who once looked at me with nothing but love change like this? I remember back when we weren’t even together yet, I had posted a photo on social media of a tiny 2mm cut from a small knife. Kevin waited outside my dorm at 4am just to bring me a first aid kit. The young man’s eyes were bright and clear, filled with concern. It was at that moment that I was moved by his sincerity and agreed to date him. But just half a year later, he could viciously berate me for the sake of another woman. It was only now that I understood… True feelings can change in an instant.

Once you fall completely out of love, No matter how much you argue, it all feels pointless. The pain in my neck reminded me just how foolish all my efforts over the years had been. I could only give a self-mocking smile. Zoe peeked out from behind Kevin at that moment. I unexpectedly met her eyes, full of mockery. It felt like my heart was being stabbed with needles, hurting even more. The next second, her eyes turned red as she spoke to me in a slightly resentful tone: “Big sis Lily, don’t be angry. I just found the jade pendant and was planning to return it to you when I had the chance.” She rubbed Kevin’s head. “Kevin, don’t blame big sis Lily anymore.” Kevin finally calmed down and reluctantly let go of me. “Zoe is always so sensible.” “Lily, why can’t you learn from her?!” The near-suffocation left my whole body trembling. Zoe pretended to come over and support me. “Big sis Lily, can you forgive me?” Her tone was slightly pleading, but I clearly saw the provocation and mockery in her eyes. As if arrogantly saying: “Yes, I stole it and broke it. What can you do about it?” I felt a chill run down my spine and disgustedly avoided her touch. But Zoe took the opportunity to let out a shrill scream and fall backwards. “Ah—” She clutched her wrist, looking at me in terror. “Big sis Lily, I just wanted to apologize to you…” I hadn’t even touched the hem of her clothes, yet I had become the bully. Seeing Zoe fall, Kevin immediately anxiously crouched down to help her up, then turned to angrily berate me. “Lily, didn’t you hear Zoe say she just found the pendant? What’s the point of taking it out on an innocent person like this?” I almost laughed at his words. The jade pendant Grandpa gave me was something I always treasured. I had carefully kept it in the drawer in my bedroom. Found it? Are you telling me Zoe accidentally entered my house, accidentally walked into my bedroom, and then accidentally found the pendant in my most private bedside drawer? I couldn’t be bothered to expose this clumsy lie. I just smirked sarcastically. “Fine then. I’ll report it to the police and let them investigate exactly how Zoe ‘found’ my jade pendant!” “And I’ll press charges against you for assaulting me today!” Zoe panicked and immediately clutched her chest. “Kevin, my heart hurts so much…” Hearing this, Kevin forgot about everything else and rushed to support Zoe to go to the hospital. “Don’t be afraid, Zoe. I won’t let anything happen to you!” As he passed by me, he glared viciously. “Lily, you just wait! If anything happens to Zoe, I won’t let you off the hook!” He deliberately slammed into my shoulder hard. Caught off guard, the impact sent me crashing to the floor. But Kevin didn’t even spare me a glance, just coldly snorted and left.

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My wife was infuriated when our son accidentally kicked Rosalie’s dog, and she locked him in the cage meant for aggressive dogs. I knelt in front of the iron cage, frantically pleading: “I can go in and apologize on behalf of my son. He’s severely allergic to dog hair. If we don’t get him to the hospital, he could die!” My wife stood by Rosalie, looking at me with disdain. “It’s your indulgence that spoiled our son into such a brat! Today, as his mother, I’ll teach him a lesson!” “Don’t worry, the therapy dog won’t harm him. It’s just one night—consider it a minor punishment for a serious lesson.” All I could do was watch as my son’s injuries worsened, his struggles weakened, and eventually, he fell silent. I collapsed in despair, begging my son to wake up and call me “Dad” one more time. Three hours later, the cage was finally broken open. Adeline posted on Facebook, sharing a picture of a pregnancy test. “Finally welcoming my little darling.” My heart felt lifeless. After signing the divorce papers, I took Liam to the funeral home, and I left a like and comment on her Facebook post. “Wishing you happiness.”

When Adeline called, I was at the funeral home. The mortician was stitching Liam’s body, covered in scars like centipedes. “Nolan, how dare you comment on Facebook! Declan and I grew up together, pure and innocent. What’s wrong with having his child?” “You hurt Coco and took Liam away, and I let it slide, but you have the nerve to provoke with comments! Do you know Declan’s depression flared up after seeing them?” “This time, I won’t be lenient. When Liam returns, he must kneel in front of the dog cage for three days and nights!” A stabbing pain shot through my heart, with the cries of Liam being bitten replaying in my mind. I gripped the phone, taking a deep breath. “Adeline, Liam can’t come back for you to torment. He’s dead!” Adeline scoffed dismissively. “Nolan, you’ll say anything to separate me and Declan, won’t you? It was just three hours in a cage, how could anything happen!” “You think dragging Liam out as an excuse will make me believe your nonsense?” I wanted to explain but felt a wave of helplessness. Adeline had a new child now; why would she care about me and Liam? My nails dug into my palms as I forced myself to stay calm. “I’ve signed the divorce papers. Adeline, we’re divorcing. You and Declan are free from interference.” Adeline was silent for a few seconds before hanging up directly. “Has that rebellious daughter realized her mistake?” My father-in-law hunched over, tapping the ground with his cane. I shook my head. “I’ve decided to divorce her.” My father-in-law looked at me with pity, sighing deeply. “Our family has wronged you.” He touched Liam’s bruised hand, tears falling. “What a sin! A good child tortured like this! How could there be dogs in the suburban area? It must be that vile woman bringing in wolfdogs!” “Why is Adeline so foolish!” Bitterness spread from my chest. Adeline wasn’t foolish; she just didn’t care. She once forbade a dog within miles so Liam could sleep undisturbed. But everything changed when Declan returned. Not only did she bring Declan’s dog into the villa, but she also opened a dog kennel at home, calling it “animal rescue.” The whole villa was constantly filled with barking. I took the terrified, pale-faced Liam to Adeline multiple times, but she just sat lazily in Declan’s arms, saying, “Think of it as desensitization training for Liam. Besides, these dogs are very tame; they won’t hurt him.” But these dogs were clearly aggressive breeds! Anyone entering their territory would be viciously attacked! I could barely stand, Liam’s painful struggles before death replaying in my mind. His body was bloodied by bites, one eye gouged by claws, helplessly calling “Daddy” through the cage. I futilely pounded the cage, watching Liam’s blood drip from the dog’s mouth, his struggling arm growing paler until it stopped moving. Even as he sighed, he looked towards the house, hoping his mother would come save him… My throat choked up, the grief almost knocking me off my feet, veins bulging on my forehead. “Sir, the little master is ready.” The mortician finished his work, looking at me with sympathy. I nodded, picking up Liam to head to the crematorium, feeling the resistance on my sleeve. My father-in-law spoke mournfully. “Let Adeline see him one last time; she is his mother after all.” 2 I remembered Liam’s final look, hesitating as I called Adeline. The phone rang a few times before she answered, and I spoke before she could. “Liam is leaving. If you still consider him your child, come send him off one last time.” Hearing my words, Adeline laughed. “Nolan, how vicious you are, cursing your own son to chase away Declan!” “I’m telling you, don’t use Liam to threaten me! Even if he’s dead, it has nothing to do with me. The child in my belly is my real child!… Declan, be careful with the baby…” Adeline’s voice suddenly turned tender, panting softly. I couldn’t bear the voice on the other end anymore and hung up. My father-in-law turned pale with anger, clutching his chest in pain. “Rebellious daughter! I’ve spoiled her, now she denies her own child!” He grabbed my hand that supported him. “Rest assured, I’ll teach her a lesson, make her apologize to you!” I shook my head, my eyes showing the relief after despair. “No need, if she doesn’t want us, I won’t hold on.” “We’ll leave.” The soft touch of Liam still lingered in my hands, but in a moment, it turned into a cold urn of ashes. I hailed a cab, taking Liam home. If possible, I didn’t want to return to this place of sorrow. But Liam’s belongings were here, and I didn’t want to leave them to be ruined by Adeline. As I got out of the car, the laughter from inside hit me. “Congratulations to our sister Adeline and brother Declan for reuniting as lovers!” The divorce papers were thrown on the floor by Adeline as she sat in Declan’s lap, laughing. “Nolan, a son-in-law, dares to talk divorce with me? Without me, he doesn’t even deserve to carry Declan’s shoes!” “Exactly! He dared threaten sister Adeline with that illegitimate child. Better that the kid died, he looked like he wouldn’t live long, embarrassing for our sister Adeline!” Such a joyful atmosphere froze the moment I walked in. The entire house was decked out in red, filled with roses and balloons. Everyone’s faces were full of happiness, making me, dressed in white, feel out of place. Adeline glanced at me casually, leaning against Declan, touching her belly. “Don’t say that, I only have one child, the one in my belly. Right, Declan?” Declan nodded smugly, one shoe pressing on a photo frame. My pupils shrank at the sight. It was a photo of Liam as a newborn, the only one with Adeline holding him. Liam needed to touch this photo every night to fall asleep. He said it felt like his mom was holding him to sleep. And now, this photo was trampled under Declan’s feet, lying with dust and dirt. I trembled with anger, my eyes bloodshot as I lunged at Declan. “How dare you step on that photo! Give it back!” Adeline slapped me, shielding Declan behind her. “Nolan, what’s wrong with you! It’s just a photo. Declan has depression, can’t you give him a break!” My nose bled from the hit, the hand holding Liam squeezed tightly with a creak. “Adeline, Liam just passed away, and you’re celebrating at home with someone. You’re that eager!” “Still acting! With a malicious dad like you, no wonder your kid was full of lies!” Adeline looked at me with disgust, her gaze settling on the urn in my hand. 3 “Knowing I’m celebrating, you brought such a disgusting thing to disgust me!” As she spoke, a bodyguard snatched Liam from me while I wasn’t paying attention. “Liam!” I tried to reach out, but the bodyguard pinned me down, kicking the back of my knee and forcing me to kneel before Declan. Watching Adeline take the urn, my heart leapt to my throat, and I spoke harshly. “Don’t touch him, you’ll regret it!” Swallowing, I softened my voice. “Give him back to me, I’ll leave immediately, never disturbing you and Declan again.” Adeline’s eyes turned dark, smirking. “I’ll give him to you, but you must kneel and apologize to Declan. You hurt Declan’s dog and disrupted his celebration, don’t think you’ll get away so easily!” Hearing this, Declan’s hand slipped, a glass shattered on the floor, glass shards everywhere. “Sorry, slipped.” Declan straightened, mocking me. “If you don’t kneel, I’ll flush this down the toilet!” Adeline urged. I clenched my hands, resolutely kneeling to Declan. The glass shards embedded deep in my knees, blood splattering. Yet I seemed unaware of the pain, bowing to Declan again and again. People around laughed, amused, but Declan shook his head. “He hit Coco, he should bow to her too. Bring Coco here!” “What are you waiting for, bow. Coco disciplined your disobedient son, shouldn’t you thank her?” “Sorry, my hand slipped.” Declan straightened up, looking at me with disdain. “If you don’t kneel, I’ll flush this down the toilet!” Adeline urged me on. I clenched my fists and knelt before Declan. Glass shards pierced my knees, and blood splattered, but I seemed numb to the pain, bowing to Declan repeatedly. People around us chuckled, but Declan shook his head. “He hit Coco; just bowing to me isn’t enough. Bring Coco here!” “Why are you just standing there? Bow. Coco helped discipline your unruly son, and you still haven’t thanked it properly?” Anger boiled within me, and I dragged my bleeding legs to lunge at Declan. The bodyguards quickly restrained me, pinning me to the ground. “You ungrateful fool, I should never have let you off!” Adeline kicked me hard and lifted the urn, smashing it into the toilet. The urn shattered, the ashes scattered into the water, and with a flush, Liam’s ashes were gone. “No, no, no!” My eyes burned with rage as I glared at Adeline, my voice filled with anguish. “Why! Why can’t you leave Liam in peace even after his death!” Adeline, frightened by my gaze, forced herself to shout back. “You’re insane! Get him to the mental health facility now!” The bodyguards dragged me out, just as my father-in-law arrived. “What is going on here?” He walked in with a cane, his hair graying, looking as if he’d aged ten years overnight. He looked angrily at the room’s decorations, his hand shaking as he pointed at Adeline. “Liam just died, and you’re celebrating here. Do you have any conscience?”

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My two sons conspired to send me to a psychiatric hospital simply because I refused to have a third child with another man. “Can’t you understand the policy for three children? Since your mindset is problematic, you should reflect on it here!” My eldest son spoke while the younger one looked at me with disdain: “Exactly, you old fool! Someone is willing to let you have a child and give you a sense of worth, and yet you don’t appreciate it!” “If you can’t give birth to a son, we won’t take you out!” I was trapped in this nightmare, enduring endless humiliation. I was forced to have a son with an orderly and had to endure the abuse from all the men in the hospital. Two months later, my sons came with the whole family to pick me up, asking if I would behave. In front of everyone, I stripped and lifted my right leg like a dog: “I’m about to get pregnant with a son! Please don’t do this in front of my old partner, okay?” When my eldest son, Declan, found me, I was eating scraps in the hospital cafeteria. During the sweltering summer, flies swarmed over the pile of scraps, emitting a pungent stench. But I didn’t care, grabbing the slimy stuff from the bucket and stuffing it into my mouth. I hadn’t eaten in three days, and even though it smelled terrible, even though it had maggots, I devoured it. Declan frowned, slapped my hand, and the scraps scattered all over the ground. He couldn’t bear it and spoke up: “Enough, stop pretending. It’s only been two months, do you have to act so pitiful?” He reached to pull me up. But when I saw his hand, I curled up on the ground, wetting myself in fear, screaming and closing my eyes. “Don’t hit me, please, don’t hit me, I’ll do whatever you want!” Everyone was stunned as I trembled, crawling up from the ground and stripping in front of them. Just as I was about to take off my pants, Declan held down my hands. “Why are you so shameless?” “In public, you’re an old woman, why are you acting crazy?” “I pay this hospital ten thousand a month, have you been eating too well, so you’re playing these tricks on me?” He paused and continued: “Besides, if you hadn’t mistreated Dad, would I have scared you into having a baby with Uncle Heath and sent you here to learn your lesson?” My younger son, Dylan, crossed his arms and scoffed. “Bro, why bother talking to her?” “Look at her, she still doesn’t think she’s wrong. Why not just leave her here and ignore her?” He muttered: “If it weren’t for her ability to have sons, I wouldn’t have introduced her to Uncle Heath! I wonder how Uncle Heath is getting along with this old hag?” Declan was displeased by his brother’s words but kept quiet. Just then, Heath walked over with a smile, and seeing him, my fear only increased. I jumped into a dirty trash can in terror. “No!” “Please, spare my old partner!” “Old partner, don’t kill him! I’ll do it, I’ll give my sons to you, okay…” Hearing this, Declan looked displeased: “Mom, it seems you haven’t learned your lesson. I’m doing this for your good, and you blame me and don’t want me?” He approached, and I screamed in terror. At that moment, my daughter-in-law, Lily, pulled him back and walked over. As she approached, I suddenly stood up, using my removed clothes to cover her face: “Run!” “You’re so young and beautiful, they won’t let you go!” “Don’t let them catch you. They’ll force you to have a son. I’ll cover you, run!”

The stinking clothes made her cough, and Declan quickly pulled her behind him. “Mom! What are you doing?!” “Lily was kind enough to help you, how can you bully her like that?” “If you keep this up, my brother and I will completely ignore you!” After speaking, he turned to comfort his wife. But I didn’t listen to him, only shouted hoarsely to Lily. “Run, they’ll bully you! They’re bad people…” They’re bad people. Heath and the director are in cahoots! They electroshock my paralyzed old partner; they pin me down on him and violate me. They don’t allow him to close his eyes. They say I’m a hen that can’t lay eggs, cut open my belly… in the end, reduced me to a slave of the entire psychiatric hospital. I frantically pushed Lily. Everyone was shocked by this scene, and Heath looked even more displeased, forcing a smile as he came over, warning me in a low voice. “Don’t forget your old partner!” I trembled, quickly undoing my pants: “I’ll do it… I’m the best at having sons, I’ll give you one!” As I spoke, I looked at Lily, silently mouthing for her to run. At this moment, Declan finally sensed something was wrong. Just as he was about to ask, Heath quickly took off his clothes and forcibly tied them on me. “Don’t make trouble, sister-in-law. I know Declan is a vegetable now, and you’re lonely, but I can’t cheat on him!” “I won’t do anything to betray Declan!” Seeing this, Declan pushed me to the ground, his face filled with unbearable anger: “You’re so disrespectful!” “How could Dad marry such a disgusting woman like you!” “Exactly!” Dylan immediately chimed in, looking at me helplessly. “Mom, calm down. One minute you’re abusing Dad, the next you’re accusing the hospital of mistreating you, tarnishing its reputation.” “Truly, the dirty-minded see everything as dirty.” I knelt painfully on the ground, not daring to speak. Seeing this, Declan thought I was guilty, coldly snorting, “Seems you haven’t learned well!” “At your age, letting you out would be a disaster! Uncle Heath not only takes care of you, but also Dad.” “But you’re harming him, truly vicious. I’ll take Dad away, and you’ll stay here for life!” “Who knows what a malicious old thing like you would do to him!” He finished speaking and turned to ask the director and Heath. “Where’s Dad?” The director’s legs went soft, standing there, not knowing what to do. Declan sensed something was wrong, his face darkening: “I’ve been away for years, but I send ten thousand a month to your hospital. Don’t tell me you don’t even know where my dad is!” “If you’re really mistreating the elderly, believe me, I’ll call the media to investigate thoroughly!” Hearing the word “media,” the director and Heath were dizzy, almost fainting! Dylan saw their pleading eyes and immediately stepped in to smooth things over. “Bro, don’t scare them.” “They’ve been honest all their lives; they get tongue-tied when nervous.” “Dad’s an adult, he’s not going missing.” “Besides, with Mom’s personality, if she didn’t want to, who could hide Dad under her nose? I bet only Mom knows.” He finished speaking, turning to me with a pleading look. “Please, Mom, bring Dad out. He’s too old for this.” “Look at Uncle Heath and the director; they’ve been honest all their lives. Can you bear to ruin their reputation?” No wonder they’re brothers; Declan immediately got Dylan’s point, storming over to me, gripping my shoulders tightly. “Old woman, don’t you find yourself ridiculous?” “Throwing tantrums over dissatisfaction, do you think my brother and I are still kids?!” At this moment, the director’s eyes twitched, about to say something, when a patient on break wandered into the cafeteria. Seeing me, he laughed, revealing yellow teeth. “Old woman, your old man seems done for, lying on the ground, not moving!”

Hearing this, I ignored Heath’s warning, breaking free and rushing to the electroshock room, screaming: “Old partner, don’t you dare touch my old partner!” The director and Heath were stunned, quickly reacting, dragging the patient back to the ward while calling security to stop me. But I seemed to have a formidable will, dodging everyone, heading straight for the electroshock room. Hearing me shout “old partner,” Declan finally smiled. “So he’s here!” He turned to scold the director: “Your hospital is incompetent! I’ve been asking you forever, and you didn’t know! Clearly, you don’t care about the patients!” “Forget the media; you’ll have to give me an explanation later!” Finishing, he rushed off. When we reached the electroshock room, Declan was stunned. The person there wasn’t his dad, but a set of patient clothes stuffed with pillows! I despairingly hugged the pillows, crying: “No! Don’t!” I lunged forward, desperately protecting the patient clothes while trying to undress. “You promised me, if I didn’t resist, you’d treat the old man well!” “Please, spare him, I can have children…” Patients at the door ignored the shooing, staring at me, laughing mockingly. The next moment, Declan slammed the door of the operating room, grabbing my hand, red-eyed, questioning me. “What did you call him?” I ignored him, one hand clutching the patient clothes, the other undressing, mumbling for my partner’s sake. Declan couldn’t hold back anymore, prying my fingers from the patient clothes one by one, forcibly taking them from me. “I think you’ve thrown all dignity away!” “Hiding Dad and stripping in public! What does this mean? Are you humiliating Dad?” “Don’t think playing the fool can threaten me!” “Let this patient clothes husband wake up too!” “You called him what?” I didn’t respond, clutching my hospital gown with one hand while my other hand mimicked undressing, softly begging for my spouse. Declan couldn’t hold back any longer. He pried each of my fingers off the gown and forcibly took it from me. “You have no shame left!” “Hiding my dad and undressing in public! What is this supposed to mean? Are you trying to disgrace my dad?” “Don’t think you can intimidate me by pretending to be insane!” “Let your so-called ‘hospital gown husband’ come to his senses too!” With that, he slammed the gown onto the electroshock table. “No!” I screamed, devastated. My spouse was thrown onto the table just as harshly. At that time, he was forcibly injected with a sedative, his body limp and voice weakened from long-standing hunger. His faint “help me” was lost among his labored breaths, and I watched helplessly as the light in his eyes faded into despair. Eventually, it went completely dark. Ignoring Declan’s words, I summoned all my strength and lunged towards the electroshock table. Before anyone could react, I was on the table, clutching the gown tightly. But I accidentally hit the power switch, and a powerful current surged through my body! I convulsed violently, unable to even scream. The unregulated voltage burned my skin, and the smell of scorched flesh brought back the image of my spouse. He looked at me, pacing anxiously, and finally sighed. My consciousness blurred, the last thing I heard was Declan’s anxious shout: “Mom! Are you out of your mind?!” I fell into chaos, enveloped by endless darkness. I dreamed of the week before my spouse and I were sent to the psychiatric hospital.

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After the wedding, Jasper would bring home a different woman every night. On our wedding anniversary, he celebrated with a woman from the club by his side. “Help her get ready and let her wear the wedding dress your mom made. Add the Jasper Family daughter-in-law jewelry.” “It’s her first night, guide her well.” Everyone smirked behind my back, waiting for me to demand a divorce. I did as they expected. “Let’s get a divorce, Jasper.” Jasper looked at me with disdain and mockery, splashing a glass of red wine in my face. “Talk when you’re thinking clearly. How many times have you asked for a divorce? When have you ever stepped out of the car at City Hall?” He didn’t know I was serious this time. The people around us didn’t hold back their mocking laughter. “I knew it would be like this. Remember last year, Mrs. Jasper said the same thing, and in the end… she didn’t divorce.” “Of course, who would let go of such a perfect husband like Mr. Jasper?” “It’s not even embarrassing anymore. This drama happens so often, I’m tired of watching it.” … I quietly wiped my face with a tissue, forcing myself to confront Jasper. “I’ll have an attorney draft the divorce papers.” With that, I ignored the insincere sympathy around me, went upstairs with Jasper’s companion, and personally opened the safe to take out the cherished wedding dress and jewelry. The wedding dress was sewn by my mom, and the jewelry was an heirloom handed to me by Mrs. Jasper. I gently stroked these treasures I once cherished and handed them to Jasper’s companion for the night, Daphne. It’s better this way, a clean break. Daphne took them with trembling hands, cautiously glanced at me, and softly thanked me. After instructing the makeup team, I got up to go downstairs. Daphne pulled me back, claiming she wouldn’t wear them unless I helped. I looked her up and down. She wasn’t particularly pretty, but she had an innocent look, with big doe eyes. No wonder Jasper liked her. I called a makeup artist to help her, but she still clung to me. I tried to stay calm, saying she could talk to the makeup artist, but she was hesitant to speak up. When I moved her hand to leave, she grabbed me again, looking up with great courage. “Miss, I’m scared of pain.” With that, she pulled open Jasper’s coat on her, showing bruised kiss marks. I instinctively tightened my grip on her hand. “Ah—” Daphne’s exclamation snapped me out of it, and I quickly let go of her hand in a panic. “Sorry.” I numbly pulled her clothes back up, comforting her like I did with Jasper’s other companions: “Don’t be afraid, I’ll teach you tonight.” Daphne looked smug and dismissive, deliberately showing the marks again. “Thanks, Miss.” “I didn’t want to, but Mr. Jasper insisted…” I couldn’t hear the rest, muttered something, and left. This time, Daphne didn’t stop me. Turns out, no matter how many times I’ve been humiliated, it still hurts. I turned and went downstairs, where Jasper was surrounded by more women. Their laughter was vulgar and wild. “Jasper, aren’t you afraid Miss Summer might finally mean it?” Jasper laughed, sipping his drink. “Her whole family still owes me. How could she seriously consider leaving?” “Besides, her dying mom depends on me to survive. She can’t leave me. She’s just throwing a tantrum, not knowing her own worth.” Yeah, my whole family owes the Jasper Family. Dad caused Mr. Jasper’s death, and I caused Phoebe’s death. I have to keep repaying the debt. Plus, mom relies on Jasper’s monthly payments to stay alive. Where do I find the courage to divorce him? But after ten years, I can’t take it anymore. I don’t know how to cover mom’s medical bills or repay what I owe Jasper. Would my life be enough? I slightly lifted my head, hiding the tears in my eyes. The mockery continued. “Right, Miss Summer is ungrateful. Her and her lousy father caused you to lose your dad and sister overnight, and you didn’t even hold them accountable. Now she dares to throw a fit.” “Exactly, if my wife dared to do that, I’d kill her. Their whole family is sinful.” …

Jasper and I were sort of childhood friends. My dad was the Jasper Family Driver, and my mom was the Jasper Family Maid. In middle school, I was brought into the Jasper Family. The atmosphere was relaxed, and Mr. and Mrs. Jasper treated us well. Jasper and his twin sister, Phoebe, were four years older than me. Sister Phoebe treated me like family, and we were inseparable. Jasper was always jealous, squeezing in beside me whenever Phoebe wasn’t around, giving me unwavering care. Mrs. Jasper teased that he was always chasing after me, and people might think I was a child bride. Jasper didn’t mind, looking smug. “Raising my own wife, I’m proud.” As we grew up, we naturally got together. The day before my eighteenth birthday, Phoebe and I were ordering a cake when we encountered a thug. She fought back alone to let me escape, and ended up stabbed multiple times, raped, and died despite medical efforts. On the same day, my dad, rushing back for my birthday, took Uncle Jasper on a changed route and both died in a car accident. Jasper, who had returned from abroad to surprise me, hated me ever since. He knelt at the grave all night, came back cold as ice, but refused to break off the engagement. Yet, he never married me legally or held a wedding, just tormented me day and night. And my birthday became the day I dreaded most. Every year, Jasper insisted on celebrating, and on that day, he tortured me the most. Every year, he’d bring many people to witness my pain. The more they humiliated me, the happier Jasper became, rewarding them generously. “Hey, sister-in-law, you came down quick? Did you serve Jasper’s little sweetheart well?” “Yes.” I forced a calm answer. Jasper leaned against a model, took a drink, and looked at me suggestively. “You know what I like. Teach her well.” I swallowed my bitterness, thinking this would be the last time. “Okay.” Jasper crushed the wine glass in his hand, shards piercing his palm, blood seeping out, but he seemed unfazed, staring at me coldly. “Who’s that dead look for? Didn’t you like celebrating birthdays? I invited so many people for you. Can’t you even smile?” I forced a stiff smile. “So happy?” Jasper played with a lighter, its flame flickering. “Then make a wish!” Jasper roughly dragged me to the cake, lighting the candles. I stood frozen, not moving. “Make a wish! Why aren’t you?” Jasper taunted, forcing my hands together, making me wish. “Come on, tell everyone your wish.” The candlelight reflected in his eyes, cold and fractured, like a madman. “Was it wishing for a divorce?” His face full of ridicule. I looked at Jasper, unsure what to say. Actually, my wish was for time to rewind. I would never have entered the Jasper Family, avoided all this pain, and not be stuck in this humiliating situation without escape. I initially asked for a divorce because he brought people home, and I was desperate. But when he drove me to City Hall, I regretted it. I was pathetic enough to stay, letting him torment me, thinking I was atoning. After that, I realized he was happy when I asked for a divorce then backed out, so I pathetically played along. But eventually, I truly wanted a divorce. After being tormented over and over, I couldn’t take it anymore. I didn’t want to be entangled any longer. Could I repay them with my life?

After a long silence, I did as he wished. “Yes, I wished to divorce you.” This was the 99th time I said “divorce” to Jasper. I counted quietly in my mind. “Sure, as long as you pay back what you owe.” Jasper’s eyes were bloodshot, mocking me. I dryly asked: “How do you want me to pay it?” Jasper asked slowly: “Remember how Phoebe died?” I closed my dry eyes. Of course, I remembered, how could I forget? My beloved sister was raped in a pool of blood, declared dead shortly after reaching the hospital. “I want you to feel Phoebe’s despair before death, to go to hell to atone for her, and to pay with your life for your father’s debt.” “Can you alone repay our family’s two lives?” Jasper’s voice wasn’t loud, but deafening. “Okay.” I said. “Okay?” Jasper repeated. “Then let’s start.” “Start with undressing or stabbing?” Jasper’s words pierced my heart painfully. He sneered. “Is it that painful? Do you know how much Phoebe suffered? She treated you like a sister, how did you dare to run away?” “I didn’t… I just ran to find help for her…” My explanation was weak. Jasper opened a bottle of red wine and poured it over my head. “Does this wine look like the color of her blood?” “For the sake of being a couple, how about I let you be raped and killed?” Jasper finished, hinting to everyone: “The South City project is up for grabs. It’s up to your own efforts.” There was an uproar. Jasper’s words pierced my heart, causing me unbearable pain. He let out a cold laugh. “Is it really that painful? Do you know how much Phoebe suffered? She treated you like a sister, and you dared to run away secretly.” “I didn’t… I just ran to find someone to save her…” My explanation felt weak and powerless. Jasper opened a bottle of red wine and poured it over my head. “Doesn’t the color of this wine remind you of the blood on her body?” “Considering we were once married, how about I let you be violated before being killed?” After saying this, Jasper addressed everyone present: “The project in the south of the city is up for grabs. Work for it as you see fit.” The room erupted in whispers. “Did I hear that right? What a deal, getting to be with Jasper’s wife and also getting a project.” “Keep it down, Mrs. Jasper looks amazing, her skin is so soft and tender. I’ve always wanted to be with someone like that…” “Have you secretly thought about it a lot? But is Jasper serious about this? What if…” “What are you afraid of? Better to die for beauty than to live without passion, especially when Jasper himself said it.” … The insults came one after another, and I trembled in fear. Jasper walked over, placing his hand lightly on my shoulder. I thought he would stop this farce. “Why are you shaking? Didn’t you say you wanted to atone? Are you waiting for someone to undress you?”

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— When the real daughter came back, the Taylor Family threw me out. My fiancé, Evan, knelt before me with heartfelt devotion— “I don’t care whether your status is genuine or not; what I love is you!” I thought I had found true love. I married Evan and, over five years, gave birth to four children. Each child was diagnosed with a terminal illness soon after birth and was euthanized. When our fifth child was born, I overheard Evan speaking with the butler: “Sir, are we going to falsify the test results again to euthanize the young master? This is already your fifth child with the madam…” Under the harsh lights, Evan impatiently loosened his collar: “Rosie suffered in the countryside because of that woman and got sick. Who knew that the child’s heart blood could save Rosie? Children can be born again, but there’s only one Rosie…” At that moment, I finally gave up hope and silently dialed a number… 00 “Miss Taylor, we have arranged a fake-death service for you. Please be ready in advance. In three days, we will deliver ‘your and your child’s bodies’ to Mr. Davis as per your request.” After hanging up, my eyes fell on the baby swaddled beside me. Seeing his tender face, a heart-wrenching pain surged through me, waves of sorrow and anger crashing over me. Just then, footsteps approached the door, and Evan entered with a stack of medical reports. His eyes lingered on the child for a moment before he handed me the report. “Cora, the test results for the child are out, and this time… it’s another terminal illness.” “The doctor recommends euthanasia.” Looking at the densely written report, I seemed to hear the innocent cries of my previous children echoing in my ears. Five years, four children… Every time, I eagerly welcomed a new life, only to send my child to death myself again! But this time, I didn’t cry, didn’t make a scene, nor did I break down like before, wanting to die with the child. I calmly signed my name on the document. Such an abnormal reaction made Evan a bit anxious and guilty. “Cora, I know this must be very hard for you, but there’s no other choice.” “We’re still young; there will be another chance…” Hearing his gentle voice, I suddenly recalled how many times he had comforted me after the children died. Back then, I was grateful. Although fate was cruel, making me lose one child after another, at least Evan seemed worth it. I laughed at myself, swallowing the bitterness in my throat, and asked, “Will there be another time?” Evan panicked instantly: “Of course!” “Cora, I promise you, no matter what, we’ll have a child of our own.” “This time… should be the last time…” Should it? As long as Rosalie Taylor doesn’t let me go, as long as she turns pale and clutches her chest claiming she’s unwell, I can only offer my flesh and blood again and again, letting them cut into my child’s body with a scalpel, using my child’s life to get that heart blood? But alas, there won’t be another time… 00

I encountered Rosalie Taylor in the hospital corridor. The overbearing little princess strutted in high heels, her makeup heavy. Beside her, the Taylor parents doted on her like a precious gem, and even Evan followed closely behind. Seeing me, Rosalie Taylor laughed smugly: “I heard your child didn’t make it again, sister?” She clicked her tongue, continuing to provoke me. “Isn’t it strange? You and brother-in-law are perfectly healthy, so why do your children always die of terminal illnesses?” Saying this, she stuffed a business card with a temple’s address into my hand, winking provocatively. “I told you, those who do too many bad deeds should pray more.” “So you won’t face retribution, ending up with no descendants!” I raised my ghostly pale face to her. When my first child was euthanized, Rosalie Taylor bought trending topics for over ten days, broadcasting live. At home, even in the temporary hospital room I stayed in, she plastered it with pictures of the child, claiming it was to comfort me. The day I lost my second child, I had a depressive episode and stood on the rooftop. Rosalie Taylor pretended to be a kind, caring sister, secretly giving me a blood-stained swaddle after I was rescued. And the third, the fourth… This time, Rosalie Taylor pulled something from her bag, grinning as she showed it to me. “Sister, I got bullied and expelled from school, but…” “Thanks to your work, I got a chance to study abroad!” 00

With the Taylor and Davis Family backgrounds, how could Rosalie Taylor be bullied? To help her graduate smoothly, the Taylor and Davis Family invested over a hundred million annually in her school. Yet Rosalie Taylor reached this age without a diploma. Recently, just because a girl at a school event accidentally wore the same outfit as her, she hired people outside the school to beat the girl, stripping her and dumping her in a manure pit. It took both the Taylor and Davis Family mobilizing connections to suppress the incident. The school, fearing escalation, had no choice but to expel her again under pressure from both families. In Rosalie Taylor’s version, she became the poor little victim of bullying and expulsion. But seeing that design draft, my eyes widened in shock. This was a gift for my child. The four gemstones on the necklace represented the four children I’d lost. The two central gems surrounding a small gemstone symbolized Evan and I would always protect and love our fifth child. The design draft was only with Evan, yet now… It ended up in Rosalie Taylor’s hands. Evan anxiously tried to appease: “Rosie finally got a chance to study abroad, don’t be so petty.” Hearing this, the cracks in my heart tore open, bloody and raw. When my fourth child was euthanized, I was a wreck, confined to my room for months. A university mentor felt sorry for me, visited, and even arranged a study abroad opportunity. The doctor advised shifting my focus to my passion, hoping it might alleviate my condition. Evan held my hand, earnestly saying he wanted to try for another child. He said if we didn’t have a child, he’d regret it for life. For him, I turned down the only chance to escape my gloom, nearly sacrificing my life to conceive again. Turns out, he’d long planned to trap me this way, using my efforts to send Rosalie Taylor abroad! Indeed, what destroys a woman more than marriage and childbirth? What drives a mother mad more than watching her children die one by one? Seeing my prolonged silence, the Taylor parents assumed I was unwilling. They immediately berated me: “What’s wrong? It’s just a design draft, and you’re reluctant?” “Don’t forget, you ate at our house, lived in our house, everything you have is ours!” “Whatever it is, even your wretched life, as long as Rosie wants it, you must give it!” 00

I’d heard this same speech when I was kicked out of the Taylor Family five years ago. I no longer had the strength to argue or refute. I swallowed hard and nodded: “It’s fine, I can give it all.” “After all… I’ve already sacrificed my own children, what else can’t I give?” As soon as I said this, everyone became tense. Evan’s expression froze momentarily, then he put on a gentle smile to soothe me: “Alright, don’t talk nonsense. The children… none of us wanted this, but fortunately, he was just born, he doesn’t know anything…” My fingers clenched tightly again, biting my jaw, my eyes reddening as I faced him. A newborn, feeling cold will cry, feeling hungry will fuss, that’s a little life, how could he not understand? Like a zombie, I walked step by step towards him: “Evan, before our child died… did he cry?” Evan didn’t dare meet my eyes, forcefully changing the topic— “The euthanasia is scheduled in three days, during this time… spend it with the child.” That night, Evan returned very late. He said he was busy with work, but I knew he was celebrating with Rosalie Taylor. Only late at night did he drunkenly return. I was in the bedroom caring for the baby, he approached, breathing heavily, groping— “Cora, let’s have another child, shall we?” To provide Rosalie Taylor with heart blood in time, Evan never allowed me time to recuperate. Almost every time after a child was born, he couldn’t wait to start the next pregnancy, claiming it was out of love for me. I gritted my teeth and pushed him away, saying softly: “The baby has a fever, I want to go to the hospital…” Evan’s cold voice sounded in my ear: “Is it necessary?” “Anyway, in a few days, he’ll be euthanized…” Facing my deep, abyss-like eyes, his heart seemed to skip a beat: “I didn’t mean it that way…” “Of course, I care for the child too, I just don’t want you to be too exhausted…” I held the child tightly, avoiding him, suppressing the tears threatening to fall, and began my plan. “In three days, the child will be euthanized.” “I want to move to South Island, to quietly spend this last time with him…” 00

Evan and I met on South Island, and we held our grand wedding there. Since all memories and grudges began there, they should end there too. Fortunately, Evan didn’t have time for me and the child. — “I care deeply about the child, but I don’t want you to wear yourself out…” I clung to the child, avoiding him, and swallowed my tears as I set my plan in motion. “In three days, the child will undergo a procedure for a peaceful passing.” “I want to move to the South Island, to spend our last days together quietly…” 005 Evan and I first met on the South Island, and we celebrated a grand wedding there. Since all our memories and grievances began there, it feels right for them to end there as well. Fortunately, Evan had no time for me or the child. He still believed he could deceive me while endlessly indulging his favorite. He went hiking with Rosalie Taylor, took her to romantic dinners at couple’s restaurants. In the messages Rosalie Taylor sent me, Evan wore a silly wig and sang at a party to amuse her. Though he never liked being touched, he knelt publicly to massage Rosalie Taylor’s ankle just because she mentioned her foot hurt. On my phone screen, Rosalie Taylor’s taunts and provocations flashed incessantly— “You’ve figured it out, haven’t you?” “This is the man you treasure! I beckon, and he comes running like a pet.” “It hurts, doesn’t it? Don’t you dare die on me! I haven’t had enough fun yet!” I stared at the screen as my vision blurred; my heart had long since grown numb. When did Evan start favoring Rosalie Taylor? I once believed I was his whole world, never imagining that our childhood bond would become tedious to him. A lively and bold girl suddenly entered his life, capturing all his attention in an instant. I packed up all my belongings and sent a design draft to a school in France. Rosalie Taylor had plagiarized this very piece from me. So, three days later, when Rosalie Taylor became infamous for plagiarism and lost her study abroad opportunity, I received an irate call from Evan: “Cora, why did you do that?” “Don’t you realize you’ll ruin Rosalie’s life?” My expression was wooden as I held a can of gasoline, pouring it throughout the villa, muttering— “That was mine, a gift for the child…” Evan retorted without hesitation: “Your things? Aren’t they all owed to Rosalie?” Even though I was prepared, hearing him say this still hurt enough to make me laugh bitterly. “Even if I owe her, I’m planning to pay it back completely…” Evan was taken aback, incredulously asking, “What did you say?” I suddenly laughed, exhaling in relief: “Evan, five years of marriage, six lives…” “For you, for the Taylor Family, and that woman, isn’t that enough?” 00

By the time Evan reached the South Island villa, the entire building had burned to ruins. He staggered towards the inferno, but firefighters stopped him several meters away from the wreckage. Evan’s eyes were bloodshot, his gaze fixed on the building. “Impossible, this can’t be happening…” “Where were the security and the maid? Didn’t I tell you to watch over Cora?” The bodyguards and maid I had sent away returned hurriedly, looking grim as they faced Evan’s hysterical rage. “It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival today. Madam told us to reunite with our families…” Only then did Evan suddenly remember it was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Before, Evan never spent festivals with me; Rosalie Taylor always found excuses to take him away. He claimed to be busy with work or entertaining clients, even when I caught him with Rosalie Taylor. He would just sigh with feigned helplessness— “Your sister, I’m just trying to keep her quiet.” “What’s that saying? Love me, love my dog? Maybe because I like you so much, I’m willing to be kind to her.” But his kindness to Rosalie Taylor had long surpassed me, becoming an unbalanced, hollow lie. The so-called affection for me was just a pretense to hide where his true attention lay. At this moment, the Taylor parents and Rosalie Taylor arrived. Facing the villa engulfed in flames, Rosalie Taylor’s eyes gleamed with excitement. Feigning concern, she took Evan’s arm, speaking in a peculiar tone— “Brother-in-law, don’t worry. Sister wouldn’t do anything foolish.” Then she sarcastically sighed: “Sister is just upset because you didn’t spend Mid-Autumn Festival with her this year.” “Always threatening to die with the child for sympathy and attention.” “So many times, it’s not even annoying?” When we lost our first child, Evan felt guilty and heartbroken seeing me devastated. He stayed by my side, holding me, kissing me. Afraid I might do something drastic if he wasn’t watching. But later, the same things happened so often that he became used to it. When I cut my wrist, he expressed concern but showed no true care in his eyes. Even when I attempted to jump, he arrived half an hour late. Afterwards, he claimed he was in a meeting, and his phone lost signal. The Taylor parents chimed in: “Exactly! Don’t you know that troublemaker?” “Always talking about dying, cutting wrists, jumping, when has she ever succeeded?” “Just like when she was a child, pretending to be pitiful, making everyone revolve around her.” Evan didn’t respond, just stared at the fire being extinguished. The next moment, firefighters carried out charred bodies of a woman and a child. 00 “We found two bodies at the scene, including a child not yet a full month old.” “Preliminary judgment suggests it’s the missing Mrs. Davis and that baby…”

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On our wedding day, my in-laws whispered something to my wife. She was beaming with joy, but then her expression changed dramatically, and she ran to the hotel rooftop and jumped. Everyone was curious about what the elderly couple had said. But they remained silent, and on the day of my wife’s funeral, they brought over ten women for me to choose from. It wasn’t until later that they whispered the same words to me. At 3 a.m., I found myself sitting in the large bridal room, staring blankly at our wedding photo on the wall. In the picture, my wife, Adeline, was glowing with happiness, clutching a bouquet as she leaned into my arms. Her hand tenderly rested on her belly, already two months pregnant. But now, she was just a cold body lying in the funeral home. My eyes were red, teeth clenched, my body shivering from the shock. Suddenly, the phone on the coffee table rang. I picked it up, and it was the police— “Mr. Nash, we’ve thoroughly investigated Ms. Cao’s parents and found no suspicious activity.” “Can you recall if Ms. Cao displayed any unusual behavior or tendencies before the incident?” In the police report they sent, I saw Adeline’s pale face, her body covered in blood from the fall. My heart ached, and I gripped the phone tightly, mumbling, “No.” Why would Adeline take her own life? It was supposed to be our long-awaited wedding day. Even the night before, we were holding hands, walking sweetly through the mall, dreaming about our unborn child in the baby store. I couldn’t understand why she would jump with our unborn child on our wedding day. With no clues from me, the police sighed— “There’s no evidence suggesting Ms. Cao’s death was her parents’ doing. We have to release them for now.” “They might come to you, so please be cautious.”

The day after Adeline’s death, her parents came to see me. Not to blame or extort, in fact… Adeline’s mom sat across from me on the sofa, a nervous smile on her face, rubbing her hands on her pants. They brought local delicacies from their hometown, along with handmade clothes, shoes, and snacks from Adeline’s mom. She pushed a bankbook and some credit cards toward me, speaking kindly— “Xuwei, this is our first meeting, and here’s a small token from us.” “Adeline may be gone, but you’re still young, and your life must go on. We won’t make things difficult for you. If you need anything, just tell us, and we’ll do whatever we can to help.” She forced the bankbook and credit cards into my hand, her eyes brimming with unspoken words. I couldn’t understand. Their daughter had died; how could they be so indifferent? I struggled, trying to pull my hand back, accidentally knocking the bankbook and cards to the floor. The bankbook opened, revealing over a hundred thousand in savings! I was stunned, staring at the numbers, then looked up at them with red eyes. In a broken voice, I gasped, “Why? Tell me why?” Adeline’s mom replied without hesitation, “Why what? You’re our son-in-law; isn’t it right to treat you well?” Her casual attitude infuriated me instantly. I slammed my hands on the table, shouting, “What about Adeline? She was your daughter!” “What did you say to her that day? Why did she take her own life?” I picked up the bankbook and cards from the floor, shoving them back into their hands. I knelt before them, holding my head in agony, pleading— “I don’t want money, I want nothing, just tell me what you said to Adeline that day.” Adeline’s mom froze, glanced at her husband, then awkwardly sat down. After a moment of silence, Adeline’s dad suddenly spoke, “Do you really want to know?” “Promise us one thing, and we’ll tell you.”

Adeline’s dad’s condition was for me to remarry within a week! I was furious: “What nonsense are you talking? Adeline’s not even buried, and you want me to marry someone else?” He looked up, eerily calm, “It’s just a woman, gone is gone.” Suddenly, he became agitated, veins bulging on his forehead, gripping my arm— “Marrying and having children, continuing the family line is what matters!” “Tomorrow, we’ll get the death certificate, so you can find a wife sooner.” His words left me frozen, chills running down my spine. I shook off his grip, stumbling out the door. Behind me, Adeline’s dad shouted hoarsely— “You must have a child soon, or it’ll be too late!” When I returned home late at night, Adeline’s parents were still there. They’d taken down our wedding photos. Not only that, they’d cleared out everything of Adeline’s: clothes, shoes, even her drinking cup. The house had no trace of Adeline left. On the coffee table were business cards from a dating agency, next to sheets detailing many girls’ basic information. That eerie feeling crept back into my heart. All night, I lay anxiously in bed, a shadow of fear looming over me. Around dawn, the bedroom door creaked open, and two figures sneaked in. It was Adeline’s parents. My scalp tingled, I held my breath, not daring to move. In the silence, Adeline’s mom took my jacket from the bedside, inhaling deeply. She sat by the bed, her cold hand stroking my hair, her voice trembling with suppressed excitement. “Honey, do you think there’s still time?” Adeline’s dad sighed, repeating the words: “That’s why he must marry and have a child quickly.” “Whatever it takes, even forcing him, he must have a child within a year.” “Otherwise, it’ll be too late!”

I didn’t understand what they meant by ‘too late.’ I didn’t understand why, as my father-in-law and mother-in-law, they were so desperate for me to remarry and have children right after Adeline’s death. Adeline’s suicide on our wedding day made headlines online. Their behavior following only shocked people more. Adeline’s dad emptied their savings, using the tragic story of their late daughter to find me a bride. Adeline’s mom seized the media attention, appearing on a TV dating show. Their bizarre actions once again sparked online debate— “Whoa! Are they really in-laws? Pushing their son-in-law to remarry?” “Their daughter just died, and they’re breaking the bank over his marriage. Not even for a son would they do this!” “The whole family is nuts. I wouldn’t be surprised if the bride was possessed or mentally ill!” But the medical examiner soon issued a death certificate. Adeline wasn’t poisoned, nor did she have any mental issues or take hallucinogens. The investigation stalled, and the police told me to take Adeline’s remains home for burial. On the day of the funeral, Adeline’s parents came again. They ignored the funeral hall, bringing in over ten young women, clutching my arms. “Xuwei, these are the brides we’ve chosen for you.” “Are you satisfied? If you like one, we’ll arrange the wedding quickly…” On the day of their daughter’s funeral, they brought women to the funeral hall for a matchmaking event! The guests erupted in shock, pointing and whispering. I couldn’t take it anymore, shaking them off, demanding, “Do you know today is Adeline’s funeral?” “Is this how parents act? You drove your daughter to her death, and now you disrupt her funeral?” Adeline’s mom’s eyes were red, her hand over her mouth, tears welling, repeating— “You must marry, have a child soon, or it’ll be too late!” The memory of that night filled me with unease and confusion. I blurted, “What do you mean by too late? What are you trying to do?” “Did you know Adeline was two months pregnant before she died? If it weren’t for you, we’d be a happy family. You ruined everything, and now you’re pretending to arrange my life?” The room fell silent, all guests watching us intently. In the quiet, Adeline’s dad suddenly spoke— “Do you really want to know? Promise us one thing, and we’ll tell you.”

Adeline’s dad’s condition was the same: choose a wife from those women. Adeline’s mom, in front of everyone, tearfully knelt— “Xuwei, I’m begging you, find another woman, marry her, have a child this year.” “Or it’ll be too late!” She clung to my hand, eyes full of tears, reflecting my image. Then, a guest suddenly stood up, shaking their head at me: “Xuwei, let it go, don’t ask anymore.” “If you really want to know, promise me one thing, and I’ll tell you.” Adeline’s dad still insisted that I choose a wife from those women and get married. Adeline’s mom, amidst everyone, tearfully knelt before me— “Nathan, I’m begging you, please find another woman to marry. You must have a child within this year.” “Otherwise, it’ll be too late!” She clutched my hand desperately, her tear-filled eyes pleading silently. Suddenly, someone among the guests stood up and shook their head at me: “Nathan, let it go, don’t ask anymore.” The woman in the crowd wore a long black dress, had short hair, and her expression was solemn and complex. She glanced at Adeline’s parents briefly and sighed— “Just for Adeline’s sake, stop pursuing this. Otherwise, she won’t rest in peace.” I knew this woman; she was Adeline’s best friend, Fiona. They were as close as sisters, and after Adeline’s death, besides me, she was the most heartbroken. That made it even harder for me to accept: “Fiona, what are you saying? Do you also want Adeline’s death to remain unexplained?” I turned, my steps unsteady, towards Adeline’s memorial tablet. In the photo, she still smiled gently, but it was now in black and white. I clenched my fingers tightly, and from my chest surged a determination— “Adeline was my wife. If her parents won’t honor her memory, then I, as her husband, will!” “Moreover, she was carrying my child. Even if it takes everything I have, I must seek justice for her and our child!” Fiona lowered her eyes and sighed: “Why are you doing this?” At this moment, Adeline’s dad suddenly spoke again: “Do you really want to know what we said to Adeline that day?” I looked at him, filled with expectation and hope, momentarily stunned and bewildered. Adeline’s dad then calmly said, “I can tell you. Just hope that after knowing the truth, you’ll stop here.” Adeline’s mom instantly panicked and instinctively pulled at him: “Honey, you can’t…” But Adeline’s dad shook off her hand and slowly walked towards me. Under the silent gaze of all the guests, he leaned close to my ear and finally said those words. 6 The moment I heard those words, it felt as if I had been struck by lightning, leaving me frozen in disbelief. Adeline’s dad quickly stepped back, putting some distance between us. I looked at them with a mix of shock and confusion and murmured, “How is that possible?”

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On his way home from collecting recyclables after school, my son was bitten by a rabid dog. To save money, he painfully came home and asked me to staple the wound shut. With tears in my eyes, I took him to a small clinic for basic treatment. Tommy blamed himself, “Mom, I’m sorry. Ten dollars is our food budget for the day.” But as we turned to leave, we stumbled upon my husband at the high-end pet store next door, swiping his card to buy a premium grooming package for his ex-girlfriend’s dog. “James is so good to Sophia, coming every week to get little Bella the deluxe treatment!” “Yeah, it costs six figures each time. James really spares no expense.” Tommy and I stood there in shock, staring at James in disbelief. He didn’t notice us as he left with the dog and Sophia, getting into their car. Tommy tugged at my sleeve, “Didn’t Dad say he lost everything in a bad investment and owed hundreds of thousands? Why is he spending so much on a dog?” I forced myself to calm down and went to the pet store to confirm, not wanting to believe it. But the staff’s words sent another chill through us. “You’re asking about James? He’s one of our black card members. Six figures is nothing for him.” “Even that dog Sophia was holding is worth over a million on the market.” I left with Tommy, laughing bitterly and silent the whole way home. Once we arrived, I finally broke down in tears looking at his crudely bandaged wound. Tommy realized James had been lying and asked in confusion, “Mom, if Dad is so rich, why did he lie to us?” “Does he not want us anymore?” James had never revealed his true financial situation to me, even after marriage he only said he was doing some investments. Shortly after we wed, he claimed his investments had failed, leaving him millions in debt. For our ordinary family, it was an astronomical sum. But not only did I not abandon him, I took on three jobs to support us. Tommy has been sensible since he was young, helping me collect recyclables after school every day. Even when his classmates mocked and ostracized him, he never regretted it. “As long as we save up quickly, we can help Dad pay off his debts!” But now I’m told James has been pretending to be poor all along. Our mother and son live worse than his ex-girlfriend’s dog! Coming back to my senses, I choked out to Tommy, “If that’s the case, would you rather stay with Mom or Dad in the future?” His eyes dimmed, his voice trembling with hurt. “Mom, please don’t abandon us. I promise I’ll be good. I don’t want to be separated from you two.” “Mom, can we give Dad one more week? I’ll convince him!” Afraid of hurting Tommy further, I reluctantly agreed. Just then, James walked in the door. Seeing us both standing in the living room, he frowned slightly, “What’s wrong? You both look upset.” Tommy spoke up first, “Dad, I got bitten by a dog today. It hurts…” He held up his small hand, but James’ first reaction to the gruesome wound was disgust. “How could you be so careless? Spent a lot of money again, right? Your mom and I don’t earn easily, can’t you stop causing trouble?” “No dinner for you tonight, learn your lesson.” I clenched my fists, “Our son is hurt. If you don’t care, fine, but you’re punishing him with no food? Do you even care about this family at all?!” James had never seen me so angry before. After realizing, he started arguing back. We went back and forth, with Tommy quickly coming to pull me away. “Mom, it’s okay. I’m not that hungry anyway.” “Dad’s right, I did cause trouble. I’ll go do my homework now.”

Perhaps Tommy’s disappointment was too obvious, as James’ expression softened a bit. “Alright Tommy, how could Dad really punish you?” “I had a business dinner today and brought back some leftovers. Take them to your room to eat.” He pulled out a bag of cold leftovers from his briefcase. It was fish – Tommy’s least favorite. Watching Tommy’s face fall further, I snatched the leftovers and threw them in the trash. “That’s enough, James. We can cook our own food. We don’t need your charity.” James’ brow furrowed deeply at this, “Olivia, what’s gotten into you today? What did I do wrong?” “This was specially brought back for you. Even one fish costs hundreds!” “So you’re saying I misjudged you?” I laughed coldly, “Then do you remember Tommy is allergic to seafood?!” “For seven whole years, you haven’t contributed a cent to this family. Every time I ask, it’s always about business dinners. Which one has ever been successful?” Tommy’s lip quivered, tears falling like broken pearls. But James didn’t even glance at him. He turned to leave, his tone disdainful, “I knew you were this kind of gold-digger. Using Tommy’s seafood allergy as an excuse! Eat it or not, I don’t care!” Even at this point, he still thought I was complaining about him not giving us money. I was so angry my chest hurt sharply. I had to sit on the couch for a long while to recover. Tommy wiped away my tears, “Mom, don’t be sad. Dad’s just upset right now.” Even though he hadn’t calmed down himself, he was still trying to defend James for the sake of our family. Such a sensible child, I really couldn’t bear to let him suffer in silence anymore. So I ruffled his hair, forcing a smile, “Mom understands. I’ll go make something tasty for Tommy now, okay?” Tommy sighed in relief, nodding vigorously. After dinner was ready, he took my phone to send James a voice message. “Dad, Mom made noodles with meat sauce. Do you want to come back to eat?” After sending it, Tommy nervously clutched the phone waiting for James to reply. But by the time we finished eating, James had only coldly responded that he was busy. I sighed, telling Tommy to go back to his room. Just as I was about to talk to James, I received a friend request. It was from Sophia. After accepting, she immediately sent over several videos. So James was busy feeding her dog, that’s why he couldn’t reply to our son. The James in the video was gentle and patient, a stark contrast to how he treated us earlier. “Olivia, even if you snatched James back then, so what? His heart still only belongs to me now.” “You’ll never be able to compete with me, nor are you worthy to.” Yes, after James and Sophia broke up years ago, he fell into severe depression. He even tried to jump into a river to end his life at one point. I had secretly loved him for a long time, and happened to pass by and save him without hesitation. When he woke up, James confessed to me, saying he wanted to marry me. At the time, I wasn’t sure if he still had feelings for someone else, so I initially refused. “Don’t worry, after this brush with death I understand now. I just want to choose someone who loves me.” It was James who promised over and over, which is why I agreed to be with him. Later we got married and have been together for seven whole years. I don’t know when he reconnected with Sophia. I didn’t reply to Sophia, but silently called my lawyer friend. “Help me draft a divorce agreement.”

“You’ve finally come to your senses?” “Sure you don’t want to keep being your husband’s doormat?” My lawyer friend fired off questions, her tone exasperated. “Leave it to me, I’ll make that man pay for hurting you.” Hearing this, I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore. For a man who didn’t care about me, I had repeatedly turned down invitations from my girlfriends, just to clean up his messes. I even became estranged from my friends because of it. But when I needed help, these girlfriends were still the only ones there for me. Before I finished the call, I received another friend request. Her profile picture was of my husband. My husband gazing lovingly at his first love Sophia, smiling radiantly. So he did know how to smile, just not at me. As if possessed, I accepted her friend request. Immediately after, she sent me a video. In the video, my husband was wearing only pants, kneeling on the ground washing Sophia’s feet! Her feet kept trampling all over my husband’s body, splashing dirty water all over his face. But he seemed to enjoy it. I remembered how when I once asked him to grab my bath towel, he flew into a rage and cursed at me. “Can’t you use your own hands?” “And do you know how filthy your towel is?” I felt so guilty for troubling him back then, I even took on another part-time job to make it up to him. Faintly, I heard Tommy’s pained groans. Thinking of how our son was injured today, yet his father as lingering with another woman, Anger burned in my chest. I couldn’t help but snap back at Sophia. “If he loves you so much, why hasn’t he divorced me to let you be more than just the other woman?” “Or do you enjoy being a homewrecker?” The “typing” indicator flashed several times on her end, but she didn’t send anything. Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, a voice message from her came through. “James, who has the better body – me or your wife?” And my husband, panting heavily, replied: “Of course it’s you. That old hag can’t even compare to you.” I collapsed onto the sofa, my heart shattered beyond repair. At 3 AM, there was finally some commotion outside the door. James had come home drunk. As soon as I opened the door, he leaned heavily against me. Fumbling with the buttons of my pajamas, he sweetly called me “honey”. For a moment I thought everything today had just been a nightmare. He pulled me towards the bedroom. “Sophia, hold me…” A sickly sweet perfume wafted over – I knew it was Sophia’s scent. My stomach churned with nausea. Taking advantage of the open door, I quickly dragged James back outside. Then I swiftly closed and locked the door in one smooth motion.

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