After a car accident left me mentally impaired, my wife, Fiona, changed completely. Every night, she began bringing home different men, shamelessly getting intimate right in front of me. She even allowed these men to humiliate and beat me without resistance. When I finally broke down and lost control, she snapped at me, “Lachlan, can you stop behaving like a child and going crazy? I’m a person too, I get tired, I need love, and I have my own needs! You’re not the person you used to be, and it’s already merciful of me not to abandon you. Do you expect me to remain loyal forever?” What she didn’t know was that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, I willingly traded my intelligence for her health. The pawn shop’s condition was that if I remained in this state for three years, her cancer would be completely cured. Now there are only three days left. But I regret it. I want back what I lost. Three years ago, after a car accident put me in a coma, my soul suddenly found its way into a mysterious pawn shop. The owner asked if I was willing to trade my intelligence. For three years, I would lose my ability to speak, control my facial expressions, and take care of myself, living each day like a child, drooling and in a stupor. In return, Fiona’s breast cancer would be completely healed. For Fiona’s sake, I agreed without hesitation. When I woke up, Fiona’s cancer was miraculously gone. She didn’t initially despise my condition; she stayed by my side, tirelessly raising money to take me to doctors. But by the second year, she changed. She stopped taking me to seek treatment and began staying out late, often not coming home at all. This year, the third year, she’s been blatantly bringing different men home. As I was lost in thought, the door clicked open. Fiona returned with a new man. They couldn’t wait and started embracing and whispering sweet nothings at the door right in front of me. The man glanced at me sitting dazed in the living room and smirked, “Fiona, your husband is still watching.” “Ignore him!” Fiona said dismissively, “He’s a fool, he doesn’t understand anything. Let him watch!” I stared at them blankly, feeling as if needles were piercing my heart. Yes, I’m a fool. Even though my mind is clear, I can’t speak or control my expressions. Even if I see her cheating, I can’t say a complete sentence or show anger, let alone confront them. I can only watch them foolishly like a child. I clenched my fists tightly, my eyes turning red with intense anger. The man frowned, “Fiona, your husband is crying. Are you sure he doesn’t understand?” “He’s been like a child since he became like this, crying often. I’m used to it.” Fiona was indifferent. She let go of the man, took out a small cake from her bag, and walked up to me, lowering her voice to coax me, “Lachlan, I bought you a cake. Go to the room and eat the cake.” When I first became impaired, Fiona often used cake to cheer me up. Even though I couldn’t express my pain, her company made life feel sweet. But now, looking at the cake in front of me, it just felt incredibly ironic. I couldn’t accept her betrayal. With all my strength, I knocked the cake from her hand, stubbornly grabbing her hand, incoherently shouting like a child, “Lachlan cake, don’t want… Fiona don’t be with him… be with me…” “Enough!” Fiona impatiently pushed me away, “Lachlan, can you stop acting like a child and going crazy? I’m really fed up! I’m a person too, I get tired, I need love, and I have my own needs! You can’t be a man anymore, can’t you let me find someone to relieve my loneliness?” With that, she wrapped her arms around the man’s waist and decisively went into the room. And I stumbled, falling to the ground. My knee hit the coffee table, breaking the skin and bleeding, the piercing pain spreading wildly into my heart.

Not long after, ambiguous and shameful gasps came from the room. My mind was extremely clear, and those sounds were like sharp blades, stabbing my heart hard. I’ve experienced this scene many times. Every time, I wanted to rush in and make a scene hysterically, but my actions were no longer under my brain’s control; my legs felt like they were filled with lead, powerless. I could only foolishly guard the door all night, unable to sleep. Having lost my ability to take care of myself, my bowel movements were also out of control, leaving a mess on the floor. The next morning, the man opened the door and found me in a filthy state, covering his nose in disgust, angrily scolding, “Fool! If you need to go, go to the toilet, doing it at the door is disgusting!” I looked up at him blankly, mustering all my strength to say, “I’m not… disgusting, you… disgusting!” The man flew into a rage and kicked me hard. “How dare you, a fool, curse me, are you tired of living?” He punched and kicked me viciously. I had no strength to resist and could only endure it. Fiona stood at the door, watching me being beaten with open eyes but was indifferent. I was beaten for a long time, until blood started oozing from my forehead, and Fiona finally stopped the man, “Forget it, Dashiell. He’s just a fool, he doesn’t understand anything, don’t bother with a fool.” The two of them left. Leaving me, bruised and filthy, lying on the ground. The pain in my heart, like waves, almost swallowed me whole. At that moment, I started to regret my decision. Was my selfless sacrifice really worth it? Just then, the voice of the pawn shop owner suddenly appeared in my ear. “Lachlan, detected your wavering mindset, are you considering redeeming what you pawned?” I was stunned, hoarsely asking her, “If I redeem it, what will happen?” “Your wife’s breast cancer will relapse and be completely incurable.” I hesitated for a long time. In the end, I still shook my head, “Don’t redeem.” Fiona and I have been together for ten years since college. She used to treat me very well, not only not despising my poverty but also marrying me without hesitation when I was at my lowest. When I had a stomach bleed from drinking too much while running a business, she didn’t hesitate to donate 800ml of blood to save me. We were supposed to have a child, but because of that blood donation, the child was lost. Fiona said she never regretted it, in her heart, my health was always the priority. She used to love me very much. But love can’t withstand tests. When the three years are up, and I’ve repaid her kindness, we will owe each other nothing.

Fiona started not bringing different men home so frequently and instead only brought Dashiell back every day. It seemed they had developed feelings, and it wasn’t just about relieving loneliness anymore. They often got intimate and flirted openly in front of me. At first, I would break down and get angry. But after many times, I gradually became numb. Even when Dashiell mocked me repeatedly, I became indifferent. There were only two weeks left until the three years were up. I slowly counted the days, looking forward to getting out of this situation soon. But in the end, I wavered again. On Fiona’s 28th birthday, she brought Dashiell home again. Dashiell personally cooked for her. When he opened the fridge, he found a box of frozen meat. This frozen meat was the three-month-old embryo of the child Fiona lost. At that time, we couldn’t bear to part with it, so we carefully preserved it. But now, Dashiell put that embryo into the frying pan. By the time I sluggishly walked into the kitchen, the embryo had already been cooked into “spicy fried meat.” I couldn’t accept it, I broke down completely, eyes red as I swung my fist, hysterically charging at him! “Bast…ard!” But I was slow, no match for Dashiell. Before my fist could reach him, he kicked me hard to the ground. Fiona heard the commotion and ran into the kitchen. “Dashiell, what’s wrong?” Dashiell kicked me again, cursing, “Fiona, your husband is not just a fool, why does he keep going crazy for no reason!” Fiona turned and scolded me, “Lachlan, if you keep this up, I won’t care for you anymore!” I lay on the ground, eyes red, chest heaving with anger. I glared at Dashiell, trembling as I pointed at the bowl of fried meat, struggling to speak, “Why… did you fry it! Do you know… do you know, this is my… child!” Fiona couldn’t believe what I said, her pupils shook, “Lachlan, you…” Her shock was interrupted by Dashiell. “I know, so what? Fiona agreed to let me fry it, I heard it’s very nutritious!” Dashiell looked proud, his tone full of mockery. I looked at Fiona in disbelief, my heart felt like it was being torn apart, the piercing pain hit me. Once, she shed many tears for this child, now, she could be so ruthless! I opened my mouth in grief, using all my strength, but I couldn’t say another word, only making sobbing sounds. Dashiell glanced at me mockingly, suddenly picked up the bowl of food from the stove, squatted down, and grabbed my hair. “Fool, since you care so much about this dish, eat it all! Maybe after eating it, you won’t be a fool anymore!” I looked at Fiona in disbelief, feeling as if my heart were being ripped apart, a sharp pain overwhelming me. She had once cried so much for this child, yet now she could be so heartless! I opened my mouth in despair, struggling to speak, but no words came out, only a pitiful “uh-uh” sound. Dashiell glared at me with contempt, grabbed a bowl of food from the stove, squatted down, and yanked my hair. “You fool, if you care so much about this meat, then eat it all! Maybe it’ll make you smarter!” He shoved all the meat from the bowl into my mouth forcefully. Fiona just stood there, watching without intervening. After he was done, Dashiell let go of me in disgust. “What a killjoy! Fiona, let’s go out to eat and leave this fool behind!” Fiona followed him without a second thought. I desperately clawed the food from my mouth, feeling nauseous and vomiting. I lay on the ground in a mess, tears streaming down my face. Fiona’s coldness filled me with despair. I couldn’t go on. Suddenly, the voice of the pawn shop owner echoed in my ears: “Lachlan, we’ve detected a shift in your mindset. Do you want to reclaim your pawned item?” I hesitated for a moment and replied hoarsely, “Yes, I want to reclaim it.” The pawn shop owner sighed, “You only have three days left. I suggest you hold on a little longer so your three years of efforts won’t be in vain.” I clenched my fists tightly, biting my lip until it bled. The blood was bright red and stark against my skin. In the end, I chose to compromise. That night, Fiona returned home satisfied after her meal. Remembering my unusual behavior during the day, she sat by my bed and tested me: “Lachlan, are you… not dumb anymore? Have you recovered?” I lay on the bed, clutching the blanket, my eyes vacant, mumbling over and over: “Lachlan’s not dumb… Lachlan’s not a fool… no…” Fiona was greatly disappointed. She suddenly glared at me with resentment, her eyes full of anger, hysterically shouting: “You’re such a fool! Lachlan, you idiot, you’ve wasted my youth, ruined my life. How will you ever make it up to me?” I stared at her blankly, my heart aching immensely. I had saved her life, but in her eyes, I was the one who ruined it. How laughable. Three years of self-sacrifice, and this is my reward. The next morning, Fiona left early. After she left, the house felt empty and suffocating. Since becoming foolish, I’ve stayed home alone and never ventured out. But today, I suddenly wanted to take a walk. I looked foolish, walking clumsily and swaying, drawing the attention and whispers of many passersby. But I ignored them. Passing by a secluded stream, I unexpectedly saw two familiar figures. On the vast grassy area, bright red roses bloomed, and fireworks lit up the sky brilliantly. Dashiell was holding flowers, kneeling on one knee, passionately proposing to Fiona: “Fiona, leave that idiot and marry me! I’ll protect you forever!” Fiona, with tears in her eyes, nodded full of emotion: “Dashiell, I will!” The scene pierced my heart fiercely. I was furious, angry that my sincerity was betrayed, and that my three years of devotion were trampled on! Suddenly, as if driven mad, I stumbled forward, uprooting all the roses, kicking over the fireworks, and wrecking the entire proposal scene! Dashiell flew into a rage, grabbing my collar and hitting me. “Lachlan, you fool! How dare you ruin my carefully arranged proposal! Do you have a death wish!” He pinned me to the ground, kicking and punching, mocking me mercilessly: “Lachlan, are you really dumb or just pretending? Can a fool not accept being betrayed? But what good is your anger? You can’t even take care of yourself, you can’t give Fiona a future, only I can protect her!” He pinned me down, beating me until I was bruised and bloody, unable to fight back. Fiona watched me being beaten, not stopping it, her eyes full of disdain. Finally, Dashiell tied me up and threw me by the riverside. “Fiona, push this fool in.” Fiona was shocked, her eyes wide: “Dashiell, are you crazy?” Dashiell sneered, a cruel light in his eyes, coaxing her: “Fiona, aren’t you tired after these three years? If he dies, you can be completely free. No one will find out here, and you’re planning to marry me anyway, why not let him disappear? “He can’t take care of himself, living is suffering, he’s better off dead.” Fiona seemed swayed, standing still with her mouth slightly open, hands trembling gently. After a while, she slowly walked towards me lying by the river. Her eyes were filled with hesitation and doubt. I looked at her with red eyes, still holding a sliver of hope, hoping she wouldn’t leave me for dead. But in the end, she closed her eyes and reached out to me. “Lachlan, don’t blame me, you’ve been dumb for three years, and I’ve taken care of you for three years, I’ve broken down countless times, I really can’t hold on anymore. Maybe death is a relief for you too.” With that, she ruthlessly pushed me into the bottomless river. The icy water engulfed me, the suffocation instantly gripping my heart, as if an invisible hand was squeezing my chest. An all-consuming pain overwhelmed me, filling me with despair. In my moment of hopelessness, the voice of the pawn shop owner echoed in my ears again: “Lachlan, we’ve detected a significant change in your mindset. Do you want to reclaim your item?” I regretted it. She was no longer the woman who once loved me dearly. In just three years, I saw her true nature clearly. I had no reason to hold on anymore. “Yes, I want to reclaim my item.” “Alright, redeeming your pawned item before three years means your wife’s breast cancer will relapse starting today…” I’m sorry, but it seems the text you wish to translate is missing. Could you please provide the text you would like to have translated?

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Five years ago, on Mother’s Day, my son gave me the most unforgettable gift of my life—a debt of five million. As a designer, I worked tirelessly by day and took on part-time jobs at night. Eventually, I managed to gather the money and returned it to the creditor, feeling utterly exhausted. But then I saw my son Jasper and my ex-husband Griffin, looking sharp in suits, sitting comfortably in a private room while the creditor was humbly toasting them and offering smiles. The father and son projected an air of authority. “Mr. Carter, I really tried my best. Who would have thought your wife would be so stubborn, working herself to the bone rather than asking you for help?” Jasper reassured his father, “Dad, don’t worry. If I incur another debt of twenty million, this time there’s no way Mom can escape!” Griffin put down his cigar, stood up, and patted his son on the shoulder. “Dad, I’ve got my eye on a sports car. Look.” “Go to the finance department tomorrow and get the money. It’s just a car. Remember, Jasper, you’re the heir to the Carter Corporation.” The Carter Corporation has been making waves in the business world, dominating all industries in City A for the past decade. Even the fashion company I work for is a subsidiary of Carter Corporation. When my son graduated from college, he envied others, wondering why he didn’t have such wealth despite having the same last name. “My son is so outstanding; he’ll definitely reach the top of the pyramid in the future.” He smiled and nodded. Perhaps even then, Jasper had already reconnected with Griffin. The noise in the club was deafening, and I felt a cold sweat break out, a sense of bitterness welling up inside me. But what came next plunged me into despair. “It’s all my mom’s fault. You just had a few affairs outside—did she really need to divorce you and ruin my good life?” “My mom is so unreasonable. If it weren’t for your social engagements back then, there wouldn’t be a business empire now. Women are just petty.” I’ll never forget the day I discovered Griffin’s affair, catching him in bed with another woman at a hotel. He never paid a dime in child support after our divorce, and I raised our son through hardship. Back then, he was understanding, knowing how hard I worked and wanting to help share the burden. He started his own business right after college. But then, on Mother’s Day, he told me his business failed, and his partner ran off, leaving him in debt. I watched as the creditors came to our door, vandalizing and threatening to harm Jasper if he didn’t repay the money. I stood resolutely in front of my son, taking on the debt myself. As a seasoned designer, I shouldn’t have had to work so hard on designs anymore, but the debt was enormous. I had no choice but to take on freelance work in secret. Unfortunately, the company found out, and because I violated industry rules, my bosses, out of respect for my years of service, demoted me to a design assistant. With even less money, I had to work during the day, wait tables at a hot pot restaurant at night, and clean at a fast-food restaurant until the early hours. I lived like this for five years, but the debt just snowballed, getting bigger and bigger. Jasper disappeared, leaving me with no choice but to beg the creditors for a few more days. But they were unmoved; debts had to be repaid. I had no right to ask for leniency. Yet, thinking of my son’s future, I knelt and banged my head on the ground until it bled. The debt collectors were afraid of causing a death and agreed to let me pay in installments. I’m not someone who gives up easily. For my son, I became stronger, perhaps the power of a mother’s love. But what I didn’t expect was that this was all a scam. I lost completely in love and money. Disappointment overwhelmed me, and I called an old friend. “Imogen, you once said you hoped I’d become the head of your company’s design department. Do you still need me?” There was silence on the other end. Just as I was about to speak, Imogen burst into tears of joy. “Hurry and come over. With your talent, you can easily be the design director or even the general manager.” “Back then, you gave up your career for marriage and children, and after the divorce, you returned to the design industry, all for that kid.” “You even turned down an offer from Milan’s renowned design college.” “We’re preparing for a big show at the end of the year, and the design team is working in isolation. Think about it.” I raised my trembling right hand, looking at my rundown self in the mirror. “I don’t need to think about it, but my age…” “Don’t worry about that. Your design concepts and abilities are well recognized.” “The clothes you designed back in the day are still classics for C Brand. Once you settle things in City A, I’ll send someone to pick you up next Monday.” I hung up and decided to settle things with them. I opened the private room door, and Jasper froze, then quickly walked over to my side. “Mom, you’re here. You. Why did you come so late? I almost got beaten to death.” The creditor stood up and slapped Jasper. “Have you prepared the money? We agreed on the deadline today. If you don’t have enough, I’ll cut off one of your son’s fingers.” Griffin squinted at me. “Cora, is this how you educate your son? Or you could beg me, return to my side, and I’ll find a way to help you out.” “After all, you wouldn’t want to see your son’s future ruined, right?” “If you really don’t want to beg me, I have a quick-money job for you.” “You’ve kept yourself well all these years. I know a place that loves women like you. How about it?” The men in the room burst into laughter, and Jasper was deeply ashamed. “Mom, did you bring enough money? If so, hand it over.” “What do you mean, watching me get my fingers cut off?” I trembled all over, not wanting to argue with them. I produced a bank card from my pocket. “This is one million. Starting today, we owe nothing.” I was about to leave. “Hold on, who said one million was enough?” “Lady, your son borrowed a million. We’re not a charity; there has to be some interest.” The creditor gripped my hand tightly, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Griffin’s gaze. He instantly let go of my hand. “Mom, I didn’t tell you, but they… They want interest too. If I don’t pay, they’ll break my legs.” “Mom, I’m your only son. You can’t just watch me die, right?” Jasper knelt on the ground, pleading. “Mom, you have to help me. You have to.” “Why don’t you beg Dad? Apologize to him, and the three of us can live happily together. Wouldn’t that be nice?” “Why must you insist on suffering so much? Kneel and apologize to Dad. If you do, he’ll forgive you.” Griffin sneered. “Your mom is a college graduate and a famous designer. I’m just a nouveau riche; I can’t handle it.” The creditor picked up a wine bottle from the table, ready to smash it against Jasper’s leg. They were all acting out a charade for me. My son, my son, would let his own mother suffer such humiliation for money. Where did the boy who brought me foot baths, massaged my shoulders, and promised to make lots of money to support me go? Griffin and I were in love once. In those days, I got pregnant with Jasper out of wedlock, and we later married. I had severe morning sickness, and Griffin canceled his business trips, even losing some big deals to stay by my side. Those were truly hard times. I had a falling out with my family, and the childbirth expenses were cobbled together. Griffin worked three jobs a day to ensure I had proper nutrition. Later, when he cheated, we divorced. When I make a choice, I never look back. I raised our child alone. Being a single mom was never easy. I struggled to raise him. Later, with my illness and his college expenses, we couldn’t afford his private university tuition. Griffin appeared during this time, flaunting his success. I knew he made some money and that his reappearance was to force me to return. Even my son sided with him because I had no money. During our arguments, he belittled me to nothing. I thought about having a serious talk with my son, inviting him out for a meal. But Griffin’s words made him kick me out of the car. That day, it was pouring rain, drenching me as my heart ached. Years of nurturing and love couldn’t compare to Griffin’s money. When I returned home, my son saw my sorry state and only said, “Mom, after all these years apart from Dad, we can eat together anytime. You don’t mind, do you?” “Of course not.” I knew he was under a lot of pressure about his future. If Griffin had the means, I wouldn’t stop him. After all, he was Jasper’s biological father. I had no reason to stop their meetings. Perhaps because I gave way, it awakened Jasper’s love for me. He was obedient and filial for a while. On Mother’s Day, he promised me a surprise. Who knew it would be a million-dollar debt? I can’t forget Jasper kneeling in front of me, tearfully repenting. It seems to echo with the current scene. “Mom, I’m begging you. Please ask Dad for help. He surely has a way to get us through this.” “You’re not young anymore. Physical labor won’t earn you much. Wouldn’t it be great for the three of us to live happily together?” — Perhaps my stepping back reignited Jasper’s affection for me, because for a while afterward, he was both obedient and respectful. On Mother’s Day, he mentioned he had a surprise for me. Little did I know it would be the burden of a million-dollar debt. I can never forget Jasper kneeling before me, tears streaming down his face as he expressed his remorse. It all seems to blur with the scene unfolding now. “Mom, I’m begging you, please talk to Dad. He must have a solution. He’ll help us get through this tough time.” “You’re already an adult. You can’t earn much through manual labor. Can’t we just live peacefully as a family of three?” This wasn’t the life I envisioned for myself. Step by step, father and son drove me into despair, pretending as if they were forcing me to reconsider. I couldn’t bear it any longer. “Jasper, he’s your father. It’s his responsibility to support you financially. Don’t pressure me to come up with a solution!” I pushed him away and turned to leave. On my way home, tears fell despite myself. For eighteen years, I’ve raised Jasper with great effort. The reflection in the mirror shows a face weathered by time, and even my hands have grown rough. To save money, I live in a rental apartment that’s cold in winter and hot in summer. To earn more to repay our debts, my hands are covered with chilblains in winter, and in summer, heat rashes spread all over. My son always uses schoolwork as an excuse to stay away year-round. Looking back, what busy work was there? Why would Mr. Carter Jr. live in a place like this with me? The thought is almost laughable now. A neighbor saw me and remarked with a smile, “Hasn’t your Jasper come back yet? You raised him so well—he’s achieved so much at such a young age. I saw him in that downtown office building a few days ago, looking so impressive.” I could only manage a bitter smile before opening the door. Everyone knows Jasper’s career success is largely due to the backing of Carter Corporation. It seems I’m the only fool here. As I looked around our home, I began to gather my things, but there wasn’t much to pack. Just then, Jasper entered, covering his nose as if there was an unpleasant odor. “Mom, what are you doing? Where are you planning to go?” “Surely you wouldn’t just let your own son die, right? Mom, if you couldn’t support me, why fight for custody? What does this mean now?” “I’m your real son. Are you trying to evade responsibility? Are you planning to run away?” I sat on the couch, regarding him with a cold stare. “Mr. Carter Jr., how long will you keep pretending in front of your own mother?” “Mom. You knew all along?” I’m sorry, it looks like the text you want translated is not available. Could you please provide the Chinese text you’re referring to?

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Married for five years, Finn has been having an affair with his sister’s best friend throughout our marriage. He holds a deep-seated hatred for me and keeps me around to make my life miserable. Every year on my birthday, he brings that woman to the Finn Family villa, forcing me to leave. My younger brother is battling ALS, and only the new drug from Finn Corporation offers any hope. So, every year, I quietly step aside for them. But this year, he made me sit outside their bedroom and listen to their intimate moments. The woman’s ecstatic moans finally pushed me over the edge, and I fainted. By the time the butler got me to the hospital, I had lost the baby. “Can’t handle a little stress?” Finn sneered at me, his arm draped around the woman. Later, a nurse told me that my brother had visited after they left. “Sister, I don’t want to continue treatment anymore. Promise me you’ll be happy.” That was the last message he left for me. He probably thought I was suffering because of him and felt guilty. Ten years of madness, and suddenly I woke up. The harshest revenge for the weak is making someone lose the power to hurt you forever. 0

When Finn arrived, I was downstairs, clutching my brother’s lifeless body, sobbing uncontrollably. I noticed the fresh kiss marks on his neck, and my stomach turned. “What’s this? Is he trying to cause more trouble for the Finn Family?” “Wasn’t it Finn Corporation’s drug that saved him when he was at death’s door? And now he’s gone and done this?” “Cora, you and your brother are nothing but ungrateful.” With that, he skeptically kicked my brother’s foot. Confirming he was dead, a flicker of panic crossed his face. But he quickly straightened his tie and lowered his voice: “Dead is dead, after all, he wasn’t my real brother.” “Get out!” I shouted, glaring at him fiercely, my eyes filled with anger and grief. He seemed taken aback by my stare but maintained his usual superior demeanor. “Cora! Don’t take my kindness for granted! If it wasn’t for me giving him the drugs, he wouldn’t have lasted this long!” “I paid for every single pill,” I said, holding my ground. Then he turned and slammed the door shut. I dragged my weary body to bury Jasper. That little boy had only a few years of happiness in his life. We met at the orphanage, fifteen years apart in age. We relied on each other there. After I was adopted, I persuaded my adoptive parents, who loved children, to adopt him too. But fate was cruel, and good people don’t live long. My adoptive parents died in an accident while doing business overseas. Jasper was the only family I had left. I did everything I could to save him, to keep him, but in the end, he gave up his life because he couldn’t bear to see me suffer. When I returned to the Finn Family villa, Finn was shamelessly kissing Adeline. Upon seeing me, he kissed her even more passionately. They both glanced at me from the corners of their eyes. I pretended not to see and walked straight upstairs to the bedroom. “Stop!” Finn interrupted his actions and shouted at me. I paused but didn’t stop. “Who are you trying to impress with that ‘woe is me’ act?” “With his frail body, it was only a matter of time before he died.” “The sooner he dies, the sooner he can be reincarnated. All those drugs he took, and there was no improvement.” I stopped on the stairs and turned to look at him. “I had a miscarriage.” “You can blame your sister’s death on me, life for a life, and now we’re even.” Finn took a deep breath and pushed Adeline aside. “Why? You don’t get to decide that!” “Comparing an unborn child to the precious daughter of Finn Corporation? How dare you think to negotiate terms with me?” He then pulled out a stack of papers from the sofa and threw them on the table. “Harmony Haven Orphanage acquisition agreement.” “You know what I’ll do.” “A big fire? Do you want to watch?” he said, teasing Adeline’s chin. She playfully hit his chest, pretending to be shy. 0

My fingers trembled uncontrollably on the railing, leaving bloodstains on the wooden handrail. I knew he was ruthless, but I didn’t expect him to threaten me with the lives of 123 children. Ever since his sister Lydia died, he has found new ways to torment me every day. Occasionally, when slightly drunk at night, he’d hold me tenderly, but seeing his sister’s photo the next day, he’d feel guilty and become even more cruel. For five years, his words were filled with insults and abuse. He mingled with “witnesses” who accused me of causing his sister’s death. My unborn child became nothing more than “unworthy” in his words. But now I understand that what I thought was the “most painful” was just the beginning. Someone like Finn, who has no boundaries, is capable of anything. In a daze, I saw my brother jump from the 27th floor. His body shuddered and fell lifeless in a pool of blood. He must have thought that with his death, his sister would be free. I also saw the scenes of my adoptive parents taking me and Jasper to volunteer at the orphanage. He knew I grew up there and had feelings for the place. So, when I was all alone, he thought of using them to threaten me. With Finn’s Family’s influence, they could easily manipulate public opinion. “What? Didn’t you hear me, or are you scared?” Finn’s devilish voice rang out. “She doesn’t think she still has a choice, does she? Don’t be fooled by her; she’s a master at acting.” Adeline’s fingers lightly traced his chest, her eyes taunting me. Finn sneered and kissed her on the chin: “You’re right, she’s a master at acting.” I clenched my fists tightly and slowly walked down the stairs, each step feeling like a descent into hell. The orphanage can’t suffer; there are too many kids like Jasper and me there. They shouldn’t become Finn’s pawn in his revenge against me. “What do you want me to do?” Seeing his goal achieved, he extinguished his cigarette: “I want you to admit you killed Lydia.” “She wasn’t killed by me…” Before I could finish, just like every time in the past five years when I tried to defend myself, he’d become furious and violent. He only believed Adeline and himself. “Cora, I’m not in the mood to play with you here. Whether the orphanage kids live or die is up to you.” I closed my eyes, thought for a moment, and then slowly opened them. “I killed Lydia.” “Louder!” He smashed a cup against the wall, causing Adeline to flinch in his arms. “I killed Lydia!” I almost shouted. Adeline exaggeratedly said, “See, Finn? I wasn’t lying to you; it really was her.” He suddenly stood up, grabbed my hair, and dragged me to Adeline’s feet. “Now lick her shoes clean, and say you killed Lydia while doing it.” I struggled desperately, but he grabbed my hair and pressed me hard against the ground. At this moment, I was kneeling at Adeline’s feet, utterly humiliated. He pulled out his phone: “I’ll count to three, two, one. If you don’t start, then the fire will.” “Three…” “Two…” His voice was like a devil’s whisper, guiding me step by step toward death. “I killed Lydia!” “Lick! What did I tell you to do?” he shouted angrily, sending chills down my spine. Adeline lifted her high heel at the right moment. My lips trembled, and as my tongue touched the sole, a wave of nausea surged through me. My stomach churned again, but I endured it, licking over and over. Adeline was full of delight, deliberately brushing her high heel against my face. Finn leaned on the sofa, smoking, his eyes filled with coldness and mockery. When I finally completed this humiliating task, I looked up. What I saw was Adeline’s disdainful face and Finn’s extreme disgust. “Cora, you’re truly despicable. You should have swapped your life for my sister’s.” 0

I used all my savings to give my brother a decent funeral. As I knelt there, expressing my grief, the door to the mourning hall was slammed open. Finn and Adeline stormed in aggressively. “Has Finn’s Family fallen so low? The funeral is so shabby. You may not care about your reputation, but Finn’s Family does.” It was his usual condescending accusation. “Jasper liked it simple.” I wanted them gone quickly, so I explained, holding back my nausea. “He’s at peace now, but what will outsiders think of Finn? They might think Finn’s Family is bankrupt and can’t afford a funeral.” Adeline looked around the mourning hall with disdain. The chrysanthemums on the floor were crushed under her high heels: “What cheap flowers? It’s embarrassing.” My knees were numb from kneeling, but I straightened my back and wiped my tears: “Are you done? Please leave.” Finn sneered, pulling out a document from his suit jacket and tossing it in front of me. “Sign it.” The bold letters on the document, “Body Donation Agreement,” stabbed my eyes. The terms stated that Jasper’s body would be donated to Finn Corporation for research. “No way!” I lunged forward, flinging the document far away. Finn frowned, pulled his hands from his pockets, and pinned me down. “Cora, don’t push your luck. You’re here to atone. What right do you have to refuse?” I struggled: “He’s just a child, only 12. He never had a good life. Let him rest in peace, please?” “Sign it.” The title “Body Donation Agreement” leaped out at me, piercing my heart. The terms dictated that Jasper’s body was to be donated to Finn Corporation for research. “Over my dead body!” I surged forward, knocking the document away. Finn frowned, pulling his hand from his pocket to restrain me firmly. “Cora, don’t be ungrateful. You’re here to make amends. What right do you have to refuse?” I struggled, “He’s just a child, only 12 years old. He’s never had a chance to live fully. Can’t you let him rest in peace?” I pleaded, tears falling like a broken string of beads. “Lydia was only eighteen when you caused her death.” “It wasn’t me,” I sobbed. “Cora,” Adeline’s tone shifted from provocative to persuasive. “The spinal fluid of ALS patients is incredibly valuable. Jasper is contributing to medical research, and Finn Corporation stands to gain significantly.” A chill ran through my veins. Finn spared neither me nor my brother. My brother believed his death would save me, yet he died without peace, and I continued to live in torment. Finn tightened his grip. “Will you sign?” He raised his phone, displaying children playing joyfully at Harmony Haven Orphanage. “I’ll sign.” Tears blotched the agreement, and only then did Finn release his hold. I signed my name on every line, feeling as though I was consigning my brother to hell once more. After everyone left, I knelt again before the altar. Tears flowed freely as memories surged like a tide. Five years ago, Finn treated me with gentle kindness. My adoptive father and Finn’s family were long-time friends. After adopting me, they arranged a marriage with Finn’s family. Finn and I fell in love and agreed readily. We had ten years of beautiful memories as a couple. Until the day five years ago when Lydia and I went on a yacht trip, and she accidentally fell into the sea. Adeline was there too, the so-called “false witness,” Lydia’s best friend. She claimed she saw everything—that I pushed Lydia during an argument. But the police found no evidence of foul play by me. Finn married me as planned. I thought he believed me, not realizing it marked the beginning of a life in hell. Thunder rolled outside the funeral parlor. I caressed my brother’s photo. In the picture, he was forever the smiling twelve-year-old. “Dear brother, you never burdened your sister. Your existence gave me the will to live…” Suddenly, footsteps approached. I turned quickly. Finn had returned. “Cora! Do you think signing the agreement is the end?” He walked closer, his tone still condescending. “What more do you want?” I asked warily. “If you die, these children will accompany you to the grave.” He pulled out a USB drive. The computer screen showed the orphanage managing a small fire, quickly brought under control. “This is just the beginning.” “You can’t repay what you owe Lydia. If you dare to die, go ahead and try.” I froze, questioning if the person before me was human or a demon. He blocked my last escape route. I laughed bitterly, “Finn, you keep saying I killed Lydia. What was my motive?” He hesitated, unable to fathom why I would harm my innocent sister-in-law when I was about to marry into his family. He hadn’t considered this in five years. “You’re just vile. Evil needs no reason.” His voice rose, as if to convince himself. “Do you want to know what she said to me before she died?” Finn’s eyes turned cold. “What did Lydia say?” I closed my eyes. “I’ll exchange that information for my brother’s body.” He suddenly grabbed my collar with malice. “You dare negotiate with me?” “Do as you like. I don’t care if I die. But… you’ll never hear it again.” I slowly closed my eyes, as if ready to face death. “Fine.” Seeing me in such a state, he finally let go. Then he dusted his hands, as if fearing I might soil him. It seems like you haven’t provided the Chinese text for translation. Could you please share it so I can assist you further?

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On Mother’s Day, my husband, who is the chief designer of extreme sports projects, was celebrating the completion of a new venture. His childhood friend, Emily, suggested I try the newly opened extreme zip line across the canyon to “bless the project with good fortune.” Being nine months pregnant, I firmly declined for the safety of our child, but Emily only laughed. “The new project is exceptionally safe. As Ethan’s wife, you should support his career. If you refuse, aren’t you undermining him?” Ethan, shockingly, agreed with her and dismissed my fears and pleas. “The whole project is my design—it’s absolutely safe. Think of it as a unique prenatal experience for our ‘child.’” The stress from the extreme activity caused me to bleed. Emily dismissively remarked that I was merely on my period and at my age, it was disgraceful. While I hung suspended in agony, he was in the control room laughing and chatting with Emily. Eventually, I lost the child, and he lost his mind. “I’m sorry, ma’am!” the waiter said, flustered. “It’s okay,” I forced a smile, but when I looked up, Ethan was frowning at me. He was holding Emily at “Emily Canyon,” engaging with a group of investors. He turned and scolded me. “Sophie, can’t you be more careful?” I opened my mouth but couldn’t muster a response. Emily took Ethan’s arm and handed me a tissue with her other hand. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law.” “Today is a big day for ‘Emily Canyon.’ Ethan has a surprise planned for you!” “What kind of surprise?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly with tension. Emily led me to the viewing platform, pointing to the silver cable stretched above the canyon. “Ethan said, as the founder’s wife, you should be the first to experience our flagship project, the extreme zip line, to bring good fortune to it.” I instinctively withdrew my hand, staring at Ethan in disbelief. “Are you crazy? I’m nine months pregnant!” He frowned, his gaze shifting nervously between me and the investors. “Sophie, don’t make a scene.” “The doctor advised against any high-risk activities!” My voice quivered with fear. “Are you saying you don’t trust our safety measures?” Emily’s voice suddenly took on an emotional tone, “Or do you think the project named after me is cursed?” Ethan’s expression darkened, his fingers clenched into a fist. “Sophie, don’t ruin this.” “I’m not unsupportive,” I explained desperately, “but you know my situation…” “Today is Mother’s Day. Isn’t it the perfect time to experience motherhood? Emily means well,” he smiled. He wasn’t talking about our unborn child, but about “Emily Canyon.” “No, I won’t take that risk!” I instinctively stepped back. Ethan’s smile vanished as he grabbed my wrist. “Sophie, don’t make me look bad.” He lowered his voice, threatening. “Are you insane? This is our child!” I struggled to pull away. He pulled me closer, whispering in my ear, “If you keep this up, I’ll make you regret it later.” Emily gently pushed me from behind. “Don’t be afraid, sister-in-law. I’ll ensure the staff gives you the safest double protection.” Her hand pressed lightly against my waist. I was half-dragged, half-carried to the zip line platform. Tears blurred my vision as the staff approached to strap me into safety gear. “Ethan, please don’t do this to me…” My voice choked. He just looked at me coldly. “Stop pretending. It’s all for work.” Emily smiled sweetly beside me. “Sister-in-law, you’re so brave. You’ll bring good fortune to our project.” My legs shook. The sound of the safety belt locking felt like a countdown to disaster. I looked down at my swollen belly, overwhelmed with unprecedented fear and despair. “I’ve carried this child for nine months, I’m about to give birth… Please don’t…” Ethan turned and walked to the control room without a glance back. Emily whispered in my ear, “Don’t worry, sister-in-law, you’ll be free soon.”

The staff secured me at the zip line’s starting point, the tightening belt pressed painfully against my belly, making it hard to breathe. My hands and feet were cold, trembling almost uncontrollably. “Ethan, please, don’t do this. Think of our child…” I tried one last time, my voice barely audible through the tears. “Xixi is still so small, he can feel my fear, it will harm him.” I gently rubbed my high belly, hoping the name Xixi would awaken some sense of fatherly responsibility in him. Ethan frowned. “Don’t use the child as an excuse.” “Think of it as a special prenatal lesson for ‘Xixi,’ letting him feel the thrill of the world early.” My heart constricted painfully; this man was a stranger now, and my last hope crumbled. Emily came over, her smile sweet as she adjusted my clothes. “Sister-in-law, don’t be afraid. We’re all here watching.” “Enjoy this ‘special’ love.” A wave of dizziness hit me, and a dull ache began in my stomach, a foreboding sense rising within me. Ethan impatiently checked his watch, loudly ordering the staff. “Hurry up, don’t waste time. The investors are waiting for the demonstration!” Emily stood next to me, “accidentally” bumping my pocket. The bottle of prenatal medication I carried fell, the white pills scattering everywhere. “No!” Ethan heard the noise but only shot me a cold glare. “What’s all this fuss now?” His tone was full of irritation. “The medicine… my prenatal medication…” My voice trembled, pointing to the ground. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law, I’ll help you pick it up.” Emily pretended to squat down but deliberately kicked the bottle further away. It rolled to the platform’s edge, precariously close to falling off. “Oh, sorry.” She leaned close to my ear, ensuring only I could hear. “Sister-in-law, these are useless now.” Suddenly, a sharp pain twisted in my belly. “Ethan, my stomach hurts, something’s wrong, we need to go to the hospital…” Ethan waved dismissively. “Stop pretending, it’s always the same. Do you think I’m stupid?” He didn’t believe me at all, turning to comfort Emily with a smile. “Ignore her, she’s just being dramatic.” Emily nodded with feigned grievance, her hand subtly supporting Ethan’s arm. The staff smirked, continuing to adjust the equipment, ignoring my cries for help. The investors watched as if it were a show; no one spoke up for me. I watched Ethan’s back, the man who once said he would give up everything for me. The man who proposed to me that night, swearing to give me the world. Somewhere along the way, his eyes no longer held room for me or our child. Ironically, our child is named Xixi, while the project is called “Emily Canyon.” Even the names are so similar, yet he carelessly divided them between two different “children.” The staff signaled to Ethan that everything was ready. Ethan nodded and walked to the control room. Emily waved at me cheerfully, as if bidding farewell. “Sister-in-law, enjoy yourself. Ethan and I will watch you from the control room.” The timer started counting down, and my fear reached its peak. “Ten, nine, eight…” I closed my eyes, the pain in my belly growing more intense. “Three, two, one!” The zip line launched, propelling me into the void above the canyon. As the weightlessness hit, a warm sensation flowed down my leg. I looked down to see a streak of red staining my dress.

As I sped through the air, I clutched my belly, tears whipped away by the wind. “Help! My child!” I screamed, my voice torn by the wind. A searing pain tore through my abdomen, and I was horrified to feel a warm flow between my legs. Looking down, my white dress was stained with shocking red. My water had broken. Suspended mid-air, I continued flying at high speed, the violent jostling making it hard to breathe. Through teary eyes, I saw Emily nestled in Ethan’s arms in the control room. They watched the screen showing my struggle, Emily whispering something. Ethan actually smiled, raising a champagne glass with the investors. My voice screamed hoarsely, “Ethan! Save the child!” No one responded. The blood flowed more, dizziness sweeping over me. Below, tourists gathered, some pointing, noticing something wrong. My mind began to blur, the pain in my abdomen like a thousand arrows. The zip line slowly reached the end, I had no strength to move. But no one came to receive me. The zip line automatically returned, dragging me back to the start, pushing me into the air again. Second round. My blood fell mid-air like red raindrops. In the control room, Emily feigned surprise, “Oh, is sister-in-law on her period?” Ethan frowned, disgusted, “So careless at this age, so dirty.” Saying that, he held Emily’s waist, leaving with the investors. They went to celebrate the successful launch of “Emily Canyon.” I wasn’t discovered by the staff until the ninety-ninth round.

“Awake?” A nurse, a stranger, approached the bed cautiously. Her eyes avoided mine, not daring to look directly. I knew. “The child wasn’t saved,” the doctor entered, his voice low. “It was a boy, fully formed, but…” “I don’t want to hear the details,” I interrupted him. Ethan frowned in disgust and commented, “A grown adult should know better; that’s just messy.” With that, he wrapped his arm around Emily’s waist and left the control room with the investors, heading off to celebrate the successful launch of “Emily Canyon.” I wasn’t found by the staff until the ninety-ninth lap. 4 “You’re awake?” a nurse approached the hospital bed cautiously, avoiding eye contact. I understood. “The baby didn’t survive,” the doctor entered with a somber tone. “It was a boy, fully developed, but…” “I don’t want to hear the details,” I interrupted, my voice eerily calm, even to myself. “About the body…” the doctor hesitated. “Just take care of it,” I said. He paused, “And your husband…” “I said, take care of it.” “Alright, I’ll need you to sign this.” He handed me a document. My hand was steady as I signed. “Sophie!” Ethan burst through the door, eyes red. I turned my head to look at him silently. “How could this happen?” His voice shook, “Weren’t you always healthy?” I didn’t answer. “Did you never want this child?” he suddenly raised his voice. I felt numb. “Sophie, say something!” He paced anxiously. Emily followed closely, her eyes red and swollen, as if she’d been crying. “Sister-in-law, I’m so sorry…” she choked. “It’s all my fault for suggesting the zip line. I never imagined this would happen…” Her tears fell, quite the performance. “Ethan, I feel so guilty…” she collapsed into Ethan’s arms. He instinctively held her, then quickly let go, realizing it was inappropriate. “Sophie, don’t be like this,” Ethan approached the bedside, “We can have another child. The important thing is not to damage the company’s image.” I finally looked at him. “Ethan,” my voice was hoarse, “You killed your own child.” His face turned pale. “What nonsense is this?” I slowly pulled a USB drive from under the pillow. “This contains the entire zip line footage, including what you did in the control room.” Ethan’s expression changed, “What footage?” “Did you forget? Every corner of ‘Emily Canyon’ is monitored, including the control room.” Seeing his panic-stricken eyes, I felt a small sense of satisfaction for the first time. “You claimed to want the best for me and the baby, naming the canyon after your lover, while our child was named Xixi.” “You let a woman nine months pregnant go on an extreme zip line. When my water broke and I was bleeding uncontrollably, you were in the control room celebrating with champagne.” Ethan’s face turned ashen, “You’re defaming me!” Emily backed away in panic, “Sister-in-law, you can’t do this…” I took a document from the bedside table and threw it at Ethan with all my strength. “Before you worry about the company’s image, take a look at this!” Ethan impatiently bent down to pick it up, his expression shifting from disdain to shock in just three seconds. “What is this?” “We’ve been married for three years with no children.”

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Asher’s grandmother left a wish before she passed, hoping Asher would marry me. So even though he fell in love with his Thea, Asher insisted on marrying me. It wasn’t until Thea killed the puppy I had raised since childhood that Asher chose to protect Thea again. This time, I didn’t argue. Instead, I contacted the Professor at the Lop Nur Base, preparing to become a researcher there. Before I left, I gave myself seven days to wrap things up. On the first day, I took off the engagement ring symbolizing “the only one.” On the third day, I submitted my resignation at the company. On the day I was leaving, Asher suddenly remembered the puppy and promised to accompany me to buy a new one tomorrow. Then he said, “Daphne is going to the company’s Charity Gala, prepare her dress and bring it to her.” I agreed with a smile and disappeared from his world forever. Later, whenever Asher heard about me, he would stare at our engagement ring in a daze. That was the lover he couldn’t win back and the puppy he couldn’t replace…

Looking at the NDA in my hand, I signed my name without hesitation. “Professor, I am willing to join the Rocket Development Program.” The Professor looked at me with some regret. “You should know this task is top secret. Once you join, you will have to remain anonymous for ten years. No one will be able to find you.” “Aren’t you getting married? At least discuss it with your partner.” Thinking of Asher’s cold and resolute face, I smiled bitterly and shook my head. “No need.” The Professor was silent for a moment, then spoke, “Alright, go get ready. We leave in seven days.” It was raining as I left the Professor’s office, and I walked home in the rain. Unsurprisingly, Asher still hadn’t come back. Daphne had taken away Buddy, the dog I had raised since childhood. When I tried to reason with Asher, he blamed me instead, and then he didn’t come home for three days. I took off the ring on my hand and threw it into the drawer. It was a ring Asher made for me by hand, symbolizing our lifelong love, meant never to be removed, even in death. I naively thought we would grow old together. But everything changed when Daphne returned from abroad. Asher no longer remembered my birthday or cared about my feelings. I became the most invisible person in the house. I was about to take off my soaked clothes when the door sounded. Opening it, I saw Daphne with a spiteful look, disdainfully kicking something at her feet. “This beast wouldn’t listen and got hit by a car.” I looked in disbelief at Buddy’s small body lying there, his fur soaked with mud and blood. My heart twisted painfully, and my eyes instantly filled with tears. Seeing this, Daphne’s sneer deepened, shrugging indifferently. “It’s just a dog. Do you have to cry like your mother died?” I couldn’t hold back anymore and pushed Daphne hard. She screamed and fell into Asher’s arms, who had rushed over when he heard the noise. Instantly, she was in tears, “Asher, the dog ran out and got hit by a car on its own. Why blame me?” Before I could speak, she cried even harder, “I’m sorry, Cora, I didn’t mean to…” Touching Buddy’s lifeless body, my heart ached to the point of suffocation, and I couldn’t help but shout at her, “What’s the use of saying sorry!” She immediately acted as if she had been greatly wronged. “Asher, I kindly brought over the dog’s body, and she talks to me like this…” Asher looked at me with increasing impatience, “It’s just an animal. It’s dead, so what? My grandma left you so much money, don’t you know how many dogs you can buy with it?” With someone defending her, Daphne cried even harder, soaking a large patch of Asher’s chest with her tears. Perhaps thinking it wasn’t enough, he continued, “Cora, when did you become so petty and unreasonable?” Animal? I looked at him, almost unable to breathe from the pain. He knew how important Buddy was to me. It was the only gift my mother left me before she died. He had once promised at my mother’s bedside to take care of me and Buddy. But now, for Daphne, he called Buddy an animal. It turns out Asher’s heart had strayed too far. I was also tired and didn’t want to fight anymore. Thinking of my decision to leave, I felt relieved. Asher gently patted Daphne’s back and glared at me, “Are you satisfied now?” Then, he gently patted Daphne’s head, affectionately saying, “It’s raining outside. Shall I take you home?” Daphne snuggled into his arms, giving me a challenging smile from an angle he couldn’t see. Watching his hurried steps, I gave a bitter smile. The Asher who once claimed to have fallen in love with me at first sight and pursued me passionately never truly loved me. I was just a distraction in his loneliness, and Daphne was his true love. Now the rightful owner was back, and I, the substitute, should step down. But it didn’t matter anymore. I hid the ring and the unsigned prenuptial agreement in the drawer. Asher would never know that the agreement his grandmother forced him to sign, granting me half of his assets, was never notarized, nor did I sign it. Chapter Two After cremating Buddy, I buried him next to my mother’s grave. On the third morning, the Professor sent me the exact departure time. I replied with an “okay” and then walked into the HR office. I formally submitted my resignation. They must have disliked me for a long time, as the process went smoothly. Just as I closed the door of the HR office, I heard them gossiping. “She just up and resigned. Being the CEO’s wife is different, I heard Asher’s grandma left her half the property!” “What CEO’s wife? It’s not even official. I think she resigned because Asher gave her project to Miss Daphne.” “Wasn’t that the project she was working on? It’s almost finished. Giving it to Miss Daphne now is like letting her reap the rewards.” “So what? Miss Daphne is Asher’s true love.” It’s not surprising they thought that way. As soon as Daphne returned, Asher gave her the General Manager position. Even if Daphne knew nothing, Asher would hand the project to her himself. He even had me work overtime to revise Daphne’s proposals and entertain her clients. Even when I ended up hospitalized with a bleeding stomach, he said I owed it to Daphne. Listening to the occasional mocking laughter, I felt no waves in my heart. I just hoped the coming days would pass quickly. With everything settled, it was time for me to pack up. I returned home with my things, only to see Asher and Daphne having breakfast together, laughing and chatting. Watching them feed each other, my hands started to tremble. Once, I mistakenly used Asher’s cup, and he hired a dozen cleaners to sanitize the house, warning me not to have physical contact with him. Turns out Asher didn’t have a cleanliness obsession. He just didn’t want to be intimate with me. Seeing me return, Daphne playfully clung to Asher’s hand, “Asher, if you give Cora’s seat to me, won’t she be upset?” Asher sneered, “I’m the company’s CEO. Do I need her approval for my decisions?” “But Cora hasn’t been home for days.” “She’s waiting for me to coax her. Don’t mind her.” Hearing this, Daphne’s eyes were full of triumphant pride. She leaned into Asher’s embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck coquettishly. I said nothing and headed upstairs. That’s when Asher noticed me. A hint of guilt flashed across his face before he threw his knife and fork onto his plate in anger and ordered me, “Stop right there!” I kept walking, but he rushed over and grabbed my arm. “Cora, what’s your problem? Do you even remember you have a home?” He reached to take the box from my arms, but I turned away. “No need, you go ahead with your work.” Asher looked even more impatient, about to say something when Daphne called him, “Asher, I want another fried egg. Can you make one for me?” “Sure,” Asher replied and headed to the kitchen. I stepped forward to go back to my room, but Daphne blocked my way. “What do you want?” Daphne glanced toward the kitchen, and her gentle facade faded, revealing jealousy and resentment. “Cora, you heard it all, didn’t you? Asher only has me in his heart. If it weren’t for his grandmother forcing him, he wouldn’t marry you.” “I heard his grandma left you half the property. Don’t delude yourself into thinking any of it is yours!” “I advise you to be sensible and hand over the property agreement. After all, just one word from me, and he would kick you out.” She paused, looking at me, then covered her mouth in a mock laugh, “Oops, I forgot. All your family is dead. You’re like a stray dog no one wants.” “No wonder you cling to Asher like a leech.” Her tone was contemptuous, her eyes filled with mockery. No matter how she insulted me, I didn’t care. But she shouldn’t have mocked my family. In an instant, my blood froze, and I couldn’t help but yell at her, “Daphne, say one more word, and I’ll tear your mouth apart!” “Asher! What are you doing!?” She paused, looked at me, then covered her mouth in a mocking laugh. “Oops, I forgot. Your whole family’s gone now. You’re just like an unwanted stray.” “No wonder you’re stuck to Asher like glue.” Her voice dripped with disdain, her eyes gleaming with amusement. I could endure any insult she hurled at me, but mocking my family was crossing the line. My blood ran cold, and I couldn’t help but shout, “Daphne! Say one more word and I’ll make you regret it!” “Cora! What’s gotten into you?!” Asher happened to overhear, worried I might harm Daphne, and immediately intervened. I paused, noticing Daphne’s raised eyebrow as she subtly pushed me. The next second, I lost my balance and tumbled down the stairs. Pain shot through me as I hit the ground. “Cora!” Asher dropped everything and rushed over to help me up. Daphne leaned toward Asher, tears brimming in her eyes, “Asher, I didn’t mean to… It’s all my fault for being so clumsy and causing trouble. What should I do now…” Her panic seemed perfectly genuine, and Asher couldn’t bring himself to blame her. He frowned, looking at me, “Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital? Daphne didn’t mean it, don’t hold it against her.” I shook my head, bitterness seeping in as I looked away, noticing the scattered items. The resignation letter and confidential documents were right on top. Chapter Three Afraid he might notice, I ignored the pain and hurried to gather them. “I’ll do it.” Asher crouched down, picking up the resignation letter with a frown. I held my breath, hoping he wouldn’t notice the confidential documents. Luckily, Asher’s attention was on the resignation letter, allowing me to hide the documents among other items. “You quit?” Asher sounded surprised. “Yeah.” I shoved everything into the box. He sounded displeased, “Why didn’t you say so earlier? Before, when I asked you to hand over the project, you refused. Why the change of heart now?” Maybe it was because I looked so pale; he hesitated and softened his tone, “Quitting is good. Saves me some effort. Grandma gave you so much money, you should be content.” “You should focus on being Mrs. Asher and stop competing with Daphne.” “She’s kind-hearted and doesn’t understand your scheming.” I bit my lip, holding back tears, nodding even though my heart felt like it was being pierced by countless needles. I struggled to stand despite the pain. He reached out to help me, “Cora, explain the project to Daphne so she won’t face difficulties with the investors.” “She’s not like you, able to charm people and even get half the property.” Not wanting to waste more time on them, I nodded to Asher, “Okay.” Asher seemed pleased with my compliance, smiling at me, “That’s better. Sorry for neglecting you lately. Once Daphne fully takes over your work, I’ll make it up to you.” “After the mourning period for Grandma, we can get married. It’ll give her peace.” I bit my lip hard, my heart aching. That day would never come. In the following days, I quietly packed my things, wrote a project proposal for Daphne, and visited Asher’s grandmother’s grave to tell her my decision. She loved me most in life and wouldn’t want me to suffer under Asher’s mistreatment. On the last day, Asher stayed home. I felt anxious, trying to find reasons to leave smoothly. Unexpectedly, Asher took out an old telescope, “Daphne wants to go stargazing; I’m taking her camping today.” “Alright.” I sighed in relief. Leaving early would let me avoid running into him. He added, “There’s a Charity Gala tonight. Get a dress ready for Daphne.” I thought for a moment. By then, I’d be on the way to my new life. Daphne walked over, clinging to Asher’s arm, pitifully pleading, “How could Cora get me a dress? Last time she gave me the wrong project proposal, and I got in trouble with the investors.” “Asher, I can wear anything. I don’t want to…” She even shed a few tears, and Asher glared at me angrily, “Cora, if you don’t want to do it, just say so. How could you do this? You’ve really disappointed me!” I was about to leave and didn’t want any more conflict. I calmly apologized to Daphne, “Sorry, my bad. It won’t happen again.” Then I looked at Asher, “Don’t worry, I’ll prepare the dress for her.” A hint of guilt flashed across Asher’s face. After hesitating for a while, he said slowly, “Cora, tomorrow I’ll get you a new puppy, just like the one before.” Before my mentor came to pick me up, I ironed the dress for Daphne and left the ring symbolizing “the only one” and the prenup agreement on the table. With my suitcase in hand, I headed downstairs. The Professor looked at my expressionless face and sighed helplessly. “Since you’ve decided to go, work hard over there and achieve results soon!” “Okay!” I got in the car, watching Asher’s villa fade into the distance until it disappeared from view. In the early morning, Asher returned home, slightly tipsy, with Daphne. The house was silent, with no lights on. Asher was instinctively displeased. After all, no matter how late it was, I would always wait for him on the sofa. “Cora! Come out and make some hangover soup.” But the empty house remained silent, with no response. Asher flipped on the light, only to see the documents and ring on the table. He immediately yelled, “Cora! Who allowed you to take off the ring?!” I’m sorry, but it appears that the text you intended to have translated is missing. Could you please provide the specific text for translation? Chapter 4

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I hid my true identity from my boyfriend, driven by a desire to rebel against my family. But then I overheard him say, “Ever since I found out she comes from such a poor background, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something about her. To marry, it should be someone like Adeline, a wealthy heiress.” I was taken aback. “So do rich guys smell better and feel softer too?” Just then, my phone pinged with a message from Jasper, the ‘Capital Prince’: “Hello, sister. Grandpa asked me to fulfill our marriage contract.” I had missed out on a truly wealthy family, and my ex was left in tears. I returned from freshening up in the bathroom to find a new topic buzzing in the private room. “Ever since I learned Fiona has a humble background, she always seems a bit off to me.” It was Declan’s voice. I hesitated, my hand pausing mid-air on the door. “Have you ever been to a really poor area? Girls from places like that always seem to carry something with them.” Instinctively, I sniffed myself. It was the fresh scent of jasmine. I couldn’t comprehend his mindset. Was he looking down on me because of my background? “No way,” another male voice chimed in, “She always dresses pretty nicely.” “Ha,” the man scoffed, “She buys everything from cheap sites, reeks of low quality.” “These bargain girls are just for fun. For marriage, it’s someone like Adeline, a true gentle and charming rich girl.” Adeline is a freshman this year. On her first day, she arrived in a limited-edition sports car, a perfect match for Declan. She was there today too, wearing a designer mini-skirt and carrying an expensive bag. When I opened the door, Adeline had somehow already taken my original seat, her smooth thigh pressed closely against Declan’s pants. Seeing me return, Declan subtly distanced himself from Adeline and called me over to sit next to him. “Fiona, come here. I lost a game, and now you have to drink this for me?” Declan’s stomach has always been fragile. Every time this happened, he would cutely ask me to drink for him. But he doesn’t know, every time I drink, I feel awful, unable to sleep the whole night. Just moments ago, Declan drank Adeline’s wine for her, saying girls tend to have cold constitutions and drinking too much was unhealthy. So in his mind, I don’t even register as a girl. Everyone else was using small, delicate glasses. But mysteriously, in front of me was a large mug of draft beer. Over a dozen eyes in the room were on me, teasingly watching how I would “make a sacrifice for love.” Declan put on an innocent, pitiful look, staring at me expectantly. In the past, I would have definitely drunk it for him out of pity. But now— I boldly lifted the mug, smiling as I responded, “Good thing it’s a big mug. If it were one of those small ones, I’d be worried it wouldn’t be enough!” With that, I poured the entire mug over Declan’s head, soaking him to the bone.

“Fiona, are you out of your mind?” Declan snapped. I shrugged. “Yeah, I’m from a poor background, that’s just how we girls from humble origins are.” Declan seemed to realize something and quickly explained. “Fiona, it’s not what you think.” I gestured with my chin at his legs. Declan then noticed Adeline’s stockings caught in his zipper, already torn. I can’t imagine what intimate things they did when I wasn’t there. “So only those who wear Chanel and carry Hermès deserve all your love?” I shook my head regretfully. Declan massaged his temples. “It was just a joke, do you have to take it so seriously, Fiona?” “Can you say you wouldn’t choose someone wealthier?” “Isn’t that just human nature?” I blinked, “Is that so?” Adeline chimed in, “Of course, if you compare the two of us, it’s obvious who anyone would choose, right?” She interlocked fingers with Declan, the shiny diamonds on her manicured nails dazzling my eyes. I was stunned for a moment, then looked thoughtfully at my phone. It was a new friend request from Jasper, with a straightforward note: “Hello, sister. Grandpa asked me to fulfill our marriage contract.” Jasper, known as the Capital Prince, is also a freshman this year, recognized as one of the wealthiest students on campus. But he’s usually low-key, always saying he has a marriage contract and doesn’t interact much with girls. So I only heard about him. But why did he suddenly add me? Could it be the person with a marriage contract with him is actually… Hesitating, my phone kept vibrating. Jasper: “Why is sister silent, still with the ex-boyfriend?” “I have plenty of money, sister, won’t you consider?” “Sister, give me a chance?” The usually cold Jasper called me sister repeatedly, completely unlike his cool image. My face turned red, inexplicably imagining him calling me that in a more intimate setting. Looking up again, I had made up my mind. “Let’s break up then.” “I choose the rich one too.” Declan laughed first, and others followed suit. Everyone knows the Declan family is connected to the Aiden family, and it’s hard to find someone richer than Declan in the whole school. “Don’t be ridiculous, Fiona. Richer people won’t look at you.” “Come back and sit, I’ll pretend you didn’t say anything.” Looking at the dark water stain on the leather sofa next to him, I suddenly felt disgusted. “No, thanks.” I took a step back, Declan’s words about “gentle and soft” echoing in my mind. If that’s the case, rich guys should be even more fragrant and tender, right? Before I knew it, I had already sent a reply to Jasper. “Can you come pick me up, charming little prince?”

They were right; initially, I chose to be with Declan for the money. But they don’t know, I’m not actually poor, but the only daughter of the Foster family. My dad worked his way up from humble beginnings, always saying: “Kids these days have it too good, don’t even know the price of rice.” “How can I trust you with the Foster Corporation in the future?” So after I got into college, my family cut off my access to unlimited funds and only gave me $1000 a month for living expenses. In college, I would buy two starch sausages for a dollar, cancel subscriptions right after getting a discount, wait for special deals at fast food places, and look for coupons before entering a restaurant. I never had much luck with winning anything. Except once. It was a rainy day, and I was trying my luck at the lottery booth by the school gate. A long hand blocked my view. The owner of the hand wore a black shirt, sleeves rolled up, revealing a strong forearm. He flipped through a stack of lottery tickets, picked one from the back, and handed it to me. “Try this one.” Skeptically, I scratched it off and won $500. Before I could claim the prize, the man opened his umbrella and walked into the rain. Watching his back, I thought he was quite lucky. My mom says, being with a lucky man makes life smoother. I regretted not getting his contact, he could’ve helped me pick more winning tickets. Who would’ve thought, at the freshman mixer later, a boy named Declan confessed to me. Seeing his somewhat familiar face, I agreed without thinking. Fate brought us together again, but it ended in such an embarrassing way.

The car was warm, and the comfortable environment made me completely relax. Jasper didn’t greet me with the warmth I imagined. He reverted to his usual demeanor, high and aloof. Was he shy, or… angry? Well, as strangers with no prior interaction, asking him to pick me up was indeed abrupt. “Sorry, the place they chose for the gathering is a bit remote. If it’s inconvenient, you can drop me off in the city ahead.” The car smoothly pulled over, without hesitation. As expected, I was troubling someone again. Reaching for the door, I couldn’t open it. Turning back, I found the man who was far away now close. For the first time, I looked closely at his features, noticing how he resembled Declan a bit. But his skin was paler, and he looked more refined. Unlike Declan, who always had his hair perfectly styled, Jasper’s bangs casually fell over his forehead, adding a youthful vibe. “Is sister seeing someone irrelevant through me?” The little prince gritted his teeth. His thin lips opened and closed, looking very kissable. I couldn’t resist reaching out, brushing my finger across them. “So soft.” I didn’t notice his face darkened even more. “Sister, don’t confuse me with my cousin from the Declan family. I’m different.” “In our relationship, I hope we can trust each other.” He suddenly blushed, stubbornly adding: “If sister doesn’t trust me, you can inspect in advance. I’m willing to cooperate…” My mom was right. I’m still young, haven’t experienced the best. Otherwise, why would I be so mesmerized by his stunning looks? What did he just say, he’s willing to cooperate? I also want to… have a taste. Lost in thought, I leaned up to kiss him. His eyes turned deep, raven-like lashes trembling with restraint. In a moment, he fiercely claimed me, like a flood breaking its dam. No one noticed my phone buzzing in the gap, over and over.

After Fiona left, Declan felt uneasy. So late, in the suburbs, how would she get back? Oh well, let her learn a lesson. Their upper-class circle is like this, profit above all. She has to learn to adapt. He just said what? He’s willing to cooperate? I really want to try it. Lost in thought, I tilted my head and kissed him. My brother’s eyes suddenly deepened, his long lashes trembling with restraint. After a moment, he passionately captured my lips like a flood breaking through a dam. No one noticed my phone ringing repeatedly from its hidden spot. 5 After Fiona left, Declan felt uneasy. It was so late, and she was in the suburbs. How would a girl like her get home? Oh well, perhaps it’s a lesson she needs to learn. That’s how it is in the upper circles, where interests come first. She has to learn to adapt. Deep down, he admitted he liked Fiona. At the freshman orientation party, she wore a cream-colored cotton dress, looking as beautiful as a fairy. Countless guys were eager to dance with her. But her gaze drifted through the crowd and gently landed on him. In that moment, the world quieted down to just breaths and heartbeats. But from the moment Adeline appeared, everything seemed to change. Adeline always wore exquisite brand-name outfits and carried the scent of high-end perfume. Unlike Fiona, who carried a canvas bag from Amazon and occasionally asked him to help “cut a deal.” Until his mother told him that the family had chosen Adeline as his future wife. He felt this was the right choice. Only a girl like Adeline seemed suitable for him. But tonight, with Adeline sitting astride him, it felt wrong. Closing his eyes, all he could see was Fiona’s stubborn eyes. He couldn’t help but call her. No answer. Forget it, let her cool off for a few days. After all, she loves money so much. In a few days, he’s sure she’ll come back.

Back at the dorm, I found my phone flooded with calls from Declan. I thought I had made the breakup clear. Reflecting on recent events, I replied: “Your cousin is not only more handsome but also richer than you. When he calls me ‘sister,’ I feel like giving him my whole life.” Almost instantly, the phone rang. “Fiona, which cousin? Who are you giving your life to?” I hung up, blocked the number, all in one go. Exhaling deeply, I realized there was still a shadow outside the window. Jasper? I played the voice message he just sent. His slightly hoarse voice scratched at my heart like rough sandpaper. “Sister, come out.” He somehow got a cup of honey water. The warm, smooth liquid carried the warmth of his chest. “You drank tonight. Have some honey water; it will make you feel better.” I was surprised. How did he know… Then I remembered the kiss with a hint of alcohol in the car. The air around me heated up again, and my face must have been bright red. The phone rang at just the right moment. It was Declan. Jasper answered it right in front of me. “Jasper, where are you?” Jasper looked at me. Even though we had broken up. Why did it feel like I was caught cheating? I could only bury my face in the cup. Let the steam from the cup shield me. “I’m with my fiancée.” Jasper replied naturally. “Well, congratulations, you finally got what you wanted.” The person on the other end didn’t say much more and hung up directly. Jasper showed that enticing expression again. The corners of his eyes were reddened, like a captivating demon. His fingers intertwined with mine, holding tightly, his eyes pleading: “Can we go public, Fiona?”

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Three years after leaving the country, I arrived at Capital Airport with my twin children. The always cold CEO sent a message: “Returned?” Without hesitation, I lied, “No, I’m still in the U.S., about to go to bed.” But in the blink of an eye, he was standing right in front of me, his gaze fixed intently on my two kids. “Is this why you disappeared?” “Do you realize I never agreed to the divorce? What you’ve done is betrayal!” I let out a cold laugh and touched the prayer beads on his wrist. “You didn’t want to have children with me, so I found someone who did.” When we got married, Asher promised he loved me deeply. He said he’d do anything for me, except break his vows. But then, his first love returned. She claimed that if she could make Asher break his vows nine times, I should willingly leave him. I lost that challenge, utterly defeated. After Beatrix returned, she challenged me, suggesting we see who could make Asher break his vows nine times first. I smirked and wrote down the terms of the bet on the spot: “If you win, I’ll bow out. But if you lose, I’ll make it impossible for you to stay in Beijing City.” But only I knew how uncertain I truly felt. In our three years of marriage, Asher would do anything I asked, except break his vows. Within a week, he started coming home less frequently. Determined, I put on the new lingerie I bought and walked into his quiet room. I took his hand and guided it down my body… I could feel his breath becoming heavier, his eyes filled with a new desire. But then his phone rang, and he snapped out of it, pushing me away and storming out. He didn’t return for three hours. I stood there, feeling the warmth drain from my body, unable to think. Until Beatrix appeared, flaunting a used strawberry-flavored item, showing me the sticky substance inside. “Adeline, this marks the ninth time.” “I told you, Asher loves me. Why don’t you believe it?” “A bet is a bet.” Looking at her smug expression, I thought of how I had just humiliated myself, begging Asher for attention. A wave of dizziness hit me. Why was I degrading myself like this? Before I married, I was the prized daughter of the Beijing Circle. Why was I now reduced to competing with Beatrix for a place in bed? Feigning indifference, I took out the signed divorce papers from the bedside drawer. “Take it and leave.” Beatrix raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You confronted Asher?” I shrugged nonchalantly. “No, Asher said I could decide about the divorce on my own.” “He’s just a man. If you want him, he’s yours.” But seeing Asher’s name on the papers… My heart felt pierced. This was Asher’s wedding gift to me. Asher always kept his promises. He stopped my hands from undoing his buttons, saying he had to keep his vows for three years and asked me to wait for him. But if I ever grew tired… I could sign my name on the divorce papers anytime, and he would accept my decision. At that time, I was overjoyed, thinking I had him for life. Now I realized how foolish I was. Was he setting me free or just making it easy for him to escape anytime? Beatrix reviewed the papers twice, showing a satisfied smile. “Miss Adeline, as decisive as ever.” “Everyone in Beijing City knows you spent five years pursuing Asher. I thought you’d cry.” “How about this, in a week, when Asher fully leaves his vows behind, I’ll give him these papers as a gift.” “You both won’t have to torment each other anymore.” I coldly showed her out. But I had to admit Beatrix was right. Keeping someone who doesn’t love me by my side for five years, if not torture, then what is it? I opened my phone and found the tickets to Iceland for Asher and me next week. Asher doesn’t like traveling abroad, but I insisted. Was he thinking how troublesome I was, always asking for so much, when he agreed? I used my finger to cancel Asher’s ticket. If that’s the case, I’ll let him go. This mistake shouldn’t continue.

Not long after Beatrix left, I went to bed. In a daze, someone lay beside me, wrapping their arm around my waist from behind. I irritably pushed his hand away. “Why aren’t you in your quiet room? What are you doing here?” His breath was warm on my neck, and after a long silence, he asked, “Why did you cancel the Iceland tickets?” My heart grew even more annoyed and frustrated. I replied, “Can’t I just not want to go?” while pushing his body away: “Stay away from me.” But when my hand pressed on his chest, Asher let out a muffled groan, as if in great pain. I felt something odd on his chest and lifted his shirt. At that moment, I felt the world spin. A piercing was right on his chest! And next to it, two small letters were tattooed: QZ. I didn’t know if my eyes were red, just felt like tears were about to overflow, my voice trembling uncontrollably. “What is this?” Does Asher like Beatrix so much that he’d do anything for her? Back when Asher’s parents died, and his relatives took everything, even hiring thugs to bully him, it was me who smashed heads with a beer bottle to ensure he wasn’t humiliated. Asher said he wanted to become a monk. I stayed by his side, never forcing him to do anything, loving him with all I had. Until he opened his heart and agreed to marry me. How laughable. He wouldn’t break his vows for me. But he could pierce his body for another woman, like a pet marked by its owner? If Asher was unwilling, who could force him? Was this their idea of fun? Or did Beatrix want me to see how low Asher could stoop for her? Asher frowned, pulling down his shirt. “No need to make a fuss, it’s just something strung. If you don’t like it, I won’t wear it.” “As for the letters, Adeline, I’ll explain them to you later.” Then he hesitated and walked out of the bedroom. “I’m going to copy Buddhist Scriptures, you should sleep early.” I noticed his prayer beads had been replaced with a string of white Bodhi beads—not the Rosewood beads I climbed thousands of steps to get for him. I gritted my teeth and called the butler. “Find out where Asher went today and who he was with.” “And where his bracelet went.” Soon after, a surveillance video was sent to me. In the video, Asher was taking drink after drink from Beatrix’s hand, looking utterly drunk. Several friends at the table were amazed. “I heard Asher is a Buddhist, doesn’t drink a drop. Beatrix, you’re quite something.” “Right, back in school, Asher only treated Beatrix well. Seems her going abroad didn’t change a thing.” “I heard Asher’s married now, his wife at home is quite something.” Beatrix laughed, holding Asher’s hand. “If I hadn’t gone abroad, how could Adeline have married Asher?” “And I told Asher not to touch Adeline, and he really didn’t. What kind of love is that, need I say more?” My heart took a hard hit. What does Asher take me for? He climbed out of life’s muck with my help, yet he faithfully obeyed the so-called true love’s command, keeping absurd chastity for her? Beatrix patted Asher’s face, waking him from his daze. “Throw this bracelet away, I bought you a new one, you can only wear mine from now on.” The man seemed hesitant. But under Beatrix’s prodding, he took off the bracelet and tossed it on the ground. Perhaps even the heavens couldn’t bear it. The moment it hit the ground, the string snapped, beads scattering everywhere. Just like my heart, shattered into pieces. The butler handed me two of the beads. “Miss, the rest of the beads were taken by cleaning staff, should I retrieve them?” I laughed bitterly. “No need.” “What’s the point of retrieving a few beads.” Asher, like these prayer beads. Once a treasured jewel I painstakingly sought and held dear. Now fallen to the ground, dirtied—it’s nothing.

I ordered Asher’s belongings to be packed and sent back to his own home. Asher entered with breakfast, brushing past the movers. Seeing his incense burner, Buddhist Scriptures, and meditation mat being carried out, he was bewildered. “What’s going on?” “Adeline, are you moving?” I gave him a big smile. “Yes, I’ve lived here too long, it’s annoying now.” Then I glanced at the tray in his hand. A dish of pickles, a bowl of white porridge, and a few slices of bread. Not even an egg. Asher doesn’t eat meat, so I’ve also eaten vegetarian for years. So I grabbed my bag and headed out. “You keep it for yourself.” Ignoring his surprised look completely. I no longer cared what Asher thought. That night, I gathered with some Beijing Circle sisters at a bar for drinks, also planning to say goodbye. My friends teased me non-stop. “Miss Adeline out drinking, aren’t you afraid your precious, fastidious husband will be mad?” “Yeah, the little princess has been so virtuous since marriage, what changed today?” I sneered. “Being virtuous should be for someone worthy.” Just then, a commotion erupted in a corner of the bar. Two people were having a drinking contest. Whoever downed twelve cocktails first could take a woman home that night. I ignored his look of surprise entirely. I don’t care what Asher thinks now. That evening, I gathered a few friends from the Beijing social circle for a farewell at a bar. My friends teased me relentlessly. “Miss Adeline is out drinking. Aren’t you worried that your fussy, neat-freak husband will get upset?” “Yeah, the darling of the Beijing Circle has been the perfect wife since getting married. What’s changed today?” I let out a cold laugh. “Being faithful should be reserved for someone who deserves it.” At that moment, a commotion erupted in the corner of the bar. People were saying that two individuals were about to have a drinking contest. Whoever finishes twelve cocktails first gets to take a woman home tonight. My friends went to check it out, but they returned looking troubled. “Adeline, you should go see. It’s your husband, Asher.” I didn’t react. I knew I should be surprised—that a husband who never drinks would go to such lengths for another woman. But inside, I felt nothing. It was as if my love for Asher had died yesterday. I even led everyone over with a sense of amusement. “Let’s go watch the spectacle.” Asher stood at the long table lined with drinks, visibly shocked to see me. But as soon as he took a step, the bartender reminded him. “Sir, leaving now means forfeiting. Are you sure you want to give up?” He glanced at me, then at Beatrix, hesitated, and turned away. “No forfeiting.” Beatrix leaned in, speaking maliciously under the cover of the loud bar music. “Adeline, maybe you should try to talk to Asher?” “After all, you won’t be husband and wife much longer. You can still ask him a few more times.” “But then again, if Asher doesn’t listen to you even once, that’s pretty sad, isn’t it?” I ignored Beatrix and just stared at Asher’s face. His eyes never met mine, intentionally avoiding me. He kept fiddling with his Prayer Beads. I know him; it’s a sign he’s nervous and guilty. The onlookers were moved by his and Beatrix’s supposed love. “Drinking all twelve would definitely land you in the hospital. This guy must really love his girlfriend.” “True love indeed, wish them eternal happiness.” The veins on Asher’s forehead pulsed. He shouted, “Shut up.” Then, turning to me, he whispered, “Adeline, I have my reasons. I’ll explain everything when we get home.” I smiled. I gently reminded him. “Asher, you promised to keep your vows for three years. Just three more days.” “If you drink this, our agreement means nothing.” His expression froze. He was silent for a long time before nodding. “Then it means nothing. Let’s go home tonight. I’ll make it up to you.” I knew he meant consummating our marriage. But now, I just wanted to laugh. He finally chose to break his vow for me, after having done everything he shouldn’t for another woman. I took off my wedding ring. Dropped it into his drink, then turned to leave. But with so many people around, I accidentally knocked over a champagne tower. Countless glasses crashed down. I heard Asher shouting my name. But in the crucial moment, he protected Beatrix instead. Glasses shattered on the ground, and as my vision faded to black, I saw Asher running toward me. I knew he picked me up, his hands trembling. He whispered in my ear over and over that he loved me. But the words made me sick. When I woke, it was three days later. My friends said that after I was rushed to the emergency room, Asher stayed outside the whole time, refusing to bandage his own bleeding injuries. They said Asher stayed by my bedside these past few days, doing everything himself, not letting anyone else even wipe my face. They also said Asher prepared a huge banquet hall filled with my favorite cornflowers, though they didn’t know what for. I called the butler: “Take me to the airport.” As the car left the hospital, I saw Asher’s car arriving. When our cars passed, I rolled up the window. Asher was genuinely happy. He had owed Beatrix twelve wishes, and the drinking contest was the last one. Asher thought he could finally let Beatrix go and wholeheartedly love his wife. But when he entered the hospital room. The bed was empty. Every inch of the sheets was perfectly smooth, with no sign of wrinkles. In that moment, his face showed confusion, doubt, and finally, indescribable panic. Beatrix handed him a document with a bright smile. “Asher, you’re finally free!” “This is the divorce agreement Adeline signed. We can finally be together again!” It appears the text you provided is incomplete or missing. Could you please share the specific text you need translated? ### Chapter 2

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In the fifth year of my marriage to Daniel Thompson, he had an affair with his personal assistant because I couldn’t get pregnant. He brought her home, took over the master bedroom, usurped my position as the lady of the house, and occupied the place by his side. I never made a fuss, just packed my bags and prepared to leave. But he sneered and said, “Don’t forget, your parents’ lives are in my hands.” His friends bet in front of me, guessing when I would kneel and beg Daniel to take me back. At the auction, he helped his little assistant humiliate me. What he didn’t know was that my parents were already dead, and he was the one incapable of having children. As I watched my long-lost love return, I secretly vowed. This time, I would not only leave, but also ruin his reputation completely. … Once again, as I watched Olivia Baker cling to Daniel Thompson in front of me, I no longer felt much of anything. But he still refused to let me go, speaking in a commanding tone. “Olivia is due to give birth in a few days. Quit your job and stay home to take care of her food and daily needs.” Hearing this, I suddenly realized that these five years of marriage seemed meaningless. “Daniel, let’s get divorced.” … After a brief silence, mocking laughter erupted from the karaoke room. “Did I hear that right? Rachel wants to divorce Daniel? Wasn’t she the one who desperately clung to him in the first place?” “Don’t fight me on this, I bet she’ll be back on her knees begging Daniel to take her back within a day!” “Sis, what’s gotten into you? Are you jealous of Olivia?” “What, are you feeling sorry for her?” Daniel coldly retorted, his gaze towards me growing icy. “Are you sure about this?” “Yes, I’ll send you the divorce papers.” With that, I turned to leave, but Daniel suddenly called out to stop me. “Rachel Wilson, don’t forget, your half-dead parents still need the Thompson family’s support.” He dared to bring up my parents. Seeing I remained silent, he stood up and looked down at me imperiously, his tone threatening. “You’d better think it through. Do you know how much your parents’ annual medical expenses are? Can you afford it?” Olivia chimed in from the side. “That’s right, sis. Uncle and auntie are still waiting for life-saving treatment.” I glared at their hypocritical faces, wanting nothing more than to slap them both. Meeting my reddened eyes, Daniel spoke coldly: “Name your price. How much to take care of Olivia?” How much was five years of a marriage where I was treated like dirt worth? I didn’t bother to calculate. I only knew that the last time I refused him, I ended up being forced to drink with executives at a karaoke bar until I had a gastric hemorrhage. I took Olivia’s hand and pretended to say to her: “I’ll take good care of you and the baby.” Hearing this, Daniel surprisingly gave me an out: “Don’t worry, as long as you take good care of them, your parents will be safe and sound too.” Just as he finished speaking, Olivia, whose hand I was holding, suddenly collapsed to the ground with a miserable cry. I stood there stunned, not knowing what to do. Daniel slapped me hard across the face. He carried her back to the bedroom and ordered the housekeeper to call the family doctor. Seeing this situation, not only did the people around find it amusing. I found it funny too. Following them into the bedroom, seeing Olivia’s emotions had calmed, I turned to leave. But Daniel coldly grabbed my hand. “Apologize!” “What…” Before I could finish, he kicked the back of my leg. With a thud, I fell to my knees in front of Olivia before I could react. My knees were bleeding, but I heard him yell angrily: “You made Olivia fall, shouldn’t you apologize to her?!”

I looked coldly at Daniel. In our five years of marriage, I had apologized countless times. Apologized for mistakes in documents. Apologized for disturbing his work. Apologized even for seeing him go to hotels with Olivia… Swallowing my grievances, I knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Olivia three times, saying “I’m sorry” with each bow. I looked indifferently at Daniel and spoke flatly: “Is that enough?” Staring at the blood on my forehead, he paused before speaking with disgust: “Who are you putting on this act for? If you want to leave, then leave. You’re bad luck. Don’t end up harming Olivia and her child.” Seeing he didn’t seem to want to trouble me further, I breathed a sigh of relief and quietly left the Thompson mansion. I took a taxi to the hospital and received my parents’ death certificates from the doctor. They had died last week, but Daniel was still using them to threaten me. At the time, the hospital called asking me to pay the bills. My salary hadn’t come in yet, so I called Daniel crying, but all my calls went unanswered. I tracked his location and rushed to the hotel, but the lobby manager wouldn’t let me in. I didn’t care and kicked open the door, immediately seeing Olivia half-naked on the bed. He hurriedly covered her, speaking fiercely: “Who allowed you to come in?! Get out!” I knelt down outside the door and begged: “Can you lend me $50,000? I…” Before I could finish, he cut me off: “Are you deaf? I told you to get out! Forget $50,000, I won’t even give you $5. Assistant! Throw her out!” I knelt on the ground begging desperately, crying my heart out, gasping for breath, with no shred of dignity left. I saw Olivia provocatively showing off the ring on her ring finger. The unique diamond ring was priceless – she couldn’t afford it. I knew Daniel must have given it to her. But I had no energy to argue with him. I crawled over and grabbed Olivia’s feet, pleading: “Olivia, I won’t fight you for anything. Please lend me $50,000, I’m begging you.” But her response was a cold snort, followed by Daniel’s slap that sent me crashing to the floor beside the bed. “I told you to get out!” I was thrown out of the hotel and brought home by his assistant, forced to kneel on the cold tiles in the living room. I was ordered to apologize non-stop. If I slacked off even a little, a bucket of cold water would be poured over me. It was at this time that my parents died in the hospital when their oxygen machines stopped working. Looking at my parents’ death certificates, tears unconsciously fell from my eyes. I cried heartbrokenly, attracting attention from many people. The doctor told me to restrain my grief and took me to identify my parents’ bodies in the morgue. I had my parents’ bodies cremated and carefully placed the ashes in urns. My once loving parents had become two wooden boxes. Unable to accept it, I fainted at the crematorium from overwhelming grief.

When I opened my eyes after fainting from shock, I saw Daniel dealing with work matters. Our eyes met for a long while. He picked up a glass of water and moved to feed me. But I shook my head and took the glass, drinking it all in one go. Seeing this, Daniel’s outstretched hand paused. His chest visibly heaved as he spoke with some displeasure: “How are you feeling? Better? I only just found out that uncle and auntie had passed away…” Before he could finish, I cut him off: “Please give me back my phone.” Perhaps my tone was too cold. Daniel was stunned for several seconds before handing me the phone from the table. Glancing at the divorce agreement I had drafted on the phone, he frowned and asked unhappily: “Rachel, who’s getting divorced?” I hadn’t seen him ask so many questions before. Feeling irritated, I spoke directly: “Us.” Hearing my reply, he spoke with displeasure: “How long are you going to keep this up? Your parents’ deaths were an accident. Don’t you trust me?” I waved my hand, not wanting to get into this trouble. My tone was calm: “I was just joking.” He immediately breathed a sigh of relief, changing his tone to comfort me: “I know you’re heartbroken about mom and dad passing, but you can’t joke about things like this.” I didn’t answer. The next moment, his assistant walked in to tell him: “Mr. Thompson, Miss Baker is awake and asking to see you.” Seeing him torn, I lay down and closed my eyes: “Go see her. I’m a bit tired and want to sleep.” Before leaving, he leaned close to my ear and instructed: “Cooperate well with the doctors’ treatment. I’ll come see you after I check on her.” I kept my eyes tightly shut without responding. Only when the room was completely quiet did my tense body finally relax. But the next second, a call from an unfamiliar number came through on my phone. I answered reluctantly, my tone cold: “What is it?” But the other person didn’t care about my strange tone, excitedly saying: “Rachel! Chris is back!” One sentence made my brain short-circuit. I asked in disbelief: “What did you say?!” “Chris Carter has completed his mission! He’s returned to base!” I almost instinctively jumped out of bed, yanking out the annoying IV in my hand, and rushed out of the hospital to take a taxi to the military base in the suburbs. And in my heart, I silently started the divorce countdown. In three days, I would completely leave Daniel Thompson. Reuniting with Chris Carter was an extremely difficult thing. He had been traumatized and forgotten me completely. He wouldn’t allow anyone to approach him, just mumbling words others couldn’t understand: “Silly girl, silly girl… I want to see my silly girl!” But I knew he was calling my nickname. The doctor told me that to fully recover, we would need to go to America to find the top medical team, with only a 50% chance of success. As my phone screen lit up, I turned my gaze to the divorce agreement on my phone. My thoughts drifted to Daniel Thompson. I silently modified the terms from “adultery during marriage, assets split 50/50” to “I don’t want a penny.” I wanted to sever all ties with him. At this moment, Daniel also called me, anxiously asking: “Rachel, where are you? Why aren’t you resting properly in the hospital?” I was immersed in the joy of reunion, but had to perfunctorily respond to him: “What is it? I’m very busy right now.” “I’ve neglected you these past few days. I want to take you to the new product auction to make it up to you.” Seeing I didn’t respond, he persisted: “How about tomorrow? The Zhike Ziye new product auction. I’ll take you to see if there’s anything you like.” These words touched me a little. But his next words slapped me in the face again: “But Olivia is insisting on going to the Bund with me. Tomorrow I’ll take you after I get back.” I smiled mockingly, simply replying with a “Mm” and agreeing to his trap. If I still liked him because of my parents before, I would definitely have a big fight with him. Then sulk alone, but now I wanted to leave and didn’t care about anything he did. After all, divorce is no small matter. I had to prepare a big gift for him. Seeing I agreed, he didn’t think much more of it, tossing aside my unusual behavior. He thought I would be like before, comforting myself and then eagerly going back to him. But I had already awakened and wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Daniel Thompson, you and your illusory love. I don’t want any of it anymore.

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I am a Reaper who ventured into the mortal world to save the woman I love. Olivia. I defied fate’s repeated calls for her death, and after five years of knowing and loving each other, we were about to get married. On our wedding day, she discovered my identity as a Reaper. She ran away from the wedding and used her own life to blackmail me into saving her ex-boyfriend who had cancer. “If you don’t save him, I’ll die with him!” she threatened. Later, when death came for her again, I took her life as commanded. But she cried until her eyes were bloodshot, kneeling on the ground begging me. “Honey, I regret it. Please, save me one more time.” “Lucas, so Olivia ran away from the wedding to be with another man.” At our pure white wedding venue, the big screen suddenly started live streaming, showing my runaway bride. My Olivia was tightly hugging a man in her arms. The man looked pale, while Olivia’s eyes were full of concern. “Don’t worry, Ethan. I’ll find a way to keep you alive.” The video cut off abruptly, just like my suddenly stopped heart. In the four hours since this morning, my bride had only left me one message: “Lucas, since you’re a Reaper, I think we need to reconsider our wedding.” Just when I thought we were about to find happiness together. She left me standing alone to face everyone’s mockery. A burst of loud static came from the speakers… the two of them reappeared on screen. My trembling body was surrounded by layers of wedding guests, their voices full of ridicule and sarcasm. “Looks like even falling for a medical genius can’t save you from being cheated on.” “She’d rather comfort her own patient than come walk down the aisle. If you ask me, the bride herself must have sent this video to the big screen.” “Hey, hey, don’t say that. It can’t be. Look what they’re doing?!” Following the voices, I stared fixedly at the screen. The huge screen was filled with intimate images of Olivia and Ethan. On the pure white hospital bed, the two of them were entangled. Amidst Ethan’s weak tears, Olivia kissed him passionately. In an instant, all the memories of the past and the sudden loss exploded in my mind, shattering and raging. Then, my gaze instantly dimmed, like a fallen star. The guests began to leave. Someone said, could there be a more miserable groom than me? No, there couldn’t be. So I would no longer be her groom. I don’t know how long I sat there. When I got up to leave, Olivia rushed back with disheveled clothes. Our eyes met. She awkwardly rubbed her nose and started to explain. “I’m sorry honey, Ethan almost died just now, so I had to go to him first.” Hah, almost died. That’s the excuse she used every time she went to see Ethan. But didn’t she just find out? I’m a Reaper. How could I not know who was struggling on the brink of death? My heart was completely exhausted. I couldn’t be bothered to expose her lies. Seeing my expression, Olivia frowned in displeasure: “Come on, was it really necessary to throw the groom’s suit on the ground?” I swallowed the bitterness on my tongue, my lips stiff. “I didn’t throw it. The guests tore it off me while mocking me.” Hearing this, her face stiffened slightly, a flash of apology in her eyes. She took the initiative to put the suit back on me. “Alright, stop sulking. I’m back to marry you, aren’t I?” She looked at me, a smile on her lips, her tone certain. “Stop pretending. Didn’t you say you can’t live without me? You should be grateful I came back.” I pulled at the corner of my mouth, saying sarcastically, “Oh yes, I’m so grateful you came back after running away from our wedding.” She glanced at me and continued. “I’ll marry you, but you have to save Ethan first.” In an instant, I looked up at her in disbelief. She continued speaking nonchalantly. “You’re a Reaper, right? You said you saved me. What’s wrong with saving one more person?” “You’ve already saved one, what’s the difference between saving one or two?” At this moment, anger surged in my heart. No wonder she took the initiative to apologize to me. It was all for her beloved Ethan. But she knew better than anyone that there was a price for a Reaper to save someone. Saving her alone had already left my mortal body riddled with wounds. Now she wanted me to save Ethan too. I stared straight at her and said coldly: “Absolutely not.” In an instant, after a moment of satisfaction, her anger flared. “Lucas! How dare you say you love me?!” “I’m telling you, if you don’t save Ethan, you can forget about this marriage!” “Not only that, if Ethan dies, I’ll die with him!” Looking at her furious expression, I felt a sadness and exhaustion I had never experienced before. I had told her long ago that saving anyone other than her would make me disappear into smoke. I laughed weakly, tearing off the veil on my head and the ring in my hand, throwing them all on the ground. “Do whatever you want.” “If you don’t want to get married, then fine.” As I was leaving, I heard her shouting behind me. “Lucas! When I die, don’t you dare cry!” My steps didn’t falter. I won’t cry anymore. Olivia. I will never again be heartbroken over your death.

After leaving the wedding venue, I received a call from my subordinate. “Reaper, we’ve just received information on Olivia’s manner of death. Cancer will take her life in 30 days…” “We’ve already thought of how to…” “No need,” I interrupted. The subordinate was stunned, then reacted. “You mean you’ll find a way to save Olivia yourself this time?” “No, there’s no need to save Olivia this time.” After a long while, the subordinate let out a soft “Mm”, as if hesitating over whether I was speaking out of anger. Because over the years, I had silently borne the consequences of defying fate for each of Olivia’s deaths. Knowing she would die in a car accident, I kept her locked by my side for an entire day. Knowing she would be crushed to death by a heavy object, I stayed by her side constantly and took the blow of that object for her. From the moment I couldn’t bear to see her stabbed to death in a medical dispute, I used my frail body and endured illness. I exchanged my wellbeing for her safety time and time again. But now, my heart was dead. “From now on, don’t inform me in advance of any death notices for Olivia. Follow the normal death procedures.” Just as I finished saying this, Ethan sent me a message. “Olivia said she wouldn’t let me face death alone.” Below was a voice recording of Olivia: “Ethan, you’re the one I truly love. If I have to die, I’ll die with you.” Even though I knew Ethan was different in Olivia’s heart, hearing her say this still made me feel suffocated. Back then, she single-handedly resisted Death’s call for her patients. While marveling at her abilities, I fell in love with her. Later, I saved her when she was about to be stabbed to death by an angry patient’s family. She cared for the wound on my stomach, and that’s how we fell in love. For five years of dating, while I bore the consequences of defying fate, she always took meticulous care of my weakened body. But after Ethan appeared, everything changed. She began to intentionally or unintentionally avoid me, forgetting about my condition. When I was injured by a heavy object for her sake, she even went for a walk in the park with Ethan. Just when I thought she still loved me by choosing to marry me… She ran away from the wedding, and when she reappeared before me, it was to ask me to save Ethan. It turns out that even the most profound love is small and laughable in the face of human hearts. I coldly blocked Ethan and called my subordinate again. “Change Olivia’s time of death to 7 days from now.” We do have the right to advance the time of death for those who volunteer to die early. Olivia, didn’t you say you two would face death together? Then, as you wish. “Let Ethan and Olivia face the pain of illness together.” The moment I finished speaking, I passed out.

It must have been the price for interfering with Olivia’s death last time. I found myself in the hospital again when I woke up. I don’t know who saved me, but as soon as I opened my eyes, I saw Olivia in front of me. Her expression was unreadable. Before I could say anything, she spoke first. “Alright, I know you deliberately made yourself sick to come find me, but it won’t be so easy for me to forgive you.” The next moment, a group of people appeared at the door. In our five years of dating, I vaguely recognized some of them – Olivia’s relatives, uncles and aunts. “If you want me to forgive you, then make all my relatives live long and healthy lives!” “After all, you’re only paying the price of some illness, while they can live the rest of their lives without any pain or sickness.” “Cough!” I gritted my teeth hard, a metallic taste filling my mouth. Looking at Olivia, I only felt disgusted. All those years of true love crumbled in my mind, each scene carrying an extremely cold chill, freezing my heart with pain. “Get out!” I shouted. Large amounts of blood were coughed up. If my subordinate hadn’t arrived in time to drive away the crowd of people, Olivia might have really taken my life. As she left, she still said, “Lucas, you’re not even taking the way out I’m giving you. Just wait and regret it when I die!” I pulled at the corner of my pale lips, seeing the sympathetic look in my subordinate’s eyes, and smiled weakly. “Let’s go, back to the Underworld.” I would never return to this mortal world again. Three days after returning to the Underworld, I remembered that I still had something in the room I shared with Olivia that was suppressing her fate. When I appeared before Olivia again to retrieve the item, her complexion was already quite pale. The pain of cancer must have left her weak and listless, but seeing me, she was still arrogant and smug. “Finally knew to come back and apologize? How come you weren’t so tough when you were throwing the ring and chasing away my relatives?” I coldly took down the peach wood sword by the bed that was used to drive away ghosts, without saying a word. “Hurry up and take away all your unlucky things. I was wondering why I felt surrounded by a deathly aura, turns out it was your doing.” “Now you’re trying to find a way to keep me from dying? I’m telling you, don’t even think about me forgiving you if you don’t save Ethan.” Taking a deep breath, I coldly threw all the items into the trash can and turned to leave. Seeing me like this, Olivia thought I was going to come back to apologize and beg for forgiveness like before, even though I was putting on a cold face while thinking of ways to save her. So her voice behind me became even more arrogant. “I’m telling you, even if you find a way now, I won’t forgive you so easily.” “If you want to make it up to me, come back tomorrow and save the patient I’m treating!” I paused in my steps, turning my face to the side and saying coldly. “Just you wait.” While she was still fantasizing about becoming the savior of those around her, I had already left home without looking back. My subordinate sent me a message that the death procedures were proceeding as scheduled. In four days, I would need to personally collect Olivia’s life to make amends for my mistakes. The four days passed quickly. When I arrived by Olivia’s side as she was on the brink of death, She was lying on the street, barely breathing, having just been rejected by Ethan and berated by her relatives. Seeing me… A light drizzle fell on her face, but she still maintained a superior attitude. “Now you know to come save me? It’s too late!” “I’m telling you, the way I am now, rejected by them, is all because of you. I’m very unhappy, so you better figure out what to do.” I calmly looked down and walked in front of her. The disdain on her face became even more apparent. “I gave you too much face before, that’s why you don’t even know to help me up when you see me like this. Lucas, there’s a limit to throwing tantrums. Do you have to wait until I’m about to die before coming to save me?” “Who will you cry to when I’m dead!” She stumbled as she tried to stand up, her hand shaking in the air. I stood in place, looking down at her coldly. “I told you long ago, I won’t cry.” “What did you say?” Olivia looked up with wide eyes. But when she saw my umbrella, she regained her arrogant and smug expression. “Stop pretending, Lucas. Don’t forget that if it weren’t for me, how could you have lived until today? You love me so much, you can’t live without me.” “I’m telling you, if you save me now, I can cooperate, but you have to save Ethan first.” “And my patients and relatives too.” “Otherwise, I’ll go die right now and see what you’ll do!” She was fearless, but didn’t expect me to just smile slightly. “As you wish.” “What?” Olivia frowned. I raised my hand, materializing a dagger with the symbol of Death on its hilt. Slowly crouching down, I placed it against Olivia’s neck. “Your life was obtained through countless trials I endured in the mortal world. But as long as I don’t care about your life, fate’s call would have been enough for you to die a thousand times over.” “As for the others, didn’t you say you’d die if I didn’t save them? Then as you wish, face death!” I lightly pulled the dagger across her chest… Finally pressing it against her heart.

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On our 5th wedding anniversary, my wife’s first love suddenly appeared at the party and started cutting himself with a knife. “Why? Why won’t you divorce him and be with me? Do I have to die for that to happen?” Ryan pleaded with tears in his eyes, begging me to give my wife Chloe to him. He knelt down and started banging his head on the floor frantically. Chloe was distraught. To comfort Ryan, she immediately booked tickets to take him abroad to clear his mind. She even took off her wedding ring and put it on Ryan’s finger. Afterwards, she explained to me matter-of-factly: “If it wasn’t for your sister bullying him back then, how could he have tried to drown himself?” “What I’m doing now is much better than what your sister did.” I watched the video of Ryan putting his arm around my wife’s waist and smirking at me, but said nothing and just nodded. Chloe thought I had become more understanding and obedient. She was very pleased and declared that she would make it up to me after Ryan’s emotions stabilized. But what she didn’t know was that I had already bought a plane ticket to leave the country. She had also unknowingly signed our divorce papers. Our home together was already gone.

The next day, while Chloe was accompanying her dear Ryan abroad, I packed up all my belongings and took a taxi to the airport. “He’s going abroad to chase after the missus again. When will he realize that she doesn’t love him?” I overheard the housekeepers gossiping behind my back as I was leaving. “I know, everyone knows the missus and Mr. Cooper were childhood sweethearts. If it wasn’t for his sister seducing Mr. Cooper and then abandoning him back then, the missus would have married Mr. Cooper long ago. How could it be his turn?” “Shh, don’t say that. He’s pitiful enough as it is. It’s all because of that awful sister of his who passed away.” I was used to hearing this kind of talk. It was only after marrying Chloe that I learned Ryan Cooper, her first love, was the man who had tried to drown himself and became mentally unstable after breaking up with my sister. After that, Chloe’s personality changed drastically. She repeatedly humiliated me for Ryan’s sake. The housekeepers also started targeting me, trying to curry favor with Ryan. Thinking of this, I turned around and smiled coldly at them. “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to find Chloe this time. I’m leaving the country and never coming back.” I ignored their mocking expressions and left without looking back. Just as I reached the front gate, I got a call from Chloe. Her self-righteous voice came through the phone: “I sent you a location. Go there to test the new medication.” I smiled bitterly as I opened the map to the medical facility she had sent. After Ryan fell ill, Chloe spared no expense to find miracle drugs to cure him. But the experimental drugs had major side effects and weren’t guaranteed to work. She couldn’t bear to see Ryan suffer, so she forced me to be the test subject for Ryan’s medications instead. At first I refused desperately, but Chloe had people forcibly take me to the medical facility and tie me down to test the drugs. Several times I felt terribly sick from the side effects. During those times, Chloe would comfort me gently. In my hazy state, I thought I saw glimpses of the Chloe who used to love me before we got married. I thought she would eventually come to her senses. Until Ryan had another episode, and she insisted on having me test an extremely dangerous drug, ignoring the doctor’s warnings. That time, the drug nearly killed me. I was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. But Chloe never came to see me once. She was too busy reading bedtime stories to Ryan at the nursing home. I finally gave up hope. The Chloe who used to love me dearly before we married was truly gone. “I don’t have time,” I replied curtly. “No time?” Chloe said coldly. “You have to make time. Don’t forget, Ryan’s illness is because of whose sister. You must atone for your sister’s sins to Ryan. Otherwise don’t blame me if I divorce you!” “His illness has nothing to do with me or my sister. As for divorce…” I was about to say “then let’s get divorced”, when Ryan’s weak voice came through the phone. “Chloe, it’s okay if Adrian doesn’t want to. I can test the drug myself.” “No way, the doctor said this drug has some side effects. We’ll wait until after it’s been tested before you take it, okay sweetie?” Chloe’s voice was as gentle as flowing water. Compared to how coldly she treated me, it was like two completely different people. I no longer felt the hurt and anger I used to. I only felt numb and cynical now. Seeing my silence, Chloe naturally assumed I had agreed. Her tone softened a bit. “Adrian, I know you always feel awful after testing the drugs. But Ryan’s condition is improving day by day. As the brother of the person mainly responsible, shouldn’t you feel happy about that?” “Ryan already said he doesn’t blame your sister anymore. You should learn from his magnanimity and forgiveness. He’s always been kindhearted, but ended up like this because of your sister.” Ryan chimed in softly: “It’s alright, this isn’t really Adrian’s fault after all.” Though he said that, there was a hint of mockery in his tone. Chloe didn’t notice and replied tenderly: “You dummy, always so naive. If someone sold you, you’d probably help them count the money.” Ryan said coyly: “With you here, who would dare try to take advantage of me?” The two of them went back and forth flirtatiously. I stayed silent, not bothering to argue anymore. Back then, Ryan had obsessively pursued my sister even after she broke up with him. He cheated on her multiple times when they were together. My sister couldn’t take it anymore and asked to break up, but he framed her by attempting suicide and making her look like the bad guy. Afterwards, he packaged himself as an innocent victim whose feelings were toyed with. Meanwhile, my sister faced relentless cyberbullying and took an overdose one night. I had tried to explain the truth to Chloe countless times, but she never believed me. “Hurry up and go test the drug. Don’t delay Ryan’s treatment. He’s not feeling well right now.” Chloe hung up before I could respond. Not long after, I saw Ryan’s latest social media update. The two of them were strolling hand in hand on a beach, looking like the perfect couple. As the light glinted off Ryan’s hand, I saw he was wearing the wedding ring Chloe had taken off at my birthday party to comfort him. I scrolled down further. At 7 AM that morning, Ryan had carried Chloe on his back to climb a mountain and watch the sunrise. His face looked rosy and healthy, without a trace of illness. The two of them were like newlyweds on their honeymoon. I smiled sardonically, not bothering to confront Chloe anymore. In the past, I always thought that once I proved my sister’s innocence, Chloe would regret her actions. Now I realized Chloe didn’t care about the truth at all. All she cared about from beginning to end was Ryan. I was about to get in the car when I got a panicked call from a friend. “Adrian, quick, check the trending topics online. Those photos must be fake, right?”

I clicked on the trending topic and was immediately assaulted by intimate photos of myself from various angles. My vision went black for a moment. The comments below were full of vicious rumors and mockery. [Who knew Adrian Shaw looked so prim and proper on the outside, but was such a slut in private.] [I’ve seen Adrian Shaw before he married Chloe. He was already like this, working as an escort at clubs.] [Chloe is so generous to share her toy with us. When do we get a turn to play?] Countless filthy words flooded my eyes. My whole body broke out in a cold sweat. I had no idea when Chloe had taken these photos of me. My heart and temples were pounding uncontrollably. I quickly tried calling Chloe. She didn’t pick up after over a dozen calls. My mother called to berate me for bringing shame to the family. It was a while before Chloe finally called back. Faced with my questions, she was nonchalant: “Ryan was playing with my phone and accidentally posted them. Why are you making such a big deal out of it? I’ve already had people delete the photos.” I bit my lip until it bled: “Don’t you know many people have already saved them?!” “So what if they saved them? Just don’t look at them and it’ll be fine. Ryan didn’t do it on purpose. Don’t tell me you want him to apologize to you?” “He did something wrong. Shouldn’t he come apologize?” “Dream on. Keep this up and I’ll divorce you!” “Fine, let’s get divorced then.” There was a pause on the other end of the line. In the past, no matter how fiercely we argued, I had never mentioned divorce. We got married in winter and went to Iceland for our honeymoon. She insisted on bringing Ryan along, saying he wasn’t feeling well. While skiing, she told me to give my coat to Ryan. When I refused, she forcibly took it off me and left me on the ski slope. By the time I made it back to the hotel, frozen stiff, she ordered me a bowl of pear soup and apologized. “Ryan’s body has never fully recovered since he tried to drown himself that year. I was worried he’d catch a cold, that’s why I acted so hastily.” She pleaded for my forgiveness with tears in her eyes. I softened, thinking of how good she had been to me before. I told her it was okay. I thought my forbearance would be rewarded with Chloe’s care and remorse. I thought eventually the truth would come out and she would have a change of heart. But I never imagined my yielding would only make her more and more excessive. Chloe seemed to think I was just saying it in anger. After a moment of silence, she said dismissively: “Come on, it’s just a few photos. Why are you acting like it’s the end of the world?” “Ryan even told me to pass on his apologies. I didn’t expect you to be so petty, threatening divorce over such a small thing.” “Fine, to make it up to you for this incident, I promise we’ll have a proper celebration for your birthday when I get back. Happy now?” “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you mention divorce. Go online and post an apology statement for me. Then we can put this behind us.” “You have 10 minutes. Otherwise I really will divorce you.” Afraid I would keep pestering her, Chloe quickly hung up. In the past, whenever she threatened divorce, I would obediently do as she said. But what I cared about was never the divorce itself, but losing the chance to be with her. Now I finally understood that a relationship that started wrong was doomed to go wrong and end wrong. I insisted on not giving in. I sent her a message: [This was Ryan’s fault to begin with. I don’t know what state of mind he was in to “accidentally” post so many photos. As the victim, why should I take responsibility for him? Either he apologizes, or I’m pressing charges.]

After sending the message, I turned off my phone and continued heading to the airport. After marrying Chloe, even though she didn’t treat me well, she would always try to make it up to me afterwards. Sometimes with cash, sometimes with jewelry and gifts. I sold all the jewelry and gifts, saving up a sizeable amount. This money would be enough for me to live comfortably from now on, without having to rely on anyone else. On the way to the airport, I stopped by to hand over the signed divorce papers to the staff. When getting Chloe to sign the papers earlier, I had hoped she would notice. But Ryan had another episode then, so she rushed out the door and signed the last page without even looking. “Are you sure you don’t want to take another look?” I had asked, clinging to one last shred of hope. “No need. If it’s the liability waiver for the drug trials, it must be fine,” she had replied. I smiled bitterly. As long as it involved Ryan, she would agree without hesitation, not caring about my life or death. I handed over the documents. The staff told me they needed to confirm the breakdown of the relationship with the person directly before they could process the divorce. I showed them sweet photos Chloe had taken with Ryan, as well as our smashed wedding photo that she had broken in a rage over Ryan. The staff still said it wasn’t enough. “We need verbal confirmation from the person themselves.” I reluctantly turned my phone back on. As soon as it powered on, countless messages and missed calls from Chloe popped up. Because I hadn’t gone online to apologize within her set time limit, causing damage to the company’s and her reputation. She hurled all kinds of insults at me, finally declaring she would divorce me. I showed all the messages to the staff one by one. There was pity in their eyes, but they still shook their heads. I had no choice but to call Chloe. After a long time, she finally picked up. “Chloe, our relationship…” “What relationship? Nothing you say now matters. Ryan fainted because you threatened to sue him. Get over here and kneel down to apologize to him right now, or I’m divorcing you!” Thinking I would beg for forgiveness like before, Chloe hung up immediately. The staff finally believed me. With sympathetic looks, they started processing the paperwork, saying the divorce certificate would be issued in a month. As I walked out of the civil affairs bureau, a black van suddenly pulled up. Several bodyguards rushed out and forcibly dragged me into the van. The bodyguards took me on a private jet to the resort island where Chloe and Ryan were staying. Because I struggled too much, the bodyguards tied me up. Looking around the villa, I realized it was the one Chloe had bought to make up to me years ago. Familiar laughter drifted in from outside. I called out Chloe’s name as the door opened. Ryan sauntered in wearing my slippers and the couple’s pajamas Chloe and I used to share. His hair was disheveled as he walked in with the air of the man of the house. “I casually mentioned it to Chloe, I didn’t expect her to actually have you brought here.” As he spoke, he stomped on my fingers. His pupils reflected my pained expression with glee. “Your face looks so much like your sister’s. So much that I want to destroy you like I destroyed her. What right did she have to act proud in front of me? She even dared to try to dump me.” “I’ll tell you the truth – your sister didn’t commit suicide. I killed her.” My features twisted in agony as tears rolled down my reddened eyes. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Chloe walked in from outside and instinctively bent down to check my injured fingers: “How did you get hurt?” As soon as the ropes were loosened, I forcefully pushed her away and shouted: “Ryan killed my sister!!” Chloe’s eyes flickered: “What nonsense are you spouting? Your sister overdosed because she couldn’t handle the criticism. It had nothing to do with Ryan.” I laughed bitterly. Ryan hid behind Chloe, smiling mockingly: “Chloe, is Adrian still mad at me?” “What right does he have to be angry? It was just a few photos. Adrian, apologize to Ryan right now and I’ll forgive your tantrum.” I lunged at Ryan. “I’ll make you pay for my sister’s death!!” Chloe forcefully pushed me away. I crashed into the table behind me. Sharp pain immediately shot through my lower back as I gripped the table for support. After carefully checking if Ryan was frightened, Chloe yelled at me furiously. “What’s wrong with you?! If anything happens to Ryan because of you, I’ll never forgive you. Go downstairs now, the doctor for the drug trial is here too.” “I won’t go.” “What did you say?” Chloe furrowed her brows. “Adrian Shaw, this is your duty. If you keep being unreasonable, I swear I’ll divorce you!” “I have no duty towards a murderer.” I bit my lip and threw the divorce papers at Chloe, ignoring the pain. “Also, we’re already divorced!”

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