I had a pretty intense libido. That’s why I chose my current husband, a man who seemed to share my interests. I thought we could just go wild and have fun after getting married. Yet, a hundred days into our marriage, Liam and I had barely been intimate, and when we were, it was never satisfying. Every single time we started to get into the mood, my stepmom would interrupt us. Finally, after the tenth time my stepmom disrupted us under the guise of a broken lightbulb in her room, I completely snapped. “Liam, you’re not going tonight.” “Honey, Dad is a vegetable now, and it’s because of me. Eleanor is helpless and alone; it’s really hard for her. We should be a little more understanding of her feelings. It’ll get better in a while.” He still went. I didn’t make a scene like I used to. The next day, I slapped the divorce papers right onto his face. “Divorce! If you can’t satisfy me, then don’t stop me from finding someone who can.” Liam and I gave each other the silent treatment for two weeks before we finally made up. We were wrapped in each other’s arms, giving in to our desires. Just as things were heating up, his phone rang. I pretended not to hear it, wrapping my arms tighter around him, pressing closer. “Oh, Liam…” But the ringing just kept going, like a swarm of buzzing mosquitoes, killing the mood. The desire in Liam’s eyes finally dimmed. He pushed me away, got up, and answered the call. I was still longing for the warmth we’d just shared, the rush of desire hadn’t completely faded from my chest. I glared at him resentfully. Then I heard Eleanor, my stepmom, speaking in a soft, fragile voice from the phone. “Liam, I had a nightmare. I’m so scared…” Liam didn’t hesitate for a second. He immediately got ready to get out of bed and put on his clothes. I hadn’t been satisfied yet, so I quickly wrapped my arms around his waist from behind, breathing softly as I tried to hold him back. “Liam, just a few more minutes. Can’t you go after we’re done?” He coldly pulled my hands away, buttoning the last button of his shirt. “Chloe, you understand. Dad is in this state because of me. I can’t just ignore her.” His words infuriated me. “Liam, is Liam the only one in this house? We have so many staff! Can’t she call someone else if she needs help?” “Except for the few days I’m on my period, she calls you over every single night. Do you honestly think that’s normal?” “And why is it always at night?” “Stop talking!” Liam’s face instantly changed. “Don’t think such terrible things about Eleanor.” I looked at him defending another woman, and the man in front of me felt utterly foreign. Perhaps sensing my displeasure, Liam softened his tone, turned, and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Don’t worry, I’ll just go check on her. I’ll be right back if nothing’s wrong.” Liam left. I lay alone in bed, and the more I thought about it, the more something felt off. Liam, like me, had a strong libido. Every single time we tried to be intimate after we got married, his stepmom interrupted us with all sorts of excuses. Plus, we’d just been giving each other the silent treatment for two weeks. By all accounts, tonight he should have been unable to control himself, but when he answered the phone, he didn’t struggle at all? Had he already found release somewhere else? This thought spiraled wildly in my mind. I immediately got out of bed. I had to see if my dear stepmom was truly having a nightmare or if she had something else in mind. As soon as I stepped out of the bedroom, Liam sent me a message. “Eleanor just dreamed of Dad and is having a hard time controlling her emotions. I need to comfort her. I don’t know when I’ll be back. You should go to sleep early.” When I tiptoed to my stepmom’s door, I heard her voice from inside. “Your dad is just a living corpse now. How am I supposed to live alone?” Through the slightly ajar door, I saw Liam’s hand gently stroking Eleanor’s back. He was murmuring soft words of comfort. This endless, pitiful laments, like a broken record, had been performed by my stepmom no less than ten times since I got married. Every single time, our intimacy was interrupted by her phone call. And Liam would abandon me without hesitation. And whenever I came to her door, I always saw a similar scene.

There was a reason Liam acted this way. Liam and his father, Richard, had a fierce argument during a board meeting about a strategic issue. His father became emotionally agitated and suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage, becoming a bedridden vegetable ever since. At that time, Eleanor, twenty years younger than Richard, had only recently married into the family. Barely married and effectively widowed, and it was because of him. So Liam looking after his stepmom, I could completely understand. I even thought it was his duty as a son. It wasn’t until our wedding night that I noticed his stepmom was a little different with Liam. That night, we were burning with passion in bed when she came knocking, wearing a camisole nightgown and looking distressed. “Liam, I think I saw your dad move a little… Could you come take a look?” Liam didn’t hesitate. He got dressed and immediately followed her to her room to check. Though annoyed, I didn’t think much of it, considering she was so young to face such a sudden misfortune. But when I got up, tidied myself, and passed her door, I saw her completely wrapped around Liam, crying, her whole body shaking. “Oh, Liam, with Richard like this, what am I going to do? I’m just a woman.” Liam kept gently patting her back, comforting her. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll take care of everything.” Their posture was too intimate. My female intuition told me this wasn’t right. Sure enough, in the days that followed, I found Eleanor’s presence everywhere. During the day, when Liam was at work, she never appeared in front of me. But as soon as Liam came home, she would appear, dressed provocatively, wandering around us. Once, in the middle of the night, just as we were about to reach the peak of pleasure, she actually burst in, asking if we needed bathwater prepared. Then she’d stare at Liam with teary eyes, looking like she had no intention of leaving. What was even worse was that she once, right in front of us, tried on her newly bought lingerie in the living room. She even commented that the size was too small, without any shame. I was incredibly upset. I tried to subtly remind her to be careful, but she seemed not to understand. Or she would just get red-eyed, looking like she was suffering a great injustice. Her antics made me incredibly frustrated. I even spoke to Liam about it, but he always said I was overthinking things. Until that night Liam was away on a business trip. I got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Passing her room, I accidentally heard her watching adult videos. “Oh, Liam… *pleasure me*…” It was like a lightning bolt struck me. I instantly felt sick to my stomach. After discovering her sordid intentions, I immediately suggested moving out. But Liam thought I was just causing trouble. “We’re living perfectly fine together, why are you making a fuss again?” I had no proof, and I couldn’t just blurt out such an absurd thing without reason, so I had to endure it for now. But who knew Eleanor would become even more outrageous? She precisely kept track of my menstrual cycle. Except for those few nights, for the remaining twenty-something days, she’d find all sorts of reasons to call Liam away. “Liam, the light in my room is broken.” “Liam, your dad seems to have moved.” “Liam, I had a nightmare, I’m scared to be alone.” “Liam…” Later, I couldn’t take it anymore and confronted her directly. “Eleanor, Liam is my husband, not an electrician or a doctor. If you’re not feeling well or need help, you can find a professional.” Eleanor clutched the corner of her dress, her eyes instantly reddening. Liam immediately cut me off, his face dark. “How can you talk to Eleanor like that?” “I already told you, she’s my elder. With Dad in this state, I’m just showing her more care.” “Even if you’re upset, there should be a limit, right?” “Fine, I won’t make a fuss anymore. You two go play your sweet mother-son routine.” In a fit of anger, I stormed off to my parents’ house. That was the most serious argument we’d had since we started dating and got married. The next day, Liam came over with gifts to apologize. He knelt before my parents, swearing he would draw a clear line with Eleanor. But I still wouldn’t forgive him. He came to see me every day, trying every trick in the book to win over my parents. Plus, my mother-in-law, Victoria, personally came to guarantee that she would frequently visit and help Eleanor look after Richard, allowing Liam and me to move out. My mother-in-law, Liam’s birth mother, had divorced his father, Richard, due to irreconcilable differences, which was why Richard then married Eleanor. After I got married, Victoria had always been very caring towards me. Thinking of her efforts, and seeing the man I had given eight years of my life to, the sincerity in his eyes swayed me. Even though Eleanor was out of line, Liam’s intentions might truly have been out of filial piety. After all, we had spent wonderful college years together. He had carried me to the emergency room when I had gastroenteritis during a rainstorm and had always put thought into preparing gifts for every holiday. “I’m giving you one last chance.” I warned him as I accepted his apology gift. “If there’s a next time, we’re completely over.” Though I agreed to come home, a thorn remained in my heart, so my attitude towards him became much colder. The next period of time was indeed peaceful. Eleanor seemed to have truly changed. When we occasionally met at family gatherings, she remained polite and distant. Finally, after nearly two weeks of the silent treatment, Liam and my marriage life returned to normal. But just as I started to have a normal married life, Eleanor began causing trouble again. Thinking back carefully, there were so many staff in the family. Why did every small matter require Liam’s personal presence? I had endured the previous nine times, but this time, I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Liam.” My voice echoed in the silent mansion. He abruptly turned around, his eyes filled with shock. At the same time, he subtly released Eleanor’s hand, which he had been holding. A flicker of disappointment crossed Eleanor’s face. “Chloe? Why are you here…” “I came to learn from you.” I was blunt. Fearing they wouldn’t understand my implied meaning, I pulled out a cold smile. “After all, my husband is very busy right now. At night, he not only has to take care of me but also needs to help take care of other women.” Eleanor’s face instantly turned pale, her fingers clutching the sofa armrest tightly. “Chloe, don’t jump to conclusions. I was just…” “Just what? Just happened to slip and twist your ankle while going to the bathroom in the middle of the night?” I walked step by step towards them, staring at her. “What a coincidence. Every time we’re halfway through being intimate, you always seem to have a little ‘accident’.” Eleanor buried her head deeper, her shoulders trembling slightly as she began to cry silently. “Enough, don’t say another word.” Liam abruptly stood up, grabbed my wrist, and dragged me towards the guest room. He lowered his voice, questioning me. “Are you out of your mind? Dad is still lying in his room!” “Ha, so you remember your dad is lying in his room? Then what exactly are you and Eleanor doing, cuddling here?” “You’re absolutely unreasonable. Eleanor and I are innocent; there’s nothing going on.” He was clearly furious, his grip strong, as he forcefully pushed me into the guest room. “Let go!” I struggled with all my might, my nails leaving several red marks on his hand. “You’re hurting me!” The guest room door clicked shut. Liam gripped my hand tightly. “Chloe, let me explain.” He released me, his tone suddenly softening. “Eleanor really did slip and twist her ankle. I just helped her up.” “So, helping her up requires a hug and comfort?” I sneered, rubbing my reddened wrist. “Does it require you to stay up all night, talking to her and comforting her? Does it require you to—” “Enough!” Liam, exasperated, punched the wall. “Can your mind not be so filthy?” “She’s my dad’s wife!” “My dad is in this state because of me. Is it wrong for me to look after her on his behalf?” I looked at his bloodshot eyes and suddenly found everything incredibly laughable. “Liam, do you dare say you’re *just* looking after her?” He was about to say something when his phone suddenly rang. The words “Stepmom” on the screen stung my eyes. Liam hesitated for a moment, then answered. “Okay, wait for me. I’ll go with you.” He hung up, looking at me with hesitation. “Eleanor’s ankle is swollen. We need to go to the hospital.” “So?” I leaned against the headboard, my eyes full of sarcasm. “Are you leaving me again?” “I’ll be quick.” He tried to reach out and pat my shoulder, but I shifted, dodging him. “Wait for me at home. I promise I’ll be back soon.” “Get lost!” I closed my eyes, listening as his footsteps and Eleanor’s voice faded away down the hallway. A chill spread through my limbs. A “ding” sound echoed, like a new message notification. I opened my eyes, stood up, and searched for the source of the sound. Finally, on the second shelf of the nightstand to the left, I found a phone with its screen lit up. This was Liam’s work spare phone, which he usually used for company business. Why was it in the guest room? A wild idea drove me to pick it up. The lock screen showed a blurry photo, vaguely revealing two silhouettes. I entered his common password. The moment the phone unlocked and I saw its contents, I began to tremble uncontrollably.

What I saw were explicit videos and all sorts of extremely provocative, vulgar messages. The main characters were none other than Liam and Eleanor. In the video, Eleanor was straddling Liam, her arms tightly wrapped around his neck. Her lips were wildly kissing his. And Liam, my husband who had sworn he only felt familial respect for Eleanor, showed no resistance at all. He even lifted his hand, stroking Eleanor’s hair in return. Their movements were practiced and synchronized, clearly not their first time. “Liam, give me a child, please. I’m so lonely, just give me…” In the throes of passion, Eleanor moaned softly. I felt all the blood rush to my head. My stomach churned. I rushed into the guest bathroom and vomited until I was dizzy. So, the so-called filial piety, the so-called responsibility, were all just pretexts for their affair. Every single one of my compromises and concessions had become a joke in their eyes. Liam and Eleanor, those disgusting animals, had made a fool out of me. I leaned against the wall, wiping the stains from my mouth. I didn’t cry, and I didn’t make a fuss. Instead, I calmly walked to the bed and picked up the phone. I saved the video, which was enough to destroy everything they had. Then I sent it to my private email. After doing all that, I changed my clothes and left that disgusting place without looking back. I drove aimlessly through the streets. As dawn approached, I parked my car in front of a twenty-four-hour coffee shop. I needed a plan. A plan that would ruin them and make them pay a heavy price. My phone rang then. It was Liam. I hung up. He called again quickly, persistent. I hung up again, then blocked his number. Soon, his messages flooded in. “Chloe, where did you go? Why aren’t you home?” “Why aren’t you answering my calls? Are you mad at me?” “Eleanor’s ankle isn’t serious, just a soft tissue contusion.” “Please come back, okay? Let’s talk things through.” “I admit my attitude was bad last night. I apologize.” Looking at those hypocritical words, I just found them laughable. I took out my phone and dialed my college friend. She was the most famous divorce lawyer in the city. “Hey, it’s me, Chloe.” “I need your help. I want a divorce.” “And I want my husband and his wonderful stepmom to leave with nothing.” My friend, Sarah, on the other end, paused, wanting to speak but quickly stifled her curiosity and returned to her professional demeanor. “Send me all the documents. I’ll start processing it for you tomorrow when I’m at work.” “Okay.” After hanging up, I packaged that video, along with all the times and reasons Eleanor had interrupted us that I had documented, and sent them over. The evidence was irrefutable. I closed my eyes, the disgusting scene of Liam and Eleanor entwined flashing in my mind. Liam, Eleanor. Your karma begins now.

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My son loves to threaten me by punishing himself. It was scorching hot, over 100 degrees, and he deliberately smashed the AC unit. “Unless you immediately transfer fifty thousand dollars to my dad,” he snarled, “I’ll let myself overheat and die right here!” I was just so tired of this familiar drama. Quietly, I used that fifty thousand dollars to buy a small apartment, then moved to a cooler resort town overnight. The temperature hit a new high today. News reports said two hundred new cases of heatstroke had been reported, including two severe heatstroke cases. I remembered my son, Liam, had complained the old AC wasn’t cooling well, so I immediately ordered a brand-new one for him. Before he got back, I turned the AC on, setting it to a comfortable temperature. For dinner, I made some refreshing, cool salads and cold noodles. The food was on the table when he walked in. “Mom, why is it so cool in here? Did you get a new AC?” he asked the moment he stepped inside. I smiled. “Yep, it cost over five thousand dollars, but the weather’s so hot, I had to. You wouldn’t sleep well otherwise, and how would you study?” His face inexplicably darkened. He slammed the book in his hand onto the floor. He glared at me, his eyes cold. “Five thousand dollars for an AC, just like that?! How can you be so wasteful? No wonder Dad divorced you!” My smile vanished. “It’s so hot, I only replaced it for your good. How can you talk to your mom like that?” “Besides, I’m spending my own money. What does that have to do with your dad?” He rubbed the back of his head, annoyed. He pointed out the window. “My dad’s out there delivering food in this scorching heat, and here you are, chilling in air conditioning. Don’t you feel ashamed?” He started to get teary-eyed with anger. “It’s almost 100 degrees! After a hard day, he only has a fan in his cramped, rundown apartment in the city’s older district. How many times does he wake up in the middle of the night from the heat? He barely falls asleep before he has to get up before dawn to deliver food again! And what were you doing then? Sleeping soundly in your nice, cool room!” He pointed a finger at my nose, spitting as he yelled, “Just for that, you don’t deserve this AC!” With that, he angrily grabbed the fire extinguisher from the corner and rushed towards the standing AC unit, smashing it with all his might. “My dad’s suffering, so I don’t deserve to be comfortable either! Unless you transfer fifty thousand dollars to him, I’m not using this AC!” Under his relentless blows, the AC unit shattered. He didn’t stop there. He grabbed a pair of scissors and snipped the AC wires into pieces, completely destroying it. I was too shocked to speak. I thought about the past few days, how Liam had several times seemed on the verge of saying something to me, and how he’d been having inexplicable outbursts of temper. Suddenly, it all clicked. He was blowing off steam for his dad.

My ex-husband, Richard Peterson, and I divorced five years ago. The reason was that he secretly lent my ten years of savings to his younger sister, Chloe, for her business without telling me. In less than three months, Chloe blew through all my money. Richard then secretly told Chloe that she didn’t have to pay it back, so they wouldn’t feel burdened. At that time, my smoothie shop was forced to close because it lacked the working capital from that money. I still clearly remember how he scolded me when I asked his sister for the money back. “We’re married, so my sister is your sister. What’s wrong with spending some money on family? Why are you so selfish? Only thinking about yourself!” “I’m the oldest in the family; it’s my responsibility to support my siblings. How can I ask for the money back now? Where would I put my face?” “Yes, I know you’re upset, but we’re the older ones, aren’t we? We should suffer a little so our younger siblings can have a good life, right?” So, I divorced him without hesitation. Our son, Liam, lived with me, only visiting his dad for a few days during summer and winter breaks. At first, everything was harmonious. Later, Liam, for some reason, started finding fault with me every other day. When I bought expensive grapes, he said I was wasting money. When I had a late-night snack, he said I was extravagant. Even when I bought him study materials, he said I had too much money and nowhere to spend it. The day we moved into our new house, he flipped over a table full of food in front of my friends. He screamed, asking me why I was moving. Why I deserved to live in such a nice house. I never understood. I tried every way to create good living conditions for him, so how could everything I did be wrong in his eyes? Now I get it. He could empathize with his dad but couldn’t empathize with me. No matter what I did, as long as I was doing better than his dad, I was wrong. I suddenly remembered when he found out the reason for my divorce, he said something dismissively. “It’s just two hundred thousand, isn’t it? Aunt Chloe isn’t an outsider. Do you really need to make such a big deal out of it?” Back then, I thought his dad had taught him that. Now, it seems he and his dad are cut from the same cloth. They both want to burn themselves out to light up others. Unfortunately, I’m not that noble.

I tried to reason with him. “Your dad is a private school teacher; he has a solid salary. He has enough money to install an AC for himself. Do you know why he still works hard delivering food after work?” He kept smashing the AC, scoffed, and said nothing. I patiently explained, “It’s because his younger brother, David, is getting married and needs a three-hundred-thousand-dollar dowry. He sent all his savings back, but he’s still short by one hundred and fifty thousand, so he had to start delivering food.” “For the past year, he’s been working multiple jobs so hard, all to save money for David’s wedding.” “Last month, I heard he was still short fifty thousand, and David couldn’t wait any longer, urging him to get the money quickly. That’s why he came to me. After buying this apartment, I didn’t have much money left, and I needed to save that for your college tuition, so of course, I wouldn’t lend it to him.” He cut me off. “I don’t care! I just want my dad not to work so hard! Transfer the money to him right now! Otherwise, I’ll overheat and die right here!” He went back into his room, grabbed a blanket, wrapped it around himself, and said firmly, “I mean it!” The temperature in the room quickly rose. I was already sweating profusely. He was even worse. He was panting from the heat, his breath hot, like steam from a boiling pot. But his eyes, covered in sweat, stared at me with fierce determination. He’d used this trick since he was little. He always used himself to threaten me. If I didn’t buy him something, he’d go on a hunger strike or lock himself in his room. My heart ached for him, and I always had to give in. This time, though, I felt unusually exhausted. Suddenly, I wondered what the point of working so hard was. He wrapped another blanket around himself, forcing me to transfer the money to Richard. I had no choice but to FaceTime Richard. I aimed the camera at Liam and told Richard, “Your son is punishing himself because you won’t use the AC. Please, talk some sense into him. He’s deliberately suffering; he’ll get sick eventually.” Richard said exactly what I expected. “That’s my good boy. It’s okay to be a little hot; it won’t kill anyone. The money saved on the AC can be used for your uncle David’s wedding.” I watched Liam’s reaction, hoping he’d realize the truth. But he just nodded, moved. “Dad, don’t worry, I know you’re doing this for me. I’ll always support you!” Seeing this, the last flicker of hope in my heart was completely extinguished. I opened my SnapChat wallet. Liam immediately threw off the blankets, his face beaming with pride, thinking he had me exactly where he wanted me. “That’s right! You married my dad, so you should be his strongest supporter, fully backing all his decisions.” “After you transfer the money to him, go buy an AC from eBay. No, buy two! One for us, and one for Dad. A family should share hardships together.” I didn’t respond. He noticed I wasn’t transferring money at all; I was actually browsing hotels. He immediately exploded. “What are you doing? Didn’t I tell you to transfer money to Dad?” I booked a king-sized room right in front of him, calmly saying, “It’s too hot to sleep without AC. If you want to share hardships with your dad, that’s fine, but I have no interest in joining you.” His face contorted with rage. Then he piled all the blankets back on himself. “If you dare go to that hotel, I’ll literally overheat and die for you!” I didn’t answer, packed a change of clothes, and walked out.

I was sleeping comfortably in the hotel when I was woken up by a call from my neighbor. He said my son had suffered heatstroke and had crawled to his doorstep in the middle of the night for help. He was currently being treated at the hospital. I notified Richard to rush to the hospital. By the time I arrived, Liam’s condition had stabilized. His face was still flushed, as if it had been scorched by fire. When he saw me, his eyes reddened, and he stubbornly turned his face away. “What are you doing here? Go back to your hotel and enjoy your AC! Just let me die from the heat!” I was both angry and amused. “So, you really don’t want me here?” He retorted without hesitation, “Who needs you here? Without you, my dad would take care of me. Living with him is a hundred times, a thousand times better than living with you!” I chuckled. “It only takes about fifteen minutes to get here from your dad’s place, while it takes me half an hour from the hotel. I only left after I notified him, and I’ve been here for ten minutes already, but he still hasn’t arrived. Do you really think he puts you first?” Just as I finished speaking, Richard arrived. He was wearing a loose, shapeless white undershirt and faded black shorts, his head completely shaved. He looked like he’d stepped out of the 80s. The first thing he did when he saw me was to curse. “How could you take care of our son so poorly? The AC was on at home, and he still got heatstroke?” Liam started sobbing, touched. Watching this touching father-son scene, I suddenly said, “Alright, since you say I can’t take care of him, then you take him. Anyway, he doesn’t care to live with me.” Both of them froze. Richard opened his mouth and chuckled awkwardly. “Sarah, don’t try that on me. You begged and paid to get custody of our son back then, and now you’re willing to give him up? I don’t believe your nonsense!” Liam also had a cold expression, saying impatiently, “She’s just so dramatic. She’s unwilling to help her family at all. She’s just a self-centered and manipulative person who only cares about her own pleasure.” I had no strength to argue back. After a sigh, I said, “Say whatever you want. Anyway, I won’t interfere with your affairs.” Liam immediately sat up and pulled out his IV drip. “I told you to transfer the money to Dad, so you better do it! Otherwise, I’m leaving with Dad today, and I’ll never see you again!” Richard chimed in, “My son, so young, understands this, but you, an adult, don’t. You should reflect on yourself. Anyway, if I just get fifty thousand to solve my brother’s urgent problem, I can relax for a while.” As he spoke, his phone rang. From the sound, it seemed to be his brother, David. “Bro, I’m hungry. Can you bring me some food? I want crayfish and stir-fried noodles, and a cold beer, plus Michelle’s bubble tea, a large one! Hurry up and bring it. You know my room number. Just send it up with a robot; you don’t have to run all the way, save yourself the trouble.” Richard looked troubled. “David, your nephew is in the hospital. I can’t leave right now. How about I transfer two hundred dollars so you can order takeout?” The voice on the other end wouldn’t give up. “I don’t trust takeout, Bro. I only trust food from the places you personally buy it from. And isn’t Liam with his mom? How could you bother yourself with this?” “Anyway, if you don’t bring it, then we’ll just starve. We might just get stomach problems, and then Mom and Dad will have to worry about me and lose sleep.” At this point, Richard quickly agreed. “Alright, alright, Bro, I’m going to buy it for you now. Just wait. There should be some crackers in the hotel; eat those to tide yourself over.” He hung up the phone and looked at me. “Sarah, you heard that. My brother’s here. You watch Liam. He seems stable enough.” I asked him, “Your brother’s here, why isn’t he staying with you in your rental? Don’t you always preach frugality?” He frowned. “He brought his girlfriend; could I make them stay with me? Besides, I’m the eldest brother. It’s only right for the eldest brother to take care of his younger siblings. Why are you so against my family doing well?” I waved my hand. “Forget it, I don’t care. It’s none of my business anyway.” He hesitated, then turned to Liam. “Liam, Dad has to go. Take care of yourself.” Liam nodded, his eyes soft. “Dad, I know your struggles. Don’t worry about me; I can take care of myself.” As soon as Richard left, Liam’s eyes reddened. “My dad works so hard. He earns the money, but others get to enjoy it. Some people just don’t have any sympathy for him.” He still hadn’t reinserted his IV. He glared at me resentfully. “I think Uncle David is only here for that fifty thousand. He won’t leave until he gets the money. For Dad’s sake, can’t you just let him use the money?” I shook my head. “No.” He got angry. “Fine, you’re something else. Then you can guard your money. From today on, I’m moving in with my dad!”

My son kept his word. That evening, he went home, packed his things, and left. He only took his study materials, a few clothes, and essential ID. He left everything else behind. As he left, he gave me a particularly defiant ultimatum: “Unless you solve my dad’s financial problems, even if you roll out the red carpet for me, I won’t come back!” “I’ll just re-study in that hot, cramped room in the city’s older district. Then I’ll be too hot to study anything, and next year I’ll score even worse than this year, maybe not even enough for community college! In the end, I won’t find a decent job and will end up doing manual labor in a factory. My life will be completely ruined!” I didn’t say a word. He stood there for a few minutes, then finally walked away with his backpack. This was his second time running away from home. The first time was three years ago. That’s when I heard his aunt Chloe had money, so I sued her to get my money back. His dad found out and was so angry he ended up in the hospital. Liam also got anxious and forced me to withdraw the lawsuit. When I refused, he ran away from home. He rode the bicycle I bought him to his dad’s place overnight. No matter how I tried to convince him, he wouldn’t go back to school. I was worried. Afraid he’d fall behind in school, I had no choice but to compromise and withdraw the lawsuit. He even made me apologize to his aunt Chloe in front of everyone. Only then did he reluctantly come back with me. Now, looking back, I truly regret it. The past cannot be changed. But the present and future are in my hands. I won’t make the same mistake again. I contacted a real estate agent that night and put my apartment up for sale. At the same time, I contacted someone to find me an affordable place in a small, remote town. The agent was efficient and got back to me the next day. They sent me several small apartments that cost only tens of thousands of dollars. The temperature there was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a natural summer retreat. It gets very cold in winter, but with floor heating, it wouldn’t be an issue. On the day I arrived at my new home, my son, who had been silent for a week, suddenly called me. “Mom, where are you? Why can’t I get into the house anymore?”

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I chased Elias Vance for four long years, utterly devoid of shame. He was utterly exasperated by me. Under his immense pressure, my family, cowering in fear, shipped me off overseas. He said, “Whatever it takes, make her stop bothering me!” “Otherwise, don’t expect any mercy from me.” Drugs, hypnosis, electroshock therapy… These methods were incredibly effective. I forgot what it felt like to love him. Even my memories of him became blurry, indistinct. He finally relented, allowing me to return home. I instinctively avoided any place where he might appear. My mother had warned me that I couldn’t afford to cross that breathtakingly handsome man. Seeing him kiss Seraphina, my sister, I secretly pulled out my phone to snap a picture. His eyes were predatory and icy. Terrified, I shrank into the corner, my words caught in my throat: “I’m sorry, I just thought you two looked so perfect together, like something out of a romance movie…” I don’t know why. The man who usually showed no emotion, his gaze trembled violently. **1** Ever since I came back from overseas, my mind has felt… fuzzy. Most of my day was spent sleeping. I felt like I might be sick. Mom comforted me, saying there was nothing to worry about. “You’ve always been a little sleepyhead, unlike your sister who’s so disciplined.” “It’s fine. Everyone’s constitution is different. If you’re tired, go to sleep.” I poured myself a large cup of black coffee, hoping to perk up. But it had no effect. I tapped my temples, frustrated, when the front door chimed. The butler announced, “Miss Seraphina has brought Mr. Vance home.” My parents’ eyes instantly lit up with joy. Dad eagerly rushed out to greet them. Mom was about to follow, then suddenly remembered something. She looked at me apologetically: “Daisy, you…” I nodded understandingly: “I know, Mr. Vance isn’t fond of me.” “Seraphina’s engagement is important. I’ll go upstairs now; it’s a good time for me to catch some more sleep anyway.” Mom looked at my yawning face with a hint of relief. I had only taken a few steps when I suddenly remembered I hadn’t taken my coffee cup. I wanted to try another cup later. The moment I turned, I inadvertently met a cold, icy gaze. It was almost a primal instinct. I forgot about the coffee cup and bolted, as if delaying for even a second would cost me my life. I didn’t stop until I reached my room and locked the door. I even shoved a table against the door from the inside. Only then did the knot in my stomach finally loosen. I couldn’t explain why, but whenever I saw Elias Vance, a powerful emotion surged through me: fear. Mom said it was because Elias was a born leader, someone who naturally makes anyone around him feel small. “Especially you, a natural pushover.” Mom told me not to appear in front of Mr. Vance. “Mr. Vance, he… he doesn’t like people who look sweet but are actually ditzy.” “His eyes only linger on accomplished girls like your sister.” “What caliber is the Vance family? Marrying into them would set us up for generations, wouldn’t it?” “Daisy, you need to be sensible.” I was very sensible. So, every time Elias came to the house, I actively avoided him. Mom was always relieved by this, sometimes stroking my head. It was the greatest reward for me, and I cherished it. That’s why I never dared to tell Mom. Even if she didn’t say it, I would still actively avoid Elias Vance. His presence was just too overwhelming. I felt so uneasy. So suffocated. It was like someone was squeezing my heart. And there was this strange, aching bitterness. Downstairs, laughter and chatter echoed. Amidst that joyous noise, I drifted off into a hazy sleep. **2** When I woke up again, the sky had darkened. It was already evening. The mansion was quiet. Elias Vance must have left. My stomach rumbled. I pushed open my door, wearing a white, princess-style nightgown, and padded barefoot downstairs looking for food. The cold floor made my fuzzy brain feel a tiny bit clearer. I was standing by the counter, heating some bread slices. Suddenly, the study door opened. Elias Vance, dressed in a sharp suit, walked out. Under the warm, yellow glow of the lights, his silhouette was even sharper, his body perfectly straight. His features were chiseled, like a god who held the power of life and death. But he was so cold. His entire demeanor was cold, his eyes were cold. Even the lead-grey cufflinks on his suit gleamed with a chilling light. Across the long living room, his gaze fell dispassionately on me. His thin lips were pressed into a grim line. His presence was utterly intimidating. Almost immediately. I snapped back to reality. Clutching my head, I crouched under the dining table. I scrambled to hide, only making my presence more obvious. Seraphina’s light steps skipped down the stairs. She practically flew into Elias’s arms, clinging to his arm and swaying it playfully. “Are you really leaving already? You haven’t even seen my new publicity photos, and you haven’t eaten dinner yet! Please stay?” Seraphina usually carried herself with a cool, distant air. But now, she was all girlish charm, her voice a sweet, lilting sound. Like a beautiful bird, with dazzling plumage and a melodious song. Elias Vance didn’t speak. He looked coldly at me, cowering under the table. Seraphina’s smile faltered. She bit her lip and said, “If you’re busy, you can see them another time. Let’s go, I’ll walk you out.” Elias Vance stood still. His oppressive presence was so heavy, as if he hadn’t heard Seraphina speaking at all. Seraphina opened her mouth but dared not speak. After a long moment, he finally spoke, his voice low and deep: “Alright, I’ll eat dinner before I leave.” Dad and Seraphina’s faces simultaneously showed expressions of surprise and disbelief. Elias’s lips curved faintly: “What are you afraid of? She’s forgotten everything, hasn’t she?” Elias Vance strode his long legs to the dining table and crouched down. His tailored suit pants highlighted the strong lines of his legs. “Daisy, do you still recognize me?” I timidly raised my eyes, then lowered them again, not daring to meet his gaze. I slowly nodded. But my fingertips and toes suddenly felt like they were being pricked with needles. It was like an automatic, panic response. I screamed. Clamping my eyes shut. Shaking my head frantically. “No! I don’t! Don’t hurt me! I don’t know you!” **3** At the dinner table, the atmosphere was bizarre. My parents tried desperately to liven things up. But Elias Vance simply ate in silence, his posture noble and graceful. He showed no intention of speaking, making my parents’ enthusiasm incredibly awkward. Seraphina’s face was dark, and she didn’t say a word. I didn’t dare to pick up dishes, only eating small bites of rice. Finally, the meal was over, and both my parents seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Watching Elias Vance’s departing figure, I suddenly remembered something and called out to him: “Mr. Vance, wait a minute.” Everyone looked at me in surprise. Including Elias Vance. His brows slightly furrowed, clearly impatient. “Just for a second. Please?” I held up my finger, indicating a tiny distance. With that, I dashed upstairs, and soon ran back down clutching a metal box. All eyes were locked on me. I opened the lid of the metal box and asked, “Mr. Vance, is this yours?” On top of the box were a dozen or so ID photos. Some were small, some were larger. You could tell they hadn’t been obtained through official channels. Some had embossed stamps, others had dried glue on the back. Clearly, they’d been peeled off from various places. The Elias Vance in the photos was younger than now, with a hint of youthful innocence in his eyes, but his features were already strikingly superior. Besides the ID photos, there were all sorts of random things: candy wrappers, cigarette packs, used pen refills, crumpled test papers, and so on. Elias Vance looked at me with piercing eyes. I bit my lip before I dared to continue: “I found it in a corner of my wardrobe. I don’t know who put it there. But I recognized your photos, so it must be yours, right?” Elias Vance’s gaze shifted slightly, as if with a hint of inquiry. His stare made me feel small. My shoulders slumped. He finally spoke: “It’s not mine. Throw it away.” “Oh, okay.” I casually tossed the box into the nearby trash can and started to head upstairs. Elias Vance’s eyes suddenly held a dangerous glint. “Daisy, are you doing this on purpose?” he called out to me. I was confused: “What?” He seemed to see through everything, his eyes mocking as he scoffed. “Nothing. You’re a good actress. But don’t bother next time. I’m not interested.” With that, he turned and left. **4** Mom closed the door. Seraphina, who had held it in all night, finally burst into tears, collapsing onto the table. Dad watched, his heart aching, and eventually couldn’t hold back his anger, striking out with a slap. I was unprepared and fell awkwardly to the floor. My head hit the corner of the table. A dull throb pulsed through it. Mom, her face etched with pain and frustration, embraced Seraphina’s shoulders and said to me, “Daisy, don’t blame your father for being so harsh; tonight, you were truly, truly a disappointment!” “Did you forget Mom’s repeated warnings?” “Why did you come downstairs on your own? Why did you talk to him? Are you really that pathetic?!” Blood oozed from the cut on my forehead, trickling into my eyes. My vision blurred, obscured by a crimson haze. Clutching the bleeding wound, I tried to explain: “I’m sorry, I thought he had left. I didn’t mean to…” Seraphina suddenly grabbed my collar, screaming hysterically: “Coming downstairs dressed like that, deliberately walking around barefoot in front of him, and bringing out some old box trying to get his attention, Daisy, who are you trying to seduce?!” “Do you even know who Elias Vance is? Do you know who *you* are? How dare you even think about him?” “Do you realize that because of your indecent behavior tonight, I could lose him?” “Can’t you live without a man? Seducing your own sister’s boyfriend!” With that, Seraphina opened the door and walked out. Mom quickly grabbed her: “Seraphina, where are you going at this hour?” Seraphina glared at me with hatred: “It’s either me or her in this house. If she stays, I leave!” Soon, the sound of a car engine starting echoed from the garage. Mom sighed deeply. Dad slammed a door in frustration. I spoke softly: “Should I stay somewhere else tonight?” Mom hesitated for a few moments: “Where would you go?” “I can stay in a hotel. I always stayed in hotels when I was abroad; I’m used to it.” Back then, I couldn’t stand the inhumane torment, so whenever I had a chance, I would escape from the hospital. I stayed in the cheapest motels, trying to avoid the painful treatments they arranged for me. But Seraphina always found me quickly and dragged me back. Mom was silent, then after a while, she nodded: “Tonight was indeed your fault, so go stay out. When your sister cools down, Mom will pick you up.” **5** In the hotel room. Standing in front of the mirror, I carefully wiped away the blood from my forehead. The wound was a bit large; a single bandage wouldn’t cover it. But it was so late, and I didn’t dare leave the hotel room to buy more bandages. Usually, I could never get enough sleep. But tonight, perhaps because of the throbbing pain in my forehead, I found it hard to sleep at all. I had forgotten why I was sent abroad. I only remembered that, ever since childhood, Seraphina had always been smarter and more accomplished than me. Wherever she went, she seemed to glow. So, my parents held the highest expectations for her. Seraphina started as a child model at a very young age, and later, she became wildly popular with her image as a brilliant scholar. As for me, besides having looks comparable to hers, I was completely useless. So, I understood my parents’ favoritism. I agreed with their decision to channel more resources towards my capable sister. But was this favoritism the reason they sent me abroad? I remembered when I was abroad, taking handfuls of pills and undergoing painful treatments. Mom told me on the phone that it would make me smarter. But I always felt that since returning from abroad, my brain worked even worse. Besides being constantly sleepy, my reactions were slower. Had my parents brought me back because the treatment failed? Were they even more displeased with me because I was dumber? **6** During the day, I wandered the streets. As soon as night fell, I returned to the hotel to sleep. I stayed in the hotel for a week, but Mom still hadn’t told me to come back. I had run out of money. I SnapChatted my mom. I discovered she had blocked me. At noon, as I sat in the hotel lobby, staring blankly, I saw a striking couple from a distance, standing at the entrance to the indoor garden. The man had a tall, commanding presence, his back to me, showing only his broad, straight shoulders. The woman had an enviable figure, accentuated by an elegant long dress, her face upturned as she smiled at the man. But I could only see half of her profile. I shook my head, trying to see more clearly. But these past few days, I always had a headache, and everything looked as if through a fog. This only made the scene in front of me feel even more atmospheric. I pulled out my phone to capture the beautiful scene. But I completely forgot to turn off the flash, and my shutter sound was cranked all the way up. They quickly noticed me. The man’s jawline seemed to clench. His gaze towards me was extremely hostile. I watched as the two of them strode towards me, feeling fidgety and anxious. Until Elias Vance and Seraphina stood over me, looking down. “Daisy, what are you doing here?” Elias Vance’s voice was as cold as ever. I looked at Seraphina, too scared to speak. Elias Vance extended a long, slender hand: “Give me your phone.” Trembling, I handed my phone to him. It was so strange; he knew my password. Even I didn’t know what my six-digit password meant. I’d tried everyone’s birthdays at home, but none of them worked. Elias Vance pulled up the photo, his eyes dangerously narrowed: “Why were you secretly taking pictures? Daisy, what do you intend to do to Seraphina? Are you trying to hurt her again?” I shook my head frantically, so nervous I was close to tears: “No, I didn’t.” I knew Seraphina was more accomplished than me. I was so ordinary, so I never thought about competing with her for anything. But Mom said I had once appeared at Seraphina’s new show’s press conference, dressed to the nines. A reporter had commented that Seraphina and I looked alike but had completely different temperaments. Seraphina was pure and ethereal, while I was whimsical and utterly innocent. They said I had a broader range for acting roles. Because of that, Seraphina’s confirmed lead role suddenly ran into complications. In the end, I didn’t get to act, but Seraphina lost her chance to become an A-list actress. That’s why Seraphina hated me, hated me for deliberately stealing the spotlight and being unable to bear her success. No matter how I explained, no one believed me. That day, I wasn’t trying to steal Seraphina’s glory; I just wanted to witness her success. I had spent all my pocket money renting an expensive gown, just so I wouldn’t embarrass my sister. I never imagined that I would somehow outshine her. I really didn’t mean to. But no one believed me. Those days when everyone turned against me, my family took turns expressing their disappointment. It was suffocating. Like a nightmare. I never wanted to go through it again. “Please believe me, I didn’t.” I desperately grabbed Elias Vance’s sleeve, pleading. He frowned, then said: “Daisy, are you still pretending? You didn’t really lose your memory, did you?

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My husband, Daniel, seems to be in love. He’s always grinning foolishly at his phone, showering more often, changing outfits multiple times before going out, and he even changed our profile pictures to matching couple’s avatars without asking. Whenever I used to see these kinds of social media posts, I always thought they were just relatable jokes. That is, until the eve of our fifth wedding anniversary. My usually serious and stiff husband sent me a message: “Company dinner tonight, darling. Will my Queen grace us with her presence?” Daniel sounded so sweet. He even used a cute emoji I’d never seen him use before. My heart instantly clenched, a cold chill spreading through me. I’d seen that animated character on the emoji before. It was the profile picture of the new intern at his company. It wasn’t just “seems like.” In the tenth year of our love, my husband was in love—with someone else. “Where did you get such a cute emoji?” The “typing…” bubble stayed on for a long time before Daniel replied: “Saved it from a group chat.” Before I could ask more questions, Daniel’s profile picture flickered, changing to a Q-version of the same animated character. It was a matching couple’s avatar. “Honey, isn’t my new profile picture cute?” “It’s the style you asked me to change to before! You should use this one.” He sent me a photo, a really cute animated character. It looked familiar, but I couldn’t place where I’d seen it. Instinctively, I opened the company’s main SnapChat group chat to check. Sure enough, there was an identical profile picture. Chloe Hayes. I remembered her. The new intern at the company, a sweet-smiling young girl. My heart dropped. It felt like my heart skipped a beat, and a cold dread spread from my limbs, chilling me to the bone. Tears welled up instantly, overflowing and blurring my vision as I looked at the yellowing wedding photo on the wall. I decided to confirm it myself. With trembling hands, I replied: “Yes, I’ll be there for the dinner tonight.” That evening, when Daniel drove up to pick me, Chloe, just an intern, was sitting in the passenger seat. The back seats were occupied by some of the closer management staff. Chloe, quite thoughtfully, got out to offer me the passenger seat. Daniel leaned over and explained, “Chloe gets carsick, and ride-shares often have weird smells. So I just had her ride with me.” “My Queen, please get in.” I managed a strained smile, greeted everyone, and got into the passenger seat. Low murmurs of chatter came from the back. Chloe remained quiet, watching Daniel as he drove through the rearview mirror. I decided to test him. While we were waiting at a red light, I deliberately reached out and took Daniel’s hand, which was resting on the gear stick. From the back, flirty cheers immediately erupted: “Whoa, the boss and his wife are so sweet together!” But Daniel pulled his hand back as if he’d been shocked. He gave me a forced, awkward smile, trying to cover it up as he explained, “Honey, I’m driving. Safety first.” I subtly turned my face away, responding flatly, “I was just wondering why you suddenly stopped wearing your wedding ring.” Daniel gave a couple of dry laughs: “I’ve gained a little happy weight recently; you must be cooking too well, my love.” “This ring is just a bit tight.” “It’s our fifth anniversary soon anyway. We can go pick out a new set of matching rings.” I said nothing, just nodded. I played along, pretending we were a loving, happy couple. Through the rearview mirror, I saw Chloe’s red-rimmed eyes in the back. Her fingers were clenched so hard they were bloodless; she must have been in a lot of pain, holding it in. I glanced sideways and saw Daniel secretly watching her, his gaze filled with warmth, guilt, and deep reassurance. They stared deeply into each other’s eyes through the mirror. It wasn’t until the honking of the cars behind us reminded him that the light had changed that Daniel snapped out of it and started driving again. I witnessed it all, my heart feeling crushed under a heavy rock, a suffocating pain. Unable to bear it, I rolled down the window for some air. After a long moment of thought, I finally opened my lawyer friend’s contact on my phone and typed out a message: “Taking cases?” “I’m divorcing Daniel Miller.”

It was a celebration dinner, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Daniel stood on stage, glass in hand, looking vibrant and confident as he announced the mid-year bonuses. At the table, Chloe rested her chin in her hand, her eyes shining as she watched him. Her gaze was full of girlish adoration. Daniel chatted casually with the employees below, but his gaze always landed on her. After a few rounds of drinks, Chloe, who couldn’t hold her liquor, quietly left the table. Daniel noticed. He leaned in, his warm breath tickling my ear, and said: “Reporting in!” “Honey, I need to use the restroom.” I agreed. I nodded, but stealthily followed him, watching him turn into the fire escape stairwell, which was in the opposite direction from the restrooms. Chloe’s suppressed sobs drifted into the air, soft and pitiful. Daniel sat beside her, his voice tender, asking, “Why are you crying?” Chloe looked up, her eyes red, fixing on him: “From our college days to your wedding day, you and Amelia are so deeply in love. I envy her so much.” “My internship ends soon, and I’ll have to take on projects independently. I won’t be able to just follow you around anymore. I’ll make sure to keep my feelings in check from now on, but I really can’t bear to leave you.” “Please, just one last thing. Can you… kiss me?” The air seemed to freeze in that instant. Daniel moved. But he didn’t kiss her. Instead, he gave Chloe a gentle hug. His voice turned hoarse, choked with emotion: “I’m sorry, we met too late. I’m already married, I…” Daniel didn’t finish his sentence. Chloe cupped his face and pressed a deep kiss onto his forehead. Daniel froze. But he didn’t push her away; instead, he closed his eyes. I heard the sound of my own heart breaking. It echoed in the silent fire escape, making no sound at all. They left, one after the other. I looked at my phone screen, where the recording button was still lit, and finally pressed stop. When I returned, Daniel and Chloe were already seated. The celebration dinner was pretty much winding down. Employees were gathering in small groups, figuring out who lived near whom and how they’d get home. Daniel, whom I was helping to support, suddenly stopped, as if remembering something, and turned around. He held up his phone to everyone: “It’s getting late. The guys need to make sure all the ladies get home safely.” “Once you’re home, remember to check in on the group chat!” Everyone chorused, “Okay!” Daniel, swaying as if very drunk, patted Chloe’s shoulder. “Chloe, I remember you get carsick. Why don’t you ride with us?” Chloe hesitated, looking at me. She seemed to be waiting for me to say something. “Come with us,” I said. “You’ve had quite a bit to drink too. I’ll drop you off first.” The ride was silent. Daniel, usually chatty when he drank, was unusually quiet, pretending to nap with his eyes closed in the passenger seat. Chloe sat quietly in the back. He knew that if he talked to me, Chloe would be upset. Only when Chloe got out of the car did Daniel snap awake. He rolled down the window, waved goodbye to her, and watched her go inside. Even after I started the car, he kept looking in the rearview mirror until Chloe’s figure disappeared. Then he finally looked at me and said: “Honey, this Sunday is our tenth wedding anniversary.” “Let’s go buy new rings then, okay?” I chuckled softly, not responding directly. I just gently pushed his head, making him sit up straight. When we got home, Daniel’s alcohol had fully hit, and he was disoriented. I put him in the guest bedroom. Having seen his infidelity, I just felt dirty thinking about sharing a bed with him again. As I was about to close the door and leave, his phone, which was on the bedside table, lit up. A familiar profile picture popped up, sending a message: “Daniel, are you asleep?”

I walked out with Daniel’s phone. He had no defenses against me. I easily unlocked his phone, but I didn’t reply to Chloe’s message. I just scrolled up, As if tracing back their story. The serious, rigid boss meets the innocent, lively intern, causing trouble yet finding himself intrigued and a little smitten by her antics. They both knew what was happening, but preferred to enjoy the unspoken flirtation, letting themselves fall deeper. I tried to steady my breathing. I pressed the record button again, capturing the evidence of my husband’s infidelity. I opened his photo gallery. It was almost entirely filled with pictures of Chloe. But no pictures of them together. They were all secretly taken by Daniel. Chloe working, Chloe talking to colleagues, Chloe napping, Chloe slacking off. From initially not looking at the camera at all, to later shyly acknowledging it, the last few pictures showed Chloe laughing freely, facing the lens. Just as I finished recording, Another message popped up on SnapChat. “Daniel, it’s been ten years. Don’t do anything to hurt Amelia. Her face tonight was clearly off.” The sender was Ben. One of the company’s OGs. When the company first started, there were only three of us. Me, Ben, and Daniel. Later, as the company grew and staff increased, I gradually returned to focusing on our family. It was only when doing financial reports that I remembered I still held a nominal title as CFO. Daniel and Ben were super close. From the moment Daniel first realized his unusual feelings, they’d talked about it. Bits and pieces, detailing Daniel’s slow slide into infidelity. “It’s been ten years, I haven’t felt love for Amelia for ages. Every time I hold her hand, it’s like I’m holding my own hand. When I touch her body, it feels like touching my own. This isn’t love anymore.” “Yes, I know Amelia gave up her career to take care of my mom back then. But now we have nothing in common. The moment she starts talking about groceries and bills, I get annoyed.” “Ben, I hadn’t felt that rush, that flutter in my chest, in ages. Meeting her, I feel like I’m in love.” “She’s so kind, so fragile. I genuinely want to take care of her for the rest of my life, but I’m already married. I know I shouldn’t betray Amelia, but I can’t control my feelings.” … In the end, there was only one ridiculous question left: “Does emotional cheating count as cheating?” Ben didn’t reply. It was Daniel’s own self-doubt. “Forget it. It’s been ten years. No more drama.” That night, Daniel snored loudly enough to shake the house in the guest bedroom, probably living out his wish to be with Chloe in his dreams. In the master bedroom, I cried all night, watching every detail of his betrayal unfold. It wasn’t until dawn that I finally exhaled a sigh: “Disgusting.” Ten years of love, and all that was left for me in the end was a churning, overwhelming sense of disgust. My phone vibrated. It was my lawyer. “Amelia, the agreement is drafted. When do you plan to confront Daniel?” From outside, Daniel’s voice rang out: “Honey, I’m up. You should get ready too.” “Let’s go buy new rings today, tomorrow’s our fifth wedding anniversary. We should really celebrate!” I hummed in response. I looked down and replied to my lawyer: “I want to get away for a bit. For our anniversary tomorrow, please meet Daniel in my place.” “Confront him, talk about the divorce.”

Soon after I left, a heavy rain started. The summer thunderstorm was so intense it caused power outages, even cutting off electricity at the mall. They managed to stay open using their own generators. The mall was very close to the apartment complex Chloe rented. Daniel seemed very anxious. He said he was going to the restroom, but he kept making call after call. I waited for him by the restroom door. He came out sweating profusely and told me: “The company seems to have lost power due to the storm, and there’s an issue with the servers. I need to get back there immediately.” He handed me his bank card, reassuring me: “Honey, buy whatever you like. Anything is fine with me.” Daniel left in a hurry, not even giving me a chance to ask questions. I looked down at my phone screen. I had just sent a message to Ben: “Are you on duty today? There’s a power issue in the South Side area. How’s the company?” He replied: “We have generators. Everything’s fine, no problems at all. Don’t worry, Amelia.” I didn’t buy any rings. My heart was terrifyingly calm, as if I had long been prepared to sever the last thread of attachment to those ten years of our relationship. After a long time trying to hail a cab, I ended up walking home in the rain. I pulled out cardboard boxes and started packing my things. It wasn’t until dusk that Daniel finally called me: “Amelia, the company situation here is a bit tricky. I won’t be coming home tonight; I’ll stay here to handle it.” “Tomorrow! Tomorrow, I promise I’ll spend our anniversary properly with you.” Before I could say anything, Daniel hung up, as if there was something he was in an urgent rush to do. It seemed even the algorithms disapproved of Daniel’s clumsy lies. When I opened Ins, I accidentally stumbled upon Chloe’s account. I recognized the hand in the photo instantly as Daniel’s. There was a scar on his middle finger knuckle, and a faint white mark on his ring finger where his wedding ring used to be. But with just a hand, there might still be room for self-deception. However, another photo, a profile shot of Daniel shirtless, left me with no way to lie to myself. Chloe’s caption was incredibly sweet: **[He appeared when I needed him most.]** I dialed Daniel’s number. It rang for a long time before he picked up, his tone impatient: “Amelia, what is it? I’m really busy right now.” I glanced at the lightning and thunder outside and lied: “I’m at the mall, and I can’t get a cab.” “Can you come pick me up? I’ll get sick if I stay in the rain in this weather.” There was a moment of silence on his end. He still refused, even with a hint of blame: “I really have something going on at the company. Just go home, take a shower, and you’ll be fine.” “Don’t make a big deal out of nothing.” “I have to go, I’m hanging up.” Beep, beep, beep. I opened my mouth, but only a dial tone met me. An hour later, Chloe updated her Ins again: **[I have him, he has me.]** The picture was a selfie of her and Daniel. They were in a bed, and Daniel’s eyes were closed, asleep. I glanced at it, and the heartbreak I felt was now just a dull, aching numbness. I quietly screen-recorded it as evidence of Daniel’s infidelity, not a single tear falling. I paid extra to arrange a moving company to ship my belongings. The house was empty now. Of our things, only the large, yellowing wedding photo remained on the wall. It was an eyesore and a painful reminder. I didn’t take it. With a simple carry-on bag, I arrived at the train station. I hadn’t decided where to go, so I just glanced at the ticket display. Whichever train was boarding earliest, I’d take that one, aimlessly. “Ma’am, the final destination for this train is Brighton. How many tickets?” “One.” The next morning, I woke up in a B&B in Brighton. As I was feeding seagulls by the lake, Daniel sent me a message: **[Good morning, Honey. Happy fifth wedding anniversary!]** I didn’t reply. Midday arrived. Daniel seemed to realize something was wrong and sent a few more messages: **[Honey, are you mad because I didn’t pick you up yesterday?]** **[The company really did have an emergency. You’re not the type to hold a grudge over something like this. Come on, I’ve booked the best table at the lakeside restaurant. Twelve o’clock sharp, to celebrate our anniversary!]** **[Honey, don’t be mad. I love my wife the most!]** I still didn’t reply. It was already past one o’clock. Daniel had clearly run out of patience: **[?]** **[Are you seriously mad? There’s no need for this. All these years of our relationship, just because I didn’t pick you up? ]** **[Where are you? I’ll come find you. Why is your temper getting worse and worse lately?]** Just as Daniel called me, Mr. Davis, my lawyer, arrived. He walked straight up to Daniel: “Mr. Miller, I presume?” “I’m Mr. Davis, a lawyer. Ms. Amelia Wei has retained me to discuss divorce proceedings with you.” Daniel frowned, looking utterly bewildered: “Divorce? What nonsense are you talking about?” “Where is she? She’s not replying to messages, not answering calls.” After a few rings, I answered the phone. Daniel immediately put it on speaker, his tone hostile as he interrogated me: “Amelia Wei, what exactly do you mean by this?!” “Just because I didn’t pick you up yesterday, you want a divorce? How many times have I told you, the company servers had issues! It wasn’t that I didn’t want to pick you up, I simply couldn’t leave. ” “Today is our wedding anniversary. Do you really have to blow things out of proportion like this and make such a scene?” His tone was aggressive. But perhaps it was because I had completely given up hope, I felt extraordinarily calm in comparison. I no longer tried to play along. Instead, I completely ripped off the band-aid, speaking without mercy: “Daniel Miller, were the company servers set up on Chloe Hayes’s bed?” “Was cheating on your wife stimulating?”

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In my last life, a severe illness I had prevented my husband from traveling to the border for a business trip. He immediately canceled his flight, pulled me into his arms, and gently comforted me. On the phone, he only told my sister: “The project is crucial. You go in my place.” But no one expected that the so-called partner was a black-hearted scam company. My sister had her organs harvested and was tortured to death. I was heartbroken. He held me as I broke down, promising in a choked voice that even though my sister was gone, he would love me twice as much. He kept his word. For ten years, he wouldn’t let me suffer a bit, spoiling me into a useless mess. Until the day I went into labor, in such agonizing pain I nearly passed out. Yet, he pressed down hard on the call button, his words dripping with venom. “If you hadn’t gotten ‘sick’ so conveniently back then, I wouldn’t have let her go alone to that meeting! I could have saved Chloe! You killed her!” “Chloe must be so lonely down there. You and this bastard child, go keep her company!” Only then did I realize that ten years of ‘love’ had been nothing but a cruel deception. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day he was supposed to leave for the border. This time, I took the phone from his hand and personally booked two one-way tickets for him and my sister.

“Anya, are you really sure I don’t need to stay? Your health…” Liam held my hand, his brow furrowed, his face etched with worry and reluctance. “I’m fine. And Mom and my mother will both take care of me. You go, don’t worry.” I shook my head, my voice hoarse, “Besides, how important is this project? It’s the result of countless all-nighters you and Chloe pulled. We’re so close to the finish line; how can we let it be delayed because of me?” Liam’s mom patted his shoulder, “Exactly! Anya’s right! You and Chloe have both lost weight because of this project. It’s about to succeed, so hurry up and get ready to leave.” My mom quickly echoed, “Yes, Liam. Chloe’s only been with your company for a year, and she’s already helping you shoulder such an important project. It’s all thanks to your guidance.” “We’ve got Anya covered here. You two just go, don’t worry.” Liam leaned down and pressed a kiss on my forehead, his voice gentle, “You focus on recovering. We’ll bring back good news.” I nodded obediently, watching him and my sister, Chloe, leave the hospital room. My dear sister and husband, in this life, I’ll grant your wish. May you be a cursed pair, bound even in the afterlife. Half an hour later, Chloe’s SnapChat updated. She leaned intimately against Liam’s shoulder, their heads close as they looked at documents, a palpable intimacy between them. The caption was a brutal stab to my heart: “My hard work and my love are both by my side. How incredibly lucky I am!” I stared at that photo, my stomach churned violently. A year ago, Chloe graduated from college and joined Liam’s company. I never imagined that, under the guise of work, the two would spend their days and nights together. The office, hotels, the car, even the marital bedroom Liam and I shared—all had borne witness to their intimate moments. For the sake of this family, I swallowed my pain and tried everything to win my husband back. Thinking about it now, it was utterly ridiculous. How could someone whose heart had already changed ever want to come back? In my last life, I deliberately stood in a heavy rain to get a high fever, stopping my husband and sister from going on that business trip to the border. I succeeded, but I didn’t foresee Chloe choosing to go alone. Nor did I foresee that the project was a vicious, predatory scam that devoured people whole. When the news came that my sister had died in a foreign land, I lived in endless self-blame and guilt. I thought I had killed her, that my pathetic selfish desire had destroyed her life and their shared career. It wasn’t until the day before I was due to give birth that I discovered a recording of my sister and husband plotting to kill me after they returned. Only then did I see their true faces! My emotional agitation from the recording led to a difficult labor. And my husband seized the opportunity to personally send me and my unborn child to the chopping block. Starting over, I only wish that despicable pair, so consumed by their twisted ‘love’, may they be a cursed pair, eternally bound even as ghosts in the afterlife! My phone screen lit up again. Chloe sent a SnapChat message, her tone innocent: “Sis, guess what surprise brother-in-law has prepared for me tonight?”

I sneered, not bothering to reply. Liam’s FaceTime call arrived as expected: “Anya, we’ve arrived. Just got to the hotel.” He looked at the camera, his voice tender: “Feeling better? Did you take your medicine?” “Did you eat well? Is your body feeling better? I’m not there with you, I can’t even feed you myself.” If I didn’t carry the memories of two lifetimes, I might have continued to drown in his fake affection. But now, I leaned weakly against the headboard, softly murmuring, “Hmm.” “I ate. You don’t need to worry. Get some rest.” “How can I not worry? Not seeing you, I always feel uneasy.” His voice was sickeningly sweet, dripping with feigned tenderness. In my last life, I was so moved by his meticulous care that I was completely infatuated, thinking he was just having a moment of foolishness and still loved me. So I willingly played the fool and waited for him to come back, only to finally be killed by him, along with my unborn child, all for his ‘love’. The next second, Chloe burst into the frame. She was wearing a bathrobe, her face flushed, with faint marks of intimacy visible around her collar. Seeing me in the camera, Chloe feigned surprise and covered her mouth: “Oh, brother, are you video calling sister?” Liam turned and looked at her fondly, then explained to the camera: “Chloe’s room’s water heater broke, so she had to come here to shower.” What a pathetic excuse. Chloe walked closer with a smile, naturally wrapped her arms around Liam’s waist, and leaned her head intimately against his broad back, flashing me a provocative smile. “Don’t worry, Sis, I’ll take good care of brother-in-law for you. Look, he’s had a long day, I was just about to give him a massage.” Before I could react, she pulled a black card from Liam’s pocket. “Oh, by the way, Sis, look at this,” Chloe’s voice was innocent: “Brother-in-law said that after this project is successful, he’ll use the credit on this card to buy me an ‘Ocean’s Heart’ necklace as a reward. He said that only I deserve the elegance of that necklace.” Ocean’s Heart! Last year, for my birthday, I had pestered Liam repeatedly about wanting that necklace, but he refused, saying it was “too flashy, not suitable for you!” A rush of blood went straight to my head, my nails digging deep into my palms. Liam gently ruffled her hair: “Anya, Chloe has put a lot into this project. This is her deserved reward. You’re always so generous, you won’t mind, right?” I masked all my emotions, weakly coughed a few times, my voice hoarse: “…I don’t mind. Then you two… get some rest early.” With that, without waiting for their reaction, I hung up the video call. The screen went dark, reflecting my pale, cold face. Less than ten seconds later, Liam sent a SnapChat message. [Anya, I’m sorry. Chloe didn’t mean it. She’s just a childish act. Don’t be mad at her.] [About the ‘Ocean’s Heart,’ I was wrong. When you get better, I’ll take you to pick out an even more beautiful one, okay? Please don’t be angry with me.] I looked at his hypocritical explanation and found it utterly ridiculous. Did he think I was still the fool from my last life, who would soften with a few sweet words? I didn’t reply, throwing my phone to the side.

The next morning, my fever broke. Despite the nurse’s objections, I checked myself out of the hospital and returned to the home Liam and I shared. I stood up, ready to clear out Liam’s belongings and start my new life. While tidying the study, I found a locked metal box. In my last life, I had curiously asked Liam what was inside, and he just smiled gently, saying it contained some of his little secrets. I never thought to open it. But now… I found some tools and pried open the small lock. The moment the box opened, my breath hitched. Inside were a thick stack of photos and a journal. All the photos were of Liam and Chloe. There were pictures of them together at the beach when I didn’t know; pictures of them at an amusement park wearing matching couple headbands; and there was even one… of Chloe in my pajamas, kissing Liam’s cheek, in Liam’s and my own bedroom. The earliest one was from the second year of our marriage. My hands began to tremble uncontrollably. I opened the journal. The first page of the journal read: “To my one true light, my Chloe.” It documented all the little moments of his and Chloe’s “love.” [April 7th, Sunny. Today, Anya got upset with me again because of work. I’m a bit annoyed. Only when I’m with Chloe can I truly feel relaxed and happy. She’s like the sun, capable of illuminating all my shadows.] [August 15th, Rainy. Chloe said she liked that limited edition bag, so I secretly bought it and gave it to her. Seeing her surprised smile, I felt it was all worth it. Anya never gets happy over these small things; she’s too boring.] [December 1st, Cloudy. I argued with Anya again today. She doesn’t understand how hard I work. I ran away from home, and Chloe found me. She stayed with me all night in the cold wind, even taking off her own jacket for me. At that moment, I truly wanted to abandon everything and elope with her.] So it wasn’t a case of love blossoming at work; they had been secretly involved for ages! Nauseating. Absolutely sickening! I had to burn all memories of Liam. I grabbed a bucket and a lighter, then lit and tossed all the photos and gifts I had gathered into the bucket. Burn! Burn it all! Burn away this disgusting past! I stood over the pile of ashes, feeling something within me slowly peel away. Just then, my phone buzzed incessantly. It was a message from my sister, Chloe. She and Liam were walking side-by-side on a bustling foreign shopping street, Liam patiently choosing an expensive scarf for her. They were dining in a high-end restaurant, she held up a wine glass, smiling brightly, and Liam looked at her with doting affection. The latest message showed a foreign businessman enthusiastically clapping Liam’s shoulder, saying in broken English: “Mr. Miller, your wife is truly young and beautiful, you two are such a perfect match!” Chloe shyly lowered her head and linked her arm through Liam’s, and Liam, too, just smiled, silently confirming everything. I finished watching with a blank expression, then tossed my phone aside. No anger, no sadness. After all, that despicable pair was about to embark on their “bright” future together. The next morning, just as dawn broke, my phone suddenly rang. The name “Liam” flashed on the screen. My heart clenched. Was he calling to announce a death? I took a deep breath and pressed the answer button. “Anya, darling, are you awake?” Liam’s voice was as gentle as ever. I froze, unable to speak for a moment. How could this be? In my last life, wasn’t Chloe tortured to death on the third day? Had the torture lasted longer for both of them this time? “Good news! The project is a success! They loved our proposal and signed the contract first thing this morning!” Liam’s voice was filled with joy: “I’ve bought tickets for tomorrow. I’ll be home soon!” Boom!

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Before my business trip, I left my daughter an unlimited black card. My only rule was for her to spend at least five million a month, to cultivate good spending habits. At first, I thought that if my daughter spent well, it would motivate me to earn more. But after a while, something felt off. She bought hundreds of luxury items in three days, ten villas in five, and yesterday, she even bought 100 adult novelty toys. I secretly flew back to investigate. But to my horror, as soon as I landed, I was informed that my daughter had been hit by a car while scavenging for anything to sell and was in the hospital, unable to even pay for her medical bills. The nurse’s voice on the phone was laced with blame: “Ms. Cross, I’ve never seen parents as neglectful as you. If you don’t come soon, you might not see your child again!” My heart pounded as I rushed to the hospital, where I found her frail and emaciated body. As my heart ached, my phone suddenly pinged with a notification: the black card had just been used for a high-end spa. I immediately stopped my assistant from canceling the black card, a faint smile playing on my lips. She likes swiping cards, does she? Then let her swipe to her heart’s content!

I got off the plane, holding a meticulously chosen birthday gift, my mind filled with fantasies of my daughter’s adorable face when she saw the surprise. But as soon as I exited the airport, I checked my phone to find over a dozen missed calls. My phone rang again. I picked it up without thinking. “This is Crestwood Hospital. Are you Skylar Cross’s mother?” “She was hit by a car on the street yesterday while scavenging for anything to sell and was rushed to our hospital.” “She’s been revived, but you need to pay the medical fees.” I froze, completely stunned, as if struck by lightning. “How is that possible?” I blurted out, instinctively. The nurse’s voice on the other end suddenly grew louder: “You’re not trying to bail on the bill, are you? Get to the hospital and pay up, or we’ll have to throw your daughter out to fend for herself!” Then, she slammed the phone down. Confusion and alarm surged through me. I immediately told my driver to head to the hospital. How could Skylar be scavenging for anything to sell? Even if she ran out of money, with a nanny at home, she wouldn’t go hungry. And with an unlimited black card, how could she not afford medical bills? As soon as the car stopped, I sprinted to her room, where I saw my emaciated daughter lying on the bed. Her arm and right leg were broken, encased in thick plaster casts, making her already delicate limbs look even thinner. When she saw me, her once dull eyes instantly welled up with tears. I went over and pulled her into my embrace, patting her back to comfort her. “It’s okay, sweetheart, don’t be scared. Mommy’s back.” Her face was covered in bruises and swelling, and her exposed arms were full of scars. In just one year, my vibrant little princess had turned into this. My daughter’s tears poured out of her. She clung to my shoulder, sobbing, “Mommy, the nurse said today’s the deadline. If we don’t pay the medical fees, they’re going to throw me out.” Her tears burned my chest, making my heart clench. I stroked her hair and asked softly, “Didn’t Mommy leave you a black card? How could you be out of money?” Her small body trembled. Only with my encouraging gaze did she finally speak: “Brandon snatched my black card and gave it to Cassidy. He said I didn’t deserve to be a Thorne family heiress, or to be with him.” Brandon Miller was the son of Doris Green, our nanny. Cassidy White was the child who was swapped at birth, and they had grown quite close. Many people said Brandon was meant to be the Thorne family’s future son-in-law. After Skylar was found, I was worried she’d be unhappy, so I immediately sent Cassidy out of the mansion, giving her enough money to live comfortably for a lifetime. I thought I had been more than fair and generous with her. I never imagined these ungrateful vipers would dare to bully my daughter. I’ll make them regret it. Seeing my daughter’s timid and haggard appearance, my heart twisted in agony. “Mommy won’t let them get away with this. No one will ever dare to bully you again.”

Just as I finished speaking, a grim-faced nurse stormed in and threw a bill onto the bed. Her eyes practically rolled into her head: “Pay the medical fees quickly, don’t think you can get away with it!” I looked at the stale, dim, multi-bed ward, and the filthy bed my daughter was lying on. I couldn’t take it anymore. With one phone call, the Dean, along with dozens of medical staff, rushed in. The nurse’s face paled. “Your attitude towards patients makes you unfit to work here. You’re fired.” After the Dean’s declaration, he immediately bowed deeply and respectfully to me, apologizing profusely. “Ms. Cross, it was our oversight. We’re so sorry your daughter was subjected to such treatment.” Only then did the nurse realize who she had angered. She tried to plead, but security guards dragged her out. I declined the Dean’s offer to transfer rooms and made another call. Less than ten minutes later, a professional medical team arrived and escorted Skylar to a private car. My sharp, efficient assistant followed behind me, her heels clicking against the floor. She reported respectfully: “During your absence, Brandon Miller started his own company, claiming to be your future son-in-law to gain advantages.” “He said you would eventually let him inherit the company and took many projects from our firm.” “He also claimed he only recognized Cassidy White as his fiancée. Cassidy has taken possession of all the assets you prepared for your daughter, and… she even kicked your daughter out of the Thorne family mansion.” The more she spoke, the colder my expression became. I had seen some cleverness in Brandon. I’d paid for him to attend the most exclusive private academies since he was little. He got a little kindness and thought he was hot stuff. Cassidy had lived a heiress’s life for over a decade in my daughter’s place. Not only did she feel no guilt, she tried to usurp her rightful place. I clenched my fists. They seemed to have forgotten what I was capable of. No one messes with Victoria Cross’s daughter! Just then, my phone buzzed with another black card spending alert. I opened it to see an entry fee for an auction. “Ms. Cross, do you need me to cancel this black card immediately?” my assistant inquired. I curved my lips into a smile: “Not so fast. Just cancel it before seven tonight.” “Also, Skylar and I will be attending tonight’s underground auction.” “Understood, Ms. Cross. I’ll make the arrangements right away,” my assistant replied respectfully. They like money, do they? I’ll give them a grand gift soon enough. “Also, investigate how Skylar got those injuries.” Thinking of the numerous scars on my sweet daughter, I felt both furious and heartbroken. The chilling aura around me startled Skylar. She cautiously tugged at my sleeve. “Mommy, are you mad at me?” “I’m sorry, Mommy. I won’t say bad things about my sister anymore. You can give her anything.” “Please don’t abandon Skylar.” Seeing her timidly trying to please me, my nose stung. What had they been feeding her?! How could I ever abandon her?! “Mommy isn’t mad at her sweetheart. Mommy’s mad at herself for not protecting her precious daughter better.” “No one can snatch what belongs to Skylar, and how could Mommy ever abandon you?” Hearing my words, her eyes suddenly lit up, sparkling brighter than stars. Soon, though, she lowered her head again, murmuring, “But Brandon said Mommy would definitely prefer the more excellent Cassidy, and if I wasn’t obedient, I’d be sent away.” “He’s the son-in-law chosen by Mom and Dad. Whoever he chooses is the Thorne family heiress.” I chuckled coldly. Where did Brandon get such confidence? He was Skylar’s senior in school, seemingly excellent in both character and academics. Young girls usually liked that type. At the time, I was worried Skylar wouldn’t know anyone when she first came back, so I allowed Brandon to continue living in the Thorne mansion to look after her. I hadn’t expected to let a wolf into the house. I lifted Skylar’s chin, looking at her tear-filled eyes. I said each word carefully: “Skylar Cross, you are the only child of the Cross and Thorne families. You will inherit everything we have.” “There’s no such thing as that ‘sister’ nonsense, and you don’t need some husband to help you. You will be the future CEO.” “Did you get that?” The little girl’s brow gradually relaxed, and she nodded vigorously. That’s more like it.

At seven in the evening, I took Skylar into the opulent and dazzling auction house, located nine floors beneath the city center. Here, anything could be bought. “Distinguished guest, please proceed to the third-floor private rooms.” A hostess in a sleek, elegant gown saw me present my badge and immediately greeted us respectfully. This badge wasn’t something you could obtain with just money; it required both wealth and power. Fewer than five guests were allowed on the third floor. The people on the first floor were multi-millionaires, yet they were lucky to even get a regular seat. “Eat up.” The private room was filled with expensive, exquisite pastries and thousands of dollars worth of drinks. I handed a plate of delicate butterfly-shaped pastries to Skylar. Through the one-way glass, I saw Cassidy White and Brandon Miller among the crowd on the first floor. Cassidy was surrounded by her entire class like a princess. Seeing her fair, supple skin and the latest designer couture, then looking at my frail daughter, My heart felt like it was being constantly twisted by a knife. The auction quickly began. Cassidy announced it was her birthday and she wanted to buy something extravagant for everyone. Every time she made a bid, I would relentlessly raise the price. “Who’s that on the third floor, always going against me? Aren’t they afraid of offending the Thorne family?” Cassidy sounded annoyed, seeing an accessory that was originally one million suddenly inflated to five million. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Money is just a number. Once it’s over, I’ll find out who they are and make them pay,” Brandon said gently, pulling out a black card to soothe her. Skylar looked at me nervously, seeing me only bid up prices but never buy anything. Thinking she might want something, I, as if by magic, pulled out a black velvet box. “Those things outside are all common. This is the birthday gift Mommy prepared for you, sweetheart.” “See if you like it?” She took it, stunned. Inside was a rare emerald necklace, once worn by a British princess. It was one-of-a-kind and utterly priceless; all the items in today’s auction combined couldn’t buy it. “It’s too precious, I don’t deserve it…” The girl didn’t even dare to touch it. I took it directly from the box, my voice brooking no argument. “Only you deserve it, my little princess.” I personally fastened it around her neck, speaking seriously. Like she had received a priceless treasure, she hugged me for the first time. “Thank you, Mommy.” *Thank you, Mommy, for not despising me, utterly worthless as I am.* A wave of warmth spread through my chest. I resolved to give her the best of everything. Anyone who had bullied her would face severe consequences. After a brief mother-daughter chat, I took a work call. When I returned, I saw Skylar surrounded on the first floor. “Skylar Cross, Cassidy didn’t even invite you. Why are you so thick-skinned, tagging along?” “Today, Miss Thorne is treating the whole class to an experience, and she’s bought something extravagant for each of us, but that doesn’t include a little street rat like you!” “What cheap garbage is that around her neck? So green, it looks totally fake.” The short-haired girl spoke, and directly yanked the necklace off Skylar’s neck, leaving a bruised, bleeding mark. “I bet she’s still dreaming of being a rich heiress. She even has the nerve to say she’s a Thorne family member, hahaha!” A jock said this, and everyone burst into laughter, throwing insults at her, a barrage of “bitch” and “imposter.” In the chaos, someone snatched her crutch, and several hands pushed her to the ground. Seeing this, I instantly understood how Skylar had gotten her injuries. “Stop!”

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I had been in a contract marriage with Noah, the incubus CEO, for three years without any real relationship. The day I proposed divorce, he calmly agreed, but suddenly pop-up comments appeared above his head: “You psycho, the chains and toys in the basement are already customized to her size. Stop pretending to be a gentleman.” “Girl, the second you sign those papers, you’ll wake up in an intimate situation with that creepy guy you hate.” “Oh boy, the captivity play is finally coming! With all that pent-up hatred, it’s gonna be intense! Isn’t an incubus supposed to have barbs? Little miss evil deserves to have her eyes roll back…” “Sigh, you fool. If you had just been a bit nicer to him these past few years, this love-crazed psycho would’ve worshipped the ground you walked on. Now his love has twisted into hatred…” My hand trembled as I was about to sign. I looked up at the expressionless man before me: “Um, maybe we shouldn’t get divorced after all.” 0 “What?” Noah’s thin eyelids flickered slightly, his tone indifferent. His nonchalant attitude made me wonder if I had imagined those pop-up comments. I took a deep breath, put down the half-signed pen, and scrambled for an explanation: “I suddenly don’t want a divorce anymore. We’ve been together for three years, we’re used to each other’s presence. To be honest, I think I’d miss you…” As I trailed off, the man’s expression grew increasingly confused. I lost my confidence and my voice got softer and softer. My marriage to Noah had been an accident. Five years ago, ever since a poor intern named Tina Su joined the company, my smooth-sailing life had fallen apart. My childhood sweetheart, who had promised to take care of me for life, fell for her instead. He publicly broke off our engagement, humiliating me. Even my usually doting parents inexplicably took Tina’s side. Consumed by jealousy, I impulsively married Noah Song, the rumored cold and vicious incubus CEO that everyone avoided, just to prove I wasn’t unwanted. For three years after the wedding, I kept trying to get back at Tina but failed miserably each time. Either Noah would find out and stop me in advance, or my schemes would backfire spectacularly. Recently, my attempts to frame Tina were exposed. I became a social pariah, with many friends cutting ties. I knew Noah had always despised my vicious behavior and favored Tina. I figured I might as well dump him first before he could abandon me like the others. It would at least make me look more in control. When I texted about wanting a divorce, Noah was in the middle of an important meeting. But he called back almost immediately. “Reason?” His voice came through the phone. I laughed maliciously: “Last time I accidentally saw your tail when the bathroom door wasn’t closed properly. It was all slimy and gross.” So now when I said I “couldn’t bear to leave him”, it was so unconvincing that even I didn’t believe it… “You’re sure you don’t want a divorce?” Instead of the expected cold laughter, the man’s deep voice snapped me back to reality. “I don’t want to divorce for now.” I studied Noah’s expression, but saw no trace of joy on his face. “As you wish.” After a few seconds, he took the half-signed divorce agreement on the table and put it through the shredder. The pop-up comments appeared again: “What’s going on with the evil female lead? Did she suddenly grow a brain?” “Is Lily finally wising up and planning to use Noah? It might be too late though, his hatred has already taken root.” “Who says it’s too late? The timing is perfect! Didn’t you see how pleased he looked when he shredded those divorce papers? That paper shredder cracked me up, the guy is so afraid she’ll change her mind!” “Keep it up girl, don’t stop! Go all in! Noah’s a psycho incubus with no morals, and you’re the villainess. You two are made for each other. If you win him over, taking down Tina will be a piece of cake!” 0

It took me an afternoon to process everything. I finally understood that the world I lived in was actually a romance novel. Tina was the female lead, while I was the evil supporting character destined to be imprisoned to death by the male lead. No wonder everyone who got close to Tina was drawn to her, as if the whole world revolved around her. There was too much information to take in today. After showering that night, I opened my phone hoping to relax my mind a bit, only to see an onslaught of hateful comments. All my social media accounts had been flooded. Netizens were defending Tina and criticizing me. My ex-fiancé Ethan sent me a Snapchat message: “Lily, don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. You’re just using these dirty tricks to try and force me to leave Tina and be with you.” “Hah, all this trouble just to see me? Fine, you win. Meet me at the usual place Friday afternoon!” I didn’t reply. I blocked him and turned off my phone screen. The pop-up comments scrolled by: “I’m not trying to whitewash her, but the villainess’s actions aren’t completely unreasonable. A proud princess of a wealthy family, overnight her parents, lover, and friends all became obsessed with another girl and ignored her. I’d go crazy too if I were her.” “The villainess is beautiful and rich, why does she keep losing to the female lead who can’t even tell Word from Google Docs? This stupid novel has no logic…” “If I were the author, I’d slap some sense into the female lead, punch the male lead twice, lock up the villainess with the psycho second male lead, and not let them out of the basement until they have 8 kids. How’s that?” “…” Not good at all. After calming down, I prepared for bed. Just as I took off my underwear, the bedroom door suddenly opened. Noah’s gaze traveled up and down my body. I quickly grabbed my robe and covered myself. “Sorry, you didn’t lock the door.” Noah stared at me intently, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Black scales flickered across his skin. Incubi involuntarily reveal their true form when aroused… The word “Get out” was on the tip of my tongue. But I saw the pop-up comment: “I can already guess the villainess is going to say ‘get out’ with a look of disgust on her face. What a waste of a good woman. This is how the second male lead’s love gets eroded bit by bit.” “Lily, be gentler with your husband! If you slap him now, your mouth is going to suffer greatly in that basement later. Split lips are very painful, you know.” Warned by the pop-up comments, I quickly changed my tone and gave Noah a slight smile: “It’s okay, hon-” Noah was about to leave the room but stopped in his tracks. His eyes darkened as he waited for me to finish. Damn, it was those pop-up comments constantly saying “hubby” that threw me off… “Hurry up and say it! One ‘hubby’ and he’d give his life for you. The female lead would be nothing.” “Can we not make the second male lead sound so cheap? After three years of cold violence, he definitely hates the villainess more than he loves her. Besides, didn’t you guys forget? The second male lead imprisoned the villainess to death to protect the female lead.” The pop-up comments split into two arguing factions. I raised an eyebrow, wanting to test the validity of this information. I decided to flirt a bit: “Noah, do you think I have a nice body?” “It’s alright.” The man lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable. “You stubborn idiot, you won’t get a wife by being so tight-lipped. No wonder the villainess still likes the male lead after marrying you for so long. You kind of deserve it.” “Is it just me or does the villainess suddenly not seem to hate the second male lead anymore? Are we evil couple shippers finally getting some good content??” Not giving up, I took a step forward and teased: “How would you know if you haven’t looked properly?” “I don’t need to look.” Noah replied coldly, but his fingertips involuntarily curled, the joints turning slightly pink as he nearly tore holes in his pants. I never noticed before how cute this man looked when he was shy. I noticed Noah’s collar was messed up and reached out to fix it for him. “Don’t touch me.” A cold warning sounded above my head. Harsh. I froze, remembering the arguing pop-up comments from earlier. It made sense. I had never shown Noah any kindness these past three years. Meanwhile Tina was like a little sun, always warmly encouraging him to overcome his trauma. It was normal for Noah to hate me. I laughed self-deprecatingly and withdrew my outstretched arm: “Remember to close the door on your way out. I’m going to sleep.” The man closed the door, but instead of leaving, he walked towards me step by step. His breathing grew increasingly hot and heavy, his eyes reddening from the effort of holding back. I finally realized something was wrong: “Noah, what’s wrong? Do you have a fever?” Pop-up comment: “More accurately, he’s in heat… Noah, don’t fall too hard! The villainess was just casually flirting, and you’ve already triggered your mating season early.” “Mating season?” I muttered to myself. How did I never know Noah had a mating season in our three years of marriage? Pop-up comment: “The villainess is so clueless, she actually thought the second male lead was asexual. Hello, he’s an incubus! Plus you have an amazing body and the best looks in the whole book. He just didn’t want to force himself on you.” “During previous mating seasons, Noah would steal one of your worn clothes and hide away, not letting you see him.” “Speaking of those clothes, they’re in quite a pitiful state now, nearly worn through by the well-endowed second male lead…” I stared blankly at the scrolling comments, feeling like I was looking at a screen full of censored text. So earlier when he didn’t let me touch him, was it because of his mating season? Noah buried his face in the crook of my neck, nuzzling back and forth restlessly. His pale skin flushed red with desire, weakening his usual aloof aura. Before, I had been so focused on getting back at Tina and trying to win back Ethan that I never really looked at Noah properly. I didn’t realize this man could be so breathtakingly handsome. His features were even more exquisite than those of TV stars. 0

“There’s… medicine and syringes in the study drawer… go get them…” Noah’s voice was broken and intermittent as he tried desperately to hide the patterns and scales emerging on his body. Looking at the man pushed to his limit, his lips bitten bloody, his clothes soaked with sweat and clinging to his body, outlining tantalizing abdominal muscles… I suddenly changed my mind. Three years of sleeping alone in an empty bed, while I may not have the intense urges of an incubus, I was still a normal person with needs. Although the first clause of our marriage contract, which I wrote myself, stated: No romance, only money. Taking advantage strictly forbidden. But I was the morally bankrupt villainess, wasn’t I? What use did I have for keeping promises… Having made up my mind, I gently patted the man’s face and whispered: “Noah, remember to be gentle.” “Don’t touch me, I’m dirty…” Noah’s whole body trembled at my touch, but he still clung to his last shred of self-control. “But I want to…” I took off my robe, used my fingertips to wipe the blood from his lips, and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. Pop-up comments: “What’s going on, the villainess actually made the first move!” “That face pat, ahhhh, I’m so invested! Sister, do you need another dog?” “Love mixed with hate, perfection. Love born from hatred, even better!” “My heart is racing, my hands are shaking, are our villainous couple finally going to do the deed?!” The moment our lips touched, Noah immediately took control. His large warm hands gripped the back of my head. The air was forcibly stolen from my lungs, making my legs go weak. A thick black “rope” had wrapped around my waist at some point. It was too tight, causing me some pain. I let out a muffled groan and tried to push it aside. “I’m sorry, don’t… don’t look…” Noah snapped out of his daze, his pupils contracting sharply as he desperately tried to hide the tail that had emerged due to his arousal. Before I could react, the man had already fled the room in a panic. Soon, I heard the sound of drawers being rummaged through in the study next door. The air filled with an indescribable medicinal smell. Leaning against the wardrobe, I gasped for fresh air while reading the scrolling pop-up comments: “Noah, you coward, get back here! I’ve already taken my pants off, why are you running?” “Enough, am I the only one who feels bad for the second male lead? He’s been bullied and humiliated since childhood for being an incubus. He was overjoyed to marry his dream girl, only for her to find him disgusting too. Of course he’d be insecure.” “Villainess, my dear child, did you really have to act disgusted by his true form at a time like this? He’s really about to break.” It’s not like that, I’ve been wronged! I really just wanted him to loosen his grip a bit… 0

The next morning, Noah was nowhere to be found when I woke up. As I ate my breakfast sandwich, I took a deep breath and opened my phone after a 3-second mental preparation. To my surprise, all the hateful comments seemed to have evaporated overnight. The media outlets that had criticized me most harshly even had their official accounts suspended. One of the few media friends I was still in contact with sent me a photo of my parents visiting their company, with the caption: “It’s all taken care of.” I smiled. I knew my parents wouldn’t really abandon me. After all, they had always stepped in to smooth over all my big and small troubles before. Pop-up comment: “I can’t believe it, every time the second male lead quietly helps the villainess, he has to give all the credit to those good-for-nothing in-laws…” “Noah, the champion of the CEO world at washing underwear with a cold face. When his wife is in a good mood, he happily serves her. When his wife is in a bad mood, he coldly serves her.” “What a shame, the villainess doesn’t understand anything. She was so blatantly disgusted last night. Even though she avoided divorce for now, she probably can’t escape her fate of being forcibly imprisoned in the end.” Shocked, I shifted my gaze from the pop-up comments to my phone screen. I stared at the photo of my parents for a full ten minutes before finally noticing signs of Photoshop… I opened Snapchat and scrolled to the very bottom to find Noah: “Are you free today? I have something to discuss with you.” He replied instantly: “Wrong person.” “…” “No, it’s not~ Hubby~” This time he replied much slower: “I’m very sorry about last night, for letting you see those disgusting things. I’m very busy today. If you want a divorce, contact a lawyer first.” “No no no,” I quickly refuted, “It’s not about divorce.” Noah: “Alright, see you this afternoon.” Pop-up comments: “LOL, ‘divorce’ – no time. ‘Not divorce’ – see you this afternoon.” “That was close, the villainess narrowly avoided the dark room play again. Why do I feel like she’s becoming self-aware and trying to save herself?” “Why do I have a feeling something bad is about to happen at this plot point, but I can’t quite remember what…”

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The day I received my wife’s diagnosis, she suddenly installed a camera in our bedroom. That night, I saw her swear on the phone: “I won’t let him touch me again. I’ve sent you the account and password. You can log in and check anytime.” “I’ve decided to stay chaste for love.” Watching her flushed, impassioned face, I silently put the diagnosis report into the shredder. Stay chaste for love… Well, let’s make it a lifetime then. When I saw the letters “ALS” on Arianna’s diagnosis report, I nearly lost my balance. Three months ago, Arianna was injured in a hiking accident. During her hospital stay, I had the doctors do a comprehensive checkup, hoping for peace of mind. I never expected such a result. “ALS currently has no cure. We can only use medication to slow its progression, but the final outcome is irreversible,” the doctor said, looking at me sympathetically. Arianna was the quintessential career woman. Beautiful features, but not delicate. Her every move exuded a composed and elegant feminine charm. As a renowned divorce lawyer, she was brilliant and rational despite being a woman – a steel magnolia in her colleagues’ eyes. In private life, she was disciplined and routine-oriented, enjoying fitness and hiking, extremely particular about quality of life. I couldn’t bear to imagine someone like her becoming a helpless ALS patient in the future. Sitting on a street corner, watching the endless stream of people, I slowly stood up after a long while. I had made up my mind. As husband and wife, we should face everything together. No matter what she becomes in the future, I will face it with our son by her side. It was dark when I got home. Our son Ethan was quietly playing chess in his room. At seven years old, he had reached the level of chess master and had been interviewed on TV as a “child prodigy”. “Have you eaten?” I asked him gently, adjusting my mood. “Yes, the nanny made pork rib soup today,” he replied without looking up, focused on the chessboard. “Where’s Mom?” “She went for a run.” Ethan was quiet by nature, speaking concisely and clearly. Just like us. Two hours later, as I was lying in bed debating whether to tell Arianna about her condition, she came back. Wearing a hoodie and yoga pants, her whole figure looked graceful and spirited. I became anxious, “It’s only a few degrees outside, why are you dressed so lightly?” One of the precautions the doctor had mentioned today was that ALS patients produce less heat due to muscle atrophy and shouldn’t get cold, as it would accelerate the disease progression. Arianna’s face was expressionless as she said flatly: “This is how I always dress for running.” She opened the box in her hand and took out a camera, setting it up on the dresser opposite the bed. Pointing right at the bed. I was a bit confused. “Why are you suddenly installing a camera?” “There have been some burglaries in the neighborhood. Having surveillance is safer.” “Aren’t you worried about privacy?” I asked hesitantly, knowing Arianna was extremely concerned about personal privacy. She glanced at me and scoffed: “Privacy? Who’s interested in your privacy?” Various emotions swirled in my heart, but I didn’t want to argue with her. Before bed, she lay down with her back to me, far away, clearly too exhausted to talk. I sighed inwardly. She had just finished a high-profile celebrity divorce case. Let her relax for now that the pressure was off. In the middle of the night, I woke up suddenly, my mind unsettled. The bed beside me was empty. Arianna wasn’t there. I felt a surge of panic and got up to look for her. On the balcony, she was making a phone call in the night breeze, wearing only a thin nightgown. I hurried over with a coat. “I won’t let him touch me again…” Her soft voice reached me, and I paused. “I’ve sent you the password and account. You can log in and check anytime.” “I’ve decided to stay chaste for love.” Through the glass, I stared blankly at Arianna. This usually elegant and proud woman was now overflowing with intense emotion. Watching her flushed, impassioned face, I slowly processed the logic of her words. For a moment, I felt like I didn’t know her at all.

Arianna was quite uninhibited in the bedroom. Elegant and proper during the day, demanding at night. In recent years, as her stress increased dramatically, she had to be meticulous and airtight in her words and actions as a famous female divorce lawyer. As a result, she increasingly lived in a closed-off mode. Only in the intimate moments of the night, when she was panting with desire in my ear, could I find traces of that shy girl who used to blush at the sight of me. We were classmates in a graduate seminar. She pursued me. The proud and vivacious girl only had affectionate, shy glances for me. I fell for her quickly. Later, I stayed at the university as a psychology professor. She started as a salaried lawyer and worked her way up to partner, becoming a nationally renowned female divorce lawyer earning millions a year. We had many similarities in personality: Emotionally stable, rational and pragmatic, objective and calm, particular about quality of life, willing to work hard for our ideals. I had a stable and respectable job that allowed me to take care of the child and family. She was successful in her career, soaring in her professional field. Married for eight years, we respected each other and achieved together, living in a million-dollar apartment with an easy-to-raise “genius” son. You could say we were an enviable family. But half a year ago, she suddenly changed. She had a habit of night running. She used to leave at 8 pm and return at 9 pm, then shower and spend half an hour of family time. Like clockwork. But six months ago, she suddenly started leaving at 7 pm and not returning until 10 pm. When she came back, she seemed exhausted and went straight to bed after showering. Family time was naturally cancelled. I asked her why her night runs had become so long. She said flatly, “The case is at a dead end. Staying out longer helps clear my head.” Mental labor can sometimes be more tiring than physical labor. I understood. Later, she seemed to suddenly lose interest in intimacy. Not only did she no longer initiate, but she repeatedly rejected me, citing being “too tired”. I thought it was because of her stress and was very worried. That’s why after she was hospitalized for the hiking injury, I strongly urged her to take a break from work and recuperate for a while, and had the doctors do a full checkup. But now it seems the situation was not as I had imagined… I lay back in bed, staring at the ceiling in the dark with wide eyes. Her words earlier made her seem like a stranger, and the expression on her face felt even more unreal. So much so that after suffering two major blows today, intense curiosity overrode what should have been feelings of heartbreak and anger. I was really curious. What kind of man was on the other end of that call, to make Arianna, who had become utterly rational in recent years, behave like that? I’ve always been direct in my actions. The next night, I slipped sleeping pills into her milk.

As she slept heavily, I used her finger to unlock her phone. I found yesterday’s late night call number and looked at it for a while until something clicked. I had seen this number before. Three months ago, after Arianna was hospitalized for her hiking injury, I asked the police for the contact information of the first person who found her and called for help, wanting to express my gratitude. This was the number the police gave me. I have an excellent memory, especially for numbers. I couldn’t be wrong. I called the number in front of the police officer, and a man answered. His voice was steady, his manner gentle. He said there was no need to meet, and thanks were unnecessary. He said this was what any normal person would do. After hanging up, the police officer smiled and told me that while others might ask for a reward, he definitely wouldn’t. I asked why. The officer said he recognized the man during questioning – he had been in the news as the “Most Devoted Husband”. “He’s had a hard life too. His wife became completely paralyzed from a sudden illness at their wedding, leaving behind a 7-year-old son from her previous marriage. He didn’t abandon her, taking care of her day and night for thirteen years, while also raising that child alone. His wife passed away last year, and he finally got through it. Now he runs a small food stall selling lamb soup at the entrance of the suburban park.” “How could someone with that kind of moral character accept your reward money!” I nodded in admiration at the time, “My wife was lucky to have met him.” Now, in the dead of night, I held the phone for a long while, then opened the photo gallery. I don’t know if Arianna was confident in herself or trusting of me, but she had hardly hidden anything. What greeted my eyes was a screen full of photos of a man. The same man. A small stall lit by warm lamps under the starry night sky. The man had handsome features and a warm smile. He was either cutting ingredients, ladling soup, or chatting with customers. Every scene exuded warmth and an air of peaceful contentment. In the hundreds of photos, the man’s clothing changed from short sleeves to thick cotton jackets. The time span was half a year. The third day, I went to the suburban park and sat down at the small stall with a sign that read “Zack’s Lamb Soup”. I watched Zack from a short distance away. He was crouched in front of a flower bed, speaking softly to a stray kitten. Two women stood in front of his stall, joking: “Zack only has eyes for these cats and dogs. He’s not even trying to make money anymore.” Zack hurriedly stood up, explaining apologetically in a gentle voice: “I’m sorry, I just felt bad for them and got too absorbed. I didn’t see you there.” One of the women waved her hand, “You’re doing a good deed. These strays treat this place like home. They know you’re soft-hearted and all come to you for food. It’s a heartwarming scene – we enjoy watching it too.” After the two women left, I walked over. “One bowl of lamb soup, please.” Zack responded with an “Ah” and smiled as he ladled the soup for me. Across the rising steam, I quietly observed him. About 35 or 36, tall and well-built, with handsome features. Dressed simply but neatly, with gentle eyes and a friendly smile. His whole being exuded the warm and steady charm of a mature man. “It’s your first time here, friend. I’ll add some extra lamb lung for you to try.” I sat at the small table, slowly savoring the flavor. My mind kept wrestling with one question. Would someone like Zack, with his background and character… Would he do something like interfere in someone else’s marriage? Would he?

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My wife has always been cold and distant. In the ten years we’ve been married, she’s never said she loves me. Before I died, I discovered a love letter she had been preparing for years. But my name wasn’t on it. It turns out she was only indifferent towards me. After getting a second chance at life, the first thing I did was cancel our engagement and help her deliver the love letter. She turned red with anger and yelled at me for the first time: “Jack, who asked you to meddle in my business?” 0An hour before the elevator accident, I was cleaning the attic when I found a yellowed love letter. The handwriting was familiar, as was the signature. But the name at the beginning wasn’t mine. It was a love letter Fiona had written to another guy. In the moment the elevator fell, I was still thinking— I never got to know who the man she liked was, what he looked like, or if he was much better than me. When I woke up again, the sun outside was blinding. My head was fuzzy, and my friend William sighed beside me: “You’re finally awake. You scared me to death earlier. Luckily, someone reacted quickly and brought you to the infirmary.” The boy in front of me, wearing a high school uniform, made me feel disoriented for a moment. Seventeen-year-old William? The warm sensation on my hand told me this wasn’t a dream. I really had been given a second chance at life! Footsteps echoed from the doorway, and a figure emerged from the light, appearing before me. “Are you okay?” Fiona looked at me coolly, holding bread and milk in her hands. Familiar memories suddenly flooded back. That’s right, I had overslept that day and didn’t have time for breakfast. I fainted during PE class due to low blood sugar. Fiona handed me the food and watched me eat. That morning, Fiona’s class had a physics quiz, but she skipped it because of me. Later, she was scolded by her homeroom teacher. At seventeen, I was still lost in the fantasy that she cared about me, but with my 32-year-old mindset, I now knew clearly that Fiona was only taking care of me because she had promised my father. Fiona’s father and my dad were war buddies. After Fiona’s father died in the line of duty, her mother took the compensation money and ran off. My dad, seeing Fiona alone and helpless, took her in and raised her. Because she was dependent on us, she always listened to my dad and never dared to disobey. From that day on, Fiona became my little shadow. Everyone teased us behind our backs, saying I had an obedient childhood sweetheart. Later, when my dad noticed my feelings, he joked about Fiona becoming our daughter-in-law. She didn’t say a word. Back then, I thought she was just shy and reserved. Now that I think about it, I was such a fool. During class, I was distracted, constantly replaying the events of my past life. I didn’t want to ruin Fiona’s life again. Perhaps if we didn’t get married, she would be happier, and I wouldn’t die either. After the evening study session, the teacher kept us for an extra ten minutes. When class was finally over, students rushed out in a flurry. As I packed up my things, I saw Fiona waiting for me at the door, her head lowered as she looked at her error correction book. The light shone on her, making her appear even more aloof and cold. As we walked out of the school building, silence hung between us. Fiona was always like this – cold, indifferent, as if nothing interested her. I watched her back and suddenly stopped in my tracks. “Fiona, you go ahead. You don’t need to walk with me anymore, and you don’t have to wait for me in the future either.” “Why?” “No reason.” You’re free, Fiona. I headed towards the back street of the school, planning to buy some exercise books to improve my lackluster math skills. The person behind me caught up, asking coolly: “Jack, what’s wrong now?” “Is it because I arrived too late this morning? Or you didn’t like the milk I bought? The store only had that flavor left…” The moonlight shone on her, cold and clear. Her gaze seemed to say: What are you up to now? I tried to explain: “It’s really not that. The college entrance exam is coming up soon, everyone’s time is precious. You don’t need to waste yours on me. I need to study hard too.” Fiona stood there, stunned. It was probably the first time she had heard me say something like this. I used to love sticking close to Fiona. I didn’t get into North City University, but Fiona did. However, because of a single comment from my dad, she chose to stay in our hometown with me. At the time, I foolishly thought she liked me and just wouldn’t say it out loud. She must have regretted it, after all, that was her dream university. 0

Fiona didn’t follow me this time. I walked into the bookstore and picked out a few workbooks suitable for my level, along with a composition guide. When I went to pay, I realized the money in my pocket was gone. Puzzled, I retraced my steps through the store but couldn’t find it. I wasn’t sure if it had been stolen or if I had dropped it somewhere. I sighed, planning to come back and buy the books tomorrow. As I turned to leave, I bumped into someone. “Whoa!” the person exclaimed, dropping their comic book but managing to protect the bowl of barbecue in their hands. “I’m sorry.” “It’s you again?” The familiar voice and intonation caught me off guard. I looked closely and realized it was Sophie. My best friend from university – how did I run into her now? “What a coincidence, classmate. My friend and I took you to the infirmary when you fainted this morning. Are you feeling better?” “Oh… yeah, I’m fine. Thank you…” I was caught off guard, never realizing we had such an encounter in my previous life. Sophie picked up her comic book and, noticing my hesitation, took the books from my hand and paid for them along with hers. “I saw you wandering around the store earlier, like you were looking for something. What’s up, did you lose your money?” I nodded quickly, impressed by her observation skills. No wonder she would become a criminal investigator in the future. I told her I’d pay her back tomorrow, but Sophie waved it off. “Just treat me to a meal tomorrow, and we’ll call it even.” As we walked out onto the back street, the night had grown quiet with only a few students passing by. Noticing a group of delinquents smoking together not far ahead, I turned to Sophie and offered to walk her home. I went to the garage and retrieved a black motorcycle. After dropping her off at her building, the roar of the motorcycle finally died down. She was worried about disturbing the neighbors and asked me to keep it down when leaving. I smirked, “Can’t keep it down, I’m afraid. My baby’s just that powerful.” “…” That came out sounding weird. When I got home, I ran into Fiona at the entrance of our apartment complex. Strange, didn’t I tell her to go back first? How come she’s even slower than me? Fiona and I went up together, an inexplicable pressure building in the silence. As the elevator doors closed, she suddenly spoke: “Is that girl the reason you’re trying so hard?” “…No, we just happened to meet.” “What a coincidence.” Her tone was flat, as if she didn’t care much, so I didn’t bother explaining further. Back home, Fiona would usually finish her homework and then take a shower. While she was in the bathroom, I snuck into her room and found the love letter. She always hid things in the same place – under a stack of books. Easy to find. I opened the letter, pondering who this “Lucas” could be. Maybe it was someone from her class? Given how cold she always is, I doubt she’d ever catch up to anyone else. Well, why don’t I give her a hand? 0

The next day, I went to school with dark circles under my eyes. After investigating all night, I discovered there were no boys named Lucas in Fiona’s class, only two girls with that surname. Math class went by in a blur again. Even with a second chance at life, the problems I couldn’t solve before were still beyond me. It seems the gap between Fiona and me was destined to remain unbridgeable. At lunch, I was about to go meet Sophie when I found Fiona waiting for me at the classroom door, holding a bag of my favorite roast chicken. “Didn’t I tell you not to wait for me anymore? You should do whatever you want.” “Oh.” She handed me the bag. “Thanks, but you don’t need to buy this for me in the future.” “…” Fiona looked at me, puzzled, and sighed slightly: “Jack, what have I done to upset you? You’ve been avoiding me lately.” “It’s not your problem, it’s mine. I’ve just realized some things.” I walked towards the cafeteria, then remembered something and turned back to her seriously: “By the way, when my dad said you should be my wife, he was just joking. You don’t have to take it seriously or listen to him too much.” “Fiona, good luck with your college entrance exam. Go to your dream university.” “…” Fiona frowned, as if not understanding why I was saying all this. I arrived at the cafeteria where Sophie had already found a table and was waiting for me. “What’s this?” Sophie glanced at the bag in my hand. “Roast chicken. Here, you can have it. Thanks for helping me yesterday.” “Hey, no need to be so formal.” Sophie waved it off but couldn’t resist the aroma of the chicken and ended up eating a drumstick. One thing led to another. She was eating with gusto, her mouth covered in oil. I was about to remind her when a cold voice interrupted. “So this is why you had to get rid of me. You two are dating?” Sophie nearly choked in surprise. I turned around to meet Fiona’s cold gaze, feeling as if I’d been caught cheating. No, no, we’re not a couple anymore. “It’s not like that. We just met, we’re just classmates…” I was telling the truth, but Fiona impatiently cut me off: “You don’t need to explain to me. “I won’t tell Uncle about this. There’s no need to avoid me in the future.” She said coldly, turning away with a hint of anger. Sophie came back and quietly asked me who that was. Seeing her gossipy look, she probably thought Fiona and I were a couple. I briefly explained our situation, and Sophie nodded in understanding. “Oh, childhood sweethearts, huh? She seems to care about you a lot.” “…It’s not like that.” Fiona couldn’t wait to get rid of me.

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We got married less than two weeks after meeting through a blind date. For the first three months after the wedding, we slept in separate rooms. Then one night, he knocked on my door. His voice was husky: “It’s time we consummate this marriage.” Lucas and I had just gotten our marriage license and were driving home. Halfway there, the car suddenly stopped. Lucas unbuckled his seatbelt and said, “Wait here, I’m going to buy something.” “Buy what? Are you feeling sick?” “No, just some essentials.” Left alone in the car, I relaxed my tense nerves. It felt surreal – we were really married now. Lucas and I had met through a blind date set up by my aunt. She had enthusiastically told me: “He’s handsome, from a good family. His parents are both high-ranking government officials.” “He also works for the government, as a detective…” If I didn’t agree, I knew my other aunts would all come knocking with more suggestions. So I reluctantly nodded. When we met, he was just as my aunt described – handsome, nearly 6’2″ tall, with piercing eyes like a hawk. But when he furrowed his brow, he looked fierce and serious. I didn’t dare look up at him. The date didn’t last long, with barely any conversation before we parted ways. I thought that was the end of it, but three days later my aunt called to say he wanted to meet again. I frowned, not really wanting to go. But thinking of Lucas’s intimidating face, I was afraid to refuse in case he showed up at my door. I decided to meet once more to clearly explain my feelings. He suggested meeting at the movie theater. When I arrived, Lucas was already there. He wore a khaki trench coat over a white shirt, with long straight legs ending in black leather shoes. He had a bit of an English gentleman vibe. He seemed less fierce than last time. While waiting in line for tickets, he leaned down close to me. I was suddenly enveloped by the faint scent of his body wash. “Do you want popcorn and soda?” I shook my head, just wanting to get the movie over with. During the film, Lucas was very attentive. He didn’t say anything unnecessary or make any suspicious moves. He was quite well-behaved. As the movie neared its end, I breathed a sigh of relief. When we came out, it had started pouring rain outside with thunder and lightning. The wind carried moisture in the air. Lucas’s car was parked across the street, still some distance away. I hadn’t expected it to rain tonight, so I was going to get wet either way. I decided to just put my bag over my head and make a run for it. Suddenly my wrist was grabbed firmly, almost painfully tight. Lucas quickly loosened his grip when he realized. “Sorry.” He took off his coat: “Use this over your head.” “Let’s go together.” Lucas was tall, so his coat was big enough to cover us both. “Move in closer.” We were very close, our skin occasionally brushing. When my arm accidentally touched his hot chest I quickly pulled it back. Half of Lucas’s body got soaked. His wet hair clung to his forehead, looking a bit messy. “Are you cold?” I shook my head. “You should dry off quickly. Be careful not to catch a cold tomorrow.” The car arrived home as the rain gradually stopped. I unbuckled my seatbelt and forced a faint smile: “Thanks for today. Go take a hot shower when you get home to ward off the chill.” I got out of the car, and the door on the other side opened too. “Did you need something else?” “I’m free this weekend. Want to grab dinner together?” I was about to refuse, but seeing Lucas’s sharp eyes, I swallowed my words. I nodded in agreement. Before our weekend dinner plans, Lucas and I unexpectedly met again due to an incident where a student’s parent violently attacked a teacher. It happened suddenly – I was walking and replying to a message when an angry-looking parent rushed out wielding a stick. “Are you Ms. Wilson?” I nodded, not fully processing what was happening. The stick came down hard on my shoulder. “My child is in the hospital with a concussion because of you…” I let out a muffled cry and collapsed. I tried to speak but my voice was stuck in my throat. I was confused – we always treated those kids like precious treasures, never hitting or scolding them. How could I have beaten a student? The parent was in a rage, about to bring the stick down on my stomach when Lucas appeared and forcefully kicked him away. Lucas was in his police uniform, his face dark with anger. The parent was taken to the police station while Lucas brought me to the hospital. My right shoulder was injured, with bruising and swelling over a large area. “It’s not too serious. I’ll apply some medicine and give you some ointment to use at home daily.” Lucas frowned, his expression grim. The nurse who had been sneaking glances at Lucas earlier now didn’t dare make a sound, her hands shaking as she applied the medicine. “Gentle–” The nurse’s hands were trembling like a sieve. I looked up. Lucas’s expression wasn’t much better, looking quite fierce. I felt helpless. “Why don’t you wait outside?” He gave me a cool look, nodded, and turned to leave, closing the door behind him. The school principal called to express concern. “Principal, this counts as a work injury right? I can’t even lift my arm to write now.” “Take a few days off to rest at home. Come back when you’re healed…” While I felt wronged by the whole incident, hearing I could take a few days off work lifted my mood considerably. In the hallway, Lucas stood ramrod straight with his arms crossed over his chest, thin lips pressed tightly together. He drew many glances, but his intimidating aura kept people from approaching. “Thank you for today. How did you show up so quickly?” “I happened to be in the area on business.” That night as I was about to sleep, my phone screen lit up. Lucas had sent a message: “The investigation results are in. The injured child just started middle school and was struggling academically. His family is also poor. A teacher deliberately targeted him, punishing him harshly in class for not completing homework. After school, the teacher called him to the office and warned him not to tell anyone. When the parent got home from work, he found the child unconscious and took him to the hospital where they discovered a concussion and other injuries. When questioned about who did it, the student made up a teacher surnamed Wilson…” I read it, feeling conflicted. Teachers’ ethics really needed improvement. I glanced at the time and sent a message back: “You’re still not off work?” “I am. About to shower.” “…” “Rest well. Good night.” “Good night.” As I got to know Lucas better, I found him to be very polite and gentlemanly in his speech and manners, aside from his intimidating demeanor. I thought marriage to someone like him would probably be quite nice. So when Lucas called two weeks later to ask if I wanted to get married, I didn’t hesitate long before agreeing. Lucas tossed a large cardboard box labeled “health products” into the backseat. I didn’t think much of it. There was also a bag of fresh fruit on top which he handed to me. I opened it to find many plump, glistening lychees. I peeled one and popped it in my mouth. As I bit down, the sweet juices burst forth, filling my mouth with a delicious aroma. My mood instantly lightened. Once I started eating them I couldn’t stop, devouring over a dozen in one go. I sighed contentedly at how sweet the lychees were, my fondness for Lucas growing even more. Our new home was a large apartment, simply but elegantly furnished with high-quality pieces. Lucas carried a box into the bedroom. The bedroom door was slightly ajar, and I could faintly make out the deep red bedspread contrasting starkly against the white walls. My hazy state of mind suddenly cleared as I realized – tonight would be our wedding night. The thought made my heart race. I felt awkward and flushed bright red. Before this, my only “relationships” had been with fictional characters. I’d never even held hands with a guy in real life. Lucas emerged from the bedroom and glanced at me, furrowing his brow. “Not feeling well?” I shook my head, saying sheepishly, “Just a bit hot.” I opened the fridge and asked, “What do you want for lunch?” He unbuttoned his shirt and rolled up the sleeves, revealing muscular forearms. He looked slightly surprised. “You can cook?” When we’d visited Lucas’s family before, they had a private chef who made amazing Suzhou cuisine. He nodded and smiled. “I learned to cook for myself when studying abroad. Eating out was too expensive.” Lucas cooked in the kitchen while I busied myself organizing clothes in the bedroom. I opened the closet to find dresses hanging neatly, with a row of new lingerie sets below. The tags were still on – clearly pre-prepared. As I bent to take clothes from my suitcase, I noticed the box he’d brought back from the pharmacy earlier was open. The tape had been removed. I peeked inside to find it full of contraceptives in various flavors. My face instantly flushed red. There was also an unopened box on the nightstand, seemingly prepared specially for tonight. It was hot, and I’d started sweating just from moving around a bit. My hair felt sticky and I didn’t want Lucas to see me looking so disheveled. I grabbed some clothes and quickly ducked into the bathroom to shower. When I came out feeling fresh, Lucas was just coming out of the kitchen, a delicious aroma wafting into the living room. His eyes lingered on me for a moment before quickly looking away. “You showered?” “Yeah, it was too hot earlier and I got all sweaty.” The table was set with braised fish in vinegar sauce, stewed pork ribs with yam, tofu and vegetable soup, and a small dish of pickled vegetables. My mouth watered at the sight. I couldn’t help but give Lucas a thumbs up. “Lucas, you’re amazing! This is Michelin star level!” “So good!” I’d planned to act ladylike in front of him, but the food was just too delicious. I couldn’t resist having an extra bowl of rice.

Lucas got an urgent work call in the afternoon and had to leave in a rush. I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling more at ease by myself. I napped until late afternoon and saw a message from him: “Sorry, I won’t be back for dinner tonight.” I went down to the convenience store to buy some snacks, then watched a movie and read for a while. Looking up at the clock, I saw it was nearly 10pm. I frowned and sent him a message, but got no reply. He must be too busy. I spent my wedding night alone. Lucas called to tell me he’d be away for the whole week – there were new developments in the case and he had to drive to another city overnight. I said I understood. Before we married, my parents had warned me about the demands of Lucas’s job and told me to be understanding and accommodating. For the next few days I ate alone, slept alone, played on my phone alone. I almost forgot I was a married woman. One afternoon as I was returning home from work with a bag of oranges, I ran into a neighbor I’d met recently. He was a university professor with a refined air and gentle smile – the type I used to like. “Off work, Ms. Wilson?” I nodded. “Which middle school do you teach at?” I smiled and named my school. “What a coincidence, my nephew goes there. It’s a good school…” We chatted casually as we walked. Just as I was about to close my door, I realized I’d forgotten to buy cold medicine. I’d left the window open last night and woke up with a stuffy nose after kicking off the covers in my sleep. Ryan mentioned he had some cold medicine and kindly brought over two boxes. I felt bad accepting them and gave him a few oranges from my bag. After showering, I went to the living room to get some water and take the medicine. Suddenly I heard the door handle turn. My heart clenched in fear – a woman living alone, hearing someone at the door… The door opened. It was Lucas. He stood in the entryway changing his shoes, which were muddy. His clothes were wrinkled and he looked exhausted. My racing heart calmed. I asked with concern, “Have you eaten?” His voice was hoarse: “I grabbed something on the way.” Lucas stared at me intently. I looked down and realized why. Home alone, I’d thrown on a thin silk nightgown. The loose fabric clung to my curves, threatening to slip off my shoulders. Most importantly, I wasn’t wearing anything underneath. I took a deep breath and calmly went to the bedroom. I closed the door and quickly changed into long sleeves and pants. Less comfortable, but I felt safer. When I came out, he was drinking water. Our eyes met and his gaze seemed meaningful. I nervously looked down and sat on the couch hugging a pillow. “I’m going to shower,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. Lost in thought, I heard his voice from above me. I mumbled a vague “Mm-hmm.” The shower ran for 8 minutes before the bathroom door opened. Lucas came out wearing a loose white t-shirt and black shorts. His tall, lean body was on display – muscular arms and legs clearly visible. He went to the fridge for water, tilting his head back as he drank. I watched his Adam’s apple bob. “Not going to bed?” His hair was still damp, clinging to his forehead. His dark eyes seemed misty as he stared at me. I felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze, my face growing warm. “It’s too early, I want to watch TV for a bit.” Lucas glanced at me, then calmly walked to the entryway and flipped a switch. The lights went out, plunging the living room into darkness. The only illumination came from the TV. The couch dipped as he sat next to me, our legs touching. I was suddenly enveloped by the heady scent of his masculine pheromones. My whole body tensed, palms sweating nervously. I tried to subtly scoot away. He suddenly turned and pulled me into his arms, strong hands gripping my shoulders tightly. I stiffly turned my neck, saying softly, “Maybe we should go rest in the bedroom for a bit.” When he’d first come home, I’d noticed dark circles under his eyes and stubble on his chin. He looked exhausted. Lucas slowly shook his head. “I’ll watch TV with you for a while first.” The living room fell silent again. I’d put on a disaster movie. At first I struggled to focus, but soon got drawn in. As the credits rolled, I heard steady breathing beside me. I gently nudged him. “Lucas–” Before I could finish, he jerked awake and grabbed my arm. In the darkness, his eyes were sharp and cold, brows furrowed fiercely. “Ow–” Lucas paused, then immediately let go. I stared at him wide-eyed, shrinking back. Realizing he’d overreacted, Lucas quickly apologized: “Sorry, it was a reflex.” In his line of work, even the slightest disturbance put him on high alert. Though I understood, I still felt unsettled. If he’d gripped any harder, I wouldn’t be able to hold a piece of chalk tomorrow. Still shaken, I put a hand to my chest. I managed a dry “It’s fine, just be more careful next time.” Seeing his distress, I felt a pang of sympathy. I couldn’t help adding: “Really, don’t worry about it. Go get some sleep.” As I spoke, I yawned and headed to my room. I glanced back to see Lucas hadn’t followed. I lay down and pulled up the covers. The bedroom door opened and I tensed slightly. Lucas came in with a glass of warm milk. “Mom said you need this to sleep well.” I quietly thanked him as I took the glass. Under Lucas’s watchful gaze, I silently drank the entire glass of milk. “I’m turning off the lights.” “Okay.” He reached for the switch, then lay down. I scooted to the very edge of the bed, almost falling off. Moonlight filtered softly through the thin curtains into the bedroom. The room was filled only with the sound of steady breathing. Lucas rolled over– I held my breath. “Does your hand still hurt?” I shook my head, my voice stiff: “It’s…fine now.” After a while, Lucas spoke again, his voice low and husky: “Emma–” “Hmm?” “Move over a bit, you’re about to fall off.” “Oh.” I inched over bit by bit. When the thin silk of my nightgown brushed against his hot skin, my back stiffened and I broke out in a sweat. The room’s intimate atmosphere intensified. I didn’t dare move my legs. Just as I was about to roll over to put some distance between us, Lucas reached out and pulled me into his arms, pressing our bodies tightly together. My face burned hot. He wore a t-shirt, but I could feel the heat radiating from his body. Sweat started to bead on my forehead. This position was uncomfortable. I turned onto my side. Our eyes met– His pitch-black eyes looked calm, but I could feel the heat in his gaze. Feeling like things were about to progress if I didn’t say something, I gently pushed against him and tentatively said: “Um, Lucas, can we sleep in separate rooms? I toss and turn a lot and get up at night. I might disturb your sleep.” There was a long silence beside me. Finally, his calm voice said: “Alright, I’ll sleep in the guest room.” I was taken aback that he agreed so quickly. “Lucas, you’re not upset are you?” He chuckled and shook his head. I breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good.” Lucas’s voice softened: “Emma, I know we rushed into marriage. You still need time to adjust. I respect your choice, but I hope you won’t make me wait too long.” He got up and took fresh bedding from the closet to the guest room. That night I dreamed Lucas and I were rolling from one end of the bed to the other. It felt so real that my face was still flushed when I woke up. I scratched my head, wondering why I’d had such a dream.

Lucas knocked on the door: “Emma, breakfast is ready.” I usually didn’t have much appetite in summer mornings. But seeing the sesame noodles, scallion pancakes, and mung bean porridge on the table made my mouth water. “Lucas, what time did you get up to make all this?” “6am.” I had been sound asleep at that hour. My face reddened slightly in embarrassment. I picked up a spoon, about to add sugar to my porridge. He brought over a glass of water first: “Don’t eat yet, drink some warm water first. It’s good for you.” I looked up at him. Only then did I notice his hair was damp and his face slightly flushed. He wore athletic shorts and a t-shirt, the front soaked with sweat. I could faintly make out the lines of his body under the shirt – all muscle, but lean rather than bulky. “Did you go for a run earlier?” He nodded. “Mm. You eat first, I need a quick shower.” Without the comparison, I wouldn’t have realized how lazy I was. I decided I’d cook dinner tonight. I couldn’t let him do everything. … After work I stopped by the supermarket. I bought some groceries, having asked Lucas’s mom what dishes he liked. Passing the frozen section, I saw ice cream on sale. I tossed six pints into my cart. By the time I got home it was dark outside, and I was alone in the house. I finished cooking, but Lucas still wasn’t back. I glanced at the clock – he should be off work by now. Just as I was about to call him, my phone rang. “Emma, I have to work late tonight. I might get back pretty late.” “Okay, have you eaten?” “I’m busy right now, I’ll grab something from the cafeteria later.” “Get some rest early, don’t wait up for me. Remember to lock the door.” “Captain Lu…” I heard someone calling him on the other end. We only chatted briefly before he hung up. I looked at the steaming beef and lotus root rib soup on the table. I went to the kitchen and packed some food in a thermos… I took a taxi to the police station. When the guard asked who I was, I said I was Lucas’s wife. It felt a bit awkward saying those words – I felt embarrassed. The guard’s eyes lit up when he heard that. He enthusiastically led me inside. When I saw Lucas, he was poring over case files with a cigarette in his mouth, brows furrowed. I squinted slightly – this was the first time I’d seen Lucas smoke. I’d never smelled smoke on him before, so I assumed he didn’t. Lucas looked up and saw me, seeming surprised. He quickly took a final drag of his cigarette and stubbed it out in the ashtray. He jogged over, took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. His gaze was deep, hiding a smile. Someone nearby started teasing: “Captain, who’s this?” The guard laughed and said, “It’s the Captain’s wife.” “Captain got married? When are you treating us to the wedding banquet?” “Quick, look – the Captain’s wife brought him dinner!” It was my first time at the police station and I felt nervous. A group of young, energetic officers in training called out greetings, addressing me as “sister-in-law”. It was quite lively. My face turned bright red from the attention. Lucas smiled faintly and said, “Thanks Uncle Li. We just got our marriage license recently, haven’t had the wedding yet. I’ll invite you all when we do.” The guard smiled and left, telling us to spend some time together. Lucas’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “There’s watermelon inside. I picked it up from a farm earlier – it’s very sweet.” I held up the thermos and smiled. “I made a couple dishes and brought them over.” We went inside and Lucas closed the door. He took out a watermelon, wiped it clean, and quickly cut it in half. He stuck a spoon in one half. His dark eyes stared at me intently. Feeling shy under his gaze, I tried to make conversation: “This watermelon is too big, I can’t finish it all.” “If you can’t finish, leave it here. I’ll eat it later.” My face reddened slightly. Growing up, only my dad would eat my leftovers. Now there was a second man willing to do so – it felt strange. “Hurry and eat your dinner. The food won’t taste as good if it gets cold.” “Have you eaten?” I shook my head. I’d been so eager to bring the food over that I hadn’t eaten yet. “I’ll eat when I get home.” Knowing he had a big appetite from all his training, I’d packed extra food. He took out a pair of disposable chopsticks from a drawer and handed them to me. “Let’s eat together.” Lucas put a slice of beef in my bowl. “Eat more, your waist is too thin.” His blunt words startled me and I choked. Lucas’s mom had said he liked spicy food, so I’d added extra Sichuan peppercorns and chili when cooking. Now as I choked, I felt awful. My face turned red as I coughed, breaking out in a sweat. Lucas hurriedly stood up and patted my back to help me breathe. “Have some water.” I gulped down water from the cup he handed me, finally managing to catch my breath. I looked up at Lucas. His brows were deeply furrowed, expression serious. He looked a hundred times fiercer than usual. “You can’t handle spicy food. Don’t use so much chili when cooking.” I felt wronged. “I only made it spicy because you like it.” “And I only choked because you said something shocking.” He fell silent and walked out the door. Did we just have our first fight? I watched his figure disappear into the night through the window, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss. Eight minutes later, Lucas returned carrying a bag filled with various candies. Acting as if nothing had happened, he unwrapped a lemon flavored candy. “Open your mouth.” The sweet and sour candy melted on my tongue, making the spiciness fade. Lucas asked gently, “How is it? Feeling better?” I nodded. “You shouldn’t eat this dinner. I’ll make you something when we get home.” I felt bad for misjudging him earlier. “It’s okay, the lotus root soup isn’t spicy. I can eat it with rice.” “Alright, I’ll eat the spicy beef. You drink all the soup.” “Wait for me to finish up work and we’ll go home together.” Lucas ate quickly, polishing off his meal in 5 minutes. He sat down at the computer, looking focused. I don’t like having people around when I’m working, so while Lucas reviewed case files, I got up to take a walk outside. I ran into one of his coworkers – tall, handsome, and very friendly. “Hey sis, let’s exchange contact info. I’ll add you to our family group chat.” “Our Captain never had a girlfriend before. The bureau chief tried to set him up once, but the girl thought he was too intimidating and busy…” James was quite funny, able to make me laugh with just a few words. “Emma, time to go.” Lucas stood behind me, tall and straight-backed, holding his briefcase and the thermos. “Bye sis!” I smiled and waved goodbye to James.

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