The third year of my marriage to Jack. His widowed ex-sister-in-law Sophia, who was the same age as him, had returned from abroad. At midnight, she sent Jack a message: “I’m so scared being alone.” Concerned, I replied on Jack’s behalf: “Jack’s busy. I’ll come over instead.” Just because of this, Jack flew into a rage. “She’s just my ex-sister-in-law. How dare you try to go threaten her? You’re acting like a complete shrew!” Sophia stood to the side with tears in her eyes: “Jack, it’s fine. Don’t worry about me.” Jack grabbed Sophia’s hand and left. That night, I saw Sophia post a photo on social media showing Jack’s back as he cooked in the kitchen. In all our years of marriage, Jack had never cooked for me. But none of that matters anymore. A man can’t eat from two homes. 1 I was pregnant, only two months along. I had told Jack yesterday that I had something very important to tell him, and asked if he could come home early tonight. I waited until 9 PM, then checked Sophia’s social media. Caption: Good person, good cook. Two photos – one of a meal with three dishes and soup, one showing Jack’s profile as he cooked in the kitchen. Jack didn’t get home until 10 PM, reeking of Sophia’s perfume. The scent was overwhelming for me in my pregnant state. Jack loosened his tie wearily, clearly having forgotten what I told him this morning: “Go run me a bath.” I looked at him coldly. “You smell lovely. No need to bathe, no one will mind.” Jack hated strong perfumes. When we went out, I never wore anything too pungent. We didn’t keep fruits he disliked in the house. We didn’t even have curtains in colors he didn’t like. For years, I had been accommodating him. He had come to take it for granted. Jack saw that I was still sitting on the couch and hadn’t moved. He pulled a black velvet box from his pocket. Inside lay a pair of sparkling diamond earrings. “I’m sorry I broke our plans. Here’s my apology gift.” The black velvet box gave off the same perfume scent. It even had a black hair caught in it. “Beat me then give me a treat?” Jack’s face froze, then he snapped the box shut and threw it at my feet. “Lucy, enough already. I’m exhausted today. Besides, whatever news you have, couldn’t you have just told me over the phone?! And now you’re turning your nose up at diamond earrings. Don’t forget, back when you were working part-time jobs, you couldn’t even afford $200 shoes!” I stared at him in disbelief. I never imagined my imperfect past would become the knife he used to stab me today. I choked up: “Don’t I have the right to say no?” Jack stormed off to take a shower. At 11 PM, we lay in bed with enough space for two people between us. At 3 AM, Jack’s phone rang. His gentle, melodious voice said to the caller: “Don’t be afraid. I’m here. I’ll keep talking to you.” Ten minutes later, I heard Jack getting up quietly. He even checked himself in the mirror before leaving. At 8 AM, Jack returned with breakfast, once again smelling of Sophia’s perfume. “Wake up, I bought breakfast.” Seeing his attempt to cover things up, I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. People really do laugh when they’re at a loss for words. “Since Sophia came back, you’ve become so diligent.” At this, Jack slammed down his chopsticks. “Lucy, you’re becoming more and more paranoid. Sophia is my ex-sister-in-law. My brother died young, so of course I should take care of her. As a woman, don’t you think you’re being too narrow-minded? Your jealousy is getting out of hand.” Exposed and embarrassed, he lashed out angrily. I never used to mind him and Sophia. But now they seemed to be acting like I was dead. “Am I wrong? Since Sophia came back, you’ve even started cooking.” As soon as I finished speaking, Sophia called again. The house was very quiet. I could clearly hear Sophia on the phone saying she was so clumsy, she had cut her hand. Jack anxiously said: “What fruit do you want to eat? Wait for me to come over and cut it for you. You shouldn’t do it yourself.” I started dry heaving from morning sickness. Sophia’s voice on the other end was on the verge of tears: “Does your wife dislike me? Does she think a widow is bad luck?” Jack reassured her, then after hanging up berated me as I vomited in the bathroom. “You know my sister-in-law is sensitive right now. Why are you pretending to throw up? Lucy, do you have any compassion at all?!” 2 My face was deathly pale in the mirror. Jack was still raging in the living room. I have no compassion? Then who will have compassion for me? I walked out leaning against the wall. My voice was weak: “I really don’t feel well. I really am throwing up. I don’t need to play those kinds of petty games to provoke Sophia.” Jack finally calmed down a bit, his gaze falling on my face to confirm I wasn’t lying. He pulled out another diamond necklace, this time without any woman’s hair on it. “You didn’t like the diamond earrings, but you must like this necklace. I just hope you’ll stop targeting Sophia. She’s pitiful enough as it is.” I recognized this necklace. It had appeared on Sophia’s social media before. Her caption then was: Looks so cheap. Don’t like it. Anyone want it? I laughed bitterly and stepped back. “I don’t want someone else’s leftovers.” Jack’s hand holding the necklace hung in midair. His brows furrowed deeply, then he threw the necklace on the ground. “How else am I supposed to appease you? You don’t want the earrings or the necklace. When did you become so picky? Ever since Sophia came back, you’ve been suspicious every day, always comparing yourself to her. What right do you have to compare yourself to Sophia? You threatened her in the middle of the night, but Sophia still told me not to be mad at you. You’ve clearly been deeply hurt by your dysfunctional family. You’re jealous of anyone better than you!” My body swayed. I had once cried in this man’s arms, telling him how my mother favored boys over girls, how cold-blooded she was. He held me tight and said he would protect me for life, healing my childhood wounds with love. My heart ached terribly, as if stabbed. “Is this how you see me? I’ve never threatened Sophia…” “Enough. You say one thing and do another. It all comes down to your insecurity acting up.” I was insecure, which is why I always strived to grow. Until I met Jack, a man who said he would heal me with love. So I gave up my high-paying job to become a housewife, longing to bear his child. The survival instinct of the baby in my womb was influencing me. My brain kept sending signals to keep the child. But the man before me made me increasingly clearheaded. “If that’s how you want to belittle me, I have nothing more to say.” Grief beyond words. As I turned away, Sophia called as if right on cue. “Don’t worry, Fluffy probably just ate something bad. I’ll take him to the vet right away.” Meanwhile, my vomiting was getting worse. I could barely breathe. “Jack, I don’t feel well. Can you…” “No! Lucy, Sophia’s dog is in danger right now. Stop pretending to be sick. I don’t have time for you!” Jack slammed the door as he left, just as I collapsed from low blood sugar. Using my last bit of strength, I called 91

When I woke up in the hospital the next day, the doctor confirmed I was fine and discharged me. On the way home, I saw Sophia and Jack. Jack was walking a dog while Sophia clung to his arm, looking like a newlywed couple. “Jack, from now on you’re Fluffy’s daddy.” “Sure thing, Fluffy’s mommy.” I touched my belly that wasn’t showing yet and laughed bitterly: “How ironic. Let’s just get divorced then.” 3 Two days later was Jack’s mother Laura’s birthday. In the car. “We still need to pick up Sophia. Don’t make a sour face. She’s our sister-in-law, you need to learn to respect her.” I didn’t look at him, silently accepting everything. When we saw Sophia, I realized her dress matched Jack’s tie perfectly. They were wearing couple’s outfits. “Lucy, I get carsick. Can I sit in the front?” Sophia asked with a smile, but her eyes looked expectantly at Jack. Jack opened the front passenger door. “Lucy, hurry up and move. You should take care of your sister-in-law.” I didn’t move. Sophia tugged Jack’s pinky and said softly: “It’s okay, Lucy’s just like that. Let’s just let her be.” We? So I was the third wheel now. “No way, the front seat should be for my sister-in-law.” Jack looked relieved. Sophia sat in the front. “Oh no, I can’t figure out this seatbelt.” Jack immediately helped her pull out the seatbelt. As he leaned in, their faces were extremely close. Sophia deliberately brushed her lips against Jack’s neck. Jack’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. His ears were red when he pulled away. There were only four people at Laura’s birthday dinner. Laura didn’t like big crowds since her eldest son’s accidental death. Laura didn’t like me much, preferring the more ingratiating Sophia. Now that Sophia was widowed, she felt even more sympathetic. “Let mom take a good look at you. You’ve suffered since James passed. I specifically told Jack to take care of you. Has he been doing a good job?” Sophia smiled bitterly, hesitating to speak. “Jack’s been great, it’s just…” Anyone could tell what she was implying – that I was jealous and mean to her. Laura was displeased and scolded me to my face. “I didn’t agree to you marrying into the family from the start. But Jack liked you, so I had no choice. I said back then that you came from a humble background and wouldn’t be presentable. Now it’s all come true.” “I’ll say this even if it makes you angry – if you and Jack really can’t make it work, you might as well step aside. I think Sophia and Jack are much more compatible.” I replied calmly: “What a coincidence, I was thinking the same thing as you, mom.”

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In my poorest year, a fleeting thought flashed through my mind: [Lucas Gray, the heir to the Gray Empire, is looking for a lover who can’t hear his secrets.] A lightbulb went off in my head. I decided to pretend to be deaf and mute to seduce Lucas. No matter what scandalous things he whispered in bed, I remained impassive. Until his first love returned from abroad, and Lucas slapped a check for ten million dollars on the table in front of me. “You should move out for this month,” he said. I blurted out, “Sure thing, boss!” I grabbed the check and was about to leave when I realized I’d blown my cover. Another thought popped into my head: [LOL, this woman is so honest. Actually, the male lead has known her secret for a long time!] I froze on the spot, my mind going blank. Then I heard Lucas chuckle softly. “What’s wrong? Can’t keep up the act anymore, little deaf girl? And here I thought you could endure anything.” 0 Who would have thought a CEO would fancy a deaf girl? Well, apparently mine did! In fact, he wouldn’t have it any other way! Being his “deaf” sugar baby was quite convenient. I could appear anywhere without raising suspicion. Whether it was during confidential business discussions or industry gossip sessions, absolute secrecy was guaranteed. Plus, I didn’t have to listen to my sugar daddy’s endless chatter or insults. I could do whatever I wanted, even deliberately annoying him for fun if I felt like it. After all, I was “deaf.” I couldn’t hear what he was saying, right? Except I wasn’t really deaf. I was faking it. The only downside was sometimes… like now. Listening to Lucas’s words that were more explicit than an R-rated movie, I could only pretend not to hear and look at him with doe eyes. Pretending he was a perfect gentleman. In reality, I was cursing him as a pervert in my mind. Wait! I suddenly realized, maybe his ex-girlfriend ran away because of this! Lucas gently tapped me with his large hand. He used sign language to ask if I was hurt and if he should be gentler. But what he was actually saying out loud was utterly filthy. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes internally. What a fake gentleman. But on the surface, I looked at him pitifully, trying hard not to make a sound. The next day, I slept until the afternoon. 0

As I came downstairs, I heard Lucas talking to his friend in the living room. When they saw me, his friend’s voice suddenly stopped, and his gaze fell on me before turning back to Lucas. “She can’t hear,” Lucas said, waving me over. Gossip? My eyes lit up, and I casually sat down next to Lucas. His friend glanced at me and spoke to Lucas. “Chloe’s back. What are you going to do about her?” Chloe? She’s back?! Could this be Lucas’s ex-girlfriend? Everyone in their social circle knew there was a name that couldn’t be mentioned in front of Lucas. It was his Achilles’ heel, something no one dared to touch. Even after being by Lucas’s side for so long, I had never heard anyone mention her. I only knew that I was chosen from among the many women vying for Lucas’s attention because I somewhat resembled her. In my mind, a woman who could be so cherished by someone like Lucas, the heir to the Gray Empire, to the point where he would seek out a lookalike, must be his true love! I’d seen this plot in countless cheesy romance dramas. The protagonist finds a lookalike of his true love, then when the real deal comes back, I turn into the evil substitute. In the end, the male lead discovers my wicked nature, throws me out onto the streets, and lives happily ever after with his true love… Wait a minute… This plot development seems a bit off. As it stands now, I’ve somehow become the obstacle to the main couple’s happiness! No, no, I think I’ve skipped some steps here. My mind raced, and suddenly it hit me! Of course! Usually, the arrogant CEO hands me a check and tells me to get lost. Then the evil substitute refuses to leave, leading to the subsequent drama. Thinking about how generous Lucas had always been, I couldn’t help but smile. Don’t worry, I’ll leave promptly, quickly, at a speed of 800 meters per second, rolling out of the main couple’s world! Perhaps seeing my schadenfreude expression, Lucas tapped my shoulder, snapping me out of my reverie. He used sign language to ask what was wrong. Of course, I maintained my professional attitude and signed back. Just happy looking at you. Then I excused myself to get them some water. Lucas’s friend watched me leave and spoke again: “Are you really going to let Chloe see her?” Lucas sighed. I didn’t hear what else they said as I hurried towards the kitchen. I was afraid if I stayed a second longer, I wouldn’t be able to hold back my laughter. Don’t worry, I won’t let the “true love” see me! 0

That night, Lucas looked like he wanted to say something several times but held back. I was so anxious I almost wanted to prompt him myself. To be honest, I was quite reluctant to leave this pampered life as a sugar baby. After all, I’d gotten used to having everything handed to me on a silver platter and didn’t want to work hard again. But I also didn’t want to end up thrown out onto the streets. It was better to leave gracefully on my own terms. At the dinner table, I chewed my food in tiny bites, trying to make each mouthful last as long as possible. Just waiting for Lucas to speak up. Suddenly! Lucas took out a check from his pocket and placed it on the table. My eyes lit up, staring intently at the numbers on the check. Ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, hundred thousands, millions! Fifty million dollars! Enough for my mom and me to live on for the rest of our lives! I stared at the check, swallowing hard, completely oblivious to Lucas starting to speak. “Take this money…” Before Lucas could finish, I snatched the check with lightning speed and clutched it to my chest. The enormous sum had gone to my head. I jumped up and blurted out, “Thanks, boss!” As soon as I said it, cold sweat broke out all over my body. I’m screwed! Suddenly, a thought popped into my head, just like the fleeting one from years ago. [Warning! This woman’s been exposed! The male lead knows she’s been lying to him all this time. He definitely won’t let her off easy! I wonder if she has a backup plan. If not, she’s in big trouble!] Backup plan? What backup plan? My mind went blank as I looked up to meet Lucas’s amused gaze. He was fiddling with his custom cufflinks, his long fingers casting delicate shadows in the lamplight. “What’s wrong? Can’t keep up the act anymore, little deaf girl? And here I thought you could endure anything.” Lucas suddenly moved closer, the scent of his cedar cologne mixed with whiskey washing over me. “But you should know, I hate being lied to more than anything.” My throat tightened as I saw the words [She’s done for!] flashing repeatedly in my mind. This damn inner voice! I couldn’t help but recall how I had met Lucas by chance. The doctor said only hospitals abroad could possibly treat my mother’s illness, but the exorbitant fees forced me to scramble for money. I worked five jobs a day, but it still wasn’t enough to send my mother abroad for treatment. Until one day, that thought popped into my head. It said Lucas Gray, the heir to the Gray Empire, was looking for a lover who couldn’t hear his secrets. So I pretended to be deaf and mute and stayed by Lucas’s side for two years. Lucas grabbed my chin in one swift motion. “Mr. Gray, you must be joking,” I forced a smile, my nails digging into my palms. “Of course I’ll take the check you’ve given me. As for the rest…” Before I could finish, he gripped my chin, not forcefully but with an undeniable air of authority. Lucas’s thumb traced over my lips, where he had left bite marks the night before. “When you’re pretending to be deaf and mute, you always use that fake smile to deceive people. But do you know? Every time you pretend not to hear, I want to pin you in front of a mirror and make you see how your ears turn red.” Hot blood rushed to my earlobes, and I suddenly felt a chill run down my neck. Lucas had known about my act all along! For two years, I had diligently forced myself to remain silent no matter how Lucas tormented me in bed. But I had forgotten about the most instinctive human physiological response—when he whispered “Olivia, don’t hide” in my ear. My tense back, my trembling fingers, had long since betrayed my secret to this man who had seen it all. If this man had discovered my deception so early on, then every time after that… he had been deliberately toying with me! Seeing my indignant expression, Lucas suddenly seemed amused. “Don’t you have anything to explain? Hmm? Little deaf girl?” Lucas stood up, forcing me to sit on the table. I looked at Lucas, getting more and more irritated. What else could I say! He’s the client, I’m the service provider! I did the job I was paid for! He’s just a client who was fooled and moved by my acting skills! I’m not angry at all, waaah! But the urgent matter at hand was to protect this fifty million dollars. This was what I deserved! “I… thank you, boss? Boss is so generous?” Lucas was on the verge of laughing angrily. He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. “Since you can’t keep up the act anymore, you should pay some price, little deaf girl.” I knew this wasn’t good. “Lucas Gray! You want me to pay with my body! I don’t agree! This is an unfair clause!” A voice in my head screamed [This isn’t right, shouldn’t the male lead kick this woman out? What’s going on! Looks like we’re about to hit the paywall?!] Lucas threw me onto the large bed covered with silk sheets, then pressed down on top of me and lifted my nightgown. There was still a vase of blue roses I had arranged last week on the bedside table, now overshadowed by his silhouette. “Olivia, do you know that every time you pretend to be innocent, it makes me want to completely tear apart your disguise?” Lucas seemed to have unlocked a new world, directly unleashing his dominant side. He forced me to scream loudly all night long. Before going to sleep, Lucas said he had to go to the office to deal with an urgent matter. As he left, he tossed me one of his white dress shirts, the collar still warm from his body heat. 0

What urgent matter! He’s probably going to pick up his true love! Looking at the thoughts racing through my head, I grew increasingly frustrated. All this [The female lead is back, the sweet and gentle female lead baby is finally back.] And [This woman shouldn’t take away any more of the female lead’s affection, the female lead has suffered enough, other women should stay away!] And [The male lead can only belong to the female lead.] Who said I wanted to stay anyway! I was just about to stand up from the bathtub when my legs gave out, and I fell to my knees with a splash. Escape plan, to be continued tomorrow. The next day, Lucas was indeed not at home. I was preparing to quickly pack my things and run away with the money when I ran into Lucas, who had just returned. I looked at Lucas, then at my suitcase, and smiled awkwardly. “Are you… going out?” Lucas asked with a hint of a smile. I chuckled nervously. “What a coincidence, right?” Lucas walked past me and sat on the sofa. His voice was neither cold nor warm as he spoke. “I heard from my assistant that someone booked a flight to Germany at 8 PM tonight. I came back to see if this little money-grubber had emptied my house.” I dragged my suitcase over to Lucas and stood in front of him. “Lucas Gray, you’re spying on me!” Lucas looked up at me and smiled. “Spying?” He suddenly stood up and came closer, the tip of his shoe grazing the zipper of my suitcase by my feet. “Little deaf girl, you’ve been by my side for two years and know the location of every camera in the garage like the back of your hand. Now you’re talking about spying?” I stubbornly backed away, my lower back hitting the carved screen in the entryway. Lucas’s fingers traced my burning earlobe, suddenly pulling out the check I had hidden in my sleeve—he had swiped it without me noticing! “Thinking of running away with fifty million?” He waved the check, making a rustling sound. “Olivia, have you forgotten? The confidentiality agreement you signed states that if you leave without permission…” My heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, I noticed a blue ribbon peeking out of the inner pocket of his suit jacket. It was a little trinket I had stuffed into his pocket last week when we were picking out ties—he had called it “childish” but hadn’t thrown it away. “Stop!” I suddenly made a time-out gesture with my hands, raising my voice and signing, “I-I just remembered, I left some soup simmering in the kitchen!” Lucas raised an eyebrow as he watched me scramble towards the kitchen, my suitcase still tilted in the entryway. Just as I grabbed the microwave door handle, I heard a suppressed chuckle from behind. I turned to see him shaking his head at my suitcase. A half-capped lipstick had fallen out, drawing a crooked red line on the beige carpet. “The soup is on the third shelf of the fridge,” he suddenly said. “Also—” He pulled out a gold-embossed invitation from his inner suit pocket, “Tonight at 7 PM, charity gala at the Gray Trade Center. Chloe specifically asked to meet you.” Chloe! What! His true love wants to meet me! Wait, bro! You’re taking me, the substitute, to meet the real deal! Is this right? Is this okay?! Has the plot advanced already? Am I still destined to face retribution?

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I am the top engineer at the National Deep Sea Technology Center and the only person in the world with deep-sea rescue experience. When my sister’s submarine had an accident and was trapped 10,000 meters deep in the ocean, I hung up her distress call. Then, without any rush, I went to the police station to turn myself in, claiming I had leaked confidential research information. A few minutes later, my father called in a rage, “Your sister’s life is hanging by a thread, where the hell are you?” “I order you to go to the accident site immediately to save her, or you won’t see a penny of the Land family fortune!” I calmly pulled the covers over myself and said into the phone, “No time. Don’t disturb my sleep.” When the rescue team captain came to find me, I was shaken awake from my deep sleep. “Engineer Snow! There’s been an accident!” “Your sister Stella’s ‘Deep Diver’ has lost contact at a depth of 10,900 meters in the Mariana Trench!” “They encountered an unknown underwater earthquake, all communications are down, and the chances of survival… are slim!” I opened my eyes groggily and looked at the person who had come. “So?” I asked indifferently. The captain was taken aback, seemingly not expecting this reaction from me. She urgently said, “We need you!” “You’re the only person in the world with successful rescue experience at depths of 10,000 meters. You’re their only hope of survival!” I calmly lay back down, turned over intending to continue sleeping, “Sorry, can’t help.” “What?” “I said, I can’t help,” I repeated, my tone as calm as if the person trapped at the bottom of the sea was my enemy. “Lucy Snow! Are you insane? Your sister is down there! Along with twenty other research team members! They only have enough oxygen to last 72 hours at most!” “My husband, Charlie Zhou,” I interrupted her, “He was the chief commander of the last rescue operation. In terms of experience, he’s more seasoned than me. You should go find him.” Captain Li looked at me in disbelief and yanked me up, yelling, “What the hell are you talking about? Of course we contacted Commander Zhou! But he’s not even in the country!” I chuckled lightly. “I know.” With that, I pulled the covers over my head and ignored her. She could only stamp her foot and storm out of the detention room, cursing under her breath. The world was quiet again. A few minutes later, a distinctive ringtone stubbornly rang out. It was my father, Harrison Land. I answered. “Lucy Snow! Why are you refusing to help with the rescue? Your sister is still down there!” As soon as he spoke, it was a barrage of accusations, his voice full of suppressed anger. “Dad, I just said, find Charlie. He’s more professional.” “I can’t reach him! His satellite phone is turned off!” Harrison’s voice grew increasingly anxious. I chuckled lightly, responding to him in a relaxed tone, “Oh, that’s normal.” “Because right now, he’s on the ‘Deep Diver’.” On the other end of the phone, Harrison’s breath caught sharply. Then came a thunderous rage: “What nonsense are you spouting! Charlie was personally assigned by me to go to the Arctic for the ‘Aurora Project’ last month! He won’t be back for another month! How could he possibly be on the ‘Deep Diver’!” “Is that so?” I feigned surprise, “Then maybe I remembered wrong.” “You…” I didn’t wait for him to finish before hanging up the phone. The next second, the phone immediately rang again. This time it was my stepmother, Fiona Woods. Her voice was thick with tears, sounding almost broken. “Lucy, please, I’m begging you, just go save your sister…” I leaned back in the chair, closed my eyes, and quietly listened to her performance. “Moreover, more than half of the twenty researchers on the submarine are students you personally mentored! How can you bear to watch them die at the bottom of the sea, 10,000 meters deep?” “Can you really be so heartless?”

I laughed. Of course I could be that heartless. An hour later, my father and stepmother found where I was being detained. I calmly watched the emergency rescue news of the “Deep Diver” being broadcast live on the wall-mounted TV through the cold iron bars. In the news, the host was dramatically introducing the list of missing personnel, portraying them as heroes who had sacrificed themselves for the country. The atmosphere was perfectly set. I raised my handcuffed hands and shrugged helplessly at them outside the iron bars. “As you can see, I’m in no position to help anyone right now.” “I’ve been detained for allegedly leaking core technology secrets of the ‘Deep Diver’.” Fiona’s expression transformed from shock to bewilderment to venom in a matter of seconds. Her well-maintained face twisted with anger as she accused in a shrill voice: “It was you! Lucy Snow! You did this on purpose!” “You’re jealous of your sister! You’re jealous that she became the chief designer of the ‘Deep Diver’ at such a young age!” “If you can’t have it, you want to destroy her! What a vicious heart you have!” Each of her accusations matched word for word with the media press releases from my previous life. It seems they had prepared this script long ago. My father, Harrison Land, was much calmer than her. He was anxious, but still maintained the dignity of a director. He stared at me intently: “What’s really going on?” “Not sure,” I leaned against the wall, my posture lazy, “Last night, the disciplinary department burst into my workshop, saying someone had reported me by name for selling the structural diagrams and underwater sonar identification codes of the ‘Deep Diver’ to foreign agencies.” Harrison’s face instantly turned ashen. He knew this was a frame-up, yet didn’t utter a single word of concern. Half of the core technology of the ‘Deep Diver’ came from my research results. How could I possibly leak my own life’s work? “Damn it!” He growled lowly, immediately pulling out his phone, “I’ll find someone right away, use every connection, and definitely get you out on bail within the day!” “Don’t waste your effort,” I flatly refused. “What do you mean?” “Before the official investigation results come out, if I leave here, it will only confirm the charges.” I looked at him, my gaze calm yet sharp, “Dad, you and I both know that once this charge is confirmed, my life is over.” Harrison’s movements froze. Of course he understood. I slowly asked him a question, “Dad, if today, only one of me and Stella could live.” “Who would you choose?” He opened his mouth, but couldn’t make a sound. Just then, Harrison’s phone rang. He grabbed onto it like a lifeline and immediately answered. The call was from the Arctic Research Center. “Director Land, we’ve just managed to contact Commander Zhou!” Harrison’s eyes instantly lit up. “That’s great! What did he say? Does he have a solution?” “Commander Zhou said he has already interrupted his Arctic mission and is trying to remotely connect to the ‘Deep Diver’s’ operating system using a backup channel! But…” “But what?” “But the submarine’s physical interface is locked, and the remote signal can’t fully access it! Someone must pilot a rescue vessel, reach the accident site in the deep sea, and perform a physical connection to have any chance of restarting the system!” “And this physical connection operation can only be completed by Engineer Lucy Snow!”

The phone was on speaker, and every word came through clearly to my ears. Harrison hung up the phone and looked at me with bloodshot eyes, his voice hoarse: “Lucy Snow, did you hear that? Now it’s not just about saving your sister, it’s about completing Charlie’s rescue plan! This is an order!” I lazily yawned, not even bothering to respond to him. Just then, there was a commotion outside the detention center. Several parents of the missing students, having somehow gotten wind of the news, had rushed here as well. As soon as they saw me, they fell to their knees in unison with a thud. “Professor Snow! Please! Please save our children!” “Yes, Professor Snow, we only have one daughter, she can’t die!” Cries and pleas rang out in a chorus. I looked down at them from above, my gaze as cold as ice. “What does their life or death have to do with me?” One sentence silenced all the crying. They looked at me in disbelief, as if looking at a monster. One of the mothers reacted, immediately pulling out her phone from her pocket, opening a screenshot of a transfer record, and holding it up in front of me. “How can it not be related to you! This is the record of my daughter paying you ‘research fees’!” “She said you stipulated that every month, we had to transfer $5,000 to this account, otherwise you wouldn’t let her participate in projects or graduate!” “Our children’s futures are in your hands, how can you stand by and watch them die!” Others also took out their phones, one transfer record after another, like heavy hammers, striking at me. “Yes! Our family paid too!” “We all paid! For two whole years!” Harrison, seeing those records, trembled with anger, pointing at my nose, his voice quavering. “You… you ungrateful daughter!” “Not only are you cold-blooded and heartless, but you’ve also done such despicable things as corruption and extorting students!” “You’ve completely disgraced our Land family!” He shouted in rage, as if I had really committed some unforgivable crime. But he and I both knew the truth. That receiving account didn’t belong to me at all. It belonged to his precious daughter, Stella. No matter how they begged, cursed, or even threatened to die, I had no reaction. I was like an outsider, coldly watching this farce unfold. Time ticked by second by second, and the golden window for rescuing the “Deep Diver” was rapidly closing. The online public opinion had completely exploded. #Chief Engineer Lucy Snow Refuses Rescue# #Lucy Snow Suspected of Leaking Secrets, Detained# #Lucy Snow Extorts Students# One glaring topic after another was pushed to the top of trending searches. My name, in just a few short hours, had become synonymous with cold-bloodedness, greed, and shamelessness. Just then, in the live rescue broadcast, a weak and intermittent electrical sound suddenly came through. It was Stella. “Sis… sis… can you hear me…” She seemed to be using all her strength, her voice full of fear of death and a desire for life. “Sis… I believe in you… I know you’ll save me…” “Ever since we were little… you’ve always been the sister I admired most… you won’t abandon me, right?”

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It was the first week of school when our homeroom teacher burst in, excitement bubbling in her voice. “Our class has been chosen for a groundbreaking ‘Self-Identity Transformation Experiment’ in partnership with the school counseling center!” The whole class crowdfunded plastic surgery for the poor class beauty, $100 per person. I refused. The next day, my desk was doused with soy milk, and the school network was filled with posts exposing my cold-blooded selfishness. They called me ugly, poor, and mean-spirited. They even dug up my mom’s workplace and posted notes at her office door, cursing her for raising a heartless daughter. But no one knew that the class beauty who claimed her family couldn’t afford plastic surgery. Her dad was the director of the plastic surgery hospital that ruined my face. It was the first week of school. The homeroom teacher burst in, excitedly announcing: “The school and psychological center are jointly launching a ‘Self-Identity Transformation Experiment,’ and our class is the first pilot group!” The class erupted in applause. I didn’t join in, just chewed on my pen tip silently. She continued, “As you all know, our classmate Olivia Shaw has been struggling with severe appearance anxiety. The counselors have suggested she undergo cosmetic surgery to boost her self-esteem. We’ll be starting a class fundraiser to help make her dream come true!” I looked up at Olivia. She stood at the front, wearing our school uniform with perfectly applied makeup, her head bowed demurely. “I… I don’t want to trouble anyone… it’s just…” “Don’t say another word!” A boy slammed his hand on his desk. “You’re the prettiest girl in our class. If you get this surgery, our school’s enrollment will double!” Someone else chimed in, “He’s right! Donating to Olivia is an investment in our school’s future!” Olivia shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. “I just hope that even if I leave this place one day, I can be remembered by the world in my best form.” Her words sent a wave of emotion through the classroom. Our teacher pulled up a PowerPoint slide. “For this ‘Beauty Boost’ campaign, we suggest a donation of $100 per person. It’s voluntary, but we hope everyone will do their best to support Olivia.” I glanced at my phone: $4.25 in my account. So, I spoke up quietly, “I won’t be donating.” The air in the room seemed to freeze. Then someone let out a cold laugh. “Tch, figures.” “Seriously? Not donating is one thing, but that attitude? Didn’t you hear how gently Olivia phrased it?” “Didn’t she just buy that $150 skincare set? With her skin, a $5 moisturizer would do the job.” “Look at her eyes, always staring at Olivia. Jealous of her small face and high nose, perhaps?” “Does she think we’re all idiots, falling for Olivia’s act? Is she the only ‘smart’ one here?” Olivia spoke up softly, “She’s… not a bad person. I understand… maybe her family situation…” “Her family situation is way better than yours!” Someone stood up, slamming their desk. “Doesn’t her mom drop her off in a car every day? What about you? Two bus transfers!” I opened my mouth, but my throat felt blocked. Not a word came out. The entire class was staring at me. Olivia looked at me and suddenly said, “It’s… okay if she doesn’t want to donate. I don’t mind.” In that moment, I was utterly defeated. Because not only was she the class’s protected “angel,” now she was playing the “magnanimous goddess” role too. I was about to speak when someone at the front stuck a QR code on the blackboard. “Let’s vote on whether Rachel should donate or not.” I had barely scanned the code when my screen displayed: Current voting results: Support Rachel Chen donating: 94 votes Support Rachel Chen’s free choice: 1 vote My hands were shaking. “The votes are in. Still not going to chip in?” Someone tossed an A4 paper at me. It read: “Help Olivia’s Dream Come True, $100 per person, SnapPay only.” “Don’t talk about it being voluntary. This isn’t about morals, it’s about class unity!” “If you really don’t want to, you can get out of this class!” Gritting my teeth, I said coldly, “Her dad owns a plastic surgery clinic. If she really wants surgery, doesn’t she have the equipment at home?” The room fell silent for two seconds before erupting into even louder laughter. “Haha, are you crazy? If Olivia’s family really owned a hospital, would I be killing myself trying to get into an Ivy League?” “You think just because her family can afford a house in this small town, they own a hospital? Why not say her dad’s the chief surgeon and her mom’s the head nurse?” “Give it up. Don’t go around spreading lies and smearing others just because you’re insecure about your looks!” Olivia didn’t say a word, just looked at me. I remembered that look. A year ago, her father had me sign a contract for “double eyelid surgery only, no other procedures.” I signed, but on the day of the surgery, while I was unconscious, they altered my nose, my chin, my whole face. When I woke up, I cried and tore at the bandages. The doctor said, “It’s just a bit of technical instability. Go home, apply the medicine, it’ll get better slowly.” It took me a whole year of being disfigured before I dared to go out without makeup. And she used my ruined face for marketing, made promotional videos, and even claimed she was “born with poor facial structure, became beautiful through hard work.” Now she was turning the whole class into her second experimental ground. I stared at her, my voice low and trembling: “I won’t donate. Dream on.” 0

She looked up at me, tears in her eyes. “I know you’ve never liked me, but I really didn’t mean to embarrass you like this.” Our teacher sighed. “Rachel, don’t be so selfish. Is it right to stop the whole class’s plan just because you disagree?” The class chimed in. “That’s right! You’re the only one making us all look bad!” “Is this how your parents taught you to be so cold-hearted?” “If you really won’t donate, just drop out. We don’t want you in this class!” Someone splashed water on my shoes, while others threw paper balls at my back. I clenched my fists, my nails almost digging into my palms. Suddenly, my phone buzzed with a payment notification. It was a SnapChat from my mom. [Rachel, your teacher called and told me everything. I’ve been working overtime, here’s the $100. Don’t let your classmates give you a hard time…] My hand shook, and I almost dropped my phone. After Mom transferred the $100, I didn’t donate right away. I sat at my desk, biting my lip so hard my fingers trembled too much to even tap the screen properly. The class group chat was still buzzing: [Everyone’s donated. How many more times does Rachel want to make Olivia cry before she’s satisfied?] [Some families aren’t poor, they’re just heartless.] Before I could reply, another message popped up on my phone. It was from my mom’s coworker: [Rachel, your mom collapsed at the office. She’s been taken to the hospital by ambulance.] I froze. The next second, I ran out of the classroom like a madwoman. I could hear someone sneer, “She’s putting on another show. Making it life-or-death over a simple donation.” I couldn’t care less. For the first time in my life, I splurged on a taxi and rushed straight to the city hospital. My mom was lying in the emergency room, her face pale, the back of her hand bruised from the IV. The doctor spoke coldly, “Your mother fainted due to long-term sleep deprivation, low blood sugar, and extreme fatigue.” I remembered how she’d been working until 1 or 2 AM these past few days, rushing to two part-time jobs during the day, not even eating breakfast. Standing by her bedside, my heart felt like it was being torn apart. The nurse handed me the bill. I looked at the amount and bit my lip, not making a sound. I had less than $20 left on my phone, but our homeroom teacher was tagging me in the class group: [Rachel, Olivia’s cosmetic surgery fund is just waiting on you now. Everyone’s waiting for you to chip in.] [We know your family isn’t well-off, but even Yolanda’s family donated, and her dad just lost his job last year.] [Do you want us to crowdfund your share? Don’t be so disheartening.] I replied: [My mom fainted and is in the hospital. I really can’t afford this right now.] Olivia replied instantly: [It’s okay… if Rachel is really struggling, let’s just forget about it. I don’t blame her…] She said she didn’t blame me, but the whole class exploded. [Olivia, don’t be too kind. She can afford lipstick, perfume, and skincare, her family has a car, and she’s claiming hardship? Isn’t that laughable?] [Didn’t her mom drop her off at school in a car the other day? What was it, a blue Volkswagen?] [Her mom fainting means she doesn’t have to donate? Why not say her grandma fell or her grandpa’s in the hospital too?] [Besides, Olivia didn’t force you to donate, she just cried. If you don’t donate, it’s because your heart is too hard!] My fingers kept shaking. I was about to reply “I really can’t afford it” when I saw a new hot post pinned to the top of the school forum: “You cried so I must pay? How vicious can a ‘poor’ girl be?” The cover was a photo of me biting my lip and crying at the classroom door that day. The first comment under the title was: [Saying her mom fainted and is in the hospital, probably another old trick. I bet tomorrow she’ll be posting her own donation QR code.] 0

The next morning, before I even entered the classroom, someone dumped a bucket of soy milk all over me at the entrance of the teaching building. “Oops, sorry! My bad!” The boy who threw the cup laughed and walked away. I stood there, soaked from head to toe, the soy milk dripping from my hair onto my uniform, leaving sticky yellow stains on the white collar. I stood frozen, my face burning with shame. Olivia walked up to me and stood in front of me, her voice soft: “Rachel, you can’t keep making everyone think you’re putting on a pity show to clear your name. You’ll really be misunderstood this way.” I finally snapped, my voice hoarse and trembling: “Clear my name? When your dad ruined my face, did I even ask him to take responsibility?” She blinked: “What are you talking about? Didn’t you voluntarily sign up for the trial? You signed the contract yourself.” “Didn’t you say ‘I can endure pain for beauty’? How come now that you’re disfigured, you want to blame others?” She paused, then lowered her voice: “Rachel, I advise you not to say anything rash. The statute of limitations on my dad’s case has passed. If you really make a big fuss, it’ll only make your mom’s work situation more difficult.” “Also,” she smiled, “do you have any evidence for what you’re saying now?” I was stunned. She wasn’t wrong. I had no evidence. The trial contract I signed back then was taken away, and my mom had thrown away the copy as waste paper. I was only a freshman then, and after being disfigured, I only knew how to cry. I had no idea what to keep as evidence. I couldn’t even remember clearly what I had signed. And now, she stood brazenly in front of me, saying: “Without evidence, anything you say is just slander.” My whole body went cold, my teeth chattering. She turned and walked into the classroom with a smile. Classmates crowded around her, offering breakfast, hot water bottles, pink face masks, saying: “Olivia, you’re really too kind.” “Don’t let her get to you, she’s just trying to ride your coattails.” “Don’t worry, we all support you getting plastic surgery to live your best life. You deserve better.” And I, like a madwoman, was nailed to the corridor. My vision started to blur. That night, I couldn’t sleep. Not because I had been doused with soy milk during the day, not because my mother was still lying in the hospital on an IV drip, but because Olivia had posted a new article on the school’s public account: “The Pursuit of Beauty is Never a Sin” She said she was a “patient with congenital facial structure imbalance” and had developed an eating disorder in middle school due to her facial issues. She said she could only fall asleep at 4 AM because “appearance anxiety has seeped into my bones.” Finally, she wrote: “Some people think I don’t deserve plastic surgery, that this is all an act. But I just want to stop being scared of my reflection in the mirror. I hope the next time I sit on the operating table, I’ll wake up with a smile.” There were over a thousand comments below, all praising her for being “brave,” “real,” and “beautifully powerful.” As for me, after being scolded for three whole days, I didn’t even have a single comment defending me. This donation storm, wrapped in the guise of “beauty,” had already become one-sided in public opinion. I sat on a long bench in the hospital corridor, took out my phone, and opened the official website of that plastic surgery hospital. The procedure Olivia said she wanted was the hospital’s newly launched “Full Face Dynamic 3D Fusion Surgery.” The introduction read: “Jointly developed by Shaw Hospital and overseas experts” and “Creating an Asian-adapted facial proportion model.” I recognized it immediately. This was the same procedure the doctor had mentioned to me before my double eyelid surgery. Fighting back tears, I dialed the consumer protection hotline and the city’s medical regulatory hotline. I reported the hospital’s name, saying they exaggerated their advertising, failed to disclose experimental procedures, and refused to provide complete medical records after disfiguring me. The person on the other end said they would file the complaint for investigation. After hanging up, for the first time, I felt a tiny bit of victory, no matter how small. But this small sense of victory turned into hell the next morning. 0

Hot post on the school forum: “Shocking! Girl refuses to crowdfund, reports Olivia’s plastic surgery hospital, even writes to school authorities slandering her father as a quack doctor” The post included a photo of my silhouette making a phone call in the hospital corridor late at night. There was also a secretly taken photo of me queuing in the cafeteria, with large red text: [This is Rachel Chen. Jealous that everyone likes Olivia, she reported her family’s hospital just because Olivia is prettier than her.] The post had thousands of comments. [Wow, how vicious can she be?] [Can’t get surgery herself so she wants to ruin someone else’s face? Does she even qualify as human?] [What did Olivia ever do to her? This girl must be a psycho!] By noon, as I was walking into the teaching building, I heard people scrolling through their phones and pointing at me: “Is she the one who reported the Shaw family hospital?” “I bet she’s mentally ill. If Olivia’s face is considered ugly, she might as well apply for a job at a haunted house.” “Write a sob story, make a fuss, and now she wants to play the victim of public opinion, huh?” I bit my lip and rushed into the classroom. As soon as I sat down, our homeroom teacher came in with several printed papers in her hand. “Rachel Chen, come to the office.” I stood up, my legs shaking. In the office, the dean of students had a grim expression: “Rachel Chen, your unauthorized report of Shaw Hospital has caused extremely negative impact on the school’s image. Now parents and outside media are demanding an explanation from the school.” The homeroom teacher also advised: “We’re not saying you can’t defend your rights, but doing it this way will only make the whole class resent you.” I looked up: “Weren’t they already resenting me?” The dean’s eyes turned cold: “Olivia just gave us the screenshot of the threatening message you sent her father last night. Do you want to take a look yourself?” I took it. The photo indeed showed a message I supposedly sent to the Shaw Hospital’s official account from a burner account: “Don’t think you can keep this under wraps forever. I still remember how you ruined my face back then.” “No matter how rich your dad is, I’ll make sure he’s exposed to the light of day.” At the bottom of the message was a red box noting: “Verbal threats, malicious false reporting.” My mind exploded. I never sent these words. My report was through the hotline, through official channels. I never privately messaged them. This burner account wasn’t mine! I was about to defend myself when the dean coldly handed me another paper: “Take a look at this.” I took it and saw it was a joint letter. “We, the classmates of Rachel Chen, strongly condemn Rachel Chen for long-term spreading of false rumors about Olivia and her family both inside and outside the class, seriously disrupting class unity, and even attempting to smear the plastic surgery hospital through online means. We believe her behavior is extremely vicious and implore the school to take disciplinary action.” At the bottom, over thirty names were densely packed, each signature clear and neat. I felt like I had fallen into an ice pit. I couldn’t even see the words clearly anymore. The dean spoke coldly: “You must write an explanation now, publicly apologize to your classmates, and promise not to make malicious comments again.” I looked up, my eyes red, and asked hoarsely: “What if I don’t apologize?” He raised his head: “Then please cooperate with the school disciplinary process. We will also suggest you take a leave of absence to reflect at home for a while.” I stood up, clenching my fists, and said word by word: “I will never apologize for something I didn’t do.” “You can punish me, even expel me. But let me tell you this” “Olivia is not the good person you think she is. Her father’s hospital has problems, and so does she. You can cover it up for now, but you can’t hide it forever.” I turned and walked out of the office. Behind me came the sound of the dean angrily slamming his desk. But I wasn’t afraid anymore. I opened my phone and dialed a number. It was the young assistant who had been responsible for filming pre-op videos at the plastic surgery hospital that year. I still had her phone number, and I still had the voice message she sent me when she secretly shared “screenshots of the surgical process” with me. Now, it was time to bring them out.

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My sister-in-law claimed to be a “prophet” and after a few accurate “predictions”, the whole family believed her without question. She said my savings would be stolen in a month, so my husband convinced me to transfer all my money. She said housing prices would plummet within six months, so my husband and mother-in-law forced me to sell the house my parents left me. When I was about to give birth, she even said the child in my belly was illegitimate and would bring disaster to the whole family! On a freezing winter night, my husband and mother-in-law kicked me out of the house without a second thought. In the end, my child and I died together. When I opened my eyes again, I heard my sister-in-law say: “Next month, all of my sister-in-law’s savings will be stolen. We must get her to hand over the money now.” 1 I looked at my sister-in-law’s pretentious expression, wishing I could tear her face off. But remembering I was three months pregnant, I held back. “That’s my own hard-earned money. It’s none of your business,” I said coolly. Margaret immediately narrowed her eyes and pointed at my nose, scolding, “What do you mean your money? You married into our Wilson family – your person, your money, it all belongs to my son!” “An orphan like you should be grateful to marry my son. How dare you talk back?” “It’s bad luck for a woman to manage money. Hurry up and hand it over!” I sat down and took a sip of water, replying calmly, “Aren’t you already in charge of most of Jack’s salary?” Margaret was speechless for a moment. My husband Jack quickly tried to smooth things over. “Sophia, Mom and Vanessa mean well. We’re all family, how could we harm you?” I looked at his hypocritical face, feeling nauseous. Family? I was the one being schemed against by this whole family! After I died, my soul floated in the air and saw many things. Only then did I realize Jack and Vanessa had been having an affair for a long time, with Margaret’s knowledge. The so-called “prophecies” were just an elaborate act they put on together to swindle my money and house. Thinking of my unborn child, thinking of how I died miserably on that snowy night, an overwhelming hatred nearly drowned me. In this life, I would make them pay blood for blood! “Sister, are you stupid?” Vanessa frowned and scolded when she saw I wasn’t moved. “We’re trying to help you out of kindness, but you’d rather be scammed than trust your own family!” Margaret put her hands on her hips, her expression even more sour and vicious: “Haven’t you learned your lesson? Last time Vanessa said you’d have a bloody disaster on your anniversary, you didn’t listen. What happened? You got hit by a car, didn’t you!” Yes, I was hit by a car. Multiple fractures all over my body, half dead, lying in the hospital for three months. Only after death did I realize it was all their plan. The pain of betrayal washed over me again. I clenched my fists tightly. I looked straight at Vanessa. “Sister, since you’re so prophetic, why don’t you tell me exactly how my money will be stolen? Give me some details so I can be prepared.” Vanessa clearly hadn’t expected me to ask this. Her face froze instantly. After stammering for a while, she became angry out of embarrassment. “I’m trying to help you. What kind of attitude is this?” “Then wait until you have a specific ‘prophecy’ before talking to me again.” “How dare you!” Margaret jumped up and down in anger. “Don’t think you’re so great just because you can earn a bit of money!” “If it weren’t for my son giving you the chance to go out and work, if it weren’t for Vanessa and me taking care of the house, how could you make any money?” “Your money should be ours. You should hand it over without us even having to ask!” I laughed bitterly at this shameless logic. “Which household bill – water, electricity, gas, daily expenses – haven’t I paid for? Has a single cent of Jack’s salary been used for the family?” “As his wife, I’ve never spent a penny of his money. But Vanessa, even the money for your underwear was paid by Jack, wasn’t it?” I had always been mild-mannered. No one expected me to bring this up so directly. Vanessa’s face instantly turned pale. Jack looked so embarrassed he wanted to find a hole to crawl into. Margaret suddenly came forward and shoved me hard. My lower back hit the corner of the table. I broke out in a cold sweat from the pain, but not a single person came to check on me. “What’s wrong with Jack helping his widowed sister-in-law?” Margaret sneered. “Don’t think you can ride roughshod over me and your sister-in-law just because you’re pregnant. If you give birth to a girl, I’ll throw her in the sewer right away. We don’t need that kind of bad luck in the family!” My anger instantly shot to the top of my head. I grabbed the glass of water on the table and smashed it at Margaret’s feet. “If anything happens to my child, you’ll be the first one I take down with me!” We had a huge argument, with Jack eventually coming out to smooth things over and make peace. That night, Jack walked into the bedroom with a bottle of red wine, pretending to comfort me and urging me to drink. I stared at him steadily. “Can pregnant women drink alcohol?” Jack’s expression froze for a moment before he quickly started making excuses with a smile: “This is imported non-alcoholic wine, basically fancy grape juice. It’s good for blood circulation and calming nerves. It’s good for pregnant women.” I didn’t expose him. I obediently drank that glass of cheap wine laced with drugs, pretending to pass out on the bed. Jack immediately used my fingerprint to unlock my phone. Margaret and Vanessa poked their heads in. Greedy expressions of triumph spread across all three of their faces. “I’ve already arranged it with Old Liu. Tomorrow he’ll show her my big gold bracelet.” “I’ve ordered the latest designer bag. Just waiting to pay the final installment.” “Once she has no money left, she’ll have to obey us and be our housekeeper!” I lay there with my eyes closed, listening to their ugly whispers, laughing coldly in my heart. Jack saw the balance in my account and his eyes widened: “Why is there no money at all?!” “And there’s a 200,000 dollar debt to the bank!” 2 Margaret and Vanessa’s faces instantly turned white. They jumped up and down anxiously. “My big gold bracelet!” “My bag! How will I pay the final installment!” “Where’s the money?!” Jack’s eyes were bloodshot. Like a wild beast gone mad, he pounced on me and grabbed my shoulders, shaking me violently. “Where’s my money? What did you do with the money?!” He started frantically ransacking the room, throwing my clothes, jewelry, and personal belongings everywhere. The whole room looked like it had been looted. I had already transferred the money and taken out a $200,000 loan on top of that. I wanted to make Vanessa’s “prophecy” come true. I collapsed on the floor, hugging my head and crying regretfully: “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have doubted Vanessa… I was scammed…” “Now I even owe the bank 200,000. What should we do…” I looked up with tearful eyes, helplessly looking at them: “Aren’t we family? Margaret, didn’t you say my money is your money? Now that I’m in debt, this debt… shouldn’t it be our debt too?” Vanessa was the first to jump out: “I don’t have any money!” Jack shrugged: “All my salary goes to Mom. I don’t have any money.” Margaret folded her arms across her chest, looking at me with a harsh expression: “You jinx! You were stupid enough to get scammed, why should we pay your debts? Dream on! Our Wilson family doesn’t need a daughter-in-law like you who brings bad luck!” “I don’t care if you have to sell your blood or your body or your organs. Pay off the debt yourself.” “If debt collectors come harassing us, I’ll be the first to push you out to pay them off.” “You hear me?!” They stormed out, slamming the door behind them. A few days later, Vanessa came to find me again with her “good intentions”. “Sophia, my eyelid has been twitching these past few days. I foresee that your house… will lose a lot of value within six months.” As soon as she finished speaking, Margaret and Jack started pressuring me in unison to sell the house my parents had left me before marriage. I flatly refused: “Not selling.” Margaret smashed a cup and started cursing: “Are you deaf? When I tell you to sell, you sell. Who are you to refuse?” “This house should have belonged to our Wilson family in the first place. How dare you act like you’re in charge?” While Margaret played the bad cop, Vanessa played good cop: “Sophia, I’m really doing this for your own good. Have you forgotten what happened with the money last time?” Before I could respond, Margaret said smugly: “It’s too late to refuse. I’ve already collected the deposit.” “The buyers are at the door.” She opened the door directly and brought in two people to view the house. “Don’t come in!” I blocked the doorway. Margaret immediately sat down on the floor and started wailing and making a scene: “Oh heavens! My daughter-in-law is trying to beat this old woman to death! Come quick, look! She’s abusing me!” “This ungrateful wretch, taking advantage of her pregnancy, not giving me food to eat or a place to sleep. Now she wants to kick me out. I can’t go on living!” Onlookers who didn’t know the truth started pointing fingers at me. “She’s pregnant herself but still so hot-tempered. Aren’t you afraid of karma affecting your child? What a vicious heart!” “Look at her. She must be a tyrant at home. Marrying a daughter-in-law like this is really bad luck for eight generations.” Jack grabbed my arm, looking impatient: “Stop blocking the way. Mom’s already taken the money. Just let them take a look.” “Don’t make a scene in the doorway and embarrass yourself.” I didn’t budge. Vanessa pretended to persuade me, her eyes full of vicious calculation: “Sophia, don’t be stubborn. You’ll cry when the house price drops. Haven’t you experienced the consequences of not listening to my prophecies?” 3 I had indeed experienced it. In my previous life, just because she said my child was a harbinger of disaster, I was kicked out of the house by them. On a snowy night below -30°C, I was wearing only a thin nightgown. The child in my belly seemed to feel the bone-chilling cold too, kicking me desperately. I felt like the cold would freeze both me and my baby to death. I knocked on the door frantically. My nails broke, my palms bled. I cried and begged them to open the door. But through the doorway camera, I heard the happy laughter of the whole family inside. “Let her freeze to death out there!” “Better if it’s two lives lost. Save us the bad luck!” That’s how I was frozen to death in endless cold and despair. “I know what you’re up to. The house – I will never sell!” I looked coldly at Margaret. Margaret felt guilty under my gaze, but still bristled up. She started yelling without thinking: “You really don’t care about your family at all, do you?” “Where will we get money if we don’t sell the house? My ten big gold necklaces, your sister-in-law’s bag, and the money Jack lost in stocks – how will we make that up?” After she finished speaking, she realized she had let something slip. Vanessa quickly tried to smooth things over: “Mom’s just talking nonsense because she’s upset. Sophia, it’s mainly because of my prophecy. You can’t not listen!” They had planned this long ago. Before I could respond, they directly took out my property deed and tried to hand it to the two house viewers. I rushed over to stop them. Margaret shoved me hard. I fell onto some broken glass. Multiple cuts instantly appeared on my body. A sharp pain shot through my lower abdomen. I clutched my belly, looking at Jack in pain. Jack scolded his mom: “Mom, you’ve gone too far.” I thought Jack still had a shred of conscience at that moment. But after steadying Margaret, he frowned at me instead: “Don’t fight with your mom. After they finish viewing the house, I’ll take you to the hospital.” My heart died completely in that moment. I turned to the couple who had been frightened by the scene. “If you dare buy this house, I’ll die right here today. Two lives lost.” The two of them shouted about bad luck, took back their deposit, and ran away. I took out my phone myself and called 91 Margaret was still holding onto the property deed and refusing to return it. I gave Jack an ultimatum. “Give me back the property deed. Otherwise, we’re getting divorced.” “According to marriage law, this is my premarital property. All of you, get out of here!”

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I used to think his love was the most beautiful thing in the world. Until it became the knife that carved scars into my flesh and soul. Four years ago, when Lucas fell into a family scandal, I took two million dollars from his cousin and spoke ill of him in front of reporters. Four years later, I was kicked out by his cousin. I knelt at Lucas’s doorstep, my face ruined beyond recognition even with a mask on. Lucas, impeccably dressed in a suit, carefully supported Jasmine, who was pregnant. Jasmine stared at my face and suddenly felt nauseous. “Honey, she’s disgusting.” Lucas comforted her, rubbing her back, while looking at me with disdain. “Didn’t my cousin give you money? Couldn’t you afford a piece of cloth to cover that ruined face?” I instinctively wanted to lower my head, but he grabbed my mask and yanked it down violently. The scabs tore open, blood trickling down my chin. I trembled in pain. He took out a hundred-dollar bill, slapped my painfully sore face with it, then stuffed it into my chest. “Enough to buy some disinfectant. Clean up that rotten face. You made my wife sick. Can you afford to compensate her?” I fought back tears. That two million dollars – I had anonymously hired a top lawyer to clear his name of all accusations. In return, his cousin poured boiling water on my face. Now, my burns were infected, and I could go into shock at any moment. As Lucas was about to leave, I crawled to his side on all fours, clutching his pant leg. Under his icy gaze, I struggled to speak. “Lucas, please, save my grandma. She has terminal lung cancer. She needs money for treatment.” Trembling, I pulled out a brand new designer box from my pocket. Inside was a scarf I had saved up for a long time to buy. Dark gray, his favorite color. I held the box with both hands, as if cradling the last flicker of hope. “Please, for old times’ sake. For how good my grandma was to you.” “She made dumplings for you so many times, always talking about how much you loved them. Please lend me money to save her. This is a small token of my appreciation.” I could barely continue, tears welling up in my eyes, but I held them back fiercely. Jasmine glanced at it and covered her mouth, laughing. “Even my dog wouldn’t wear that brand.” Lucas extended two fingers, contemptuously pinching a corner of the scarf. “You want me to lend you money to save that old hag?” He sneered. “Where was she when you took money to slander me back then? What kind of person could she be to raise a granddaughter who would sell anything for money?” Blood rushed to my head instantly. My whole body shook violently, fists clenched tight. Lucas watched my anger, a flash of excitement in his eyes. He relished the feeling of being able to ignite me so easily, then crush me into the mud just as effortlessly. He carelessly tossed the scarf to the ground. “Want to borrow money to save that old waste?” He looked down at me condescendingly. “Sure.” I suddenly looked up, with a hint of disbelieving hope. But when I saw the undisguised hatred in his eyes, my heart sank again. Jasmine seemed surprised, tugging at Lucas’s sleeve coquettishly. “Honey, don’t.” Lucas gave her an indulgent smile. “Be good, I’ll let you and the baby see something interesting in a moment.” He turned to me and said slowly, “Kneel here and say loudly, ‘My grandma Rose is an old bitch. She deserves cancer.’” He paused, savoring my face that had turned as white as paper. “Say it from the bottom of your heart, as genuinely as when you accused me in front of reporters back then. Say it once, and I’ll give you a hundred thousand. How about that?” Jasmine giggled beside him. “Say it quickly, or your grandma will die.” The world seemed to fall silent instantly. I looked at the disgust in his eyes for me, and suddenly flashed back to the image of him looking at me with eyes full of love. I couldn’t help but take two steps back. Anger, despair, and guilt towards my grandma rushed to my head at this moment. “Impossible.” I squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth. Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Then get lost.” I was on the verge of collapse. The image of my grandma’s haggard, desperate face and the doctor’s cold bill of payment involuntarily flashed before my eyes. In the end, the desire for grandma to live on crushed my last bit of dignity. I opened my mouth: “My grandma Rose… is… is an old bitch…” The moment these words came out, I heard the sound of my heart breaking. Lucas’s eyes suddenly flickered. He remembered when he was bullied by his cousin as a child, it was grandma who chased him away with a rolling pin for half a street to protect him. She always hid shrimp, his favorite, in the dumplings. But this hint of wavering disappeared in an instant. “Wait,” Lucas suddenly interrupted me and dialed a number. “How can there be a good show without an audience?” My heart instantly sank into an ice cave, an ominous premonition rising from the bottom of my heart. In less than five minutes, several cars stopped by the roadside. The car doors opened, and a group of reporters carrying cameras swarmed in with excitement on their faces. My pupils constricted violently. They were the same people I had spoken ill of Lucas to years ago. “Oh my God, Miss Zoe, what happened to your face?” The reporters snapped furiously at my face. I instinctively wanted to put on my mask, only to find that Lucas had already stepped on it. “Miss Zoe, are you kneeling here to repent?” “We heard you were abandoned by your sugar daddy? Now you’re back looking for Mr. Lucas?” I felt as if I had been stripped naked and thrown into a busy market. The immense shame and fear made my whole body rigid. Lucas watched this scene with satisfaction and slowly opened his mouth: “Face the camera with your ruined face and say it properly.” Some reporters started live streaming, focusing on my face. Tens of thousands of viewers instantly flooded into the live stream. “She doesn’t even care about her face for money, now pretending to be filial?” “Like grandmother, like granddaughter. They’re all scum.” “Her face is karma! Go die already.” I stared blankly at these vile words in front of me and opened my mouth again: “My grandma Rose is an old bitch.” Just as I was about to say the next sentence like a walking corpse, my vision suddenly went black and I fell forward. Lucas instinctively wanted to support me but deliberately stopped. At this moment, my phone rang. “Miss Zoe, we’ve stopped your grandmother’s painkillers. She was just rolling in bed in pain. When are you coming to pay?” Lucas snatched the phone from me, put it on speaker, and sneered at the receiver: “Tell that old hag her granddaughter is calling her an old bitch right now.” Jasmine clapped her hands and laughed beside him: “Nurse, you must let her grandma hear this!” I anxiously grabbed the phone back, about to say something, when I heard a long beep from inside. “I’m sorry, Ms. Zoe. Your grandmother has passed away.” I stood there stunned, the phone falling to the ground with a thud. Lucas’s gaze swept over my old phone that had just fallen at his feet. Covered in cracks, it looked jarring. He raised his foot and kicked it hard. With a crack, the phone hit the corner of the wall, the battery flew out, and the screen shattered completely. “No!” I let out a heartbroken roar. It contained voice messages my grandma had recorded one by one, full of her concern and advice for me. Almost with my last breath, I crawled on all fours towards the pile of debris in the corner. “Grandma!” I cried out, tears mixed with blood flowing down my face. I frantically scrabbled with both hands, trying to pick up those pieces. The sharp glass shards instantly cut my fingers, but I didn’t even notice. The reporters were even more excited to record this scene, their cameras precisely aimed at my distorted, anguished face. The barrage of comments in the live stream went crazy: “She deserves it.” “She even cursed her own grandmother. Asking for money? I think she’s just putting on a show.” Suddenly, a cold sneer came from above, piercing my collapsed nerves. Lucas looked down at me with bloodshot eyes, a flash of extremely complex emotions in his eyes – shock, hatred, and a hint of heartache he didn’t even notice himself. Jasmine leaned forward, frowning: “Honey, has she gone mad? Crying like this over a broken phone? Could it be that she has some scandalous photos with a sugar daddy in there?” Lucas’s gaze turned cold. “Look at yourself now. You’re crawling around like a mad dog for a broken phone?” He raised his foot, carelessly nudging the pile of debris with his toe. “If your grandma knew you were just cursing her, do you think she’d die again in her grave?” “Shut up!” I suddenly raised my head, my bloodshot eyes glaring fiercely at Lucas. He stared at the intense hatred and despair in my eyes, stunned for a moment. Jasmine pointed at my nose: “What are you yelling for? Your grandma, that old hag, raised a granddaughter as cheap as you. She deserved to die.” My grandma’s painful gasps before she died, the irreparable phone, the humiliation I suffered today, everything made my sanity snap completely. With a loud slap, a resounding slap landed on Jasmine’s face, instantly leaving a red handprint. She covered her face, staring at me in disbelief. “Honey, she hit me!”

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Zachary Shaw insisted I take care of his adopted sister Lily when she caught a cold. I refused, so he threw our son Alex out on the street to force me to comply. After I moved in, Alex and I were crammed into the attic, overrun with rats and mosquitoes. Zachary meticulously listed Lily’s preferences to me: “Lily doesn’t eat cilantro, so don’t put any in her food. Cut hard foods into small pieces – her stomach is sensitive.” “Don’t give her anything spicy, cold, or sour when she has a cold. She’s good at using me as an excuse to trick people, so be careful.” I silently noted it all down, agreeing to leave once Lily recovered. He halfheartedly agreed, but then turned around and bet Lily how long I would last. “This obedient dog will come running back as soon as I call.” Little did he know, when I said I was leaving, I meant never coming back. 0 “Zachary, I’m leaving once she’s better,” I said firmly. Zachary seemed taken aback for a moment. After a pause, he replied impatiently, “No one’s stopping you. Just don’t bother Lily.” He took Lily upstairs, leaving Alex and me busy in the kitchen. Perhaps as punishment, at lunch Zachary made me feed Lily. I carefully followed her preferences, alternating between spoonfuls of rice and soup. “Waaah Zach, it’s so hot!” Lily cried, ducking into Zachary’s arms. Before I could react, the bowl of soup was thrown at me. “Aria Montgomery, you knew the soup was scalding hot but still fed it to Lily. Are you trying to kill her?” Zachary snapped. I didn’t explain, but Zachary acted strangely. “Give this bowl of soup to Alex,” he ordered. He personally ladled out a bowl and handed it to our son. Before it could cool, Zachary had someone force it down Alex’s throat. I watched Alex’s face turn red, suddenly remembering the soup contained shrimp. “Zachary, stop! Alex is allergic to shrimp!” I cried. He acted like he couldn’t hear me, forcing bowl after bowl until Alex collapsed on the table, struggling to breathe. I tried to take Alex to the hospital, but Zachary had his men hold me back. “Make another batch of soup for Lily. You can leave once it’s cooled down.” I knew I couldn’t resist. Otherwise, my son’s life would be in Zachary’s hands. I obediently made four dishes and a soup, frantically fanning it to cool it faster. Lily waved her hand dismissively, complaining that dust had fallen in the soup. Over and over, I made batch after batch. She was finally satisfied and let me go. I grabbed Alex and called an Uber outside, telling the driver to get to the hospital as fast as possible. But we were still too late. Alex’s esophagus was severely damaged and required hospitalization. Before I could get Alex settled, Zachary called demanding I return. When I refused, he sent men to forcibly bring me back from the hospital. “Lily says she wasted the soup you made, so she specially made a new batch. Don’t be ungrateful.” I glanced at the still-steaming soup in the kitchen. “What do you mean?” Lily pulled me into the kitchen with fake sincerity. “Sis, I was careless earlier and Alex ended up in the hospital because of me. To make up for it, I made you a special batch. You absolutely can’t say Lily’s cooking is bad.” She stuck out her tongue playfully, giving me no chance to refuse. As soon as I touched the edge of the bowl, my hand jerked back. Lily immediately put on a pitiful act, blocking Zachary’s view. Then she pushed the bowl to the floor. “Ow! It hurts, Zach…” Before I could react, Zachary shoved me to the ground. “Aria Montgomery, what did you do to Lily?” I didn’t see any injuries on Lily, if only Zachary had looked closer. But he didn’t. My palm was embedded with shards, instantly staining the tiles red. I looked up to see Zachary already carrying Lily upstairs. Nestled in his arms, Lily flashed a smug smile. 0

Back in my room, I bandaged my hand, listening to Zachary’s voice in the hallway. “Our Lily is the best, isn’t she? Just put on some medicine and you’ll be all better. Be good, okay?” “I promise, tomorrow I’ll bring you everything you like.” In seven years of marriage, Zachary had never been so deferential. In the past when I was hurt or had cramps, he either ignored me or accused me of overreacting. My heart felt like it was being repeatedly squeezed, aching to the core. A phone call interrupted my thoughts. I glanced at the caller ID. As soon as Sophia heard my voice, she nearly cried with relief. “Aria, why did you take so long to answer? Don’t you know how worried I was?” I glossed over recent events, making an excuse that I was going to Paris to see her in three days. Sophia seemed to suddenly realize something, about to ask if I was being mistreated. The next second, Zachary barged in with a bottle of medicine. I quickly hung up. He tossed the items on the bed, his tone hostile: “I brought you medicine. Bandage yourself up quickly and go clean. Don’t hurt Lily.” I didn’t take it, just staring blankly at the bottle. Clearly Zachary had just opened it to apply medicine on Lily. But he forgot I’m allergic to erythromycin. Last time he carelessly applied it on me without checking, causing an allergic reaction that put me in the hospital. That night Zachary never came home. It was a neighbor who noticed something was wrong and called for help. The next day I saw on Lily’s social media that she and Zachary were embracing and passionately kissing amidst cheers from a crowd. “What are you doing? Does it hurt that much? Let me…” I deftly avoided his outstretched hand. He awkwardly froze mid-air, his low voice tinged with displeasure. “Aria Montgomery, you’ve had your tantrum. I’m giving you a way out, so don’t be stubborn.” “You’re a grown woman but can’t control your temper. Who are you trying to impress with that sour face?” But I wasn’t throwing a tantrum or losing my temper. “I heard you say three days earlier…” he began. I cut him off: “Sophia said she’s coming to see me in three days. It won’t interfere with you accompanying Lily.” Noticing my aloofness, a complex emotion flashed in Zachary’s eyes. I ignored him, suddenly remembering Alex left at the hospital. But I stood up too quickly, aggravating my wound. I couldn’t help but hiss in pain. Zachary pushed me back onto the bed, finally showing a hint of reluctance. “I’ve already arranged for someone to look after Alex. He can be discharged in a few days.” In the past, I would have just taken this as something he should do. But now it’s different. “Thank you,” I said softly. Zachary froze for a moment when he heard those two words, his expression a bit unnatural. “It’s fine, you can go now. Lily will be looking for you soon.” As he finished speaking, Lily appeared in the doorway wearing an ill-fitting dress. It was the custom-made dress Zachary had specially ordered for me when we got married. Afraid of dirtying it, I never wore it again after the wedding. Zachary’s face stiffened, his tone turning reproachful. “This was custom-made for Aria. Why are you wearing it?” Lily looked utterly dejected, reaching back to grab the zipper. But she couldn’t reach it. Her face instantly flushed red, tears welling up in her eyes. “Zach, don’t you remember? This is what you brought when you came to see me last time. You even said once I wore it, I’d be the lady of the Shaw family.” Ignoring my presence, Zachary wiped away her tears and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry Lily, it’s my fault. If you like it, I’ll have a hundred made for you.” Seeing Lily beam with joy, Zachary pulled her close and showered her with kisses. Then he took her back to the bedroom. The vows of the past were still fresh in my mind. But today I realized one person’s heart could be divided between two. 0

Before my hand had healed, I was rushing back and forth to the hospital. Seeing the bandage on my hand, Alex gently blew on it to make it feel better. My heart melted and I could no longer hold back my tears. Hot tears fell on Alex’s face as he looked up and said softly: “Mommy, please don’t leave me, okay?” My heart skipped a beat as I pulled him into my arms. “Mommy’s not leaving you. It’s just that if you stay with me, life will be very difficult from now on…” “I only want Mommy.” Hearing my son’s answer, a weight lifted from my heart. After a week of staying at the hospital, Alex was finally discharged and allowed to go home. During this time, I stayed with Alex while also arranging plans with Sophia. I sent Zachary a message. Lily’s cold was better and no longer needed my care. A minute after sending it, Zachary called. “Aria Montgomery, I order you to be here in 30 minutes. Otherwise I won’t hesitate to repeat what happened to Alex last time.” Remembering Alex’s flushed face, my heart trembled. “I’ve already made myself clear, Zachary. You promised to let me leave once Lily recovered.” He scoffed, his tone harsh: “Who says Lily is better? Until the doctor declares her fully recovered, you’re not going anywhere without my permission.” He added “I’ve already sent security to pick you up” before abruptly hanging up. I clearly heard Lily’s coquettish voice in the background. In the past, Zachary hated anyone interrupting his phone calls. When he had conference calls, I was never allowed to enter the room. Even if I had just showered and was freezing cold. When he chatted with friends, I wasn’t allowed to make a sound. Even if I was injured and needed his care. But now because of Lily, he had truly become someone I didn’t recognize. The memories flashed by in an instant. Alex and I got out of the car to see Zachary directing the servants to busily prepare. Seeing me, he tossed what he was holding to me. It was a guest list and menu. “Tomorrow is Lily’s birthday. I promised her a big celebration. Invite everyone on that list.” “Also, Lily says your cooking is good. You’ll make all the food tomorrow.” He commanded me like he would a servant. But after we married, even when my mother-in-law ordered me, Zachary would stand in front to protect me. Never letting me step foot in the kitchen. How laughable that he had forgotten his past promises, yet still presumed to have me handle everything alone. “Zachary, I refuse. This is not my responsibility and you have no right to order me around.” I turned to leave with Alex, but was stopped by security. “Sorry ma’am, you can’t leave without Mr. Shaw’s permission.” I calmly looked up at the guards blocking my way. They were all hired by me back when I worried about Zachary’s safety. I never imagined they would now only listen to him. “Fine, I’ll stay,” I paused for a second before stating my condition: “But after Lily’s birthday tomorrow, I’m leaving.” Zachary’s expression darkened slightly. After a long moment, he spoke: “I agree. But to prevent you from leaving on your own, I’ll look after our son for now.” With that, the guards took Alex away, completely ignoring my protests. “Aria Montgomery, you’d better not pull any tricks at Lily’s birthday.” “Be sensible and handle everything properly. Stop thinking about leaving. If Lily’s in a good mood, I might even give you some money to leave.” I said nothing, staring intently in the direction the guards had taken Alex. Zachary wasn’t wrong. With Alex here, I couldn’t leave either. I just never expected that this meeting today would be our final goodbye.

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Just because Chloe wanted to know whether a Tibetan Mastiff or a wolf was stronger, my boyfriend Liam locked me, a wolf-born, in a cage with a giant Tibetan Mastiff. I dragged my body, still weak from the recent abortion I had for him, and fought the Mastiff to the death. As I was being bitten to a bloody pulp, Liam was up in the stands covering the eyes of his frightened sweetheart Chloe. Seeing this, Liam’s buddies immediately started teasing: “Bro, this Aria really can transform into a wolf for you, fighting a 400-pound Mastiff for so long!” “But after you treat her like this for Chloe’s sake, she’s probably going to give up on you completely and stop chasing after you.” As soon as they finished speaking, someone retorted: “Our bro Liam is Aria’s imprinted lover. Once a wolf imprints, that bond never disappears!” “Even if Liam wanted to skin her alive to make a fur coat for Chloe, she would hand over her pelt without complaint!” Hearing this, Chloe looked at Liam with confused eyes and asked, “Liam, can she really go that far for you?” Liam’s lips curled into a smug smile. “Wolf-people must unconditionally obey and protect their imprinted lover.” “So even if I told her to die, she would still love me to the bone and obey without question.” He said it so casually, but it felt like my blood was flowing backwards through my veins. But Liam, you’re wrong. A wolf’s imprint is not impossible to break, and I’m not destined to only love you…

“Liam, but you’ve always kept her by your side. I’m afraid you might actually develop feelings for her someday,” Chloe said. Her words made the air fall silent for a moment. Then suddenly, an eruption of raucous laughter broke out. “Miss Chloe, you can rest easy! The only reason our bro Liam is with Aria is because you suddenly went abroad back then and broke his heart. Now that you’re back, do you think he’d still care about that lapdog?” “That’s right, the only interesting thing about Aria is her wolf identity. If she wasn’t a wolf-girl, Liam would’ve dumped her ages ago.” Hearing this, Chloe bit her lip and looked at the silent Liam. “Is that true?” “Mhm,” Liam responded lightly, his long fingers caressing Chloe’s face. “Of course it’s true. Compared to you, she’s nothing more than a plaything to pass the time…” Those two words – “plaything” – that he uttered so casually felt like two sharp blades stabbing into my heart. As I was reeling from the pain, I failed to notice the Mastiff across from me waiting for an opportunity to strike. Seizing the moment I was distracted, the Mastiff lunged at my throat with its blood-filled maw. I stared at those dripping fangs, closed my eyes in despair. “Aria! What are you doing?!” An angry roar snapped me out of my daze. When I opened my eyes, I saw the Mastiff had collapsed, hit by four tranquilizer darts. Liam stood in the stands staring at me, his eyes filled with panic and fury. He ordered someone to lift me, still in wolf form, out of the cage. His eyes bulging with rage: “Aria, are you trying to get yourself killed?!” “You could face off against two Siberian tigers alone to save me before, but now you almost get killed by a dog!” “Is it because you’re upset I put you in a cage for Chloe’s sake, so you’re deliberately acting weak to make me look bad?!” So he still remembered how I had fought two adult Siberian tigers without regard for my own life, rescuing him from their jaws. Back then, he had held me tightly in his arms, moved to tears, and promised to love and protect me for life… I believed him, but he hadn’t kept a single word of that promise… My injuries were too severe to maintain my beast form any longer. Amidst the jeers of the crowd, I transformed back into human form. Completely naked. Liam’s buddies got excited when they saw. “Damn! That slim waist and plump ass, so fucking hot!” “How come we never noticed before that Aria’s such a bombshell!” “Bro, she must be wild in bed! If I could just get a feel—” “Shut up!” Liam’s angry shout cut off the vulgar comments. He looked at me with furrowed brows and took off his own jacket. Seeing this, Chloe’s face immediately tightened. “Liam, Aria is still a girl after all. It pains me to see her in such a miserable state. Let me help her put on some clothes.” With that, she hurriedly took the jacket from Liam’s hands and bent down to drape it over me with a sympathetic expression. But the next second, she suddenly grabbed my hand and deliberately used my still-extended wolf claws to scratch hard across the back of her own hand. “Ouch! It hurts!” “What happened?!” Liam quickly stepped forward, pulling Chloe into his arms. Then he glared at me fiercely: “Aria, how dare you be so ungrateful! Chloe was kind enough to help you get dressed, and you dare to hurt her!” “I didn’t, she did it herself…” I tried to explain, but was cut off by Chloe’s tearful words: “Aria, I’m so sorry. Earlier when I said I wanted to see who was stronger between you and the Mastiff, it was just a joke. I never thought Liam and the others would take it seriously.” “It’s all my fault for having such a ridiculous idea. If hurting me will make you feel better, then go ahead and keep hitting me. I won’t fight back.” After saying this, she approached me with a pitiful look on her face. I instinctively felt a wave of disgust and wanted to push her away. Seeing this, Liam reacted as if facing a great enemy. “Aria, stop right there!” “Haven’t you caused enough trouble?! Chloe is kind and forgiving, but that doesn’t mean you can bully her like this!” Then he kicked me hard in the chest, sending me flying. I collapsed pathetically on the ground, my chest aching as I coughed up blood several times. But when I looked up, I met Liam’s cold eyes. He was going to take Chloe to the hospital to bandage her wound. One of his friends asked if they should bring me along, but he coldly replied: “She’s a wolf, tough as nails. She won’t die.” With that, he left the arena with everyone else without a backward glance. Watching Liam’s resolute back as he walked away, I remembered how excited he had been when he first learned he was my imprinted lover, hugging me with eyes full of deep affection. I naively thought he actually liked me. Until Chloe came back, and he started torturing me in various ways to make her happy, even making me transform into a wolf multiple times to kneel under Chloe as her mount. That’s when I realized his initial joy was never because he liked me. It was because he discovered he had gained someone who would love him steadfastly no matter how poorly he treated them… But Liam, I don’t want to love you anymore. I painfully crawled over to where my clothes were, picked up my phone, and dialed a number. “Chief, I want to extract my spirit root and erase Liam’s wolf clan imprint.”

“Have you lost your mind?!” The clan chief looked at me, brought back by clan members, his expression extremely grim. “After extracting your spirit root, you’ll become a normal human, not only exiled from the wolf clan, but also lose half your lifespan!” “How is that any different from seeking death?!” “But living like this is a thousand times more painful than death.” The chief’s expression softened as he looked at my weak state, but he still tried to persuade me: “Wolf clan descendants are already rare, and you’re from the strongest lineage. Even if you must extract your spirit root, at least leave behind offspring with Liam first.” Hearing this, I laughed bitterly. “Liam said he doesn’t like children. I’ve been pregnant several times over the past two years, but he always sent people to take me to the hospital for abortions.” “I’m really tired…” At this moment, my little wolf brother Tommy suddenly darted out and stood protectively in front of me. He bared his newly sprouted fangs at the chief who was pressuring me, and snarled: “No one can bully my sister! Watch out old man, or I’ll bite you!” Seeing this, the chief shook his head helplessly and finally relented. But my body was too weak now, and I needed to recover for five days before the spirit root extraction ritual could be performed. However, the very next day, Liam called. He demanded to know why I hadn’t returned all night, and ordered me to come back immediately. I couldn’t control my love for him, and agreed without any dignity. But Liam, in four days, this love will disappear… Clan members sent me back to the villa. When the door opened, I saw Liam sitting on the couch smoking a cigar. Tommy was about to rush over and bite him to avenge me. Liam didn’t panic at all, and coldly called out: “Aria—” He knew I wouldn’t let him come to any harm. As he expected, I quickly stepped forward and grabbed Tommy. “Sis, after how he’s treated you, you’re still protecting him!” Seeing the indignation on Tommy’s face, my heart ached terribly. I could only have the clan members forcibly take him away. After everyone left, Liam got up carelessly and handed me a diamond necklace. “I didn’t know you had just had an abortion that day. This is a gift to make up for it.” It was his secretary who had taken me to the hospital, yet now he claimed he didn’t know… I looked up at him, tears involuntarily welling up in my eyes. Seeing my weak and pitiful state, his face immediately tightened and he grew aroused. Perhaps to him, my only remaining value was for this. Then he gripped my waist, lifted me onto the table, and eagerly leaned down to kiss me. However, just as our lips were about to meet, his phone rang. Chloe’s coquettish voice came from the other end. “Liam, I’m not feeling well. Can you come see me?” Hearing this, Liam withdrew his hand from my waist and replied anxiously: “Alright, I’ll be right there.” “Liam—” I called out to stop him. “Why are you… so good to her…” Faced with my questioning, Liam replied in a deep voice: “Fifteen years ago when my adoptive parents abandoned me on the street, it was Chloe who gave me bread and saved me. She stayed with me through that most difficult time. If it wasn’t for her, I would have frozen to death in the snow.” Boy, bread, snow… Suddenly, some fragmented images flashed through my mind, but stopped abruptly after a sharp pain. But at this moment, I no longer had the energy to dwell on those long-lost memories. I looked at Liam, my voice trembling uncontrollably: “But I’ve saved you too—” “More than once.” Hearing this, his tone turned cold: “You saved me only because I’m your imprinted lover. That’s what you’re supposed to do for me.” With that, he shook off my hand and hurriedly left the villa. Watching Liam’s resolute back as he walked away, I recalled how excited he had been when he first learned he was my imprinted lover, hugging me with eyes full of deep affection. I naively thought he actually liked me. Until Chloe came back, and he started torturing me in various ways to make her happy, even making me transform into a wolf multiple times to kneel under Chloe as her mount. That’s when I realized his initial joy was never because he liked me. It was because he discovered he had gained someone who could be mistreated without care, yet would still love him steadfastly… But Liam, I don’t want to love you anymore. I struggled to crawl over to my clothes, picked up my phone, and dialed a number. “Chief, I want to extract my spirit root and erase Liam’s wolf clan imprint.”

Liam didn’t return all night. I lay awake until dawn. As soon as I walked out of the bedroom, I saw Tommy who had come to visit me. He was holding a bag of my favorite chestnut pastries, standing downstairs with a bright smile. “Sis! Come down quick! I got up at 5am and waited in line for over two hours to buy these! They’re still warm!” My nose stung with emotion as I rushed downstairs to hug him. “Aww, such touching sibling love—” Chloe suddenly pushed open the door and walked in. With a smug look, she said: “I’m here to get some clean clothes for Liam. He spent the whole night with me yesterday, he’s exhausted.” “I don’t know what got into Liam last night. I told him to be gentle since there’s a baby in my belly, but he kissed me so passionately he almost lost control.” She was actually pregnant with Liam’s child… “Liam said he hates children. He won’t let you keep it.” After I said this, Chloe burst out laughing. “Aria, is something wrong with your brain?” “I’m over two months pregnant already. Liam takes me for prenatal checkups every week, and even had special nutritional supplements brought in from abroad for me.” “You actually think he would make me get an abortion? What a joke!” “The reason Liam said that to you is because he finds you disgusting. He doesn’t want a half-breed wolf child!” I was struck speechless, my heart aching uncontrollably. Nine abortions in three years. It turns out he didn’t hate children, he just hated the one carrying the child – me… “How dare you bully my sister, I’ll bite you to death!” Tommy suddenly transformed into wolf form and lunged at Chloe. Although I held him back, Chloe was still scared enough to fall on her butt. In the end, she scrambled to her feet and ran away. But before leaving, she threw back one last vicious remark: “Aria, you dare make me look bad! I’ll make you regret this!” I thought she would go tell on me to Liam, making him come torture me. But when Liam returned that night, he acted as usual, even showing rare concern for me and Tommy. “Aria, isn’t your brother starting elementary school next year?” “He’s always been mischievous, with mediocre grades. I hate seeing you worry about him all the time, so I found a tutor who can help him study well over the summer break.” This was the first time he had shown concern for me since Chloe’s return. I immediately felt a warmth in my heart. I was so moved I choked up: “Liam, thank you for thinking of me and Tommy.” Seeing how touched I was, Liam’s expression tightened slightly.

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I was known as the frail and unstable heiress in our social circles, with a rare condition that required regular blood transfusions to survive. Dissatisfied with my father’s choice of Aiden as my fiancé, I kept nine men as my personal playthings at home. Whenever Aiden, the wealthy pharmaceutical heir, confronted me with reddened eyes, I just scoffed dismissively. But later, those nine men poisoned my blood supply and ran off with all my assets. As I lay dying, blood pouring from every orifice, Aiden hunted them down and tortured them to death, their blood staining the entire mansion red. He slit his own artery to feed me his blood, tears streaming down his face. “Chloe, my blood can cure any illness. Please, I’m begging you to live!” But despite draining himself dry, he couldn’t revive me. Only then did I realize the depth of his love. When I opened my eyes again, I had been reborn to the day my father chose my fiancé. This time, I sent away all my boy toys, wanting only Aiden. I truly believed we would live happily ever after in this new life. But later, to redeem his cousin Lily who had gambled herself into debt, Aiden and my father conspired to offer me up at the gambling table… 0

At the casino, my body trembled uncontrollably. In my past life, Aiden had been willing to drain his own blood to save me. But just three minutes ago, he had drugged his own blood and forced me to drink it. He sighed regretfully, his warm fingertips brushing away my tears. “Chloe, I’ve replaced everyone at the casino with my own people. They won’t hurt you. You just need to put on an act to soothe Lily’s wounded feelings.” “You ruined one of her dresses yesterday. Consider this as making amends.” Even my doting father chimed in, “Think of it as character building. If it weren’t for you, Lily wouldn’t have run off to the casino heartbroken.” I was stunned speechless, my whole body shaking. I couldn’t believe these words were coming from my formerly overprotective father. Yesterday, Lily had seen my dress at the mall and lunged for it, but she slipped and tore her own clothes, embarrassing herself in public. She blamed me for “causing” her wardrobe malfunction to be photographed. Heartbroken, she had run off to the casino and lost everything. Compared to how these two men had doted on me in my past life, I felt my pupils constrict in shock. Could it be that they had been reborn as well? My body was rigid but my mind razor sharp as tears streamed down my face. Aiden positioned me in a pose that satisfied everyone, casino chips precariously balanced on my barely-clothed body. “Aiden, isn’t that Chloe, the crazy beauty from the Shen family? You’re setting us up… Wouldn’t your cousin be a better choice?” Several wealthy young men leered hungrily while nervously backing away, their clammy hands tentatively reaching for my body. Aiden leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed coldly on the changing room. “Since I brought her, feel free to enjoy. Her blood-nourished body gets wet at the slightest touch.” My whole body shook like a leaf. The Aiden I knew would fret for hours if a mosquito bite left a small bump on his carefully maintained body. Now he was handing me over to strangers without a second thought. Seeing me helpless like a fish on a chopping block, the men rubbed their hands eagerly. As they tore at what little clothing I had left, waves of humiliation washed over me. My heart shattered into a million pieces. In the distance, Lily emerged from the changing room with reddened eyes. Aiden pulled her into his arms tenderly. His doting tone made her giggle coquettishly. Those who had disrespected her earlier now kowtowed in apology. My emotions were a tangled mess. I remembered how in the past, Aiden would viciously punish anyone who so much as looked at me wrong. When Lily’s gaze fell on me, her eyes flashed with vicious glee even as she feigned concern. “Big sis, even if you’re used to being arrogant, you shouldn’t be naked in front of so many men. How embarrassing! You should all get closer to keep her warm.” As soon as she finished speaking, Aiden strode over and covered her eyes with his hand. “Don’t look, it’s dirty.” My fingernails dug into my palms as I trembled in pain, tears falling in big drops. It was June, but Aiden clearly understood Lily’s implications. He was indulging her, backing her up. This germaphobe who had once held my blood-soaked body and kissed me tenderly – why was he being so ruthless this time? Seeing Aiden leave, the men lost all restraint, crowding around the gambling table to play freely. Satisfied, they tossed me aside. The laughter in the room drowned out my heart-wrenching screams. Every breath was filled with the metallic taste of pain. I stumbled home on shaky legs, but froze at the doorway, my breathing nearly stopping. My clenched fists hung limply at my sides. Lily and I shared the same birthday. At that moment, my father and Aiden were celebrating her birthday at the table, countless gifts piled in the living room. Everything that should have been mine in my past life now had nothing to do with me. The three of them laughed and chatted around the dinner table, a warm family scene I had desperately longed for in this life and the last. It turned out Lily could obtain it so easily. I averted my gaze and snuck up to the second floor through the back door. As soon as I closed the door, I could no longer hold back and broke down sobbing. I had changed my personality for Aiden’s sake, but why had he and my father acted so out of character? This time, I wanted to love him properly, but he didn’t even give me a chance. Ashen-faced, I took out my phone. “Big bro, I’m coming to find you guys. I won’t marry him anymore.” 0

The man on the other end sighed, his voice icy. “Little sis, I’m glad you’ve come to your senses. Your second brother will be thrilled to hear this.” After hanging up, I lay on the cold floor sleepless all night. My phone buzzed once, shattering what was left of my frozen heart. A video from Lily. With trembling hands, I pressed play. By the end, my whole body was rigid with shock. “Big sis, did you sleep well last night? I arranged for the baby in your belly to come thank me. I specially chose quality DNA, no need to thank me.” I sat paralyzed, chilled to the bone. Lily had switched out the casino staff… In the final shot, I saw someone injecting something into my body. I rushed to the bathroom and vomited until I was spitting up blood. I scrubbed my skin raw with steel wool, tears and blood mixing together. In my past life, although Lily was adopted, she had behaved herself in the Shen household. But this time, it was like she had become a completely different person. A horrifying thought popped into my head – they had all been reborn. I dragged my battered body to the hospital in a panic, begging the nurse, “Please give me an abortion, I’m begging you.” Just as I finished speaking, the clack of high heels sounded behind me. I looked up to see Aiden striding over, his face dark with anger. “Big sis, you’re pregnant? But why are you asking the nurse for an abortion? Don’t you want Aiden’s baby?” Lily’s voice dripped with false concern. I rushed over and clutched Aiden’s hand tightly. “I’m not pregnant. This isn’t my baby. Lily switched out the casino staff and had them put… into me.” Aiden’s eyes flashed red as he pinned me against the wall, gritting his teeth. “You’re still trying to frame Lily even now? I thought you had improved, but you’re still as selfish as ever.” Even my father, who had rushed over at the commotion, slapped me hard across the face. “You ungrateful child! When will you learn to be as obedient as Lily? This is your own flesh and blood!” Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth as I swallowed the metallic taste. I watched them laugh uproariously, tears silently rolling down my cheeks. The two men who had loved me most had handed me over to the casino without a second thought. They would rather believe an outsider than ask their own daughter what happened. In my past life, I distinctly remembered them putting an entire medical team on standby at our mansion if I so much as coughed once. Helpless tears spilled over as I could no longer hold them back. Seeing me like this, Aiden’s heart clenched. He took a step towards me. But Lily began sobbing at that moment. “I’ve already forgiven big sis, why do you still want to frame me? I’m a victim too, I was almost…” She trailed off at just the right moment, making Aiden shake with fury. Her eyes gleamed with triumph as she looked at me. Rage boiled over and I glared at her venomously. I staggered to my feet and lunged at her. But I had barely touched a strand of her hair when Aiden violently shoved me away. I crashed into a cart, shattering IV bottles everywhere. Pain radiated through my entire body. As blood gushed from between my legs, I saw Aiden gently blowing on Lily’s scalp. While my normally composed father frantically called for doctors and nurses. I smiled as I blacked out. When I came to, I was tightly strapped to the hospital bed, unable to move an inch. My hands and feet were bound to the point of losing circulation. The nurses’ envious words drifted to my ears. “When will I find a man like Mr. Aiden? His fiancée yanked out one of his adopted sister’s hairs, and he called in the top hair transplant surgeon.” “I know right? He’s treating her like a mental patient to prevent her from hurting Miss Lily again. I’ve never seen restraints used like this before!” Their voices faded away. I looked up to see Aiden appear in the doorway. Was that a flash of pain in his eyes as he looked at me? I let out a cold laugh. He noticed my gaze and loosened the restraints, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Chloe, you’re being too unreasonable. Lily said you just got your period and weren’t pregnant at all. Your methods of getting my attention are too clumsy.” My breathing hitched. He so easily believed everything Lily said. “You should apologize to Lily. As compensation, give her your Four Seasons Villa. You don’t use it anyway.” 0

My eyes flew wide open in shock. The Four Seasons Villa was divided into Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter sections. It was the wedding gift my mother had specially designed for me. On her deathbed, she had used her last breath to make sure I signed the deed myself. Aiden had once held me and promised that we would let my mother witness our happiness there. How could he just hand it over to someone else? “I don’t agree!” I said forcefully. Aiden’s expression darkened as he coldly stared me down. “Lily’s health is fragile. The Four Seasons Villa was built with special temperature controls for each season. It’s perfect for her recovery. Don’t be so stingy.” The blood drained from my face, but I refused to back down. “You have a special constitution. If her health is poor, you can use your blood to nourish her.” Aiden’s face twisted. “No! Lily isn’t like you, she can’t stand the smell of blood. It’s decided.” I looked at Aiden with deep sorrow, suddenly remembering my father. That’s right! Father and Mother were so in love, he definitely wouldn’t agree to this! I rushed out of the hospital and home. When I happily approached my father, he slapped me hard across the face, shaking with rage. “Is this how your mother taught you to be so cold-blooded? For the sake of some trinket left by a dead woman, you’d let her suffer with her poor health!” My pupils constricted as my whole body trembled. Mother had been so good to Aiden, managing Father’s company until her dying day. But now the same people only had cold shoulders and cruel words left. I bit my lip until it bled. Aiden flinched at the hatred in my eyes. He was about to say something when Lily waved the deed in front of my face. “Thanks for making amends, big sis. Let’s put our grudges behind us now.” She pulled two tickets for a car race out of the folder. “Big sis, I’m inviting you to watch my race tomorrow. Father and Aiden will both be there.” My hand shook violently as I touched the tickets. I looked at the two men in panic. When I was little, I had been hit by a race car that went off course. I spent two years in the hospital, nearly giving up surrounded by cold machines. “I’m not going!” I tried to escape, but she grabbed me, her nails digging into my flesh like she was tearing off a chunk of me. Lily suddenly fell backwards uncontrollably, too fast to stop. “Ah, don’t push me…” She fell straight into the fireplace behind her. As flames flared up, Aiden pulled her out. She sobbed in his arms. “My hair got singed, what do I do? Big sis must hate me, I never meant to take anything from her.” I raised my eyes. “I said I didn’t do it. Will you believe me?” “Chloe, have you gone mad?” Aiden’s eyes blazed red, like he wanted to tear me apart. I laughed coldly as I looked at him. There was no point in explaining. He knew how terrified I was of cars, yet he still refused to believe me. Lily ran off crying. He raised his hand to slap me viciously. Then he chased after her like a madman. In the dead of night, I curled up in bed, my tears soaking the pillow. “Mom… why didn’t you take me with you…” I vaguely heard someone push open the door and carry me downstairs. When I opened my eyes again, the sharp screech of tires against pavement assaulted my ears. Everything around me was a blur. I bit my lip hard as waves of near-death terror washed over me. Vomit mixed with blood covered my body. I instantly realized Aiden was getting revenge for Lily. This time, I couldn’t even shed a tear. The car door opened and I tumbled out like a sack of meat. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, but I no longer had the strength to struggle. I didn’t understand why everything had changed in this life. Aiden and my father seemed like completely different people. But it didn’t matter anymore. It would all be over soon. I managed a small relieved smile as I slowly closed my eyes. 0

When I opened my eyes again, my body burned with pain. I wasn’t in a hospital, but a dark basement with a cheap bed. I touched my singed, messy hair, my heart shattering. The housekeeper hugged me gently with reddened eyes. “Miss, you’re finally awake. You’ve suffered so much. How could Mr. Aiden do this to you? He knew what you went through…” Tears silently rolled down my face. Yes, he used to personally drive me everywhere, knowing my fear. This time he had someone kidnap and race me around. My prized hair was burned on a whim. I let out a bitter laugh. In my past life he had loved me to death. In this life he loved someone else to death. We were never meant to be together. I had a long dream where my second brother took me away. All four of my brothers showered me with endless love. Just thinking about it made me smile. Aiden’s casually placed hands clenched into tight fists as he struggled to contain his anger. “Consider this punishment a warning. Why do you have to keep going after Lily? She’s not as lucky as you. Can’t you just let her have this?” I scoffed. As if Lily’s misfortune was my fault. Who should I blame for my current situation then? I met his eyes, my own stinging with unshed tears. “Aiden, have you really forgotten how much you loved me in our past life?” He looked dazed for a moment before furrowing his brow and coldly replying, “What nonsense are you spouting? You think we had a past life together?” He stormed off before I could respond. I laughed bitterly as I gathered my things, burning all the wedding supplies before heading to the airport. But as soon as I stepped out the front door, blinding headlights shone on me as a car sped straight at me. BANG! When I came to, Lily and I were tied to chairs. Her face was twisted with malice as she looked at me. “I know you want to leave. As it happens, I know a place where Aiden will never find you.” As she finished speaking, the men from the casino walked towards us. I stared at her in wide-eyed horror. But they walked right past me and went straight for Lily. The next moment, her screams echoed through the warehouse. “Even if you ruin me, Aiden still won’t like you! Please let me go!” Before I could process what was happening, the door was kicked open violently. Aiden strode in backlit dramatically. A small doll covered in needles hit me in the face, drawing blood. I shook my head frantically, face pale. “It wasn’t me…” But his handsome face was contorted with rage, his eyes like he was looking at a dead person. “We found your fingerprints in Lily’s car. What else do you have to say? Chloe, you’re still as disgusting as before!” I stared blankly as he carried Lily away. Every breath tasted of blood. Aiden, goodbye and good riddance. As the casino men swarmed towards me, I closed my eyes in despair with a bitter smile.

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Everyone in the city’s elite circles knew I was Julian Thorne’s ultimate favorite. For six whole years, I was the only woman Julian Thorne allowed near him. Rumor had it he was completely untouched, hadn’t even looked at another woman, much less touched one. My cheeks flushed at the thought. Only I knew that Julian Thorne had kissed every inch of me on my eighteenth birthday. “Stella, hurry up and grow up so you can marry me.” But when my aunt and I were both kidnapped and drugged with a powerful aphrodisiac, and he had to choose just one of us… He chose my aunt without a moment’s hesitation. He stayed with her at a hotel, indulging her every desire for what felt like nine long days and nights. His kidnappers broke my fingers and dumped me in a derelict beggars’ den. I had to disfigure my own face, ruining my stunning looks, just to protect my innocence. When I finally escaped, Julian Thorne immediately forced me to sign over my father’s entire inheritance to my aunt. “Stella, at least you still have me. But Amber… she has absolutely nothing left.” I stared at Amber’s face, almost identical to mine, and it suddenly hit me. All these years, I was just her replacement. A stand-in. Six years of exclusive devotion was just a privilege he’d given to her through me. I didn’t cry or make a scene. I calmly called the formidable, reclusive heir, Liam Knight. “Liam, I agree to marry you.”

My consciousness was fading, but then a familiar figure finally appeared in my blurred vision. “Julian, I feel awful.” My voice was hoarse. I struggled to look up, but Julian Thorne’s gaze was fixed on Amber White. He tossed two large duffel bags full of cash onto the floor, his voice cold. “I brought the five million dollars you asked for. Now, let them go, can’t you?” Amber whimpered, tears streaming down her face. “Julian!” Julian Thorne frowned, annoyed, then anxiously rushed towards Amber. It felt like a bucket of icy water had been dumped over my head, chilling my blood to the core. When Julian Thorne was about a yard away from Amber, the kidnapper carelessly tossed the detonator in his hand. “Julian Thorne, you can only save one.” “I gave them both the strongest aphrodisiac. Only a man can cure it.” “One will be pampered beneath you.” “The other… will be thrown into the streets, a plaything for countless men, tossed aside like trash.” He laughed maniacally, his eyes darting between the three of us. My hair stood on end, tears of terror welled up, and I screamed desperately. “Julian, please, take me with you!” “I’m scared, I’m so scared…” Julian Thorne hesitated, his brows tightly furrowed as he looked at me. “I want to save both of them. Name your price.” The kidnapper’s laugh was chilling. His palm slid across my chest, pinching the tender flesh until it bruised. “No, you can only pick one.” I cried out in pain, but then I saw Julian Thorne had already untied Amber’s ropes. He tenderly brushed over the red marks on her wrists, pulling her into his embrace and gently soothing her. “Don’t be scared, Amber. I’m here.” I gathered every ounce of strength I had, trying to awaken Julian Thorne’s love for me. “Julian, don’t leave me here alone!” Julian Thorne took a small step, and Amber leaned into his chest, her eyes heavy with desire, her hands fumbling with his buttons. “Julian, I’m so hot. Please help me, okay?” He frowned, looking conflicted, his voice low and hoarse. His words shattered my world, sending me straight to hell. “Amber’s honor…it’s critical right now, Stella. She can’t wait.” “They won’t dare touch you. Just wait for me. I’ll come back for you after I’ve settled her.” As soon as he finished speaking, Julian Thorne impatiently picked up Amber and rushed out of the warehouse. My mind went completely blank. I numbly stared at Julian Thorne’s decisive retreating back, tears streaming down my face. The kidnapper crudely patted my cheek, then dragged an iron bar from the corner. “Oh dear, Julian Thorne doesn’t want you anymore.” “But I heard he cares a lot about you.” “Tell me, if I were to cripple your hand, would he get angry?” Before I could react, the thick iron bar slammed down on the knuckles of my left hand. My face went pale, and a metallic taste filled my mouth. It hurt so much, like my flesh was being ripped from my bones. After my five fingers were shattered, I was roughly thrown into the trunk of a car and driven to a bridge underpass where the beggars lived.

When I opened my eyes again, a beggar was tearing at my clothes, pulling at my chest. I scrambled backward, my hand finding a stone. I nervously scanned my surroundings. “Get away! All of you, get away from me!” The beggar laughed, showing his yellowed teeth, and quickly snatched the stone from my hand. “Don’t struggle. Let us brothers take good care of you.” My whole body felt weak. I suddenly kicked the man off me, grabbed the stone, and aimed it fiercely at my wrist, where my main artery was. I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to stay awake. “If you dare come any closer, I’ll kill myself!” “If this gets big, the police won’t let you go. And Julian will make sure all of you pay for this.” Perhaps my threatening aura intimidated them, as they hesitated and didn’t dare approach. After all, I was wearing a diamond-studded dress and matching jewelry. I didn’t look like an ordinary person. My whole body burned, and I groaned in discomfort. Excruciating pain spread from my left hand. I stumbled and fell to my knees on the ground. The beggars eyed me eagerly, slowly stepping closer again. A few car horns honked from the bridge above. A pair of dark eyes stared down at me. My pupils constricted. Like grasping at a last straw, I cried out for help, “Liam Knight, save me!” In a matter of moments, Liam Knight’s bodyguards had thrown all the beggars into the lake and carried me into a car. I leaned against the car window, my nostrils filled with the scent of cedarwood from Liam. My breathing was heavy, and he immediately noticed something was wrong with me. “Stella, what’s wrong?” But as soon as his hand reached out, I grabbed it and pressed it against my cheek. “Liam, I feel awful…” His eyes turned cold. He lowered the partition, cutting off the bodyguards’ view. “To the hospital.” My whole body was burning hot. I tore at my clothes, desperate for a sliver of coolness. Liam Knight held my hands down and carefully poured mineral water into my mouth. He was so cool and smelled so good. I instinctively nestled into his arms, my hands restlessly roaming. “So hot, I feel awful…” Liam Knight restrained my hands and urged his bodyguards to speed up. My mind slowly cleared. I stared at the needle in the back of my hand. The nurse gently put a cast on my left hand, a sympathetic look on her face. “How did the patient get hurt so badly?” My heart ached. Julian Thorne kissing these very hands suddenly flashed through my mind. Julian Thorne loved to hear me play the piano more than anything. Every time a song ended, he would gallantly kiss my hands, caressing my knuckles, unable to let go. “Stella’s hands are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.” “They’ll look even better when they wear the ring I designed myself.” I snapped back to reality and asked, full of hope, “Nurse, can I still play the piano?” She shook her head regretfully. “Forget playing the piano. If it doesn’t heal well, you won’t even be able to pick things up in the future.” My phone chimed. It seemed Julian Thorne had finally remembered me. I unlocked my phone, and a video popped up. Julian Thorne passionately kissed Amber White’s lips, tearing her clothes to shreds. Their naked bodies intertwined, the sounds of their intimate gasps echoing. “Amber, I truly love you so much.” “You’re finally back in the country. I’ve missed you so much. I can’t live without you.” “I waited for you for six whole years only to realize that no one can replace you.” Amber sensually clawed at Julian Thorne’s back, then triumphantly looked directly at the camera. She asked in a sweet, cooing voice, “Did you treat Stella as my replacement, that’s why you pampered her so much?” The man nodded without hesitation, sealing her words with another kiss.

My phone slipped from my grasp, shattering into pieces on the floor. The sounds of the entwined man and woman abruptly ceased, but I clearly heard the sound of my own heart fracturing. Tears splashed onto the screen. Liam Knight rolled his wheelchair over to me. He wiped the tears from my eyes, his voice low and hoarse. “Don’t cry. You deserve better.” Liam Knight arranged my hospital stay. For nine full days, Julian Thorne didn’t come looking for me once. But during those nine days, he and Amber trended on Ins countless times. Paparazzi photos showed Julian had booked an entire hotel, spending days in his suite, seemingly tireless with a woman. The photos only showed half of the woman’s body, but it was clear Julian Thorne lavished her with extreme affection. The woman’s waist and arms were covered in hickeys, and a lustrous, emerald-green bracelet hung on her wrist. That was the Thorne family heirloom. Julian had personally promised me: “Stella, when you’re older, you’ll be the most respected woman in the Thorne family.” A sharp pain pierced my chest. I silently waited for the last IV drip to finish. Liam Knight dropped me off at the Thorne family mansion. Before he left, he pressed a new phone into my palm. “Call me if you need anything.” The White family and the Knight family had long been close, generations of family friends. When my parents were still alive, our families had even discussed an engagement. But I was so utterly obsessed with Julian, I swore I’d marry no one else, and gradually drifted away from my childhood sweetheart, Liam. I pushed open the villa’s front door. Julian, who claimed to be a germaphobe, was meticulously peeling a mango for Amber White. Amber provocatively glanced at me, then familiarly snuggled into Julian Thorne’s arms. Julian Thorne stood up guiltily, offering the freshly peeled mango towards my mouth. But I was allergic to mangoes. Even a tiny bit could be deadly. I forced a bitter smile. The stinging pain all over my body was nothing compared to the agony in my heart. Julian Thorne was a cruel executioner, torturing me slowly, leaving me utterly broken, as if by a thousand cuts. He gently wiped the remaining juice from my lips. “Sweet?” I didn’t answer. Then Julian Thorne pulled a property transfer agreement from his briefcase. The beneficiary was Amber White. The tight string in my brain snapped with a buzzing sound. I raised my voice in disbelief. “Julian Thorne, you want me to transfer all my property to my parents’ killer?” He frowned, displeased, his eyes cold enough to kill. “Amber just made some mistakes in her youth. How is that ‘killing your parents’?” Amber White had been envious of my father’s expanding company and deliberately sold our business secrets to a rival company. That rival company had then tracked my father’s whereabouts and deliberately engineered a car accident, causing my parents to perish in a fiery car crash. Julian Thorne had taken me in and raised me in the Thorne family mansion, promising to thoroughly investigate the accident for me. Everyone involved in the crash’s conspiracy had been sent to prison, except for Amber White, who fled to another country to seek refuge. I bit the inside of my cheek, snatching Julian Thorne’s phone to scroll through years of bank transfer records. For six years, every single month, he’d wired ten million dollars to Amber’s account. Amber White walked over, feigning sincerity. “Stella, don’t be mad at Julian.” “It’s all my fault. If only I hadn’t come back, Julian wouldn’t have to force you…” She cried, a picture of delicate sorrow. But Julian Thorne, a sucker for her tears, forcibly grabbed my wrist and scolded me. “Stella, for years you’ve been the city’s most pampered princess, someone I truly cherished.” “You have everything. Why do you still have to fight Amber for these small things?”

Like a madwoman, I struggled fiercely to break free from Julian Thorne’s grasp, but then I heard his subtle threat. “Don’t forget, the cemetery where your parents are buried is currently up for bidding.” “If you don’t behave, I can’t guarantee they’ll rest in peace.” The day my parents were buried, Julian Thorne had tenderly held me, promising sincerely: “Stella, I’ll take good care of you in your parents’ stead.” “You still have me; you can still rely on me.” Julian Thorne used to accompany me to the cemetery every year to pay respects to my parents, referring to himself as my husband in front of their tombstone. “Don’t worry, elders. I will protect Stella for life and make her the happiest woman in the world.” The familiar face was now utterly foreign. My tears flowed freely. Amber White softly pushed the agreement towards me, her eyes filled with greed. “Stella, as long as you sign, I’ll disappear from your sight immediately.” “I promise, I’ll never bother you and Julian again.” But the next second, she quickly rushed into the bathroom and dry-heaved violently. Julian Thorne glared fiercely at me, then yelled at the butler. “What are you waiting for? Call the family doctor!” My health was never good; I was always battling some illness or another. So Julian Thorne had hired a family doctor at a high cost, on call for me twenty-four hours a day. The doctor rushed over, panicked when he saw my body covered in red rashes, and frantically rummaged through his medical bag. But Julian Thorne stormed over, completely losing his composure. “Can’t you see Amber is in pain?!” “Get over here now!” The doctor looked at me helplessly, but I shook my head, my nails digging deep into my flesh, drawing blood. In those brief minutes, the doctor cast a sympathetic glance at me, then congratulated Amber White. “Ms. White, you’re… positive pregnancy!” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning, unable to move. I mechanically repeated the doctor’s words. “Positive pregnancy?” Julian Thorne’s face lit up with joy. He cupped Amber White’s face and kissed her, their noses touching. “Amber, this is our child.” Amber White knelt down in front of me with a thud, crying tears of regret. “Stella, it’s not that I want to take things from you.” “Julian and I were both drunk that night. It’s all my fault for not pushing him away.” She desperately kowtowed, begging me not to be angry with her, claiming the child was innocent. Julian Thorne almost always stayed by my side until I fell asleep, except for the night Amber White returned to the country. That night was also my twentieth birthday. After Julian Thorne placed a tiara on my head, he reluctantly told me that something had come up at the company, requiring his immediate attention. He left in a hurry, but when he returned, he was covered in a woman’s sickly sweet perfume. “Stella, I accidentally got it on me during a business dinner.” “You know, you’re the only one in my heart.” I looked at Amber White’s face, identical to mine, and understood everything. The atmosphere around me dropped. I slapped Amber White hard across the face. Immediately after, a burning sting appeared on my own cheek. “Stella, you’re being utterly unreasonable!” “Amber was generous enough to leave you the position of Mrs. Thorne!” I clutched my swollen face and sneered. “Julian Thorne, do you now expect me to be grateful to her and hand over everything with both hands?” “Dream on!” Julian Thorne’s face was ashen. He clenched his jaw, looking at the butler. “Take Ms. White to the attic! She’s become increasingly unruly and ill-mannered!” My body felt weak, and I was dragged by bodyguards, my hands pinned, utterly unable to resist. But the next second, the tightly shut front door was violently kicked open. A low male voice resonated. “Who dares lay a hand on my fiancée?” Liam Knight’s bodyguards rescued me. I collapsed into his arms, accidentally pressing on my bandaged left hand. “It hurts.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297061”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic