At my wedding, to save his adopted sister, my husband shoved me—three months pregnant—into the arms of our enemies as an apology. “This is my sincerity. You can do whatever you want with her.” I didn’t cry, didn’t fight. I simply followed our enemies, docile as a lamb. Because in my previous life, I’d traded all my wealth for freedom, desperate to return to Liam. But I was forced to drink abortion pills, writhing in agony for three days and three nights. “Brother, those enemies were just people you hired to play a part. Alice didn’t lose her virginity, so why did you insist on getting rid of the baby?” Liam scoffed. “A performance needs to be convincing, doesn’t it?” I died consumed by hatred. When I woke again, I chose to let them drag me away. But three years later, as I walked into the gala with my new partner, Liam lunged at me, his eyes wild. “Alice Summers, where’s our child?” … Three years. Liam felt like a complete stranger. “Alice, you don’t know how much Liam and I have been looking for you these past three years. I’ve felt so guilty.” I didn’t even spare Chloe a glance, using all my strength to pull free from Liam’s grip. Liam’s face darkened at my cold indifference, his voice dripping with fury. “I asked you, where’s our child?” I let out a cold laugh. It was utterly ridiculous. “What about the child? Don’t you already know?” Three years ago, what should have been the happiest day of my life – my tropical island wedding – became my eternal nightmare. How could a man who threw his pregnant wife to their supposed enemies for his adopted sister have the nerve to ask me that question? If I hadn’t been reborn, how could I have carved out a chance at survival for myself? Liam’s gaze flickered, and the hand he reached out to grab mine retracted. Chloe’s eyes welled up, her red-rimmed gaze fixed on me. “Alice, even though you were taken by those enemies for three years, you must have suffered a lot. And your body… But Liam and I don’t care.” “When a woman falls into a hellhole like that, we all know what she has to sacrifice. Even though Alice was defiled, it couldn’t be helped…” Her tone was full of pity, but her words were laced with pure malice. Liam’s face instantly turned grim, his dark eyes trembling slightly. By now, the party guests had gathered, their eyes shifting as they heard Chloe’s words. “She’s a slut! How does she have the nerve to show her face here?” “She’s probably been passed around, right? But her body’s still pretty good. If I were her, I wouldn’t be able to resist, ha ha ha…” Liam clenched his fists, like a lit stick of dynamite. “Have you caused enough trouble?” “Get home, now! Don’t embarrass yourself here!” My expression instantly changed. Home? Which home? I glanced at Chloe’s slightly swollen belly, my eyes mocking. “Is there still a place for me in your home?” My gaze swept the room. Why wasn’t he here yet? I had no patience left for these people and just wanted to leave. But they both seemed to misunderstand my meaning. Chloe nervously clutched her stomach, cowering behind Liam like a frightened fawn. “Alice, my… my baby is just an accident. The doctor said my health isn’t good, and if I had a miscarriage, I might never be able to be a mother. That’s why Liam let me keep the baby.” “Don’t worry, I’ll go abroad after the baby is born. I won’t bother you and Liam again.” If Chloe hadn’t crashed every single date Liam and I ever had, acting as a third wheel, I might have believed her words. But every single time, without fail, Liam had sided with Chloe. “Alice, why are you so petty? Chloe is just an immature kid. If she doesn’t come with me, she’ll cry in secret at home. Would that make you happy?” “Alice, I just wanted to learn how to date!” Gradually, I became numb to Chloe’s presence. I didn’t care anymore. Because I knew, caring was useless. Chloe’s tears fell onto Liam’s shoulder, and he instantly looked heartbroken, pulling her into his arms. “Chloe’s baby was an accident, and I’m definitely responsible for it.” “I’ll register our marriage with Chloe first, then we’ll divorce after the baby is born, so the child’s identity will be legitimate.” He then looked at me with what seemed like pity. “Alice Summers, for the next few months, take good care of Chloe at home. Only then will the baby warm up to you. As long as you behave well, I’ll give you the status of Mrs. Reed.” Hearing the word “divorce,” I clearly saw the resentment in Chloe’s eyes toward me. In a flash, I finally realized where Chloe’s inexplicable malice had come from all these years. Chloe wiped her tears and reached out to pull me. “Alice, just come home with us. Liam bought me a lot of clothes and jewelry; I’ll give them all to you, okay?” I was about to push her hand away, but in the next instant, I saw it—on her wrist, she was wearing the emerald bracelet my mother had left me. “Why is my bracelet on your hand!?” 2 “Oh… the doctor said my baby wasn’t developing well, so Liam gave me the bracelet to wear for good luck. If you don’t like it, Alice, I can give it back to you.” Chloe started to take the bracelet off. “Enough!” Liam immediately stopped her, his expression filled with tenderness. “It’s just a broken bracelet! Alice Summers, when did you become so petty?” A broken bracelet? Even after three years, I thought I had forgotten everything from the past, but a bitter ache still twisted in my heart. This emerald bracelet was the only thing my parents left me, a family heirloom of the Summers family, blessed by a spiritual master long ago. Years ago, I fell ill with a strange ailment. No matter how many local or international specialists examined me, they couldn’t find the cause. My parents cried for days, frantic, and finally, carrying this bracelet, they went to a remote spiritual retreat in the mountains. They kneeled every step of the way, from the foot of the mountain to the spiritual temple at the top—three thousand steps in all. Finally, they persuaded the master to consecrate the bracelet. But on the highway back, a large truck crashed straight into their car. My parents died instantly. When I woke up, all that was left were two memorial plaques… I cried myself unconscious in the funeral home, finally collapsing, overcome by despair. At that last moment, Liam held me tightly. “Alice! Your parents died for you! If you go too today, their deaths will have been meaningless!” “Don’t worry, I’ll never leave you in this life! Alice, you still have me.” Remembering that, I grabbed Chloe’s hand directly. “Give it back to me!” “Ah! It hurts so much…” Chloe’s face was pale, she bit her lower lip, and spoke in a wronged voice: “Alice, I’ll give it back. I wouldn’t dare touch anything from your family.” She looked like she’d suffered endless grievances. I just wanted my bracelet back, but Chloe let go of her hand before I could get a firm grip. The bracelet slipped from my fingers, hitting the ground with a sickening CRACK! It shattered into a million pieces. The world seemed to mute, leaving only my own ragged breathing. The sound of the bracelet hitting the ground felt like a sledgehammer to my chest, shattering my heart. Chloe cowered timidly in Liam’s arms, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to, Alice. You just scared me.” I instantly transformed into a furious beast, tears streaming down my face as I lunged toward Chloe. “You owe me my bracelet!” But as soon as I got close, Liam shoved me to the ground. “How much? Name your price, I’ll pay. Don’t upset Chloe over something trivial like this. Don’t be unreasonable, alright?” My wrists and legs scraped painfully against the hard ground. I bit my lip, saying nothing, and began picking up the shattered pieces of the bracelet. “Alice, let me help you!” Chloe leaned down, whispering in my ear: “Do you really think your parents’ death was because of this bracelet? Alice, you’re just too naive.” My eyes instantly widened, my head buzzed with a sudden, deafening roar. I seized Chloe’s collar, my eyes bloodshot with raw fury. “What do you mean? Speak!” But the next second, Liam kicked me hard. A metallic taste surged up, and with a gasp, blood spewed from my mouth, blossoming like gruesome flowers on the ground. “Brother, don’t hurt Alice. She’s just jealous that I’m carrying your baby, that’s why she wants to hurt me.” “You two were meant to be together. It’s my fault. I’ll go get rid of the baby and leave you! Then everything can go back to normal.” Chloe was shaking all over, like a terrified rabbit. But my heart was cold. Everything I’d never questioned before now felt suspect. “Liam, back then…” My words were cut off. “Brother, my stomach hurts so much…” Liam’s face instantly filled with distress. He scooped Chloe into his arms, heading for the host’s private doctor. As he left, he spared me a cold glance. “Lock her up.” I was surrounded by several security guards, an utterly outrageous display. My patience snapped. I snarled. “Get out of my way!” “You can’t afford the consequences of crossing me.” As soon as the words left my mouth, the surrounding onlookers scoffed. “Doesn’t everyone know the Summers family went bankrupt years ago? This woman talks a big game; she’ll hurt herself.” “She’s just a cast-off now, still thinks she’s that socialite from the city’s elite. Can’t she see the reality?” “Right! Everyone knows Mr. Reed is a rising star in high society now. She should just admit her mistakes.” I scoffed. If I hadn’t given Liam all the Summers family’s resources back then, how would he have gotten where he is today? But everyone present believed I was just making empty threats. To appease Liam, I was even locked in the security guard’s janitor’s closet. The room reeked of stale smoke. I had already coughed up blood, and now I felt even dizzier and more pained. I quickly lost consciousness. I don’t know how much time passed before I heard the door open. “You’re here!”

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Julian’s ‘darling little thing’ was having her 99th ‘breakup’ tantrum. He handed me the divorce papers. “Quinn, just sign it. It’s just to humor her. Once she cools down, we’ll get back together.” This time, I didn’t refuse. I signed the divorce papers without hesitation. The bystanders present were all murmuring, “Julian, you’re a legend! You’ve got your wife completely under your thumb!” “Spill your tricks, dude! Share your secrets to handling a woman!” Julian snuffed out his cigarette butt, his face gleaming with pride. “She’s head over heels for me. I could bring a woman home and screw her right here, and Quinn wouldn’t dare utter a peep.” The laughter behind me exploded like fireworks, exposing the raw, ugly truth of my ten-year marriage. That night, he brought the girl home. The faint, bunny-like whimpers from the girl went on all night. I picked up my pre-packed luggage and turned to leave. Martha, our housekeeper, tried to stop me, but Julian just scoffed. “Let her go. She’s nothing but a damn nobody without me!” “Does she still think she’s that celebrated champion artist she once was?” He provocatively kissed the young girl’s face, but his eyes were fixed on me. The next day, the whole town was betting how many days it would take Julian’s ‘disobedient ex-wife’ to come crawling back. But what they didn’t know was that the renowned director, my best friend Riley, who was personally flying me out to the International Art Gala, was already waiting in the extended limo outside. This time, I was truly leaving. — 0

Seeing I wasn’t jealous, Julian rushed after me, grabbing my suitcase. “Quinn, Stella’s dream is to be an artist. She wants to see the trophy. Let her play with it!” I lowered my gaze, looking at my fingers, aching and stiff from countless hours of painting. Becoming a champion cost me a body riddled with aches and pains. He knew damn well how important that trophy was to me. He also knew it was the one thing I’d never leave behind if I left, but he deliberately went out of his way to thwart me. He saw my silence and frowned impatiently. “God, you’re annoying! Always with that pathetic, gloomy face. It’s bad luck just looking at you!” “Just name your price. How much? Is a hundred million enough?” Money. If it really came down to money between us, how much were the ten years of my prime, my peak fame, worth? A bitter laugh escaped me as I looked at Stella’s face, six parts similar to my own when I was younger. They say a man’s loyalty only extends to 18-year-old girls. And who knows how long this girl, who rose to fame as ‘Little Quinn,’ will last with Julian. I handed her the trophy, offering a heartfelt wish: “I hear you’re from the Art Academy too? Then I wish your dreams come true soon!” Seeing my obedient demeanor, he nodded, satisfied, and actually tried to appease me. “As long as you take good care of Stella, I can consider adding her name to your artwork. But I can write your name a bit bigger.” I scoffed, “Is she even *worthy*?” All because Julian said, “I can’t stand to see you work so hard. Just be Mrs. Julian, isn’t that enough?” I announced my retirement from art at the City’s Best Female Artist award ceremony. My decade as Julian’s wife was supposed to be my most precious years, but all he gave me in return was one affair after another! And now he wanted to put someone else’s name on *my* artwork? I grabbed my luggage and turned to walk away. Just then, Julian, in a fit of rage, hurled the trophy at me. 0

Crystal shards flew, slicing my leg open, leaving gashes of varying sizes. Crimson blood poured from my leg. He stared at me, his eyes pure ice, devoid of any pity: “Quinn, you’re nothing without me. I bought you one championship; I can damn well buy another one for someone else!” “You want to leave? Fine. But strip off every stitch of clothing you have on!” “Every single thing you’ve ever eaten or worn was provided by me, by *my* family!” Stella, her eyes red-rimmed from crying, huddled in Julian’s arms, trembling. “Julian, please don’t fight with Quinn because of me. It’s my fault for being so foolish. I don’t want Quinn’s artwork, okay?” A year ago, my friends from my old art circle encouraged me to submit my work to the largest, most prestigious art exhibition in the city. Many famous masters and influential figures would attend, and my reputation would skyrocket. But on the day of the exhibition, the name on my artwork was Stella’s. To promote her, Julian pulled strings to replace my name with hers on my artwork, bribing reporters to gush about her ‘natural talent’ and youthful, delicate face. I became the talk of the art world overnight. Everyone said the once-celebrated genius artist would soon be Julian’s discarded trophy wife. Julian pulled Stella closer, pressing a heavy kiss on her, but his eyes were still locked on me. “In this town, *I* make the rules!” “What’s yours is hers! That ‘champion’ title? I only bestow it on women who know their place and obey me!” “Guards! Strip her!” I stared at Julian, my eyes burning. A decade of marriage, and he could be so utterly heartless toward me. The house staff, caught between us, hesitated, not daring to move. At the entrance hall, I took off my own blazer, worn over my silk dress, and then my red-soled heels. The shoes thudded loudly to the floor. “Is that enough?” I turned to leave, but he ripped my dress. “You’ll leave this dress too, including your underwear!” I stared at Julian in disbelief. “I bought these clothes myself! They have nothing to do with you!” He sneered, “You bought them? You’ve been a housewife for ten years! Where would *you* get money like that? Strip her bare!” The staff swarmed me, tearing off the last remnants of my dress. I struggled fiercely, but they kicked my stomach hard. A dark, bloody discharge streamed from my body. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to cover my nakedness, biting my lip hard, tears streaming down my face. He just held Stella, looking down at me with smug satisfaction. “See? That’s what happens when you don’t listen!” Stella wrapped her arms around Julian’s neck and kissed him. “Stella’s the best girl, Julian. I’ll never make you angry, unlike some people who don’t know what’s good for them!” Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes burning with raw desire. He picked Stella up, and a startled gasp echoed from inside the room. Martha looked at me, her eyes filled with pity. She slipped off her own jacket and gently covered me. “Oh, honey,” she whispered, “what a terrible thing.” I buried my face in the jacket, finally letting out a sob. I never thought that the home I’d poured ten years of my life into, the only one who’d offer me a shred of dignity, would be Martha, who I’d known for less than three months. 0

Wearing Martha’s work uniform, I walked barefoot out of the mansion. The extended limo parked not far from the gate was my ticket to a new life. But I didn’t expect that at that critical moment, I’d be forcibly dragged back into Julian’s mansion by a group of people. It turned out Julian and Stella had gotten carried away with their games; the dripping hot wax set the sheets ablaze, burning Stella’s arm. Stella’s eyes filled with tears, looking utterly pitiful at Julian. “Julian, my arm is burned. How will I paint now? Please, you have to do something!” I noticed the dense red marks on Stella’s body, and the dog chains, whips, and red candles scattered on the floor. So, Julian, who was usually so calm and composed, secretly enjoyed this kind of thing. A bitter laugh escaped me, my heart a dull, numb ache. Stella noticed my gaze and, whether on purpose or by accident, shifted her body. A bunny tail dropped from the bed. She apologized, covering her mouth. “Oh, sorry! Julian really likes little bunnies.” “Quinn, you don’t mind, do you? After all, you’re older, and you can’t play like this anymore, right?” I looked at the girl’s fresh, youthful face, so tender it seemed water could be squeezed from it, and shook my head, smiling faintly. She still didn’t get it: youth is fleeting. This whole charade was utterly boring. I checked my watch. “Julian, did you drag me back here just to watch this spectacle? I have somewhere important to be!” Julian bristled. “Who said you could leave? Do you really think I’ll miss you?” “You think too highly of yourself!” “I brought you here to take a piece of *your* skin for Stella!” My eyes widened in disbelief as I stared at Julian. “Do you know what you’re saying? What right do you have to harm my body?” Julian leaned down, his eyes filled with ruthless intent. “You’re nothing but a dog I’ve kept around. Don’t talk to me about rights!” “Her delicate skin can’t have any scars, so we’ll just have to use yours.” “Dr. Evans, proceed!” A group of people rushed forward and pinned my hands. I struggled desperately, “No!” But the needle still plunged mercilessly into my skin, and I gradually lost consciousness.

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Just before the 2024 Senior Year Finals, the Department of Education made an explosive announcement. —All high school seniors would get a ten-day break. My classmates cheered wildly, “We’ve been in school for 100 straight days, finally we’re free!” Mom stared at the news, her face blank. “Is a vacation bought with a life really worth it?” Yeah, is it? But Mom had already pushed me to my death. Right before the finals, Mom rallied all the parents to petition the school: absolutely no breaks before the exams. The parents argued, “The finals are around the corner! The kids need to be locked down in school, under strict control!” The school sided with the parents. For a hundred consecutive days before the finals, there were no breaks. Under immense pressure, students started falling ill. Mr. Harrison called an emergency class meeting. “Getting sick now is irresponsible to yourselves.” My stomach pain was unbearable. I secretly went off-campus to see a doctor, hiding it from both Mom and the school. But Mom found out. That night, during evening study hall, Mom burst into the classroom. She slapped me across the face. “You want to rest? Go on, jump off the building if you’re so tough! You can rest once you’re dead!” The words had barely left her lips when I pulled open the window and leaped from the fourth floor. As my consciousness faded, I heard Mom ask Mr. Harrison, “These injuries, they won’t delay her third mock exam review, will they?”

By the time I was being lifted onto the operating table, I had already stopped breathing. The doctors in the ER were performing CPR, but my soul floated over to Mom’s side. Mom looked furious. “I just scolded her a little, was that really worth jumping? Finals are in just a few days, I’m so worried!” Mr. Harrison tried to console her. “Lily is a very diligent student. As parents, you shouldn’t push your child too hard.” Mom’s voice rose. “Diligent? She bails at the first sign of a little illness. Kids these days are too pampered!” My soul hovered nearby, tears streaming down. Mom was an Ivy League graduate who’d come from humble beginnings to make it big in the city, truly climbing the social ladder. In her mind, scores were everything. If you didn’t study until you dropped, you weren’t studying hard enough. So, from a young age, I was cooped up in my room, doing endless math problems while other kids were out playing. I remember in fifth grade, I got my first period. The abdominal pain was unbearable. Mom only ever focused on my studies and had never taught me anything about it. I called Mom, but before I could even speak, her scolding voice blasted through the phone. “Lily, why was your weekly test score so low last week? So, if I don’t supervise you, you just won’t study, huh?” To punish my declining grades, Mom turned on the monitoring camera and made me go to the hallway to recite my lessons. It was freezing, around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and I stood shivering in the chilly hallway in just my thin pajamas. Mom’s voice came through the monitor: “Don’t even think about slacking off. You kids don’t know what real resilience is, not like our generation!” That night, I recited books in the dim hallway, and fresh blood stained my entire pants. From then on, every time I had my period, the abdominal pain was excruciating, and even medication didn’t help. The doctor said it was a childhood illness, hard to cure. But Mom just brushed it off. “You can’t even handle this little bit of discomfort? How are you ever going to get into college?” I clutched my aching abdomen, my head bowed low. Back to the present. Mom was still complaining endlessly to Mr. Harrison. “Lily’s math is weak, so please, Mr. Harrison, give her more attention, more homework. Don’t worry about tiring her out!” “When she becomes a public servant later, I’ll make sure she brings gifts to visit you.” Hearing the words “public servant” made my heart ache. Mom had no idea that because of her, I had long lost the qualification to pursue a public service career. In ninth grade, my deskmate, Chloe, invited me to her birthday party at a karaoke bar. Under Mom’s strict control, I had never watched a movie, played a video game, or even had dinner with friends. Thinking my last mock exam score was decent, I mustered up the courage and accepted Chloe’s invitation. Just as I was happily holding the cake, celebrating with Chloe, Mom burst in. The music screeched to a halt. My classmates exchanged bewildered glances, staring at the furious stranger. Mom, in front of everyone, slapped me more than ten times. Mom’s hysterical shouts filled my ears: “Lily, how could you be so depraved? Now you dare sneak out to play behind my back?” “What kind of place is this? What are you doing hanging out with these losers?! Shameless!” The air fell silent, only Mom’s ragged breathing could be heard. I stood there, embarrassed, wishing I could disappear into the floor. Mom glared at me. “What are you standing there for, dumbass? Get over here, by Mom’s side! First year of high school is crucial for building a foundation. Hanging out with these losers will ruin you, eventually!” Chloe, my deskmate, was upset Mom had ruined her birthday. “Auntie, what do you mean by that? What do you mean ‘losers’? How did we, who aren’t great at studying, ever bother you?” Mom was already fuming, and Chloe’s words were like lighting a fuse. Mom lunged at Chloe, and they started tearing at each other. “Mom, stop fighting!” As I stepped in to break them up, Mom’s swinging elbow hit me squarely in the eye. My vision instantly turned crimson. Seeing the situation spiral out of control, the other students called the police. Mom was detained for half a month for disturbing the peace. The corner of my right eye was ruptured, and my vision decreased. There were vision requirements for joining the police force, and my lifelong dream of becoming an officer was utterly shattered. The day I picked Mom up from the detention center, she said nonchalantly, “If you can’t be a cop, you can go for a government job. It’s the same, working for the government, it’s just as respectable.” I forced a bitter smile. Government jobs required thorough background checks, and Mom’s arrest record had already ruined my future. 2 The doctor placed the defibrillator on my chest, trying to restart my heart. Meanwhile, Dad rushed to the hospital. Seeing the ER light on, Dad lowered his voice. “Eleanor, if you have something to say, say it behind closed doors. You making a scene at school was so embarrassing.” Mom’s eyes widened. “I carried her for nine months and gave birth to her! What’s wrong with scolding her a bit? I gave her life!” Whenever I was disobedient, Mom would use that line to shut me down. In our living room sat a wicker basket, overflowing with broken wooden rulers. Each ruler was as thick as three fingers pressed together, and they stung fiercely when used. From elementary school to high school, whenever I “defied” Mom even slightly, those stinging rulers would come down on me: “I gave you life, so it’s only right for me to punish you!” Dad never stopped her. He’d hide in the bedroom when Mom was hitting me, only reappearing with ointment once she was done. “Lily, your mom had a hard time raising you. You mustn’t resent her; she’s only doing it for your own good.” Dad pulled up my sleeve and applied the ointment to my wounds. “Lily, respecting your parents is a sign of good upbringing. We not only need to study well but also be well-mannered children, right?” I bit my lip, saying nothing. Dad sighed. “You’re such a stubborn kid; you’ll be the death of yourself.” And now, the same judgment echoed. In front of the ER, Mom’s voice rose. “Lily’s such a stubborn kid. If it weren’t for my discipline, she would have long been addicted to entertainment and ruined her future!” Mom’s last words triggered a memory. In eleventh grade, Mom decided I was addicted to entertainment. Teenage girls’ celebrity obsessions were a huge threat in her eyes. When Mom found a few celebrity postcards in my backpack, the air pressure around me dropped several notches. “Your mock exam score dropped by one rank this time—is it because of this?” “What’s the point of obsessing over these celebrities all day? Do they even care about you? A plain Jane dreaming big!” Mom tore the postcards to shreds right in front of me. “So young and already messing up, doing these shameless things. Wouldn’t it be better to spend your time honoring your parents instead of chasing celebrities? You ungrateful child.” I watched those cards, which held so much hope and dreams, turn into scattered fragments, buried before my eyes. In a fit of pique, I didn’t eat for an entire day. At dinner, Mom knocked on my door for a long time. When she got no response, she grabbed a kitchen knife. The violent banging on the door echoed, and I cowered on my bed, trembling with fear. Mom was furious. “I raised you for so long, and now you dare lock the door? Are you trying to fly to the moon?!” Dad anxiously yelled from outside the door, “Quick, apologize to your mom! Apologize, and it’ll all be fine!” I was so cold with fear, not knowing how to react. The door burst open. Mom charged at me, raising the kitchen knife, its sharp blade mere inches from my face. “Lily, apologize now! Why are you so stubborn?!” I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling a warmth spread across my cheek. The sharp blade sliced my cheek. Seeing blood gush out, Mom suddenly froze. “Are you stupid? Why didn’t you dodge?” Warm blood flowed down my cheek to the corner of my mouth, salty and bitter. “See? You’re obsessed with celebrities, so obsessed you don’t even dodge a knife! These entertainment stars are truly harmful!” But Mom, I wasn’t trying not to dodge; I simply didn’t dare. Years of beatings had taught me that dodging only led to harsher punishment. After Mom left, Dad sighed, wiping my wound, still rambling on with his endless lectures. He said, “Your body was given to you by your parents; acting out like this and not eating is disrespectful to them.” He said, “Every family has its struggles, and sometimes things get messy. Kids argue with parents, it’s part of life, and children need to understand their parents’ hardships.” I quietly looked at Dad, swallowing all the words I wanted to say. From childhood, Mom was always the strong one, while Dad just tried to smooth things over. They had never truly listened to my heart. Actually, those celebrity postcards were a reward from my teacher for helping organize homework. My teacher told me she used to be a fan too and understood the meaning of an idol to a person. She said everyone should have their own hobbies, as long as they didn’t affect their studies. But Mom would never understand any of that.

My soul floated in mid-air, watching Dad comforting Mom in front of the ER. “Lily is a very sensible child; once she wakes up, I’ll make sure she apologizes to you.” Mom sighed. “I even quit my job for her studies. If she were really sensible, she wouldn’t have thrown a tantrum and jumped! Finals are in a few days; what if this delays her exams?!” My gaze darkened. I had fallen from the fourth floor, covered in blood and barely alive when the ambulance arrived. Yet, Mom’s mind was still on the finals, still on my studies. I once asked Mom what would happen if I didn’t get into college. Mom reacted as if I’d stepped on her tail, instantly snapping, “If you don’t get into college, your life is over!” “Your cousin got into Harvard this year. I’m not asking you to get into Harvard, but at least a top-tier university, right? Otherwise, I won’t be able to hold my head up in front of our relatives!” Originally, I wanted to tell Mom that I was drawing commissions online, earning my first real money. I wanted to tell her that I loved drawing and asked if I could have an hour a week to draw freely. But seeing Mom’s distorted face, I swallowed all my words. Late one night, I went to the bathroom and heard Mom and Dad arguing. “Lily’s art teacher called me, saying Lily loves drawing and since her grades are poor, she could try the art pathway.” “Her teacher is such an idiot, actually suggesting that because Lily’s struggling with academics, we should respect her hobbies—how utterly foolish and laughable!” “Lily is my child! I’m so smart, my child can’t possibly dislike studying!” Listening to Mom’s words, tears streamed down my face. Mom had never truly cared about what I liked. She simply imposed her own ideas on me. Mom loved spicy food, and even though I hated it, every meal had to be spicy, just the way Mom liked it. Mom was afraid of the cold, and even when I was sweltering in summer, the living room air conditioning was never allowed to be turned on. Mom had changed her destiny through studying when she was young, and even though I loved drawing, she had to stifle my natural talent. Mom had never respected my opinions. She treated me as an extension of herself, an object to carry her hopes. My thoughts were irrelevant. The next day, Mom dragged me out of bed. My art supplies spilled across the floor. And all the drawings I’d done were torn to shreds by Mom. A fierce impact rushed through me, and I felt a sweet, metallic taste in my throat. Overwhelmed by anger, I actually coughed up blood. As my consciousness faded, I heard Mom yell, “Lily, are you trying to kill me with anger?!” When I woke up again, I heard Mom talking to Dad. “I only said a few words to her, and she coughed up blood and fainted. Can you blame me for that?” “She’s so delicate now, what will she do in the future?!” Dad gave Mom a meaningful look. “Lower your voice, Lily’s awake.” Seeing me awake, Mom immediately started pounding her chest and stamping her feet. It seemed she wanted to make me feel guilty; she pounded her chest with a dull thud. “Oh, the misery! My child doesn’t listen, doesn’t study. What’s the point of me living?!” Dad played along. “Lily, look how much you’ve upset your mom!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296735”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Never Cheat on a Billionaire. On the day of our holiday family gathering, my wife, Vivian Hayes, with whom I had signed a prenuptial agreement stipulating a 10,000x payback of my assets if she cheated, took her young assistant, Liam Foster, to my private vineyard. She claimed Liam was away from his family and she wanted to make him feel truly welcome and cherished. So she lavished billions on him right there, splashing out money just to see him smile. As their emotions deepened, fueled by the cheers of the crowd, they linked arms and shared an intimate toast. My assistant sent me a screenshot from Liam Foster’s SnapChat story: “You truly become yourself when you meet the right person.” In the photo, the look in Vivian Hayes’ eyes as she gazed at him was brimming with an unadulterated affection, a fervent tenderness I hadn’t seen in five long years. I smirked, then casually froze her supplementary credit card – the one with a hundred billion dollar limit. “Honey, I’m doing a team-building event with my staff. Why isn’t my card working?” she called, her voice tight. “Everyone’s watching. Don’t make me look bad.” I replied calmly, “Ms. Hayes, have you forgotten who you are?” She hesitated for a moment. “Honey, don’t joke around with me. You’ll spoil everyone’s fun.” “Oh, really? If you love drinking so much, then live stream yourself chugging every bottle in the vineyard. I’ll unfreeze the card instantly.” A minute passed. She hadn’t taken a single sip. I sent her a trending news headline instead: “Hayes Group’s Hundred-Billion-Dollar Company Declared Bankrupt.” Since she loved splurging billions on her little assistant, I figured she should experience a thousandfold payback first!

As Wall Street reeled from a hundred-billion-dollar company collapsing in an instant, Vivian Hayes FaceTimed me. “Honey, stop messing with me! There are tens of thousands of bottles here. How can I possibly drink them all? It’ll kill me!” She looked pleading, yet utterly helpless. I chuckled. “I’ll ask just one question: Drink? Or not drink?” “You only have one minute, by the way! After all, people always have to pay for their actions…” I hadn’t even finished speaking when she hung up. Soon, her colleagues who were there sent me a video. In it, Vivian Hayes picked up bottle after bottle of red wine from the table, chugging them down like tap water. In another corner of the video, the white t-shirt boy was frantically yelling “Don’t drink!” looking ready to fight the person who forced Vivian to drink. With a cold scoff, I grabbed my bag and headed to the vineyard. On the way, my colleagues kept sending me messages. “Mr. Thorne, Ms. Hayes has already had thirteen bottles. Is she really okay?” “Her little assistant is over there, crying pathetically. It’s so annoying! Who does he think he is? I just want to slap him!” “Mr. Thorne, Liam Foster’s resignation letter is ready. When should we notify him?” “Some women get a little power and really start to believe they’re untouchable. Can’t wait to see her downfall!” I let out a soft laugh. It wasn’t that I absolutely had to confront her face-to-face. After all, I rake in millions every minute. She’s not worth even a second of my time. But people have to pay for their mistakes. And this whole spectacle wouldn’t be complete without me, would it? I pushed open the door and walked toward Vivian Hayes, who was sprawled on the couch, clearly drunk. My colleagues, seeing me, nervously tried to pull her up. She irritably shook them off. “What do you want!?” I watched as she lifted her head, her eyes flashing with resentment for a split second before it morphed into a desperate plea. “Honey, is that enough…? I’ve had twenty bottles.” Seeing Vivian’s pathetic act, I squatted down, gripping her chin. With my thumb and forefinger, I forced her lips into a smile. “What’s wrong, darling? Not having fun drinking? Smile for me, or someone might think I, Alexander Thorne, am mistreating you.” Vivian turned her head away in humiliation. I roughly twisted her chin back. “What, already feeling sorry for yourself? Weren’t you having such a blast with that intimate toast earlier?” Vivian opened her mouth, as if to explain, but ultimately said nothing. “You, how could you treat your wife like that? Don’t you see how drunk Ms. Hayes is? Just because you’re rich, you think you can insult people however you want?!” “Hey! Say something!” Liam, in his white tee and jeans, his eyes red-rimmed, puffed up his chest, trying to act tough as he shielded Vivian behind him. I smirked dismissively. But I ignored him, my gaze fixed on Vivian Hayes, who had stopped drinking and turned to meet my eyes. “What? You want to stand up for him?!” Vivian’s eyes were unreadable. She paused, then picked up another bottle of wine and chugged most of it down in one go. A cold smile played on my lips as I slanted a glance at the boy. Our eyes met, and he took two steps back. But then something seemed to click in his mind, and he angrily retorted, “What? Am I wrong? Who treats their wife like this? You have no sympathy!” I laughed, walking toward him step by step. With each step I took, he retreated one, until he was backed against the wall, nowhere left to go. I stood over him, laughing condescendingly. “What? So you *do* know this is someone else’s wife, huh? So, how does it feel to spend someone else’s money?” Liam’s eyes were red, as if he’d suffered a grave insult. He threw his head back and yelled at me, “You, don’t you dare slander me and Vivian! We’re just colleagues. Your own mind is dirty, that’s why everything you see is dirty!” “No wonder Vivian never wants to come home. You’re so controlling and domineering, what woman could stand it?” “Shut up!” Vivian, no longer feigning drunkenness, snapped sharply. I chuckled softly. “Vivian Hayes, so this is the kind of trash you fall for?” “Being brainless is one thing, but he’d look embarrassing as a mere office decoration. Your taste has really hit rock bottom.” Vivian looked up at me, her eyes filled with anxiety. “Honey, I know I was wrong, but there’s really nothing between me and him.” Before she could finish, I chuckled softly. “Don’t bother. I don’t have time for your nonsense. Finish all these drinks and be home by eleven tonight.” On the drive home, the scenery outside the car window flashed by. I never thought things with Vivian Hayes would become so ugly. Five years ago, she came to interview at my company. She wore a simple white dress, elegant and pure, standing out brightly in the crowd. In just three months, she went from one of over a hundred interns to a full-time employee and then my trusted assistant in one go. But she always did things for me that went beyond work, gestures that were thoughtful yet never crossed a line. She’d always have an extra umbrella for me during the rainy season, remembered every tiny preference I had, and would even mischievously give me candy on Children’s Day. Then, when I turned 25, my family started pressuring me. I was about to enter a marriage alliance with another prominent family. She blushed, stammering, “Mr. Thorne, I know I’m not good enough for you, but I’m afraid if I don’t say some things now, I’ll never have the chance…” “Mr. Thorne… can you wait for me? Wait until I can stand beside you as your equal someday…” Honestly, I was indifferent. High-society alliances, after all, are nothing more than mutually beneficial arrangements. But the young woman’s blushing confession did genuinely move me. However, as the CEO of a trillion-dollar empire, a little bit of emotional stirring didn’t stop me from making her sign a prenuptial agreement. If she ever went back on her word, if she ever cheated on me. Then every penny I spent on her would have to be repaid tenfold. For the next three years, I propelled her from behind the scenes to the forefront. I gave her a net worth of hundreds of billions, and her brother became a massively popular movie star. The Hayes family enjoyed unprecedented glory, their influence unmatched. Everyone greeted her with respect, calling her “Ms. Hayes.” But some things, when acquired too easily, don’t seem to be a good thing. ***PAYWALL*** It was 10:50 PM when Vivian Hayes sent another message. “Honey, I’m closing a deal. I’ll be home late.” I scoffed, indifferently going back to my work. “Martha, did you just make hangover soup? Pour it out!” That night, a colleague sent me a screenshot of Liam’s SnapChat story. “At 4 AM, I saw the crabapple blossoms were still awake.” The accompanying picture was a selfie of Liam, in dim light, with Vivian’s wedding ring reflected in a swirling glass of red wine. Immediately after, a friend sent me a video. Vivian, with Liam and a large group of her friends, clinking glasses and having a wild time at a private club. “Isn’t that your Vivian? She’s really soaring these days!” “Mr. Thorne, are you losing your touch with your wife?” I couldn’t help but laugh dryly. These two, either their combined IQ couldn’t hit triple digits, or they were openly rubbing my face in the dirt. They clearly knew that club was owned by my friend. They clearly knew I’d warned her to be home by eleven. Vivian Hayes, I gave you a chance. You just didn’t cherish it. I sneered, opened my SnapChat chat with Vivian, and casually unpinned her from the top of my contacts. “Ms. Hayes, you’re getting quite bold now.” Two minutes passed. No reply. I asked my assistant, “Did she check her phone?” “She glanced at it, then put it face down on the table.” I let out a sharp laugh. When did Vivian Hayes learn to play hide-and-seek with me? “Evading problems won’t solve them, Ms. Hayes. Don’t you understand that?” Casually, I had my assistant send her brother’s script termination notice, along with the Hayes Group acquisition agreement. “Alexander Thorne, you’ve gone too far!” She FaceTimed me directly, her face flushed, brows furrowed. I slowly sipped my red wine. “Heh, this is ‘too far’? Vivian Hayes, is this your first day knowing me?” I set my phone aside and slowly said, “I’m a little unhappy today.” “I’ll give you two choices. Either live-stream yourself slapping your own face, and while you’re at it, call yourself a home-wrecker – make sure you hit hard enough that everyone, even the stray dogs on the street, hears it. Let me check the time… It’s 11:20 PM, isn’t it? If it goes over 1200 seconds, then that’s 1200 slaps.” “Or, you can make that man get on stage right now and perform a striptease.” “Just do one, to cheer me up, okay?”

Friends kept sending me videos recorded live from the White Lily Club. Liam Foster, truly looking like a delicate, wilting flower. His afternoon white tee and jeans were replaced with skimpy clothing, just a few silver chains barely covering his body. He cowered on the stage, his face full of resentment, yet he had no choice but to comply. The audience below went wild. The audience, used to bold, hot male models, were absolutely electrified by this starkly contrasting performance, their restless souls wildly agitated. “Do you know who’s on stage? Ms. Hayes from Hayes Group’s toy boy!” “Apparently, the real boss caught them red-handed, and that’s how we got this amazing show!” “Holy cow, Mr. Thorne, you’ve got quite the entertainment lined up! My club’s revenue today is going to double!” my friend excitedly messaged me. “This is just the beginning.” The next second, I told my assistant to go to the club and scatter a billion dollars on the spot. The entire club floor was covered in red cash, like heaven. “Liam Foster’s dance was great today. Mr. Thorne is in a good mood, so let everyone have some fun.” The cheers from the crowd were deafening, enough to blow the roof off. “Mr. Thorne is a legend! Happier than winning the lottery, that’s what this is!” “But Alex, are you really okay?” my friend asked, a hint of worry in his voice. I scoffed. “You call this ‘something’?” Half an hour later, Vivian Hayes returned, her face haggard, a cold, defeated expression etched on her features. “Alexander Thorne, are you satisfied now?” I held my red wine, scrutinizing this broken, haggard woman, and shook my head. I scoffed and walked directly into the bedroom. “Alexander Thorne, I’m truly so disappointed in you! I never thought you’d treat a young man fresh out of college like this!” “He’s so naive and kind. How will he ever be able to hold his head high after being publicly humiliated by you like that?” Through the closed door, every word of Vivian Hayes’ voice was laced with resentment. I opened the door and leaned against the frame, watching the woman who claimed to have loved me for five years, now gritting her teeth and questioning me with hatred. Instead of getting angry, I laughed. “Naive?” “Vivian Hayes, tell me, is there any part of you that he hasn’t touched? And you call him ‘naive’?” Vivian’s face flushed instantly. “Are you listening to rumors again? Alexander Thorne, I know many people in the company are loyal to you, but do you have absolutely no trust in your own wife?” “Hmph, trust?” “You were practically sleeping with him right in front of my damn face. What? If there’s no evidence, it doesn’t count as cheating, right?” “Well, I’ll tell you what. I just don’t f***ing like him, alright?!” Seeing my indifferent expression, Vivian clenched her fists, wanting to say something, but ultimately remaining silent. “And another thing, Vivian Hayes. If you had reached where you are today purely by your own merit, even if you kept a hundred toy boys outside, you’d still be my wife when you came home. But now, you’re taking my money and spending it on other men? Whose face are you slapping now?” As I spoke, I walked up to her, looking up at her eyes, which, though showing faint lines, were still beautiful. *Pat, pat, pat.* I lightly slapped her cheek, a faint smile on my face. As if suddenly realizing something, she tensed. “Alex, you wouldn’t…” I turned around and took a stack of photos from my bag. “Yes, exactly what you’re thinking.” “Look, they’re all lining up to be Mrs. Thorne. Looks, figure, education – which one isn’t better than you? And they know how to please, they’re good in bed.” “More importantly, they’re all younger than you.” With that, I gave a pitying glance at her increasingly fatigued face. Vivian Hayes deflated like a punctured balloon. “If it weren’t for the fact that you’re my wife, heh.” At the bottom of the stack of photos was that prenuptial agreement, the one with the ten thousand times payback clause. “What happened with your brother and your dad was just a warning. You should know that if I can take you from having nothing to becoming Ms. Hayes, a woman everyone gives face to, I can also make you…” I didn’t say the last few words, just gave her another scrutinizing look. And that single glance caused Vivian Hayes to suddenly lunge into my arms. “Honey, I’m sorry, I… I’ve just been under too much stress lately.” “But I really didn’t cheat. I, I’ve always loved you…” The moment she embraced me, the scent of alcohol, cigarettes, and cheap men’s cologne from her overwhelmed me. A violent wave of nausea surged through me. I pushed her away, perhaps a little too forcefully. She stumbled, hitting the doorknob, but I felt no pity. “Vivian Hayes, why do you think I’d believe a word you say?” *Thud.* Vivian suddenly knelt down. *Slap, slap, slap, slap…* Left cheek, then right cheek, she kept slapping herself. In that instant, I felt absolutely nothing. I got up and walked directly to my study. Only when I opened the door did I turn my head, my tone serious for the last time. “You don’t need to put on this act for me. I’m busy. But I am seriously informing you: this is the first and last time between us. I won’t give you another chance. Think carefully.” “Think about how you got to where you are today. And then give me a satisfactory answer tomorrow.”

The next day, Vivian Hayes fired Liam Foster in front of the entire company. Liam walked out of the company, clutching a cardboard box, tears welling in his eyes, resentment clear in their depths. “Oh, isn’t that the guy who tried to climb into bed to get ahead? What, found another rich woman?” “Beware, green tea boys are on the loose! Watch your wives, everyone.” “It’s only because our Mr. Thorne is so magnanimous and doesn’t bother with him. Otherwise, just for spending other people’s money, he’d be paying it back for three generations!” From that day on, Vivian Hayes indeed behaved herself much more. She worked diligently at the company, came home to massage my legs and wash my feet, and even learned a few new Cantonese dishes to please me. Her brother even came over under the guise of wanting a free meal, representing the whole family to thoroughly scold Vivian. A month later, while I was on a business trip to the US, my trust fund manager suddenly contacted me. “Mr. Thorne, do you still wish to transfer the private island you purchased earlier to Mr. Liam Foster?” I paused, then remembered the prenuptial agreement with the tenfold payback clause. “Just follow my wife’s instructions.” Loyalty or betrayal, the outcome had been decided the moment she made her choice. It seemed she still hadn’t learned her lesson. And I, I needed to make her understand the price of betrayal. “Mr. Thorne, Vivian’s back with that guy again. He’s really arrogant this time, making our servers kneel to him.” “Looks like he wants to reclaim his lost dignity.” “Laughable, no one actually cares.” I scoffed. “That’s where you’re wrong. He’s a returning customer, after all. Don’t you dare neglect him.” In the video my friend sent, Liam Foster had shed his previous rustic image. He was dressed in a bespoke suit, even his tie was a limited edition. But his slicked-back hair looked awkward, and his inexperienced face couldn’t quite carry the sophisticated look. “Vivian Hayes, I truly underestimated you.” I sneered and had my assistant rebook my flight. I flew back to the company the very next day. I had just reached the conference room door when I heard her speaking inside. “Do you really think Alexander Thorne considers you his confidantes? Does a man like him even have feelings?” “From now on, report any of his movements to me promptly. You won’t be shortchanged.” I leaned against the doorway, smiling as I looked into the conference room, meeting Vivian Hayes’ face as she just looked up. Her expression was priceless. “Ms. Hayes, what kind of man am I, exactly?” Several executives, seeing me enter, handed me a voice recorder and a miniature camera. They respectfully said, “Mr. Thorne, all conversations are recorded here.” “Don’t worry, we know who the boss is.” Sensing the shift in atmosphere, they quickly made excuses and backed out. “Vivian Hayes, I’m giving you a chance to explain. Go on.” Vivian had already composed herself, using anger to mask her guilt. “Explain what? I was just holding a meeting with the senior executives.” “What, you rushed back so suddenly? You still don’t trust me?” Vivian went on the offensive, looking utterly disappointed. “Okay, then just sign this.” I tossed a divorce agreement onto the table in front of her. “And these two documents: this is the prenuptial property certificate, and this is the lawsuit for illegal possession of another’s assets. By tomorrow noon, 12 PM, you and Liam Foster will receive court summons. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “Are you insane, Alexander Thorne? What more do you want from me?” “I already fired Liam. I work like a dog at the company all day, and then I have to come home and serve you.” “Not only do you not trust me, you even plant spies around me? Now you want a divorce? Can’t you be less tyrannical!” With that, she slammed the door and stormed out. “I’m a person, not your dog!” Watching her indignant back, I smiled and shook my head. Some dogs, indeed, start to think they’re people. My friend heard I was back in the country and upset by my disobedient lapdog. “Come on, Alex. Tonight, I’m going to ‘light up the night’ for you at the auction! Pick anything you like from the whole place!” As soon as we arrived, I heard someone shout, “Isn’t that Ms. Hayes from Hayes Group? I heard she once spent billions for her beloved’s smile!” From afar, Vivian Hayes was in a bespoke gown, adorned with expensive accessories, every strand of her hair exuding luxury. She had indeed enjoyed a good life for a few years. Liam Foster was also meticulously dressed, showing no trace of his previous disheveled appearance at the club. They both looked at me. Liam’s eyes were full of provocation, and he leaned a little closer to Vivian, their arms brushing, a show of intimacy. Vivian stared at me, her eyes unreadable, carrying a hint of resentment, but she didn’t avert her gaze. When someone complimented them as a perfect couple, she even smiled and nodded, offering no explanation. As the auction began, a gasp rippled through the crowd. “Ms. Hayes is going to ‘light up the night’ for Mr. Foster, buying out the entire auction!” “Holy cow, I’m stunned! I heard Ms. Hayes directly scattered a billion in cash for him before. Today, I’m witnessing true wealth!” “So jealous! I want to be born into a rich family in my next life!” Liam Foster, after all, hadn’t seen much of the world. The joy in his eyes and brows was impossible to hide. When Vivian wasn’t looking, he provocatively raised an eyebrow and smirked at me. My friend couldn’t stand it. He stood up, ready to confront them for me. “That damn dog thinks he’s hot stuff! What a piece of work!” I pressed my friend’s hand down, took out the prenuptial agreement with the tenfold payback clause, and shook my head with a soft smile. “Don’t rush. I want to see how Vivian Hayes plans to ‘light up the night’ today. And how much she can spend?!”

Across half the auction hall, Vivian Hayes sat ramrod straight, appearing confident. Beside her, Liam Foster tried hard to suppress the smile at the corner of his lips, while also deliberately glancing at me. The three parts provocation, seven parts show-off in his eyes were unmistakable. Suddenly, someone hurried towards Vivian, bending down to whisper something in her ear. Vivian clenched her fists, abruptly trying to stand up, but realizing she was at an auction, she merely adjusted her collar and sat back down, saying something to the person. The person bowed and retreated. Vivian looked at me again, still maintaining her forced air of defiance. The host on stage had been deftly changing the subject and smoothing things over for three minutes. The audience below began to whisper, wondering what had happened. Others didn’t know, but I knew very well: forget “lighting up the night,” if Vivian Hayes’ card could even swipe one cent today, then I, Alexander Thorne, was worthless. Just then, the same person scurried back to Vivian, this time with a look of difficulty. Vivian’s face finally turned green. The host on stage grew impatient, but maintained a smile. “Ms. Hayes, are you sure you want to offer one hundred billion dollars to ‘light up the night’ for Mr. Foster here?” “Our staff here have already verified your funds three times, and your qualifications are insufficient.” “How is that possible! There must be something wrong with your machines! Yesterday, I had two hundred billion in my account! What’s going on with you people?” Publicly humiliated, Vivian Hayes’ face was flushed with anger. The staff member was equally impolite. “Ms. Hayes, we’ve verified it five times. Not only do you have no balance in your account, but my colleague from the credit department just said… that your account…” “Said what!” Vivian Hayes snapped impatiently, watching the staff member stammer and cover up. “If you have something to say, say it clearly!” The staff member’s lips moved, and he said in a voice that was neither loud nor soft, “Ms. Hayes, the background check results just showed that your personal account does not have a balance of two hundred billion; instead, it has a debt of two hundred billion.” “And it’s increasing at a rate of 5% per minute.” A ripple of gasps went through the audience. “So this Hayes woman was a fake? And I thought I was going to witness true wealth today!” “You guys don’t know? This Hayes woman married up to Mr. Thorne of Thorne Corp to get her current wealth, but she seems to have upset the real boss recently.” “What? Thorne Corp? Then who’s that guy next to her?” “No need to ask, of course it’s a love triangle.” Seeing everyone around them staring at her and Liam with strange looks, Vivian Hayes finally couldn’t maintain her composure. She looked over the crowd, her gaze fixed on me. “Alexander Thorne, do you have to be so ruthless?” Everyone followed her gaze and looked at me. I felt a little helpless. I hadn’t intended for things to escalate this much today. After all, me, the CEO of Thorne Corp, getting into a public spat with my wife at an auction, was truly undignified. I scoffed. “Ms. Hayes, what’s wrong?” “Why did you freeze my cards? What’s going on with my assets becoming debts?” Of course, she couldn’t say those words aloud. “Are you still angry? Can’t you stop being so unreasonable?” *Clap, clap, clap!* I clapped three times, unhurriedly standing up. Since she insisted on dragging these dirty affairs out into the open, I didn’t need to save her any face. “What do I have to be angry about? Just that my wife wanted to use my money to lavish on her little boy toy?” “Just that my wife, to please her toy boy, gave away my private island without my permission?” “Just that my wife openly brought her toy boy to provoke me right in front of me?” “Vivian Hayes, I actually admire you today. After all, a gutter rat, you managed to drag him into the spotlight.” Despite wearing sunglasses, some people in the crowd recognized me. “Holy crap, it’s confirmed! The real deal is here, confirming the other man!” “The legendary Mr. Thorne! He’s so handsome! Some women are truly cheap. She got tired of the finest delicacies and decided she wanted pig slop instead.” “They used to say Vivian Hayes was crazy for throwing away a rich, handsome man like Mr. Thorne for that guy. Today, I see it for myself. Tsk tsk tsk.” Liam Foster, listening to the whispers and chatter, fidgeted uncomfortably, unsure whether to stand or sit, but ultimately dared not say anything. “Mr. Foster, do you still want this item?” The host smiled as he looked at Vivian Hayes. Vivian bit her lip, gave me one last look, and before she could speak, two uniformed officers entered. “Excuse me, is Vivian Hayes here? And Liam Foster?” “Someone has filed a lawsuit against you for illegal appropriation of property and asset transfer. Please come with us.” The entire hall was stunned, then erupted into boisterous laughter, followed by small groups discussing the event. The protagonists of the entire scene, Vivian Hayes and Liam Foster, watched wide-eyed as the officers entered. “What are you doing? Is it you two? Why are you just standing there? Come with us.” The two of them had lost all their previous dignity and elegance, now looking tense and helpless. Despite the clear displeasure on their faces, they had no choice but to hang their heads and slink away. Vivian gave me one last look. She was always smart; she must have known what was happening. I had been more than generous, after all, I’d warned her yesterday. “Holy cow, instant karma for the cheating duo! So exciting! I heard the last person who went in like that got ten years!” “I think that Vivian Hayes has a screw loose. She had a good life but chose to sing ‘Iron Window Tears’.” … “Didn’t you say you’d get me a gift, huh?” I nudged my friend beside me. He snapped out of his stunned state. “Alex, you’re a real silent operator! You kept this from me, didn’t you?” “This was just a side thing. You promised to bid on three items for me. Today, I’m going to make you pay dearly.” “Forget three! I’ll bid until you’re satisfied, Alex!” Honestly, I hadn’t really intended to do anything to them. It was just that the private island Vivian used to do favors on had a very specific variety of coconut trees, and only that latitude produced the exact sweetness of coconut water I liked, so I was quite annoyed. 24 hours later, Vivian Hayes returned home, looking disheveled and defeated.

*Knock, knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock, knock…* A faint, tired knocking came from outside the door. Standing on the second-floor balcony, I looked towards the entrance. Vivian Hayes stood slumped by the front gate like a pathetic stray dog. Her hair was messy, her makeup smeared, and she was missing one high heel. Beside her were some of her luggage and daily necessities, which I’d had Martha throw out. Seeing that I didn’t open the door for a long time, she finally started to panic. “Alex! Alex!” “Alex, open the door! I really know I was wrong this time, please!” She looked in horror at everything scattered on the ground, finally realizing I was serious this time. She looked up and saw me standing on the balcony, arms crossed. Though only twenty yards separated us, it felt like a galaxy. “Alex, please listen to my explanation. Just give me one more chance, I beg you!” She clung to the large iron gate, shouting at me with what sounded like utmost sincerity. I suddenly found it a little amusing. Vivian Hayes, do you even understand what “chance” means? It’s not about me forgiving you, me indulging you, that makes it a chance. It’s because trust, that kind of thing, is inherently a one-time offer. I smirked, then turned and walked back into the bedroom. In the middle of the night, I was suddenly woken by a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning, but then quickly fell back into a deep sleep. Accompanied by the pattering rain, I slept peacefully that night, not waking until ten the next morning, feeling completely refreshed. “Mr. Thorne? Mr. Thorne?” Martha’s anxious yet cautious voice came from outside the door. “Come in.” “Ms. Hayes… Vivian Hayes has been out there all night in the rain. Now… now she seems to be in a very bad way.” “Don’t worry about her. Go about your business.” When I gave you a chance, you didn’t take it. Now you’re pathetic, who are you trying to impress? I was truly speechless. How does that saying go? Delayed affection is cheaper than grass. After getting ready, I went to the company. “Mr. Thorne, someone from the Hayes family is waiting for you in your office.” “Understood.” Vivian Hayes’ father, Richard Hayes, and her brother, Daniel Hayes, waited restlessly in my office. Seeing me enter, they quickly stood up. “Son-in-law, it’s all Vivian’s fault for being so foolish. This time, I’ll definitely teach her a good lesson! I’ll make her apologize properly to you!” My father-in-law looked at me with an obsequious, expectant gaze.

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On the day of our holiday family gathering, my wife, Vivian Hayes, with whom I had signed a prenuptial agreement stipulating a 10,000x payback of my assets if she cheated, took her young assistant, Liam Foster, to my private vineyard. She claimed Liam was away from his family and she wanted to make him feel truly welcome and cherished. So she lavished billions on him right there, splashing out money just to see him smile. As their emotions deepened, fueled by the cheers of the crowd, they linked arms and shared an intimate toast. My assistant sent me a screenshot from Liam Foster’s SnapChat story: “You truly become yourself when you meet the right person.” In the photo, the look in Vivian Hayes’ eyes as she gazed at him was brimming with an unadulterated affection, a fervent tenderness I hadn’t seen in five long years. I smirked, then casually froze her supplementary credit card – the one with a hundred billion dollar limit. “Honey, I’m doing a team-building event with my staff. Why isn’t my card working?” she called, her voice tight. “Everyone’s watching. Don’t make me look bad.” I replied calmly, “Ms. Hayes, have you forgotten who you are?” She hesitated for a moment. “Honey, don’t joke around with me. You’ll spoil everyone’s fun.” “Oh, really? If you love drinking so much, then live stream yourself chugging every bottle in the vineyard. I’ll unfreeze the card instantly.” A minute passed. She hadn’t taken a single sip. I sent her a trending news headline instead: “Hayes Group’s Hundred-Billion-Dollar Company Declared Bankrupt.” Since she loved splurging billions on her little assistant, I figured she should experience a thousandfold payback first!

As Wall Street reeled from a hundred-billion-dollar company collapsing in an instant, Vivian Hayes FaceTimed me. “Honey, stop messing with me! There are tens of thousands of bottles here. How can I possibly drink them all? It’ll kill me!” She looked pleading, yet utterly helpless. I chuckled. “I’ll ask just one question: Drink? Or not drink?” “You only have one minute, by the way! After all, people always have to pay for their actions…” I hadn’t even finished speaking when she hung up. Soon, her colleagues who were there sent me a video. In it, Vivian Hayes picked up bottle after bottle of red wine from the table, chugging them down like tap water. In another corner of the video, the white t-shirt boy was frantically yelling “Don’t drink!” looking ready to fight the person who forced Vivian to drink. With a cold scoff, I grabbed my bag and headed to the vineyard. On the way, my colleagues kept sending me messages. “Mr. Thorne, Ms. Hayes has already had thirteen bottles. Is she really okay?” “Her little assistant is over there, crying pathetically. It’s so annoying! Who does he think he is? I just want to slap him!” “Mr. Thorne, Liam Foster’s resignation letter is ready. When should we notify him?” “Some women get a little power and really start to believe they’re untouchable. Can’t wait to see her downfall!” I let out a soft laugh. It wasn’t that I absolutely had to confront her face-to-face. After all, I rake in millions every minute. She’s not worth even a second of my time. But people have to pay for their mistakes. And this whole spectacle wouldn’t be complete without me, would it? I pushed open the door and walked toward Vivian Hayes, who was sprawled on the couch, clearly drunk. My colleagues, seeing me, nervously tried to pull her up. She irritably shook them off. “What do you want!?” I watched as she lifted her head, her eyes flashing with resentment for a split second before it morphed into a desperate plea. “Honey, is that enough…? I’ve had twenty bottles.” Seeing Vivian’s pathetic act, I squatted down, gripping her chin. With my thumb and forefinger, I forced her lips into a smile. “What’s wrong, darling? Not having fun drinking? Smile for me, or someone might think I, Alexander Thorne, am mistreating you.” Vivian turned her head away in humiliation. I roughly twisted her chin back. “What, already feeling sorry for yourself? Weren’t you having such a blast with that intimate toast earlier?” Vivian opened her mouth, as if to explain, but ultimately said nothing. “You, how could you treat your wife like that? Don’t you see how drunk Ms. Hayes is? Just because you’re rich, you think you can insult people however you want?!” “Hey! Say something!” Liam, in his white tee and jeans, his eyes red-rimmed, puffed up his chest, trying to act tough as he shielded Vivian behind him. I smirked dismissively. But I ignored him, my gaze fixed on Vivian Hayes, who had stopped drinking and turned to meet my eyes. “What? You want to stand up for him?!” Vivian’s eyes were unreadable. She paused, then picked up another bottle of wine and chugged most of it down in one go. A cold smile played on my lips as I slanted a glance at the boy. Our eyes met, and he took two steps back. But then something seemed to click in his mind, and he angrily retorted, “What? Am I wrong? Who treats their wife like this? You have no sympathy!” I laughed, walking toward him step by step. With each step I took, he retreated one, until he was backed against the wall, nowhere left to go. I stood over him, laughing condescendingly. “What? So you *do* know this is someone else’s wife, huh? So, how does it feel to spend someone else’s money?” Liam’s eyes were red, as if he’d suffered a grave insult. He threw his head back and yelled at me, “You, don’t you dare slander me and Vivian! We’re just colleagues. Your own mind is dirty, that’s why everything you see is dirty!” “No wonder Vivian never wants to come home. You’re so controlling and domineering, what woman could stand it?” “Shut up!” Vivian, no longer feigning drunkenness, snapped sharply. I chuckled softly. “Vivian Hayes, so this is the kind of trash you fall for?” “Being brainless is one thing, but he’d look embarrassing as a mere office decoration. Your taste has really hit rock bottom.” Vivian looked up at me, her eyes filled with anxiety. “Honey, I know I was wrong, but there’s really nothing between me and him.” Before she could finish, I chuckled softly. “Don’t bother. I don’t have time for your nonsense. Finish all these drinks and be home by eleven tonight.” On the drive home, the scenery outside the car window flashed by. I never thought things with Vivian Hayes would become so ugly. Five years ago, she came to interview at my company. She wore a simple white dress, elegant and pure, standing out brightly in the crowd. In just three months, she went from one of over a hundred interns to a full-time employee and then my trusted assistant in one go. But she always did things for me that went beyond work, gestures that were thoughtful yet never crossed a line. She’d always have an extra umbrella for me during the rainy season, remembered every tiny preference I had, and would even mischievously give me candy on Children’s Day. Then, when I turned 25, my family started pressuring me. I was about to enter a marriage alliance with another prominent family. She blushed, stammering, “Mr. Thorne, I know I’m not good enough for you, but I’m afraid if I don’t say some things now, I’ll never have the chance…” “Mr. Thorne… can you wait for me? Wait until I can stand beside you as your equal someday…” Honestly, I was indifferent. High-society alliances, after all, are nothing more than mutually beneficial arrangements. But the young woman’s blushing confession did genuinely move me. However, as the CEO of a trillion-dollar empire, a little bit of emotional stirring didn’t stop me from making her sign a prenuptial agreement. If she ever went back on her word, if she ever cheated on me. Then every penny I spent on her would have to be repaid tenfold. For the next three years, I propelled her from behind the scenes to the forefront. I gave her a net worth of hundreds of billions, and her brother became a massively popular movie star. The Hayes family enjoyed unprecedented glory, their influence unmatched. Everyone greeted her with respect, calling her “Ms. Hayes.” But some things, when acquired too easily, don’t seem to be a good thing. It was 10:50 PM when Vivian Hayes sent another message. “Honey, I’m closing a deal. I’ll be home late.” I scoffed, indifferently going back to my work. “Martha, did you just make hangover soup? Pour it out!” That night, a colleague sent me a screenshot of Liam’s SnapChat story. “At 4 AM, I saw the crabapple blossoms were still awake.” The accompanying picture was a selfie of Liam, in dim light, with Vivian’s wedding ring reflected in a swirling glass of red wine. Immediately after, a friend sent me a video. Vivian, with Liam and a large group of her friends, clinking glasses and having a wild time at a private club. “Isn’t that your Vivian? She’s really soaring these days!” “Mr. Thorne, are you losing your touch with your wife?” I couldn’t help but laugh dryly. These two, either their combined IQ couldn’t hit triple digits, or they were openly rubbing my face in the dirt. They clearly knew that club was owned by my friend. They clearly knew I’d warned her to be home by eleven. Vivian Hayes, I gave you a chance. You just didn’t cherish it. I sneered, opened my SnapChat chat with Vivian, and casually unpinned her from the top of my contacts. “Ms. Hayes, you’re getting quite bold now.” Two minutes passed. No reply. I asked my assistant, “Did she check her phone?” “She glanced at it, then put it face down on the table.” I let out a sharp laugh. When did Vivian Hayes learn to play hide-and-seek with me? “Evading problems won’t solve them, Ms. Hayes. Don’t you understand that?” Casually, I had my assistant send her brother’s script termination notice, along with the Hayes Group acquisition agreement. “Alexander Thorne, you’ve gone too far!” She FaceTimed me directly, her face flushed, brows furrowed. I slowly sipped my red wine. “Heh, this is ‘too far’? Vivian Hayes, is this your first day knowing me?” I set my phone aside and slowly said, “I’m a little unhappy today.” “I’ll give you two choices. Either live-stream yourself slapping your own face, and while you’re at it, call yourself a home-wrecker – make sure you hit hard enough that everyone, even the stray dogs on the street, hears it. Let me check the time… It’s 11:20 PM, isn’t it? If it goes over 1200 seconds, then that’s 1200 slaps.” “Or, you can make that man get on stage right now and perform a striptease.” “Just do one, to cheer me up, okay?”

Friends kept sending me videos recorded live from the White Lily Club. Liam Foster, truly looking like a delicate, wilting flower. His afternoon white tee and jeans were replaced with skimpy clothing, just a few silver chains barely covering his body. He cowered on the stage, his face full of resentment, yet he had no choice but to comply. The audience below went wild. The audience, used to bold, hot male models, were absolutely electrified by this starkly contrasting performance, their restless souls wildly agitated. “Do you know who’s on stage? Ms. Hayes from Hayes Group’s toy boy!” “Apparently, the real boss caught them red-handed, and that’s how we got this amazing show!” “Holy cow, Mr. Thorne, you’ve got quite the entertainment lined up! My club’s revenue today is going to double!” my friend excitedly messaged me. “This is just the beginning.” The next second, I told my assistant to go to the club and scatter a billion dollars on the spot. The entire club floor was covered in red cash, like heaven. “Liam Foster’s dance was great today. Mr. Thorne is in a good mood, so let everyone have some fun.” The cheers from the crowd were deafening, enough to blow the roof off. “Mr. Thorne is a legend! Happier than winning the lottery, that’s what this is!” “But Alex, are you really okay?” my friend asked, a hint of worry in his voice. I scoffed. “You call this ‘something’?” Half an hour later, Vivian Hayes returned, her face haggard, a cold, defeated expression etched on her features. “Alexander Thorne, are you satisfied now?” I held my red wine, scrutinizing this broken, haggard woman, and shook my head. I scoffed and walked directly into the bedroom. “Alexander Thorne, I’m truly so disappointed in you! I never thought you’d treat a young man fresh out of college like this!” “He’s so naive and kind. How will he ever be able to hold his head high after being publicly humiliated by you like that?” Through the closed door, every word of Vivian Hayes’ voice was laced with resentment. I opened the door and leaned against the frame, watching the woman who claimed to have loved me for five years, now gritting her teeth and questioning me with hatred. Instead of getting angry, I laughed. “Naive?” “Vivian Hayes, tell me, is there any part of you that he hasn’t touched? And you call him ‘naive’?” Vivian’s face flushed instantly. “Are you listening to rumors again? Alexander Thorne, I know many people in the company are loyal to you, but do you have absolutely no trust in your own wife?” “Hmph, trust?” “You were practically sleeping with him right in front of my damn face. What? If there’s no evidence, it doesn’t count as cheating, right?” “Well, I’ll tell you what. I just don’t f***ing like him, alright?!” Seeing my indifferent expression, Vivian clenched her fists, wanting to say something, but ultimately remaining silent. “And another thing, Vivian Hayes. If you had reached where you are today purely by your own merit, even if you kept a hundred toy boys outside, you’d still be my wife when you came home. But now, you’re taking my money and spending it on other men? Whose face are you slapping now?” As I spoke, I walked up to her, looking up at her eyes, which, though showing faint lines, were still beautiful. *Pat, pat, pat.* I lightly slapped her cheek, a faint smile on my face. As if suddenly realizing something, she tensed. “Alex, you wouldn’t…” I turned around and took a stack of photos from my bag. “Yes, exactly what you’re thinking.” “Look, they’re all lining up to be Mrs. Thorne. Looks, figure, education – which one isn’t better than you? And they know how to please, they’re good in bed.” “More importantly, they’re all younger than you.” With that, I gave a pitying glance at her increasingly fatigued face. Vivian Hayes deflated like a punctured balloon. “If it weren’t for the fact that you’re my wife, heh.” At the bottom of the stack of photos was that prenuptial agreement, the one with the ten thousand times payback clause. “What happened with your brother and your dad was just a warning. You should know that if I can take you from having nothing to becoming Ms. Hayes, a woman everyone gives face to, I can also make you…” I didn’t say the last few words, just gave her another scrutinizing look. And that single glance caused Vivian Hayes to suddenly lunge into my arms. “Honey, I’m sorry, I… I’ve just been under too much stress lately.” “But I really didn’t cheat. I, I’ve always loved you…” The moment she embraced me, the scent of alcohol, cigarettes, and cheap men’s cologne from her overwhelmed me. A violent wave of nausea surged through me. I pushed her away, perhaps a little too forcefully. She stumbled, hitting the doorknob, but I felt no pity. “Vivian Hayes, why do you think I’d believe a word you say?” *Thud.* Vivian suddenly knelt down. *Slap, slap, slap, slap…* Left cheek, then right cheek, she kept slapping herself. In that instant, I felt absolutely nothing. I got up and walked directly to my study. Only when I opened the door did I turn my head, my tone serious for the last time. “You don’t need to put on this act for me. I’m busy. But I am seriously informing you: this is the first and last time between us. I won’t give you another chance. Think carefully.” “Think about how you got to where you are today. And then give me a satisfactory answer tomorrow.” The next day, Vivian Hayes fired Liam Foster in front of the entire company. Liam walked out of the company, clutching a cardboard box, tears welling in his eyes, resentment clear in their depths. “Oh, isn’t that the guy who tried to climb into bed to get ahead? What, found another rich woman?”

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I’d been living in silence for so long, and I thought I’d surprise him. Instead, he gave me a shock. In his home office: “Is what we’re doing wrong? It’s fine, she can’t hear.” Ten years of marriage, just a sick joke. I dug a trap of equity. Watching them fall right in. My stomach churned violently, nausea rising in my throat. I gasped for air until my rigid body slowly unknotted. I raised my hand again, gently knocking on the door, asking in my usual soft voice: “Honey, are you in your office?” The sounds inside abruptly cut off. My upbringing wouldn’t allow me to barge in without an invitation. Marcus Hayes had taken advantage of that, which was why he dared to carry on such a disgusting affair with Brittany Miller right under my nose. It took a good while for Marcus to open the door. My gaze immediately landed on Brittany, who stood by the desk, flashing me a gentle smile, though the blush on her face hadn’t completely faded. Marcus signed to me: “Honey, why did you come down alone? Brittany was just reporting on a tricky issue, that’s why it took a bit longer.” My eyes met Marcus’s, searching for any flicker of evasiveness or hesitation, but there was clearly only concern. It seemed he’d clearly mastered the art of deception. I didn’t bat an eye, simply holding up the documents in my hand. “Honey, I told you before, I had a gift for our anniversary. Look, it’s this.” The bold words “Share Transfer Agreement” made a flicker of raw greed flash in Marcus’s eyes, quickly followed by a touch of guilt: “Honey, you don’t need to transfer them. We’re husband and wife, the company is our shared asset.” When we started the company, my family, the Chen family, had bankrolled it to support the bankrupt Hayes family. We split the shares fifty-fifty. To make the IPO smoother, I thought of directly transferring the shares to Marcus. I had joked about it before, and back then, Marcus would playfully whine that spouses shouldn’t be so formal with finances. Behind him, Brittany stood motionless, staring intently at the Share Transfer Agreement. Seeing Marcus hesitate to take it, she finally spoke up: “Mr. Hayes, aren’t you going to sign this? Don’t forget, the company is at a critical stage for its IPO. All the shares belonging to you will make the listing much smoother.” At this, Marcus frowned, playing the part of the devoted husband. He responded to Brittany with a hint of impatience: “Since when is my business with Chloe yours to interrupt?!” Brittany’s gaze flickered to me. Though a polite smile still lingered on her face, her voice was laced with a hint of grievance: “Don’t forget, you promised me half your shares. I’ve been with you for five years, without any formal title. You have to keep your word, right?” Five years! They’d been doing this right under my nose for five years! Thankfully, the phone in my pocket had already started recording. I used every ounce of my strength to suppress the urge to slap Marcus across the face. Marcus took a ring box from the cabinet. Inside lay a pink diamond. Just a few days ago, flipping through a magazine, I’d casually shared my admiration for that very ring with him. He knelt down like a child presenting a treasure, sliding the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly. “Honey, I bought this gem. Good thing your husband didn’t forget your size. Happy Anniversary, my love. Here’s to a lifetime together.” If I hadn’t accidentally regained my hearing today, perhaps I would have gone to my grave believing Marcus would never betray me. But ten years of shared history still softened my heart a little. I glanced at both of them, deliberately teasing Brittany: “Brittany, you’re not getting any younger, are you? I have a friend around your age. Maybe you two should meet?” If they were smart enough to take the hint and back off, I could at least give Marcus some dignity when we divorced. But at this, Marcus and Brittany simultaneously rushed to refuse me with sign language. Brittany even mumbled: “Don’t try to play matchmaker. If I were to go with another man, how could Mr. Hayes ever want me back?” Hearing that, Marcus clearly relished the compliment. He couldn’t help but respond with a hint of smugness: “Good, you know. Why would I ever share my woman with another man? Just stick with me, and you’ll be well rewarded.” He didn’t want to share his woman with anyone, yet he forced me to share him with another woman. If that’s how it is, then don’t blame me for abandoning all pretense of a loving marriage.

Under the combined pressure of Brittany and me, Marcus finally signed the Share Transfer Agreement. A pink diamond, in the end, couldn’t outweigh the lure of company equity. The moment his signature fell, Marcus pulled me tightly into his embrace. His guilt was palpable, and I seized the opportunity: “Honey, you don’t have to feel so guilty. If it’s too much, just transfer your investments and properties into my name. That way, you’ll feel more at ease.” A flicker of doubt crossed Marcus’s eyes, but I didn’t give him time to think: “My family is in real estate anyway, so managing investments would be easy for me. I’ll just be your capable wife.” Perhaps afraid that Marcus wouldn’t agree and I’d react drastically, Brittany quickly added: “The real estate market isn’t great right now, these investments will only lose money if you hold onto them. It’s better to let her manage them, so you can relax.” Marcus’s company was a leader in the tech industry. Once listed, these investments would be a drop in the ocean compared to the equity. He had always kept me out of the company’s operations, likely to prevent me from getting too involved. Marcus sighed, finally agreeing. Brittany lowered her head, triumph and disdain mingling in her eyes. I suppressed the chill in my heart. We’d see who the fool was in the end. As night fell, Marcus prepared to take me out to celebrate our anniversary, first dismissing Brittany: “Tonight’s Chloe and my anniversary. I’ve booked a restaurant, so you should leave now. Don’t bother me with texts tonight.” Brittany seemed resentful about me trying to set her up with a boyfriend. She closed her eyes, gathering her courage before speaking: “Mr. Hayes, this villa is so remote, I don’t want to take a taxi alone. You’ve had so many anniversaries, what’s one more? You’ve given her a gift; just spend tonight with me.” A flash of anger was just starting to cross Marcus’s face when I suddenly patted my head, feigning a realization: “Honey, I think I’ve been home too long. I completely forgot I have an appointment with my physical therapist tonight. He’s incredibly hard to book, so how about we celebrate our anniversary tomorrow instead?” Marcus froze. Brittany pressed on: “Didn’t you really like those new positions we tried in bed last night? Should we try them again tonight? I even bought that uniform you like.” Hearing that, I nearly gagged. With me, Marcus had always been polite and reserved in bed. I thought he was naturally disinterested, but it turns out he was just disinterested in *me*. As expected, Marcus apologized to me: “Alright, honey, I’ll drop you off. I also have some company matters to finish up. As long as we’re together, every day is a holiday.” I forced out a smile, my desire to get away from this disgusting man reaching its peak. So I excused myself, saying I didn’t want to delay him, and had the driver take me out. Half an hour later, Marcus’s car’s dashcam showed he indeed went to the company. Immediately after, my phone buzzed with his message: “Honey, things are a bit busy today. I’ll get everything done tonight so I can spend tomorrow with you. Get some rest, I might be back late.” As if to cover his guilt, Marcus even sent photos of the cash and investment transfer agreements. It seemed when I joked about it earlier, he had already taken it seriously. I sent the transfer agreements and the earlier recording to my lawyer. After the lawyer confirmed everything was in order, the moment Marcus signed his name, my lawyer called: “Congratulations, Ms. Hayes. All the pieces are in place, we just need that last piece of evidence. Once you get that, you’ll have everything you want.”

Late that night, Marcus quietly returned home. Though he was extra careful, I, having a purpose, still caught the faint scent of jasmine. That floral scent, which I might have overlooked before, now felt like needles piercing my skull. I pressed a hand to my throat, forcing down the urge to vomit. My mind, however, was coldly calculating: I still lacked direct, irrefutable evidence of Marcus and Brittany’s affair. In the following days, perhaps due to his guilt, Marcus began to play the part of the devoted husband. To gather evidence, I decided, for the first time in ages, to cook him a meal and personally take it to his company. You see, to avoid causing Marcus any trouble, my appearances at his company were rare. So, when I showed up at the front desk, the receptionist visibly flinched. On my way to Marcus’s office, I heard hushed whispers: “Has the boss’s wife found out something? Why is she suddenly here?” “Hard to say. Mr. Hayes has been quite reckless a few times. There was even a time he made Brittany hide in the inner office while his wife was right outside!” Though my hand, holding the chicken soup, was pale from tension, I managed to maintain a smile as I entered Marcus’s office. At that exact moment, Brittany opened the inner office door. She saw me, startled, and instinctively pulled her collar up. I pretended not to notice the faint red marks on her neck, setting down the soup. I casually remarked to Marcus: “Honey, there’s a gala tonight. My dad’s hosting. Will you come with me?” I paused slightly, then turned to Brittany: “Brittany, you should come too. Didn’t you always say Marcus needed to train Brittany more? Many people will be there tonight, it could be a good chance for Brittany to network.” Brittany’s eyes immediately lit up. Marcus feigned hesitation but eventually agreed. At the gala that evening, seeing how effortlessly Brittany navigated the room, I knew Marcus frequently brought her to these events. Then, Mr. Campbell approached us with a female companion I hadn’t met before. Suddenly, the woman spoke: “Mr. Hayes, Mrs. Reed’s necklace is truly beautiful tonight. I love diamonds too.” I froze. The one wearing the diamond necklace was Brittany, not me. In that moment, my anger flared, but I maintained my smile, though behind it lay endless coldness and resolve. Mr. Campbell’s face showed a flicker of embarrassment, quickly replaced by pity. Marcus’s expression remained unchanged, and Brittany puffed out her chest, the diamonds seemingly sparkling brighter under the lights. Marcus offered no explanation. I excused myself, feigning illness, leaving the stage to Brittany and him. Among the guests invited that day were Marcus’s and my high school classmates. I had prepared a private room specifically for them. Those high school classmates who had ceased contact after the Hayes family’s bankruptcy were now fawning over the latest tech darling. Perhaps my unassuming demeanor and my father’s turning a blind eye had made Marcus drop his guard. Fueled by alcohol, Marcus, while toasting me, began to rant wildly in the private room I had arranged: “Honestly, I love Chloe, but living with someone disabled for so long… it’s just… so ridiculous having video calls and signing. It’s too much.” He swirled his glass, continuing: “And, whenever Chloe appears before me, I’m reminded that she lost her hearing saving me. Do you understand? It’s a huge debt, too heavy to bear.” I had never used it against him. In fact, when Marcus decided to marry me, I had solemnly asked him: “If it’s out of guilt, then don’t. I want a husband, not someone repaying a debt.” Back then, Marcus had knelt before me, tears in his eyes, signing with trembling hands: “I’ve only ever loved you. It’s only because I love you that I want to be with you. Chloe, please, marry me?” My mind flashed back to him staying up for months, eyes heavy with dark circles, to quickly learn sign language. I had sealed my answer with a kiss. But things were different now. Hearing his words, even though I had emotionally detached myself from Marcus, I instinctively clenched my hands. Marcus didn’t notice, but this scene didn’t escape another person’s eyes. Marcus’s cronies were about to continue their teasing, but suddenly a voice I never expected interrupted everything: “Then what about your secretary? Before Chloe arrived, you two were kissing passionately.”

The one who spoke was Adrian Knight, the mysterious intellectual from high school. When my dad sent out invitations, he had only symbolically given Adrian an invitation. Yet, to my surprise, Adrian Knight, heir to the city’s most prominent Knight Group, was attending this gala. Adrian continued, his gaze falling on me without avoidance: “Do you think you’d be where you are today without Chloe, without the Chen family?” Perhaps unprepared for Adrian’s intervention, everyone who had been stirring immediately quieted down. Marcus instantly sobered up. He spoke with a slight tremor, his tone filled with forced composure and an inexplicable hostility towards Adrian: “Mr. Knight, this is my private matter. Besides, I’ve given Chloe the title of Mrs. Hayes. Isn’t that enough?” Adrian chuckled softly, still staring at me, asking teasingly: “Do you think she cares for the title of Mrs. Hayes?” Marcus was stumped. I felt uncomfortable under Adrian’s intense gaze. A quick-witted guest swiftly broke the ice between us. The lively atmosphere in the private room returned. Adrian looked at me, said nothing more, just grabbed his jacket and left. Marcus drank until he was half-drunk. I made an excuse about my physical therapy and left again, leaving Marcus in a room I had booked beforehand. I subtly gave Brittany the information, leading her to the hotel half an hour later. I sat behind the camera, staring unblinkingly at the two intertwined, naked bodies in the room. Fueled by alcohol, Marcus was sweating profusely on top of Brittany, lamenting: “If only Chloe could be like you. Why would I ever need to find someone else?” Perhaps it was the impending freedom from a suffocating marriage, but hearing that, I felt no nausea, only a detachment, as if watching a stranger. The next day, I threw the video at Marcus, along with the ready-made divorce papers. After Marcus saw the video, he made countless continuous calls until, half an hour later, he finally realized that, to him, I was still the wife who couldn’t hear. A text message popped up on my phone:

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Married into an elite family for three years, I left with my unborn child, disappearing into a distant land. Years later, I returned to find my former husband and son begging for forgiveness. I sneered, “I only have one child.” **1** “Alright, you can go.” Julian was off to see Celeste again. I had just stepped through the front door of our house. He was carrying large bags, so many that an uninformed person would think he was moving in with her. He looked surprised, as if he couldn’t believe his own eyes. “How come you’re not even asking questions anymore?” My face was expressionless, but inside, a whirlwind of emotions churned. “What’s the point of asking? I’ve been asking for three years, has anything changed?” Julian, however, poked his head back through the doorway, a flattering smile plastered on his face. “Mia, are you in a good mood today?” “Could you let Caleb go visit Celeste?” The motion of me changing my shoes paused slightly. After a moment of silence, I nodded. “You agreed?!” I once thought I would never relent. Julian actually wanted my son, Caleb, to get closer to that woman. How ironic. I was his lawful wife, the one he officially married. Yet he wanted to take the child I bore with so much difficulty and give him to his mistress. Just because she liked him. “Celeste doesn’t ask for anything. She just loves the child.” “We’ll have more children later.” He wrapped his arms around me from behind, but I offered no response. He probably forgot that when Caleb was born, we were dirt poor. The only shelter we had was a ramshackle hut my mom put together from whatever scraps we could find, the door cobbled together from salvaged planks. That winter, he had to go out for business. I hid there, shivering from the cold, gritting my teeth and struggling for three days and three nights to give birth to Caleb. After that, we struggled through countless hardships, and my body was never the same. Julian always said he owed me, promised he’d give me the grand wedding ceremony we never had. The wedding did happen, but he just ended up owing me even more. I was numb to the blatant lies that just rolled off his tongue. My family passed away that winter. I broke free from his grasp, turning to grab a beer from the fridge. “Go. Caleb’s things are already packed.” Julian’s expression was complex. After a long pause, he looked at me and spoke, “Mia, don’t play mind games like those elite wives in Grandview City.” “Don’t pull any tricks on me.” “Otherwise…” He scowled, turned, and disappeared into the darkness. I watched his retreating back, wanting to scream. Celeste’s manipulations were so obvious, yet you were completely blind to them. **2** But he truly overestimated me. Julian’s wild, impractical business ideas, no one believed in them except for me and my support over the last ten years. Until Celeste appeared. She had her father fund Julian, making him a name for himself overnight and truly finding his footing in Grandview City. When we first arrived in Grandview City, all the elite wives sneered at me. A small-town girl like me, if it weren’t for pure dumb luck, I wouldn’t have met Julian, nor achieved what I have today. But this achievement felt like a wild hawk trapped in a gilded cage. Why did everyone say I was lucky? Why didn’t anyone say Julian was lucky to have me? I stood up, dusted myself off, and walked to the dressing table. From behind the wall, I pulled out my hidden phone and sent a message: “I’m leaving.” Then I put the phone on the table and hugged myself tightly. The sky darkened. I didn’t turn on the lights, letting the darkness slowly consume me. In this enormous house, I was alone. Father and son had both gone to Celeste’s place, as if that was the real family. My swollen eyes stared at the phone. The screen suddenly lit up. The reply was a single word: “Okay.” **3** My name was Mia. I didn’t even have a last name. Actually, even this name was given to me. My adoptive father was in some shady business. After his last “job,” he brought us to hide out in this remote town. Julian, the neighbor boy, who’d actually been to school and knew how to read, gave me the name “Mia.” He said I smiled like the moon in the sky, especially beautiful. Later, when I learned to read, I realized he thought it meant “radiant,” like the moon, but it was a clumsy spelling of a word that meant something totally different. I did rough work at home; I was incredibly strong. But Julian next door was weak and always getting sick. He always smiled and told me, “Mia, you’re strong, and I’m smart. If we team up, we’ll be unstoppable!” Later, when he wanted to start a company, I’d never even heard of such things. I told him to focus on his work and we could hold off on getting married for a bit. But Julian looked serious. “Mia, you’re marrying me. What are you scared of?!” I wasn’t scared of anything. I wasn’t scared of anyone. But I was scared of becoming a burden to him. I was afraid that my lack of education, or my rough demeanor, would offend his important clients. After that, he went out to make his way alone, and I gave birth to Caleb by myself. But he didn’t come home for two years. I carried Caleb on my back and worked odd jobs, taking anything that hired. At the construction site, I’d secure Caleb to a stool in the security guard’s shack outside the site, then go in and work all day. Caleb would cry from hunger, but I had no choice. I didn’t know how to reach him; I could only wait for him to find me. So I waited and waited, waited and waited. Finally, the day his company went public arrived. Julian came back for me and said he wanted to take me to Grandview City. I saw another girl beside him, but I didn’t think much of it. My Jules was so capable! He’d built such a huge business in just two years! Going to Grandview City was fine. With Jules there, what was there to fear? I was so foolish. I actually believed every word he said. **4** Even more impactful than the changing environment was the change in the people around me. I knew all of Julian’s buddies, the ones he’d struggled with. Back then, when they were so broke they couldn’t even eat, I’d gather discarded cabbage leaves and rotten winter melons from the market and make them a big pot of stew. His buddies used to affectionately call me “sister-in-law.” When Caleb and I came back from the construction site, they’d see us and their eyes would well up with sympathy. But now, no one called me “sister-in-law” anymore. They all called me “Madam CEO.” I was dusty and disheveled, a complete mismatch for them. They were awkward, and so was I. All sorts of eyes in the company swept over me. I wasn’t particularly smart, but that day, I understood in an instant. This place didn’t belong to me. Powerful people were everywhere in Grandview City, and glamorous socialites were a dime a dozen. New money like Julian, with no connections and easily manipulated, everyone wanted to court him. When they found out I was his wife, their faces first showed disdain, then they started plotting. I felt like I was a step below them. I had been exposed to wind and sun, my skin was dark and cracked, my hands covered in layers of scars, working harder than their household staff. The second person to change was Julian. Not long after arriving here, I sensed it. The only thing I asked for here was a wedding. Though I wasn’t smart, I could tell many people coveted my position. He hesitated but still agreed. However, after that, he stopped going along with me so easily. “Initially, the company could only get started thanks to Celeste’s father’s help.” “Now, they just want me to spend more time with Celeste. It’s a profitable deal.” I felt a pang of panic, but I still blurted out, “Jules, back where I came from, that kind of behavior could get you ostracized…” “You already have me. How can you go looking for other women…” He erupted like a lion whose tail had been stepped on, covering his insecurity with rage. “Mia! Everyone here is like this!” “Do you know how much effort I put into fitting in here?!” “Now, it’s just a small sacrifice for you, and you’re so unwilling?!” It was the first time I’d seen him so furious. I took a few steps back and looked at him. That familiar face looked more and more unfamiliar. I asked one last question, “Celeste, is she pretty?” Julian seemed to calm down a little, and he lightly tapped my nose. “No one’s prettier than Mia.” He lied. Celeste was much prettier than me, and several years younger. Her playfully whining mannerisms, I’d seen them so many times, yet I could never learn them. Whenever things didn’t go her way, she’d look at Julian with tearful eyes and pout sweetly. At first, Julian would come back and complain to me, saying he couldn’t handle such a delicate, demanding socialite. But then, he started going to Celeste’s place more and more often. Later, he’d be called away for various holidays, sometimes even taking Caleb with him behind my back. But truthfully, if it were just that, I wouldn’t have sent that message to that person. What truly broke my heart was Caleb’s repeated hurtful actions. I once thought that no matter what grievances I suffered, I would never leave. Not this man, full of lies, nor the child I bore with so much difficulty. In the days Julian was absent, Caleb would snuggle up to me, looking at me with clear eyes. The people at the company might look down on me, but they didn’t dare look down on Caleb. Whenever I was bullied, Caleb would always step forward to confront them, then turn around and hug me. When did it change? Probably when he started elementary school. Julian said Caleb needed to act like a young gentleman now, with private cars for pickup and drop-off. And then, without my knowing, he started taking my child to see Celeste. I could barely read, so I couldn’t help him with his studies, or understand the articles he was praised for, or his perfectly answered math problems. Caleb would say, “Dad’s at Aunt Celeste’s house, so I’m going to find Dad.” But later, he started calling Celeste “Mom.” I didn’t mind him getting close to Celeste at first. He would eventually inherit the company, and he would eventually have to deal with Celeste’s powerful family. But that day, I just couldn’t take it anymore. It was snowing that day, and Caleb had left too quickly without his jacket. I worried there might not be a jacket in the car, so I rushed out after him, calling his name. But he didn’t seem to hear me, running excitedly, directly into Celeste’s arms in front of the car. “Mommy—” My blood seemed to freeze. I watched them, trembling. Julian stepped out of the car, smiling as he looked at them. I hid in the shadows, like an ugly bug. I remembered those three days I gave birth to him, the freezing cold, my vision blurred, all I saw was blood and red. But how could he call another woman “Mommy”? **5** I stumbled back home, leaning against the wall. But my heart wasn’t completely cold yet. He was my son, what could I blame him for? Until Celeste suggested to Julian that Caleb should move in with her. I refused, adamant. Until that day, Celeste came to our door. My relationship with Celeste was subtle; we both knew the other existed but didn’t interfere. I didn’t have the courage to make a fuss anymore, and she disdained competing with me. But her coming to my door, that changed everything. Her eyes swimming with tears, she held a hospital diagnosis report. It stated she could never have children. “Sister Mia, I truly adore this child…” “You can still have more children, but I… I can’t…” She was sobbing uncontrollably, but I held Caleb tight, refusing to let go. “I carried him for nine months and gave birth to him! Why should I give him to you?!” Julian’s face darkened, his tone annoyed. “Mia, Celeste just wants a child.” “We’ll have more later.” My heart twisted with a sharp, gut-wrenching pain. For the first time, I yelled at Julian. “Where?! Didn’t you know the doctor said it would be hard for me to get pregnant again, Julian?!” A flicker of hesitation crossed Julian’s eyes, but then his resolve hardened. “Mia, it’s just one child.” Just one child? He hadn’t been with me for years, and Caleb was my only hope. He was the hope of my entire life. Perhaps I was distracted, because Caleb struggled free from my embrace. He shoved me hard. “You’re not my mom! You don’t love me at all!” “Other kids have their moms pick them up, but you’ve never picked me up once!” I froze. Julian was the one who didn’t let me go. He said he was afraid I’d embarrass Caleb and make him feel ashamed in front of others. “You don’t even love me, so why are you clinging to me?!” My heart seized. Just then, a loud clap of thunder boomed outside the window. A brilliant flash of white light illuminated the faces of the few people in the room. Celeste’s triumph, Julian’s impatience, and Caleb’s fury. That’s it. He seemed genuinely angry… I sank to the floor, watching them embrace. I suddenly understood: there was never a place for me here. I had occupied Julian’s wife’s position. I had clung to their child. I should have left long ago. **8** They bought me a ticket to a city called South Mountain and told me a car would pick me up in three days. Three days later was supposed to be Caleb’s parent-teacher conference. I had originally planned to go; I thought it was his first conference, and I’d go even if it meant defying Julian. But now, there was no need. For some reason, my health had been worsening these past few days. On the first day, Julian came. He seemed pleased with my decision yesterday. As if to reward me, he even took off his clothes, intending to kiss me. I saw the kiss marks on his neck—from someone else—and a bitter ache spread through my chest. Without warning, a mouthful of blood suddenly rose in my throat. Julian asked why I wasn’t speaking. I forced a smile and swallowed the blood down. “I’m on my period.” Julian shrugged. For some reason, I felt he was relieved too. He lit a cigarette and then took my hand. “Mia, you need to be good here.” “We can’t compare to the Celeste family. Some things, just bear with it, and they’ll be over soon.” “He’s your son, after all.” I remained silent. He blew out a smoke ring. “How about I take you and Caleb out next weekend?” I looked up. “I want to go back to the town.” “To South Mountain, the place you always wanted to go…” “I want to see the magnolia blossoms.” “After I’m done with things here…” “Okay.” I pulled away from him and wrapped myself in the blanket. For some reason, tears suddenly streamed down my face. Julian used to look so cool when he smoked, my favorite kind of charmingly bad boy. But now when he smoked, he looked meek. Julian, what do I even like about you anymore? Suddenly, his phone rang. I could hear a woman’s voice on the other end, saying she had a headache and couldn’t sleep, telling him to come quickly. I didn’t turn around. “Go.” Julian didn’t answer, just the rustle of clothes. I watched his figure in the moonlight; he had changed. Back in the town, we were used to being wild and free. Now, he was tall and lean, every movement reeking of a Grandview City socialite. He walked further and further away, becoming smaller and smaller. More and more like Jules when we were kids. “…We’re unstoppable together!” “You marry me, you won’t lose anything. I’m afraid you’ll run off if you’re unhappy!” “If you run, with my broken body, I won’t even be able to catch you!” …I couldn’t think about it anymore. The next day, Caleb came. I lay weakly, and his small face rubbed against mine. “Mom, you’ll have lots of other kids.” “But Aunt Celeste only has me.” My heart bled. I wanted to tell him, even if I had more children, they wouldn’t be him. But I didn’t say a word, just smiled and looked at him. This was my last look at you, Caleb. **10** Celeste went to the parent-teacher conference. She was dressed to the nines, and Caleb walked behind her, his little back held straight. I left, and no one seemed to care. My only real leverage was that marriage certificate with Julian. That person also got me a divorce agreement. I signed my part and left it on the living room table. There was also Caleb’s custody transfer agreement. I clearly wrote that I was voluntarily giving up custody of Caleb. I knew that after I left, Julian would sign the divorce agreement, then grandly marry Celeste, the powerful heiress. Let it be. This life, living up to this point, was exhausting. **11** The maid noticed I was gone but didn’t tell Julian. Because he was with Celeste, playing in the water with Caleb. It wasn’t until half a month later that they returned to the apartment. The coffee table even had a thin layer of dust. I heard Julian threw a fit, turning Grandview City upside down, but I was beyond caring. I was already in South Mountain City, where I opened a flower shop. On the day of the opening, the person who helped me appeared. It was a strange coincidence; I felt my fate had always been peculiar. In those years working odd jobs with Caleb on my back, I had nowhere to sleep except a sleeping bag I found in a junkyard. One day, I found him by the roadside. He said he was a wanderer and, after looking at me, kept sighing about my convoluted fate. He left me his phone number, saying if I ever wanted to leave a place, I should text him. I thought it was strange at the time, but he looked so sincere, saying I would definitely need it. So I kept it carefully. He stood at the entrance, bowed to me, and said, “The client is set. The old man has finally repaid his life debt.” My new shop was open, and my heart was filled with joy looking at the garden full of flowers. Not just because this was the flower city I had dreamed of, but also because I had escaped that suffocating place. “You’re not that old. Why do you call yourself ‘old man’?” He closed his eyes, bowed again, and walked away. I called out to him, smiling brightly, “Come often! It’s free for you!” This was my true nature. Bold and uninhibited, interacting with people. Across the street was a coffee shop, run by a young man who collected antiques. He often gazed at my shop while making things. So I took a bouquet of flowers and gave it to him. His face turned red, a little overwhelmed. His name was Noah. We would do crafts together, tend to flowers, bask in the sun, and rock in chairs. Life was so peaceful, I almost forgot the miserable things that had happened recently. I wanted to settle in South Mountain, but buying a house involved residency status issues. That’s when he suddenly blushed and said, “Sister Mia, if you really want to buy a house, you could marry me…” I didn’t quite catch the rest of his words; his voice trailed off. When he finished explaining, I paused. Noah saw my hesitation and, blushing again, explained, “Sister Mia, I’m not a kid anymore. I can make my own decisions.” “If you want to leave later, or divorce after buying the house, I absolutely won’t interfere.” “I just want to help you.” I looked at his shy, clear eyes and smiled faintly. So, I vaguely got married again. As I was getting married, I thought, Julian must have already signed the divorce papers, right…? **12** On our wedding night, I asked him to call me Elena. He jokingly asked, “Is Sister Mia warning me to cherish you properly?” Before I could answer, he leaned in. “How could I not cherish someone as wonderful as Sister Mia? I’ll protect you fiercely, afraid of anyone coveting you.” He made me laugh, but I didn’t take his words to heart. Men’s words, they’re just for amusement. A year later, we had a clever daughter named Daisy. I hadn’t thought I would get pregnant again, so I wasn’t careful. I hesitated about whether to terminate the pregnancy, and Noah squatted by the window, his eyes tearful as he looked at me. “Sister, c-can we keep her…?” I touched my belly, lost in thought. “Okay.”

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I spent ten years by Seraphina’s side, helping her climb from an illegitimate daughter, tossed out on the streets, to the top contender for the Vance family empire. When I eagerly prepared to propose, she was secretly planning a lavish wedding with her supposed soulmate, Preston Thorne. Even her own subordinates couldn’t stand it. “Mr. Hayes has been with you for so many years, everyone has seen his hard work and contributions. We’ve always considered him family…” Seraphina exhaled a puff of smoke. “Jaxson Hayes? He’s too much of a force to handle, too wild for marriage. He’s a sharp blade, no doubt, especially for cutting through business deals, but marriage? That’s for someone you truly love.” “Besides, his background? It’s nowhere near Preston’s.” “But Mr. Hayes is formidable now. What if he finds out about the contract termination?” Seraphina sneered. “The inheritance is pretty much in the bag. What kind of storm can Jaxson Hayes whip up? And seriously, you guys don’t get how obsessed he is with me, do you? A few sweet words, and he’ll be putty in my hands.” I slowly lowered the hand that was about to knock, tucking away the latest quarterly financial reports. Instead, I pulled out my phone and sent a SnapChat message to her sister, Blair Vance. “The Vance heir position and her life. Interested?”

I was in the middle of booking flights to Sweden when Seraphina strode into my office, a frown etched on her face, and rapped on my desk. “Preston lands in two hours. Arrange for someone to pick him up; I’m tied up here.” “Oh, and by the way, move out for a bit. Clear out the master bedroom and order 999 champagne-colored roses.” I just stared at her cold, clear eyes. For the first time, I didn’t immediately agree. I simply lowered my gaze, tidying up the papers on my desk. My phone screen lit up, confirming the flight booking. Seraphina glanced at it, her frown deepening. “Blair Vance has no real power now. The heir position is a sure thing. Your main task right now is to keep a close eye on those old foxes in management. Don’t let Blair get an opening.” Seraphina always spoke to me with that commanding tone. She always said she felt insecure, and to accommodate her, I’d always put her first in the company, following her every command. Now, it just felt ridiculous. Seeing my lack of response, Seraphina gripped the desk with clenched fists, veins popping out on her hands. “Jaxson Hayes, are you testing me? Are you even listening? So what if your tiny company had a tech breakthrough? That’s no reason to get cocky!” I pushed the printed termination agreement and a few recent contracts across the table to her. “Ms. Vance,” I said calmly, “sign it.” “What is this now?” She furrowed her brows, taking the papers impatiently. “Just read it yourself.” A notification pinged on her phone. She casually tossed the contracts aside, her slender fingers flying across the screen as she replied to a message. Apparently, text wasn’t enough to convey her urgency. She pressed her thumb to the screen. “Okay, I’ve arranged it. See you tonight.” She tried to control the joy in her voice, but the smile on her lips was impossible to hide. Her relaxed brows made her look even more radiant. After a long moment, she seemed to remember I was still there. Impatiently, she grabbed a pen, barely glancing at the papers as she signed off in a few quick strokes. Perhaps the other person’s message had put her in a good mood. “Jaxson, maybe we’ve both been too tired lately.” Seraphina’s tone softened. “You don’t always need to seek validation from me. Once everything settles down, I’ll fulfill my promises to you.” I ignored her, simply bending my head back to my work. After all, I’d been waiting year after year for such worthless promises. I finally understood: it wasn’t that she was too busy; it was that this groom was never meant to be me. After arranging the follow-up work for the termination and returning home, Preston Thorne, dressed in designer clothes, appeared at my door. “Seraphina said you were lonely and pathetic, which is why she took you in all these years.” “But you’ve really worked hard taking care of Seraphina all this time. Even a bodyguard couldn’t be this dedicated.” “Still, don’t fantasize about being the man of the house, big brother. After all, we’re getting married tomorrow.” I gritted my teeth, clenching my fists, fighting the urge to punch him. I turned to leave. But Preston quickly moved to block me, shoving his phone in my face. “This is a couple’s account Seraphina specifically made to document our love. I bet you’ve never seen this side of her, have you, big brother?” “I’d advise you to stop clinging to the Vance family’s high branch. Just give up and find someone ordinary!” With that, he shoved the phone into my hand and slammed the door shut. A cold breeze swept by as I scrolled through the messages, one by one. April 29th, 2025: While I pulled three all-nighters in a row, she bought Preston a two-million-dollar ring at an auction. October 18th, 2024: On the way to a contract meeting, I was hit by a truck arranged by a rival company, breaking my leg. She was living it up in Dubai with Preston. “Preston’s happiness is more important than anything.” June 8th, 2022: I was set up by her older sister and detained for 15 days. After I got out, I spent two weeks finding people to short Blair’s company stock. She was in France with Preston at an art exhibition. “No artwork can compare to even one-thousandth of Preston’s beauty.” Every single video frame felt like plunging into an ice-cold abyss, a suffocating ache squeezing my lungs. During those ten years with Seraphina, I had pleaded with her to take some photos to document our daily lives. She would just scoff and sneer, “Jaxson Hayes, how can you be so childish for a grown man? Closing a few big deals is far more important.” My only photo with her was probably the hundreds-person group shot when the company went public. Turns out, she didn’t dislike taking photos; she disliked taking them with me. She didn’t dislike going public; she just didn’t want to go public with me. Lost in thought, my phone pinged with a new message. Two words: “Let’s talk.” After a moment of consideration, I couldn’t help but want to confirm some things. “June 8th, 2022. Was that your setup?” The reply was instant: “What good would putting you in there do me?” “Are men in love really that stupid? You believe whatever that brat Seraphina says.” “So, because of that, you almost made me shoulder hundreds of millions in debt?!” I let out a long sigh. Yes, I’d truly been her pawn for years, believing everything she said. I’d made countless enemies for her, taken reckless risks for her, only to end up a complete joke.

After arranging things with Blair, I was about to buy some supplies for after I left when I saw Seraphina on a FaceTime call with her brother. “Seraphina, the shoes your fiancé wanted were finished overnight. The designer raised the price by another three million.” “It’s fine. As long as Preston likes them, money is no object.” “Mainly, I’m worried Mr. Hayes will find out and cause a scene tomorrow… You know his temper…” “Then shut him up. My wedding with Preston will not have any disruptions.” Even though I already knew Seraphina was marrying Preston tomorrow, and I had already decided to leave, hearing the truth from Seraphina’s own lips still felt like a thousand needles piercing my heart, leaving it riddled with holes. Perhaps the series of blows had put my brain in a daze, as I suddenly remembered I hadn’t grabbed my luggage. Back at the door, my clothes, shoes, and personal items were all unceremoniously dumped outside. Laughably, all my belongings combined amounted to very little. After all, for so many years, I’d often been working around the clock at the company, and home was just a place to sleep. But then it hit me: my mother’s emerald bracelet, which she said was for our future daughter-in-law, surely it hadn’t been thrown out too? It was the only memento my mother left me before she passed. I knelt on the ground, frantically searching through the luggage, tearing through it again and again, but it was nowhere to be found. Preston pushed open the door. “Oh, still clinging on, are we? No wonder Seraphina said you’re like a dog that just won’t leave.” “You saw the video just now, right? Seraphina loves me the most.” I stood up, grabbing his wrist with a fierce grip. “Where’s the bracelet? The jade bracelet my mom left me, where did you put it?” Preston winced, pulling his hand away. “Are you crazy?! What jade bracelet? I only saw some plastic trash!” “Is this it?” With that, the hand behind his back lifted, revealing my bracelet. “Give it to me!” He held it high. “Figures. Trashy people only deserve cheap knock-offs. Something so tacky.” “Who’d want this crap? You could probably buy dozens of these for a hundred bucks on Wish! Let’s see what’s so special about it.” I reached out to snatch it, but he just dropped the jade bracelet from above. A sharp crack echoed as the dark green bracelet shattered into countless pieces. I knelt on the ground, picking up piece after piece, but I could never put it back together again… Wiping away my tears, the pent-up anger I’d suppressed for so long finally erupted. *Thud-thud*. I landed two direct punches on Preston. He clutched his face, caught off guard, but then a smirk flickered on his lips. He ruffled his hair, tore open his shirt, endured the pain, bit his lip, and spat out a mouthful of blood. In my shock, I was suddenly kicked hard in the lower back, sending me sprawling to the ground with a painful thud. It felt like my internal organs were all twisted together. “Jaxson Hayes, you heartless man! No wonder everyone in the company says you’re cold and ruthless. You! How can you be so vicious?!” Seraphina rushed forward, helping Preston up in three quick steps. “Preston, are you okay?” Looking at the woman I had shared ten years of my life with, I was suddenly struck by an intense feeling of unreality. Which one of them was the real Seraphina? I endured the intense pain, looking at the woman to whom I had given my heart completely for ten years. “Jaxson Hayes, I’ve never seen a man as malicious as you.” “Throwing your weight around in the company was bad enough, but treating a boy like Preston with such arrogance and cruelty?” “If I had been a moment later, would you have beaten him to death?” Preston was sobbing. “I’m sorry, Seraphina, I caused you trouble again…” Seraphina tenderly wiped his tears. “It’s my fault for being late. I blame myself for not protecting you.” The residual force from Seraphina’s kick was considerable, yet I no longer felt the pain. My body was numb, and my heart even more so. “Seraphina, are you really marrying him?” A flicker of doubt crossed Seraphina’s face, as if wondering how I knew. Her lips parted slightly, but she seemed to hesitate. “Seraphina, it’s all my fault… Jaxson just coerced me, saying he’d beat me to death if I didn’t tell him the truth…” Seraphina gently patted Preston. “It’s a small matter, it’s okay.” Even though I already knew the answer in my heart, the moment I heard it, the last lingering shred of my fantasy about Seraphina vanished. I started laughing, a dry, hollow sound that grew louder and more bitter with each breath. Facing my laughter, only a fleeting hint of panic crossed Seraphina’s eyes. But quickly, she said coldly, “Yes, Preston and I are getting married tomorrow. You can come, but don’t cause a scene.” Thinking back all these years, the wedding only needed one day, yet she had dragged it on year after year. Only because the person she wanted to marry wasn’t me. Perhaps I should still be grateful to her, thanking her for being so generous as to allow me to appear at her wedding. I turned and went into the house. “Get out! Don’t let me see you two again.” I had paid for half of this house. Why should I let these two jerks benefit from it? Watching me limp, dragging my leg, Preston gave a cunning smile. “Seraphina, I just got back to the country and don’t have many friends. How about Jaxson be my best man tomorrow? I wonder if he’d mind…” When her beloved boy spoke, Seraphina naturally agreed without hesitation. I only heard her say “okay” before she grabbed my arm. Meeting my reddened eyes, Seraphina’s voice was cool. “Didn’t you hear Preston?” “So? You really want me to be your best man?” At that moment, my voice trembled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down my face. I wanted someone to come save me, to shout at Seraphina how much I had sacrificed for her all these years. And how dare she treat me like this? But there was no one… Only Seraphina’s voice continued, as if laced with a thousand knives. “Yes! I want you to be the best man! And I want you to personally deliver your blessings!” “Jaxson Hayes! I’m warning you! You better not mess things up tomorrow, or our partnership will be over!” In an instant, my heart was pierced, riddled with holes, and my emotions could no longer be suppressed. I flung Seraphina’s hand away, yelling hoarsely, “Get out! Seraphina! Get out! Take that bastard and get out!” “And! I’m telling you, I won’t agree! Not only will I not agree! I’ll leave that day! I want you to never, ever find me again! After all—!” As astonishment, doubt, and fear flooded Seraphina’s face all at once, I shook my head and said, “After all, it’s been ten years! Even a dog I raised would wag its tail for me, but you! You…!” I shook my head, ultimately swallowing the remaining words. I shut the door on them, enduring the pain as I shuffled back into the house. The sky grew dark. Soon, two message alerts sounded simultaneously. One was from Blair. The other, Seraphina. In the past, I would instinctively open Seraphina’s message first. But this time, I wiped away my tears and calmly opened Blair’s chat. With just one glance, I looked towards the door. “Pleasure doing business, Mr. Hayes. A small token of my appreciation, we’ll meet later.”

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My wife, Scarlett, suffers from extreme hypersensitivity. To test my loyalty, she’d send me to her best friend’s bed, again and again. Each time I begged her not to, she’d turn to me, her eyes red-rimmed, questioning me word by agonizing word. “Julian, you said I was the only one you loved. I’m just helping you prove it. If you truly love me, you can control yourself, right?” For three years, she insisted on a sexless marriage, claiming that only after I passed her loyalty test 101 times would we truly be husband and wife. But just as I was about to conquer the 99th test, Scarlett’s voice drifted into my ears, chilling me to the bone. “Men, you have to whip them again and again for them to be loyal.” “Scarlett, what about your dark-skinned boy toy…?” “Who cares? He’s just a simp. He’s nothing without me. Where would he go? And I just love the thrill. You guys don’t know how aggressive that dark-skinned stud is when he’s in bed with me, in our room…” Laughter and teasing echoed through the private room. My head, previously swimming in a drugged haze, was suddenly sickeningly clear. A bitter smile twisted my lips. She loved thrills, but what she didn’t know was that her dark-skinned lover loved them even more. **1.** This was the 99th time she’d sent me to her best friend’s bed, all to test my loyalty, to see if I could control myself. Three years. Test after test had left me broken and battered. She claimed she suffered from extreme hypersensitivity, an intense emotional fragility. I understood her delicate state and was willing to become her devoted homemaker, caring for her every need. “So, how’s he still in shape? Did you girls get a good show?” “Scarlett, why don’t we turn Julian’s photos into blind boxes? Wouldn’t that add more excitement?” They chatted loudly, completely ignoring me, curled up in the corner. “His face is the only thing he’s got left. Otherwise, I would have kicked him out ages ago. These past three years have been dead boring. He’s such a stiff, boring man. That young stud is far more entertaining.” Her words pierced my heart like needles, and my breath hitched as if someone had choked me. So, it wasn’t that she disliked men touching her; she just disliked *me*. “Oh, Scarlett, you even have photos of him in a maid outfit! That’s wild! Looks like Julian really does whatever you say. The aloof campus heartthrob, trained like this.” Hearing their comments, I felt encased in ice. She had cried and cajoled me into taking all sorts of humiliating and compromising photos, and now they were just entertainment, shared for her friends’ amusement and mockery. The burning heat in my body forced me to curl up in agony. I had no choice but to pull out the blade I always kept hidden and plunge it deep into my thigh. Scarlett, who was engrossed in a game, was drawn by my sudden movement. A photo fluttered down, landing right beside me. It was a picture of me, naked and bound by a belt, with whip marks. “Good performance today. I’ve prepared a gift for you at home, your reward for today.” Scarlett walked towards me, step by delicate step, her fair fingers lightly tracing my jawline. Looking at the girl before me, I didn’t know when my eyes had filled with tears. When did the girl I had followed for ten years become this person? “Do you really have to humiliate me like this?” “Humiliate? Julian, didn’t you say I was the only one you loved? Didn’t you say you’d accept everything about me? How is this humiliation? I’m just making my friends happy. Didn’t you say my happiness was the most important thing?” **2.** Chloe Vance, Scarlett’s best friend, gripped a syringe and plunged it straight into my arm. The burning sensation consumed me again. “Scarlett, I’ve increased the dosage. Let’s see him make a fool of himself.” Chloe’s wild behavior made Scarlett frown, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Isn’t the dosage too high? He might…” Before she could finish, Chloe stripped off my clothes and threw me out of the private room. “What are you afraid of? He’ll love you no matter what. It’s just a bigger test for him.” Left in only my underwear, I was thrown into the lobby by the bodyguards. The humiliating loss of bodily control and the stares of everyone around me made my scalp tingle, and I promptly passed out. When I woke again, the only sound was the steady beep of medical machines. “You’re finally awake. It’s a miracle you pulled through after being injected with that much stimulant. Another minute, and your body would have… well, exploded.” “Seriously, who did you piss off to get such a potent drug? Your body needs time to recover. No bedroom activities for a while.” Nurse Miller babbled on beside my ear. My mind replayed the memories of chasing after Scarlett for over a decade. It truly felt like a joke. She was no longer the girl who had held an umbrella over me that year, asking if I was cold or hungry. After Nurse Miller left, I ripped out the IV. For her, I had abandoned my entire social circle. Now, I was utterly alone. June weather was always unpredictable. Fat raindrops began to pelt down from the sky. Rainwater mixed with tears blurred my vision. Before I knew it, I had walked over six miles, all the way to that so-called home. I stood outside the door for a long time before finally pushing it open. Inside, clothes were strewn everywhere. There were even suggestive stains on the floor. Then, the unrestrained moans of a man and woman assaulted my ears. “Sister, you haven’t looked for me in so long, I missed you so much… One more time, let sister know how much I missed her.” “Seriously, I could just die in your arms. You’re so strong.” My feet moved uncontrollably toward the master bedroom. They hadn’t closed the door. The intertwined black and white figures burned my eyes. A self-deprecating smile curved my lips. What was I still hoping for? This was her dark-skinned boy toy, Jaxson. She had insisted on a sexless marriage, claiming it was a three-year trial period, and if I passed, we’d truly become husband and wife. Everything, absolutely everything, felt like a cruel joke. All these years, I had lived in the cage she painstakingly wove for me. On the table was her “compensation” for me today. It was a silk shirt. But she clearly knew I was allergic to silk. My self-loathing deepened another notch. I don’t know how long passed before the sounds from inside finally stopped. Footsteps sounded on the stairs. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the boring old man. How dare you still show your face here? Enjoying the show?” It was Jaxson Riley, her dark-skinned boy toy. He held my family heirloom watch in his hand and wore the shirt my mother had personally sewn for me before she passed. “Who gave you permission to touch my things? That was left to me by my mother!” “Something left by a mistress? I wouldn’t even wear it, it’s bad luck. And you, the son of a mistress, dare to talk back to me like that?” He snorted coldly, picked up a glass from the table, and splashed its contents over me. The watch in his hand was violently smashed to the floor. Watching the last thing my mother left me being so cruelly trampled, my pupils instantly constricted. A surge of strength I didn’t know I possessed coursed through me. I dragged my numb body forward and landed a punch square on his face. Jaxson stumbled back from the impact, a mocking smile playing on his lips. “Julian, are you insane? Who gave you the guts?!” Scarlett heard the commotion and rushed down the stairs. She nervously threw herself in front of Jaxson, her eyes filled with concern. “Scarlett, I just said hello to my brother-in-law, and he immediately resorted to violence.” As he spoke, he slapped himself several times across the face. Scarlett’s heart ached even more. She lunged forward and brutally kicked me. My already weakened body staggered back several steps. The shattered pieces of my watch dug deep into my palm, but I felt no pain at all. Carefully, I picked up the broken pieces of the watch, one by one, and wrapped them up. “You’re right. I’ve been insane for a long time. Driven mad by you.” “You can humiliate me, and I won’t mind, but you cannot humiliate my mother!” I advanced on her, step by step, wanting to see the girl from ten years ago through her eyes. Only then did she notice the shattered watch on the floor. She parted her lips to speak but said nothing. “Let’s get a divorce.” I said coldly. **3.** Scarlett stared at me in disbelief, but uttering those words brought me an unprecedented sense of lightness. Jaxson, who had been observing, suddenly spoke up: “Scarlett, I think Julian’s possessed!” “I studied with a master for a few years. He’s full of bad karma. We should curb his arrogance, and then Scarlett’s luck will improve, and his mind will clear up.” Scarlett looked at my resolute gaze, frowned, and declared: “You’re right. He must be possessed, and he even hurt you. He deserves to be punished!” Moments later, her bodyguards had me firmly restrained. Jaxson whispered a few words into her ear. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. After a long pause, she finally told him: “Alright! Do as you say. Julian, I hope this time you’ll understand your mistake!” The moment she spoke, the bodyguards forcefully poured something down my throat. I felt all strength drain from my body instantly, leaving only numbness. When I opened my eyes again, my body was submerged in icy water. Something slimy crawled all over my skin. The overwhelming terror made me want to scream in agony, but I found my voice trapped in my throat. “Well, well, well, you’re awake! Honestly, your body is really ugly. No wonder Scarlett doesn’t like you. All those scars look like centipedes crawling all over you. It’s disgusting!” Only then did I see that dozens of snakes were slithering and climbing all over my body. “Go on, scream if you dare! But you can’t, can you? Why should the son of a mistress take Scarlett’s husband’s place? Just because of your face?!” “Ha! Everything you have, I’ll take it back from you, piece by piece!” Jaxson’s words came one after another, but all I heard was a buzzing in my ears. A bitter smile played on my lips. Was this with her consent too? She knew that my deepest phobia was snakes. Years ago, when we went camping, I was accidentally bitten by a snake, and she carried me down the mountain, step by agonizing step. But now, I was afraid she had forgotten all about it. “Time for you to ‘cleanse your karma’ with the snakes and ‘accumulate good fortune’ for Scarlett.” Jaxson’s words dragged me deeper into hell, like a demon’s taunt. He wore a look of malicious glee, a wicked smirk on his lips. “Scarlett and I are going to spend the night together. You just stay put.” What a cruel way to talk about “cleansing karma” and “accumulating good fortune.” I don’t know how long I stayed in the water. Finally, the numbness of the drug began to wear off. Only the intimate sounds of a man and a woman remained in the villa. Their voices churned my stomach. Waves of nausea washed over me. I laughed softly. Laughing at my own pathetic state, my feelings utterly crushed. Dragging my numb body, I crawled out of the water. My foot seemed to prick something. It was a broken bracelet. Fifteen-year-old Scarlett had carved it herself. She used to say this bracelet would protect her Julian and keep him safe. Now, the bracelet, like our irreversible relationship, was shattered. The girl she once was, was truly dead. I walked to the storage room, where all our memories lay. Watching the wedding photo, which I had begged her for so long to take, slowly turn to ash, the last flicker of hope in my heart vanished completely. My phone vibrated incessantly. I pulled it out and saw 99+ messages. “Julian, check the headlines! They’re treating you like dirt!” It was a message from Leo Davis, one of the few friends who still kept in touch with me over the years. #HayesGroupSon-in-Law “Son of a Mistress” Mother Was a Home-wrecker#

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I was the only daughter of the city’s wealthiest family, born late in my father’s life, and notoriously delicate. Even as an adult, I needed three maids just for my daily needs, because the slightest scratch would lead to uncontrollable bleeding that wouldn’t heal for weeks. My father replaced every cook, gardener, and maid in our mansion with top-tier doctors, terrified of even the slightest mishap. “’Pick a husband who’ll live here, someone I can trust to protect you,’ my father had insisted.” Naturally, I chose Julian, the most handsome and gentlemanly of them all. But on our wedding night, with no warning, he brutally violated me, his voice chilling. “‘Seraphina! Do you truly die if a top-tier doctor isn’t by your side?’” “‘Chloe only asked to use one of your doctors, and you let her miss her optimal treatment window, leaving her with a scar! Today, you’ll feel the despair she felt!’” Julian’s words grew coarser, and immediately, I felt a sticky wetness beneath me as the blood flowed uncontrollably. When he finally stopped, I had already lost my breath. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day I chose my husband. My father was swiping through photos on the projector, one by one. This time, I had my father scroll straight to the man wearing an eye patch. “‘I choose him!’”

“‘Miss, Mr. Sterling wants you in his study,’” Mr. Davies, the butler, knocked on my door. I shot up in bed, drenched in cold sweat, the agonizing sensation of Julian tearing me apart still lingering. I had actually been reborn to the day my father told me to choose a husband. In his study, six photos were displayed on the wall, illuminated by the projector. My father turned and smiled at me. “‘Which one do you like best?’” I scanned the faces, my gaze pausing for a second on Julian’s gentle, refined smile. In my previous life, that face had completely fooled me. “‘This one,’” I said, pointing to the first photo. “‘Atticus Davies.’” The man in the photo wore an eye patch, his brows cold, his aura distant. My father froze. “‘Seraphina, are you sure? While his medical skills are superb, he…’” “‘He what?’” My father’s face wrinkled in a frown. He cleared his throat, trying to rein in his emotions. *This man was the most outstanding in every aspect, yet he was considered a last resort.* “‘Darling, there are several more options. Why don’t you look at them first? His eye…’” Meeting my gaze, he suddenly seemed to recall some forbidden topic and quickly changed his tune: “‘He’s a recluse! Not very talkative.’” My father quickly reached out to slide the photo, but I pressed his hand down. “‘Just him,’” my voice was firm. In my previous life, those other men were either fake or greedy. He was the only one who wasn’t. Seeing my resolute attitude, my father could only agree. I returned to my room, still feeling a bit dizzy. Mr. Davies knocked again. “‘Miss, young Master Julian is here.’” My heart instantly tightened. Julian pushed the door open, with Chloe trailing behind him. Her right wrist was wrapped in gauze, and her eyes were red and swollen, looking utterly pathetic. “‘Chloe accidentally cut herself on some glass, and the wound is a bit deep. It needs professional medical attention,’ Julian said, his voice gentle. If it had been before, I would have agreed without hesitation.” Chloe started to whimper on cue. “‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have bothered you, but an ordinary hospital might leave a scar…’” I watched their act with cold eyes. In my previous life, it was always like this. Chloe would always get “injured” at crucial moments, and Julian would bring her to me. Every time I showed the slightest hesitation, he’d call me cold-blooded. “‘The Sterling family’s doctors only serve me,’ I said flatly. ‘Her injury is minor enough for a regular hospital.’”

Julian’s face darkened. “‘Seraphina, Chloe is your childhood friend. Can’t you help her?’” “‘She’s a maid’s daughter, not my friend.’” In my previous life, I treated her like a real sister. As long as I was happy, my father would be thrilled. Chloe’s lifestyle and upkeep were arranged to be exactly like mine, all at my request. Gradually, she started making all sorts of demands, and I tried my best to fulfill them. All because, to a “monster” like me, she was the only playmate who seemed genuinely willing to be around me. If only I hadn’t found out what happened later… I scoffed inwardly. Now, she probably thinks she’s actually one of us, doesn’t she? Chloe lowered her head, masking the coldness in her eyes, then looked up at me, eyes filled with tears. “‘Seraphina, I know your top-tier doctors only treat you. And I’m just a maid’s daughter, I don’t deserve them.’” “‘But I’m really in pain, and I just forgot my place for a moment, even bothering Julian…’” “‘Then go to the hospital.’” I stood up to leave, but Julian grabbed my wrist forcefully. “‘Seraphina! When did you become so cold-blooded? Is it because I said a few things to you yesterday?’” “‘Chloe grew up with you, she’s so kind, she never treated you like an outcast. She just had a craving and drank some of your tonic. Do you have to be so petty?’” Petty? Even my father, the wealthiest man in the city, had to pull every connection and spend half his fortune, taking ten years just to gather the ingredients for *that one bowl of tonic*. For ordinary people, it was just a health supplement, good for beauty and wellness. For me, it was literally a life-saver, especially crucial during childbirth to prevent fatal hemorrhages. “‘Her one craving cost me a lifetime of infertility?’” I pried his fingers off my wrist, one by one. His body stiffened, and he let go of my wrist. Chloe suddenly let out a soft whimper, and he snapped back to reality, immediately stroking her hair with concern. He turned, gave me a deep look, then pulled Chloe away. I sank back onto the couch, feeling drained, and called my father. “‘When can Atticus return?’” “‘About another month. His research in Germany has entered a critical phase.’” “‘It’s supposedly specifically for your condition.’” My heart warmed. In my previous life, how could I have overlooked someone who, though a man of few words, always showed his devotion through actions? It must have been because my eyes were only on Julian then, a man who was only sweet and gentle with his words. In the afternoon, Chloe came again, her face full of fawning smiles. “‘Seraphina, Julian and I shouldn’t have bothered you this morning,’ she said softly. ‘These are rose pastries I made myself, your favorite.’” I looked at her fake smile, a wave of nausea rolling through my stomach. In my previous life, I had eaten her pastries and nearly gone into shock on the spot. “‘Dr. Miller,’ I pressed the intercom. ‘Please analyze the ingredients of these pastries.’” Chloe’s face subtly changed. “‘Seraphina, what do you mean by that?’” “‘Routine check,’” I answered coldly. Ten minutes later, Dr. Miller rushed in. “‘Miss, these pastries contain a large amount of mango protein,’ he said, his face grave. ‘You’re severely allergic to mangoes. If you had accidentally consumed them, given your condition…’” “‘I’d be dead,’” I finished for him. Chloe instantly turned pale. “‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know…’” Didn’t know? Everyone in this mansion knew. And she, who grew up with me, didn’t?

I stood up, stepping closer to her. “‘Chloe, were you trying to kill me?’” “‘I wasn’t!’” She shook her head wildly, tears streaming down her face. “‘Seraphina, how could you think that of me? We grew up together…’” “‘Enough,’” I interrupted, disgusted. “‘Mr. Davies, call the police.’” Chloe instantly fell to her knees. “‘Seraphina, please, I really didn’t mean to!’” Julian rushed in, seeing Chloe on her knees, and immediately helped her up. “‘Chloe, what’s wrong?’” “‘Julian…’” Chloe was crying pitifully, tears streaming down her face, and as she rubbed her eyes, she deliberately exposed the burned spot on her wrist. “‘Seraphina says I tried to harm her, but I really didn’t. I just saw her eat so little at lunch and worried about her health, so I specially made her some pastries. I had no idea about any mango protein allergy…’” Julian’s eyes immediately landed on her red, swollen hand, filled with concern. He turned, his face ashen, to look at me. “‘Seraphina, are you insane? Chloe was kind enough to make you pastries, and you accuse her of trying to harm you?’” “‘The evidence is clear,’” I pointed to the pastries. “‘She added mango protein to them, trying to make me die from an allergic reaction.’” “‘Nonsense!’” Julian roared. “‘Chloe is so kind, how could she do such a thing? She already said she had no idea.’” “‘I know you’re still angry and trying to find an excuse, but aren’t you being a bit too obvious this time? Don’t you feel ashamed?!’” Seeing him so fiercely protective of her, a chill ran through me. “‘Julian, get out of my room.’” “‘What did you say?’” “‘I said, get out.’” Afternoon, I tried to get myself together to try on my custom-designed wedding gowns. When I opened the door, the ten neatly arranged gowns were gone, only empty racks remained. “‘Miss Sterling!’” The store assistant immediately rushed over. “‘Mr. Julian said you weren’t feeling well, so he took them back on your behalf…’” I took a deep breath. “‘Where did they go?’” “‘They seemed to have gone to that photography studio on the back street.’” When I arrived at the photography studio, what I saw was Chloe, giggling and sweetly snuggling up to Julian’s arm, posing for photos in *my* wedding dress. The other nine gowns were carelessly thrown on the sofa, some even on the floor. “‘You look so beautiful,’” Julian murmured, gently caressing Chloe’s face. I spoke coldly, “‘Take off the dress.’” They sprang apart in alarm. Chloe’s eyes immediately turned red. “‘Seraphina, we were just…’” Julian began to explain, but I cut him off directly. “‘Take it off.’”