After Veronica abused me for the 98th time, all for Marcus, my spirit was utterly crushed. That’s when I finally gave in to Genevieve Thorne’s relentless pursuit. After a passionate night with Genevieve, she promised to help me fake my death, so I could start a new life with her, marry her abroad. I swallowed the faux-death drug she gave me, only to wake up too soon, trapped inside my own coffin. My body was paralyzed, but I could hear Genevieve talking to someone just outside. “Ms. Thorne, you had Veronica abuse Adrian, then pretended to be his savior. You’ve completely won his trust. Why arrange a fake death and burial now?” “Only then will the Sterlings believe he’s dead. Marcus’s position as heir will be secure, and no one will ever bring up him being illegitimate again.” The other person hesitated. “Won’t seven days be too long, waiting until your wedding with Marcus before digging him out?” “The faux-death drug lasts for five days. I’ve already had water, food, and an oxygen tank placed inside the coffin. He won’t die.”

Darkness suffocated me, and my heart clenched in agonizing spasms. So, it was Genevieve who made Veronica abuse me. Then she came to pursue me, making me believe that if I wanted to be with her, I had to fake my death and give up everything. This woman, who promised to marry me, was going to bury me alive and then marry Marcus. But I woke up early, and there was absolutely nothing in that coffin! No water, no food! The cramped, suffocating space stole my breath. Genevieve’s voice sounded muffled through the wooden planks, yet it pierced me like a sharp blade, pinning me irrevocably to the coffin floor. “Five years ago, when Marcus’s illegitimate status was exposed, his engagement to Veronica was broken off and passed to his brother, Adrian. Marcus lost his love, so I promised him I’d help him gain power and status. I vowed to be his unwavering support.” “As for Adrian, these past few years, to punish him, I had Veronica torment him physically. Now, letting him leave is a form of release. He loves me so much; he’ll be forever lost in the sweet delusion I’d spun for him.” The person beside her hesitated, a hint of pity in their voice. “But Adrian didn’t know he’d actually be buried alive. Burying someone alive for seven full days… it’s too risky. And Mr. Sterling is so afraid of the dark, he has claustrophobia. What if something goes wrong in the coffin…?” “Nothing will!” Genevieve’s words allowed no room for doubt. “The Sterlings are thorough; we have to make this charade absolutely convincing. It’s only seven days. In reality, he’ll only be conscious for two. What could go wrong? Besides, Veronica promised me she’d lock him in the closet every time she finished beating him. He should be used to it by now.” “Marcus waited five years for this opportunity. We must ensure everything is foolproof. Once the dust settles and Marcus and I are married, we’ll get a fake marriage certificate abroad to deceive Adrian. We’ll keep him well-fed and comfortable, making sure he can never return.” The footsteps faded. I tried with all my might but couldn’t make a sound. The faux-death drug kept my mind clear, but my body was unresponsive, unable to speak. My claustrophobia flared, a cold sweat drenching my back. I bit my tongue, forcing myself to calm down. The absolute pitch black reminded me of the five years I’d been married to Veronica. Every time she abused me, she’d lock me in a closet. The painful memories flooded me, a tide of torment, and my stomach churned. Two years ago, I was locked in that closet again. It was Genevieve who saved me. The moment she opened that closet door, she seemed like an angel, capable of dispelling all the darkness in my life. From then on, Genevieve relentlessly pursued me. She cared for my bruised body, comforted my broken heart, and urged me to bravely resist Veronica’s abuse. How foolish I was to believe I’d found my salvation. Little did I know that all the torment I endured was instigated by Genevieve herself! She orchestrated Veronica to hurt me, while she played the role of a good Samaritan, healing me. And all of it was for my brother, Marcus. I bit down hard on my lip, trying desperately to make my body move. Suddenly, I heard a door open outside. Marcus’s voice, accompanied by the sound of men’s dress shoes, drifted closer. “Genevieve, burying Adrian underground for seven days… will he truly be alright? The burial is today. He is my brother, after all. I still feel it’s too cruel.” I felt like I’d grasped a lifeline, screaming helplessly in my mind: *Save me!* *Please, just open the coffin and take a look. One glance is all it would take to see I’m awake.* *I don’t want to be buried alive, don’t want to experience the agony of suffocating in the dark!*

But no one could hear my silent plea. All that answered me was Genevieve’s cold voice. “Marcus, you’re still too soft-hearted. We’ve planned for so long, all for this very day. We can’t fall short now.” “Have you forgotten how Adrian snatched everything from you? If it weren’t for his mother, your illegitimate status wouldn’t have been exposed, your mother wouldn’t have died, you would have married the woman you loved, and you wouldn’t have been cast out of the Sterling family!” “Don’t worry. Once this is all over, I’ll compensate Adrian properly.” I trembled violently, my limbs numb and convulsing, as if a thousand needles were piercing my body. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth, and I swallowed a mouthful of bitter, sweet liquid. Genevieve, I don’t want your compensation! Just let me out, and I’ll willingly give up my position as heir. I’ll go far away, never to disturb you again! Marcus seemed to be crying, his voice choked. “Genevieve, you’re so good to me. Every time I’m sad or upset, you deliberately provoke Veronica, making her abuse Adrian, and even having her send me photos and videos.” “Watching Adrian beaten and bruised, begging on his knees, or seeing him locked in that closet for three days and three nights, dehydrated from hunger… it always makes me feel so much better.” Genevieve pulled Marcus into a tight embrace, sighing. “As long as you’re happy, hurting Adrian a thousand, ten thousand times is worth it. He owes you this.” Inside the coffin, my tears streamed down, soaking the wood. My heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer, collapsing inward. Genevieve, is this how you’ve always seen me? How could anyone be so monstrously cruel? Every instance of abuse, it turned out, had been orchestrated by you. You were so gentle with me, yet behind my back, you used videos and photos of my torment to please another man. I laughed silently, tears tracing paths down my face, dripping onto the coffin lid, instantly absorbed. Perhaps it was the sheer agony, but a surge of unprecedented strength coursed through my body. My fingers could move! No matter how much I hated these two vile people, all I wanted right now was to live! My fingernails scraped against the coffin lid beneath me, emitting a faint scratching sound. I desperately hoped they would hear the commotion from inside. The next second, my hope was shattered. The sound of passionate kissing erupted outside. I could feel a man being pressed against the coffin, his back pressed tightly against the wood. I hammered my fingers against the wood, desperately. But the two outside, lost in their passion, heard nothing. Their mingled gasps and moans, their bodies slamming against the coffin, made it creak incessantly. My desperate pleas for help were easily drowned out. The woman moved rhythmically, whispering her adoration. “Marcus, do you know how long I’ve waited for this day? To finally have you give up Veronica and agree to marry me.” “For you, I forced myself to stomach the disgust of seducing Adrian. That night with him, all I could think about was your face.” I closed my eyes, gritting my teeth, forcing myself not to listen to those nauseating sounds outside. I thought my will to survive outweighed my hatred for them. I was wrong. I hated them. So much. As much as I had loved Genevieve, I hated her now. And I hated myself even more, for falling in love with two women who both hurt me so wantonly. I don’t know how much time passed, but finally, it grew quiet outside. Just as I was despairing, waiting to die, the coffin suddenly opened a crack.

A blinding white light pierced through the darkness. What greeted my eyes was Marcus’s handsome yet somewhat sinister face. His cheeks were flushed, and his clothes disheveled, clearly having just engaged in *that*. My pleading gaze met his, hoping he would save me. But Marcus seemed utterly unsurprised that I had woken up. He merely appraised me with a look of disdain. “Tsk, tsk, how pathetic. You’re about to be buried alive. Genevieve’s gone to handle the funeral arrangements. Good brother, I’m here to keep you company.” “Five years ago, your mother uncovered my identity. To clear the path for you, she drove my mother to her death and had Father disinherit me from the Sterling family! Not only that, but you also stole my wedding. I was supposed to marry Veronica!” “Five years of marriage, five years of Veronica’s abuse. I didn’t think you had it in you to endure so much, simply refusing to divorce. I had no choice but to have Genevieve seduce you. You were so foolish, actually falling in love with her. Weren’t you dreaming of marrying Genevieve abroad? You stole my marriage, and now I’ll steal yours!” “Finally, your mother is dead, and I tampered with your faux-death drug. Once you’re buried, you’ll watch yourself die slowly. Your death date is the very day of my wedding to Genevieve.” Marcus spoke the most cruel words, one by one, and my heart chilled, little by little. The hope that had rekindled within me was extinguished once more. Marcus’s lips curved into a smile, his mood utterly joyful. He took out the water and food that had been prepared in the coffin, speaking carelessly. “You’re going to die anyway, so you won’t be needing these. I’ll leave the oxygen tank for you, though, just so you can live a few more days. Too bad you won’t get to see Genevieve’s and my wedding.” The coffin lid slammed shut again, and the last sliver of light vanished. My fingers dug deep into the wooden planks, my nails almost tearing off. My eyelids grew heavy. Exhausted, I slipped into unconsciousness. When I next awoke, I heard a clamor of voices outside. My funeral had begun. Guests chatted amongst themselves, laughter echoing. No one seemed saddened by my “death.” “The younger Sterling brother finally got tormented to death. Veronica beat him so badly he was unrecognizable, but for the sake of the family, he absolutely refused to divorce.” “Serves him right! Why did he have to steal his brother’s woman? His brother is handsomer and more capable. If he hadn’t been exposed as illegitimate, Adrian would never have risen to power.” “Exactly! To marry Veronica, he even drugged her, so shameless. Then, right after the wedding, Veronica miscarried, didn’t she? What a shocker. Now that he’s dead, Veronica won’t even attend his funeral.” “Marcus Sterling is so lucky. Although he suffered five years ago, now that his brother is dead, he’s the only Sterling heir. And in a week, he’s marrying the only daughter of the Thorne Group. Who would dare call him illegitimate now?”

For ten years, my husband, Leo, was obsessed with “charity.” The first year, he offered late-night “psychological counseling” to a depressed female netizen, Skylar. Our SnapChat records showed 547 nude photos, all labeled as “Proof of Medical Improvement.” The second year, his infertile friend, Mike, begged him on his knees to “help his wife get pregnant.” Leo personally stepped in and even recorded a video, archiving it as an “Excellent Genetic Donation.” The tenth year, on our wedding anniversary, a bombshell message blew up in his charity SnapChat group: “Eight months pregnant, urgently seeking a man to take over and give the baby a complete family!” Leo immediately transferred $52,000 for prenatal care and charitable funds. His eyes red, he knelt on the ground, pleading with me, “Anya, I can’t just stand by and watch that poor girl get torn apart by gossip! Let’s get a temporary divorce for a year. Once the baby is born and settled, I’ll come right back to you!” This time, I didn’t stop him. Feigning understanding, I agreed, “Fine. Coincidentally, I have a charity project of my own to do.”

Leo looked overjoyed. “That’s great, Anya! I knew you’d always support my cause!” He smiled brightly and casually asked, “What charity are you doing, darling?” As I rummaged for our marriage certificate, I replied, “The male college student I sponsor has late-stage cancer. His last wish is to marry a rich woman for good luck.” At my words, Leo’s face immediately fell. He lectured me with a righteous air, “Anya, how can you just marry anyone?” “Are you upset? Don’t worry, it’s just a charity marriage. I’m only marrying her so she and the child won’t be gossiped about. I absolutely won’t be intimate with her! You know me, Anya, I can’t stand to see others suffer.” I scoffed. “Oh, I know.” Especially when it comes to beautiful young women between 18 and 28. After ten years of marriage, I knew Leo’s “charity sickness” all too well. The first year, he met a depressed girl named Skylar on a psychological help forum. Initially, it was just online chats, but it quickly escalated to daily, unfailing in-person “counseling sessions.” I stumbled upon their chat history once. “Leo, if it weren’t for you, I’d be dead by now.” “Silly girl, I’ll always be there for you.” Beyond that, there were hundreds of nude photos. Leo’s explanation for them was, “The therapist said that a person’s body best reflects their psychological state. I’m just helping her heal.” I just figured he was flirting online to get his kicks and didn’t take it too seriously. But that winter, Leo, who usually hated moving, went out almost every night, claiming he was “walking and talking” with Skylar to clear her mind. On the coldest day, I personally saw them embracing and kissing at the community gate, completely oblivious to others. Skylar was practically plastered against him, and he was stroking her back with movements so fluid, it looked like they’d practiced a thousand times. When I angrily confronted him, he looked innocent. “Anya, Skylar said my embrace and lips reminded her of her ex-boyfriend’s. She missed him so much… she was on the verge of suicide! I was saving her life!” Later, Skylar’s condition “improved,” and she moved out of town. Leo was gloomy and dispirited for an entire month, even forgetting our wedding anniversary. The second year, Leo’s infertile friend, Mike, cried to him about wanting a child for so many years of marriage. Leo immediately offered to help without a second thought. I still remember his expression when he came home that day; he looked as if he’d just saved the world. He excitedly grabbed my hand. “Anya, Mike and his wife are truly pathetic. We should help them if we can.” I was happy then, foolishly thinking he’d just donated money for them to go to the hospital. It wasn’t until three months later that Mike’s wife showed up at our door, visibly pregnant. She grabbed my hand, sobbing with gratitude. “Sister-in-law, it’s all thanks to Leo! If it weren’t for him, I’d still be suffering from Mike’s abuse… But sister-in-law, you’re truly blessed to have a husband as capable and doting as Leo.” Mike’s wife even wanted to show me a video of Leo’s “excellent genetic donation” process. I was trembling with anger. The third year, he was “personally deflowering pure young college girls.” The fourth year, he was “giving intimate massages to young married women.” … And now, on our tenth wedding anniversary, he was going to be a “savior” for a beautiful pregnant woman he’d never even met. Leo noticed I was upset and quickly explained, “Anya, I’m doing all this for you! I’ve already talked to her; once the baby is born, I’ll give her some money, and the child will be ours to raise.” “That way, Mom won’t yell at you anymore. I pity you, Anya!” Leo sounded completely convincing. I looked at him skeptically. “Really?” After so many years of marriage, I still hadn’t had a child. This had indeed been a persistent heartache for both of us. Leo immediately nodded. “Of course! You’re my wife! Oh, by the way, the divorce agreement is ready. You should sign it.”

I looked at the divorce agreement, and my eyes immediately caught the glaring words: “Leave empty-handed.” My lingering doubts vanished. I slapped the divorce agreement onto his face. “Leo, are you taking me for a fool?! Leave empty-handed?!” Leo panicked. “Why are you so materialistic now? It’s not a real divorce. Bianca is about to give birth; I’m just in a hurry, okay? You’re being so unreasonable!” “Calculating assets takes time. This way, we can get it done quickly. It’ll also be easier to remarry later.” I took a deep breath. “Leo, have you ever considered that for the past ten years, I’ve been your biggest charity project?” Leo froze, clearly not expecting me to say that. “Anya, how can you think that? I genuinely love you.” I sneered. “Love? Your love is constantly pushing me aside to ‘save’ those who ‘need help more’?” Leo frantically explained, “This time it’s really different. Bianca is truly pitiful, she—” Leo’s ears turned red. I knew that was his tell when he was lying. Bianca had sent a selfie along with her message in the group chat. Aside from her eight-month pregnant belly, she had large breasts, a slender waist, long legs, and a pretty face. Her voice was incredibly sweet too. He was clearly just after her looks. Leo continued to argue, “Anya, you have to believe me, this is purely a charitable act! I swear to you, as soon as Bianca gives birth and recovers, I’ll remarry you immediately!” I looked at him, this man I had loved deeply for ten years. Fine lines were starting to appear around his eyes, and his hair was thinning, but the fanaticism for “charity” in his eyes, the obsession with playing the savior, had never changed. I asked softly, “What if I don’t agree? What if I say that if we divorce, we’ll never remarry?” Just then, Leo’s phone rang. A delicate voice on the other end cried out in pain, “Leo, my stomach hurts so much, can you come see me?” Leo rushed out, not even stopping to grab his jacket. “Don’t overthink it. I’ll go check on Bianca first.” I sat at the dining table, looking at the meal I’d cooked myself. Leo hadn’t touched a bite. After much deliberation, I dialed my lawyer’s number. Before I could call, Leo called me. A tiny flicker of hope ignited in my heart. Leo’s voice was anxious. “Anya, Bianca’s stomach isn’t feeling well, and she wants chicken soup. Your chicken soup is the best; quickly make some and bring it over. Oh, and by the way, Bianca is allergic to mushrooms, so don’t put any in.” Leo hung up immediately after saying that. His social media updated with a photo of him hugging a woman’s pregnant belly: “Wishing a smooth delivery.” Uninformed mutual friends specifically congratulated me, “Anya, you’re so far along and didn’t even tell us, that’s so unfair! But still, congratulations!” I looked at the congratulatory messages, finding them utterly ironic. When I arrived at the hospital with the chicken soup and the newly drafted divorce agreement, I saw Leo “caring” for his new wife. “What are you doing?!” The scene before me stung my eyes. I angrily threw the chicken soup onto the table. “Leo, we’re not even divorced yet, and you’re doing this with her?!” The hospital room door wasn’t even closed. In broad daylight, Bianca lay on the hospital bed, legs wide open, enjoying Leo’s caresses. Seeing me, Leo quickly withdrew his hand and smiled, explaining, “Anya, don’t misunderstand. The doctor just came to check and said Bianca has a slight breech presentation, causing uterine pain. I was helping her massage her uterus to correct the position.” Leo pulled his hand away so quickly that Bianca didn’t have time to react. She was still trembling on the bed, in the lingering afterglow of Leo’s “massage.” “Leo, I feel much better after your massage. I think the baby’s position is even correcting itself. Can you massage me again?” Bianca’s face was flushed. Leo, without a shred of shame, immediately agreed in front of me, even self-righteously stating, “For the baby’s safety, of course!” Leo, in front of me, reached his hand between Bianca’s legs again. “Anya, you want a healthy baby too, don’t you?” Before I could speak, Bianca cried out in pleasure, “Leo, you’re so good at this! You’ll definitely be a great dad…” “I’m a little hungry. Could you please ask Anya to feed me some chicken soup?”

I was speechless, utterly shocked by Bianca’s shamelessness. She was enjoying my husband’s caresses and then had the audacity to ask me to feed her chicken soup! I clutched the divorce agreement tightly, swallowing my anger, and shoved it into my bag. There was no way we could discuss anything like this today. “How are you going to drink lying like that?” I merely asked roughly, and Bianca’s eyes immediately reddened. She bit her lower lip and clutched Leo’s hand, looking pitiful. “Leo, did I make Anya upset? But if you don’t massage me, my stomach really hurts… Listen, the baby is crying from hunger…” Leo leaned close to Bianca’s belly, listened for a moment, and then clicked his tongue. “If Bianca is hungry, just feed her. You’re going to be a mother yourself someday; can’t you be a little more patient?” I laughed. “Me, impatient? Can’t she do one thing at a time instead of making both of us wait on her hand and foot?” Even adopting a child properly wouldn’t involve this kind of servitude. Leo said earnestly, “You’ve never been pregnant; how could you know how hard it is? Bianca’s stomach hurts and she’s hungry; why can’t you…” “You feed her! I’m not serving you!” I slammed the door shut, the lingering, unpleasant stench still in my nostrils. The divorce agreement remained unresolved until three days later, when Leo returned home. He smiled at me, discussing, “Anya, it’s too unsafe for Bianca, a pregnant woman, to live alone outside. How about she moves into our house?” Before I could agree, someone was already moving Bianca’s belongings in, even into the master bedroom. I slapped the divorce agreement onto the table. “Fine. But sign this first.” Leo glanced at it and said, “That can wait.” Bianca followed closely behind. As soon as she entered, she pointed at my dog. “Oh my! What a huge dog! You scared me to death… Leo, I’m so scared…” Leo blurted out, “Get rid of the dog immediately!” I quickly shielded my dog. “Don’t you dare!” “You handle your business. I’ll take the dog myself.” I stormed out with my dog, heading to a hotel. At the hotel entrance, I ran into Liam, the male college student I sponsored. It was over ninety degrees, and he was sweating profusely, handing out flyers at the hotel entrance. Liam looked incredibly surprised to see me and quickly ran over. “Sister Anya! Why are you out in this heat?” I wasn’t in the mood to explain, so I just hedged. “Just out walking Rusty. I’m tired and want to rest for a bit.” “Why are you… carrying luggage while walking your dog? Are you staying at a hotel? Let me help you with Rusty.” Liam enthusiastically pulled Rusty and accompanied me to check in. At the room door, I stopped Liam. “You can stop here. Thank you for your trouble. How’s school lately? Do you have enough for living expenses? If not, I can give you more…” As I spoke, I took a wad of cash from my bag, but Liam smiled and interrupted me. “I have enough. I make enough money working part-time. Sister Anya, can I come in and take a shower?” I hesitated, then looked at him again. Liam’s clothes were soaked and smelled of dog urine. I smiled awkwardly at him. “Come on in.” Liam was in the bathroom showering. I had just sat down to rest when Leo burst in. I looked at him in confusion. “Why are you here?” Leo stormed in furiously. Just then, Liam emerged from the bathroom. He was shirtless, young and vibrant. Leo instantly exploded. “What are you two doing?!”

In my past life, I fell for the director of that elite reality show, “Billionaire Bride.” The night before the finale, I dropped out, handing the spot of the future Mrs. Blackwood to my twin sister, Maya Hayes. But after her honeymoon, she personally pushed me off a high-rise. Just because she found out Liam Blackwood was merely an illegitimate son, and he couldn’t walk properly. The true Blackwood heir was Julian Thorne, the director who’d meticulously planned the entire show. Reborn back to the reality show set, I sneered, watching my sister shamelessly flirt with “the director.” She’d been reborn too, of course. She knew Julian was the real deal. What she didn’t know was… The night she got married in my previous life, Julian dragged me home and tormented me all night. “Anya Hayes! Why did you drop out?! If you’d won, your sister could’ve debuted on the show’s popularity, and I could’ve married her legitimately! Do you know how much effort I put into planning all of this?!” He forced me to pretend to be my sister and please him, then, once he was sober, he’d call me disgusting, slashing my face with a knife, cut after cut. When he heard about my sister’s honeymoon pregnancy, he injected me with ovulation-stimulating drugs like a madman. “If I can’t have her, then you’ll give birth to a child who looks like her.” When the doctor said I was infertile due to prolonged abuse, he had my uterus surgically removed without hesitation. “Useless trash. You’re not even fit to be a baby-making machine.” This time, I watched my sister clumsily mimic my past life’s moves to get close to Julian. Then, I turned around and slipped my choice card into Liam Blackwood’s draw box.

The “Billionaire Bride” reality show lasted three months. A hundred stunning contestants lived under the same roof with Liam Blackwood, who eliminated them one by one. Finally, it was the live finale. In my previous life, my sister and I were tied for first place. As long as one of us was chosen by him at the finale, she’d become the future Mrs. Blackwood. For Julian, I personally tore up my choice card. But now… When the host brought out the choice card draw box in front of millions of live viewers, the entire venue erupted in gasps. Because the empty box contained only one card. Even Liam Blackwood on stage couldn’t help but frown, while I smirked, knowing exactly what was coming. Just then, Maya Hayes, on the other side of the stage, dramatically announced, “I’m dropping out!” She walked step by step towards the director’s seat, extending her hand to Julian Thorne in front of millions of viewers. “Director Thorne, these past three months have made me realize my true feelings. True love shouldn’t be bound by rules. Can we be together?” The live stream chat instantly exploded. The hashtag #MayaHayesDropsOutForLove shot to the top of the trending list, and the comment section was filled with “She’s so fierce!” praises. “Congratulations to Miss Anya Hayes, our ultimate winner,” the host announced, looking a little flustered. But by then, no one cared about me, the “lucky winner.” All eyes were on the “true love” couple. Maya’s eyes were red as she “congratulated” me, but as she hugged me, she whispered in my ear, “My dear sister, do you think you’ve won by getting a cripple? Remember, in this life, you’ll only ever get my scraps.” I smiled even sweeter than her. “Thank you, sister, for making it possible.” She’d never know that what she was so desperate to get was an abyss far more terrifying than hell itself. In my past life, I discovered Julian Thorne’s darkest secret… but I wouldn’t tell her. This time, it was her turn to experience that kind of “happiness.” Liam Blackwood walked towards me, holding ninety-nine roses, and slid the diamond engagement ring onto my finger. “Congrats, brother,” Julian Thorne said from below the stage, his eyes unreadable. He deliberately emphasized the word “brother.” This unexpected congratulation was broadcast live across the entire internet. My heart sank. This secret, which had only been forced into the open after Maya’s honeymoon in my past life, was now being revealed by him directly. Sure enough… he was reborn too. And in this life, now that he had Maya, he revealed his hand early.

The live stream comments instantly blew up again. “Using today’s happy news, as the sole legal heir of the Blackwood Group, I officially announce…” His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, yet it silenced the entire venue. “Next month, Maya will become our Mrs. Blackwood.” Maya lowered her head shyly in his arms, then, out of Julian’s sight, she gave me a smug eyebrow raise. I, however, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, I could stay away from that lunatic. One reality show, two people getting what they wanted. While the cameras were focused on the “perfect couple,” I subtly moved closer to Liam Blackwood. “Hey, new husband, how about we go to the beach for our honeymoon…?” I hadn’t expected Liam’s ears to turn red, which suddenly made Julian tighten his grip on Maya. Maya yelped in pain, and noticed us in the corner. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered in Julian’s ear, “Julian, my sister actually threatened me… forced me to drop out. Luckily, I was already in love with you.” Her eyes were slightly red, but her voice was just loud enough for those nearby to hear. “Now she’s finally got what she wanted, but…” She deliberately paused, “Now that she knows you’re the true heir, will she regret choosing the wrong person?” Julian’s eyes darkened instantly when he heard the word “threat,” but his brow relaxed slightly when he heard “drop out.” He reassuringly tightened his arm around Maya’s waist. “Don’t worry, the position of Mrs. Blackwood will forever belong only to you.” He deliberately raised his voice for the last half of the sentence, his gaze fixed on me, laughing and talking with Liam Blackwood not far away. After the show ended, I arranged to grab a late-night bite with Liam and went backstage to change. To my surprise, Julian Thorne stopped me in a corner and directly laid out his cards. “Reborn, you’ve certainly gotten smarter,” he chuckled. “Too bad… do you think marrying Liam will help you escape?” He gripped my chin. “Your little schemes are probably going to fall apart. I won’t let you marry him with that face identical to Maya’s.” “You were so ruthless in your past life,” he suddenly yanked my hair, forcing my head back. “To frame Maya, you actually jumped off a building. The entire internet cursed her for forcing her own sister to die…” He sneered, “Too bad, even if I spent thirty million to bury the trending news, it still ruined her career.” Julian’s words hit me like a thunderclap. So, that fall from the building was actually a meticulously planned setup by me? Even my death was my fault? “I know you chose Liam purely for money. I’ll give you fifty million. Disappear within a month. Don’t let me see that face again.” Seeing me staring fixedly at him, he disgustedly threw my chin away. “And don’t ever covet what you shouldn’t.” I almost laughed out loud. He actually thought I still harbored any feelings for him? On my sister’s wedding night in my past life, that madman had held me captive in his basement. He slowly, methodically, pulled out my fingernails with pliers, savoring my twisted expression of pain. “Beg me,” he choked my throat, making me gasp for air. “Say you were wrong, say you want to marry me.” Blood dripped from my fingertips onto a customized wedding dress identical to my sister’s. When I was too hoarse to scream, he slapped me in a rage. “Smile for me! You don’t look like her when you cry!” He pressed me against a mirror, forcing me to look at my tear-streaked face, then gently licked away my tears. “Maya, I’ve looked for you for so long… how could you marry another man…?” Unable to have my sister, he filled the void in his heart by torturing me. Amidst my fragmented cries, he fantasized that the person beneath him was the unattainable girl of his dreams. Now, reborn, he thought I would repeat the same mistakes? He turned to leave, but suddenly pivoted back, grabbing my throat fiercely. “Tell me… if this mouth could never speak again, wouldn’t some secrets be safer?” Though I was the one suffocating, I saw a flicker of unease in his eyes. This lunatic, he was afraid of his secrets being exposed after all.

Liam Blackwood paced back and forth at the backstage door. The moment I emerged, he rushed forward. “What took you so long?” He took me to a Western restaurant I rarely visited. On impulse, I ordered him a strawberry cake. He visibly froze when he took the dessert. “How did you know…?” My heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t exactly tell him that in my previous life, I’d once stumbled upon him secretly devouring cake in the middle of the night. After dinner, he mysteriously drove me to a pet sanctuary in the city outskirts. He said it was his secret base, and being with the animals made his soul feel cleansed. Watching his tender expression as he played with the furry creatures, I couldn’t help but mention Buddy—the mutt I’d raised since childhood, now being fostered at the Hayes family home. “Why the Hayes family? Not ‘home’?” he keenly picked up on my words. I briefly recounted the cliché story: the stolen twin, how after my foster parents in the small, forgotten town had their own son, I became an afterthought. At eighteen, Maya had come down from the mountainside for an art project and recognized me, but even after being acknowledged, I remained invisible. It wasn’t until three months ago, when Maya needed a “twin gimmick” for the show, that she remembered there was still a daughter living in the basement. I’d never truly had a home, which is why I longed for its warmth so deeply. Buddy was the only family I had. In my previous life, when Julian approached me, he promised to give me a home. I believed him, I fell deeply, and I died horribly. So when Liam Blackwood looked at me and promised to give me a home, I just politely curved my lips and invited him to visit Buddy with me sometime. I never expected him to pick me up the very next day. Stepping into the Hayes family mansion, I didn’t expect to run into Julian Thorne. He sat at the head of the table, sipping tea, his gaze lingering on my hand clasped with Liam’s. “I’m going to see Buddy,” I said, turning away. Mrs. Hayes shrieked, “No manners! With a distinguished guest like Mr. Thorne here, why bother with some wretched animal!” I joined them in flattering Julian Thorne, even Liam Blackwood became an ignored side character. Maya Hayes suddenly stood up. “It’s rare for sister to bring her brother-in-law home… I’ll make a dish.” At lunch, she brought out a plate of charred meat chunks. “My first time cooking, little sister, try some,” she piled four or five pieces into my bowl. I was about to push it away when Julian Thorne suddenly spoke, “What, you don’t approve of your sister’s cooking?” Mrs. Hayes also fiercely kicked my shin under the table. “Eat it!” I forced myself to finish the burnt meat on my plate, then got up and took Liam Blackwood to the backyard to find Buddy. But I couldn’t find that familiar little figure anywhere in the Hayes’ house. “Buddy? Where’s Buddy?” I rushed back into the living room, just as Maya Hayes was pouring tea. She smiled and said, “Buddy? Didn’t you see him? Was he tasty?” My ears instantly rang, my blood ran cold, my stomach churned, and I fell to my knees, gagging. She walked over and yanked my hair. “You knew I was bringing Julian home today, so you deliberately brought Liam to show off? A country bumpkin like you dares to compete with me?” She pressed my face into the mess on the floor. “Remember, even the animal you raised is only fit to be a dish, let alone you dreaming of becoming Mrs. Blackwood.” “What’s wrong with her?” Julian Thorne’s voice came from the hallway. Maya instantly released her grip, then gently patted my back. “Sister suddenly felt unwell, she’s throwing up really badly.” Her voice held just the right amount of concern, but her fingertips fiercely twisted my lower back. Julian Thorne, uncharacteristically, showed concern. “Should I call a doctor…?” I bit her hand hard. Maya shrieked in pain. Julian immediately kicked me in the chest, sending me sprawling. “Bitch! I thought you’d learned your lesson, but a dog can’t change its spots! Are you really that jealous of your sister?” “She killed Buddy!” By the time Liam Blackwood rushed over to help me up, Maya was already crying crocodile tears, hiding in Julian Thorne’s arms. “I just wanted to cook for my sister… the maid said she couldn’t find any ingredients…” She tearfully showed her bleeding tooth marks. “Who knew it was her mutt? I’ll compensate her with ten pedigree dogs, isn’t that enough? She’s actually acting crazy over a dog…” “Acting crazy over an animal,” Julian Thorne sneered, looking down at me, yet gently blew on Maya’s wound. “Don’t be scared, Maya. I’ll have someone deal with this mad dog right away.” I glared at him fiercely. “Mad dogs can bite people to death when cornered, Mr. Thorne. Aren’t you afraid I’ll expose some… unspeakable secrets?” Julian’s face instantly twisted. He dropped a threat, then pulled Maya away to the hospital.

I found Buddy’s remains in the kitchen. Together with Liam Blackwood, we buried him in the backyard. I refused his offer to drive me home, floating through the streets like a lost soul. I knew Julian Thorne would make a move to ensure I kept his secrets, but I hadn’t expected him to be so quick. As I passed a narrow alley, I was suddenly pulled inside. A group of thugs tore at my clothes, while someone recorded on their phone. I heard a muffled voice say, “Don’t show her face. The client specifically ordered it.” I found it strangely amusing. Julian Thorne, Julian Thorne, even when you destroy me, you still care about this face that looks exactly like Maya’s? “Smack!” A slap echoed, making my eardrums ring, and the taste of blood spread in my mouth. A hand pried open my mouth. “The client said to first pull out these biting teeth, then cut out her tongue so she can’t talk nonsense.” Despair washed over me like a tide. Was I still unable to escape, even after rebirth…? I closed my eyes. “Bang!” A dull thud of heavy objects falling echoed. I trembled as I opened my eyes, finding a few thugs already subdued by bodyguards.

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My wife had a miscarriage due to the earthquake and could never have children again. But she blamed everything on me. No matter how I explained, she wouldn’t listen: “You deliberately chose your sister over our child, over me!” I was overcome with guilt, year after year meticulously caring for her, trying to pull her out of that shadow. Just when I thought she was getting better, she turned around and started dating a young college guy. She let the young college guy send me their intimate photos and sweet videos every day. When I broke down and confronted her, she just gave a coy little smile, “Oh, young guys are just like that, so playful. Don’t be so uptight.” “But you’re my wife!” She glared at me, eyes blazing. “When the earthquake hit, you didn’t think of me as your wife, and now you remember? Too late! Every night I relive it in my nightmares, remembering my dead child. It’s all because of you and your damn sister!” “Why couldn’t it have been you two who died back then?!” I almost couldn’t stand upright, my heart aching so much I couldn’t breathe. Until that day, the college guy sent me a video. In the video, Chloe was lying on the ground, barely clothed, covered in blood and bruises, her hair matted with glue. Her lower body was torn, her legs twisted at an unnatural ninety-degree angle. She mumbled, “Brother, it hurts so much.” I frantically called my wife, but she just gave a cold laugh, “Just kids playing games, why are you taking it so seriously?” “If she really died, I’d throw a huge party to celebrate. After all, she was also to blame for my child’s death!” My marriage, which I’d clung to for five miserable years, finally ended with my sister’s death.

When I rushed to the hospital, Chloe only had her last breath left. She gently grasped my hand, her face scarred, her body a sight no one should see. “Brother, I’m sorry. In the end, I’m leaving you alone in this world.” “If my call had come a little later than Seraphina’s that day of the earthquake, would your child not have died, and Seraphina wouldn’t hate you?” She brushed away my tears, her eyes gradually reddening. “Brother, don’t cry. It doesn’t hurt anymore.” Chloe was covered with a white sheet and wheeled away. My entire body went limp; I couldn’t stand. My mind was filled with decades of memories of Chloe and me, relying on each other. She was always so understanding. Even at the very end, she was comforting me. “Asher, what are you doing here?” A sudden startled voice. Jax was standing around the corner, a small bandage on his hand, looking at me with a wicked grin. He was the college guy my wife had started dating, and the culprit who killed my sister. The emotions churning inside me could no longer be suppressed. I lunged forward, grabbing his collar. Just as my fist was about to land, Seraphina rushed out from the side and slapped me across the face. She was furious. “You actually dared to stalk me?” My head was knocked to the side, my face burning. I looked at her in disbelief. “Don’t you know why I’m here today?” Seraphina straightened Jax’s collar, not even looking up. “Asher, this is a hospital. What else could you be doing here besides stalking me?” The pain made it hard to breathe; my chest felt terribly tight. Words squeezed out of my throat, “I wasn’t stalking you. I came to the hospital to see my sister one last time.” “My sister was killed by this animal!” I pointed at Jax and roared, but he fearfully hid behind Seraphina. His eyes welled up slightly. “Sister, he says I hurt someone? How could I…” Seraphina looked at me with even greater disgust. “Asher, I know you hate Jax, but you can’t just say things like that!” I looked at this woman, who I’d spent eight years with, feeling utterly heartbroken. Jax, standing behind Seraphina, shot me a triumphant look. I pointed at Jax and said, “You say he didn’t kill my sister? Then where did the wound on his arm come from?” “I saw the video. When he was forcing my sister, she resisted and bit him. Does he dare to show me the wound?” A flicker of emotion crossed Seraphina’s face. Then, her gaze darted towards Jax’s arm. Two seconds of silence later, a cold chuckle escaped her throat. “Asher, with your sister’s stick-thin figure, you think Jax would even look at her?” I froze, unable to react. Jax was the first to smirk. “Yeah, Seraphina. Chloe? Even if she stripped naked and stood in front of me, I wouldn’t give her a second glance. Force her? Please.” “Asher, you really put your sister on a pedestal, don’t you?” Seraphina’s eyes hardened with coldness. “He’s always doted on his sister, so it’s normal for him to put her on a pedestal.” My fists clenched, burning with rage. “Seraphina, she called you ‘sister-in-law’ for eight years, she was so genuinely good to you! How could you say that about her?” All pretense on Seraphina’s face cracked, replaced by intense disgust. “Good to me? Being good to me meant calling you to save her when the earthquake hit, which made me lose my child!” “Don’t forget that you and your sister are the reason I can never conceive again! How dare you say she was good to me?!” A lump caught in my throat. I pressed my lips together for a long moment and said, “Seraphina, I’ve told you many times, Chloe called before the earthquake started. The earthquake happened when we were together. After it hit, we rushed back as fast as we could.” “Chloe and I clawed through the rubble all night just to find you. My fingerprints were almost gone. You’ve suffered all these years, but so have we!” A flicker of hesitation crossed Seraphina’s face.

But the next second, I heard Jax casually interject, “But Chloe studies piano. If her hands were injured, how could she have gotten even better these past few years?” Seraphina instantly looked at me. “Not a single word you two siblings say is true!” “You’re all lying to me. You deliberately caused my child’s death, and now you want to clear your names? Don’t even think about it!” “Never mind if she dies, even if she really dies! I’d throw a huge party to celebrate.” I shivered, almost collapsing to my knees. My heart felt like it was being squeezed, the pain suffocating. My voice barely a whisper, “Then go ahead and celebrate. She really is dead. Killed by your little boyfriend.” At my words, Seraphina lost her temper. She lunged forward and viciously kicked my knee. That knee had an old injury from years ago, from kneeling and searching for her in the rubble. Now, any force would make it throb with pain. I fell to the ground. Seraphina froze, not reacting immediately. The next second, her face was filled with contempt. She looked at me coldly, “Asher, I barely touched you, and you’re already on your knees playing the victim? A grown man pulling this pathetic stunt, isn’t that disgusting?” Jax walked up, a mocking smile on his face. “Maybe Asher just loves Seraphina too much, always trying to get her attention with all sorts of tricks, even using his own sister’s life.” I lay on the ground, my knee throbbing. It felt like blood was slowly seeping from the old wound. I managed a bitter laugh. “I’m not lying. He knows better than anyone where the wound on his arm came from.” “Jax, do you dare to show the wound? Prove that it wasn’t my sister who left it there!” Jax’s eyes darted around in panic. He grabbed Seraphina’s arm. His frightened reaction only confirmed my suspicion. “Jax, am I the one lying, or are you?” Seraphina frowned, looking at the frantic Jax. She felt a strange curiosity. She tilted her head and asked softly, “Where did your injury really come from?” Jax’s eyes were slightly red, his thin lips pressed together again and again, still unwilling to speak. He looked wronged and helpless. Seraphina immediately grew suspicious. She grabbed his arm. “Don’t be afraid, tell me, and I’ll back you up!” Jax clenched his fist, looking troubled. “But my wound was just bandaged. If I forcefully remove it, it’ll need to be re-bandaged later. It hurts so much.” Hearing this, Seraphina frowned tightly. “Why should Jax suffer just because of your few words? What if his injury wasn’t caused by your sister?” I forced myself up. “What do you want?” Jax lowered his head, revealing a mischievous smirk. “If it wasn’t Chloe who left it, then Asher can kneel and apologize to me.” A single sentence brought the entire corridor to silence. My palms trembled, but Seraphina was only quiet for a second before nodding in agreement. “Fine, after all, Asher, you’re accusing Jax of murder. That’s no small matter.” “Kneeling and apologizing isn’t too much.” “Now you have no turning back. Even if you regret it and are too afraid to look, you’ll still have to kneel and apologize to Jax, admit you slandered him.” My palms clenched. Humiliation crawled up from my feet. It filled my heart. She had me cornered. Whether I looked or not, I had to kneel and apologize. But if I looked, and the wound was confirmed to be from my sister, then Jax’s guilt for murder would be undeniable. I gritted my teeth and grimly agreed. Seraphina smirked, then prepared to unwrap Jax’s bandage. But as her hand went up, Jax stopped her. He looked hesitant. “Seraphina, after you see it, you can’t get mad.” The smile on Seraphina’s lips froze, somewhat strained. “What’s there to be mad about?” Then she gently unwrapped the bandage. What lay beneath was a fresh, bloody wound. My eyes widened as I looked. I stepped forward. Then suddenly stumbled back, almost losing my balance completely. “No, that’s not right. In that video… I saw everything.” Distraught and helpless, I pulled out my phone and played the video. Chloe’s tortured cries echoed in the corridor. I clearly saw her turn over and bite fiercely into Jax’s arm. Why was the wound on Jax’s arm now not a human bite, but clearly that of a large dog? Jax said pitifully, “Seraphina, I have a big dog, and it bit me today because it wasn’t behaving. You don’t like dogs, so I didn’t want you to know. You won’t blame me, will you…?” Seraphina breathed a sigh of relief. She reached up and ruffled his hair. Right in front of me, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. “Silly, of course, I won’t blame you. I’m just worried you got bitten.” Then she looked at me with disgust. “Now you’ve seen it, right? Turn off your fake video and kneel and apologize to Jax!” My mind was buzzing, I couldn’t hear anything else she said. I just kept watching the video on my phone again and again. If the video was fake, then what about my sister’s injuries?!

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Six years into our marriage, my husband, Liam, suddenly updated his Ins story: “Whose adorable little noob is this, totally obsessed with gaming?” The picture showed a girl in a tight-fitting bunny T-shirt, pouting and cross-legged on a gaming chair. It was Ashley, the new idol from his company. I was staring, lost in thought, when a comment popped up from a mutual friend below: “Dude! You forgot to switch accounts!” Seconds later, Liam’s post vanished without a trace, only to reappear on Ashley’s Ins page shortly after. Liam called me almost immediately. Back in the day, I would have screenshot that post, saved it, and blown up at Liam, ready to raise hell until the world turned upside down. But this time, I just quietly watched the screen, waiting for the call to automatically hang up. When Liam finally got home, I was curled up on the sofa watching a movie. He tossed his car keys onto the entryway table, then bent down to change his shoes. “You’ve got nothing to do, so why didn’t you answer my call?” Liam rarely probed unless he had something to hide. My eyes didn’t leave the TV screen. I casually replied, “The movie was too good, I didn’t notice my phone.” “The client dinner dragged on, that’s why I’m late. You don’t need to sit here waiting for me every day. Nobody wants to see you making yourself so pathetic.” In the past, I would have tirelessly emphasized that this was just how much I loved him. But today, I suddenly couldn’t be bothered to say another word. Liam stood lazily in front of me, casually handing me a luxury brand paper bag. It was the premiere night for Liam’s company’s biggest show of the year. To celebrate the premiere and wish it huge success, I’d left work early, as usual, to cook a lavish meal and prepare drinks. I’d even invited a few of our mutual friends, expecting him to come home early so we could watch it together. But four episodes of the show had aired, our friends had finished dinner in an awkward silence and left, and still, there was no sign of Liam, who’d promised to be back early. I pretended not to see his gaming history, which showed ten hours straight of play. I took the shopping bag and set it on the carpet. I’d seen this exact bag before, just a while ago, when Liam missed our wedding anniversary. Even the shape and size were identical. Liam stared down at me for a moment, his brows furrowed, his voice turning cold. “Chloe, can you just stop throwing a tantrum?” Buying me gifts was Liam’s go-to apology. If I accepted the gift, he’d automatically assume everything was forgiven, and if I ever brought it up again, I’d be accused of never letting things go. Now that I wasn’t giving him an easy out, he was clearly annoyed. “I’ll open it for you.” Before I could speak, he unwrapped the package himself, pulling out a new bag and handing it to me. “The sales associate said this bag was really hard to get. You’ll definitely love it.” I lifted my eyes. Liam followed my gaze to the bag I’d casually tossed on the sofa when I rushed home to make dinner—it was exactly the same as the one in his hand. The atmosphere instantly froze. “It’s late. Let’s clean up and go to bed. We have work tomorrow.” I said in a detached tone, getting up to head to the bedroom. “I’ll have my assistant pick you up tomorrow. You can go pick out another one.” Liam’s voice held a rare show of cautiousness. “No need.” I refused him without even turning my head. The next morning, perhaps feeling that he’d truly overdone it, Liam, for the first time ever, suggested we go to the office together. Tired from a lack of sleep, I nodded. He stood by his car, his face a mix of suppressed frustration and impatience. I’d forgotten when it started, but Liam had begun making excuses not to let me ride in his car. He guarded his passenger seat like a sacred shrine, absolutely forbidding me to even touch it, forcing me to buy my own car. Any time I asked, he’d get all gruff and lecture me, saying my brain was rotting from too much internet, always fighting with him over some bizarre possessiveness about the passenger seat, claiming he had no time for my nonsense. But now, his passenger seat had clearly become Ashley’s exclusive domain. It was decorated with all sorts of plush bunny toys and covered in cute bunny stickers. The passenger seat itself was customized, just to make petite Ashley more comfortable; even the vanity mirror on the sun visor had been modified, just for Ashley to touch up her makeup. Liam glanced at me, then sighed and opened the car door, moving all the plush bunnies to the back seat. Watching his back, I frowned slightly and said, “Don’t bother. I’ll just drive myself to work.” Liam, still buried in the endless task of putting away the plush bunnies, mumbled, “I promised we’d go together. Ashley’s young, she just likes cute stuff, don’t take it personally.” Even without the plush toys, the customized seat was still all pink and cutesy, still clashed wildly with the car’s overall style. Ultimately, I didn’t get into Liam’s car. No other reason, just a feeling of nausea that made me want to throw up.

I unlocked my car, but Liam rushed over, pulled open the driver’s side door, and sat down. “I’ll drive. We can still go together.” I stood speechlessly by the car window, not missing the fleeting look of awkwardness in his eyes. So, he *did* know how messed up he’d made the passenger seat. Liam was silent for a few seconds, seemingly trying to figure out how to smooth things over. Not wanting to hear his excuses, I quickly cut him off. “We’re going to be late. Just drive.” He finally shut his mouth and started the car. We’d been driving for less than ten minutes when his phone rang – a sickly sweet pop song about ‘a racing heart and eyes that can’t look away.’ It was definitely Ashley singing. A faint, pitiful voice came from the phone, the kind that made you instantly want to protect her. “Big brother, my heart’s beating so fast. I think it’s because I stayed up too late playing games last night. I’m not going to die, am I, big brother? Waaah, big brother, come save me. I need big brother to take me to the hospital.” He hung up, not saying a word, not even glancing my way. He just pulled over immediately and reached over to unbuckle my seatbelt. His voice was curt, all business. “My artist isn’t feeling well. I need to rush over right away. The office isn’t far now; you can walk the rest of the way.” As soon as I got out and closed the car door, Liam impatiently started the car, leaving me with a cloud of pungent exhaust. This was a high-end business park where every square foot costs a fortune; nobody walked to work here. A small electric scooter, probably not expecting anyone to be walking across the crosswalk, rounded the corner and collided head-on with me without slowing down. I suffered soft tissue contusions to my forehead, palms, and knees, all to varying degrees. The nurse cleaned my wounds, taped on a few sterile gauze pads to prevent infection, and meticulously instructed me: “Take off the gauze when you get home tonight to apply the medicine. And whatever you do, don’t get them wet before they scab over.” On the way to the office in a taxi, the young driver was balancing two phones—one for navigation, and the other displaying Ashley’s live stream. The chat was filled with messages, all expressing concern for Ashley’s health. “Thanks for your concern, everyone! Don’t worry, Momo Bunny isn’t feeling so bad now, because Big Brother came like a superhero so quickly. My heart settled down.” “Nooo~ I didn’t confess to Big Brother, we’re not like that, don’t make stuff up, guys! Big Brother is just super, super kind, and super, super good to Momo Bunny~” Amidst her sweet, soft voice, two messages popped up on my phone. “Chloe, my assistant said you missed this morning’s project planning meeting? Where the hell are you?! Business comes first, do I really need to teach you that?!” “I asked you to walk a bit, and you’re throwing a tantrum and bailing on me?!” The rage and impatience in his words practically leaped off the screen to slap me in the face. I swear he had a split personality, otherwise, he wouldn’t treat us so differently. That evening, I changed my dressing in front of the mirror, then dragged my injured leg to the sofa to binge-watch a show. The fingerprint unlock sound echoed from the front door, followed immediately by Liam’s mocking voice. “I thought you’d finally changed your nasty attitude. You’ve been acting so docile lately, turns out you were just saving up to drop a bombshell on me, huh?” My still back must have infuriated him, because Liam rushed to the TV and forcefully yanked out the power cord. “Chloe, have you lost your damn mind?! This movie project is aiming for an award! Do you know how much money it costs to delay it even a single day?!” I still didn’t move or speak, just quietly watched him suddenly freeze. He scanned my forehead suspiciously, lingering on the ugly wound, and then his exposed elbows and knees. His brows furrowed. “What happened?” I met his gaze, replying indifferently, “Just a minor bump, got hit by a car on my way to work, that’s all.” Liam blinked, then suddenly reined in his temper and came over to examine my wounds. “You got into a car accident and didn’t even call me?” I pulled my hand away from his, speaking lightly. “Just a minor injury, not life-threatening. Besides, you were busy tending to your artist’s health.” What a joke, always playing the hero *after* the fact. He could say all the right things, but how many times had I called him only to get a torrent of accusations without bothering to ask what happened? Liam hadn’t cared if I was in danger for a long time. After being hurt so many times, if I still didn’t know he wouldn’t show up, then I truly was beyond stupid. Liam was especially sensitive to that comment. He suddenly stood up, glaring down at me with a cold sneer. “Do you really need to be so sarcastic? Chloe, was leaving you by the roadside some kind of heinous crime? You’re twenty-eight, not two point eight! You got hit by a car while walking, and you think you’re in the right?! I think you intentionally hurt yourself to get back at me!” I just stared at his sudden outburst, speechless. What else was there to say? I’d only spoken one sentence, and he’d slapped a ridiculous pile of accusations on me. I couldn’t be bothered to argue, so I got up to go back to the bedroom. Seeing how difficult it was for me to move, Liam reined in his temper, sighed, and came over to help me. “I’ll sleep with you tonight. Just call me if you need anything.” Liam hadn’t been back in our bedroom before 2 AM for a long time. Ashley needed to stream daily to gain popularity, and she claimed that nightly streams attracted harassers and she’d be scared without protection. So, Liam would reliably lock himself in his study every night, dedicating himself to guarding Ashley. He’d occasionally buy her virtual gifts to cheer her up or have sweet video calls, making sure everyone knew Ashley was under his wing. I’d fought with him countless times, tried everything, but I couldn’t change his mind. He said it was just work, and eventually even threatened me with divorce. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I had no choice but to compromise. I looked into his eyes, not refusing his offer. But as he reached out to lift me, I softly said, “Liam, I agree to a divorce.”

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When I saw Liam again, the Wen family was ruined. I was no longer the high and mighty heiress I once was. But Liam? He was soaring, radiating raw power and confidence. It was a high-stakes game between adults, fueled by the lingering grudges of our youth, igniting the ashes of our messy past. “The former Miss Wen is so down on her luck now?” “How about you spend a night with me? I might consider investing in you.” Liam let out a short, mocking laugh, dripping with ridicule. Liam was right to hate me. After all, our breakup was a messy disaster, or rather, I unilaterally made it a disaster for him. So, it was only fair that he’d come back for revenge now. “Aria, if you’re begging, at least look the part.” Liam’s eyes, sharp and arrogant, flicked down, and he knocked the wine glass from my hand. I’d known Liam since we were teenagers, so I knew how fiercely proud he was. And I, too, used to be just as arrogant. But where was my dignity now? I picked up the glass again, refilled it, and bowed low, my posture humble, almost pleading. “Mr. Shen,” I pleaded, “what happened before… it was all my fault. Please, you’re a big man, don’t stoop to my level.” “I’m here to apologize to you. For old times’ sake…” Liam, sprawled carelessly on the opposite sofa, leaning back into the cushions, scoffed. “Old times’ sake? And you have the nerve, Miss Wen, to even bring that up?” “Is it the ‘old times’ sake’ when you treated me like a stray dog, Miss Wen? Calling me over, then kicking me out whenever you felt like it?” Meeting Liam’s calm, deep eyes, I couldn’t utter a single word in my defense. I just chugged the wine in my hand. After all, I truly had wronged him back then.

I’d known Liam since I was a little girl. I followed him around like a shadow for years, and we finally became a couple in college. But just a year into our relationship, I unilaterally broke up with him. There were no cheesy love triangles, no dramatic betrayals, no tragic illnesses forcing us apart. If I had to pick a reason for our breakup? I was just… bored. I didn’t want to be with him anymore. That day, Liam came to confront me, holding a photo of me and Alex that someone had taken. He asked if I’d betrayed him. I wanted to break up, so I didn’t deny it. I just admitted it directly. At first, Liam didn’t believe me. He hugged me tight, kissing me everywhere, his hoarse voice repeating, “I don’t believe it… I don’t believe it…” I struggled, tearing free, and slapped him across the face. “Liam, you don’t actually think I liked you, do you? Do you even know who the Wens are? What my family’s status is?” “I just found you somewhat interesting back then.” That slap shattered over a decade of his fierce pride, and it tore apart the tender affection we’d shared for just as long. Youthful impulsiveness, mixed with my own self-importance, pushed me to an irreversible point. Liam grew up with just his mother, and his family wasn’t well-off. But as a teenager, his back was always straight; he had his pride. And that slap from me? It crushed his dignity completely. He was right to hate me. Now, eight years later, we met again. Love and hate, joy and sorrow, a tangled web of desires, twisting people into grotesque versions of themselves. I was powerless, only hoping he’d finish venting and maybe, just maybe, show me a little pity. My father’s exorbitant medical bills, Linghua’s startup capital. Before these things, my dignity was worthless. I’d spent three years researching an algorithm that could profile user groups for businesses. It was faster and cheaper than any other algorithm on the market. I was confident it would be a huge hit. But without enough startup capital, Linghua couldn’t even see the light of day. The two biggest investment firms in the country were Capstone Capital and Chuyan Corp, Liam’s own company. Capstone Capital showed great interest in Linghua, but they wanted to buy out all its ownership. “Look, Aria,” the Capstone rep said, “five million for the full buyout of your algorithm? That’s not a bad deal at all.” If I hadn’t been absolutely desperate, I wouldn’t have come begging to Liam. Life had pushed me to the edge of a cliff; I had no way out. I raised my hand and slapped myself hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed in every corner of the private room. “I apologize to Mr. Shen for my foolishness back then. As long as you can calm down and help me, I’ll do anything you ask.” Liam seemed surprised I’d hit myself and froze for a moment. When he reacted, he grabbed my hand, stopping it from falling again. A flicker of annoyance crossed Liam’s handsome face, quickly replaced by a smirk. “Anything I ask? How about you spend a night with me, Miss Wen? I’ll consider it.” Liam let out a short, mocking laugh, dripping with ridicule. “Okay!” I said it, devoid of any emotion. My fingers curled behind my back, my palm aching. Liam’s malicious amusement hadn’t faded. He seemed surprised I actually agreed. Then he teased, “Looks like Miss Wen’s preference for rich men hasn’t changed all these years? Now you’re even willing to throw away your pride.” Pride? Did I even deserve to talk about pride anymore? Society and reality’s first lesson is to crush a person’s spirit and ambition.

Liam took me to one of his private clubs. It used to be my favorite. The penthouse suite was incredibly luxurious. Pushing the door open, I found people already inside. In the dim light, their faces weren’t clear, but the room’s atmosphere was intoxicatingly intimate. Someone on the sofa exhaled a cloud of smoke, a girl nestled close to him, their heads together, her soft laughter floating through the air. People at the card table also had various girls around them. When my friends and I used to come here, they’d always have girls with them too. For them, those girls were just commodities, part of a transaction. The girls had their own motives, so they willingly played their part. And now, wasn’t I doing the same? The person on the sofa recognized me and quickly made space. The people at the card table also gathered around. “Mr. Shen, a rare visit!” “The sun must have risen from the west today, our Mr. Shen actually brought a lady!” “Won’t your little darling Skylar cry her eyes out, Mr. Shen?” “I’ll text your little darling Skylar right now and tell her to come catch you in the act.” As they chatted and laughed, I remained silent, trying to make myself as invisible as possible. Liam picked up a cigarette from the table and lit it, the tip glowing and fading. Noticing his bad mood, the others quickly changed the subject. “Mr. Shen, you finally came out to play. Let’s play, let’s play, no more boring talk.” “Let’s play ‘Beauty’s Gambit.’ Perfect, since we all have ladies tonight.” “What do you think, Mr. Shen? You wouldn’t be too attached to your pretty companion, would you?” Hearing their words, I cast a pleading look at Liam. Beauty’s Gambit was a cruel game these rich guys made up. The bet? The ‘beauties’ themselves. They’d play cards, and whoever lost, their female companion had to take off a piece of clothing until there was nothing left. My pleading gaze met his calm, deep pupils, still and unmoving like ancient water. The atmosphere turned instantly dead silent. After a long moment, Liam sneered. “Fine.” My heart instantly felt like it was pierced by needles, a searing pain spreading through my limbs. Everyone, having heard Liam’s answer, had already moved to the card table. Liam and I remained on the sofa, unmoving. Liam leaned closer, his warm breath ghosting over my ear. “Didn’t Miss Wen say she’d do anything?” His dark, shining eyes watched me, a hint of playful malice dancing within them. “Mr. Shen, still whispering sweet nothings to your beauty? Come on over!” The people at the card table had already shuffled the cards, calling out to Liam. Liam took my hand and walked toward the table. As we reached the card table, the dim lights suddenly became blinding. The sofa area had been a lounge, so the lighting was deliberately soft, but the card table was brightly lit. I squinted my eyes slightly. “You… Miss Wen, what are you doing here?” Suddenly, a shocked male voice rang out. The others at the card table heard him and all turned their gaze toward me. Among them were faces I found familiar. The looks directed at me were a mix of curiosity and surprise. The atmosphere at the card table instantly became exceptionally tense. And the girls around them began to whisper. “Miss Wen? Who’s Miss Wen?” Daniel was certain he hadn’t mistaken me. Who was Miss Wen? Aria Wen, the former heiress of the Wen family, was once the most dazzling red rose in the entire city. Aria had a signature red tear mole under her right eye, and it had been a sensation across the city. Every girl wanted one, drawing red tear moles under their own eyes. She was also Liam’s teenage sweetheart. Liam’s company had stormed the city, skyrocketing to the top in just five years. During that time, he had searched for Aria countless times, sparing no expense. This was no longer a secret in the city’s high society. But about their story, Daniel had heard several versions. Some said Aria had cheated on him, breaking Liam’s heart, and he was searching for her to get revenge. Others said Liam still had feelings for her. Daniel couldn’t be sure which was true. Liam pulled me into his arms, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, his gaze sweeping over the various expressions on everyone’s faces. “What Miss Wen? The Wen family went bankrupt ages ago, didn’t they?” Liam pulled me down onto a seat at the card table, tapping the surface. “Why are you all frozen? Deal the cards.”

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**Chapter 1** For twenty years, Elara had been the Sterling family’s pampered darling. Then, the real daughter showed up with a DNA report. That’s when I learned I was nothing but an imposter, mistakenly swapped at birth. Humiliation burned through me. I packed my bags, ready to leave, but on my last night in the house, Damien Sterling, the eldest son, hauled me into his car. The brother who’d always been so cold, so distant, pinned me against the plush leather seats, pushing me to tears three times over. My throat was raw from crying, but he just clamped his hand around my waist, whispering, “I’ve wanted to do this to you for a long, long time.” Only then did I understand— His coldness all these years? It was just a mask, a forced restraint. Soon after, he announced our engagement. No one could talk him out of it. When Mr. and Mrs. Sterling objected, he stripped them of their authority, becoming the sole ruler of the Sterling empire. When Brooke, the real daughter, cried and threw tantrums, he cut off all her credit cards, threatening to send her away if she didn’t quit. I couldn’t accept being with the brother I’d grown up with. I ran countless times, but he dragged me back every single time. He had eyes everywhere. There was no escape. Until half a month ago. He’d driven out late at night to buy me a cake I was craving, and he got into a car accident. When he woke up… he’d forgotten everything. The Sterling family rejoiced. When they introduced me to him, they didn’t say I was the girl he loved to the point of madness. They just said I was the household maid. And now, with Damien’s amnesia, they saw their chance to finally get rid of me. “Here’s a hundred million.” Mr. and Mrs. Sterling eagerly pushed a check across the table towards me. “Damien has amnesia now, he doesn’t remember you. Take this money and leave, quickly. We raised you, and now we’re begging you—never appear before him again. Never let him find you.” After a long silence, I finally spoke. “Fine. I’ll finalize all my overseas paperwork within two weeks and never return to the country.” I took the flimsy check. This past year felt like a grotesque dream. They wanted me gone, and truthfully, I wanted to leave too. Damien had spoiled me rotten this past year, it was true, but I couldn’t bear the weight of his obsessive, forceful love. With Damien’s amnesia, this was my only chance to escape him. “What are you doing?” Just then, the front door swung open. Damien stood there, perfectly tailored in a suit, followed by Brooke. His imposing presence, the aura of a man in power, silently filled the room, making the air feel thick and heavy. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling’s faces paled. They quickly put on strained smiles. “Nothing, nothing at all. Just giving some instructions to the household maid.” Mrs. Sterling nudged Mr. Sterling, chuckling nervously. “We’re going upstairs for our afternoon nap.” Before leaving, she shot me a venomous glare, a clear warning. I lowered my eyes, clutching the hundred-million-dollar check. I was about to turn back to the maid’s quarters when… “Stop right there.” Damien’s voice was as cold as ice. I froze, head bowed, my heart nearly stopping. The sound of his dress shoes on the polished floor grew closer. The next second, my chin was roughly yanked up, forcing me to meet his dark, fathomless eyes. My breath hitched. My mind replayed all those moments—pinned against the floor-to-ceiling windows, pressed into the bedsheets, even held down on the kitchen island. His thumb brushed against my chin, his gaze frigid. “What perfume are you wearing?” I opened my mouth, about to answer… “Don’t wear it again.” He let go, his voice laced with disgust. “Maids should act like maids. Don’t try to seduce anyone.” My fingertips curled. He used to bury his face in my neck, chuckling low, asking, “What did you spray? Smells so good.” I’d shake my head, “Nothing.” He’d bite my earlobe, laughing huskily in my ear, “Even your natural scent is this good? Elara, truly every part of you was born for me. Don’t you dare leave me. Wherever you run, I’ll find you. Understand?” I once thought I’d never escape. But this time, fate had given me a chance… I didn’t explain or argue with him, just nodded. “Understood, Master Damien.” Watching him turn and enter his study, I let out a shaky breath. I was about to go back and pack my luggage when Brooke suddenly lunged at me, slapping me hard across the face! “Elara, how shameless can you be?!” she shrieked, her voice shrill. “You tried to seduce my brother before, and now he has amnesia, and you’re *still* trying to hook him?!” “Let me tell you, my brother already has a fiancée!” She sneered triumphantly. “The engagement news will be announced soon. This sister-in-law is a thousand, a million times better than you!” My body trembled slightly. A fiancée? Right. He had amnesia now. With the Sterling family’s status, prospective partners for a strategic alliance would be lining up. But it no longer concerned me. Brooke still wasn’t done. She snapped, “Guards, seize her! Throw her into the cold storage! Let her know the consequences of seducing my brother!” The bodyguards exchanged uneasy glances. No one dared to move. Everyone knew how much Damien had doted on me before. Once, a business partner simply touched my arm, and the next day, that man’s hand appeared on Damien’s desk. Brooke fumed, shaking with rage. “My brother has amnesia now! She’s neither the lady of the house nor the person my brother loves anymore! What are you afraid of?!” She pointed at a bodyguard. “If you don’t grab her, I’ll fire all of you!” The guards still hesitated. Just then, the study door flew open— Damien frowned. “What’s all this racket?” Brooke immediately plastered on a fawning smile. “Brother, Elara was inefficient, and I wanted to punish her by sending her to cold storage, but these bodyguards won’t listen to me!” Damien’s gaze swept coldly over the bodyguards, his voice chilling. “What did she give you that you won’t even obey your master?” He looked at me, his eyes filled with disgust. “Drag her away quickly. Don’t be an eyesore here.” With that, he slammed the door shut. With Damien’s words, the bodyguards no longer had any qualms. I closed my eyes, letting the bodyguards drag me away. I’d always hated the cold, which was why Damien always kept the mansion warm, like eternal spring. At night, when my hands and feet were icy, he’d even deign to cradle my feet against his chest, warming them. But now, he had personally given the order to lock me in here as punishment. The cold was bone-deep. I curled up in the corner, my consciousness fading. It’s fine. Just endure it. I’d be free soon. Soon, I could… be Elara again, not Damien Sterling’s private possession. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, I faintly heard someone screaming my name like a madman. “Elara!!” A figure burst into the cold storage, trembling as he lifted me into his arms. **Chapter 2** When I next awoke, I was met with the harsh, glaring white of a hospital room. “Elara, how are you? Is there anywhere else you’re uncomfortable?” A familiar voice reached my ears, followed by a gentle, kind face. Liam Parker sat by my bedside, his eyes bloodshot. He looked like he’d been watching over me for a long time. “…Liam?” My memory from before I fainted slowly trickled back. I forced myself to sit up. “Was it you who saved me?” Liam nodded, his voice laced with lingering fear. “I tried calling you repeatedly, but you didn’t answer. When I rushed to the Sterling mansion, I heard you’d been locked in the cold storage…” He trailed off mid-sentence as the hospital room TV suddenly blared a news report— “Sterling Financial Group and Reed Industries formally announce their engagement today. Mr. Damien Sterling and Miss Seraphina Reed will hold their wedding next month…” On screen, Damien was impeccably dressed in a suit, his face stern, while Seraphina, clinging to his arm, smiled radiantly. A perfect match, made in heaven. Liam immediately grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. A brief silence fell in the room. After a few seconds, he took a deep breath and looked at me. “Elara, I know about everything that’s happened recently.” “Before, you couldn’t escape, but now… Damien has amnesia.” His voice was soft but firm. “I’ll take you away. How about it?” I lowered my eyes. “Thank you, Liam. I’ve already made arrangements to finalize my overseas paperwork.” “The Sterling family has been in politics for three generations. He can’t leave the country.” I paused. “As long as I go abroad, he’ll never see me again.” A flicker of joy crossed Liam’s eyes. He instinctively reached out and grasped my hand. “That’s wonderful! I’ll go with you to get the paperwork done!” I tensed slightly, subtly pulling my hand away. He realized his overstep and quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, I just… I got too excited.” He paused again, his gaze serious and gentle. “But I hope you understand how I feel.” “It’s been so long. You can tell, right?” I remained silent, offering no reply. Of course, I knew. From the very first day Damien had taken me by force, Liam had been secretly helping me. He had once proactively offered to help me escape, but I knew Damien’s methods better than anyone. I’d tried running ten or more times, and not once had I succeeded. The longest I’d lasted was no more than ten minutes before being dragged back. Once, a man at a bar merely tried to chat me up, and the very next day, his entire presence vanished from the city. Damien’s influence spread like an inescapable net. I couldn’t get away, and I certainly didn’t dare implicate Liam. So, I had never responded to his feelings. I closed my eyes, my fingertips trembling slightly. “Liam, I…” He seemed to sense what I was about to say and quickly cut me off. “I’m not asking you to respond right now!” “I just want to tell you…” He took a deep breath, his voice gentle and firm. “Once you leave this place, you can finally live your own life.” “Do the work you love, go to places you like, and… fall in love, the kind that makes your heart flutter.” He smiled, a hint of bitterness in his eyes. “Even if it’s not with me, I’ll be happy for you.” “I just hope you can return to a normal life and not be affected by this past year.” I froze for a moment, my eyes welling up. After a long pause, I softly said, “Thank you.” “Once I leave here, I’ll resume a peaceful life.” I looked out at the bright sunshine through the window, my voice light. “Travel, work, and… fall in love.” Liam finally breathed a sigh of relief, his brows relaxing. “Then I’ll go with you to get the paperwork done.” That afternoon, Liam accompanied me to complete the expedited overseas procedures. “Your visa should be ready in two weeks at the fastest.” The staff handed back my ID. “Have a pleasant trip.” Stepping out of the embassy, I let out a long breath. The sunlight warmed my face, and a long-lost sense of ease washed over me. Liam drove me back to the mansion, and all the way, he chatted casually about my arrangements abroad. He said that once the paperwork came through, I should go first. His family also had businesses overseas, and he would apply to transfer there. “Elara, don’t feel pressured,” he added quickly, as if fearing I’d refuse. “Our family just happens to be expanding into the overseas market; it’s not specifically for you.” The car stopped at the mansion gates. I was about to get out when Liam suddenly called out, “Wait.” He reached out and gently smoothed my wind-blown hair, his movements as tender as if he were handling something fragile and precious. I instinctively looked up, but the next second, my entire body stiffened. Not far away, on the steps, an icy gaze was fixed on me! **Chapter 3** Damien stood there, impeccably dressed in a suit, his features stark, his imposing presence silently permeating the air. My fingertips trembled. I quickly told Liam, “You should go first.” Liam didn’t notice anything amiss and continued, “Once the paperwork is ready, you…” “Just go!” My voice was tight, almost a plea, as I looked at him. He paused, then finally nodded. “Alright. Be careful.” Only when his car drove away did I dare to turn, walking step by step towards the steps. Damien remained there, his gaze fixed on me, the emotions in his dark eyes unreadable. I was trembling all over, I could almost hear my own heart pounding wildly. Would he be angry? Or would he be like before, breaking someone’s hand just because they touched me? But in the end, I heard his cold voice: “We have guests. Go make some tea.” With that, he turned and walked away, his footsteps fading. I stood frozen for a while before I dared to look up. He… showed no emotion. It seemed he really had amnesia. I breathed a sigh of relief and turned to the kitchen to make tea. But when I carried the tea into the living room, I found there was another person there. I recognized her at a glance—it was Seraphina Reed, the woman who had been announced as Damien’s fiancée on the news. Currently, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling, and Brooke, were all gathered around her, smiling broadly as they discussed wedding arrangements. Damien sat to the side, not interjecting, listening calmly. I lowered my head, brought the tea over, and softly said, “Miss Reed, your tea.” Seraphina looked up at me, a subtle smile playing on her lips. She reached out to take the cup, but the next second, she suddenly “accidentally” knocked it over— The scalding tea splashed all over Seraphina. Before I could even react, Brooke had already swung her hand, slapping me hard across the face! “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?!” I opened my mouth, instinctively wanting to explain— “I didn’t…” But before I could finish, Brooke shrieked, cutting me off, then turned to Damien to complain: “Brother! I’ve been meaning to tell you, this maid has impure intentions towards you!” She pointed at me with a disgusted expression. “She secretly collects your things, she’s clearly a troublemaker! Now that she knows you’re engaged to Seraphina, she’s gone mad with jealousy and deliberately scalded her!” I felt a chill run through my body, unable to believe she could twist facts like that. “I didn’t…” My voice trembled, but before I could finish, Seraphina also spoke up. She looked at Damien, her eyes slightly red, her voice weak. “Damien, with your status, many people will try to cling to you. If we don’t punish her severely, there might be more imitators in the future.” Mr. and Mrs. Sterling immediately chimed in, “Exactly! She must be severely punished!” I froze, suddenly realizing— This was an act. A trap they had set together. And Damien despised anyone who tried to seduce him. Sure enough, the next second, I heard his icy voice: “Drag her away and carry out the family punishment.” After saying that, he bent down, scooped Seraphina into his arms, and walked upstairs without a backward glance. “I’ll call the private doctor.” I didn’t even have a chance to utter another word of defense before two bodyguards seized my arms and roughly dragged me out. Outside the mansion, the night was deep and dark. Brooke held a rattan cane with thorns, her face alight with undisguised excitement and malice. “Elara, you’ve finally fallen into my hands.” She raised the cane and brought it down hard! *Smack!* The first whip landed, tearing my skin open. “This whip is for stealing my identity!” *Smack!* The second whip, raw and mangled. “This whip is for seducing my brother!” *Smack!* “This whip is for being ungrateful!” … “Hahaha, scream, why aren’t you screaming wildly now? My brother won’t stand up for you anymore!” I bit my lip hard, forcing myself not to cry out. But the thorns on the cane dug into my flesh, each strike feeling like it was tearing me apart alive. Blood trickled down my back, my arms, my legs… dropping one by one onto the ground. Ninety-nine lashes. Brooke seemed determined to vent all her years of rage. She whipped harder and harder until, finally, my consciousness began to blur. All I could hear was her shrill curses and the dull thud of the cane ripping through flesh. When the last whip fell, I finally couldn’t hold on any longer and collapsed heavily into the pool of my own blood. **Chapter 4** When I next awoke, I found myself locked in a warehouse. The wounds on my back had formed a thin scab, and even the slightest movement sent searing pain through me. I forced myself to get up, knocking on the door. A cold voice from outside replied, “Miss Brooke said you haven’t learned your lesson yet, so you’ll remain locked up for three more days, without food or water.” He paused, then added, “Master Damien also agreed.” I slid down the door to the floor, and a sudden, bitter laugh escaped me. Brooke hated me, and I knew it better than anyone. Years ago, due to a twist of fate, I had occupied her rightful place as the Sterling heiress, leaving her to suffer outside. She had finally been reunited with her family, but Damien had refused to let me, the fake daughter, leave, spoiling me rotten, so much so that Brooke couldn’t even make me go away. Now, Damien had amnesia. He didn’t remember me, nor his insane, possessive love for me. Brooke finally had her chance for revenge. I leaned against the cold warehouse wall, not struggling, not knocking on the door again. Anyway… in a few more days, I would be completely free. There was no need to add complications at the last minute. Let it be. There were no windows in the warehouse, so it was impossible to tell day from night. I huddled in the corner, unable to sleep because of the pain from my wounds, counting my breaths to pass the time. Brooke would have someone throw in a stack of photos every day. The photos were all intimate moments between Damien and Seraphina— He was pictured with his arm around Seraphina’s waist at a party, leaning in to whisper in her ear; He bent down to adjust her dress, a gentlemanly and gentle gesture; He placed a diamond ring on Seraphina’s hand in front of everyone, pulling her into an embrace and kissing her; On the back of each photo, Brooke had scrawled taunting words in red ink— “This is what my brother’s fiancée should look like.” “What are you, anyway?” “Stop dreaming. He’ll never remember you.” Three days later, the warehouse door finally creaked open. Blinding light poured in, and I squinted, seeing Brooke standing in the doorway, looking down at me with disdain. “Seraphina’s birthday party? My brother went all out,” she said, her smile dripping with malice. “What are you waiting for? Get to the party and serve as a waitress!” I pushed myself up against the wall, my legs so weak I could barely stand, but there was no room to refuse. After hastily applying some medicine, drinking some water, and eating a little something, I was rushed to the banquet hall. True to Brooke’s words, Damien had spared no expense for Seraphina’s birthday party. The entire banquet hall was decorated to resemble a starry night sky, crystal chandeliers reflecting brilliant light, and champagne towers stacked taller than a person. But the most striking thing was Damien’s gift to Seraphina. A blue diamond necklace worth hundreds of millions. He personally placed it around her neck, and the entire hall erupted in applause. Even so, whispers rippled through the crowd— “Did Damien really lose his memory? He used to be so crazy for Elara…” “Shhh! Lower your voice! The Sterling family is audacious, arranging a fiancée for him while he has amnesia. Who knows what will happen if he ever remembers and overturns the whole family…” “I heard his amnesia is permanent, the doctors said so…” I kept my head down, quietly going about my tasks, as if these conversations had nothing to do with me. Until— A pair of high heels stopped in front of me. I looked up, meeting Seraphina’s smiling eyes. “Elara.” She swirled the champagne in her hand, her red lips curving into a faint smile. “Are you satisfied with the little gift I gave you last time?” I looked up at Seraphina. “You really don’t have to be like this.” I said softly, “Damien has amnesia now, he has no feelings for me, and I won’t interfere with you two.” Seraphina chuckled, her red lips curling into a mocking arc. “You say that so easily. I’ve loved him for so many years. Do you know how happy I was when I finally got my wish for a marriage alliance?” Her nails dug into my arm, her eyes swirling with twisted hatred. “And what happened? He turned around and announced he only wanted *you*! I loved him so much that I even came to him, offering a hundred billion dollar corporation as a dowry, but he didn’t even blink, and threw me out…” Her voice started to tremble. “That day, it was pouring rain, and I still went looking for him, only to see him coaxing you into bed again. I witnessed it with my own eyes, him pressing you against the floor-to-ceiling window, with such tenderness, such profound affection, saying that in this whole world, he only wanted you…” “Do you know how desperate I was that day? And now, your single phrase ‘I won’t interfere’ is supposed to erase all the pain I suffered?!” She stepped back, elegantly smoothed her dress, her smile sweet and malicious. “Elara, remember this: I will make you wish for death, but never find it.” With that, she turned and walked away. I stood rooted to the spot, cold sweat breaking out on my back. A strong sense of unease washed over me. I put down the tray and was about to leave when Seraphina’s panicked voice suddenly echoed through the banquet hall— “My necklace is gone!” The entire hall erupted in murmurs. “That’s the blue diamond necklace Master Damien just gave her!” “Who would be so bold as to steal it?” In the chaos, Seraphina looked at me pitifully, her finger directly pointing at me. “I only spoke to her a moment ago…” In an instant, all eyes shot to me. Damien’s gaze was the coldest, like a blade dipped in ice. **Chapter 5** Before I could even react, Brooke had already rushed over with the bodyguards. “Search her!” she shrieked. I struggled to back away. “I didn’t steal it…” But the bodyguards roughly pinned me down, publicly stripping my clothes. “Found it!” Brooke announced triumphantly, holding up the blue diamond necklace. She swung her hand back and slapped me again. Blood trickled from the corner of my mouth. “Haven’t you learned your lesson from last time?!” she screeched. My vision swam, but I still insisted, “I didn’t steal it… There are security cameras here, we can check the surveil…” *Smack!* Another slap cut me off. Brooke turned to Damien, her voice venomous. “Brother, it seems she’s still not over you. Last time she deliberately scalded Seraphina, and this time she stole Seraphina’s necklace. I think we need to make her completely understand her place!” She flashed a cruel smile. “I just saw a vagrant outside the hotel. How about we let them spend the night together?” My blood ran cold. But the next second, I heard Damien calmly say, “Mm-hmm,” his eyes filled with utter disgust. At that moment, I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. I didn’t care about anything else. I lunged, grabbing his sleeve. “I didn’t steal this necklace! I have no intentions toward you whatsoever! Damien, check the cameras, I…” Brooke’s face contorted in rage, and she sharply interrupted, “Drag her away!” A bodyguard roughly yanked my hair. I clung desperately to Damien’s sleeve, my fingertips turning white. But he, one by one, pried my fingers away. An icy sensation spread from my fingertips to my heart. As the last finger was pried open, I heard him say— “Dirty.” At that moment, I bit down hard on my teeth, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. Memories flooded back like a tide: the days he cherished me, the times he’d worry for hours if I so much as bumped myself… A year ago, I had a fever of 102 degrees, and he flew back from overseas overnight, staying by my bedside for three days without closing his eyes. Six months ago, a wealthy heir chatted me up at a party, and the next day, his family business declared bankruptcy. Three months ago, I wanted a cake from the west side of the city in the middle of the night, and he drove himself to get it, resulting in a car accident. For the past year, he had claimed me countless times, day and night, like an addiction. And now, standing beneath the glittering crystal chandeliers in the banquet hall, he personally handed me over to a filthy vagrant. He even slowly wiped his fingers with a handkerchief, as if touching me was something repulsive. The bodyguards threw me into a dim guest room and locked the door from the outside. I curled up in the corner, the wounds on my back burning. Not long after, the door was pushed open, and a man reeking of stale sweat and grime walked in. He was in rags, his hair matted, and he bared a mouth full of yellow teeth, his eyes gleaming with a repulsive light. “Little beauty…” He rubbed his hands together and lunged at me. I screamed and dodged, grabbing a bedside lamp and throwing it at him. He grunted in pain, cursed, and slapped me across the face. “You little bitch, try disobeying again. Miss Brooke said I could do whatever I wanted tonight…” He pressed me onto the bed, his filthy hands tearing at my collar. I screamed and kicked, my nails raking blood across his face, but he bound my hands with his belt. Just as he was about to succeed, I felt the flower vase on the bedside table. *Smash!* The vase shattered on his head. He groaned and collapsed. I broke free, stumbling out the door. The hallway was empty. I ran barefoot, terrified the vagrant would chase me. In a panic, I pushed open a slightly ajar door and slipped inside. The room was pitch black. I held my breath, shrinking into the corner. I was safe… I was about to let out a sigh of relief when the bathroom door suddenly opened— “Who’s there?” Damien’s deep voice, laced with a hint of intoxication, drifted out. My blood ran cold. **Chapter 6** In the darkness, Damien’s footsteps grew closer. I instinctively edged towards the door, but then his voice echoed again: “Seraphina?” His voice was low. “Why are you in my room? Didn’t I say there’s no need to rush between us, and we should wait until after the wedding to share a room?”

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The year my mom was critically ill and we desperately needed money, I resorted to a desperate measure to get close to Liam, finding myself in his bed. After that wild night, I got what I wanted: I became Mrs. Hemsworth. “I know you were in a difficult situation.” After we married, he didn’t criticize me. Instead, he treated me with distant politeness. Until I discovered his assistant, Chloe, secretly embezzling company funds. I called the police on the spot, and for the first time, the usually composed Liam blew up at me. “Chloe just temporarily borrowed the money for her father’s treatment. I gave her my silent consent.” “Did you expect her to stoop so low as to use her body for money, like you did?” I froze, stunned by his words. “Can you believe Mrs. Hemsworth, who seems so proper, actually used tricks to get where she is?” “Using her body for money? Who is *she* to give Chloe a hard time?” Gossip filled my ears, and I pressed my lips together. After my mother passed, I proposed divorce and repaid the money I’d borrowed from the Hemsworth family. But Liam fought tooth and nail to save the marriage. Now, it seemed, it should have ended long ago.

It was pouring rain outside. Liam, usually so poised and calm, arrived at the office with his suit completely soaked, water dripping from his hair. He rarely lost his composure like this. He looked at me, and his first words were: “I didn’t realize you could be so aggressive, bullying the new girl.” Chloe, her eyes red, looked like a fragile, innocent lamb. She tugged on Liam’s sleeve. “Mr. Hemsworth, Skylar didn’t mean to. It’s just… after all this, I don’t feel like I can stay at the company anymore.” At her words, Liam’s concern deepened, and his tone grew colder. “Chloe only borrowed company funds to pay for her father’s medical treatment. Did you really have to make such a huge scene? I’ve already sent the police away. This matter is over.” “Skylar Rhodes, you abused your power to make things difficult for a new employee. There’s no need for you to be the General Manager anymore.” I hadn’t even said a word, and Liam decisively delivered the news, as if he couldn’t wait another second to protect the woman behind him. When he made up his mind, no one could change it. After a long moment, I simply said in a low voice: “If it’s a loan, then draw up a promissory note for a million dollars.” Company rules were company rules. As long as I was still here, we had to follow procedure. Unexpectedly, Chloe’s eyes became even wetter at my words, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Are you implying I won’t pay it back, Mrs. Hemsworth? Why call the police and demand an IOU to humiliate me? Maybe I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth like you, but I will definitely repay the loan.” Before I could reply, Liam sharply snapped: “Haven’t you made enough of a fuss!?” “Chloe is just paying for her father’s treatment. Are you going to be so overbearing and force her to, like you, stoop so low as to use her body for money and get into my bed?” I froze. Ten years of marriage. Even if the initial spark had faded, I always thought there was still some marital affection between us. But it turned out he had always thought I was lowly. Whispers gradually rose around us. “I heard Mrs. Hemsworth used tricks to get where she is back then… So it was true. How shameless…” Liam quickly realized he’d said too much. A flicker of hesitation crossed his face. But in the end, he didn’t stop the gossip. Instead, he took Chloe’s hand. “Too much has happened today. I’ll take Chloe home.” His voice softened, perhaps out of concern for appearances. “You don’t need to handle company matters anymore. Just go home and rest.” With that, he turned and left without hesitation, leaving me standing there, my face pale.

When my team from the tech department found out Liam had fired me, they were furious. They submitted their resignations that very day and left with me. They said they’d go wherever I went. By the time we finished packing up and left the company, it was already dark. I walked alone, holding my umbrella, when I quickly noticed a man following me. My heart pounded as I realized the danger. I opened my phone to my contacts and instinctively called Liam, who was at the top of my favorites. Once, twice… After he hung up three times, his impatient voice finally came through the receiver. “I’m busy tonight. I won’t be home.” My voice was shaky with panic. “Liam, I’m being followed.” A moment of silence on the other end, then I heard a faint scoff. “Skylar Rhodes, is this your new trick?” “Didn’t I tell you I prefer a well-behaved, proper wife?” He said he liked “proper and dignified,” so even on a stormy night, I was still wearing a formal dress and heels. My ten-centimeter heels rubbed my feet raw and bleeding, allowing the man behind me to get closer and closer. I didn’t even have a chance to run. “Liam, help—” Before I could finish, a cheerful female voice came from the other end of the phone. “Big Boss Liam, you said you’d treat me to dinner as an apology today! Why are you zoning out? You’re not going to back out, are you?” Liam’s voice quickened, as if he were giving me charity. “Alright, I don’t have time for your drama. I’ll be home later.” Then, the call was abruptly cut off. Hearing the dial tone, despair spread through me. The next second, the man behind me lunged forward and snatched my bag. The momentum sent me crashing against a wall, my arm scraping against the rough surface, leaving a bloody gash. At least he was just after money. When I stumbled out of the alley, bruised, bleeding, and covered in mud, I suddenly saw a familiar figure at a street food stall not far away. Liam’s bespoke suit looked ridiculously out of place at the greasy street food stall. His gaze was doting as he watched Chloe, her mouth full, eat. “Big Boss, seriously, thank you. If it wasn’t for you today, I really wouldn’t know what to do about Mrs. Hemsworth.” At the mention of me, Liam subtly frowned. “She’s been Mrs. Hemsworth for too long, so long that she’s forgotten her own lowly status and started throwing her weight around.” My eyes welled up at his words. As the daughter of the Hemsworth family’s housekeeper, when my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I was in a moment of sheer desperation. I used a trick to get close to Liam, who I’d grown up with. When he woke up, I didn’t ask for a title or formal recognition. I only asked him to help my mother, considering our history. But he insisted on marrying me, saying he understood my difficulties and would take responsibility for me. Yet despite his words, our relationship remained distant after marriage. His eyes held a look I couldn’t quite decipher. It was only in his arms, in the quiet of the night, that I felt a flicker of warmth. I always thought he was naturally aloof, but I never imagined he would act impulsively and lose his temper for Chloe, or that he would join her at a street food stall he’d never even consider eating at. “Mr. Hemsworth, there’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time…” Chloe suddenly looked up, her gaze firm. “You don’t look happy. So, I don’t want to hide my feelings anymore.” As soon as she finished speaking, Liam’s eyes flickered. Before she could say another word, he lowered his head and kissed her, leaving no room for argument. “Mmm… but if Mrs. Hemsworth finds out about us…” Chloe’s cheeks flushed, her words laden with implication. “Don’t worry about her.” Liam cut off her words with another kiss. The man’s usual composure was completely gone. From not far away, I saw Chloe cast a provocative glance my way. It turned out she was saying it all deliberately for me to hear. I clenched my fists, but after a long while, slowly loosened my grip. Watching the two of them being so affectionate, I picked up my phone and called my lawyer. “Hello, please draft a divorce agreement for me.”

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After the divorce, I left the old city. One night, an unknown number rang. “Hello, who is this?” Hearing my voice, the person on the other end seemed to sob, but quickly responded. “Tomorrow is our son’s death anniversary. I want to see him…” That familiar tone. I knew it was my ex-husband. “You’re mistaken. Our son’s anniversary passed ages ago. Don’t contact me again.” I heard his choked voice through the phone. In the past, my heart would have ached, and I’d have rushed to comfort him. Now, I hung up without hesitation, blocking his number to stop him from bothering me. He had locked our son in a closet just because Leo, while playing with a toy plane, accidentally snagged his assistant’s stockings. And to appease his assistant, he’d sent everyone home, then jetted off with her on a vacation. I was on a business trip overseas when I got a call from Maria, our housekeeper. She told me something had happened to my son and urged me to come home immediately. I booked the nearest flight, rushing frantically to the hospital. All I saw was the red light glowing above the operating room door. Soon, the light went out, and the doctor emerged, his voice heavy with sorrow as he looked at us. “Please accept our deepest condolences. We did everything we could.” I felt utterly frozen, my fingertips numb, a sudden acid reflux rising in my stomach, and my heart felt like it was clutched by a giant hand. I fought to stay conscious, my fingernails digging deep into my palms. Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Julian’s parents, who had rushed back from out of town, saw the scene. They were furious, demanding to know from Maria what had happened. Maria, seeing my pale face, quickly stepped forward to support me, then began to explain to Mr. and Mrs. Davies. “Mr. Davies brought Ms. Miller home to stay. Little Leo accidentally snagged her stockings while playing with his toy plane, so Mr. Davies locked Leo in the closet.” My mind went blank with a loud *buzz*, and my legs gave out, sending me to my knees. Our house had a custom-built, solid wood closet. It was heavy and airtight. According to Maria, Leo had been locked inside for at least a dozen hours. “That animal! Scarlett, call him! Tell him to get back here!” I fumbled for my phone, my trembling fingers hitting the wrong buttons several times. When the call connected, Julian’s impatient voice answered. “Why are you calling? Are you looking for another fight?” My voice was hollow. “Our son… he’s dead.” Julian on the other end scoffed. “You’ll really say any lie to stop me from being with Brittany, won’t you?” Before I could speak, I heard Brittany Miller’s voice in the background. “Julian, did you book the hotel?” I heard Julian’s doting voice. “All set. This time, no one unimportant will ruin our trip.” Brittany whined playfully. “Last time, your family kept calling and bothering us. That won’t happen again, right?” “Don’t worry, I’ll block her number soon.” Brittany’s tinkling laugh carried through the phone, her voice syrupy sweet. “My stockings got ruined yesterday. You’ll have to make it up to me today, big time.”

Beside me, Mrs. Davies’ lips trembled with rage. She snatched the phone from my hand. “Do you even know what happened to your son?! You’re still out there with that hussy!” Julian’s voice was cold, filled with impatience. “So he was locked up for a bit. What’s the big deal? If Scarlett hadn’t corrupted our son, making him intentionally target Brittany, why would I have punished him?” “Mom, can you stop being so ridiculous? I married her back just as you wanted. What more do you want?” Mr. Davies’ face turned crimson with anger. He roared, “You get back here right now!” But from the other end, I heard Brittany’s tearful voice. “Julian, is it your family causing trouble again?” Julian sighed impatiently. “Dad, Mom, please stop this nonsense. Brittany and I will be back after our trip.” The call disconnected. I felt completely hollowed out, staring despairingly at Mr. and Mrs. Davies. “Leo is gone. I have nothing left. Let me go.” Just then, the police arrived, having received a call. They took us to the station. Soon, the autopsy results came out. “The deceased’s cause of death was asphyxiation in a confined space. His fingernails were torn off, flesh ripped, and bones exposed. This indicates extreme struggle and attempts to break free before death.” “We’ve taken the house’s housekeeper in for questioning. Now, please tell us what you know.” After ensuring we weren’t deliberately abusing the child, the police’s attitude softened considerably. Maria, who had been summoned, was in tears. “Mr. Davies was the one who locked the child in the closet. And to prevent us from letting the child out, he sent all of us away.” “I was worried about Leo, so after Mr. Davies left, I immediately rushed back to let him out.” “When I opened the closet, there was blood everywhere, and the child’s face was blue.” I couldn’t imagine what Leo had endured in that closet. He must have been so scared and in so much pain. He must have been screaming for his mom to save him in his last moments.

For a moment, the world spun around me, my head buzzing, and my body felt like dead weight, collapsing onto the police station chair. Mrs. Davies, seeing my state, couldn’t bear it and pulled me into her embrace. Finally, Mr. Davies spoke. “Scarlett, it’s our fault. Our family failed to raise Julian properly.” I covered my face with my hands, large tears rolling down my cheeks, and I sobbed, gut-wrenching cries tearing from my throat. Fifteen years ago, my parents died, leaving behind a vast inheritance. My relatives swarmed me, like vultures circling prey. At that time, Julian and I were practically childhood sweethearts. Mr. and Mrs. Davies stepped in, helping me secure my parents’ legacy. The day Mr. and Mrs. Davies brought me home, Julian held my hand, his eyes filled with love and a firm determination to protect me. He had promised then that he would be good to me forever, that he would always protect me. But after our son was born, he grew increasingly distant and busy. Until I saw him, the man who claimed to be in a meeting, with his arm around Brittany Miller, splurging cash at the mall. I screamed, demanding to know why he was doing this to me, but he just shoved me away in disgust, looking down on me with contempt. “Enough. Look at yourself. You don’t hold a candle to Brittany.” In that moment, I suddenly understood that all the love we once shared had vanished like smoke. Yet, a sliver of hope lingered in my heart. I quietly stayed home, caring for our child, managing Julian’s life, hoping that one day he would change his mind. But this time, for Brittany Miller, he actually laid hands on his own child. Mr. Davies lowered his head, his face etched with sorrow, his voice choked. “Our child was killed by him. How could our family produce such an animal?” “Tomorrow, after Leo’s cremation, if you wish to leave, take his ashes with you. Our family has wronged you greatly.” I struggled to my feet, bowing deeply to Mr. and Mrs. Davies. “Thank you for your help all those years ago. I’m taking Leo and leaving this place. I won’t be coming back. Please take good care of yourselves.”

Back home, Julian’s call came in. “Scarlett Hayes, how long are you going to keep up this act? Tell Dad to unblock my cards!” Julian heard my silence and roared impatiently. “Have you had enough yet?! If you keep this up, we’re getting a divorce. Brittany already has my child anyway. You can just take that dead weight of yours and get out of the Davies’ family!” My voice was calm, numb. “The child is dead.” He scoffed dismissively. “Are you going to claim I killed him, too?” “You’ll really say anything to break up Brittany and me.” He hung up, the phone beeping. At the same time, Mr. Henderson, the lawyer Mr. Davies sent, handed me the divorce papers. I signed my name without the slightest hesitation, my mind replaying Leo’s voice. It was Father’s Day. Leo had clumsily made Julian a handmade card, but Julian never came home. To this day, I still remember Leo’s disappointed eyes. “Mommy, does Daddy not like me?” “Why does Daddy never play with me or hug me? All the kids in my class get hugs from their Daddies.” I was physically and mentally exhausted. I curled up on Leo’s small bed, the one he slept in before, and fell asleep. The next day, Leo’s body was sent for cremation. As the incinerator hummed, I felt my own heart being burned into a handful of ashes. The staff handed me a delicate ceramic urn. The child who had just recently called me “Mommy” in his sweet, baby voice was now nothing but a cold urn. Mr. and Mrs. Davies wiped their tears, looking as if they had aged ten years overnight. They gently caressed the urn. “After you bury Leo, could you please tell us the address? He is our grandson, after all.” I nodded, my voice choked with emotion. “I only have one request: don’t tell Julian where Leo is buried.”

I returned home to pack up Leo’s toys and clothes. With each item I packed, my heart was pierced by a sharp needle. Leo’s favorite toy plane still had his messy, childish handwriting on it. His neatly arranged picture books still held his innocent scribbles, with “I love Mommy” written inside. My tears fell onto the floor, my hands trembling uncontrollably, as if I saw my son running towards me. I reached out to embrace him, but only grasped empty air. I finished packing. As I passed by the walk-in closet, I suddenly vomited a mouthful of blood. The opened closet was covered in scratch marks, bloody streaks everywhere. Small, chaotic bloody handprints were slapped all over the closet door. It wasn’t hard to imagine what had happened inside. I walked closer, step by step, gently tracing the marks on the cabinet. Then, I took photos and videos for evidence. I don’t know what state of mind I was in when I did all this. I only snapped back to reality when I stood at the main gate, watching the moving truck pull up. Just then, Julian finally returned. His private jet landed on the tarmac, and as he stepped off, he saw Mr. and Mrs. Davies standing there, their faces grim. Behind him, Brittany Miller’s face lit up with a triumphant smile. She stroked her belly, then linked arms with Julian. Julian frowned, looking at his parents’ somber faces. “Mom, Dad, what are you doing here? Where are Scarlett and Leo?” Mr. Davies snatched a cane from nearby and lashed out at Julian. “You have the nerve to mention Leo!” “How could I have a son as beastly as you?! You killed our child, and you still have the audacity to parade around with your mistress!” Julian instinctively shielded Brittany beside him, complaining, “I just locked him up for a bit. I was about to tell my assistant to let him out. Is it really necessary to react like this?” Mr. Davies clutched his chest, his eyes filled with profound disappointment. “Don’t you know?! I personally saw Leo’s body sent for autopsy! The medical examiner said the child suffered extreme pain and struggled fiercely before he died!” Julian’s face turned ashen. He mumbled in disbelief, “How could this be? I just wanted to punish him a little. Mom, Dad, you must be lying to me, right?!” He saw the sorrow on his parents’ faces, and a wave of unease flooded his heart. Brittany, seeing Julian’s shift in demeanor, immediately looked distressed. She tightened her grip on Julian’s arm. “Julian, honey…” Before she could finish, Julian forcefully shook her off and rushed into the house. There, in the center of the living room, was a black and white photo of Leo… The lawyer, standing nearby, placed the divorce agreement in front of Julian. His hands trembled as he flipped through the papers. The last page of the agreement bore my tear-stained signature.

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On the eve of the photography competition, Aiden, the impoverished student I’d sponsored for ten years, sent me the best-configured camera lens. He messaged me, wishing me good luck. Touched, I accepted, already planning to buy him a gift with my prize money. But then, on the day of the competition, the lens burst into flames, exploding. I was burnt beyond recognition, my body charred, and rushed to the ICU. My saintly wife cried her eyes out, almost blind with grief, promising to use her entire medical expertise to save me. “Caleb, I only developed feelings for you. If something happens to you, I wouldn’t want to live!” I clung to life, but became a vegetable, with only my hearing and sense of pain remaining. Even then, I was incredibly grateful to my wife. Until one day, I overheard her conversation with a nurse— “Caleb’s on his way out anyway. Once he dies, using his kidney to extend Aiden’s life wouldn’t be murder.” Each cut was a fresh, agonizing stab, the pain searing deep into my bones. But after I was cremated, my wife went mad.

Hearing the voices outside the door, my pupils constricted. What? Serena wants to take my kidney and give it to Aiden?! That backstabbing snake! I couldn’t believe it; I suspected I was losing my mind. But the voices outside continued. Reminding me, this wasn’t a dream! “Dr. Serena, isn’t this too cruel? After all, it was your surgical error that caused him to become a vegetable in the first place.” The nurse’s voice was a little muffled. Serena was silent for a moment, then sighed: “Yes, karma is real, and what goes around comes around. I caused Caleb’s condition, so I should have taken care of him all these years.” “Now, using his kidney to save Aiden… ultimately, I owe him. When my time comes, I’ll apologize to him then.” It felt like a giant hand had squeezed my heart. I was suffocating. I truly believed Serena had fought with every ounce of her being to save me, then dedicated years to my meticulous care. I saw her as my savior, thinking I’d owe her my very soul in the next life to repay her. But all of it was a lie. She was the one who ruined my life! What was even more despairing was that if I had died during that surgery, or fallen into a complete coma, I wouldn’t be suffering this much. But no, I could still hear, and I could still feel pain. The door creaked open, and Serena walked in. “All the readings are getting weaker.” She stared at the tubes sticking out of my body, her voice tinged with a sigh. “I’m sorry, Caleb, but Aiden can’t wait any longer. We need to prepare for the kidney removal surgery tomorrow.” Her usually calm voice was now laced with a complicated mix of emotions. There was guilt, reluctance, but more than anything, grim determination. My blood ran cold. A powerful panic seized me; I wanted to open my eyes, to look at her. Serena, if you found out I was still conscious, would you still go through with it? But my body was paralyzed, I couldn’t do anything. The door chimed again, and someone else entered. “Sister, I’m in so much pain. It’s been getting worse lately.” It was Aiden. What I couldn’t see was him intimately wrapping his arms around Serena, resting his chin on her shoulder. “But don’t be too hasty. I’m afraid Caleb might still be conscious and feel the pain.” What a considerate tone he used. Listening to him, my teeth ached with suppressed rage. Aiden came from an impoverished mountain village. Serena had saved him during an accident. It was *I* who saw how strong and unfortunate he was, and I paid all his expenses from middle school through college. I gave him the chance to escape his village and soar. He once cried, promising he would repay me. I believed he was a good, grateful kid, and I trusted him like a younger brother. I never imagined he would stab me in the back. Now, I wished I could tear that backstabbing snake limb from limb. “No, your illness can’t wait. His vital signs are fading fast. The surgery can proceed tomorrow.” She wrapped her arms around him, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Aiden’s lips curved into a smile, and he kissed her back with passion. I couldn’t see their movements. But I heard the sickening wet sounds of skin slapping against skin.

A wave of nausea churned in my stomach. It felt like my heart was being ripped apart. Once, Serena and I had good times too. Whenever she came home from her night shifts, I’d leave out snacks with a note: ‘To my guardian angel, my heart’s healer.’ When I was exhausted from work, listening to her gentle recitations and the soft click of her meditation beads would calm my spirit, making the hardship disappear. Until one time, during a relief trip to a mountainous area. She saved Aiden, who was buried in the mud. The young man looked up, seeing her as his salvation. “Sister, are you an angel sent from heaven to save me?” Serena’s deeply hidden savior complex was ignited. After returning, she told me Aiden was a good kid worth nurturing, subtly guiding me to sponsor him. I, too, had started from the bottom and worked my way up. From that moment, her heart had probably strayed. One wrong step led to another. So much so that even when Aiden betrayed me, she turned a blind eye. And now, she was willing to stain her hands with blood, taking my life for him. I cursed myself for being so foolish, so blind to the truth. I should have seen their conspiracy earlier. The two were swept up in passion, gradually unsatisfied with just kissing. The rustle of clothes falling to the floor echoed in my ears. There were only two beds in the room, but they didn’t care. Soon, sickening wet sounds of skin slapping against skin filled the air. Listening to their movements, I felt utterly disgusted, my skin crawling with revulsion. I wanted to block it out, but I couldn’t stop the sounds from entering my ears. “Sister, do you think… Caleb might get angry if we do this here?” Aiden panted, his voice broken. Serena closed her eyes, sweat beading on her brow. Her face, usually serene and angelic, was now flushed with raw desire. Like a pure moon dragged into the earthly mire, defiled and no longer an unattainable goddess. “I already owe him too much; I can never repay it. So, I might as well sink to the very bottom with you.” Her eyes darkened, and she pushed down harder. The gasps and moans in the room swelled. I felt like a pathetic joke. How blind had I been to fall for Serena, that sanctimonious hypocrite, and sponsor Aiden, that ungrateful snake? It cost me my heart, and it cost me my life. By the time they finished, I don’t know how long had passed. My consciousness desperately fought to stay afloat, wanting to make a sound, to cause a disturbance. If anyone discovered I still had vital signs, they could stop tomorrow’s surgery. But my body was like it was shackled with heavy stones. I couldn’t move an inch. Perhaps that surgical error was precisely designed by Serena. Precise enough to save my life, yet turn me into a vegetable, utterly devoid of bodily control. This precision was aimed straight at my death. Tears of regret streamed from the corners of my eyes. The sky was black, but I couldn’t find any sleep. Knowing tomorrow was my inevitable end, my heart was filled only with surging hatred and regret. I hated Serena. Why was she so heartless towards me? She was a vegetarian, a devout follower, soft-hearted, compassionate to all living beings. She spoke softly, wouldn’t even step on an ant. Yet, she showed me no mercy or compassion. I hated Aiden even more. He was a worm, living in the gutter. I gave him the chance to crawl out. Who knew, not only was he ungrateful, he stabbed me deeply. He took the person I loved and now wants my life. He won’t even spare my remains. Agonizing thoughts tormented me endlessly. Time stretched infinitely, I could even hear my own heartbeat. When I heard the door open again, I knew my fate had finally arrived.

“Caleb, I’m sorry. I have no choice. If Aiden doesn’t get a kidney, he won’t survive.” Serena took out a toolkit. The cold light from the operating lamp hit my eyelids. Her voice was soft, but to me, she sounded like an executioner wielding a scalpel, sending shivers down my spine. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you the strongest dose of anesthetic. Your soul won’t feel any pain.” Serena said, pulling out a vial of liquid. A sharp sting, and something entered my body. All I felt was mockery. Should I thank her for this? She’s the one doing this, and she’s trying to earn good karma from it. It’s too late for me to turn back now. Ever since that photography competition accident years ago, I’ve been utterly destroyed by Serena and Aiden. The sensation of my skin being cut open was incredibly clear. Intense pain engulfed me like fire. Wait, didn’t she say she’d give me anesthetic? Why was the pain *more* intense? I wanted to struggle, but my disabled body couldn’t move. Like a fish on a chopping block, helpless, subjected to torture. Every second stretched into an eternity. Dimly, I heard footsteps. “Sister, you’ve been operating for so long, you must be tired. Take a break.” “No, this is a critical kidney transplant for you. I’m afraid of something going wrong.” “Sister, actually, I found a suitable kidney a few days ago. I just forgot to tell you.” Aiden’s voice was light and cheerful. But those words struck me like a bolt of lightning. What? He already found a kidney source? Then why was she operating on me?! The bone-deep pain I’d endured felt like a cruel joke. I couldn’t stop myself from convulsing. “Oh, is that so? Caleb truly suffered.” The woman’s voice held a touch of pity. A glimmer of hope flickered in my heart. Since there was already a suitable kidney. Would Serena, out of consideration for our past, spare me? But the very next second, she shattered my illusion. “Having an extra backup kidney source will make you safer. Caleb has already passed away, so what I’m doing isn’t murder.” Saying that, Serena cut another incision into my body. But I couldn’t feel it anymore. The excruciating, soul-crushing pain in my heart was a hundred times worse than the physical pain. So, the beautiful illusion I had built my life upon was nothing but deceit! My entire life was worthless. The last thread of my sanity snapped with a sharp *crack*. My past flashed before my eyes like a dizzying carousel. Dimly, I saw Serena caring for me in the past. All these years I’d been paralyzed in bed, she would boil water daily, wait for it to cool, then carefully use a towel to wipe my body. It was troublesome, but she persisted for seven years. Feeding me food and medicine was also a challenge. Serena would bring spoonfuls to my lips, patiently waiting for my subtle swallowing reactions. Her arms would ache so much she couldn’t lift them, her muscles throbbing, but she’d only gasp softly, afraid I might hear. At night, afraid I wouldn’t sleep well, she would stay by my bedside all night, reading my favorite poetry collections. At that time, I was so moved I wished I could die for her. But now, all of it had become sharp knives stabbing into me. My flesh was peeled back layer by layer. Cold instruments pulverized my blood vessels and tissues. The pain grew more and more intense. My consciousness became increasingly blurry. I was in a daze, barely able to tell if I was suffering torture in the human world or in hell itself. A sickening *rip* – One of my organs detached. My consciousness suddenly grew faint. Even Serena’s voice wasn’t very clear. I only vaguely heard her say something about “it’s done.” After some more time, I felt myself being lifted and placed into something. My vision suddenly darkened, and I knew something was wrong. “Caleb, followers believe that when a person dies, they return to dust, and then their soul doesn’t wander aimlessly.” Serena’s voice remained gentle. “Early cremation is also good for you.” But I wasn’t dead yet! The feeling of blood loss made my entire body cold. Hearing her words, I felt like I’d been plunged into an icy abyss. I desperately tried to muster every last ounce of strength in my body, wanting to make some noise. But no matter how hard I tried, it was useless. I heard Serena close the cremation oven door. Her hand pressed the cremation button. No, don’t!!! Every cell in my body screamed in silent agony. Why did my life have to end at the hands of the person I once loved?!

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