Married for five years, Asher passed me off to his boss, Finn. The first time, he said, “Adeline, just have a meal with him, and he’ll hand me the project.” The second time, “Adeline, just spend the night with him. He promised he wouldn’t harm you!” The third time, “Adeline, why not have a child with him? Then he’ll promote me to General Manager!” Later, on the day Asher joyfully became the General Manager, I divorced him and instead married Finn. After I posted our marriage certificate on Facebook, Asher was filled with regret. “What did you just say? You want me to have dinner with Finn?” I froze, holding a wine glass, staring incredulously at Asher across the table. Today is our wedding anniversary. I prepared a candlelight dinner, thinking we would celebrate together. But instead of a gift, he said this. We were college sweethearts and joined the same corporation after graduation, though in different departments. He was in the Project Department, and I was in the Secretarial Department. After five years, he remained a small team leader, while I had been promoted to Chief Secretary. Finn was my boss, and I was responsible for all his needs, practically on call 24/7. I spent more time with Finn than with Asher. I knew many colleagues gossiped about us, given the stereotype of a CEO and secretary. Besides, Finn was young, wealthy, and attractive. But I always reminded myself that I was married. Asher and I had a strong relationship, from school to the working world. We were once the golden couple at school, with nearly a decade of history, and I had faith in us. Asher looked down, avoiding my gaze. We both understood what “having dinner” implied. He approached me, crouched down, and held my hand tightly. “Adeline, Mr. Finn said if you have dinner with him, he’ll let me handle the coveted project. You know many in the Project Team are after it. If I don’t get it, my promotion this half of the year is doomed… Adeline, I’m begging you!” Looking at this somewhat desperate man, my heart ached, and I wiped away a tear. “Okay, I’ll do it.” Asher hugged me tightly, almost to the point of pain. “Adeline, I knew you were the best. Once I finish this project, I’ll take a break and travel with you. Didn’t you always want to go to the beach?” That night, I lay awake until dawn, listening to Asher’s loud snores and occasional sleep talking. The next morning, Asher was up early. When I came out of the bathroom, he had picked out my clothes. A fitted pencil skirt with a white lace blouse. I frowned, reluctant. It was an outfit Asher had bought for our anniversary last year, one I only wore when we were alone to keep things exciting. “I’m not wearing this. Didn’t you say it was just dinner? I’ll wear my uniform.” “Adeline, please wear this. It looks great… If Mr. Finn is in a good mood, he might promote me even more. Be good, for our future! Just endure it!”

In the end, under Asher’s insistence, I wore it. Standing before the mirror, I bit my lip. The woman reflected had a great figure, the lace blouse with a hint of cleavage showing. Before leaving, I put on a blazer to cover up. Asher and I joined the corporation one after the other. The company had a no-office-romance rule, so few knew we were married. Finn knew because I told him myself. A few months after I became his Chief Secretary, he confessed to me. To refuse, I had to reveal I was married. Since then, he minimized our alone time. I thought he’d transfer me out of the Secretarial Department, but instead, he investigated Asher and came up with this plan… Just stepping onto the CEO’s floor, Finn walked out of the pantry with a coffee cup. His gaze fell on me, and I instinctively forced a smile. “Good morning, Mr. Finn.” “Morning, Secretary Adeline, you look… quite nice today!” Before I could respond, he entered the office, and I sighed in relief. Finally, it was time to leave. Colleagues bid goodbye one by one. My phone showed two messages, one from Asher, and the other from Finn. “Wife, I’ll wait for you at home!” “Secretary Adeline, wait a few minutes for me!” I turned off the screen, feeling too tired to reply. I was about to fall asleep when a knock on the table startled me awake. Finn looked amused. “Did I scare you? Let’s go…” I followed him into the CEO’s private elevator to the parking lot, keeping my distance, afraid a colleague might see us. Finally, we reached the restaurant. “Secretary Adeline, I apologize for this way of having dinner with you… I looked into Asher; he doesn’t deserve you…” “Mr. Finn, my husband and I get along very well.” Finn leaned back slightly, with a hint of sarcasm at my words. “Very well? Secretary Adeline, greed knows no bounds. Want to bet? Next time, Asher will send you to me without any request.” I bit my lip, feeling pale. “He won’t… We’ve shared so many years!” Even as I said it, I found it hard to believe. Seeing Asher offer me to another man for a project, what if there were more at stake next time? I didn’t dare imagine. “If I win, you can’t refuse me anymore. If I lose, I won’t bother you again, how about it?” That night, Finn was a gentleman and drove me home. When I got out, he opened the car door, and I glanced up to see Asher peeking from the third floor. “Adeline, remember our bet!” I nodded silently. In the following days, Asher successfully took on the project and was visibly happier. I felt somewhat relieved. I didn’t expect to lose the bet with Finn… A month later, one day after work, I came home to a strong smell of alcohol.

I quickly turned on the lights, opened the windows, and saw Asher sprawled on the sofa with a bottle, surrounded by empty bottles. I squatted in front of him, patting his face. “Honey, why did you drink so much? What’s wrong?” Hearing my voice, Asher jumped up and hugged me, crying. “Adeline, I’m done for; I can’t be with you anymore!” I frowned, confused. After a long time comforting him, I finally understood. Asher was desperate for a promotion. The project he took on had a batch of products with a 50% deposit paid. But now, at delivery time, the supplier was unreachable. He went to their office, but it was empty. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. “How much was the 50% deposit?” “Five million…” I was stunned. Five million. Our savings together barely reached one million, and even with this apartment, it wouldn’t cover the gap. “Let’s call the police!” “We can’t call the police, Adeline. If we do, the company will find out and fire me… You know our corporation is the industry leader. If I’m fired, no one else will hire me…” Asher was agitated, his grip on my hand hurting. I tried to stay calm, coaxing him. “It’s okay, we can find another job slowly. You have me; my salary can support us.” “No… no…” No matter how I comforted or persuaded him, Asher drowned in his emotions. He always avoided problems instead of solving them. I lost patience, my voice turning cold. “Then what do you want?” Asher glanced at me, seemingly making a decision. He suddenly got off the sofa and knelt. “Adeline, only you can save me now.” My heart tightened, sensing something bad. Before I could ask how, Asher spoke up. “Adeline, just spend the night with Mr. Finn. He said he’d cover the five million privately. Then I can find another supplier to fill the order, and no one else in the corporation will know…” I slowly stood, staring at the man kneeling before me, feeling like he was a stranger. “Adeline, you’re the only one who can help me now.” A sense of dread gripped my heart. Before I could ask how, Asher blurted out the answer himself. “Adeline, you just need to spend the night with Mr. Finn. He promised to handle the five million privately for me. Then I can place orders with other suppliers to cover it, so no one else in the corporation will find out…” I slowly stood up from the floor, staring blankly at the man crying and kneeling in front of me. In that instant, he seemed like a stranger. Was this the same man who used to defend me with his fists when classmates teased me in school? How could he shamelessly suggest something like this with such confidence? “Asher, are you out of your mind? I’m your wife, and you’re asking me to sleep with another man?” Asher clung to my leg desperately, his words tumbling out incoherently. “Adeline, Mr. Finn promised, it’s just spending the night. He won’t do anything else, don’t worry!” I struggled to control my emotions, taking a deep breath to calm myself. Asher was just panicked by the sudden crisis, not thinking clearly. Maybe once he’s sober, he’ll realize what he’s asking, and then we can discuss how to solve this. “Honey, I can’t agree to this. I’m a person, not a commodity to be used for such things. Let’s talk when you’re thinking straight.” After saying that, I pried his hands off me. I had lost all interest in dinner and decided to wash up and go to bed. Asher sat dazed on the floor, mumbling something I couldn’t make out, and I left him alone. After washing up, I found him sitting by the bed, holding a glass of milk, with a hint of guilt on his face. “Sweetheart, I lost my mind earlier. I’m sorry. Will you come with me to the police station tomorrow?” Hearing this, I breathed a sigh of relief, glad he had come to his senses. I stopped drying my hair, sat beside him, and held his hand. “Yes, honey, we’ll figure this out together. Tomorrow, let’s go to the police station first, then see how the corporation handles it. If worst comes to worst, we can go back to our hometown and start over, right?” “Yeah, right! You didn’t eat dinner earlier, so I made you some milk. Drink it, please.” “Thank you, honey!” I didn’t suspect a thing, took the milk, and drank it. I didn’t notice the forced smile on Asher’s face. After drinking it, I planned to dry my hair. But as I stood up, I suddenly felt dizzy. I shook my head and grabbed Asher’s sleeve. “Honey, I feel so dizzy…” “Adeline, I’m sorry, just help me this once. After this, I’ll never push you to anyone else… I can’t lose this job. I’ve worked so hard for it…” Only then did I notice the madness in Asher’s reddened eyes. My body gradually lost strength, and I lay on the bed, gasping for air. “Asher, what did you put in the milk?” “Adeline, it’s just something to make you weak. Just get through tonight, please…” “You’re crazy, Asher, you’re a madman. I’m your wife.” “Exactly because you’re my wife. You think I’m not suffering too? But I have no choice… Adeline, forgive me!” I lay motionless on the bed, not wanting to see that twisted face anymore. The weakness in my body, the grievances in my heart, and the fear overwhelmed me, and tears streamed down my face. Normally, I could accept anything. I even agreed the last time Asher asked me to have dinner with Finn. But this time, he truly broke my heart. I began to doubt if our marriage could really continue. For the first time, I considered divorce. I didn’t know what Asher put in the milk. My body was weak, but my mind was clear. Asher took me to a nearby hotel, stripped me naked, and left me on the bed. “Adeline, I’ll come to get you tomorrow morning!” I didn’t respond, just silently closed my eyes. Tears fell silently onto the pillow. As I waited, the feeling of humiliation made me tremble uncontrollably. I started to hate Asher for doing this to me. I didn’t know how long it was before the hotel door opened and Finn walked in. The moment he saw me, he looked away and covered me with a blanket. With the blanket on, I finally felt a bit of security. “Sorry, I didn’t expect Asher to be so…” I knew what he wanted to say, those two words he didn’t speak—shameless. “Adeline, you’ve been let down.” Yes, I had been let down, completely. I never imagined that nearly ten years of relationship from dating to marriage couldn’t compete with a job. That night, Finn didn’t touch me. He slept on the couch all night. I’m somewhat grateful to him for leaving me with a shred of dignity. The next morning, after the drug effect wore off, I quietly got dressed to leave before Finn woke up. As I reached the couch, he grabbed my hand, and I lost my balance, falling onto him, my hand resting on his chest. “Adeline, you don’t think just because I acted like a gentleman all night, I truly am one, do you?” I felt nervous, avoiding his intense gaze. “Mr. Finn, thank you. Can I have some time to think?” “Sure, I’ll wait for your decision.” When I got home, Asher wasn’t there. I took a quick shower, put on my uniform, and got ready for work. Just as I opened the door, Asher was outside, about to enter. When he saw me, his eyes lit up. “Adeline, you’re back. Didn’t we agree I’d pick you up? When I went to the hotel, you were already gone.” At that moment, I was almost late for work and didn’t want to talk to him. As I tried to pass him, he grabbed me. “Adeline, did Mr. Finn touch you?” Hearing that, the string that had been tight all night in my heart finally snapped, and I slapped Asher hard. 5 His face turned away from the slap, and my palm throbbed painfully as I choked out the words, “Asher, you may not care about your reputation, but I do!” I shook off his hand forcefully and went to the office.

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I asked Declan for a divorce. I don’t want anything except the money. Declan sneered, “Not even your beloved son?” “No, not even him.” Because my child’s wish for his fifth birthday was, “Can dad and mom get a divorce? I want Aunt Fiona to be my mom.” 1 I handed the divorce papers to Declan. He looked at them as if they were just another ordinary document on his desk. His eyes were cold and indifferent. His passion for me probably only existed during those endless nights. “Adeline, pick a better time to throw a tantrum. This is the office.” He was sure I wouldn’t go through with the divorce. Just another attempt to make him jealous. “I’m not causing a scene.” I was made to wait in the reception room like a regular visitor for three hours, enduring the pitying looks from others. How is that causing a scene? “Miss Fiona doesn’t have to wait even a minute to see Mr. Declan.” “So the rumors about Mr. Declan hating his wife are true?” Yes, they are. Their Mr. Declan truly doesn’t like his wife. The one he’s always liked is Fiona. “Declan, I want a divorce, the sooner the better.” “Adeline, what are you doing?” Only then did Declan lower his eyes to look at the papers. “Adeline, you only want this little money for a divorce?” Yes, when I accidentally got pregnant, he intended to use this money as compensation to keep me away. But I didn’t leave. Because I am a character from another world. Having Finn and marrying him was a task assigned to me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t warm Declan’s heart. We have no future. This money can be a belated compensation. Fifty million on the agreement is nothing to him. But to me, it’s a fortune, enough for a happy life. Declan stood up, looking down at me. His expensive tailored suit made him look even taller and more imposing. He sneered again. “Just the money?” “Not even your beloved son?” I smiled faintly, “No, not even him.” 2 I used to love Finn very much. After all, he shares my blood. For five years, I devoted all my patience and love to every step of his growth. Maybe it’s because of his association with Declan that he never had much affection for Finn. When Finn was born, Declan only looked at him once and said, “Looks a lot like Adeline.” Then he handed Finn over to the nanny. But oddly enough, Finn adored Declan. He had a gift for languages. At just three, he could sternly say to me, “It’s your fault dad doesn’t come home.” I thought it was just childish babble. When he was four, he met Fiona, who had returned from her divorce abroad, for the first time. He came home and told the nanny, “No wonder dad likes Aunt Fiona. I like her too.” “Aunt Fiona is gentler and makes me happier than mom.” It was just because I wouldn’t let him eat too many sweets. He pouted angrily. I had just come out of the kitchen and heard his accusations. Suppressing my discomfort, I softly said, “Finn, I’ll make it up to you with new candies.” “Mom made them herself, a combination of pear and hawthorn, delicious and healthy.” He grabbed the candy I made and threw it into the trash. Shouted, “I don’t want your garbage. I want the fancy candies Aunt Fiona brought from Italy.” “So what if I get cavities?” I stared at him blankly. My son, how much he resembles his father, both cold and unfeeling. Especially on his fifth birthday. Both father and son invited Fiona. As the candles were being lit, the system’s long-absent voice suddenly echoed in my mind. “Host, it’s been a while. I’m back.” Though no one else could hear it, I instinctively stepped outside the hall. “Host, your task is complete. You have enough points to return.” In the original world, I was in a coma due to an accident. I made a deal to complete the task to wake up. “You can choose to stay. After all, you have a family now.” “In the original world, you’re just alone.” As I hesitated, Finn made the decision for me. I had just stepped back into the hall when I heard his birthday wish. Clear and loud, not even trying to avoid me. “Can dad and mom get a divorce? I want Aunt Fiona to be my mom.” Everyone was taken aback. Declan just frowned slightly, “Make another wish.” Fiona covered her mouth, laughing, “Oh, you can’t say things like that, you cute kid.” But her eyes couldn’t hide the glee. I smiled a bit. Turned to the system and said, “Take me home. I don’t want to wait another second.” 3 But the system hit me with unfortunate news. “Since the central system received too many requests to transfer, there’s now a waiting period for leaving the system.” I was stunned. The system cleared its throat, “Like your human divorce waiting period, you need to wait.” “Wait for what…?” Damn it. I reminded myself to use polite language and asked restrainedly, “How long?” “Three years.” “Three years?” “System, are you afraid the plans will wither?” The system paused, “Host, your insults are quite sophisticated.” It fell silent for three seconds before saying, “As compensation for my long absence, I’ll add a third more points for you to redeem a healthy body when you wake up from your coma.” “Fine, then I’ll get the divorce first.” That’s why I’m standing in Declan’s office. “Declan, let’s get a divorce.” Declan lit a cigarette with a snap. He blew out a smoke ring, smiling arrogantly. “Adeline, did you forget?” “Who said five years ago that without Finn, she’d die?” That was me. That year, Declan had heard the news of Fiona’s marriage abroad. He had tormented me all night. The next day, I developed a high fever and was alone in the house for three days. In my delirium, I forgot to take that kind of medicine. Later, I found out I was pregnant with Finn. When Declan found out, he initially coldly told me to abort Finn. I remembered the words, “Aborting now means task failure. You know the consequences.” I could only beg Declan, “If the child is gone, I’ll die.” If I didn’t plead, with his ruthless business style, he had plenty of ways to deal with me. Declan is harsh on everyone, including himself. His only weakness was Fiona, who had lived with him in the orphanage and saved him. Later, Fiona was adopted by a wealthy family. Declan, wild by nature, risked everything to rise from a petty hooligan to a business mogul, all to gain Fiona’s adoptive parents’ approval to marry her. But unfortunately, before he could give her the massive pink diamond, news came of Fiona’s marriage. Much later, I found out, Declan proposed to me because of something Fiona said. “Declan, I’m married. I hope to hear your good news.” 4 I looked at Declan’s handsome face. But I was thinking, I hope I never see him again. I said calmly, “Since both you and your son like Fiona,” “After the divorce, you can form a family. Everyone will be happy, won’t they?” Declan squinted at me. One hand tilted my chin, his fingers long and even. He sneered, “Playing hard to get?” Then his smile vanished, and he said harshly, “You want to play? I’ll play along.” “Add a clause: after the divorce, without my consent, you’re never allowed to see Finn again.” Threatening me? In the past, that would have been a fatal blow. Because love makes you vulnerable. But now, I don’t want to love anyone. So I have no weak spots. I replied calmly under his challenging gaze, “Fine.” He paused, his eyes darkening. He grabbed a pen and quickly scribbled on the agreement. Then tossed a copy to me. I picked it up and turned to leave. Declan bit his back teeth. “Adeline, get out of the Declan house tonight.” “Alright.” My emotions now are terrifyingly steady. But then I paused, smiling as I asked him. “The divorce certificate isn’t done yet, and you’re kicking me out early?” “I won’t leave for free. Please pay the alimony in advance, thank you.” Declan’s face showed a hint of anger. But from what I know about him, he’s generous with money. Sure enough, I would receive that fifty million by tomorrow. Nice. 5 Watching Adeline walk out of the office without looking back, Declan felt an inexplicable irritation. Just then, Mr. Quinn walked in with some documents. He’s been with Declan for many years, a trusted aide. “Boss, is Adeline really divorcing?” Amidst the smoke, Declan coldly said, “She’s just making a fuss; she wouldn’t dare.” “She wouldn’t leave Finn behind.” Mr. Quinn chuckled, “True, Adeline loves you and the child so much. Maybe she’s just in a mood, and a little coaxing will do.” “No need to coax. From what I know of her, she’ll be back begging for forgiveness within three months.” Mr. Quinn smiled, left the contract, and walked out. Declan looked out from the thirtieth floor at the gradually lighting city below. He unexpectedly thought of the Adeline from years ago. The first time beneath him, she was tense and afraid, like a helpless little rabbit. Her eyes were red, her voice trembling. Saying things he couldn’t understand. “How could she leave Finn behind?” Mr. Quinn chuckled, “True, Adeline loves you and the kid so much. Maybe she’s just having a little tantrum. Declan, just coax her a bit, and it’ll be fine.” “No need to coax. Based on what I know about her, she’ll come back within three months, asking for my forgiveness.” Mr. Quinn smiled, set down the contract, and walked out. Declan gazed out from the thirtieth floor, watching the city lights flicker to life below. For some reason, he thought of Adeline from years ago. The first time with him, she was nervous and scared, like a helpless little rabbit. Her eyes were red, and her voice trembled. She even said things he couldn’t quite grasp. “Declan, I’m not just here to win you over. I truly like you.” “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be doing this with you.” “Declan, be good to me in the future, okay?” Declan bent down and silenced her with a kiss. He also silenced her soft cries that night. Over the years, Adeline had been obedient and compliant. The one thing that angered him was her scheming, using the child to threaten him. She absurdly said, “If the child is gone, the mission will fail, and I won’t exist anymore.” He had to punish her. So for five years, he hadn’t been kind to her. Anyway, she had nowhere to go and would stay with him until her last breath. Her innocent pleas echoed in his mind again. “Declan, I want a cute child, a family of three, living in a warm little home. Is that okay?” “No.” He had no interest in having a family. He never had one growing up. Now that he had everything in his grasp, he needed it even less. The day Adeline asked for a divorce, he inexplicably skipped a dinner party and returned home early. “Where’s Adeline?” The Nanny whispered, “Madam moved out this afternoon.” Declan just felt more irritated inside, but he didn’t show it. He merely scoffed, “She’s quite the actress.” Then he walked into the study and ignored it. — With the agreement in hand, I returned to The Declan Family’s house. I packed a few things and was ready to leave. But Finn was sitting in the living room, playing on a tablet, with a candy in his mouth. Colored wrappers were scattered all over the floor. He glanced at me and said flatly, “Dad allowed me to eat this.” “Aunt Fiona gave it to me, don’t meddle.” I smiled, “I won’t meddle, you can eat a hundred if you want.” I squatted down and pinched his cheek. “If anyone’s getting cavities, it’s you, not me.” “Finn, I’m leaving.” “Where to?” “Making space for your new mom. I won’t be coming here anymore.” Finn frowned, his expression just like his father’s. “Mom, stop talking nonsense. Dad said you’re an orphan too. You’ve got nowhere to go except clinging to him.” “Mom, can you be more mature?” “Aunt Fiona wouldn’t be as childish as you, running away at your age.” “Mom, just leave, I won’t miss you.” Then he lowered his head and continued playing his game. In the past, I might gently take away his electronics. Then tell him, “Mom will play LEGO with you, okay?” “Mom will go swimming with you?” “Mom will read picture books with you?” I’d sacrifice a lot of my personal growth time to spend quality time with him. Now, I don’t care. Whoever wants to manage can do it. “Alright then, Finn, hope you can keep that tough attitude.” With that, I dragged my small suitcase and walked out the door of The Declan Family’s house. The sun shone warmly on me. It stung my eyes slightly. But the phrase “living towards the sun” surfaced in my mind.

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The Driver’s Daughter crafted a facade of wealth to become the school’s most popular girl, while she spread rumors that I was just an infatuated admirer. When valuable items were stolen from her home, she pleaded with me not to involve the police, only to later lead the effort to ostracize me at school. I was falsely accused of assaulting a female classmate. As my parents sought the truth, she leaked our family’s confidential information to our competitors. After being framed, my family went bankrupt and ended up homeless. One night, a disturbed individual attacked us with a knife, and she watched in her designer clothes, laughing at our misfortune. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in the past, before it all began. Once more, the Driver’s Daughter was flaunting her wealth in front of the class: “This weekend, I’m inviting everyone to the Mansion for a party!” As everyone cheered, I immediately sent a message: no Mansion events allowed. Forget being the top socialite; if I don’t stand up for myself, they’ll think I’m a fool!

“Miss Avery is so generous, truly a beautiful and kind Heiress!” “Thank you, Miss Avery, for broadening our horizons!” … I opened my eyes to the sound of cheers. Avery was at the center of attention, basking in the praise and admiration. Noticing my gaze, she turned her head, a strange emotion flickering in her eyes. Someone followed “Miss Avery’s” line of sight and noticed me, and the mocking began, deliberately loud. “Isn’t that the guy who has a crush on Miss Avery? Staring at her like that won’t change anything. She’s with the Campus Heartthrob!” This sentence triggered my memory. It was too familiar; I’d heard it before in another life. I had been reborn, and realizing my current situation, my whole body trembled. It wasn’t fear; it was excitement. In my last life, I was rumored to like Avery, mocked by classmates. I thought keeping a low profile would be enough. But later, I realized Avery did it on purpose. She called herself an Heiress, enjoying benefits similar to mine, but secretly instigated trouble, saying I was an infatuated follower. “He likes me, chasing after me, what can I do? We’re classmates, I can’t be too harsh.” That should have been my line. But when she said it, it was twisted. Riding in luxury cars with her, coming and going together, Avery claimed it was out of pity. I was the real heir, but turned into a struggling student. She, the Driver’s Daughter, turned into an Heiress. Although she relied on my family’s support, she hated us. The money my family spent on her could have supported hundreds of struggling students, yet she had no gratitude. Thinking of this, I quickly took out my phone and sent a message. “From today, no one is allowed into any of our Mansions. If anyone can’t guard the door, they can leave!” Without access to the Mansion, let’s see how you throw your party.

In high school, Avery was brought to our house by her parents, both bowing to my dad. “Thank you, Mr. Carter, for sponsoring my daughter’s education. We will work hard!” Avery’s dad was our driver, her mom our housekeeper. When they heard my dad wanted to sponsor a student, they immediately asked him to help Avery. My dad agreed; Avery had good grades and was smart. We thought it was just a regular sponsorship, but unexpectedly, it was the start of our nightmare. For Avery’s convenience, she moved into our house, enjoying the same treatment as me. After starting school, rumors began circulating that I liked Avery. Avery was rumored to be the top Heiress, picked up by luxury cars daily, while I, who kept a low profile, became the “sponsored” struggling student intruding on Avery. I wanted to explain, but Avery cried, saying if she explained, she’d be ridiculed. The rumors were just gossip, and she told me not to worry. “You promised to keep a low profile at school, or do you want people to accuse you of bullying, focusing on your money?” “A student’s job is to study!” I bottled up these words. My parents were busy and seldom home, and even if I explained, no one would believe me. Like Avery said, I should focus on my studies. Just as I improved my grades, I found many valuable items missing at home. I wanted to call the police, but Avery stopped me. “Wait for your dad to come back before doing anything. If you call the police, how will you attend school?” I didn’t call the police, but rumors spread that I was clinging to Avery to get into high society. Classmates began to ostracize me, and Avery’s popular boyfriend started causing trouble. I was locked in a storeroom, hit on the head on the street. I was bullied because of Avery. When I got a concussion, my parents returned to confront the school. But before they could find Avery, they received terrible news. Avery’s dad leaked company secrets to our rivals. He pretended my dad asked him to deliver confidential files, which he then sold at a high price to our rivals. With the money, they disappeared. My family was framed and went bankrupt, ending up on the street. Late at night, a deranged man attacked us with a knife, and we died at his hands. How could it be so coincidental? Before dying, Avery, in her designer clothes, looked at our family with disdain: “I hate you rich people the most. You deserve to die, worthless lives.” It was murder, but the attacker wouldn’t face any consequences, and Avery’s family took the money and fled. Recalling the pain and injustice before death, my eyes reddened. Avery, just wait. I won’t let you get away with it!

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My girlfriend picked a dare and, even with my threat to break up, kissed her childhood friend for a minute. I picked [spend a night with a member of the opposite sex]. I chose Nora, the sweet girl. “Let him be, he’s just a traditional guy, really conservative.” The next day, she showed up with red eyes. “Why did Nora answer your phone last night? Are you two really together?” Adeline secured a major deal at her company. She threw a celebration party at a bar. As soon as I walked in, I saw Adeline with her group of girlfriends. “Here he comes! Adeline’s boyfriend! Beckett, super handsome! Oh my God, his body is incredible! Those pecs, those abs, he looks like he stepped out of a comic book! We’re in for a treat today!” “Sister Adeline, you’re so lucky!” Adeline’s girlfriends looked at me as if they’d discovered a new world. Their eyes were fixed on me, almost boring holes into my skin. Adeline specifically asked me to dress “sexy” today. But as a guy, what do I know about sexy? In the end, Adeline couldn’t stand it anymore. She pulled out a black shirt from the closet and handed it to me. “This one! Just unbutton two buttons to show your collarbone. I signed a major deal today and invited the company’s heiress over. Make a good impression!” I looked down at the shirt with the absurdly low neckline. But I try to meet Adeline’s requests as much as I can. Because I really love her. Adeline enjoyed the attention. She smiled and waved at me. Adeline introduced me to a man sitting across from her. Before I could react, Adeline pulled me over and sat me beside her. “Let me introduce you, this is my boyfriend. What do you think, not bad, right?” Adeline wrapped her arm around mine and nearly leaned against me. I shifted uncomfortably. Adeline, however, acted as if she didn’t notice and continued holding my arm tightly. She usually doesn’t do this. The man across from us smiled at me. I know him. Caspian, Adeline’s childhood friend. Adeline always told me they were just good friends, nothing romantic. But I know when Adeline says that, her eyes are evasive. Caspian was also startled by Adeline’s sudden move. He paused with his wine glass, and his expression turned a bit unnatural. He pretended to drink calmly, but his Adam’s apple moved up and down, revealing he wasn’t just “buddies” with Adeline. Adeline was clearly using me to make him jealous. I sighed softly. I didn’t want to ruin her mood after signing a big deal, so I smiled at everyone present.

Adeline pulled a girl over and almost pushed her into my arms. I didn’t understand what she meant. What’s the point of pushing other women onto your boyfriend? The girl seemed a bit shy, hiding timidly behind Adeline. “This is Nora, the beloved daughter of the company boss we signed the deal with today. She’s just graduated, so I brought her out to see the world. You guys better take good care of her!” Adeline introduced loudly. Everyone assured her they would. “Come on, let’s play something exciting, truth or dare!” Adeline pulled out a deck of cards from who knows where, eagerly inviting everyone to play. The cards passed around the group and eventually stopped in front of Adeline. “Wow, our protagonist is lucky today!” Someone teased. Adeline playfully rolled her eyes. She drew a card. “Kiss number 13 for a minute.” Everyone held their breath and looked at number 1

Caspian. He sat there, looking uncomfortable. Adeline is my girlfriend. How can I let another man kiss her? I stood up abruptly. “I’ll take her place!” People around us laughed. “No way, the game rules say no replacements!” Caspian took a deep breath and stood up. He walked to Adeline without a word. Adeline acted as if nothing was wrong. She turned to me and said, “It’s okay, just buddies having fun, don’t take it seriously.” I got anxious. “Adeline, if you kiss him, we break up.” Adeline paused, then impatiently waved her hand. “Oh, stop it, it’s just a game, don’t make a fuss.” She turned her head, closed her eyes, and tilted her face up. Caspian looked at me provocatively, then leaned down and kissed Adeline. I felt my blood run cold, my heart clenched by an invisible hand, making it hard to breathe. They kissed for a full minute. A minute felt like an eternity, leaving me completely chilled. 3. The second round of truth or dare continued. This time, it was my turn. I picked another card from the table. [Choose an opposite sex present to spend a night alone with.] I read the card’s content, a cold smile on my lips. “Wow, this is interesting!” Adeline wrapped her arm around mine, nearly leaning on me, laughing wildly. “Do you even need to choose? My boyfriend, of course, I’m the one to spoil him!” Her eyes darted towards Caspian, clearly trying to make him jealous. I shook off her hand. Coldly, I said, “It says ‘my choice.’” I looked around and finally fixed my gaze on the quiet girl in the corner. Nora, the boss’s daughter brought here to “see the world.” She seemed scared by the chaotic scene, shrinking into the sofa corner, head down, fingers nervously twisting her clothes. I walked over to her and held out my hand. “Let’s go.” Nora looked up in surprise, glancing between me and Adeline, her eyes full of confusion. “I…” “Come on~” I grabbed her hand and pulled her up from the sofa. “Hey, what are you doing!” Adeline finally realized something was wrong and shouted. I ignored her, pulling Nora with me as we left. “Hey! Come back here!” Adeline yelled, frustrated. Her girlfriends saw the situation. “Go after them!” “They’ll be gone if you don’t!” But Adeline just sat on the sofa, crossing her legs, indifferent. “Why chase them? Don’t I know him? His parents are highly educated, there’s no way he’d do anything inappropriate. Besides, he needs my support for his career.” She took a sip of her drink, smirking. “Nora is a good girl too, all fake propriety, super conservative, let him go.”

I drove Nora to her apartment building. “We’re here,” I said. She kept her head down, silent. “What’s wrong? Did Adeline say something to you? Don’t take it to heart, she’s just like that, no harm intended.” Nora stayed quiet, her shoulders trembling slightly. “Hey, don’t cry.” I panicked, I can’t stand girls crying. Nora suddenly looked up. Tears fell like broken pearls. “It’s not you… It has nothing to do with you…” She choked out, “It’s me…” “What’s wrong? Tell me what’s bothering you.” I was at a loss. “They all say I’m a good girl, that I listen, that I’m timid…” Nora’s voice grew louder. “But I don’t want to be like this, I want to be brave, just once…” As she spoke, she started unbuttoning her shirt. I was startled and quickly grabbed her hands. “What are you doing?!” “Aren’t they saying I’m timid? I’ll prove them wrong now!” Nora’s eyes were red as she struggled. “Calm down!” I held her tightly, “This isn’t bravery, this is just…” Suddenly, I didn’t know what to say. “What is it?” Nora asked, tears in her voice. “This is just…” I took a deep breath, “This is just punishing yourself for others’ mistakes.” Nora froze, her tears slowly stopping. “True bravery isn’t doing something ‘out of line’ in others’ eyes. It’s following your heart and doing what you believe is right.” I looked into her eyes, speaking word by word, “Do you understand?” She seemed to understand and nodded. “Can we make a pact, to break free from the good girl and good boy labels, together?” I tentatively asked, hoping to give her some strength. “How do we break free?” Nora sniffed, looking at me with tearful eyes. “What are you most afraid of?” I guided her, hoping she’d face her true feelings. “I’m most afraid of…” Nora bit her lip, hesitating, “I’m most afraid of my parents pressuring me to date and marry those rich kids.” “But I don’t like them at all, they’re all playboys, just eating, drinking, and having fun, no ambition whatsoever!” As Nora spoke, her emotions grew agitated again, tears flowing anew. I cautiously asked, trying to provide her with some support. “How do I break free?” Nora asked, her eyes glistening with tears. “What are you most afraid of?” I gently prompted, hoping she could confront her feelings. “I’m most afraid of…” Nora hesitated, biting her lip, “I’m most afraid of my parents pushing me into arranged dates with wealthy heirs.” “But I don’t like them at all. They’re playboys, only interested in partying and having no ambition!” As she spoke, her emotions surged again, and tears began to flow. I could feel her anguish, the despair of being trapped and unable to control her own life. “Then start with this. Be brave and tell your parents you need a few more years because you want to build your own career.” I encouraged her, hoping she could find the courage to stand up for herself. Nora paused, seemingly surprised by my suggestion. “But… but my parents are very strong-willed. No one ever changes their minds.” Her voice grew quieter, her eyes dimming like a balloon losing air. “You have to try. How will you know if it doesn’t work unless you try?” I encouraged her, clenching my fist for emphasis. “Just like you said, you want to be brave just this once, for yourself!” Nora took a deep breath, as if she finally made up her mind. “Okay, I’ll try!” A spark of hope reignited in her eyes. “What about you? What are you going to be brave about?” she suddenly asked, looking at me with curiosity. “Me?” I smiled, “I’m going to be brave and start my own business, even if there are many opposing voices. I have to try.”

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Before I agreed to marry my husband, I was aware he had a childhood sweetheart. Their relationship had ended badly, beyond repair. I was pregnant and preparing confidently for our wedding when, unexpectedly, his first love lost her memory and reverted to the innocent 16-year-old she once was. My husband asked me to be understanding, to treat her like a patient. If she wanted my jewelry, makeup, or clothes, I should give them to her. If she wanted to stay in our home, she could. On the wedding day, with friends and family gathered, his first love appeared in a wedding dress with her wrists cut, pushing me down, claiming it was her wedding as my husband had promised. My husband, filled with pity, carried her out, saying, “Alright, alright, let’s get to the hospital first; we’ll plan the wedding later.” Plan later? What planning? He didn’t notice me, bleeding heavily on the ground… … On the wedding day, I touched my belly, forcing a smile. If I weren’t pregnant, I wouldn’t even want this marriage. Who could have imagined? My husband’s supposedly severed relationship with Adeline, his first love, suddenly turned into an amnesia case. She remembered only being 16, and my husband, also 16, promising to marry her. In his eyes, she became that pure, unblemished girl again. At the most crucial moment of the wedding, Adeline stormed in wearing a blood-stained wedding dress. Her wrists bled continuously, staining the hem of her dress, as she looked at my husband, “Declan, you promised you’d only marry me. This is my wedding, right?” I felt sick. Amnesia, melodrama, constant suicidal attempts—who believes that nonsense? My husband Declan is the one who does. He gently comforted her, trying to stop her bleeding, while she kept acting coy, forcing him to swear oaths. I stood on stage, feeling cold from head to toe, my heart nearly frozen. Below, friends and family whispered, their murmurs feeling like countless hands stripping me bare, exposing me publicly. This was my wedding. A woman’s most glorious, significant moment in life? Ridiculous. Even more ridiculous, Declan finally embraced Adeline, waving at me without looking back, “Fiona, you saw it yourself. I need to get her to the hospital quickly.” Of course, he had to rush her to the hospital. Any delay and she might magically heal. Adeline clung to Declan’s neck, acting all cute, “Say it’s my wedding, or I won’t go to the hospital.” Declan doted on her, “Yes, yes, it’s your wedding. All yours.” I bit my lip, blocking him, “Declan, think it through. You’re the groom. This is our wedding. Are you sure you want to leave?” Declan hesitated a moment. Adeline suddenly raged, pushing me violently, “You homewrecker, go die.” After pushing me, she fainted dramatically in Declan’s arms. Declan carried his first love away, saying, “I’ll get her to the hospital first; we’ll plan the wedding later.” Plan later? There’s no more planning! None at all. I lay there, holding my belly, watching the blood pool beneath me, feeling utterly desolate. … “My baby, my baby…” “My belly hurts so much…” After the runaway groom incident, amidst my cries, the wedding turned into a farce. Friends and family from both sides cursed Declan and took me to the hospital. The emergency room doctor glanced at me, and his face changed. As I was pushed into the operating room, he kept calling for consultations, mentioning miscarriage and massive bleeding. The critical condition notice came out, but no one was qualified to sign it. I struggled, repeatedly dialing Declan’s phone. Friends and family also tried calling him. No one could reach him. Before losing consciousness, I received a message from him: “Fiona, stop calling. Tell them to stop too. It’s affecting her mood, and I won’t let it go.” Affecting her mood… Our child is dying, I’m dying, and you’re worried about Adeline’s mood. Let it be. I was resigned, letting the medical staff do as they pleased. Before losing consciousness, I heard a doctor yelling, “Damn it, save her, I’ll take responsibility…” … Days later, I was alone at home, numb and lost, like a wandering soul. Declan came home, a suit draped over his shoulder, kicking off his shoes as he sank into the couch. “Bring me a basin of water to wash my feet.” I didn’t move, quietly leaning against the door, watching him. He closed his eyes, didn’t hear a response, and rubbed his temples in frustration. “I’ve been exhausted for days, don’t make me more annoyed, be sensible.” Before, seeing him like this, I’d feel sorry, even if Declan had a bad attitude. I’d massage his shoulders and legs, doing my best to be gentle. Now, I was indifferent, calmly saying, “Declan, let’s divorce. You’re tired, and so am I.” I regretted getting the marriage certificate first. Without that paper binding us, there wouldn’t have been this wedding, nor would he have kept compromising until… I touched my belly, feeling emptiness, like a part of my heart had been cut out. Now, I only felt ridiculous and didn’t want any connection with him. Declan paused, opened his eyes, and looked at me coldly, “Fiona, do you think this is fun?” “Adeline is a patient. Why are you competing with a patient?” “Do you know if the cut was half a millimeter deeper, she could have died?” “How can you be so cold-blooded?” I sneered, unmoved, finding it laughable. I’d heard similar things countless times, memorized them. “Oh… really?” “So what’s the result?” “Did she really die?” “Last time, the time before, and the time before that, did she die?” Maybe I once had sympathy, now there’s only disdain. Sympathy for her, who has sympathy for me? Since Adeline got sick, she turned my legally wedded husband into her exclusive possession. She monopolizes my husband, yet insists on more. She wants what I have, and more of what I don’t. It started with small Valentine’s Day gifts, flowers, chocolates, cards. She questioned my husband publicly about his infidelity, asking if he didn’t love her anymore. The result was Adeline threatening to jump off a bridge, forcing my husband to snatch the flowers and chocolates meant for me and give them to her. My husband promised to only spoil her, and she was satisfied, pulling him home with a smile. That Valentine’s Day, I sat dazed in a hotel while my husband comforted another woman at her place. That time, Declan felt guilty, showing up the next morning with flowers outside the hotel room as compensation. He said she was just sick, and once she got better, he’d leave her immediately. So I believed him. Believing led to retreating step by step, endlessly until there was no retreat left. I even began to doubt myself, wondering if fighting for a little space and rights was bullying a patient. Was I too unsympathetic? Of course, Declan thought so too. In this endless entanglement, I went from anger to numbness in less than half a year. Until I discovered Adeline was faking it, I finally woke up. But when I explained to Declan, it was too late. My heart had cooled, and I knew our marriage had reached its end. Yet, at this critical moment, I found out I was pregnant. I thought maybe having a child would make Declan come to his senses, see the truth, and return to me. But the truth was utterly ironic. He didn’t care about me, how could he care about a child? Now, the child is gone. Is he satisfied? Declan’s pupils contracted, standing abruptly from the sofa, staring at me, “Fiona, do you know what you’re saying?” I heard his suppressed anger, but I didn’t back down, “Does it sound harsh? Afraid I tainted your precious first love?” “Or are you scared my words will come true, and you can’t handle it?” “If she’s so important to you, why keep entangling with me? Let’s divorce. Once we divorce, you’re free.” From school uniform to wedding dress, from university to now, it’s been six years. For six years, I always gave in. Now, I won’t endure anymore! Declan, furious, slapped me, leaving five finger marks. I covered my face, avoiding his instinctively reaching hand, eyes full of disgust and hatred. Declan was at a loss, “Fiona, I didn’t mean to…” I turned to leave, but Declan grabbed me, hurriedly pulling out a jade bracelet, trying to remedy the situation, “Fiona, I know you’ve always liked my family’s jade bracelet, so I brought it today. I promise I’ll make it up to you with a grander wedding in the future, and you won’t suffer any more grievances.” “Adeline is just sick. Once she gets better, I’ll leave her. Just bear with it a bit longer, for me.” Seeing the jade bracelet, I found it laughable. He’s probably lost between me and Adeline. I never liked the jade bracelet. I only cared about him finding the matching rings we made out of candy wrappers in college. But those rings have been taken by Adeline, maybe burned or thrown in the trash. Who knows? The glaring marks on my face didn’t diminish my smile, “And next time? If she gets sick again, will you watch her die?” Declan tried to explain, “Adeline is just unwell right now. Once she’s better, I’ll leave her for sure. Please bear with it for now, for my sake.” The jade bracelet seemed absurd to me. He appeared confused, torn between me and Adeline. I never cared for jade bracelets. What mattered to me was his promise to find the matching rings we made with candy wrappers back in college. But Adeline had already taken those rings, possibly burned or thrown them away. Who knows? I had noticeable scars on my face, but my smile remained unfazed. “What about next time? If she falls ill again, will you just let her die?” Declan tried to assure me, “Next time, I won’t let her disrupt our wedding.” “Answer me directly.” “Fiona, why are you being so confrontational? You know Adeline is ill!”

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That night, after my husband got drunk, I ended up pregnant with quadruplets. I cherished these children deeply, so I quit my job as an online content monitor to rest at home. Every night, I suffered from pregnancy-related nausea. Later, at the dinner table, he used sign language to communicate with four men. Declan glanced at me, gesturing with his hands. “A woman with wide hips is really fertile. Just one night is enough to get her pregnant with children from four different men.” “According to the bet, each of you owes me five million!” The four men clicked their tongues. “To get money for your first love’s treatment, you really went all out, didn’t you? Aren’t you afraid she’ll find out you tricked her?” Declan looked at me with eyes full of hatred. “She’s too dumb to understand sign language. Besides, if she hadn’t turned a blind eye and let those nude photos of Cora pass, would Cora have attempted suicide and ended up in a coma? I’d do anything to cure Cora!” It turns out, none of the four kids were his. But he didn’t know that I used to be a sign language researcher, and I understood their conversation. I was heartbroken and agreed to the doctor’s advice for an abortion…

“This is just the beginning. Harper is vicious and heartless. She owes us, and I’ll make her pay back, one by one.” At the dinner table, Declan put down his wine glass and smirked. His eyes burned with a cold fire, as if wanting to devour me. “You were devoted to Cora, seeing her as a bright moon, yet she ended up like this…” The man using sign language sighed deeply, looking regretful. “It’s all Harper’s fault. If she hadn’t schemed to marry me, I wouldn’t even glance at her! She separated me from my love and turned my love into a coma patient. I’ll settle these scores with her slowly!” Declan glared at me, furious. Knowing the truth made my skin crawl. I felt crushed, as if a heavy weight pressed down on me. Years ago, I loved him deeply, vowing to win him over. Declan didn’t love me, but I had secretly loved him for a long time. When he was drugged, I ignored his anger and approached him. In the dim light, he cursed me, yet pushed me down roughly. After marriage, I was truly devoted to him. I thought he truly loved me. But I never expected I could never warm his heart. … After saying these things, the men began to use sign language to mock the night they humiliated me. “That night we got your wife drunk was such a thrill. We went at it several times, trying a hundred different positions, to make her have four kids.” “When she delivers, you secretly take the baby to us… only then will you get the five million.” “But aren’t you afraid that if she finds out the truth, she’ll turn against you?” Declan remained expressionless, his tone light. “So what if she knows? She loves me to death. No matter how mad she gets, just throw her a bone and she’ll come crawling back.” In an unnoticed corner, a tear fell. Relying on my affection, Declan could say such sarcastic things about me. These past months of pregnancy, I talked to our children every night while caressing my belly. Even though I experienced morning sickness every night and my belly grew as big as a watermelon, with life-threatening risks, I insisted on keeping these children, not agreeing to the doctor’s advice for an abortion. After hearing their sign language conversation, I was heartbroken. Declan blamed me for releasing Phoebe’s nude photos at work, causing her to become a coma patient. But the person who approved it for me that day was a colleague who had already resigned. I didn’t know about it, nor did I know he hated me so much for it. In the middle of the night, I clung to the cold sink, retching, while Declan slept soundly. When the fetus moved, it felt like my uterus was being punched hard, making my lower back ache. Thinking about the origin of the child in my belly, the immense shame was overwhelming. I shakily dialed the doctor’s number and agreed to the doctor’s advice. Just as I was about to head to the hospital, Declan suddenly woke up. He stood at the bedroom door, glaring at me sinisterly. He still reeked of alcohol. “Going out in the middle of the night?” He looked down at me, his gaze dangerous and distant behind his glasses. He had beautiful, alluring eyes. When he looked down, they appeared gentle and tender. But now those eyes were filled with disdain for me. “Such a depraved woman, Harper. Who would’ve thought you’d still want to mess around while pregnant, satisfying others’ peculiar tastes. Does it really feel that good?” “Truly cheap to the core.” I looked incredulously at the man who had slept beside me for five years, my eyes reddening. The affection he once showed for me was completely gone, replaced by indifference. I didn’t want to get entangled with him, I just wanted to leave quickly. But he grabbed my hair, slamming my head against the doorframe. “You depraved woman, you used these tricks to marry me, now who are you trying to seduce?” Declan pressed my head against the post. Blood flowed from my forehead, blurring my vision. Everything went black as I fell hard to the ground. Before closing my eyes, I saw a flicker of panic on Declan’s face. In the hospital, even though my consciousness was fuzzy, I could still hear the doctor and Declan’s conversation. “Mr. Declan, are you sure you want to proceed with the plan to preserve Ms. Harper’s pregnancy? The surgery is very risky; the children might compete for nutrients with the mother, and Ms. Harper might end up paralyzed…” “Paralyzed or not, the children in her belly are important, they can save Cora’s life.” The doctor wiped his sweat. “Last time during the prenatal checkup, I saw her eyes were full of you. Is it really worth it to hurt your wife for another woman?” Declan, now sober, spoke calmly. “Cora is the love of my life. She has a bright future, and I have to help her.” “As for Harper, once she’s awake, I’ll take good care of her…” Over the years, I had to admit, the young man I secretly loved through my whole youth was actually a complete scoundrel. I never thought the love I begged for would be my death sentence. Silent tears fell as I struggled to open my eyes but was sedated with anesthesia.

After the surgery, I indeed bore the risk of the preservation plan and ended up paralyzed. I sat in a wheelchair, my legs numb. Declan knelt down, trying to comfort me. “It’s my fault, Harper, I shouldn’t have hurt you after drinking that night…” “Didn’t you always want to see the sea? Once you give birth, I’ll take you to Miami for a vacation. You must be good and have our children.” He hugged me tightly. Our chests pressed together, yet our heartbeats were out of sync. He liked to pretend to be deep, and I didn’t bother to expose him. For Phoebe, he could switch back and forth, to such an extent. I looked at the wedding photo on the bedside, in the photo, we embraced tightly, looking like a real couple. Declan kissed my lips, urging me to rest well. After I closed my eyes, he took Phoebe’s photo into the bedroom. Through the gap, I saw him pressing the girl’s photo against his burning desire, voice low and deep. “Phoebe, I really miss you, but I can’t bear to touch you.” “Phoebe, don’t mind what happened with Harper, she’s just like a freebie, offering herself, I don’t feel anything for her…” “But Phoebe, you’re so cute and pure, the bright moon in my heart, I’m afraid of making you cry with just a kiss, I could never harm you.” After he released his last bit of desire, he looked at the photo, speaking tenderly. “Don’t worry, once I get the money and cure you, we can be together…” Declan’s words felt like an invisible slap on my face. I froze, my mind blank. So, he gave me his body, but gave Phoebe his heart. He could even harm me for Phoebe, ruin me. He saw the girl as a distant, untouchable first love. But what about me? What am I? My fists clenched and unclenched, my teeth grinding. Whenever his desire flared up, I was tortured by him, night after night. As my thoughts returned, my heart ached, I could barely breathe. But I couldn’t let him succeed. Taking advantage of his absence, I once again found someone to take me to the hospital. This time, I finally managed to abort the four children. When Declan found out I had aborted the kids, he rushed to the hospital like a madman. He didn’t care about my weak body, lifting me up and gripping my neck viciously. “Harper, how could you be so heartless? You harmed Phoebe, and now you even want to hurt our kids, you’re not human!” “And what about you? Even now, you’re still trying to deceive me?” I struggled to breathe as I spoke. Upon hearing this, his face turned white and red. He paused, then angrily retorted. “Harper, what did I lie to you about?” He furrowed his brows, his eyes reddened. As if he was the biggest victim. I scoffed coldly. Staring at him intently. “Declan, I know sign language.”

With my revelation, Declan stopped pretending. To raise money for Phoebe, he took nude photos of me while I was sleeping. The man uploaded these photos online, selling them at a high price. Soon, my photos spread wildly on the internet. Everyone thought I was a depraved woman. My parents, working out of town, were so angered by the news they ended up in the hospital. Even my workplace, upon finding out, fired me. While running errands on the street, I felt the stares. “Isn’t she the one in those photos? So depraved.” “I have more photos here, five dollars each.” I couldn’t stand it anymore and finally called the police. Declan stopped pretending after I exposed him. To raise money for Phoebe, he took nude photos of me while I was asleep and sold them online for a high price. Soon, my photos were spreading wildly across the internet. Everyone thought I was a slut. When my parents, who were working far away, learned about it, they were so angry they ended up in the hospital. Even my workplace fired me after finding out. When I walked down the street, I was met with strange looks. “Isn’t she the one in those photos? So shameless.” “I have more photos here, five dollars each.” I couldn’t stand it anymore and finally called the police. The police handled the situation appropriately. In the end, Declan managed to gather enough money to cure his first love. I decided to leave and go somewhere where no one knows me. I wheeled myself back to the room, quickly packed my things, and took out the divorce agreement I had prepared. When I handed the agreement to Declan, he was a bit stunned. “Divorce?” “Harper, why are you being so unreasonable?” Lately, he frequently visited the hospital where Phoebe was and often didn’t come home at night. I stared at the ambiguous red marks on his neck, trying to suppress the bitterness in my heart. “Let’s divorce.” “I’ll let you be with Phoebe.” “Harper, are you sure you want a divorce? Who else would want a cripple like you after we’re divorced?” He said in a deep voice, almost growling. “Harper, don’t forget, you were the one who crawled into my bed and forced me to marry you. If it weren’t for you, I could’ve been happy with Cora a long time ago. Now, I’m just catching up with her, why are you so bothered?” “Get it straight, you ruined the happiness between me and her…” His voice was full of regret for love lost. I forced a smile. “Yes, so now I’m letting you both be together.” The man, pressed by my persistence, frowned deeply. “Harper, you’re really hopeless!” In the end, our deadlock ended with a deafening door slam. He never signed the divorce agreement. Four. In the middle of the night, I was sleeping soundly when I suddenly felt a chill. I opened my eyes to see Declan staring at me intently. He probably drank a lot, the overwhelming smell of alcohol was irritating. I noticed his slightly disheveled hair and reddened eyes. “Harper…” “Cora’s condition has relapsed. Just one visit to the arena could save her.” I wiped the sweat from my forehead. “Declan, do you still have a conscience? I’m already crippled, and you want my life?” Before going to sleep, I heard Declan on the phone. On the other end, a mocking voice said. “As long as you let that cripple into the arena, I’ll give you ten million.” “You know, many rich people want to see this show; we’ll definitely make a lot of money.” Lost in thought, tears streamed down Declan’s face as he knelt in front of me. “I’m sorry, forgive my selfishness, I have to cure Cora…” I suddenly put on a cold face, letting out a low laugh from deep in my throat. “No, I won’t do it!” He wiped his tears, and upon hearing my refusal, his expression changed instantly. He stared at me despicably, almost ordering with his tone. “Harper, you have no choice. You harmed Cora, this is all your debt to repay!” I suddenly panicked. While I was off guard, he used sedatives to cover my mouth and nose. When I woke up, I was already thrown into the beast arena. The circular cage, made of iron bars, reeked of a metallic smell. Looking through the bars, I saw the well-dressed rich people around. They held delicate wine glasses, gently swirling them. When they made eye contact with me, they wore an amused smile. “Today will be a good show, I hear the main character is the wife of a cuckold…” “And the highlight is, this fight was arranged by the cuckold for his lover…” Laughter surrounded me. I panted heavily, watching my surroundings warily. Suddenly, I saw Declan on the platform. His expression was unreadable; I couldn’t tell what he was feeling. “Your wife is about to be torn into pieces by beasts, don’t you feel sorry?” On the platform, Declan glanced at me with disdain. “I’ll do anything for Cora!” “And she’s in this mess because of her own sins.” My eyes stung, but I couldn’t cry anymore. I knew my situation was dangerous at this moment. With a gunshot, several large, muscular tigers and leopards were released into the cage. Before I could react, a tiger knocked me to the ground. Pain shot through me, seeing stars, as I instinctively reached for my forehead. My hand was sticky, obviously bleeding… Declan on the platform seemed stunned for a moment. But soon, he regained his composure, sneering coldly at me. “Fight it, don’t let everyone down!” To survive, I had to fight the beasts with all my strength. There were gasps from the platform. “This is the price of marrying the wrong man.” My body and mind hurt. Hurting so much I couldn’t breathe. “Release two more beasts.” The rich people’s eyes sparkled with excitement, seemingly eager for a more bloody scene. I don’t remember how this farce ended. Just before I passed out, I heard Declan’s voice from the stands, his eyes red. He shook the lead man beside him vigorously. “Bro, if this goes on, she might die…” “Let’s not cause a death…” In the end, a young-looking man saved me. Everyone respectfully called him Mr. Six. Looking at him, I felt he looked familiar. In the weak light, I felt dizzy and fell heavily. Before closing my eyes, I heard many sounds. There were noisy voices, ambulance sirens, and Declan calling out to me. Before Declan could reach me, a stranger picked me up and took me away from the scene… Five. Since I was rescued, Declan never saw me again. He finally got a lot of money and saved Phoebe. But Phoebe decisively abandoned him and got together with someone else. My colleagues also clarified the situation about me supposedly leaking Phoebe’s photos. Declan returned home in despair, coming to my room. He trembled as he approached the table, picking up my things, gently caressing them. He found a yellowed photo in the desk, touching my face in the photo, tears welled up in his eyes. This photo, he took it. When he flipped through my notebook, he realized I had known the truth all along. The notebook was filled with my hatred. “The man I loved for five years conspired with others to humiliate me, it hurts so much, he probably never loved me…” “I hate him so much…” But flipping back, it was all about my love for him. “Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, Declan said fruit-flavored mooncakes are delicious, I can make them for him…” “March 2nd, he was terribly drunk, I felt so sorry for him…” “Declan is a good person, he helped me over and over… I think, no matter what happens in the future, I won’t regret meeting him…” Reading this, his tears soaked the paper… He never imagined that my evaluation of him in my heart was so high. Compared to Phoebe, I was the one who truly loved him the most. So, when Declan was drunk, nostalgia overwhelmed him. Before, whenever he got drunk, I would prepare hangover soup for him and take care of him around the clock. But now, he was the only lonely figure at home. Using all his strength, he dialed my number, only to find it was disconnected… He frantically searched for me on social media, only to discover he had long been blocked by me. Now, he finally realized I had the courage to leave him. A tear rolled down his cheek. He murmured to himself. “I’m sorry, I misunderstood you, I hurt you.” “Harper, come back…”

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Wedding anniversary, my husband gifted me a necklace he designed, claiming it symbolized our unique love. But there was a curly hair stuck on the chain. He pretended to be annoyed: “The store clerk was careless, leaving a strand of hair.” However, he didn’t know that I had already seen this necklace in his assistant’s Snapchat two days before. [She wore it for two days and got bored. Just to acknowledge his effort, she posted a picture to praise him.] She even set it so that only I could see it. I pushed away his hand as he tried to help me put it on and casually tossed the necklace into the trash. Asher’s face turned dramatically. “You don’t appreciate my gift at all. Seems like I shouldn’t bother giving you anything in the future.” No problem, I’ll buy my own gifts from now on. But a man who cheats on me, I won’t keep. 0 After confirming tomorrow’s abortion with the nurse over the phone, I turned and walked into the restaurant. “The hospital just informed me about a check-up.” I explained to Asher nonchalantly: “Where were we?” The man across from me stared coldly. “Eloise, are you really going to ruin our fifth wedding anniversary over a hair?” The necklace he picked up again, with its sparkling bowtie, reflected the restaurant lights, stabbing my eyes from this angle. “Asher, you forgot I really hate butterflies?” His anger was first replaced by confusion, followed by embarrassment and awkwardness. Everyone who knows me knows I hate butterflies. My dad, who was my only family at that time, died falling off a cliff while trying to take a picture of a rare butterfly for me. Since then, I can’t stand anything related to butterflies. Asher used to be more attentive to this than anyone else. Even when we went to a department store, he would scout ahead to avoid bowtie products. I didn’t expect him to forget all about this. He awkwardly touched his nose: “I just thought the pattern suited you and forgot about your dislike.” “Eloise, you’re too sentimental, holding on to the past.” I laughed at myself; indeed, too sentimental. I almost forgot this necklace wasn’t meant for me. Imogen got tired of wearing it, and only then did I have the chance to receive this second-hand item. Do I have any right to be picky? I dodged the question: “You’re right, it’s time to let go.” Seeing my mocking expression, a strange look crossed his face, but before he could think more, his phone alerted him to a new message. Seeing how anxious he was, I didn’t need to ask to know it was from Imogen. He replied with a voice message in seconds: “Got it, I’m coming now.” I looked up at his anxious face. Before he could speak, I said calmly: “Is it work requiring overtime? Go ahead.” He immediately put on his coat, kissing my forehead as he left. “Sorry, it’s really urgent at the office. I’ll make it up to you with a romantic celebration on your birthday.” “Thank you, honey, you’re so considerate. I love you.” I quietly watched his hurried back. The man who accused me of ruining our anniversary couldn’t even wait for the meal before leaving. He was in such a rush he left his phone on the table. I lit up the phone to see Imogen’s message: “Red wine steak on the table, I’m in bed, waiting for you.” It was obvious Imogen did this on purpose. She’s Asher’s assistant and must know tonight is our anniversary. This blatant provocation used to make me cry, fearing losing Asher. But now, I feel nothing. Whoever wants this trash of a man can have him. I asked the waiter to dump all the dishes and handed the necklace to a begging woman on the street as I left. She gratefully bowed to me repeatedly. Back home, I dialed Gideon’s number: “Senior, about the scriptwriting job you mentioned last time, I’ve decided to join.” “That’s great, Eloise! Professor Griffin always said you were the best filmmaker. It’s a shame Asher ‘privatized’ you. When you decided to be a housewife, Professor Griffin even cried.” “Please tell Professor Griffin, Eloise took a detour, but Eloise is coming back.” 0

Asher returned home to get his phone, telling me the project needed an all-nighter revision and I should sleep without waiting for him. I pretended not to notice the red marks on his neck and nodded indifferently, continuing to revise the script for the upcoming shoot. He glanced swiftly at it, clicking his tongue with disdain. “You’ve been out of the film industry for so long. Looking at these again is pointless.” I rolled my eyes silently. Ever since becoming a housewife, Asher’s appreciation for my artistic pursuits turned into sarcasm. Seeing my displeasure, he softened his tone. “It’s my fault for not spending enough time with you. That’s why you’re bored and keep flipping through these old things.” He suddenly draped his arm over my shoulder, reaching for my shirt button. “Eloise, let’s have a child. Having a kid with you is better than being idle all day.” He leaned behind me, his breath heavy. I could smell Imogen’s perfume on him. The strong sandalwood scent made me nauseous. I didn’t want to touch him at all. Fresh from her bed, now wanting intimacy with me. Doesn’t he find it repulsive? I excused myself to the bathroom, brushing off his hand, locking the door behind me. Disgust overwhelmed me like a tide. I used to want children so desperately, clinging to him every night to have one. He said he didn’t like kids, so he refused. Now, the child I’m carrying, I got pregnant only by faking taking birth control. I originally planned to reveal it after three months, betting he’d soften and keep the baby. But during a prenatal checkup, I saw him accompanying Imogen for her checkup; she was three weeks ahead of me. Watching him carefully protect Imogen, I realized he didn’t dislike kids, just didn’t want them with me. My heart went cold at that moment, and I immediately switched my registration to schedule an abortion. Now Asher wants a child with me only because he feels guilty about his betrayal, thinking a child would make up for it. I wonder if he’ll break down when he finds out I’d rather have an abortion than have his child. When I emerged from the bathroom, he had already taken a call and left quickly. I was glad for the peace, closing the door and getting a good night’s sleep. The next day, I went to the hospital early. As the cold anesthetic entered my body, tears fell uncontrollably. I’m sorry, baby, I once hoped for you to come, and now I’m sending you away. But I know you’d support my decision. The procedure was over quickly, and when I opened my eyes again, the nurse told me I could go home. “Ma’am, are you alone? Do you want me to call your husband to pick you up?” I shook my head, leaning against the wall to slowly leave. Behind me, I could still faintly hear the nurses gossiping. “So pitiful, her man didn’t show up.” “Love-struck fool. Hospitals can’t cure that.” I smiled wryly to myself; they weren’t wrong. My brain was waterlogged with love for Asher. Now, this is the price I pay. At the hospital entrance, I bumped into a couple. As I struggled to get up, our eyes met. Across from me, Asher was supporting Imogen, looking at me in panic. 0

“Honey, what are you doing at the maternity ward?” I coughed lightly, brushing it off: “Just picking up a test report.” “What about you guys?” My gaze fell on Imogen’s slightly bulging belly, waiting curiously for their explanation. “Imogen’s boyfriend is on a business trip, so he asked me to accompany her for a checkup.” Asher answered hastily, while Imogen cast him a resentful look. I didn’t expose the lie, just responded with a nonchalant “oh.” Suddenly, a loud cry erupted behind us. A pregnant woman, crazed, was charging through the crowd. “Compensation! Heartless hospital, give me back my child!” “It’s a medical dispute, clear the area!” someone shouted. But the hospital was crowded, and she was strong; we didn’t have time to evade. As she was about to crash into Imogen and me, Asher clung tightly to Imogen, shielding her in his arms. Because of my frail body, the force of her collision sent me sprawling to the ground. “So painful…” I clutched my stomach, waves of pain radiating from my abdomen, blood flowing from between my legs. The surrounding people screamed in alarm: “Someone’s bleeding! Someone’s bleeding! Doctor, hurry!” Asher let go of Imogen and rushed over. Seeing my blood, panic flooded his eyes: “Honey, does it hurt? I’ll take you to emergency now.” I was in too much pain to speak, reaching out for him to lift me. “Oh my God, Imogen, it hurts so much, where are you, honey?” Hearing Imogen’s cries, his attention instantly shifted to her. He didn’t even have time to explain why she called him “honey” before instinctively letting go of my hand and running to her. Imogen had scraped her hand on a nearby stone, a small cut bleeding slightly. “It hurts so much, I’m dying, Asher, I’m so scared.” She sobbed in his arms, her pitiful look tugging at his heart as he gently patted her back to comfort her. “It’s okay, I’m here. I’ll take you to the emergency room right away.” He gritted his teeth, lifting her in his arms, heading straight for the emergency room. Only then did he remember I was still sitting where I fell, looking guilty as he said to me: “Imogen’s so spoiled, cries all day over a little scratch, and being pregnant, she’s more urgent. I’ll take care of her first.” “The emergency room is just a few steps away; walk slowly and endure it for a bit.” “I’ll come back to the emergency room for you after I take her to the maternity ward.” She lay sobbing on Asher’s chest, her vulnerable appearance tugging at his heartstrings. He gently patted her back, trying to soothe her. “Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll get you to the emergency room right away.” With a determined look, he picked her up and rushed to the emergency room. Only when he was leaving did he remember I was still sitting there. With a guilty expression, he said to me, “Imogen is very sensitive. Even the smallest scratch makes her cry all day, and she’s pregnant, so she needs immediate attention. I’ll take care of her first.” “The emergency room is just a short walk away. You can take your time and hang in there.” “I’ll come back for you after I take her to the maternity ward.” I was in such pain that I had to keep my eyes shut. I couldn’t even move my legs, and my lower abdomen felt unbearably heavy. Luckily, since the incident happened right at the hospital entrance, two medical staff carried me on a stretcher to the emergency room immediately. After the surgery and fall, the doctor advised me to stay in the hospital for a couple of days to rest. As the nurse was transferring me to the ward, I overheard a conversation between the nurses. “That pregnant woman had just a small scratch, and her husband made such a scene, rushing her to the emergency room and even kneeling to beg the doctor. It was like something out of a TV drama!” “That’s love for you. A good man like that is hard to find.” I smiled to myself, feeling the irony of it all. A man who leaves his seriously injured wife but kneels for a mistress with a minor scratch is indeed a rare find. Asher and Imogen were becoming more and more repulsive to me. I’ve never felt such a strong urge to leave. 04 After settling into the ward, I turned on my phone and saw Imogen’s Snapchat. There was Asher, wearing an apron and bending over to make chicken soup for her, something he never did for me. Her caption read, “Have you ever tasted his love-filled chicken soup?” It was another post visible only to me, Imogen’s declaration of war was clear. I didn’t respond, just informed the doctor that no family would be visiting, and I could sign any paperwork myself. After all, Asher had probably forgotten all about picking me up. When Imogen saw I wasn’t reacting, she couldn’t resist sending me a private message to taunt me. First, a photo of Asher massaging her feet, then a video of the two whispering intimately, all too unbearable to watch. “He wanted me so many times, my back is sore.” “During it, he kept making me call him something like ‘daddy,’ saying the baby and I are both his precious ones.” Fed up with the harassment, I turned off my phone. After three days in the hospital, I decided to go home. I had discussed with Gideon that to save costs and speed up progress, we would head out to the wilderness for shooting the next day. He was in charge of buying tickets and notifying the crew, while I would go home and pack. When I got home, I found Asher there too. I was puzzled why he wasn’t at Imogen’s place, but he spoke first. “Even if I didn’t pick you up from the hospital that day, there’s no need to turn off your phone for three days and throw a tantrum, right?” I remembered I turned off my phone to avoid seeing their explicit videos, so I answered coldly, “The phone was out of battery.” “Imogen is timid and pampered. Her family and friends aren’t in River City, so I felt sorry for her and helped her first. You’re in your thirties and still jealous of a young girl? Eloise, aren’t you being childish?” “After my dad died, I have no other relatives or friends in this world.” My tone was calm, but his face turned stiff. My dad and I depended on each other. Since he passed away, Asher was the only family I had left. “Eloise, I’m sorry, I forgot. It’s my fault. Are your knees better now?” This jerk only had eyes for Imogen. He even remembered my injury wrong. Tired of his insincere words, I went straight into the room to pack my luggage. He followed, hugging me from behind. “Today is your birthday, and I want to celebrate it with you.” “Imogen said she wants to come and help celebrate too, and apologize. I booked the most popular Michelin restaurant. Let’s have a good meal tonight.” “Wife, you’ll always be the most important person to me.” He kept murmuring sweet nothings in my ear, but I was already beyond caring. Asher was so caught up in his act that he almost believed it himself, his eyes glistening with tears. As the audience, all I felt was profound embarrassment, remembering he could make the same solemn promises to two women. I plugged my original phone in to charge and immediately saw over a hundred missed calls from him and a message from Imogen. “Sis, you must come to dinner tonight. I’ve prepared a big gift for you.” It seemed Imogen planned to confront me tonight, but she wouldn’t get the chance. Still, I was curious about Asher’s reaction. I smirked and handed him a manila envelope. “Sure, I have a gift for you too. Open it at the dinner.” He took the envelope, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes as he frowned. “A gift? You don’t work and have no money. What could you possibly give me?” “It’s definitely a surprise. You’ll see when you open it.” At six in the evening, I was at the airport gate, admiring the sunset through the window. The plane would take off in 30 minutes. Asher sent a video call request. “Wife, I’m here. Did you leave yet? Wait, why are you at the airport?” He was in a new suit and had his hair styled, perfect for the upcoming surprise. “Don’t ask yet, just open the gift I gave you.” “This is… a divorce agreement? Wife, is this a joke? Don’t be silly!” Asher’s face was full of panic, his hand holding the divorce agreement trembling. “Shh, I’m not joking, be patient, Asher. There’s more to the surprise.” At this moment, the restaurant waiter brought over a stack of photos just as I’d arranged earlier. Asher, full of doubt, began to flip through them. With each one, his expression grew darker. He probably never imagined that the intimate scenes in the car would be captured on the dashcam and printed out for him to see. The photos scattered helplessly on the floor as he mumbled, “I can explain…” “No need, Asher. You know exactly what you’ve done. Our marriage is over. Starting today, after two years of separation, the divorce agreement will take effect.” “Just focus on being a good dad.”

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On my wedding day, it was exposed that I was tied to the murder of my fiancé’s father. He publicly called off the wedding and placed the ring on my cousin’s finger. I walked down the aisle, scorned by everyone. The hundred billion CEO gave a villa as a dowry to marry me in public, blocking everyone’s mouth. Deeply moved, I accepted. Three years later, I joyfully brought my ultrasound report to his office, only to overhear him talking with his close friend Jude and my cousin. “Are you two betting on whose child it will be? I can’t wait to see her reaction.” It turned out I was just a pawn in their game. Wiping away my tears, I called his business rival, “I have something you want and a million-dollar deal. Interested?” Laughter filled the office, chilling me to the core. “Finn really spoils me. The murder accusation was your doing. She always wanted to have a child with you, not knowing you swapped her fertility pills for birth control.” “If I weren’t curious about whose child it would be, she wouldn’t even have a chance to be a mother.” Finn adjusted his glasses, “Both have a 50% chance of winning. Maybe we should bet on who wins. The loser has to buy at least three villas on the most expensive land for Cora.” Concerned about their pride, they agreed. Cora toyed with my private photos, sitting on the desk, laughing. “I took these photos on the spot, can’t wait to see her face when she finds out the truth.” Finn placed his glasses on the desk with a touch of malice. “No one lets her know!” Cora, with a hint of jealousy, said, “Finn, feeling sorry for her?” “Not quite, just afraid she’ll abort once she knows, making the bet pointless,” Finn replied, engrossed in his papers. The photos annoyed him, so he tossed them precisely outside the door. Quickly, I grabbed the photos and walked out. Everyone’s gaze felt like I was exposed. Back home, I downed a glass of strong liquor. The fiery taste hit my stomach, and tears streamed down. The words from the office replayed in my mind. The day before the wedding, I received an anonymous package. The text and photos exposed my father as a murderer, with the victim being my fiancé’s father. After seeing it, he hugged me and said, “Let’s not let the previous generation’s matters affect us.” But at the wedding, the screen showed the text and photos. His abandonment turned me into an outcast. Finn appeared, offering a villa’s deed as a dowry to marry me, silencing everyone. He claimed he loved me and would never marry another if he couldn’t marry me. His determined gaze moved me. Now, I realize it was all part of their game. No wonder, on the wedding day, Cora looked at me with that strange smile. She mocked my foolishness, proud to have me as her plaything. I once endured bitter medicine hoping for his child. Every night, he handed me milk, and I drank it, unaware of the switch. These three years of companionship were just Finn’s act to gain my trust. Familiar perfume enveloped me from behind, a hand resting on my belly. “I heard you went to the hospital today. Are you pregnant?” Holding the glass I drank from, he said, “If you are, you shouldn’t drink.” Seeing my red eyes, he asked, “Who made my beloved wife cry? I’ll teach them a lesson.” He wiped my tears carelessly. He then asked the maid to remove all the alcohol, telling me to punish anyone I disliked. I shook my head; they were innocent. But he had the maid taken to feed the tigers.

I tried to stop it, but he took me to see it firsthand. “She failed to watch you and let you near alcohol, she deserves it.” His words decided life and death. The bloody scene made me nauseous, and I rushed to the restroom. He looked at me with genuine concern, a stark contrast to his office demeanor. “Let’s go to the hospital. Seeing you like this, I feel bad too.” I stared at his seemingly deep affection and nodded. At the hospital, Cora and Jude were at the obstetrics entrance. The next second, he told the doctor to perform amniocentesis. I realized their intention. The doctor, shocked, said, “The child is just forming, anesthesia can’t be used, it will harm the mother.” “Do it anyway,” his words pushed me into despair. As he approached, I hoped for support. Instead, he reassured, “It’s just to check the child’s health.” I almost applauded his acting skills. Inside, I heard him eagerly tell the doctor, “Check our DNA too.” Outside, people whispered, “No wonder she came for DNA so early. She must’ve done something shameful.” “No anesthesia, it’s definitely not her husband’s child.” The doctor’s demeanor changed to rough indifference. Enduring pain, I slowly exited. The doctor said the report would take a week. Finn wanted to carry me to the car, but Cora left without looking back. Jude followed her, and Finn tossed me aside to chase Cora. Clutching my belly, I struggled to the hospital entrance, blocked by passersby. “How much for a night? Pregnant women must be fun.” “She’s free!” I boarded the waiting car, enduring the insults. Returning home, I found my beloved dog dead in the rain. I ran to hold it. In the distance, I saw Finn bandaging Cora’s wound. After hearing from his men, he glanced at me before returning to Cora. He brought her over, looking down at me. “That mad dog bit Cora, so it’s silenced.” Red-eyed, I said, “It’s always been gentle, never bitten anyone.” Cora weakly caressed her bitten hand, “Nora, are you accusing me of falsely blaming the dog?” “I don’t even know if I should get a rabies vaccine.” Finn waved, and the dog was thrown into the trash. I screamed, “No.” “Nora, it’s just a dog. If you want, I’ll have someone buy another.” Then he left with Cora. The dog was a birthday gift from my parents. I’d told him. Now, because of Cora, it could never accompany me again. I ignored them, retrieving the dog from the trash, giving it a proper burial in the rain.

Inside, I saw his forgotten phone on the table. Ignoring my wet clothes, I unlocked it with Cora’s birthday. Their sweet wallpaper stung my heart. In Snapchat, a pinned chat caught my eye. I clicked it. The screen was filled with their conversations about me. The man I was to marry caught Cora’s eye. Unable to take him openly, she used underhanded means. My fiancé’s father was indeed murdered. But evidence was fabricated to frame my family, leaving my father restless in his grave. Further down, I saw videos of my intimacy in Cora’s hands, and Finn’s message crushed me. “She’s not as good as you. You know how to please.” Cora: “Then come over tonight. It’s your good brother’s turn there.” I pressed on, anger fueling me, ignoring the cold. Two days ago, I learned they long targeted my dog. Cora: “Your dog always barks at me. I’m scared.” Finn: “Come here, then I have a reason to deal with it.” I never imagined those words came from him. Seeing the chat album made my blood freeze. He once urgently needed a necklace for his younger cousin. I agreed, except for my most cherished one. He said, “Wife, you’re so kind. She’s lucky to have a sister-in-law like you.” Now, the necklace hung intact around Cora’s neck. Disbelieving, I checked the cabinet. It was gone. It was my mother’s gift for my 18th birthday. Staring at the photo, Cora’s arm bore a scar similar to mine. I knew her well, she never had scars. Before, we were the closest of cousins. I shared everything with her. After telling her about saving a bloodied Chinese in the Boundless Country, she distanced herself. Busy with work, I didn’t investigate. When we met again, she was Finn’s sworn sister, harboring hatred for me. I finally understood, “So that’s it.” Finn never knew my arm bore a scar, hidden with foundation. Checking the time, I guessed he’d soon return for his phone. I called his business rival. I used to be closest to my cousin, sharing everything with her first. But ever since I told her I saved an injured person in the Boundless Country, she grew distant. Busy with work, I didn’t look into it, and when I saw her again, she had become Finn’s adopted sister, looking at me with deep resentment. I instantly understood, “So that’s how it is.” Finn never knew about the scar on my arm, concealed with foundation. I glanced at the time, knowing he’d soon return for his phone. I dialed his business rival. “I can give you what you want and a million-dollar deal. Are you interested?” “What’s the catch?” “Kidnap me the day after tomorrow.” I gently touched my belly, “Finn will willingly pay for it.” Just as I put the phone down, he walked in, glaring at the phone. He hated anyone messing with his belongings. His demeanor was hostile as he looked at me, “You know everything?” I feigned ignorance, “What should I know?” Finn, seeing my soaked clothes, urged me to change. He didn’t forget to mention he had just taken Cora for a rabies vaccine. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I pulled at my skin, unable to smile. Messages on the phone replayed in my mind. I scrubbed myself clean, washing for an entire hour. Just as I came out dressed, I ran into Finn heading in. “I was worried you’d faint since you were in there so long.” “You’re not alone now, you’re two people. Don’t be reckless next time.” Before I could respond, he left in a hurry with his men. I started preparing the divorce agreement and recording.

I went out to the garden for some air, only to be dragged down by Cora. “How dare you treat me like this? I’m carrying Finn’s child.” She sat on the swing, looking down at me provocatively. “I had a friend rush the report; I’ll tell you first.” “The child could be anyone’s but definitely not Finn’s.” Hearing the known truth again pierced my heart. My eyes reddened, glaring at her. “The child I’m carrying is definitely Finn’s! If he knew, he wouldn’t spare you.” Cora laughed, crushing my face. “They’re betting on whose child it is in your belly. The loser has to buy me a villa.” “Turns out the child isn’t theirs but someone else’s.” I wanted to argue, but Jude walked over and pinched Cora’s waist. In my shocked gaze, he picked her up onto the swing, kissing her deeply. “To tell you the truth, when it was my turn, I found a beggar.” “Even a beggar can be with you. If not a bus, then what?” “Who knows whose child is in your belly!” While I was stunned, Jude kicked me, and two voices shouted simultaneously. Cora fell off the swing, and I looked on, confused. Finn had returned at some point, rushing to her side to help her up. “Are you okay? How could you be so careless?” Cora tearfully accused me. “Nora tampered with the swing, causing me to fall.” “Yes, and she also said the child is a bastard, isn’t that insulting you?” Jude quickly added. “Do you dare claim this child is yours?” I glared at Finn, eyes red. “` Feeling guilty under my gaze, he stammered, “It’s not mine! Then whose is it?” “This isn’t an excuse for you to hurt Cora!”

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I grew up alongside Asher, the grandson of Los Angeles’ wealthiest man. Over the course of ten years, I transformed from his doting sister to his undisclosed lover, ultimately becoming the least troublesome among the myriad women surrounding him. Everyone knew I loved him until the day his idealized love returned from abroad. For her, he dismissed all the other women around him, including me. The night I left, he and his friends laughed uproariously. But later, they all said Asher had gone mad. When I got up from bed, Asher was still asleep. The floor was a mess, and my thigh-high stockings were beyond repair. But I had a meeting at the company this morning. I clicked my tongue, rubbed my sore lower back, and rummaged through the drawer. I was sure I had left a pair there last time, but I couldn’t find them. Just then, a whistle sounded behind me, and Asher’s voice was filled with playful teasing. “Hey, Sis, still got that great figure.” I ignored him. “Where are my socks?” He frowned, thinking about it casually, “I think Sasha or Lily from State University took them last time?” “Can’t remember.” I paused my search. Even though it wasn’t the first time I’d heard him say something like that, my heart ached slightly, tinged with self-mockery. After all these years, haven’t I learned yet? I was never special to him. I sighed deeply and stood up to get dressed. But Asher patted the space beside him, like a lazy big cat, heavily implying. “Why are you leaving so early, Sis?” “I have a morning meeting at the company.” He glanced at me and clicked his tongue, “Is it for that piece of land again? Why work so hard? Stay with me this morning. That land will be yours.”

By the time I got to the company, it was already afternoon. My whole body ached, and as soon as I sat down, Dad called, full of praise. “Mimi, you got that piece of land. Well done this time. Stick with Asher, your brother will need you.” I held the phone, looking at the reflection of a twenty-six-year-old woman in the mirror, full of self-mockery. “Dad, I’m not young anymore. There are plenty of eighteen or nineteen-year-old girls around Asher. How do you think I can keep him?” Dad’s voice noticeably paused. “Besides, this is probably the last time Asher takes care of you.” “Why?” The voice on the other end became tense, “Mabel, did you offend him? Apologize quickly! Your brother…” I gripped the phone tightly. My so-called family was so greedy. In their eyes, as long as I slept with Asher, I could bring resources to the family. I could be anything, but not a person. The overwhelming humiliation finally made my tears fall uncontrollably. “Because Nora is coming back.” I didn’t want to say more and hung up the phone. Outside, the secretary knocked cautiously. “Miss Jiang, the gift you requested is ready. Do you want to take a look?” I wiped away my tears, signaling her to bring it in. The watch in the box was beautiful and expensive. A Vacheron Constantin Flying Dutchman. Just like me, a Flying Dutchman that could never find land.

This was the relationship between Asher and me. You could call it a romance or a transaction of interests. I was probably the most obedient woman around him. After all, my dad needed his family. Since high school, I’ve been constantly reminded, “Take good care of the young master of the Asher family.” I carried his backpack, did his homework, and cleaned up his messes. He went from rejecting me and ordering me around to later secretly beating up an older guy who harassed me. I thought I was special. I watched him grow into a handsome and charming young man. Watched as countless beautiful girls surrounded him. Watched him, even after hanging out with one or several of them the day before, proudly drape his arm over my shoulder the next day. “Remember, this is my sister.” His hand was so warm it almost burned me. I watched as my heart sank, yet I had to hide it carefully. Until that night when he got drunk and called me to pick him up. It was hard to get the drunk cat home, and just as I was about to leave, he reached out and grabbed me. He squinted, half-awake, looking at me with deep affection. “Mimi.” When his kiss landed, I didn’t push him away. No confession, no flowers, just pain. But I savored it. I didn’t expect that the next morning, when Asher woke up, he looked at me with such disdain. “Mabel, you really are…” Really what? I sat up in confusion, not even having time to feel shy as Asher went straight to shower, change, and leave. The door slammed with a loud “bang,” and he didn’t even glance at me. I sat on the bed for a long time, not knowing what I had done wrong. Later, I found out. The day before, my dad begged him to invest in our family’s struggling company. Much later, I learned that he was calling out for Nora. He didn’t love me. That bit of girlish affection died before it even started. From then on, he only called me sister. As if it was a kind of exclusive humiliation from him.

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Wedding anniversary, my husband gave me a necklace he designed himself, saying it represents a unique love. But on the chain, there was an obvious curly hair. He pretended to be angry: “The store clerk who packed it was too careless and left their hair.” However, he didn’t know that I had already seen this necklace in his assistant’s Facebook two days earlier. [Worn it for two days, already bored. But since he put thought into it, I’ll post a photo to praise him.] She thoughtfully set it to be visible only to me. I pushed away his hand trying to put it on me and casually tossed the necklace into the trash. Nolan’s face changed dramatically. “You don’t cherish the gifts I give you at all. I guess I don’t need to give you any in the future.” That’s fine. I’ll buy my own gifts from now on. But a man who betrays me, I will never want again. 0 After confirming tomorrow’s abortion procedure with the nurse over the phone, I turned and walked into the restaurant. “The hospital just notified me to go for a check-up,” I explained casually to Nolan, “What were we just talking about?” He stared at me coldly. “Adeline, are you sure you want to ruin our five-year wedding anniversary over a hair?” The necklace he picked back up had a diamond-encrusted butterfly reflecting the restaurant lights, just the right angle to sting my eyes. “Nolan, don’t you remember I hate butterflies?” His anger was replaced by confusion, followed by awkward embarrassment. Everyone who knows me knows I hate butterflies. Years ago, my dad, who was my only family, fell off a cliff and died instantly trying to take a picture of a rare butterfly for me. Since then, I couldn’t stand anything related to butterflies. Nolan used to be more mindful of this than anyone. Even when we went shopping, he would scout ahead to avoid sections selling butterfly-themed items. I can’t believe he forgot about this. He awkwardly touched his nose: “I just thought the design suited you and forgot about your taboo for a moment.” “Adeline, holding onto the past, you’re being too sensitive.” I laughed at myself, indeed being too sensitive. I almost forgot this necklace wasn’t originally meant for me. It was only after Fiona got bored with it that I had the chance to receive this secondhand item. What right do I have to be picky? I replied off-topic: “You’re right, it’s time to let go.” Seeing my sarcastic expression, a strange look flashed across his face, but before he could think more, his phone alerted him to a new message. Judging by his nervousness, it was undoubtedly from Fiona. He replied instantly: “Got it, I’m on my way.” I looked up at his anxious face and spoke calmly before he could: “Is it urgent work requiring overtime? You should go.” He immediately put on his coat, kissed my forehead before leaving. “Sorry, the company’s situation is urgent. I’ll make it up to you with a more romantic celebration on your birthday.” “Thank you, honey, you’re so understanding. I love you.” I silently watched his hurried departing figure. The man who accused me of ruining our anniversary couldn’t even wait for the dishes to arrive before leaving. He was in such a rush he left his phone on the table. I lit up the screen to see Fiona’s message: “Wine and steak are on the table, I’m in bed, waiting for you.” It’s obvious Fiona did it on purpose. As Nolan’s assistant, she must know tonight is our anniversary. Such blatant provocation would have previously made me cry, afraid of losing Nolan. But now, I’m indifferent. Whoever wants such trash of a man can have him. I had the waiter dispose of all the dishes, and as I left, I gave the necklace to a beggar woman on the street. She smiled gratefully. Back home, I called Wesley: “Senior, about the screenwriting position you mentioned last time, I’ve decided to join.” “That’s great, Adeline! Professor used to say you were the most talented filmmaker, but it was a shame Nolan ‘privatized’ you. When you decided to be a housewife, Professor even cried.” “Please tell Professor, Adeline took a detour, but she’s coming back.” 0

Nolan returned home to retrieve his phone, telling me the project required an all-nighter to revise the plan and advising me to sleep without waiting for him. I pretended not to notice the red mark on his neck, casually nodded, and returned to editing the screenplay soon to be filmed. He leaned over for a quick glance and clicked his tongue, full of disdain. “You’ve been out of the movie industry for so long, looking at these scripts is just pretending to love them.” Without a word, I rolled my eyes. Since becoming a housewife, Nolan’s appreciation for my artistic pursuits turned into sarcasm. Seeing my displeasure, he softened his tone. “It’s my fault for not spending enough time with you, leaving you bored to dig through these old things.” He suddenly draped his arm over my shoulder, his hand reaching for my blouse buttons. “Adeline, let’s have a baby. Having a child with you would be better than doing nothing all day.” He leaned against me, his breath heavy. I smelled Fiona’s perfume on him, the incense too strong, making me nauseous. I didn’t want any physical contact with him. He just got out of her bed and now wants intimacy with me. Doesn’t he find it disgusting? I excused myself to the bathroom, pushing his hand away and locking the door behind me. Waves of disgust surged within me. I used to desperately want children, clinging to him every night for one. He said he didn’t like kids and refused. The child in my womb now was conceived after I lied about taking birth control. I planned to reveal it after three months, betting he’d soften and keep the baby. But when I went for a solo check-up, I saw him accompanying Fiona for hers. She was three weeks ahead of me in pregnancy. Seeing how carefully he protected Fiona, I realized he didn’t dislike kids, just the ones I bore. My heart turned cold at that moment, and I immediately changed my registration to schedule an abortion. Now Nolan wants to have a baby with me only because he feels guilty for betraying me, thinking a child could compensate. I wonder if Nolan will be crushed when he finds out I’d rather abort than bear his child. When I emerged from the bathroom, he’d already taken a call and left quickly. I enjoyed the peace, closed the door, and had a good night’s sleep. The next day, I reported to the hospital early. As the cold anesthetic entered my body, I couldn’t help but shed tears. I’m sorry, baby, I once longed for you, but now I have to let you go. But I know you’d support my decision. The procedure was done quickly. When I opened my eyes again, the nurse informed me I could go home. “Ma’am, are you alone? Do you need to call your husband to pick you up?” I shook my head, leaning against the wall as I slowly left. I could still faintly hear the nurses chatting behind me. “So pitiful, her man didn’t show up at all.” “Hopelessly lovesick, even the hospital can’t cure that.” I laughed at myself. They were right; I loved Nolan so much it clouded my judgment. Now, this is the price I pay. At the hospital entrance, I bumped into a couple. As I struggled to stand, the three of us locked eyes. Across from me, Nolan was holding Fiona, looking at me in panic. 0

“Honey, what are you doing in gynecology?” I cleared my throat, brushing it off: “Just picking up a check-up report.” “What about you two?” My gaze fell on Fiona’s slightly swollen belly, waiting for their explanation with interest. “Fiona’s boyfriend is on a business trip and asked me to accompany her for a check-up.” Nolan answered first, while Fiona gave him a resentful look. I didn’t expose them, just responded indifferently. Suddenly, a pregnant woman started screaming, charging through the crowd like a madwoman. “Compensate me! This unscrupulous hospital owes me my child!” “It’s a disturbance, clear the crowd!” a man shouted. But the hospital was crowded, and she was strong. We couldn’t dodge in time. As she was about to knock me and Fiona over, Nolan clung tightly to Fiona, shielding her in his embrace. I was too weak, and her impact threw me hard onto the ground. “It hurts…” I clutched my stomach, pain surging from my abdomen, and bright red blood flowed down my legs. The surrounding people gasped: “Someone’s bleeding! Get a doctor!” Nolan let go of Fiona and rushed over. Seeing my blood, a panic flashed in his eyes: “Honey, does it hurt? I’ll take you to the emergency room now.” I was in too much pain to speak, reaching out to him, hoping he’d carry me. “Oh my God, Fiona, it hurts so much, honey, where are you?” Hearing Fiona’s cries, his attention immediately shifted to her. Without explaining her calling him “honey,” he instinctively let go of my hand and ran to her. Fiona had scraped her hand on a nearby stone, a small wound bleeding slightly. “It hurts, I’m dying, Nolan, I’m so scared.” She whimpered in his arms, her pitiful demeanor making him feel distressed, gently patting her back to comfort her. “Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll take you to the emergency room now.” He gritted his teeth, picked her up, and headed straight for the emergency room. Only then did he remember I was still sitting there, looking guilty as he said, “Fiona is pampered, a small scratch makes her cry all day. Being a pregnant woman, she’s more urgent. I’ll take care of her first.” “The emergency room is just a few steps away. Walk slowly yourself, hold on.” “After I take her to the maternity ward, I’ll come back to the emergency room for you.” She lay on Nolan, softly sobbing. Seeing her like this tugged at his heart, and he gently patted her back to comfort her. “Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll take you to the emergency room right away.” He steeled himself, lifted her in his arms, and hurried to the emergency room. As he was leaving, he remembered I was still sitting there and looked at me with guilt. “Fiona is coddled. Even a small scratch makes her cry all day. Plus, she’s pregnant, so it’s more urgent. I’ll take care of her first.” “The emergency room is just a few steps away. You can walk slowly and hang in there.” “I’ll come back to the emergency room to find you after I take her to the maternity ward.” I closed my eyes tightly in pain, unable to move my legs. My lower abdomen felt unbearably heavy. Luckily, the incident happened at the hospital entrance, and two medical staff carried a stretcher to take me into the emergency room immediately. Because I had just undergone surgery and then fell, the doctor suggested I stay in the hospital for two days to recuperate. As the nurse transferred me to the ward, I overheard nurses discussing in the hallway. “That pregnant woman earlier just had a small scratch, and her husband ran into the emergency room carrying her, shouting and begging the doctor like a scene from a drama!” “This is love, you know. A good man like that is hard to find.” I smiled, feeling incredibly ironic. A man who ignores his seriously injured wife and kneels to the doctor for a mistress with a scratch is indeed hard to find. Nolan and Fiona disgust me more every day. I have never felt so desperate to leave.

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