Jasper won the MMA championship on the same date as our five-year wedding anniversary. That day, I received a gift he had prepared for me: Phoebe’s pregnancy test report, the secretary of the MMA Club. Seeing my devastation, he spoke with indifference, “Adeline, Phoebe’s health is poor. I’m planning to let her move in with us. You’re a doctor, so it would be convenient for you to take care of her.” I hid my own pregnancy test report and called Finn, my Declan, agreeing to go to the USA for further studies with him. But just a few days before leaving, I saw the chat records between Declan and Phoebe on his phone. 【Are you really going to the USA with that woman to fulfill my relationship with Jasper?】 【What if she finds out that it was you who hired those people to break her right hand so she can never hold a scalpel again?】 I wiped away my tears and changed my flight ticket, deciding to head to the UK instead. I looked up at Jasper in his sleek outfit, a far cry from the boy I met eight years ago in the emergency room, who couldn’t even afford a few bucks for medicine and nervously tugged at his tattered clothes. Then I heard Jasper’s voice, deeper and more magnetic after eight years, with a hint of hesitation. “Also, she wants that ring…” I glanced at the simple ring on my left ring finger. Jasper bought me this ring with his first prize money after winning second place in a fight. At the time, seeing the ring in the box and his bruised face, I couldn’t hold back my tears. Seeing me cry, he panicked immediately. “Adeline, don’t cry. I know I’ve wronged you… This ring may be the cheapest in the store, but once I win more fights, I’ll definitely get you the best one!” But even after he won more fights, eight years later, I still only had this simple ring. And today, he wanted me to give even this ring to Phoebe. Seeing my hesitation, Phoebe clung to his arm, speaking with a hint of grievance. “Jasper, if Adeline really doesn’t want to, then forget it… I just really like this ring. You know I’m not with you for money or status…” Jasper, seeing her like this, felt heartbroken. He turned to me with impatience, forcibly took the ring off my hand, and handed it to Phoebe. Then they left without saying another word to me. I looked at the bruises on my hand, and tears finally started flowing from my eyes. When Jasper and I first got married, I once cut my hand while slicing fruit. It was just a shallow cut, but it pained Jasper immensely. “Adeline, your hands are meant for holding a scalpel and saving lives. You can’t get hurt. Let me handle these chores.” But after just five years of marriage, things had changed so drastically. I gathered myself and went downstairs to throw out the trash, only to run into Phoebe coming back alone. She looked at my swollen eyes and couldn’t help but laugh. “Did you really think I wanted that cheap ring? Jasper already bought me something much more expensive.” She said, raising her hand and tossing the simple ring into the community’s pond. The diamond on her ring finger dazzled my eyes. Back home, I hid the pregnancy test report I had planned to give Jasper as an anniversary gift and called my Declan, Finn. Before meeting Jasper, Finn had been interested in me. To be honest, if I hadn’t met Jasper, I might have really married Finn. Even after my marriage, Finn supported me a lot in my work and studies. A year ago, Finn asked me to go to the USA for a three-year study, but since Jasper had just started the MMA Club, I declined. However, he said he would always keep that opportunity open for me. “Declan, I’m willing to go to the USA with you for further studies.” “Adeline, are you sure? It’s a three-year trip. Are you really willing to leave Jasper?” “I’ve made up my mind, Declan. I’ve already decided to divorce Jasper.”

Finn booked the flight for a month later. On the day I went to the lawyer to draft the divorce papers, I passed by Jasper’s MMA Club. Thinking about the effort I put into it, I decided to take a look and say goodbye to the members. Unexpectedly, I saw two figures entangled in the stairwell and heard Jasper and Phoebe’s voices. “Jasper, be gentle~ Don’t bite there~” “Phoebe, you’re so soft and smooth…” “Hmph, did you say the same to Adeline? I heard she even took a stab for you. Such deep love…” I stood there, feeling as if I had fallen into an ice pit. That’s when Phoebe noticed me, quickly pushed Jasper away, and came over while adjusting her clothes. “Adeline, don’t mind us. I just needed Jasper to help me with my bra clasp~” She said, but secretly pinched the bruises on my hand. In pain, I reflexively tried to pull my hand back, causing Phoebe to fall down the stairs. Jasper pushed me aside and rushed to carry Phoebe to the hospital. I sat frozen in the club’s office, and hours later, Jasper finally returned. “Phoebe lost the baby. I saw you push her down the stairs.” “Adeline, when did you become so vicious?” “Even if Phoebe did something wrong, couldn’t you forgive her for the child’s sake?” I looked at his face, full of undisguised contempt, and let out a cold laugh. “Are you referring to her mistake of seducing a married man?” Jasper’s face darkened. “I fell in love with Phoebe first! Blame me if you want!” “To compensate Phoebe, I’ve decided to transfer your shares in the club to her for free.” I looked at his still handsome and resolute face in shock, feeling like he was a stranger. Years ago, he used my payment of his medical bills as an excuse to repay me by picking me up from work every day. Spending time together every day, I eventually fell for this resilient boy when he blocked a punch from a hospital troublemaker for me. Upon learning about his tragic past, I worked part-time delivering food while interning at the hospital, using the money I earned to support his MMA dreams. Once, an opponent dissatisfied with losing a fight stopped us in an alley after a match. In the confrontation, I saw a flash of a knife aimed at Jasper. My body reacted faster than my mind, and I shielded him. When I came to, the knife was already in my chest. Jasper was terrified, trembling as he held me, begging the attackers to help get me to a hospital. The knife missed my heart’s aorta by just a centimeter, and I nearly met the Grim Reaper. When I woke up, the first thing I saw was Jasper, red-eyed and haggard, by my bedside. He held my hand tightly, promising, “Adeline, I, Jasper, will never let you down in this lifetime!” During my recovery, staring dazedly at the scar on my chest in the mirror, Jasper hugged me from behind. “Adeline, no matter how you change, you’re always the most beautiful to me. And this scar, it’s a testament to our love.” Remembering this, I looked at Jasper with tear-filled eyes, then unbuttoned my shirt to reveal the scar on my chest. My tears fell, landing on the ugly scar. “Jasper… have you forgotten your own words…” He shuddered, unable to meet my eyes or look at my scar, fleeing the office.

After that day, Jasper didn’t return home for several days. One night, after being called in for extra surgeries, I was heading home late when I felt someone following me. I ran in panic, ending up in a dead-end alley. When I tried to return the way I came, the group following me surrounded me. A man with a scarred face spoke up first. “Miss, don’t blame us for being rough. Someone paid a lot to teach you a lesson.” I tried to escape but was pushed to the ground. That’s when I saw a familiar figure at the alley’s entrance. “Jasper! Help me!” I saw him walking toward me, but the thugs parted to let him through. Jasper stopped in front of me and spoke softly. “Adeline, I know I’ve wronged you and Phoebe, but after the miscarriage, Phoebe’s been unwell. She’s been saying she wants to join the child.” “I’ve arranged for them to just break your right hand, to give Phoebe some peace.” “I promise I won’t divorce you. You’ll still be my Mrs. Jasper.” Stunned, I looked at the man before me, disbelief in my voice. “Jasper! Help me!” I saw him walking toward me, and to my surprise, the thugs parted to let him through. Jasper stood before me and spoke in a low voice. “Adeline, I’ve wronged both you and Phoebe. But since Phoebe’s miscarriage, she’s been unwell. She’s been insisting on leaving with the child.” “I’ve talked to them. They’ll only break your right hand to give Phoebe some closure.” “I promise I won’t divorce you. You’ll remain my wife.” I stared at him in disbelief and said, “Jasper, you know if my right hand is injured, I won’t be able to perform surgery again.” “Don’t worry, Adeline. Even if you can’t be a doctor anymore, I’ll always take care of you.” With that, as if he couldn’t bear to witness what would happen next, he turned and walked away without looking back. I screamed loudly in the alley, hoping for help, but they quickly covered my mouth. They held me down and broke my right hand. But they didn’t stop there. After breaking my hand, they continued to beat me until I felt a wetness below. Seeing the blood pooling around me, they panicked and fled. I lay in the dark, damp alley, using the last of my strength to call Finn. When I awoke, Finn was by my bedside, his eyes red. He spoke, his voice catching. “Adeline, don’t be too upset. There will be other chances for children…” “And your right hand… the tendon and nerve damage is irreversible. It will be difficult for you to hold a scalpel again.” “But it’s okay. You’re still young. You can explore other fields in medicine…” Finn’s comforting words were interrupted by Phoebe’s sudden arrival. “Adeline! How did you get hurt like this?” I made up an excuse to send Finn away. Before leaving, he turned and gave Phoebe a lingering look. With my hand hidden under the blanket, I discreetly activated the recording on my phone. Once Finn was gone, she dropped the pretense. “Adeline, you’re prettier and more educated than me, but what does that matter?” “Jasper still broke your right hand for me. To tell you the truth, that child wasn’t even Jasper’s.” “See how much I love him? I won’t have a child that’s not his~” Hearing footsteps approaching, she quickly changed her tone and put on an innocent face. “Adeline, even though you caused my child’s death, I don’t blame you…” Jasper came over and put an arm around her shoulder, speaking softly. “You’re always so kind, willing to give others a chance…” Then he coaxed her to leave first. After Phoebe left, he gently touched my casted right arm. “Adeline, Phoebe just lost the baby. She needs my comfort.” “Once this is over, I’ll break it off with her. We can live well together.” Looking at his shameless face, I suddenly burst into laughter, tears streaming down. “Jasper, I don’t want to be with you anymore.” Seeing me like this, he suddenly panicked. Just as he was about to explain, Phoebe’s voice echoed from the hallway. “Jasper! My stomach hurts!” That day, Jasper hurriedly carried Phoebe away, leaving only a brief remark. “Adeline, don’t overthink. I’ll explain everything when I get back.” But just like countless times waiting for him to return from socializing, I sat on the hospital bed until late at night, and he never came back. He didn’t even know that on that very night, I lost not only my right hand but also the last bond between us. As the first rays of morning light touched my face, I took out my phone and made plans with Finn to leave in a week. When Finn came to change my dressing, he accidentally left his phone in my room. I was about to return it to him when I saw his phone wallpaper: a photo of him with Phoebe. “Do they know each other?” On an impulse, I used Phoebe’s birthday as a password and unlocked Finn’s phone. At the top of Snapchat was his chat with Phoebe. [Are you really going to the USA with that woman for me and Jasper?] [What if she finds out you hired the guys who broke her right hand, making her unable to hold a scalpel?] [I’m sorry to Adeline. I’ll accompany her to the USA for rehab. I’ll spend my life making it up to her!] [The life-saving debt you owed me as a child, I’ve repaid you now.] [You and Jasper can be together. Adeline and I will never return.] [Finn, but I’m still scared. After all, I lost her mother’s liver donor years ago.] [Don’t worry. I covered it up well back then. Adeline won’t find out.] … Standing there with the phone, I felt cold all over, a chill spreading in my heart. In my junior year, my mother died of liver failure. Before she died, the hospital said a liver donor had been found. But just before my mom entered the operating room, Finn told me there was a system error, and there was no matching liver donor. I didn’t doubt him then. I collapsed in his arms, crying. Now, looking at the chat, I wiped my tears, prepared two gift boxes, and changed my flight. A week later, at the time Finn and I had planned to meet, I didn’t show up at the airport. He called several times, but I didn’t answer. In the end, Finn only found a similarly anxious Jasper. Having finally calmed Phoebe, he was both physically and mentally exhausted, hoping to find comfort in me, only to discover I was long gone. Jasper rushed over, grabbing Finn by the collar. “Where’s Adeline! Where did you take her?” Finn just laughed coldly, his attitude enraging Jasper, who then punched him repeatedly until Phoebe arrived and pulled them apart. They didn’t know that three days ago, I had already landed in the UK. 5 After Jasper and Finn returned home, each received a gift from Adeline. Jasper opened the box to find a signed divorce agreement from Adeline and a pregnancy test report. He was dumbfounded as he looked at what was inside, finally realizing that Adeline was serious about leaving him this time.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296600”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Just after class ended, news spread like wildfire—everyone knew I was diagnosed with AIDS. The test results were positive, and I was left speechless. In the span of a single day, I had gone from being a respected teacher to being branded as morally corrupt. When I sought my husband’s help to clear my name, his family mocked me: “Lydia, how can you even show your face outside? Every place you’ve been needs to be disinfected. No one dares to step there.” “Who knows what you’ve been up to to catch such a disease? It’s disgusting.” “What else could it be? A chaotic private life, perhaps. Who would’ve thought Lydia had such habits, not even settling down after marriage.” Behind the door, Asher quickly posted several more messages using a fake account, muttering, “Vera finally got a chance to substitute, but she insists on teaching herself. She’s showing off and needs to learn a lesson.” Only now do I realize that the man who claimed to love only me had long since changed his heart. I touched my abdomen, realizing this child had come at the worst possible time. — “Our store strictly refuses service to AIDS patients. If you’re sick, stay away of your own accord, have some decency, and don’t harm others!” “If she accidentally cuts herself and touches something, others might get infected too. Oh my God, people like her shouldn’t even leave their homes!” The most liked comment read: “She’s a teacher—anyone with kids at that school should be cautious!” I knew this was posted by Asher. His intentions were clear—he wanted me out of the school to appease Vera’s anger. The overwhelming online insults and accusations left me numb. I couldn’t even cry. In despair, I looked up at the sky, contemplating scheduling an abortion at the hospital. But as soon as I stepped out of the school gates, a group of parents rushed toward me, pelting me with stones. “Does someone like you deserve to be a teacher? Teaching with AIDS?” “Everyone knows how you got this disease. Don’t corrupt my kids. If anything happens to them, I’ll kill you!” Already in a daze, a parent slapped me across the face. Unable to dodge, her long nails scratched my face, drawing blood. “Oh my God, I’ve made her bleed! It’s transmitted through blood; am I infected?” “Panic ensued as people shouted, ‘Go get a blocking shot at the hospital!’” Despite the chaos, I tried to stay calm and shouted, “Those are all rumors online. I don’t have the disease; someone framed me.” But no one believed me. The attacks grew more intense. “If you claim it’s slander, why aren’t they slandering others but you?” “Exactly, with the diagnosis out, you’re still lying. You’re really twisted, trying to make others suffer because you’re sick, deliberately retaliating against society!” The woman who scratched me fainted from fear. Her husband dialed emergency services while hurling a brick at me. “I swear, if my wife gets infected, I’ll kill you, you scum, to avenge her!” His words resonated with everyone. They threw more things at me, and I struggled to fend them off. “If you don’t leave the school, I’ll complain to the Principal, to the Department of Education. We’ll sue you for malicious virus spreading!” I curled up in a corner, holding my head, too scared to make a sound. The physical and emotional pain intertwined, leaving me a mess. Just then, Asher rushed over, shielding me behind him. “You’re pregnant and still running around. If anything happens to you or the baby, what am I supposed to do?” Vera appeared behind him, intentionally unbuttoning two buttons on her blouse. The red kiss marks were clearly visible. “Lydia, are you okay? Asher is worried about your health. I’ll take over your classes, so you can rest at home.” Due to this incident, my classes were already suspended, and I didn’t expect Vera to take over. Since they dislike me and like to take my things, I’ll just disappear completely and not show up in front of them. Looking at Vera’s meticulously made-up face, while I was covered in blood and dirt, I felt pathetic and ugly. I was about to leave, but Asher grabbed me, then disgustedly released his hand when he saw how dirty I was. “Vera’s lesson plan isn’t ready. You should guide her.” Seeing Vera’s fake smile, my chest felt heavy with anger. “I’m suspended. It’s not my job.” Asher’s concern vanished, and he frowned impatiently. “You’re more experienced than her. What’s wrong with helping out? It’s decided.” He wasn’t asking for my opinion; he just made the decision for me. He dragged me to an abandoned classroom, pushing me inside and locking the door before I could react. — The students had left, and the teachers were off work. Even in the daytime, no one would come to this abandoned classroom. I sensed danger and tried to escape, but a force grabbed my collar. I turned to see a man reeking of stench, drooling as he approached. “What are you doing? This is a school!” He sneered at me, his eyes full of mockery. “You’re the woman with AIDS, right? You look cheap. Did you catch it from too many men outside?” “But I don’t mind. I have AIDS too. Infected ten people this month. Since you’re already sick, let’s have some fun.” He reached out with his filthy hand. I kept banging on the door, hoping someone would hear and save me. Outside, I heard Vera’s coy voice. “Asher, how long are you going to stay with this cheap woman? It makes me uncomfortable knowing she’s your wife. And a backbone teacher? Does she deserve it?” Asher chuckled lightly. “After this, she’s nothing. Just a rat everyone beats. She’ll lose her job for sure.” “She has nothing on you. She’s ugly. Best if she never leaves the house again, saves everyone the embarrassment.” Behind the door, I felt his disdain. Suddenly, the man behind me yanked my hair, forcing me to look up. His stinking mouth approached my face. “Help!” I shouted, but he covered my mouth, his other hand pulling at my pants. Just as he was about to succeed, the door flew open. I ran out with all my strength, trying to call for help, but people already crowded the doorway. The man immediately pointed at me in panic, cursing. “This cheap woman seduced me, trying to infect me. She blocked the door so I couldn’t escape!” He twisted the truth, and everyone believed him, glaring at me. An old woman rushed over, slapping my face repeatedly. “You shameless slut, seducing my son with AIDS! My son isn’t even married. Do you want us to be childless?” “People like you should be arrested. I’m calling the police! Police!” The Principal rushed over, seeing the scene, felt ashamed, and coldly issued an ultimatum. “Lydia, you’re fired. Leave our school immediately!” After the Principal left, Asher’s friends gave me disdainful looks. “Lydia, really? Catching a disease and wanting revenge on society? You’d even go for a beggar or homeless man?” “Seriously, just go to the hospital for isolation or stay home. You’re already affecting our normal lives.” Asher pretended to arrive just then, pulling me out of the crowd. “You…” He pointed at me, speechless, looking pained and pitiful, earning sympathy. “Wife, I’ve been busy with work and haven’t been with you. But that’s no excuse for your behavior! What have you done?” He acted convincingly, playing the clueless, heartbroken good husband. His words made everyone understand one thing. I’m a restless woman fooling around, and my husband knew nothing. It also subtly explained that he never touched me, so he’s not sick. What great acting and plotting. Asher tried to hug me but seemed repulsed, struggling to touch me. “Wife, no matter what, we’ve been married. I’m on your side. We’ll solve this together.” He spoke nicely. But he’d just used his small account to post everything online. Letting everyone know I was a promiscuous woman who caught AIDS. And now, I was retaliating against society, trying to infect more people. I never knew, the seemingly dull Asher had such a sharp mind. Everyone’s accusations made him a bit embarrassed, so he awkwardly looked at me. “Wife, there’s a party tonight for Vera’s new job. It’s all familiar faces. Why not use this chance to apologize on video, and it’ll be over.” I looked at him in disbelief, wondering why I had to apologize when I did nothing wrong. And attending this party would make me a bigger target. “No, I’m going home.” “Lydia!” Asher called out, his eyes full of reproach, all his words defending Vera. “Don’t overthink. Vera got the job because of her real talent. I just want the school to do better.” “Honey, we’re celebrating Vera joining tonight. It’s just people we know, so why not take this opportunity to apologize in a Snapchat message and let this whole thing blow over?” I looked at him in surprise, not understanding why I should apologize when I did nothing wrong. If I went to this gathering, I’d just be setting myself up for more scrutiny. “No, I’m going home.” “Lydia!” Asher called after me, his eyes full of reproach, and his words all in defense of Vera. “Stop imagining things. Vera got the substitute teacher position because she’s genuinely talented. I’m doing this for the School’s benefit.” I hadn’t said a word, yet he was assuming all sorts of things. Every word was defending Vera, making me out to be petty. But I lost my job due to all the overwhelming slander and was exhausted, both mentally and physically. He acted as if nothing happened, even wanting to push me further into despair. In the end, Asher dragged me to the gathering by force. As soon as everyone saw me, they acted as if they’d seen a ghost, avoiding me as if I were contagious. It was like being near me was a threat to their lives. “I heard AIDS doesn’t spread through the air or saliva?” “Can you guarantee she doesn’t have any mouth ulcers? I heard people with AIDS have their whole body rot!” “Then stay far away; it’s really scary.” Hearing their words, I saw a smug glint in Vera’s eyes. Then she pouted, “We’re all friends here, don’t be so harsh. She’s still here, give her some dignity.” With that, she pretended to offer me some food. But Asher immediately blocked her chopsticks, keeping her away from me. His protectiveness over Vera was truly something else. To outsiders, this move made it seem like even serving me food could lead to infection, and Asher was protecting Vera. Then, a waiter, wearing gloves and a mask, brought me a bowl of some unknown concoction on a tray. 3 “Phoebe, please try to understand. Once you catch a disease like this, it’s incurable. It’s better if you eat somewhere else so that others can dine without worry.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296599”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Mother’s Day of Remembrance. My husband slammed my head against the tombstone, and agony swept through my entire body. With his beloved assistant in his arms, he mocked me. “Do you think a ten-million-dollar sales order will make me forgive your mother? That’s like giving charity to beggars.” He squinted and sneered, then kicked and shattered my mother’s tombstone. “Your snobbish mother died too comfortably, so I’ll make you a living widow, ensuring she can’t rest in peace.” Tears and blood blurred my vision. I got up to fight back against my husband, but the assistant tripped me. My abdomen struck the broken tombstone, and the intense pain made me pass out. He kissed the assistant as a reward and flew to the Island overnight to celebrate her birthday. When I woke up, I had lost the ability to have children, and my mother’s grave was reduced to ruins by a fire. Declan, our marriage ends here. Don’t blame me for my ruthlessness! Fueled by hatred, I went to the company to resign to Declan, only to find out he was on the Island celebrating Lydia’s birthday. So, I submitted my resignation online. Within seconds, the assistant approved it on Declan’s behalf. The legitimate wife was openly replaced by the mistress, and my colleagues mocked me behind my back. “How embarrassing, President Declan has disliked her for a long time. She clung to the company and wouldn’t leave.” “Exactly, she always opposed President Declan and bullied the assistant. It’s karma that came too late.” “I bet our boss’s wife will be replaced soon, and someone will leave with nothing.” I smirked inwardly, having seen them suck up to the powerful too often. Declan targeted me in everything, but he only favored the assistant, Lydia. When Lydia made mistakes, I reprimanded her officially, but Declan protected her and turned the tables, humiliating me for abusing power. Those two-faced colleagues constantly humiliated me with words to curry favor with Declan and Lydia. After I left, they wouldn’t have a good time. “I left the company of my own accord to become the vice president at a rival company. Without me, this company will soon go bankrupt. Your good days are coming to an end.” They didn’t know I took all the sales orders under my name, which accounted for 80% of the company’s business. Everyone looked at me in confusion. I ignored their questions and left the company with my box. As soon as I stepped out of the building, Declan called. “What are you doing? Didn’t you see the document I sent? The client needs it urgently. Send it to me in half an hour, or you’ll regret it when I get back.” He didn’t know I had resigned. Still as overbearing as ever, treating me like a slave, even threatening me with violence. But I wouldn’t tolerate him anymore. I casually opened the document. It was the ten-million-dollar order I secured with great effort. I had tried to use it to negotiate with Declan, but he dismissed it and gave it to Lydia as a birthday present. As always, I was the workhorse, taking on overtime and blame. While Lydia only had to flatter and slack off to enjoy the benefits. When Declan started treating me this way, I resisted. But he expertly manipulated me, intentionally neglecting me and threatening divorce. I loved him and didn’t want a divorce, so I agreed to his unreasonable demands. I naively believed Declan would be moved by me and fall in love. But what did I get in return? It wasn’t until I lost the ability to have children and my mother’s grave was burned that I realized how wrong I was. “I’m busy.” “Do you dare refuse my orders?” Declan frowned displeased, his tone suddenly cold. “Adeline, listen to me. No matter what you’re doing, drop it and get it done now, or I’ll fire you.” “I already…” I was about to explain my resignation when Lydia spoke softly. “Declan, I didn’t expect Adeline to be so petty, still blaming me for tripping her. Maybe I should handle it myself.” “Adeline wouldn’t dare hold a grudge against you. Today’s your birthday, and you were exhausted last night. Let her handle these trivial tasks.” Declan’s gentle tone towards her left me dazed. He doted on her so much. Lydia, basking in her triumph, subtly sowed discord, making Declan even more disgusted with me. Declan shouted at me, “Adeline, I’m the boss, and you’re the employee. You have no right to say no. Get it done now.” Lydia played the good person, “Declan, maybe I should do it. Adeline just got out of the hospital and isn’t well.” “She only went to the hospital, she’s not dead. You were almost exhausted last night.” “As the boss’s wife, Adeline should contribute more to the company.” With a few dismissive words, Declan belittled my pain and morally coerced me. If someone doesn’t love you, even if you die, they’d think you’re pretending to sleep. I trembled, touching my abdomen, my eyes bloodshot, wishing I could tear Lydia and Declan apart. But I had to endure, to ensure they got what they deserved. Seeing my silence, Declan assumed I was complying, and his tone softened. “Adeline, this is a chance to atone for your mother’s sins. What a great opportunity. As the hostess, you should have a broader perspective.” “Sometimes you’re not even as good as Lydia. She’s so dedicated to the company. She worked until she had a fever yesterday, while you just sit and enjoy. You should learn from her.” Lydia giggled, “Declan, you’re so mean. Adeline has done a lot for you and the company.” On the surface, she defended me, but she was really mocking me, laughing at Declan for not touching me. Declan didn’t catch the sarcasm and mocked me with her. “What Adeline has done is nothing to me. It can’t be considered a contribution. The company’s performance relies on you, our sales elite.” I was shaking with anger, my blood boiling, struggling to breathe. Regretting blindly loving Declan. Declan feigned ignorance. All of Lydia’s sales orders were taken from me. And the one who gave her the power was Declan himself. He squandered my love, thinking I couldn’t live without him, thinking I wouldn’t divorce him. “I have to deliver gifts to a major client. I’m hanging up. Send the document to my email immediately.” Ten minutes later, my phone buzzed. Lydia sent a provocative photo. In a five-star hotel restaurant, Declan cut steak to feed her, with cake, wine, and flowers beside them, stabbing my heart like a knife. The limited edition Chanel bag by her side was the one I’d longed for but couldn’t afford. I couldn’t help but look at Lydia’s Facebook. Last night, she took a selfie in a hotel robe, with Declan’s reflection in the window glass. Love and lack thereof are clear at a glance. Tears streamed down my face, and I clenched my fists in fury. Turns out, Lydia’s fever was from serving Declan too “diligently.” The so-called gift for a major client was actually Declan’s birthday gift to the assistant. “Adeline, you can’t get your husband’s love and lost your job. If I were you, I’d have jumped in the river out of shame.” I didn’t reply to Lydia, saving the photo instead. I opened my phone, adjusted the document Declan sent, and directly sent it to his email, waiting for the crisis to unfold. Just as I got in a cab home, my phone chimed. The bank deducted fifty thousand for five-star hotel dining and lodging, leaving a balance of one thousand. Declan spent my money celebrating Lydia’s birthday.

Everyone said I put up with Declan for his money. But no one knew he controlled the finances. I didn’t get a cent of his money. My salary covered daily expenses, while his money managed the company and investments. I never complained, but when I wanted to buy a limited edition Chanel bag, I found my money was almost gone. For household expenses, I gave up on buying the bag and checked my spending at the bank. Turns out my salary was almost spent by Declan. He used my money to buy Lydia a gold necklace, luxury skincare, and dresses worth thousands. But I never thought he’d use our meager remaining balance to buy Lydia birthday gifts and book a presidential suite. For me, he was incredibly stingy. He made me order meal kits, patch up clothes at the tailor, use cabs for work, and gave me gifts from street promotions for my birthday. Whenever I was dissatisfied, he’d accuse me of being wasteful and a spendthrift. When I fought with him about Lydia, he said I slandered him, claiming the things were for clients and told me not to be a jealous woman. After finding just a thousand left in the bank, I called him, wanting my money back. But he didn’t answer for a long time, so I told the driver to head to the bank. I withdrew the remaining money, quickly canceled the account, and cut off our financial ties. Just after finishing, Declan called. “My phone was on silent. What’s up?” “Pay me back. The money you spent on Lydia’s bag and hotel, give it back.” Declan didn’t expect me to demand the money, and he was speechless. “That’s marital property. Why can’t I use it? You’re being petty.” I spoke coldly, confronting him, “The money in the account was my salary. You shamelessly used it on your mistress. If you don’t pay back, I’ll sue you.” Declan was speechless, knowing he was in the wrong. We built the business from scratch. During the toughest times, we asked Mother for money. She refused and told friends and family not to lend us any. Mother called him a pauper, saying lending him money was like throwing buns to a dog, never to return. Declan became gaunt and depressed. I secretly mortgaged our marital home and took a high-interest loan to solve the crisis. When we overcame the difficulty, Declan found out and was furious, demanding I redeem the house quickly. Declan was rendered speechless, fully aware of his own fault. We built everything from the ground up. During the most challenging times of our startup, we turned to my mother for financial help, but she refused and even warned our friends and family against lending money to Declan. She called him a poor man, saying lending him money was as good as throwing it away. Declan became more withdrawn and despondent by the day. Without his knowledge, I used our home as collateral for a high-interest loan to tide us over. Later, when we overcame the crisis, Declan found out and was furious, insisting that I redeem the home immediately. But I had no money, so I had to ask my mother-in-law for help. She used the funds meant for her cancer treatment to reclaim our home. Not long after, she passed away due to lack of treatment. Declan blamed my mother, claiming her snobbery was responsible for his mother’s death. On the phone, Declan was silent for a few seconds before sighing. “Adeline, I know you’re not asking me to repay the money; you’re just upset with me. But remember, your mother caused my mother’s death. Spending a little on my assistant isn’t asking too much.” “I’m just venting my anger at your mother’s grave, so don’t be so petty.” “I urgently need to send gifts to clients. Transfer the money to me right away. Stop sulking, or you’ll ruin a big business deal.” “You have one minute, or I’ll divorce you.” Declan feared I’d refuse, so he threatened divorce. This threat always worked on me. Whenever he mentioned divorce, I would comply obediently. He took advantage of this and kept using it against me. In the past, I didn’t want to lose him and felt guilty about his mother, so I swallowed my pride repeatedly. Now I finally understand. He would never appreciate my efforts; he would only demand more, always thinking I owed him. Over the years, I’ve sacrificed for him and even lost my ability to have children. Whatever debt there was, I’ve long repaid it. His future struggles are no longer my concern. “I don’t have any money left. You can ask the bank for a loan or use an online loan. Lydia can also pay for you first.” “You have a week to return the money to me.” I turned off my phone and took a taxi back to our home to pack my things. The house was a gift from my mother, decorated in a style Declan liked, and he was very pleased with it. I wanted to add Declan’s name to the property title, but my mother strongly opposed it, saying that men were unreliable and that the house was my only security. Because of this, my mother and I didn’t speak for a month until Declan said he wouldn’t insist on it, and we proceeded with the wedding. Declan’s resentment towards my mother had already started back then, but my love-blinded mind didn’t notice. I packed my belongings and listed the house for sale online. That afternoon, I went to City Hall to submit the divorce papers. Declan had already signed his name. Ever since I discovered Lydia’s existence, I had secretly prepared a divorce agreement. When I asked Declan to sign the sales contract, I slipped the divorce agreement inside. He didn’t even look before signing. Due to his trust in my abilities, he never scrutinized contracts, giving me an opportunity. When I asked him to review the contract again, Lydia waved at him from a distance, and he was immediately distracted. He patted my shoulder and said, “I trust you. A contract you’ve reviewed is surely fine.” I watched his hurried back, tears welling up in my eyes. He didn’t trust me; he was just in a rush to meet his mistress and had no time for me. The staff at City Hall shook their head, saying the divorce needed personal confirmation from both parties. I showed them the provocative photos Lydia sent, the spending records Declan had with her, and the recordings of him threatening me with divorce, but they were all rejected. Why is getting a divorce so difficult? “I’m about to clock out. Are you going to proceed or not?” I grabbed her hand and pleaded, “Of course, I will. I’ll call him right away, please wait for me.” I turned on my phone and quickly dialed Declan’s number. The emergency call went unanswered, and I knew he had blocked me. I borrowed someone else’s phone to call him, and he answered immediately. “Declan…” “Adeline? How dare you turn off your phone and contact me? This marriage is definitely over.” I hung up and asked, “Can I proceed now?” The staff looked at me with sympathy, asking if Declan was abusive. I thought for a moment and nodded. She sighed and didn’t make it difficult for me, telling me to collect the certificate in a month.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296598”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Finn’s beloved Adeline has returned from studying abroad. Her return immediately put her on the same level as me, who has been working tirelessly to climb the company ladder for the past five years. But I’ve reached my limit; I comply with Finn’s wishes and act as the compliant puppet he desires. Everyone in the company knows I’m just a stand-in for Finn’s beloved Adeline. The foundation I’ve built with years of hard work has become their playground. With a simple nod from Adeline, I pack up my things and hand over the office I’ve occupied for two years. If she so much as frowns, Finn will do anything for her, even if it means stepping over me. Finn doesn’t understand why I’ve stopped crying and fighting, or why I no longer call him heartless. With Adeline perched on his lap, she giggles “Finn, you really know how to keep things in order; even the sister knows her place.” I smile faintly; they’ve forgotten that Finn has already signed the divorce agreement. I will leave this company and never see them again. 0

“Tonight, you meet with Mr. Johnson. Adeline and I have other plans,” Finn said, tossing the prepared meeting notes back to me as he left the meeting room with Adeline. This left me with a half-finished presentation on the screen and unfinished words. The room was so quiet I could hear the click of the lock. “Oh, poor Lydia has to work overtime again tonight.” “We really aren’t familiar with the project; it’s best if Lydia handles it.” “Finn trusts you, that’s why he gave you this task.” Adeline’s team members packed their things and offered me empty words of comfort as they passed. I knew they were just flaunting their favor with Finn in front of me. Finn’s favoritism towards Adeline is obvious to everyone, even though I am his legal wife. For a whole month, I’ve been putting in extra hours on the project with Mr. Johnson. When I handed it to Finn, he barely glanced at the proposal before telling me to pass it to Adeline’s team. I argued for my team’s hard work and had a huge fight with Finn in the office. Everyone outside could hear my hysteria, but no one spoke up for me, even though we’ve shared hardships for five years. That was the last time I argued with him. It wasn’t for me or because of Adeline, but for my team’s dedication. In the end, I paid out of my own pocket to take the team out for dinner to soothe their frustration, then stayed late to reorganize the project details for Adeline. She tugged Finn’s sleeve and pouted, “Taking over the sister’s project, she won’t get mad, will she? Besides, I don’t even know this project yet.” So, Finn waved his hand and told me to organize a meeting to hand over the project details. Standing in front of the two of them, the air was tense. They seemed to be waiting for me to get angry or break down. But I calmly gathered my documents and agreed coolly. Today’s scene repeated itself; Finn seemed determined to use humiliating me as his way to win over Adeline. It seemed the crueler he was to me, the more sincere his feelings for his first love, Adeline, appeared. I should have realized sooner that I could never replace Adeline, even though I am his wife. Finn and Adeline’s story is clichéd, like a Prince and his Cinderella. Adeline is an only child from a regular family, not poor but not a match for Finn’s high-status parents. Finn was set on Adeline, declaring he’d marry no one else, and fought with his family over it. His parents resorted to the oldest drama trick—a half a million dollars to leave their son. Actually, they arranged for her to study at her dream school abroad, covering all expenses. Adeline agreed, somehow convincing Finn to accept it too. While Adeline was abroad, Finn’s parents approached me. They promised that if I agreed to marry Finn, they would revive my family’s fortunes. It was a windfall for me. Finn and I knew each other from childhood, attending the same schools since elementary. My feelings for him grew wildly during my teenage years; I secretly loved him for seven years. I asked why me, and they said I looked like Adeline, and they knew me better since they’d watched me grow up. “Besides, we can revive your family, or crush it like an ant if we wish,” Finn’s mother said with a smile that had the sharpness of a sugar-coated blade. Despite knowing the dangers, I accepted it naively, dreaming that love would grow over time, like kids playing house. Until one day, I accidentally saw his chat history with Adeline on his smartphone during a meeting and confronted him. Finn turned it on me, telling me to know my place, and brought Adeline into the company, raising her to my level. He wanted revenge, so he publicly favored Adeline, leaving me embarrassed. He took Adeline to social events, and even at company dinners, held her hand and doted on her publicly. I got angry, but he didn’t care, turning it into my one-sided cold war. If I apologized, he would lecture me in front of everyone, calling me a stand-in who couldn’t compare to a hair on Adeline’s head. Luckily, I woke up from this five-year dream long ago. This unhappy marriage should have ended sooner. 0

It was late at night when I finished discussing the project with Mr. Johnson. He’s notoriously difficult—hard to crack, hard to get a signature, hard to please. Even though my proposal covered all his needs, he dragged it out until he finally signed. In the freezing winter night, not even taxi drivers wanted to pick me up. Finally, shivering with cold, I got into a taxi and came back to life with the warm air from the heater. I numbly scrolled through my smartphone, and my Facebook Feed was flooded with Adeline’s posts. In the pictures, she and Finn were holding hands, sweetly nestled in a Ferris wheel cabin. She smiled brightly at the camera, while Finn’s eyes were tenderly fixed on her face, a faint smile on his lips. When the amusement park opened, I had asked Finn to go with me. At that time, Adeline hadn’t returned, and Finn and I were getting along. But he said it was childish and crowded, and asked me if I wasn’t embarrassed to go. So, I pouted but said nothing, unable to imagine him in a cartoon headband on a Ferris wheel. It wasn’t his style. I thought so and shelved the plan, passing the park countless times but never entering. Now, I realize childishness and crowds were never the issue. It was about who you went with. Like Finn’s gaze in the photo, I’d never seen that look from him. The comments were full of colleagues fawning: “Oh my, so sweet, I’m dying!” “Why call her Ms. Adeline? She’s Mrs. Finn~” “Adeline returns, and Finn dotes on her deeply.” Adeline chimed in, sharing how she had begged Finn to wear matching headbands: “Isn’t it cute, our Finn~” The comments buzzed with speculation, but Finn and Adeline only said they were just out relaxing. A new employee, clueless, asked when they could drink at their wedding. Finn replied with a question mark, and Adeline sent a “shush” emoji. I didn’t react like before, getting angry at their relationship and calling Finn. Instead, I messaged him about successfully closing the project with Mr. Johnson and that I’d leave the documents in his office for signing tomorrow. The bumpy road made me turn off my smartphone, lean against the car door, and close my eyes in exhaustion. Back home, I saw a message from Adeline using Finn’s account: “Lydia, it’s Adeline. Thanks so much for handling the project with Mr. Johnson. Finn didn’t want me to be too tired right after arriving, so he wouldn’t let me do anything! I owe you a meal to thank you~” Finn’s smartphone was off-limits to everyone, even if I accidentally picked it up. He would accuse me of disrespect and invasion of privacy. Yet, Adeline could freely use it, see our chats, and expose everything to her. I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Lydia, it’s Adeline. Thank you so much for your hard work on the project with Mr. Johnson. Finn doesn’t want me to be worn out right after I arrive, so he hasn’t let me do anything! I’ll treat you to a meal someday as a reward~” Finn never lets anyone touch or look at his smartphone. Even when I picked it up from the coffee table by mistake, thinking it was mine, he got upset, saying I was invading his privacy. Yet, he lets Adeline use it freely to reply to messages, exposing all our chats to her without any privacy concerns. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Is this what they call the power of “Adeline”? The importance placed on someone in one’s heart dictates how they are treated. However, I felt unusually calm and even gave her a like on her Facebook Feed. What once seemed like the end of the world now feels trivial. I’ve wasted too much time on them. From now on, I’ll live for myself. I pulled up the data I compiled recently and called my dad: “Yes, I’ll handle those companies abroad. We’re divorced now.” 0

Finn didn’t come home all night, and I didn’t leave the entryway light on for him or wait up in the living room like before. He might still be out enjoying himself while his parents are probably worrying about the company deficit. Finn’s company was initially started to impress his parents. His father and mother saw it as a chance for him to gain experience, so they secretly helped a lot, investing much money. Otherwise, the company wouldn’t have taken off so quickly. Did Finn, who used to skip class to hang out with friends, and I, who only had a bunch of theoretical knowledge from university professors, really think we could run a company? Finn thought he was some business prodigy, always getting new project collaborations whenever there were signs of losses. But it was all his parents and I handling things behind the scenes. While I was learning how to run a company day and night, the Aiden family’s money wasn’t just filling the void for their playboy son. I used the company as a transit hub to support our own industry. The way Finn’s mother looked down on me back then still feels like a splinter lodged in my skin. It doesn’t hurt anymore, but it always bothers me when I think of it. Now, our industry, with my help, has risen from decline to become a leading enterprise. Finn doesn’t know or care about any of this. Since he reconnected with Adeline, every time I share my success excitedly, he can’t take his eyes off his smartphone. In front of him, even when I dress according to his preferences, I feel like I’m acting foolish. But it doesn’t matter anymore. These years have just been me working here. I’ve spent five years in this company, understanding every level and experiencing every process firsthand. This experience will be my capital to build my own world. Suddenly, Finn called: “There’s a company annual party tonight, remember to come and wear the dress I sent over.” I agreed calmly, not saying much. He seemed surprised I didn’t ask about the dress design this time, realizing it was Adeline’s favorite style and causing a scene. In the past, it always ended with us fighting, me tearfully wearing the dress to make peace, and seeing a hint of admiration in his eyes. But nothing would change. I politely said, “I understand. Is there anything else?” “You…” He started but couldn’t finish, ending the call with a busy signal. The divorce agreement has taken effect, and now we’re just boss and employee. The procedures to go abroad are almost complete. By this time tomorrow, I’ll be at my own company, sitting at the main seat, holding the first shareholders meeting. I’ll still attend tonight’s annual party, as a farewell to my youth. But when I walked in wearing the dress Finn sent, I saw Adeline clinging to his arm, wearing the exact same dress. 0

I paused at the entrance of the banquet hall, standing opposite them across the crowd. People were starting to notice, whispering around me. “Wow, how awkward. The replacement and the original.” “A replica can never be as good as the original. One’s by his side; the other’s entering alone.” “Such a rich family’s drama, and I’m seeing it live.” I was considering leaving to save face, but Adeline spotted me through the crowd. “What a coincidence, dear Lydia! You like this design too? Finn said it was custom-made for me. I thought there was only one.” Up close, I noticed differences. Her dress had gemstones on the skirt hem, sparkling like a starry river under the banquet hall lights. Finn looked flustered, avoiding my eyes. Was he embarrassed for making a scene or surprised the dress matched his Adeline’s exactly? Whatever the reason, it wasn’t my concern anymore. I raised my wine glass with a graceful smile: “What a coincidence. Mr. Finn likes it, but I think it’s just okay.” Before I could take a sip, Adeline suddenly stumbled, spilling all her red wine on my skirt. The wine glass shattered, cutting my skin. My white skirt bloomed with dark red stains, whether from wine or blood, I couldn’t tell. The culprit collapsed tearfully into Finn’s arms: “I’m sorry, sister. I must have stepped on something and twisted my ankle. I’m really sorry. Do you have another dress?” I lifted my skirt to avoid the wet fabric sticking to my legs. I have a cleanliness habit, and the dress clinging to me was uncomfortable. I said coldly: “Adeline, is this necessary? “I hadn’t even seen this dress before wearing it. “No one’s competing with you for anything.” Perhaps my rare cold attitude caught her off guard. She paused, a barely noticeable smug smile on her lips: “Today’s the company’s annual party. Calm down, don’t make a scene. It’s about the company reputation. After the party, you can hit or scold me all you want! I’m just clumsy. Sister, why don’t you hit me?” She closed her eyes, grabbing my hand to slap herself with. She held on so tight I couldn’t break free. Before my hand could reach her face, Finn’s hand grabbed my wrist. “Lydia, enough! Don’t be so harsh. Adeline didn’t do it on purpose. Learn to consider the bigger picture like Adeline. Think about the company. She’s apologized; let’s end it here. I’ll send ten more dresses to your house tomorrow for you to choose from!” I laughed in frustration, pulling my hand free with all my strength, slashing my skirt with a wine glass shard. Rip— The dirty fabric tore off cleanly, transforming the cumbersome long skirt into a brand-new short one. “Hopefully, you two can think more about the company.” I tossed the dirty fabric at their faces and turned to leave. “Enough, stop being stubborn. I know what you’re up to. Don’t worry, with my parents backing you, your position is secure for now. They want me to bring you home tomorrow. Ask for whatever compensation you want.” He rambled on, oblivious to Adeline’s increasingly displeased expression. “But we’re already divorced.” Every tear on my skirt was my creation. On me, it’s the original. Under the torn dress, my leg bled from the glass cuts. It hurt, but I stood tall. I’ll never bow to Finn again. “Finn, whether as legal spouses or work colleagues, we have no connection anymore. “You should call me boss now.” 0 Adeline’s eyes sparkled at the words, and she gripped Finn’s arm more tightly, though she quickly masked her excitement: “Please, don’t be upset with Finn…”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296597”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I found myself in a novel as the malicious supporting character. But I haven’t done anything wrong. I’ve even become friends with the heroine and married the gentle second lead. I always thought I was happy until I stumbled upon my husband’s diary. It turns out he was reborn. All these years of kindness were just to prevent me from harming the heroine… Holding the pregnancy test result and touching the tiny life inside me, I felt an unprecedented sense of security. I’ve been living in this world for 13 years, and at this moment, it feels like I’ve finally found a complete sense of belonging and attachment. I transmigrated into this novel world after my death, becoming the malicious supporting character with the same name as mine. But I thought I was lucky. I arrived before the story unfolded, so I hadn’t done anything to wrong the main characters. In fact, because of the female lead’s cheerful personality, we became best friends who could talk about anything. I turned into a guardian of love, encouraging her to pursue her romantic interests actively, watching her fall in love with the male lead, and sending her off as a bridesmaid when she married the man she loved. The female lead is the second person I want to share my good news with; as for the first, it’s obviously my husband. My husband, Declan, was originally the gentle second male lead in the novel, always silently protecting the female lead. Perhaps due to the butterfly effect of my changes, he no longer follows the female lead but focuses all his attention and affection on me. Walking together for 13 years, I truly felt loved, so I married for love without hesitation. Now, our little family is about to welcome a new life, and I can’t wait to share this good news with him.

I thought about it, and instead of saying it directly, I decided to let him discover it himself. I sneaked into the study, sat in his chair, and casually opened a drawer. An old notebook caught my eye. It stood out because it didn’t match the neat and uniform files around it. It should have been at the bottom, but a corner was accidentally exposed in the owner’s rush. I carefully picked up the notebook and couldn’t help but laugh. It was the type of girly notebook cover we used in our school days, worn with age, but the owner likely opened it frequently to record things, as the edges were curled, and the pages were yellowed. We never had secrets between us as a couple, so I opened it without any hesitation. On the title page was written in large English handwriting: Forever Love. I lowered my head with a shy smile, my face flushing. Could this be a love letter he wrote for me? I took out the pregnancy test result, planning to place it inside. I wanted to give him my most precious “love letter.” I carefully opened the first page and was instantly dumbfounded—my eternal love, Cora. Cora is the female lead in the story. Suddenly, I felt my blood reverse, and my whole body froze as if my throat was stuffed with heavy cotton, making it hard to breathe. My fingers trembled, yet uncontrollably, I read page by page. With a kind of obsessive self-torture, I read the entire diary word by word. Rather than a diary, it’s more like a love letter that can’t be sent, summarized in just a few words: Declan loves Cora but can’t be with her. It turns out Declan was reborn; it turns out Declan always loved Cora deeply; it turns out all of Declan’s care and affection for me was just an act! He needed to keep an eye on me to prevent any possibility of me harming the woman he loves. The joy of being pregnant vanished, leaving only bitterness in my heart. For 13 years, I never thought of harming Cora, but at this moment, I truly envied her. I envied her for the brief kindness and warmth she once gave, which made a man remember her deeply for 13 years, even at the cost of entangling with the malicious supporting character to ensure her happiness. My heart was in turmoil, tangled with pain and despair, and I couldn’t even remember how long I cried, just feeling that everything around me turned into a terrifying illusion.

Exhausted, I fell asleep on the sofa until Declan came home and woke me up. He was reeking of alcohol, staggering as he walked. “Honey, I’m back…” he said with a smile. “Sorry, I had a business dinner tonight, so I came back late.” I smiled bitterly, the smile not reaching my eyes, yet I still fulfilled my duty as a wife. I went to help him, undoing his tightly buttoned tie and loosening the collar. “Thank you, honey, you’re so good.” I gazed at Declan, realizing his gratitude was very perfunctory. If he paid a bit more attention, he would have noticed the redness and swelling in my eyes. Perhaps pretending to deal with me has become a habit for him. I helped Declan to the bed, undressed him, and prepared to clean his face and body. Drunk, Declan’s willpower slackened, as if he let down his guard, revealing his true feelings with weary vulnerability. “Cora…” I flinched, thinking I was hallucinating. I stared at Declan, my nails digging into my palms. “Cora.” The cruel reminder echoed again. In a self-destructive manner, I subconsciously imitated Cora’s tone. “Declan.” Declan suddenly grabbed my hand tightly, his drunken eyes filled with tenderness and affection. “Cora, as long as you’re happy, everything I do is worth it.” A short sentence fixed me once again in the cage of deception. I felt breathless, everything before me becoming bizarre, and I fled from the bedroom in a mix of running and hiding. It turns out the love I chose without hesitation was a joke from start to finish.

I didn’t sleep well. The various things the malicious supporting character Phoebe did in the novel replayed crazily in my mind. Phoebe bullied the female lead with her group, hired thugs to humiliate the female lead, and used her family background to oppress the female lead, and so on… In the dream, Phoebe suddenly turned back, with a face identical to mine. That face was twisted and ferocious, even I found it terrifying. In dreams, time flies, the male lead and the second male lead quickly grow and then take revenge on me. Declan’s cold, indifferent eyes calmly stared at me, as if looking at a dead object. “Since you like ruining others’ innocence, go experience it yourself.” In despair, I was humiliated to death and discarded by a filthy garbage pile, dying in agony. “No!” I shouted, waking myself up! I looked up into Declan’s concerned eyes, overlapping with the brutal and fierce image in the dream, and I trembled in fright. Declan was covering me with a blanket, looking confused. “Honey, what’s wrong? Why are you sleeping on the sofa, you’ll catch a cold.” “Honey, are you mad at me for drinking too much last night? Sorry, the client was important.” I shook my head, engulfed in fatigue and fear, not wanting to say anything. There’s no guest room in our house. Declan once promised he would never make me mad enough to send him to sleep in a guest room. Even if he did upset me, he’d be sensible enough to sleep on the floor beside me. But when conflicts really arose, I didn’t even have a space of my own. I was indeed under his watchful eye. Declan didn’t notice anything unusual about me, frowning pitifully. “Honey, I had a tough time at the business dinner yesterday, my head hurts a lot, where’s the hangover soup?” “I forgot.” I didn’t make any at all. Declan’s family isn’t wealthy, while I’m a typical rich second generation. He always said he wanted to earn my father’s approval through his own efforts, to achieve more to deserve me. So Declan worked hard. He didn’t accept help from the Aiden family, choosing to start his own business. In the early years, to secure projects, he drank heavily with partners, almost getting a stomach ulcer. I loved Declan deeply, and as his wife, I always took care of him personally. For the sake of his health, I found many remedies and often stayed up all night to help him recover from hangovers. If I were unaware of his true feelings, I might have continued being a dutiful wife. However, in reality, my efforts were all one-sided. [Phoebe used her family background to harm Cora, I can’t let her have any chance to harm Cora. I must achieve success in the business world, have enough power to rival Phoebe’s old man. If they harm Cora like the last life, I’ll make the Phoebe family pay a painful price!] Declan’s desperate efforts were merely to gain real power, to protect his true love.

“Honey, what’s wrong today? You don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell? Let me take you to the hospital.” I stared blankly at the man before me, wondering how much sincerity was in his concern. I hesitated about confronting Declan when suddenly my phone rang. The caller ID showed two big words—Cora. Declan quickly picked up the phone and handed it to me, signaling with his eyes, “Take it.” I numbly pressed answer, and Cora’s cheerful voice came through. “Phoebe, darling, remember we’re going to the art exhibit today?” “I remember.” “Let’s meet at the Coffee Shop in front of the Art Gallery, okay? Old Ho is dropping me off on his way to work.” “Okay.” Before I could speak, Declan said, “You have plans with Cora today, let me drive you there.” “No need, your office isn’t on the way.” Declan lovingly touched my cheek. “Silly, driving my wife anywhere is on the way. Go change your clothes!” Declan went back to the room to freshen up, his back radiating happiness. He’s going to see his beloved, of course, he’s thrilled. “Remember.” “Let’s meet directly at the Coffee Shop in front of the Art Gallery. He can drop me off on his way to work.” “Alright.” I hung up the phone, and before I could say anything, Declan spoke first, “You have plans with Cora today? Let me take you there.” “No need. Your office is out of the way.” Declan affectionately touched my cheek. “Silly, taking my wife anywhere is always my pleasure. Go get changed!” Declan got up to freshen up, his back radiating happiness. Of course, he’s thrilled to see the one he loves. He seemed to have forgotten that he just mentioned taking me to the hospital because I looked unwell. In Declan’s world, nothing is more important than Cora. — When Declan dropped me off at the Coffee Shop, Cora was happily sipping a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino. She naturally handed me a cup of hot milk, greeting me cheerfully. Declan gently reminded me, “Girls shouldn’t drink too many cold beverages. It’s bad for your health and can cause discomfort at certain times. You’re not a kid anymore; you should be more careful.” Cora teased with a smile, “Wow, showing off your affection right in front of me.” Declan replied with a smile, “You too, drink less cold stuff!” So much preamble for a simple reminder to her. The hot milk in my hand felt uncomfortably warm. Actually, I don’t like cold drinks. His concern was never really for me. “Got it, got it. You’re so naggy. Only Phoebe can put up with you.” Declan chuckled and turned to me, “I’ll pick you up for lunch. I remember you saying you wanted to try the new Spanish restaurant in Phoebe City.” Once doubt creeps in, you realize how insincerely his concern is acted. It wasn’t me who wanted to try the Spanish restaurant; it was Cora. But I was blindly in love, and he played his part well. Now that the truth is out, I see I was just blinded by my own ignorance. Cora held me close. “Okay, okay, you should go. Don’t interrupt our girl time.” She pulled me inside, mumbling non-stop. “Phoebe, I’m so excited for Master Gu’s work…” I instinctively looked back at the man in the distance. He was watching us with a scrutinizing gaze, but when our eyes met, he quickly hid his emotions. He put on a performance of deep affection, acting all affectionate. Declan, aren’t you tired? Certainly! 7 After the art exhibit ended, we had just stepped out of the Art Gallery when Declan’s car approached slowly. He had asked me several times when he should pick us up. If it were in the past, I would have thought it was a sign of his love and care.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296596”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

In my previous life, after we saved the Media Mogul, he offered my sister and me two choices. We could either enter Hollywood to become a star or become his adopted daughter and inherit his empire. My sister eagerly chose to inherit the business and boasted, “Elder Sister, you should go to Hollywood and face the challenges there. I want to be a princess in high society. Soon, you’ll be begging me for opportunities.” But once she moved into the Media Mogul’s home, she was constantly under the suspicious eye of his wife and lived in conditions worse than the servants’. In the end, she was forced into a loveless marriage with an older man who was both disabled and abusive. Meanwhile, I rose to fame with an original song that turned me into a household name and a famous actress worth millions. Later, at a charity gala, when she saw me as the honored guest, she broke down completely. In a fit of rage, she attacked me, and then took her own life by jumping out of a window. After our rebirth, we returned to the day we rescued the drowning Media Mogul. This time, my sister was so emotional that she burst into tears, exclaiming, “I want to enter Hollywood and become a famous actress!” The person before me is a true Media Mogul, whose enterprises dominate a significant portion of Hollywood. With sharp insight and a generous approach, they invest heavily in their artists, becoming the ideal mentor every newcomer dreams of. To showcase her talent to the Media Mogul, my Sister performed an impromptu song and dance, claiming it was her “Original Song.” “Sir, I’ve loved singing and dancing since I was a child. I apologize if it was awkward, but please consider making me a Celebrity. I know I can succeed!” Initially, I was lost in thought, but the familiar tune jolted me back to reality. It was my Original Song that went viral overnight in my past life! A bold thought crossed my mind: my Sister has experienced Rebirth too. The Media Mogul looked at her with admiration, nodding in approval. But then, my Sister’s legs gave out, and she collapsed, appearing exhausted, softly saying: “Sir, what I can’t let go of the most is my older sister. Please treat her well after adopting her…” She suddenly added with a worried expression: “When I saved you from the water just now, she was terrified on the shore. She’s been afraid of water since she was young; please keep that in mind.” Hearing this, the Media Mogul’s face darkened immediately. Because when he woke up by the shore, the first person he saw was me, soaking wet. And when he thanked me, I didn’t deny it. Now it seems like I wanted to claim the credit for rescuing him. “The child I want to adopt must have good character, not someone who resorts to tricks and lies. I’m sorry, but I’ll give you twenty thousand dollars as a token of thanks.” With a stern face, the Media Mogul pulled out a check, signed a number, and handed it to me. My Sister’s eyes lit up at the sight of the twenty thousand dollars. In the past life, she thought she would live a luxurious life after being adopted, only to find herself eating and wearing the servants’ leftovers. After marriage, she suffered daily abuse and beatings, and by the time she died, all her money amounted to no more than five hundred dollars. She immediately blocked my way, grabbed the check, and pretended to be terrified, speaking for me: “Sir, please don’t say that. My older sister didn’t just stand there; she cheered for me from the shore. Without her, I would’ve lost the strength to stay afloat long ago…” I watched her performance quietly, waiting for the chance to deliver a decisive blow. I smiled and asked, “Sister, since you’re so good at swimming, why don’t you jump into the river now and show us a frog kick?” My Sister’s expression froze. The Media Mogul snorted, “What do you mean, are you saying that you were the one who saved me?” I pressed my lips together, and in the next second, I dove into the water, holding my breath for a full minute before resurfacing. Seeing my Sister’s face turn from blue to pale, I said calmly, “Your turn, go ahead.” She couldn’t hold it any longer, screaming sharply, wishing to tear me apart: “I’m your Sister! Why do you keep pushing me to the brink!” I smiled at the Media Mogul, the truth was now evident. He was so furious that he clutched his chest, unable to speak, pointing at my Sister. But given that she had been his Adopted Daughter for years, she knew he was soft-hearted, so she knelt down with a thud, crying bitterly: “I’m sorry, sir, I lied just now! But I have my reasons! My older sister has always liked being in the limelight. When we were kids, and the orphanage director taught us to swim, I was better, so she grew jealous. She pushed me into the water when no one was looking, and I almost drowned. Since then, I’ve been afraid of water… “And she loves brand ads. She only saved you because she noticed your belt was Hermès. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have cared…” I truly admired her ability to lie on the spot. The Media Mogul looked at her in shock, half-believing her words. Eventually, he still appreciated her impressive creative talent and agreed to help her find an agency to sign with. That afternoon, we boarded the Media Mogul’s private jet to San Francisco. My Sister leaned over, smiling, and said, “Older sister, your good days have finally arrived. This life, you deserve it. “And I will be just like in the past life, becoming that Famous Actress in the spotlight.” She looked at me arrogantly, thinking it would terrify me, but unexpectedly, from start to finish, I just watched her with a smile. Newcomers pop up in Hollywood all the time. Where does she get the confidence to think she can rely on just one song to stay popular forever? Someone this foolish, even a thousand Rebirths wouldn’t help. I followed the Media Mogul to his home, a mansion in the heart of the city, comparable to a royal garden. The steps were made of white jade, and the railings were inlaid with gold. This top-tier Media Mogul lived more lavishly than I imagined. But I knew well that everyone in High Society is shrewd, so I showed no interest in anything, appearing indifferent the entire time. At lunch, I used my past life’s etiquette to appear generous and graceful. The Media Mogul, who had been observing me, finally showed a satisfied smile. He gestured for the servants to serve me food and began to ask about my life: “As my daughter, I won’t treat you poorly. You’ll receive a seven-figure monthly allowance, and there will be dedicated staff to take care of your daily needs. You’ll never have to go back to the life you had before. “However, as my daughter, I hope you’ll be diligent, know your limits, and become a good helper for your father in the future.” I looked up as a well-dressed, well-maintained middle-aged woman walked in briskly, her eyes almost spitting fire. I recognized her immediately as the Media Mogul’s legitimate wife, Madam Daphne. “Gideon Bennett, who’s this child you’ve brought in this time?” In the past, I learned that Madam Daphne was a wealthy heiress who insisted on marrying the Media Mogul and supported his business with her entire family. As they say, heroes can’t resist beautiful women, and the Media Mogul did have a few scandals in his younger days, making her wary. Seeing the Media Mogul’s face darken, I stood up first to introduce myself: “Hello, Madam, my name is Nora Bennett, the Adopted Daughter of Mr. Bennett.” She snorted, mocking, “Adopted Daughter? I guess I’ll have to give up my position as Madam soon since you’re the first one Gideon Bennett has brought home directly in years.” “Ah Feng! What nonsense are you spouting?!” The Media Mogul finally couldn’t keep his expression in check. I smiled slightly, stood up, and pulled out a chair for Madam Daphne, respectfully serving her food and soup. She sneered at my actions but didn’t stop taunting: “Oh, so you’ve done your homework on me. Too bad, I’m not Summer, and I won’t like you just because you’re pretty and diligent.” But as the aroma of the food wafted over, her nose twitched slightly. The Media Mogul noticed this and couldn’t help but smile. In the past life, out of gratitude for the Media Mogul’s kindness, I carefully learned Madam Daphne’s preferences. I knew she had a big temper but wasn’t a bad person. Every time I gave her gifts, she would return the gesture. Once, when I faced a media crisis, she spoke on my behalf in front of reporters. I also learned that when she was young, she helped Mr. Bennett sell goods at a stall. Once, she was accidentally hit on the neck by merchandise, narrowly escaping death, which left her with chronic issues. Thinking of this, I gently placed my hand on her neck. Madam Daphne instinctively flinched, “What are you doing!?” But then she suddenly felt an indescribable comfort and relaxation, and couldn’t help but loosen up. “I grew up in an orphanage. Although the director and teachers gave us a lot of love, I still learned to be cautious from a young age, striving to be a likable child.” I massaged her shoulders and neck earnestly, speaking slowly: “Being likable meant I could get an extra piece of meat in the cafeteria, gain more knowledge when asking teachers questions after class, and receive more love. “The director, who raised us herself, was like a mother to me. She worked tirelessly every day, suffering from severe shoulder and neck issues. I would massage her every day… “Every time I did it, I felt incredibly happy. It was like having a home, massaging my hardworking mother.” As I spoke, I could sense the person’s breathing in front of me tremble slightly. Madam Daphne had no children, but I knew she longed for one more than anyone. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mr. Bennett watching me intently. Our eyes met, and his expression softened, nodding towards me. I understood well that the reason Gideon Bennett agreed to fulfill my Sister and my wishes wasn’t just out of gratitude. More importantly, he valued our outstanding appearances, thinking we could be of use to him in the future. He must have been aware of how my Sister lived in the past. The only explanation is that he allowed it to happen. If I couldn’t be of real help to him, my fate would likely be no different than my Sister’s past life. That night, I brought red wine to Madam Daphne’s room on behalf of the servants. She was smoking, and when she saw me, she raised an eyebrow and slowly got up to open the window. “At this hour, you’re looking for me? Aren’t you enjoying the luxury room Gideon arranged for you?” Her words were still sharp, but they were quite different from the day. There was no longer an attempt to associate me with Gideon and slander me. My elder sister surely knew about the hardships my sister faced in her previous life. The only explanation is that she allowed it all to happen. If I can’t be of real assistance to her, I fear my fate could mirror that of my sister’s past. That evening, I took a glass of red wine to Madam Daphne’s room on behalf of the servant. She was smoking and, upon seeing me, raised an eyebrow and slowly opened the window. “Why are you here at this hour? Aren’t you going to enjoy the luxurious room that Gideon Bennett arranged for you?” Her words were as sharp as ever, but there was a noticeable difference compared to earlier in the day. She no longer associated me negatively with Gideon Bennett. “Madam, I have no interest in your assets. I’m willing to sign an agreement to ensure I have no inheritance rights.” Meeting her astonished gaze, I stated clearly, “I’m here to help you avert a crisis.” In my past life, the main reason my sister married such a despicable person was that the Bennett Corporation faced a severe crisis. Otherwise, even as an adopted daughter, she was the Bennett Family’s only daughter, representing their image, and Gideon Bennett wouldn’t have treated her marriage so lightly. Madam Daphne took a drag from her cigarette and turned to the window, chuckling softly, “Our Bennett Family is large and conducts business with integrity. What help could you possibly provide?” I concealed a smile. “There’s no doubt about Bennett Corporation’s strength. But it can’t withstand an insider selling company secrets to competitors.” I took out a pen and paper and wrote down a few names. These people caused chaos in the industry by betraying the Bennett Corporation in my past life, and it’s hard for anyone not to have heard of them. Madam Daphne casually glanced at the names, and her expression changed dramatically. I said, “Maybe you don’t believe me, but I’ve had a knack since childhood for reading people and distinguishing good from evil. On my way here, I researched news related to Bennett Corporation. You should pay particular attention to the people on this list.” … Although Madam Daphne was skeptical, she couldn’t ignore the detailed information I provided. She informed Mr. Bennett, and they investigated the company’s situation. They indeed discovered a major issue: several executives had been secretly contacting competitors. The company was about to enter an important bidding process, and failure would result in significant losses. Mr. Bennett and Madam Daphne were shocked and immediately cleaned house from top to bottom. Within a week, I saved Gideon Bennett’s life and helped the company avoid enormous losses. Media Moguls are often superstitious, and the wealthier they are, the more they believe in fate. Now they almost all believe that I was sent by fate to bring them luck. At a family dinner, Madam Daphne seriously asked me, “Tell me, what do you want?” I placed my hand over my heart and sincerely said to her, “I am already the adopted daughter of the Bennett Family. I want nothing but for the Bennett Family to prosper and for my father and mother to enjoy peace and happiness.” It was the first time I proactively called them “father” and “mother.” Madam Daphne didn’t refuse; instead, she embraced me with excitement. I knew that from this moment, the doors of the Bennett Family were truly open to me. 5. From that day on, Gideon Bennett began taking me into the company to handle some affairs. I displayed astonishing business talent, and the projects and artists I selected created huge profits for the company.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296595”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Married for five years, he only shared a bed with me, never his heart. It was a family marriage; I knew better than to hope for more, thinking it was enough. Until our anniversary night. I defied his rule for the first time and secretly took off the blindfold. That’s when I accidentally saw the name tattooed on his waist. It hit me then. Jasper wasn’t incapable of love; he simply kept it hidden, saving it for my sister. We had a furious argument, wishing each other dead. Unbelievably, it all came true when we had a car accident, driving off a cliff. Before dying, Jasper looked at me, his face bloodied, and begged: “Daphne, if there’s a next life, let’s not be husband and wife, okay?” I looked at him with a bitter smile, like someone who’d lost their mind. When I opened my eyes again, I saw Jasper kneeling on the ground: “Uncle, Aunt, I can’t marry Daphne. I love Iris.” I was stunned. But quickly relieved, as I didn’t want to choose him this time either. After being reborn, I chose to marry Asher. In the past life, Asher died at thirty, and his mother fainted from crying, while his father aged overnight. Everyone mourned his passing. He was remarkable, becoming the head of the family at a young age. Beneath his frail body was a steadfast heart. Before he died, I intended to see him one last time. But I heard him say, “I like Daphne.” “What I’ve done, she doesn’t need to know. I just want her to be well.” He said not all love needs to be spoken, not all love requires reciprocation. For many years, no one knew except his assistant. His love was kept so deep that I never noticed until his last moment, filled with regret. Today, I’ve returned from rebirth. This time, I choose to marry Asher, even if it’s just for that “like” from the past life. I want to help him, at least not let him die with regrets again. But Asher’s mother was a bit hesitant, “Are you sure you want to marry Asher?” I calmly exchanged wedding documents with her, confirming Asher’s name on them, and smiled slightly, “Yes, Aunt.” Asher’s mother tried to persuade me again: “They say Asher won’t live past thirty, you…” “Daphne, even if Jasper disagrees with the marriage, you don’t have to choose a husband from the Adams Family.” After a while, I smiled, raised my hand, and gently patted her hand. Reassuring her, “Aunt, Asher will live a long and full life.”

In the past life, I especially liked Jasper. We were childhood friends, and when my feelings awakened, no other boy could compare. I thought he felt the same way, but it was always one-sided. Every time in bed, Jasper would hand me a blindfold or tie to cover my eyes, saying: “Daphne, your eyes are too beautiful. I’m afraid I’d lose control and hurt you.” Every time, I’d blush at the ears. Until the fifth-anniversary night. I secretly took off the blindfold for the first time, only to accidentally discover the name tattooed on his waist. Shame and betrayal swept over me simultaneously. At that moment, I felt like I’d fallen into an icy abyss. I went mad, smashing everything in the bedroom, grabbing an ashtray and throwing it at Jasper. I hurled insults, wishing him dead. Cursed him to the lowest depths of hell. But if I could do it over, I wouldn’t do anything, just distance myself from him.

Asher and my engagement party is set for next month. Asher’s mother said the Adams Family would handle these matters, and I just needed to wait calmly. She gave me the chance to back out anytime. I replied with a helpless smile, “That’s not fair to Asher.” He’s just sick. I sent a message to the research institute’s assistant, asking them to prepare the experimental equipment. In the last life, after Asher had a heart transplant, I locked myself in the lab for some time to research antibiotics. Later, the medicine was ready for production, but he had already passed away from an infection. I hope it’s not too late this time. Suddenly, Jasper sent me a message: “Come to the Night Owl Club, I have something to discuss with you.” I refused outright. The first thing Jasper did after being reborn was to cancel the marriage with me and confess to my stepsister, Iris. To make Iris happy, he set off fireworks all night long. Their relationship topped the trending topics, and everyone said they were a perfect match. Paparazzi even caught a video of them walking on the beach. Iris seemed tired, and playfully asked Jasper to carry her. I thought he’d refuse. But he didn’t. He smiled indulgently, kneeled down, gently rubbed her ankle, and then carried her, his actions smooth and tender. A commenter online said: “Jasper is truly in love with Iris.” He’s been by Iris’s side, diligently pleasing her, treating her like a princess. He’s trying to make up for past regrets, wanting a new life. I don’t object, as long as it doesn’t involve me. But I ended up going to the Night Owl Club, though not because of Jasper. I wanted to see Asher, and his assistant called me back: “Ms. Daphne, Mr. Asher is doing business at Night Owl. If it’s urgent, you can come directly.” I frowned instinctively, teasing, “Drinking while sick? Afraid of not dying fast enough?” The assistant quickly muted the mic. After a moment of silence, all I heard was a light cough. Finally, the assistant hurriedly gave me a room number and hung up.

Surprisingly, Jasper seemed sure I’d come and had people watching for me since early morning. The moment I showed up, two bodyguards at the entrance forcibly took me to Jasper’s room. After opening the door, they pressed hard on my shoulders, forcing me to kneel. The cold from the floor seeped into my knees. The humiliation washed over me again. I clenched my fists and glared at the man in front of me: “Jasper, are you out of your mind?” The room was dimly lit. Jasper bit a cigarette from its pack, lit it, took a drag, and exhaled a cloud of smoke. “I don’t want this either.” “You didn’t cooperate with me. You refuse to cancel the engagement, so don’t blame me for being dirty.” My mind went blank instantly. Our wedding was already called off. Does he still not know? I instinctively struggled, trying to explain. Jasper had already approached me with a glass of wine, gripping my chin, “Daphne, don’t blame me.” “I just want to live the life I want. As long as you’re tainted, they won’t force me to marry you.” I stared at Jasper, eyes filled with endless sorrow. My heart ached sharply. Childhood friendship, five years of marriage, truly worthless as dirt. “So you want to drug me and send me to someone’s bed?” For a moment, Jasper seemed stunned, his lips tightly pressed, his hand pausing for just two seconds. But he still forced the wine into my mouth. “The Adams Family has been busy with our engagement party these past two days. I can’t wait any longer.” “I found a well-matched young man for you. He’ll take responsibility and marry you.” “Jasper, you’re crazy, really crazy…” I struggled desperately against his control, but there were two bodyguards behind me. Their strength was too great; resistance was futile. The wine rushed down my throat. The intense sensation made me cough uncontrollably. My face flushed red, and spilled wine dripped from my chin, soaking my shirt. Clinging to my skin. “Daphne, be good.” His voice was gentle, reaching out to wipe the wine from my lips. By then, the bodyguards had let me go. I gasped for breath, still a bit disheveled. Hands weakly propping on the floor, my eyes brimmed with tears of physiological reaction. My lips curled in self-mockery: “Jasper, I’m not marrying you, nor will I ever.” He laughed disdainfully at that: “Really? Daphne, I know you too well.” “I know how much you like me, so I had no choice.” He was so confident, so sure. Suddenly, Iris appeared at the room’s entrance, clutching her dress hem, her gaze fixed on me. Her voice trembled, “Sister, Jasper, you two…” Jasper’s body froze, the smile stiffening on his lips. “Iris, why are you here…?” “Who brought you here? It’s dirty here; you shouldn’t be here.” He approached Iris in a panic, his voice gentle, his movements tender and obedient. At this moment, he was like a devout believer, his eyes full of genuine love. A sight I’d never seen before. Indeed, love and lovelessness are truly distinct. I stared at Jasper for a long time, an unspeakable bitterness welling up. People are strange. In the past life, after marrying Jasper, Iris went abroad and never returned. He’s always regretting the past, but if he wanted to marry her back then, who could have stopped him? If he truly loved her so much, a plane ticket to America. Just over two thousand dollars. But did Jasper ever visit Iris? No. Sometimes I don’t know whether to be grateful he was faithful to me in the past life, or grateful he was cowardly. Jasper coaxed Iris to go home. She pursed her lips without saying much, looking at me with unclear emotions. In the end, I was left alone. The effects of the drug came quickly. The two bodyguards stood at the door as Jasper instructed, waiting for the well-matched young man he’d arranged. He constantly regrets the past now, but if he had wanted to marry back then, who could have stopped him?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296594”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I replicated my Grandpa’s masterpiece for the dessert competition, but my fiancé’s childhood friend accused me of using addictive poppy seed pods. I frantically searched for evidence to prove my innocence, yet my fiancé locked me inside, embracing me in tears and even promising to marry me. “I’m sorry, I love you, but Sophia really needs this trophy. This is the last time; I promise you’ll rise to the top again next time.” Sophia took home the competition trophy, while my Family Heirloom Signature Dessert was scorned by thousands. This was the 99th time he took something that belonged to me for her, turning me into a laughingstock in the dessert community. With her wish fulfilled, Oliver Thompson finally stopped blocking my participation and even asked me to make the Family Heirloom Dessert for their wedding after I won. Yet they didn’t know, my hands had long been severed by his childhood friend. … “What’s going on? Isn’t this the granddaughter of Dessert Master Ethan Johnson, Mia Johnson? How did she end up like this?” “Look at her, she seems like she’s been seriously ill. This is the International Dessert Competition. She’s not here just to humiliate herself, right?” Amid the mocking voices, two bodyguards pushed me in front of Oliver Thompson. His face darkened, and he slapped me angrily. “I gave you a chance to showcase your family creation, but you still pretend to be pitiful. How ungrateful!” “Besides, you’re infamous now because of the poppy seed pods incident. Today is also a chance for you to turn your life around. You better prepare well.” I lowered my head silently, while Sophia Thompson began to exaggerate the story. “Oliver, do you think Mia is still mad at me? After all, I won the trophy 99 times before. Maybe I should withdraw from the competition…” Her eyes reddened as she cried in Oliver’s arms. He comforted her with a tenderness I’d never seen. “Baby, don’t cry. That glory was always yours. With you here, he’ll always look up to you!” The reporters and Sophia’s fans started jeering. “Mia Johnson has some guts, losing to Sophia 99 times. If it were me, I’d have smashed my head long ago.” “I heard her Grandpa’s dessert recipe was stolen from Sophia’s family, and she’s a mistress interfering with Mr. Thompson and Sophia. What a shameless family!” Hearing this, my heart trembled. They could slander me all they wanted, but why defame my Grandpa! He poured his heart into his craft, achieving success through a lifetime of dedication. He was kind and always helped the poor and weak. Why should he bear such disgrace after death! I gritted my teeth and stood up, facing the camera. “Stop lying! My Grandpa never stole anyone’s recipe. The Johnson family’s pastry is entirely original!” But the audience didn’t believe me, only responded with disdainful snorts. I looked to Oliver for an explanation. Oliver stepped back with a look of disgust. “Your Johnson family is notorious. Why should I explain for you? Prove yourself if you have the ability.” I was pushed to the dessert station by the staff. Looking at the shiny kitchen tools, an indescribable emotion welled up inside me. This place, so familiar, should have been filled with a sense of mission and honor, yet it always brought back painful memories. Once, Oliver Thompson loved me dearly. He said my desserts were the best he’d ever tasted, something he could never tire of. Yet he imprisoned me in a basement, repeatedly making me a foil for Sophia. After being forced to lose to Sophia for the 99th time, I finally refused. Oliver looked at me with deep sorrow. “Mia, being a pastry chef is Sophia’s dream. Please don’t compete with her, just this once?” “You still have me. I’ll love you forever, but Sophia lost everything saving me. I can’t bear to see her lose her career too!”

I knew Sophia didn’t truly care about desserts; she just wanted the empty title of Dessert Princess. Yet I didn’t stop her, nodding reluctantly. After all, I owed Oliver a debt, and this was my repayment. But I was too naive. I thought stepping out of the competition would make Oliver let me go. Yet he accused me of using addictive poppy pods, destroying Grandpa’s century-old dessert reputation overnight. I furiously demanded why he did it, but he calmly replied. “You are talented and have the family recipe. You can easily make a comeback. But Sophia has nothing; I must clear all obstacles for her.” “I’m sorry, Mia. I owe her, and I must repay this debt. I’ll spend my life compensating you.” He imprisoned me in the basement, only letting me out for dessert competitions, facing public scorn and repeatedly losing to Sophia. Oliver Thompson, you owe her, and I owe you. So this time, I’ll repay you and owe you nothing more. I closed my eyes, awaiting the torment. Seeing Sophia standing opposite me at the dessert station, the host announced the start of the competition. Under eager gazes, Sophia began separating egg whites and yolks. I stood still, lost in thought. The audience grew dissatisfied. “What’s going on? Can she even make desserts?” “Haha, lost 99 times and still here. She cheated her way to the dessert master’s title. Shameless!” “If you can’t, just get off the stage!” Oliver, nearest to me, walked over displeased, lowering his voice. “What are you doing? Why aren’t you making desserts yet?” I trembled, biting my lip as I explained. “I don’t have hands anymore. Can’t you let me go?” Oliver seemed to find it funny. “Mia, aren’t you overdramatic? You’ve lived a pampered life in my villa’s basement for three years. Everyone respects you. I even instructed the butler to take good care of your hands, and you’re still lying!” Sophia softly chimed in. “Oliver, don’t push Mia. She must be upset because I stole the spotlight. Maybe I should withdraw from the competition.” Saying this, she pretended to untie her apron and leave, eyes red. The audience erupted in anger, cursing and throwing things at me. The insults grew louder, and I saw the bullet comments on the live stream, all cursing me. But I truly had no hands; how could I make desserts? I was about to show my sleeves to prove it when Sophia grabbed my mangled arm, squeezing it. “Mia, your hands are perfectly fine. Why make excuses?” I met Sophia’s malicious, satisfied gaze. She had cut off my hands, yet dared say such things! Before I could explain, Oliver slapped me hard. “If you keep pretending, I’ll reveal Grandpa’s dessert recipe right now. Get serious and compete!” I looked at him in disbelief, my body going rigid. He knew that Grandpa’s dessert recipe, written stroke by stroke, was a crucial confidential kept in our safe deposit box. Yet he stole and gave it to Sophia. How could he insult Grandpa’s legacy like this! I asked, my voice shaking. “Oliver Thompson, have you forgotten how good Grandpa was to you? How can you threaten me with him!” Oliver averted his eyes, guilty. “Don’t play the sympathy card. There’s no room for emotions on the stage. I’m always fair.” Always fair? How laughable. He wanted me to lose to Sophia publicly once more, because this competition was different. The winner would receive the International Dessert Competition Grand Prize, the most prestigious award. But without Grandpa’s dessert recipe, how could I win? At this moment, anger surged through me. I wanted to fight them, but feared he’d harm Grandpa’s dessert recipe. If it were lost, the Johnson family’s craft would truly be gone. “Please don’t do this. I’ll compete. I’ll compete, okay?”

Through sobs, I struggled towards the Dessert Station. But… without hands, even picking up an egg was impossible. An egg rolled off my sleeve, and laughter erupted from the crowd. “Is she pretending to be disabled on purpose?” “Is this the heir of the Pastry Family? She’s no match for Sophia!” Sophia Thompson, full of pride, had already started making cream amidst the cheers. A strong wave of bitterness rose in my heart, and tears streamed down my face. The first fragrant dessert was soon out of the oven. It was a Lemon Cake, made using the secret recipe she stole from my Grandpa. In stark contrast, my creation looked like a mess. Without hands to precisely adjust the oven temperature, my dessert didn’t hold its shape. The audience burst into laughter, and the Judges didn’t even want to look at my work, asking sarcastically, “Was that on purpose or an accident?” Sophia chimed in mockingly, “Judge, I know Mia, she’s far more skilled than this. She’s clearly doing it for show.” I was too ashamed to speak. The next moment, Sophia pretended to accidentally knock over my work and pushed me to the ground. “Oh dear, I’m sorry, Mia. Don’t be mad at me.” As she spoke, she pretended to bend down to help me up, but leaned close to my ear. “You didn’t know, did you? I actually caused your Grandpa’s death. That old man protected the recipe till his last breath, but I smothered him with a pillow…” “That old man protected your family’s recipe even in death, but I burned it all to ashes!” Hearing this, it felt like my blood froze. I wanted to grab her and question her, but I had no hands. “You murderer!” I shouted in anger, trying to get up, but Oliver Thompson rushed over and slapped me. “What do you think you’re doing? Sophia was kind to you, and you made something that looks like crap and fed it to others! No wonder the Johnson family’s reputation was bought with money!” He looked furious, completely forgetting that when he was an orphan, it was my Grandpa who paid for his education. Tears fell like broken beads as I collapsed in front of the Cameras, asking Sophia, “Why did you kill my Grandpa?” Oliver’s face turned ugly. “What nonsense are you spouting in front of so many people? Sophia didn’t kill your Grandpa. He died of old age!” Sophia cried pitifully, “I know you can’t stand to see me doing well, but you can’t slander me!” “But you admitted it yourself! When I was imprisoned, you came and cut off my hands. I want to call the police!” “Shut up!” Oliver was furious. “Don’t let me hear you slander Sophia again. You live in luxury at my place and pamper your hands every day, and today you’re just acting up to get my attention!” Then, Oliver turned to face the hundreds of cameras, addressing countless viewers. “Don’t believe her lies. She’s always cared about her reputation. How could she not have hands?” “And to think I wanted to help her run the Pastry Shop after all this. She’s really let me down.” Oliver looked at me with disappointment, as if I were a terrible person. The audience’s emotions were stirred, and they rushed over to beat me up. I weakly raised my arms to shield myself, but I couldn’t withstand their madness. “Stop hitting me! I didn’t do it on purpose. My hands were cut off. If you don’t believe me, look…” But no one listened to me. Oliver stepped forward and kicked my arm. “Still pretending? You can’t even lie properly.” In the chaos, Sophia accidentally poured a pot of hot butter on me. With a sizzle, I felt my skin blistering and screamed in agony. Everyone gasped and backed away, afraid of getting splashed. It seemed like a glimmer of hope for me. Ignoring the pain, I tried to crawl away. But in the next second, Oliver had the Bodyguards grab my clothes. They pulled so hard they tore my shirt off. I was desperate, as if my last shred of dignity was stripped away, and I screamed for mercy. “Please, let me go! Don’t look at my hands…” But when Oliver saw my arms, he was stunned. Just one look, and his eyes widened in shock, his voice trembling. “Mia, where… where are your hands…” My whole body twitched, my skin blistered from the hot butter, bleeding profusely. “Please, call a doctor for me…” Sophia screamed, “It’s fake, don’t believe him!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296593”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

When the man came to pick me up, I lay naked on the bar table. He saw the wine stains and scars on my body, yet his eyes showed no pity. I picked up my torn clothes from the floor and numbly followed him. I took my sister’s place to marry Gideon, trying to please him for five years. During the worst of my depression, he brought home the woman he was seeing. He forced me to confess and serve a girl who looked exactly like my sister. The tenth time I cut my wrist, Gideon sat by the bed and told me he hated me. “Vera, don’t use such means to get my attention. Seeing you only makes me hate you more… If only it hadn’t been you who survived back then…” A sharp pain pierced my heart, and once again I asked for a divorce. But Gideon still wouldn’t let me go. Until a fire, reminiscent of the past, trapped both Nora and me. Before the pillar of fire collapsed, I exchanged my life for Nora’s escape. Everyone blamed me for my sister’s death. This time, I paid with my life. But Gideon went mad. 0

“Divorce?” Gideon sneered without mercy. “Every time you ask for a divorce, don’t you come back the next day crying for forgiveness? Vera, these pains are nothing compared to what she went through. You’ll never escape.” Gideon didn’t mind speaking in front of the family doctor. I bypassed him, apologizing to the doctor with regret, “Sorry to trouble you again.” Gideon impatiently interrupted, “Stop pretending here. The trouble you’ve caused is far beyond this. Cold-blooded beings like you are a nuisance just by existing.” Pain flashed in my eyes, and after a moment, I met Gideon’s hateful gaze. “Gideon… then why won’t you let me die?” My words seemed to sting Gideon, and he gritted his teeth, “Want to die? It’s not that easy! You used every means to survive back then, so I’ll satisfy you. I’ll make you live well, or better yet… a life worse than death.” I gave a bitter laugh. I’ve wanted to leave this world more than once. But they hate me, won’t let me live well, and won’t let me die. I have a debt I can never repay. “Can my sister, in her current state, still entertain for me at tonight’s dinner?” Nora spoke with a slightly proud voice while holding Gideon’s arm. I looked at the girl in her early twenties, who looked just like my sister, and felt a bit dazed. I pressed my lips together, wanting to refuse, “Sorry, I’m afraid I can’t go…” But before I could finish, Gideon coldly interrupted, “Vera, who said you could refuse? It’s just a cut, what are you pretending for? Didn’t you run fast even when your leg was burned back then?” My face instantly turned pale, painful memories resurfacing. The abandoned building devoured by flames, thick smoke filling the air. I covered my nose and mouth, stumbling out of the fire. But suddenly, a burnt wooden beam fell from above. My trapped left leg was instantly charred. I struggled to push away the burning pillar. But why… why can’t I push it away… why couldn’t I be a bit faster, just a bit faster… I snapped back to reality in terror. Nora, nestled in Gideon’s arms, stoked the fire again, “Brother Gideon, maybe we should just forget it. If my sister goes unwillingly, others might misunderstand that I’m bullying her. ” Gideon’s aura turned icy, “Vera, it’s just drinking. What are you afraid of? Afraid your frail body might drink itself to death? But don’t you want to die? This is exactly what you wanted, isn’t it?” I heard every word Gideon said clearly, and my breathing trembled. Nora didn’t need to attend any dinners to get the abundant resources Gideon threw her way. But Gideon insisted I drink myself into a stupor to please the investors. He just wanted to humiliate me. I accepted it. “Fine, I’ll go.” I bowed my head to Gideon. But for some reason, his face turned even darker. 0

I put on the scant dress Nora picked for me. She pushed me into the private room, where a pot-bellied, half-drunk man greeted me. His alcoholic breath hit my face, making my stomach churn. “Miss Song, if you’re late, you must drink three glasses as punishment!” “Mr. Knox, my sister can handle her liquor, I’ll have her drink double for you!” Nora complimented the man with a smile, her fingertips pinching into the soft flesh of my arm, threatening in a low voice, “Vera, you better perform well, or you know what will happen!” I looked down at the full row of white liquor before me, my already pale face turning even worse. But I had no choice but to take the glass, downing one after another. My stomach burned painfully, and black spots danced in my vision. Suddenly, Nora accidentally knocked over a champagne bottle, jolting me awake. The entire bottle poured down my chest, turning my dress transparent, revealing what lay beneath. I had no mind to catch the fleeting malice in Nora’s eyes. I turned to leave the room, but Mr. Knox grabbed my wrist. “Don’t go. Stay with me tonight, and I’ll guarantee the lead role for Nora.” The man’s leering gaze swept over me, making me shiver. But the next moment, the door was kicked open. Gideon, emanating a terrifying chill, grabbed a bottle from the table and smashed it over Mr. Knox’s head. Holding his bleeding forehead, Mr. Knox looked up in disbelief, “Young Master Jiang, what is the meaning of this?!” “Did I let you speak?!” Gideon kicked him again, and Mr. Knox fell to the ground, crying out in pain. Gideon stared at my half-exposed shoulder, his voice cold as ice, “Why are you still standing there? Go change your clothes!” I clutched my soaked dress, stunned, unmoving. “Gideon, isn’t this what you wanted to see? Why are you here?” A strange look flashed in Gideon’s dark eyes, quickly turning to hatred, “What do you think? You think I care about you? I’m just afraid you’ll use any means to seduce someone else and run away.” Gideon’s voice was low, full of mockery. I found it hard to breathe. “Vera, are you really going to stand there, dressed like that, in front of me?” I snapped back to reality, fleeing the room. Back at the old house, I finally scrubbed off the sticky feeling. Wrapped in a bathrobe, I went to the balcony for some air, only to hear a faint noise behind me. Realizing something was wrong, I turned to pull the balcony door. Sure enough, it wouldn’t budge. A few minutes later, I stopped banging on the glass, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. The same old trick, I’ve fallen for it countless times, yet I never learn. As expected, I developed a high fever by morning. My forehead was burning, yet my limbs were cold and trembling. I didn’t know when the door opened. Gideon stood over me, looking down in disdain, “Vera, what trick are you pulling now? Since you’re awake, get ready. Nora has a scene in ice water today, and you’re shooting it for her.” 0

I was momentarily stunned, my voice hoarse, “I have a fever.” Gideon frowned, impatience flashing in his eyes, “Stop pretending, the car’s already waiting downstairs.” I couldn’t believe it, “It’s below freezing. You want me to get into ice water with a fever?” “What else?” Gideon sneered, leaning down to grip my chin. “Nora’s body is frail. She’s not like you, tough enough to live shamelessly till now.” His grip was so strong it felt like he might shatter my bones. “I’m not going!” I pushed Gideon away, but he grabbed my wrist. “You don’t have a choice. Don’t forget, the Lin company is still in my hands. If today’s shoot doesn’t happen, I can’t guarantee its survival. Your sister is gone. If Lin goes too, do you think your parents can survive? Hm?” My body froze. Gideon knew too well where my weakness lay. Even if my parents disowned me, they remained the perfect leverage for Gideon to control me. I eventually nodded. Gideon raised an eyebrow, satisfied, leaving with a parting shot, “Vera, this is what you owe us. You’ll never repay it in this lifetime.” Once the door closed, I couldn’t hold myself up any longer, collapsing to the ground. I stared at my reflection in the glass. Puffy eyes, sallow skin, a shadow of my former vibrant self. I endured countless humiliations and tortures like this. I saw no end and couldn’t escape. Dragging my feverish body to the set, the director impatiently pushed me to get into the water. The wind was biting, and ice shards floated on the water’s surface. I gritted my teeth, slowly lowering myself into the water. The director, unhappy with my slow pace, ordered someone to push me in. Cold water rushed into my nose and mouth, making me cough violently. Before I could adjust, the director barked for me to go deeper. But as I stood in water that reached my chin, the cameras didn’t roll. My lips turned blue, and I weakly asked the crew onshore, “When will we start shooting?” They avoided me like the plague; I got no answer. I tried to climb out for a break, but barely moved half a meter before the director shouted angrily, “Did I say you could come up? Stay there!” My head felt heavier and heavier. A scream pierced the air, snapping me back to reality, “Blood! There’s blood in the water!” I looked down, seeing blood spreading from between my legs. The crew pinched their noses, backing away repeatedly. Lips turning purple from the cold, I weakly asked the staff on the shore, “How long before we start filming?” But they completely avoided me, not offering any response. I wanted to climb ashore to rest, but I hadn’t moved half a meter before the director yelled at me, “Did I tell you to come up? Stay there and don’t move!” My head felt like it was sinking, and a scream jolted me back to consciousness, “Blood! There’s blood in the water!” I looked down to see blood spreading from between my legs. The staff pinched their noses and backed away quickly. “Swimming while on your period? How unsanitary!” But then it hit me—I hadn’t had my period for two months. Two months ago, the image of Gideon drunk flashed through my mind. That night, Gideon held me down with a crazed intensity, pouring out his hatred for me. We hadn’t used any protection that night. No. I desperately tried to climb ashore, but the staff held me down firmly. The director eagerly adjusted the camera, “Hold her still! The blood in the water looks so real! I want a close-up!” Water filled my nostrils, darkness closing in. I screamed with all my strength, “Let go… let go of me…” Certainly! Below is the adapted translation, maintaining the original line breaks and paragraph breaks as requested: I’m committed to ensuring that the content reflects the original intention while aligning more closely with English expressions for easier understanding. Throughout this process, we will maintain the original format, preserving the original line breaks and paragraph breaks. People stared at me with indifference, watching as I panicked in the water. Amidst the chaos, I felt a sharp slap across my face. Gideon’s dark eyes were chillingly cold: “The scene isn’t finished yet. Where do you think you’re going?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296592”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Third wedding anniversary. I carefully chose 999 red roses for Fiona. But her male secretary had an allergic reaction. Fiona was livid. She manipulated me by using my mom’s keepsake as leverage, compelling me to fight a lion. She nonchalantly instructed her subordinates, “It’s fine if he dies, as long as it dispels the bad luck for Asher.” I stayed silent. With six ribs broken and my body battered, I managed to leave with the keepsake. Behind me, Fiona sneered, “He’s just a lowly bodyguard I keep around. How can a dog leave its master?” Fiona didn’t know. Someone had already bought my contract at a high price long ago. This time, I’m going to protect someone else. The iron cage opened, and a massive lion roared. I faced it barehanded and was instantly knocked to the ground! On stage, Fiona clenched her fists. Asher’s face was flushed, and his eyes sparkled. Fiona’s frown relaxed, it seemed what they said was true. This might actually ward off bad luck for Asher. The lion charged, and I felt my insides break apart. I punched the lion’s eye with all my strength. Gasps echoed around. Covered in blood, I never backed down. I grabbed the nearby hunting rifle and shot the lion in the throat. One shot, dead. At the cost of six ribs broken and my body mauled. I won. I successfully retrieved my mom’s keepsake. As I was about to leave the underground arena, Jasper suddenly looked pale and coughed heavily. Fiona’s gaze changed immediately, snatching the keepsake I fought for from my arms. She smashed the jade bracelet hard, pieces scattered everywhere. Fiona frowned slightly, looking at me with disdain. “Was it worth troubling Asher for a bracelet? Are you satisfied?” I opened my mouth but was speechless. Asher choked on water, and Fiona splashed black dog blood on the keepsake. He coughed, and Fiona used the keepsake to force me to fight the lion. My ribs were broken, and blood flowed uncontrollably. I didn’t understand who was really at fault. I dug my nails deep into my palms. I knelt down, skillfully bowing my head to her. “I’m sorry, Miss, please forgive me.” I bent over painfully, cherishing the broken pieces in my arms. Mom, this time, I’ll take you away. The act of kneeling stained my shirt with more blood. Fiona’s pupils contracted, her brow furrowed. She surprisingly helped me up. “As long as you don’t oppose Asher, I can let you stay and have a meal.” Her tone was condescending, as if granting a great favor. As she finished speaking, Asher suddenly fainted without warning. Fiona’s face turned tense, as Asher’s follower whispered. “Ms. Shen, it might be the dead person’s item bringing bad luck, causing Mr. Qin discomfort.” I lifted my head. A fleeting victorious gleam flashed in Asher’s eyes, but they were closed. He gripped Fiona’s hand, understandingly said, “Lili, I’m fine. After all, it’s Brother Jiang’s mother’s keepsake. I can bear it.” Fiona tenderly stroked Asher’s cheek, coldly ordered me. “Throw away that disgusting thing. If Asher feels unwell again, you can leave too.” I looked at her indifferently, firmly heading for the door. Seeing my lack of reaction, Fiona’s chest heaved with frustration. She ordered someone to bring a whip, sneering lightly. “A dog dares to defy its master? Just beat it.” The whip fell like raindrops, each strike accompanied by a fierce whooshing sound. Already wounded by the lion’s fangs, my injuries bled more freely. The force of the blows weakened, and Fiona mocked. “Seems I’ve been too lenient with you. You don’t even know how to beg anymore?” Every pain reminded me. Constant retreat only makes her bolder. I bit my lip hard, clutching the shards tightly, suppressing my screams. Fiona paused, swinging the whip mercilessly. The whipping lasted a long time, the lion’s corpse reeking of blood, blurring my consciousness. Before losing consciousness. I vaguely heard Fiona’s cold laughter. Her fingers casually swiped my phone screen. “A dog wants to book a flight to run away? Break its legs.” “Only 99 lashes, just use some medicine to keep it alive.” “By the way, check on Asher. His health isn’t good, remember to give him the best medicine.” I lost control and fainted. My mind couldn’t stop thinking. Now, I’ll miss the flight.

When I woke up. Fiona was rarely sitting by my bed. She looked down at me, handed me a plastic bag with disdain. The wounds still ached. I looked down; it was full of broken jade bracelet pieces. I was surprised Fiona didn’t throw them away. “Asher asked me not to. If only you were half as sensible as him.” I rummaged through the shards, my heart sinking. These were just fake replacements. Expressionless, I pulled out the IV needle. Asher suddenly appeared at the door, leisurely said, “Brother Jiang, your mother’s jade bracelet, I’ve returned it intact.” His words were taunting, his eyes flashing provocatively. Ever since he came, Asher found me, the bodyguard, disagreeable. When hungry, he’d send me 50 kilometers in the rain for roast duck. In the middle of the night, he’d drag me out for their errands. Repeatedly trying to destroy my mom’s last keepsake, just to make me leave. I didn’t understand, wasn’t Fiona entirely devoted to him? I was just a dog for Fiona to torment and train. Why destroy my mom’s last fantasy? Rage surged through me. Ignoring my body’s pain, I grabbed the fruit knife from the table. I pressed it hard against Asher’s neck, my voice icy cold. “Return those pieces to me!” Asher’s tears came like a startled rabbit’s: “Lili, I’m scared…” No need for Asher to say more. The next moment, my scalp was yanked hard. The knife in my hand involuntarily cut Asher’s shoulder. Blood beads oozed out. I was forced to look at Fiona. But met with her extremely cold eyes. Inside them was undisguised disgust, and a fleeting murderous intent. She sneered, stabbing the fruit knife into my chest. “Though you’re my husband, don’t forget who saved you back then! Do you want to experience being bitten by a lion again?” “Thud!” Blood gushed instantly! My pupils shrank. I instinctively tried to pull her hand out, but she held it firmly. “Don’t move… it’ll be over soon.” I gritted my teeth through the pain, my forehead veins bulging. The woman rarely sounded comforting. Enduring the pain, my gaze at Fiona was utterly indifferent. At this moment, Fiona suddenly felt an inexplicable annoyance. She carved out that piece of flesh bit by bit. Blood flowed down my chest, staining my pants, and her hands red. Fiona was satisfied, looking at the word on my chest— “Fiona.” Just because I accidentally cut Asher, Fiona personally carved a tattoo on me in revenge. She tossed the fruit knife carelessly to the ground. Fiona gently embraced Asher, soothing him softly: “It’s okay, with me here, you won’t have a scar.” Asher immediately blushed, kissing her lips. I coldly watched the wound on his shoulder. If not bandaged soon, it might heal on its own. They shamelessly kissed in front of me. But over three years, I heard this misery countless times. My phone vibrated. My contract had entirely reached her hands. The flight Fiona canceled was rebooked. While entangled with Asher, Fiona subtly watched me from the corner of her eye. Seeing the smile on my face she hadn’t seen for a long time. A sense of discomfort rose again in her chest. Before entering the bedroom, she coldly ordered: “Tomorrow, I’m throwing Asher a birthday party. You better show up!” Amidst the intimate sounds from the bedroom, I quickly searched the entire villa. Finally, I found the jade bracelet pieces. Carefully, I glued them back together. I held it dearly in my arms. Tomorrow, I’ll leave with you.

The birthday party Fiona meticulously prepared began at 8 PM sharp. Jasper, in a pure black high-end suit, appeared holding Fiona’s arm. Guests squeezed me aside, whispering. “Mr. Qin is so handsome, no wonder Ms. Shen has favored him for so many years.” “But isn’t that bodyguard Ms. Shen’s rightful husband?” Fiona looked at me, dressed so properly for once, her tone slightly tender: “Introduce yourself to everyone.” Her voice held a hint of expectation even she didn’t notice. I bowed my head, speaking steadily. “I’m Fiona’s bodyguard—Jasper.” Fiona clearly paused for several seconds, her face visibly darkening. A flicker of frustration crossed my face. What exactly does she want from me? “Mr. Qin, you really are quite the gentleman. No wonder Fiona has been so fond of you all these years.” “But I thought the bodyguard was supposed to be Fiona’s legitimate husband?” Fiona looked at me, dressed impeccably for once, her voice carrying a soft undercurrent: “Introduce yourself to everyone.” Her voice held a hint of anticipation she didn’t even notice. I lowered my head, speaking with calm composure. “I’m Fiona’s bodyguard—Jasper.” Fiona was visibly stunned for a few seconds, her expression darkening. A trace of annoyance flickered across my face. What exactly does she want from me? Qin An smiled broadly, a glint of mischief in his eyes, beckoning me over. “I’m not feeling well today and can’t drink, so you drink all this wine for me.” I remained silent, eventually opening my mouth. “I’m allergic to alcohol…” “Lili, I know Brother Jasper might still be mad at me, so he’s just making up an excuse.” Qin An lowered his head, his voice filled with disappointment. Fiona gave me a pointed look, her voice firm: “Drink! Don’t you always carry allergy meds? Take them and then drink, what’s the big deal?” Her tone left no room for refusal. I quietly took out the medication and swallowed a few pills. Soon, a crowd gathered with glasses, engaging in small talk, and I downed the wine in my throat. One glass after another, my stomach churned, and I couldn’t help but feel nauseous. My not-yet-healed wounds burst open under the alcohol’s influence. Seeing the blood at the corner of my mouth, Fiona noticeably gasped. The next moment, Jasper screamed. “Lili, the heirloom watch you gave me is missing, and just now, only Jasper was near us, could it be him…” My pupils contracted, not because of the baseless accusation, but because the heirloom gift my mom gave to Fiona, her daughter-in-law, was passed on so carelessly. Back then, she treated both me and my mom so well. At that moment, I couldn’t help but smile mockingly. Fiona looked at my smile, and a familiar feeling of frustration welled up in her heart. She comforted Qin An personally, then sternly called for the bodyguards. The next second, several bodyguards pinned me to the ground, tearing at my clothes forcefully. Normally, I wouldn’t be so defenseless. But the fresh wounds Fiona had inflicted over the past few days left my body with no time to recover. I struggled desperately, but couldn’t match their brute strength. My shirt was torn to shreds, and the tattoos on my body oozed blood faintly. Fiona squinted slightly, displaying only her desire for control over me. Until— “The watch has been found!” Fiona took the emerald watch and personally placed it on Qin An’s wrist, her tone indulgent. “Next time, don’t be so careless.” Qin An scratched his head sheepishly, looking at me full of guilt: “This was a gift from you, luckily it was found, but I wronged Brother Jasper, should I apologize to him?” In full view of everyone, looking at my blood-stained body. Fiona’s voice was extremely cold. “No need, he’s just a bodyguard, a dog I keep, what’s a little grievance?” In the bathroom, I couldn’t stop dry heaving. Before I could recover, Qin An kicked me hard. He pressed on my tattoo, veins bulging on his forehead. “You really are pathetic, just a dog raised by Lili, yet you cling to her so desperately!” “Speaking of which, do you know why, when your mom was seriously ill, Lili sent you to the neighboring city for medicine?” “Because she just wanted to get rid of you, at that time, Lili and I—stripped naked right in front of your mom, she was literally angered to death!” “Smack!” After slapping Qin An across the face, I grabbed his neck, unable to hold back any longer. Qin An sneered, immediately fighting back. He poured cold water over me relentlessly, but accidentally struck a dry appliance. In the blink of an eye. We both simultaneously heard the appliance emit a sizzling sound. The next second, it exploded, filling the entire bathroom with thick smoke. From outside, desperate cries for help quickly sounded. Fiona’s voice accompanied by the click of high heels approached: “Where’s Jasper?” She ignored the raging fire and rushed in. Her gaze fell immediately on Qin An, who pretended to faint. He reached out, tears in his eyes: “Lili, save me…” Ignoring me, drenched in blood-soaked shirt. Fiona anxiously helped Qin An up and walked out without looking back. Never once did she glance my way. The smoke choked me, making me collapse powerlessly on the floor, the pain magnified a thousandfold in that instant. The next second, a pair of black leather shoes appeared in my vision. I looked up in a daze, and it was Qin An’s sidekick. He wore a menacing smile, shoving me hard. Already by the window, I fell out unguardedly. “Don’t blame me for being ruthless, only if Qin An has a good life can I rise to the top with him.” He confidently turned back, not realizing he had inadvertently saved me from the fire. Just the fourth floor. With a limping leg, I hailed a cab and told the driver, “Airport.” The scenery outside the window quickly receded. I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it in half— “Crack.” The card broke, and I tossed it out the window. Fiona, from now on, you and I will vanish completely! 4. Inside the hospital room. Fiona gently touched the small scar on Asher’s shoulder. It reminded her of the tattoo she had engraved on Jasper. She should have felt happy, yet her heart raced as if something was gnawing at her nerves.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296591”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic