On our wedding day, my in-laws whispered something to my wife. She was beaming with joy, but then her expression changed dramatically, and she ran to the hotel rooftop and jumped. Everyone was curious about what the elderly couple had said. But they remained silent, and on the day of my wife’s funeral, they brought over ten women for me to choose from. It wasn’t until later that they whispered the same words to me. At 3 a.m., I found myself sitting in the large bridal room, staring blankly at our wedding photo on the wall. In the picture, my wife, Adeline, was glowing with happiness, clutching a bouquet as she leaned into my arms. Her hand tenderly rested on her belly, already two months pregnant. But now, she was just a cold body lying in the funeral home. My eyes were red, teeth clenched, my body shivering from the shock. Suddenly, the phone on the coffee table rang. I picked it up, and it was the police— “Mr. Nash, we’ve thoroughly investigated Ms. Cao’s parents and found no suspicious activity.” “Can you recall if Ms. Cao displayed any unusual behavior or tendencies before the incident?” In the police report they sent, I saw Adeline’s pale face, her body covered in blood from the fall. My heart ached, and I gripped the phone tightly, mumbling, “No.” Why would Adeline take her own life? It was supposed to be our long-awaited wedding day. Even the night before, we were holding hands, walking sweetly through the mall, dreaming about our unborn child in the baby store. I couldn’t understand why she would jump with our unborn child on our wedding day. With no clues from me, the police sighed— “There’s no evidence suggesting Ms. Cao’s death was her parents’ doing. We have to release them for now.” “They might come to you, so please be cautious.”

The day after Adeline’s death, her parents came to see me. Not to blame or extort, in fact… Adeline’s mom sat across from me on the sofa, a nervous smile on her face, rubbing her hands on her pants. They brought local delicacies from their hometown, along with handmade clothes, shoes, and snacks from Adeline’s mom. She pushed a bankbook and some credit cards toward me, speaking kindly— “Xuwei, this is our first meeting, and here’s a small token from us.” “Adeline may be gone, but you’re still young, and your life must go on. We won’t make things difficult for you. If you need anything, just tell us, and we’ll do whatever we can to help.” She forced the bankbook and credit cards into my hand, her eyes brimming with unspoken words. I couldn’t understand. Their daughter had died; how could they be so indifferent? I struggled, trying to pull my hand back, accidentally knocking the bankbook and cards to the floor. The bankbook opened, revealing over a hundred thousand in savings! I was stunned, staring at the numbers, then looked up at them with red eyes. In a broken voice, I gasped, “Why? Tell me why?” Adeline’s mom replied without hesitation, “Why what? You’re our son-in-law; isn’t it right to treat you well?” Her casual attitude infuriated me instantly. I slammed my hands on the table, shouting, “What about Adeline? She was your daughter!” “What did you say to her that day? Why did she take her own life?” I picked up the bankbook and cards from the floor, shoving them back into their hands. I knelt before them, holding my head in agony, pleading— “I don’t want money, I want nothing, just tell me what you said to Adeline that day.” Adeline’s mom froze, glanced at her husband, then awkwardly sat down. After a moment of silence, Adeline’s dad suddenly spoke, “Do you really want to know?” “Promise us one thing, and we’ll tell you.”

Adeline’s dad’s condition was for me to remarry within a week! I was furious: “What nonsense are you talking? Adeline’s not even buried, and you want me to marry someone else?” He looked up, eerily calm, “It’s just a woman, gone is gone.” Suddenly, he became agitated, veins bulging on his forehead, gripping my arm— “Marrying and having children, continuing the family line is what matters!” “Tomorrow, we’ll get the death certificate, so you can find a wife sooner.” His words left me frozen, chills running down my spine. I shook off his grip, stumbling out the door. Behind me, Adeline’s dad shouted hoarsely— “You must have a child soon, or it’ll be too late!” When I returned home late at night, Adeline’s parents were still there. They’d taken down our wedding photos. Not only that, they’d cleared out everything of Adeline’s: clothes, shoes, even her drinking cup. The house had no trace of Adeline left. On the coffee table were business cards from a dating agency, next to sheets detailing many girls’ basic information. That eerie feeling crept back into my heart. All night, I lay anxiously in bed, a shadow of fear looming over me. Around dawn, the bedroom door creaked open, and two figures sneaked in. It was Adeline’s parents. My scalp tingled, I held my breath, not daring to move. In the silence, Adeline’s mom took my jacket from the bedside, inhaling deeply. She sat by the bed, her cold hand stroking my hair, her voice trembling with suppressed excitement. “Honey, do you think there’s still time?” Adeline’s dad sighed, repeating the words: “That’s why he must marry and have a child quickly.” “Whatever it takes, even forcing him, he must have a child within a year.” “Otherwise, it’ll be too late!”

I didn’t understand what they meant by ‘too late.’ I didn’t understand why, as my father-in-law and mother-in-law, they were so desperate for me to remarry and have children right after Adeline’s death. Adeline’s suicide on our wedding day made headlines online. Their behavior following only shocked people more. Adeline’s dad emptied their savings, using the tragic story of their late daughter to find me a bride. Adeline’s mom seized the media attention, appearing on a TV dating show. Their bizarre actions once again sparked online debate— “Whoa! Are they really in-laws? Pushing their son-in-law to remarry?” “Their daughter just died, and they’re breaking the bank over his marriage. Not even for a son would they do this!” “The whole family is nuts. I wouldn’t be surprised if the bride was possessed or mentally ill!” But the medical examiner soon issued a death certificate. Adeline wasn’t poisoned, nor did she have any mental issues or take hallucinogens. The investigation stalled, and the police told me to take Adeline’s remains home for burial. On the day of the funeral, Adeline’s parents came again. They ignored the funeral hall, bringing in over ten young women, clutching my arms. “Xuwei, these are the brides we’ve chosen for you.” “Are you satisfied? If you like one, we’ll arrange the wedding quickly…” On the day of their daughter’s funeral, they brought women to the funeral hall for a matchmaking event! The guests erupted in shock, pointing and whispering. I couldn’t take it anymore, shaking them off, demanding, “Do you know today is Adeline’s funeral?” “Is this how parents act? You drove your daughter to her death, and now you disrupt her funeral?” Adeline’s mom’s eyes were red, her hand over her mouth, tears welling, repeating— “You must marry, have a child soon, or it’ll be too late!” The memory of that night filled me with unease and confusion. I blurted, “What do you mean by too late? What are you trying to do?” “Did you know Adeline was two months pregnant before she died? If it weren’t for you, we’d be a happy family. You ruined everything, and now you’re pretending to arrange my life?” The room fell silent, all guests watching us intently. In the quiet, Adeline’s dad suddenly spoke— “Do you really want to know? Promise us one thing, and we’ll tell you.”

Adeline’s dad’s condition was the same: choose a wife from those women. Adeline’s mom, in front of everyone, tearfully knelt— “Xuwei, I’m begging you, find another woman, marry her, have a child this year.” “Or it’ll be too late!” She clung to my hand, eyes full of tears, reflecting my image. Then, a guest suddenly stood up, shaking their head at me: “Xuwei, let it go, don’t ask anymore.” “If you really want to know, promise me one thing, and I’ll tell you.” Adeline’s dad still insisted that I choose a wife from those women and get married. Adeline’s mom, amidst everyone, tearfully knelt before me— “Nathan, I’m begging you, please find another woman to marry. You must have a child within this year.” “Otherwise, it’ll be too late!” She clutched my hand desperately, her tear-filled eyes pleading silently. Suddenly, someone among the guests stood up and shook their head at me: “Nathan, let it go, don’t ask anymore.” The woman in the crowd wore a long black dress, had short hair, and her expression was solemn and complex. She glanced at Adeline’s parents briefly and sighed— “Just for Adeline’s sake, stop pursuing this. Otherwise, she won’t rest in peace.” I knew this woman; she was Adeline’s best friend, Fiona. They were as close as sisters, and after Adeline’s death, besides me, she was the most heartbroken. That made it even harder for me to accept: “Fiona, what are you saying? Do you also want Adeline’s death to remain unexplained?” I turned, my steps unsteady, towards Adeline’s memorial tablet. In the photo, she still smiled gently, but it was now in black and white. I clenched my fingers tightly, and from my chest surged a determination— “Adeline was my wife. If her parents won’t honor her memory, then I, as her husband, will!” “Moreover, she was carrying my child. Even if it takes everything I have, I must seek justice for her and our child!” Fiona lowered her eyes and sighed: “Why are you doing this?” At this moment, Adeline’s dad suddenly spoke again: “Do you really want to know what we said to Adeline that day?” I looked at him, filled with expectation and hope, momentarily stunned and bewildered. Adeline’s dad then calmly said, “I can tell you. Just hope that after knowing the truth, you’ll stop here.” Adeline’s mom instantly panicked and instinctively pulled at him: “Honey, you can’t…” But Adeline’s dad shook off her hand and slowly walked towards me. Under the silent gaze of all the guests, he leaned close to my ear and finally said those words. 6 The moment I heard those words, it felt as if I had been struck by lightning, leaving me frozen in disbelief. Adeline’s dad quickly stepped back, putting some distance between us. I looked at them with a mix of shock and confusion and murmured, “How is that possible?”

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On his way home from collecting recyclables after school, my son was bitten by a rabid dog. To save money, he painfully came home and asked me to staple the wound shut. With tears in my eyes, I took him to a small clinic for basic treatment. Tommy blamed himself, “Mom, I’m sorry. Ten dollars is our food budget for the day.” But as we turned to leave, we stumbled upon my husband at the high-end pet store next door, swiping his card to buy a premium grooming package for his ex-girlfriend’s dog. “James is so good to Sophia, coming every week to get little Bella the deluxe treatment!” “Yeah, it costs six figures each time. James really spares no expense.” Tommy and I stood there in shock, staring at James in disbelief. He didn’t notice us as he left with the dog and Sophia, getting into their car. Tommy tugged at my sleeve, “Didn’t Dad say he lost everything in a bad investment and owed hundreds of thousands? Why is he spending so much on a dog?” I forced myself to calm down and went to the pet store to confirm, not wanting to believe it. But the staff’s words sent another chill through us. “You’re asking about James? He’s one of our black card members. Six figures is nothing for him.” “Even that dog Sophia was holding is worth over a million on the market.” I left with Tommy, laughing bitterly and silent the whole way home. Once we arrived, I finally broke down in tears looking at his crudely bandaged wound. Tommy realized James had been lying and asked in confusion, “Mom, if Dad is so rich, why did he lie to us?” “Does he not want us anymore?” James had never revealed his true financial situation to me, even after marriage he only said he was doing some investments. Shortly after we wed, he claimed his investments had failed, leaving him millions in debt. For our ordinary family, it was an astronomical sum. But not only did I not abandon him, I took on three jobs to support us. Tommy has been sensible since he was young, helping me collect recyclables after school every day. Even when his classmates mocked and ostracized him, he never regretted it. “As long as we save up quickly, we can help Dad pay off his debts!” But now I’m told James has been pretending to be poor all along. Our mother and son live worse than his ex-girlfriend’s dog! Coming back to my senses, I choked out to Tommy, “If that’s the case, would you rather stay with Mom or Dad in the future?” His eyes dimmed, his voice trembling with hurt. “Mom, please don’t abandon us. I promise I’ll be good. I don’t want to be separated from you two.” “Mom, can we give Dad one more week? I’ll convince him!” Afraid of hurting Tommy further, I reluctantly agreed. Just then, James walked in the door. Seeing us both standing in the living room, he frowned slightly, “What’s wrong? You both look upset.” Tommy spoke up first, “Dad, I got bitten by a dog today. It hurts…” He held up his small hand, but James’ first reaction to the gruesome wound was disgust. “How could you be so careless? Spent a lot of money again, right? Your mom and I don’t earn easily, can’t you stop causing trouble?” “No dinner for you tonight, learn your lesson.” I clenched my fists, “Our son is hurt. If you don’t care, fine, but you’re punishing him with no food? Do you even care about this family at all?!” James had never seen me so angry before. After realizing, he started arguing back. We went back and forth, with Tommy quickly coming to pull me away. “Mom, it’s okay. I’m not that hungry anyway.” “Dad’s right, I did cause trouble. I’ll go do my homework now.”

Perhaps Tommy’s disappointment was too obvious, as James’ expression softened a bit. “Alright Tommy, how could Dad really punish you?” “I had a business dinner today and brought back some leftovers. Take them to your room to eat.” He pulled out a bag of cold leftovers from his briefcase. It was fish – Tommy’s least favorite. Watching Tommy’s face fall further, I snatched the leftovers and threw them in the trash. “That’s enough, James. We can cook our own food. We don’t need your charity.” James’ brow furrowed deeply at this, “Olivia, what’s gotten into you today? What did I do wrong?” “This was specially brought back for you. Even one fish costs hundreds!” “So you’re saying I misjudged you?” I laughed coldly, “Then do you remember Tommy is allergic to seafood?!” “For seven whole years, you haven’t contributed a cent to this family. Every time I ask, it’s always about business dinners. Which one has ever been successful?” Tommy’s lip quivered, tears falling like broken pearls. But James didn’t even glance at him. He turned to leave, his tone disdainful, “I knew you were this kind of gold-digger. Using Tommy’s seafood allergy as an excuse! Eat it or not, I don’t care!” Even at this point, he still thought I was complaining about him not giving us money. I was so angry my chest hurt sharply. I had to sit on the couch for a long while to recover. Tommy wiped away my tears, “Mom, don’t be sad. Dad’s just upset right now.” Even though he hadn’t calmed down himself, he was still trying to defend James for the sake of our family. Such a sensible child, I really couldn’t bear to let him suffer in silence anymore. So I ruffled his hair, forcing a smile, “Mom understands. I’ll go make something tasty for Tommy now, okay?” Tommy sighed in relief, nodding vigorously. After dinner was ready, he took my phone to send James a voice message. “Dad, Mom made noodles with meat sauce. Do you want to come back to eat?” After sending it, Tommy nervously clutched the phone waiting for James to reply. But by the time we finished eating, James had only coldly responded that he was busy. I sighed, telling Tommy to go back to his room. Just as I was about to talk to James, I received a friend request. It was from Sophia. After accepting, she immediately sent over several videos. So James was busy feeding her dog, that’s why he couldn’t reply to our son. The James in the video was gentle and patient, a stark contrast to how he treated us earlier. “Olivia, even if you snatched James back then, so what? His heart still only belongs to me now.” “You’ll never be able to compete with me, nor are you worthy to.” Yes, after James and Sophia broke up years ago, he fell into severe depression. He even tried to jump into a river to end his life at one point. I had secretly loved him for a long time, and happened to pass by and save him without hesitation. When he woke up, James confessed to me, saying he wanted to marry me. At the time, I wasn’t sure if he still had feelings for someone else, so I initially refused. “Don’t worry, after this brush with death I understand now. I just want to choose someone who loves me.” It was James who promised over and over, which is why I agreed to be with him. Later we got married and have been together for seven whole years. I don’t know when he reconnected with Sophia. I didn’t reply to Sophia, but silently called my lawyer friend. “Help me draft a divorce agreement.”

“You’ve finally come to your senses?” “Sure you don’t want to keep being your husband’s doormat?” My lawyer friend fired off questions, her tone exasperated. “Leave it to me, I’ll make that man pay for hurting you.” Hearing this, I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore. For a man who didn’t care about me, I had repeatedly turned down invitations from my girlfriends, just to clean up his messes. I even became estranged from my friends because of it. But when I needed help, these girlfriends were still the only ones there for me. Before I finished the call, I received another friend request. Her profile picture was of my husband. My husband gazing lovingly at his first love Sophia, smiling radiantly. So he did know how to smile, just not at me. As if possessed, I accepted her friend request. Immediately after, she sent me a video. In the video, my husband was wearing only pants, kneeling on the ground washing Sophia’s feet! Her feet kept trampling all over my husband’s body, splashing dirty water all over his face. But he seemed to enjoy it. I remembered how when I once asked him to grab my bath towel, he flew into a rage and cursed at me. “Can’t you use your own hands?” “And do you know how filthy your towel is?” I felt so guilty for troubling him back then, I even took on another part-time job to make it up to him. Faintly, I heard Tommy’s pained groans. Thinking of how our son was injured today, yet his father as lingering with another woman, Anger burned in my chest. I couldn’t help but snap back at Sophia. “If he loves you so much, why hasn’t he divorced me to let you be more than just the other woman?” “Or do you enjoy being a homewrecker?” The “typing” indicator flashed several times on her end, but she didn’t send anything. Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, a voice message from her came through. “James, who has the better body – me or your wife?” And my husband, panting heavily, replied: “Of course it’s you. That old hag can’t even compare to you.” I collapsed onto the sofa, my heart shattered beyond repair. At 3 AM, there was finally some commotion outside the door. James had come home drunk. As soon as I opened the door, he leaned heavily against me. Fumbling with the buttons of my pajamas, he sweetly called me “honey”. For a moment I thought everything today had just been a nightmare. He pulled me towards the bedroom. “Sophia, hold me…” A sickly sweet perfume wafted over – I knew it was Sophia’s scent. My stomach churned with nausea. Taking advantage of the open door, I quickly dragged James back outside. Then I swiftly closed and locked the door in one smooth motion.

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In my previous life, after adopting a seemingly innocent black cat, my Daughter’s behavior changed drastically, becoming excessively obedient. But soon after, our family business collapsed, and my Husband died in an accident. As I tried to uncover the truth, I was pushed off the twentieth floor. On my deathbed, my Daughter, who was always so well-behaved, pulled out my oxygen tube and laughed maniacally, “This body is mine now!” I died there, only to discover that my Daughter’s life had been exchanged with the cat’s. When I opened my eyes again, I was faced with those familiar, greedy black cat eyes. “Mom, it’s so pitiful. Can we keep it?” my Daughter asked. I shook my head firmly and pushed it away, “This treacherous cat is not welcome in our home.” “You can’t be serious! This cat is blind and injured, and you still kicked it?” My neighbor rolled her eyes at me and called to the black cat, “Mimi, come here, I’ve got a treat for you.” But the cat ignored her, meowing pitifully at my Daughter. My Daughter paused and looked back at me, confused. She couldn’t understand why her usually supportive mother was saying “no” today. The black cat stared at me with its piercing eyes, tugging at my Daughter’s skirt. I could almost see the longing and jealousy in its eyes. “This cat is so smart, it’s like it can understand human speech,” someone passing by commented. My Daughter Phoebe heard this and became even more attached to the Little Black Cat. She crouched down to shake hands with it. “Wow, it really seems to understand human speech! I said shake, and it shook. I said sit, and it sat.” “Mom, it only listens to me. This must mean we’re meant to be together! Please let me adopt it,” she pleaded. “Anyway, one more cat in the shelter won’t make a difference…” But I remembered the last life, that grotesque mix of viscera and bones. Rage boiled up inside me. Being cooked alive—how painful must that have been? I didn’t dare to imagine. With red-rimmed eyes, I pushed the cat away and held my Daughter tightly. “Sweetheart, in our home, you’re the only little darling we cherish.” “Those cats, you can only care for them in your spare time…” But never at the cost of your life! My Daughter took my serious tone seriously. She tilted her head, pondering. I shooed away the onlookers. The black cat cried woefully outside the door, refusing to be taken by anyone else. My Daughter felt sympathy, “But it’s so small; what if it starves outside?” Phoebe, sharing my last name, was always more empathetic than other kids. Even with that gambling ex-husband of mine, despite the domestic violence, she thought he might have his reasons. She had the potential to be a saint. Thankfully, there was one thing she couldn’t figure out on her own, but she listened to me enough. “Mom can’t fully explain yet why we can’t keep that Little Black Cat.” “But look at it, with just a few meows, it charmed everyone else, making it seem like only we two are the heartless villains!” “And since it can meow so coyly, surely someone will adopt it. You don’t need to worry unnecessarily.” My Daughter was temporarily convinced. After dinner, she sneaked out to check, and seeing no cat, she breathed a sigh of relief and slipped back inside. I pretended not to notice. But I thought to myself, it seems I still need to teach her about the darker sides of human and cat nature. Two days later, my Daughter couldn’t bear it anymore and begged for understanding. “Mom, where do all these bad people and bad cats come from? And Little Black is so amazing, it even caught fish for me to eat!” She blurted out excitedly, and when she saw my face darken, she belatedly covered her mouth. “Oops, Phoebe accidentally let it slip…” I was filled with anxiety when suddenly, I heard persistent meowing outside the door. So, I hadn’t been imagining things at night. Despite all my precautions, it still got close to my Daughter. What would it do next? Was it going to swap my Daughter’s life again?! I quickly called the Stray Cat Rescue Center and sent it out of the province. Half a month later, while taking out the trash, I stumbled upon something. “Oh dear, poor thing. Even if you don’t want to keep it, don’t abuse it! Look at all its wounds, it’s still bleeding,” a neighbor returning with groceries saw the scene and immediately scolded. My Daughter was doing her homework inside, but upon hearing this, she immediately dropped her pen and rushed out. Seeing the red on the tip of my shoe, she couldn’t believe it. “Mom, didn’t you always say you hate violence the most? How could you be so harsh on a small animal?” Her disappointment pierced my heart. Even the meowing behind me seemed to mock my helplessness against it. How can one argue with a cat? Especially when everyone around sides with the “weak Kitty.” I couldn’t defend myself, even if I checked the surveillance; it was just one intentional or unintentional kick. In the end, I had to pay for its care and repeatedly warned the vet at the clinic, “It has a rage disorder. All its injuries are from family members of the people it’s harmed. Make sure to lock it up tightly to prevent it from escaping and hurting others again!” “Or find it a mate; maybe if it gets pregnant, it’ll become gentle.” My Daughter looked at me with a strange expression, “Mom, you…” I covered her mouth. “Sweetheart, I’ll explain everything once we’re home.” It seemed impossible not to talk it out. She didn’t understand the seriousness of the situation! Amidst the cat’s miserable cries, my Daughter kept looking back. I felt like the evil Queen Mother tearing apart the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, judged by everyone’s eyes along the way. At the Cat Shelter’s entrance, even the neighbor across the street eyed me suspiciously. “Stop lying. I’ve checked the surveillance. You deliberately pretended not to see, aggravating the poor little cat’s injuries…” “Maybe you’re the Heartless Widow who’s been abusing the neighborhood’s cats and dogs!” “I’ll keep watching you, never letting you harm them again!” Neighbors surrounded me, pointing fingers. My Daughter felt utterly ashamed. She stomped her foot and ran inside. “That’s not true!” In the end, she still believed in me, her birth mother. I felt somewhat comforted and went to the community security to get a copy of the surveillance footage to clear my name. After all, they couldn’t just say black was white, right? My Daughter still had to attend elementary school in the community. “Ms. Harper, the surveillance backup has encountered some issues and has been overwritten. Maybe you could ask the neighbors if they happened to have recorded anything?” I didn’t expect things to become so difficult. Normally, most people would ignore a stray cat. Handling it should be simple. Yet now, I’ve got fur all over me, and my reputation’s tarnished. Right, after all, that’s an unknown evil thing… At my doorstep, a volunteer from the Animal Protection Society reached out to stop me. “Hello, we’ve received a report that you are suspected of privately abusing stray cats, Ms. Harper. Please cooperate with our investigation. ” I laughed out of anger, pointing at the yard full of well-kept, glossy cats. “Fine, investigate! If there’s one injury, I’ll accept the penalty!” The final investigation concluded with no issues. But the Mommy Neighbor couldn’t stand my composure, showing an edited surveillance video as evidence. A piercing “meow” sealed my fate. My Daughter watched as her Kitty friends were taken away, her heart breaking. “Waa… Mom, I hate you!” She ran away in a panic. I searched all night, not daring to close my eyes, fearing nightmares about my Daughter’s countless tragic deaths. The next day, a nightmare came true. My Daughter brought the cat back, refusing to speak to me out of spite. “Sweetheart, can we not keep cats for now?” I tried to negotiate, noticing a bit of Snowy tucked inside her jacket, feeling slightly relieved. But my Daughter held the Kitty tighter, “No, right now, I only have Little Black… Little White, and I can’t lose it again! Otherwise, everyone will think I made up having cat friends…” She rarely had her own opinion, but she was stubborn about the Kitty. I sighed, using my advantage as an adult to snatch up the white cat with the scent of disinfectant. I pulled her into the master bedroom. “Phoebe, I can’t hide it from you any longer.” Worried, I looked into my Daughter’s innocent eyes and chose my words carefully. “Actually, that Little Black Cat from yesterday, I’ve seen it somewhere else before…” I claimed I saw a cat with the same injuries and sweet meowing on a business trip. “…Later, the family that adopted it all died horribly, not a single one left!” “Mom, is this a story?” My Daughter blinked, glancing outside, “But it’s not night yet. And I’m grown up now, I’m not afraid of ghost stories.” I held back my fear, torn between telling her everything from my past life and fearing it would scare her young mind. Seeing her hand on the door handle, clearly thinking about the pure white cat in the living room, I panicked. I squatted down, hugging her tightly, whispering, “Anyway, what Mom said is all true. I’m really scared that you’ll be harmed by the cat…” “Sweetheart, please listen to Mom, don’t think about that Little Black Cat anymore. Let it leave with someone who can care for it better, okay?” Phoebe, with her back to me, tangled her little fingers in confusion. I only heard a muffled nod. “Okay…” I wanted to share everything about my past life with her, but I feared it might overwhelm her young heart. I watched as my Daughter reached for the doorknob, obviously thinking about the pure white cat in the living room. I became anxious. I knelt down and hugged her tightly, whispering softly. “Everything Mommy tells you is true. I’m genuinely afraid the cat might harm you…” “Sweetheart, please listen to Mommy. Let’s not think about that Little Black Cat anymore. Let it go to someone who can take better care of it, okay?” Phoebe had her back to me, and I couldn’t see her fidgeting fingers. I only heard her quietly nod. “Mm…” She blinked repeatedly, her gaze wandering aimlessly. I prepared breakfast for my Daughter and only felt relieved after watching her enter kindergarten. “Huh?” I thought I saw a black-and-white tail retract near the zipper of her backpack. It confused me. Upon closer inspection, it was just a new fluffy accessory she had. I rubbed my eyes, realizing maybe I was just tired from not sleeping all night. I turned and headed to work. At noon, I called the Vet Clinic I’d been in touch with earlier, sending a client with a signed certificate over. “That cat is dark with green eyes. Just keep it locked inside your house.” “If it can’t catch mice, I’ll send you another one!” Thinking of their family’s excellent skills, I figured there wouldn’t be any major issues. After all, even creatures respect strength. But at 5 PM, I checked messages on my Phone. “This Little Black Cat seems clueless, not as clever as you described…” The client who went on this errand wasn’t satisfied, as mentioned in Instant Messaging. I opened the photo she sent. The eyes of the black cat in the picture looked completely unfamiliar. It was a feeling I couldn’t describe. My heart raced with anxiety. In the parent group of my Daughter’s class, other parents and the Homeroom Teacher were repeatedly tagging me. “Ms. Harper, are you being responsible?” “Why did you let your daughter bring a stray cat to school? It’s scratched my Daughter. What are you going to do about it?” I rushed to the Community Elementary School. I grabbed the Homeroom Teacher, asking, “What’s happening? Where is my Daughter now?!” The Homeroom Teacher was also at a loss. “Well… I saw her in the first two classes, but after free activities, um, don’t worry, I’ll check the surveillance and ask the security at the front and back gates.” I was anxious, surrounded by a group of parents demanding an explanation. I was on the verge of breaking down and suddenly shouted. “Enough, stop it! If anyone needs to go to the hospital, just go. We’ll discuss any issues later. I don’t have time for this right now!!” Maybe it’s because I’ve managed the Taylor Group alone for the past few years, making me more assertive. Or maybe I did have a point—the priority, after all, is the children. The parents with kids scratched by the cat quickly left to get vaccines. Others still wanted to argue with me. I redirected them all to my nearly all-capable Assistant. I questioned the kids one by one. I asked if they noticed anything unusual about my Daughter this afternoon. They couldn’t say for sure, only mentioning that the cat had a strong, pungent smell. “Yeah, like the smell Mommy sometimes brings back from the salon!” “And the little cat had a bandage on its hind legs.” “By the way, the Little Black and White Cat’s scratches really hurt. It’s fierce, not gentle like it sounds.” “But it can count, super impressive!” I spotted a cat hair on one child’s clothes. Seeing the black and white pattern, and hearing familiar praises for the Kitty, I suddenly broke down. “Damn it, could it really be it?!” “Why?! Why won’t it leave our family alone?!” The Phone slipped from my hand as my Assistant continued to report. “It turns out… last night the young lady went to the Dry Cleaner. The bleaching agent on the coat matches the one on your sofa. Also, the Little Black Cat was switched…” The Homeroom Teacher rushed over with her Phone, looking relieved. “Don’t worry, someone saw your Daughter with Snowy, and she called a man Daddy.” “It’s only been an hour, she should be safe.” But I felt even more hopeless, collapsing to the ground in despair. “But he killed my Mom and Dad seven years ago!” With my Daughter now with two murderers, can she really come back safe and sound?! 5 In the hospital, everyone was struck silent. Anyone with even a basic understanding of criminal psychology knows that a murderer’s second crime is often more brutal than the first. Many have heard of that Gambler Arson Case from back then.

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Every time my sugar daddy husband spent the night at his female assistant’s place, he would gift me a building. In the two years since our marriage, I had acquired 96 commercial properties scattered throughout the city. It also meant that the man had hurt me 96 times. When the 97th property deed was handed to me, his assistant immediately sent me a gloating video. “So what if Nathan gives you money? I’ve got his heart and body. You may be a supermodel, but you can’t even get your own husband to sleep with you, can you?” I didn’t argue with her. Instead, I graciously sent her a set of new Victoria’s Secret lingerie from my latest runway show. When my husband found out about my generous gift, he rewarded me by allowing me to accompany him to a high-society party. During a party game, his assistant lost three times in a row and was dared to lick whipped cream off a playboy’s thigh. She smashed a bottle and held it to her neck, swearing, “Nathan, I’d rather die than let anyone humiliate me like this!” My usually cold-hearted husband suddenly panicked and begged me to take the punishment in his assistant’s place. “It’s just licking some cream. I promise I’ll spend time with you properly after this.” Everyone was waiting to see me make a fool of myself, but I calmly agreed without making a fuss. He didn’t know that this was the 97th time he had hurt me. And I no longer wanted to be his caged bird. I was just waiting to repay the life debt for saving me, and then we would have no more connection.

“Well, well, looks like the supermodel agreed to lick it after all? Nathan sure knows how to handle women!” “What if she doesn’t lick the cream? Are they really going to make Lauren do it? She’s Nathan’s true love!” The mocking laughter around me was deafening, and I felt utterly humiliated standing there. Amidst this nauseating display of arrogance, Nathan crouched in front of Lauren, carefully placing a band-aid on her neck. Then he turned to me with cold eyes: “Sophia, don’t try anything clever. Lauren’s waiting for you to finish so we can continue the game.” Lauren, Lauren… He only cared about Lauren, never once asking if I was willing. He had completely forgotten that I was his wife. He had also forgotten that just a few days ago, I had miscarried because of her, and I was barely able to stand here today. Seeing me hesitate, someone suddenly pushed me: “What are you standing there for? Go lick it! Don’t tell me you’re backing out now?” I stumbled but managed to steady myself. When I looked at Nathan again, his eyes were completely focused on Lauren. “96 times. This is the ninety-sixth time,” I counted silently in my head as I stiffly walked towards the man with whipped cream on his leg, a notorious playboy in our circle. Just as I bent down to kneel, the playboy suddenly grabbed my chin. He looked at Lauren and said, “Miss Lauren, this isn’t right. She lost to me three times. Licking once isn’t enough.” “How about we play ‘stuff the egg’? If you can persuade her to do it, I’ll forget about the punishment.” Stuff the egg? What’s that?! An unnamed fear suddenly surged through me, and I quickly looked towards Nathan. But in the next second, Lauren was already pleading with Nathan, clinging to his arm and pouting: “Nathan, it’s just a dare. Can’t you let your sister-in-law agree just this once?” Seeing Lauren’s small body trembling, Nathan was left with nothing but pity. He looked at me intently: “Sophia, you were willing to lick the cream. So you wouldn’t mind taking on another dare for Lauren, right?” “Yay! Thank you, Nathan!” Lauren jumped up happily, her face full of smugness. Watching Nathan gently pat Lauren’s head with a doting expression, I couldn’t help but laugh at that moment. My dignity had been trampled on, and I had become nothing more than a toy for them to torment and play with. Nathan, how could you be so heartless? How could you still want me to participate in some kind of performance art and be humiliated for her sake? Oh, right, I almost forgot. Lauren was his unattainable moon. He had pursued her for years without success, and then they were separated by their families. Lauren had left the country overnight. Now that he finally had her, of course he would pamper and indulge her every whim. How could I possibly compete? Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, I spoke stiffly: “Can that count as one forgiveness voucher?” Forgiveness voucher? The crowd laughed at my strange request, but Nathan put down the hand that had been pampering Lauren and suddenly looked at me. He knew what I was talking about. After a moment, he nodded: “It counts!” I smiled bitterly: “Alright, I agree.” Eight years ago, when I had just entered the modeling world, I was targeted by a big boss and confined on an island. Along with other girls, I became a tool for men to use at their business gatherings. I was lucky. Nathan was the first man I encountered, and he fell in love with me at first sight. For my sake, he took over those men’s businesses, sent them to prison, and saved my life. Later, I found out that it was because my features strongly resembled Lauren’s. On the night I was rescued, I asked him how I could repay this debt of gratitude. His eyes were sincere: “Then marry me.” I pinched him: “I’m serious.” His breathing became ragged as he entangled with me and said: “Then… give me 99 forgiveness vouchers.” “Forgiveness vouchers?” I curiously clung to his body, not understanding. At that moment, he smiled: “Silly girl, if – and I’m just saying if – if one day I hurt you 99 times, I’ll use these vouchers to make you forgive me 99 times. Once the vouchers are used up, this debt will be settled.” For the next five years, he poured resources into making me a supermodel and loved me like a precious jewel. Until two months ago, when Lauren returned to the country. Everything changed. Now it was the 97th time. Just two more times, and my debt would be repaid. We would have no more connection. Seeing Nathan agree, the playboy took me into his private room, a dimly lit chamber covered in silk. The table was full of hard-boiled eggs, and on the floor lay two or three women with disheveled clothes, a rotten smell emanating from beneath them. A chill ran down my spine as I realized with horror what Lauren meant by “stuffing eggs” – they were going to insert them into my private parts. Nathan, who had followed us in, suddenly narrowed his eyes and turned to ask Lauren: “Wasn’t this supposed to be about eating eggs? What’s going on here?” But Lauren ignored him and pushed me forward. “Mr. Seven, Miss Sophia used to be a dancer. I’m sure her flexibility will satisfy you.” “Don’t you want to try it yourself? Push your limits?” As Lauren finished speaking, I was already trembling in terror. I immediately looked to Nathan for help. At least I was still his wife. He had loved me once. Although he had tormented me a lot for Lauren’s sake, he surely wouldn’t hand me over to a pervert to be tortured, right? But to my surprise, Nathan walked to the bar, poured a glass of wine, and shoved it into my hand. “Why don’t you toast Mr. Seven first to liven things up?” Liven things up? Did he want me to entertain them? He… actually agreed? In a daze, I saw Lauren give me a sinister smile. “Sister! Didn’t you hear what Nathan said?” Just as I was looking at Lauren, not knowing what to do, she suddenly kicked me in the knee. In an instant, I lost my balance, and the wine in my hand spilled on the playboy’s face. Then I fell onto the shattered glass, immediately cutting several bloody gashes on my arm. My eyes met the distorted, pale face of the woman on the floor. Lauren’s shrill accusations rang in my ears: “Sister, if you didn’t want to toast, you could have just said so. There’s no need to pretend to be crazy to anger Mr. Seven. Is this how you act as Nathan’s wife? Are you trying to embarrass Nathan?” The playboy’s expression froze for a moment, then he suddenly realized something and stared at me with wide eyes: “You… you’re Nathan’s legendary wife?” I said nothing, just sat on the ground, my body and heart aching almost to the point of suffocation. The playboy reached out to grab my arm, but Nathan immediately seized his wrist. Nathan glanced at my blood-covered face, his eyes suddenly turning gloomy. He gritted his teeth as he looked at the playboy: “Get out!” The playboy was intimidated and had to leave, grumbling under his breath. “Nathan! Are you crazy? If I had known she was your psycho wife, I wouldn’t have touched her!” As the playboy disappeared, I got up to leave, but my arm was once again gripped by a large hand. “Sophia, aren’t you happy now that you don’t have to be punished? Did those two years on the island not teach you how to behave? You only had to toast a drink, and this would have been over. Why did you have to act crazy? You knew that when I asked you to toast, I was trying to end this, didn’t you? Are you that clueless?” Looking at the angry Nathan, I responded with bloodshot eyes. This time, I finally didn’t hold back and retorted: “Nathan! I’m your wife. If you had just made my identity clear, this would have been over just the same.” My words were clear. It was him, he was the one who wanted to play with my vanity to protect Lauren’s face, which is why he never said anything. Caught off guard by my revelation, Nathan felt a bit guilty. Lauren, seeing this, wanted to defend him. But Nathan frowned and spoke up to stop her: “Enough! Shut up and wait for me in the car.” After her footsteps faded away, he sighed: “I’m sorry, but I still need to explain. I really didn’t know what ‘stuffing eggs’ meant. If I had known, I wouldn’t have agreed from the start.” “As for Lauren, I hope you can understand. After all, she just came back to the country and saw that I was marr-” Nathan stopped abruptly, but I could still guess what he was going to say. He wanted to say that Lauren was in a bad mood because she found out he was married, so she deliberately gave me a hard time, and he wanted me to forgive her. Our eyes met, and Nathan seemed to understand the mockery in mine. He sighed again. “Alright, I see you’re hurt. I’ll have the driver take you to the hospital. Lauren’s not in a good state, so I need to check on her. We’ll talk about this when I get back.” Without waiting for my response, he added: “Although you didn’t complete the task, I’ll allow you to count this as one forgiveness voucher.” With that, he turned and left. Watching his retreating figure, I touched my still-bleeding forehead and burst into laughter. But I didn’t care anymore. Just two more times, and once I’ve repaid my debt, I’ll leave. From now on, I won’t suffer his mistreatment anymore.

It was late at night when the driver sent me home. Nathan hadn’t returned, and I didn’t bother to ask. The next day, his assistant brought his gift: two commercial property deeds. He specifically emphasized that one was compensation for forcing me to lick the cream, and the other was an apology for the egg incident. Expressionless, I labeled the deeds with numbers 96 and 97, then carelessly stuffed them into the safe. The maid beside me smiled fondly: “Mr. Nathan really dotes on you, ma’am. He’s been giving gifts more and more frequently.” I smiled without saying a word. She didn’t know that these were just Nathan’s compensations after hurting me each time. Looking at the safe full of property deeds, I knew I would be able to leave soon. But before I left, I just wanted to take one camera with me. It contained things I had to destroy. Nathan was very exploratory when it came to intimate matters, and in the heat of the moment, he would sometimes impulsively record our encounters with a camera. In the past, those videos were just marital intimacy. But now, I didn’t want them to remain. After all, if the videos were leaked, I would be ruined. However, after searching every corner of the room, I couldn’t find that camera. Just as I was about to search again, my agent called, yelling angrily: “Sophia, are you crazy? Look at the internet! Your private photos are everywhere! How dare you accompany other sugar daddies behind Nathan’s back? If you want to die, don’t drag our whole company down with you!” In an instant, my mind exploded, only hearing my agent’s words: “You’d better give me an explanation for the videos online right now! And for Nathan’s fury, or we’ll haunt you even as ghosts!” The call was hung up, and I quickly opened my phone. I saw that the top trending topic was my private video. With bold, explosive text: [Supermodel Sophia Sleeps Her Way to the Top] In it, Nathan’s face was blurred, while mine was clearly visible in the center, flushed with desire. Millions of netizens were online hurling abuse, calling me a slut who slept with multiple sugar daddies for resources, a woman who would sleep with anyone. My legs gave way, and I collapsed to the ground. But in the last moment before I lost strength, I was suddenly caught in Nathan’s strong embrace. “Don’t look at those things. It’s okay, I’ll handle it. Trust me!” The comforting words had barely left his ears when he turned, his face cold, and roared at the room full of people. “Who did this! Tell me! Who did this!” Seeing his unprecedented fury, my eyes suddenly stung with tears. But at the same time, Lauren’s casual voice came from nearby: “Nathan, you mean the videos? I uploaded them!” The arm around my waist suddenly tightened. Nathan and I both looked at Lauren. “Don’t look at me like that! I just happened to see them and thought sister’s body was too amazing to be seen by only you, Nathan. So I took the initiative to share them!” “After all, beautiful things should be enjoyed by everyone, right?” In an instant, blood rushed to my head. I got up to slap Lauren, but Nathan steadily caught my hand. “Sophia! Enough!” I was furious and grief-stricken, shouting: “But she-” Before I could finish, Nathan glanced at the smug Lauren, then turned back to me with a frown: “I’ll help you take down the trending topics. Let’s end this here. Don’t cause trouble for Lauren, okay? You know, after all, she’s also…” “No! Nathan, why should I let it go? She’s ruined my reputation! Why should I let it go?” “I want to sue her for defamation! She must pay the price!” I stared at Nathan with bloodshot eyes, refusing to back down even a little. “Sophia! You-” Nathan took a deep breath, about to persuade me again. But Lauren tugged at Nathan’s sleeve, pretending to sob with reddened eyes: “Nathan! Don’t say anymore. I know I was wrong. Let sister sue me. I shouldn’t have been jealous, jealous that she married you. It was my fault. If only I had persisted back then!” As she spoke, Lauren’s eyes turned red, and she began to cry. “Sister, I really know I was wrong. I’ll kneel and apologize to you. Please don’t make things difficult for Nathan.” “If it makes you happy, I’ll turn myself in right now and help clear your name! At worst, let me be ruined too, but please don’t let this ruin your relationship.” Seeing Lauren about to kneel before me, Nathan’s eyes turned cold again. He said to me in a deep voice: “Sophia! Lauren already knows she was wrong. Let it go.” “Your reputation is already ruined anyway, so why not just quit the industry and enjoy being a rich housewife at home? Isn’t that good?” I was shocked by his blindness, unable to believe he would still indulge her to this extent. I was about to speak again, but in the next second, I received a hard slap across the face, leaving it stinging. His knuckles were red, his breathing rapid, his eyes filled with unprecedented violence. He threw a disclaimer at me: “Be good and sign this. Once the storm blows over, I’ll help you make a comeback.” “But if you dare to report this to the police, don’t even think about stepping out of this door again!” “I won’t sign!” I gritted my teeth, staring at him. But no matter how much I struggled and refused to sign, Nathan forcibly pressed my handprint onto the disclaimer. As I collapsed to the ground, exhausted, A feeling of helplessness and pain that I had never experienced before swept over my entire body, like thousands of needles piercing my heart. They left, but their casual conversation was like poisonous insects crawling into my ears: “Nathan, is sister okay…” “She’s fine. As long as she still wants to make a comeback, she’ll listen to me. At worst…” “I’ll count it as one forgiveness voucher. She still has dozens left, she’ll behave.” No, there aren’t any left. There’s only one more time. Nathan, I won’t be your puppet anymore. After sitting stunned on the ground for a long time, I finally went back to my room and took out my diary. Although everyone says the modeling world isn’t much cleaner than the entertainment industry, I really loved this career. Standing on the runway, bathed in spotlights – that confidence was where I found my value. But now, it had been utterly destroyed. Perhaps even heaven was telling me it was time to go, to not linger anymore. Tears flowing, I wrote down today’s events in the book, ending with the number 98. Every time he hurt me, I would record it in my diary to remind myself not to soften. But Nathan’s voice suddenly came from behind: “What does 98 mean?”

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I was employed by a wealthy family as a scapegoat, under the pretense of a life-saving favor, to marry into the family. My wife, however, despises me for disrupting her plans to marry Phoebe. Despite her immense wealth, she gives me only five dollars a day for living expenses. I’m so hungry I’ve become gaunt, while she changes boyfriends frequently. Once, to amuse her young boyfriend, she drove drunk, crashing into the hospital’s power supply, causing my mother’s tragic death. Afterward, she casually handed me a Black Card: “You actually left your mom in that rundown hospital? Well, someone as greedy as you would do anything.” “Use this card to move Auntie to a VIP Ward, but don’t think about siphoning off any money. I’ll be checking your bills.” I silently discarded the Black Card and arranged my mother’s funeral. She doesn’t know that it was Phoebe who left her at the altar, and I was just hired by her family to console her. Now that my mother is gone, my debt is repaid. It’s time to leave. — “Lydia, the ceremony has started. Where are you?” At my mother’s funeral, Lydia’s mother, Vera, used my phone to call my wife, Lydia. But a man’s voice answered: “Auntie, Lydia went to bed late yesterday and hasn’t woken up yet. I’ll let her know when she does.” “How can she miss her mother-in-law’s funeral?” Vera yelled angrily and hung up the phone. “Jude, I’m sorry. I spoiled her.” She hates me deeply, and I never expected her to come, nor was I heartbroken over it. I handed the scapegoat contract I signed years ago to Vera and said calmly: “Mrs. Song, the seven-year term is up, and the marriage certificate with Lydia is fake. I want to…” Vera anticipated what I was going to say and interrupted, wiping away tears: “When Lydia found a Heart Match for your mom, I thought she would finally recover.” “I never expected that your mom wouldn’t make it…” “Jude, Lydia made mistakes, but the coroner determined that your mom’s death wasn’t due to a power outage. It was suicide.” “Can’t you give her another chance for finding a match for your mom?” Suicide? My mother wouldn’t leave without seeing me start a family. I knew it was just an excuse to absolve Lydia, and I didn’t bother to argue: “Thank you for your help back then, but now, Lydia doesn’t need me anymore. Can I leave?” Vera sighed and slipped a gold-embossed card into my hand: “Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t stop you.” “But it’s just seven days short of the original agreement. Give her some time to adjust.” Having endured seven years, seven days doesn’t matter. I pushed the card back: “You’ve given me enough. I can’t take this money.” Vera forced the card into my pocket, patting my hand earnestly: “If it weren’t for you taking the fall, Lydia and I would have been estranged long ago. This billion is just a token of my gratitude.” “Jude, Auntie asks you to keep our secret.” This was hush money. Knowing she’d be uneasy if I didn’t take it, I reluctantly accepted with a bitter smile. Back then, Lydia defied her family, threatening to die if she couldn’t marry Phoebe. But just before the wedding, Phoebe eloped with a wealthy woman overseas. Afraid of the blow Lydia would suffer, Vera hired me to play a role. She tampered with Lydia’s car, allowing me to marry in under the guise of a life-saving favor. At first, Lydia didn’t blame me. She even wrote a farewell letter to Phoebe and married me. When she learned I injured my hand saving her and could no longer hold a scalpel, she searched everywhere for renowned doctors and remedies. When all efforts failed, she cried in my arms, promising to give me children and a family. Those were happy days for a while. Until Phoebe’s cousin, Asher, appeared with evidence accusing me of orchestrating the car accident years ago. Lydia slammed the abortion papers in my face, speaking harsh words for the first time: “Jude, someone as unscrupulous as you doesn’t deserve to be my child’s father or have a family!” I clutched the papers, my heart aching as tears streamed down my face. That day, Lydia ended our child’s life with her own hands, and any bond between us was severed. All of this was orchestrated by Vera, but with my mother’s life in her hands, I couldn’t say a word. “Stop pretending! If you love acting, keep it up!” She was unmoved by my tears and knocked over the gourmet food on the table: “From now on, your food allowance is reduced to five dollars a day.” “Jude, you love money and aspire to rise above others, but I won’t let you have your way.” She walked away without looking back, hand in hand with Asher, who resembled Phoebe. Around her were people who only flattered her and belittled me. Once Lydia spoke, they disrupted all my work outside. Even when a beggar took pity on me and bought me a bun, they trampled it mercilessly. “This meat bun costs two dollars and fifty cents, half your daily allowance. You’re really extravagant.” They kicked a dog bowl towards me: “Here, leftovers from our dog. It’s cheap for you.” I once thought that life would just drift by until the agreement was lifted. But not long ago, Lydia told me they found a heart donor matching my mom: “I can give your mom the heart, but Asher said his cousin is plagued with bad luck and needs a sincere person to kneel three thousand steps for blessings.” Heart matches are extremely hard to find. She must have worked hard to get one. I thought the three thousand steps were just punishment for lying, that she still cared for me. But after I finished, she glared at me: “Jude, your heart isn’t sincere. He didn’t get good luck and instead got heart disease.” “This heart is his now. Kneel again and pray properly!” She only wanted to mock and retaliate against me. How ridiculous. I actually thought she had a bit of love for me. I stumbled to my feet, ready to kneel again. But a passerby couldn’t bear it and stopped me: “Your legs are so injured. If you kneel again, you’ll die!” Only then did Lydia see my knees, raw and bloody. She turned away, snorting coldly: “Forget it. Insincere hearts only have bad effects. Just eat vegetarian for a month and pray for him properly.” Vegetarian meals were much better than dog food. I even gained some weight after the punishment ended. As soon as I got down the mountain, I rushed to the hospital, intending to ask about the heart transplant, only to find out my mother had been moved to a small hospital. Before I could ask her why, I learned she had passed away. I wiped my mother’s photo over and over, my eyes empty, tears long dried. Lydia was right; I didn’t deserve a family, and now I truly had none. After I finished my work, Lydia’s call finally came, albeit late. “This child, only calling after it’s over.” “But at least she knows to apologize.” Vera mumbled, answered the call, and put it on speaker. Lydia’s cold voice followed: “It’s Asher’s mom’s birthday soon. Handle it.” Embarrassed by this slap in the face, Vera flew into a rage: “Lydia, he’s your husband, not your servant!” “His mom just passed. How can you make him handle someone else’s birthday party?” Lydia was confused: “Isn’t Auntie seriously ill? Where did she go?” I didn’t want any trouble with only a few days left before I could leave. “She went back home.” I vaguely changed the subject and took on the birthday party task. She didn’t ask further, satisfied with my compliance: “Smart choice.” “Once Auntie’s health improves, I’ll throw her a birthday party, let her have her moment.” She didn’t know my mom was already dead. In seven days, I’d be gone, and there would be no future between us. 2 When I was about to go home, Lydia gave me an address and told me to go there. I thought she wanted to discuss the birthday party. But when I opened the door to the private room, all I got was a cold drink from Lydia: “I wondered why you agreed so quickly to handle the birthday. Turns out you took my mom’s money.” “Jude, seven years, and I thought you’d learned, but you’re still a dog that can’t change its ways!” Asher handed me a tissue, pretending to be a mediator. “Sorry, Jude, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have spoken about it earlier, causing you and Lydia to fight.” Then he tugged Lydia’s sleeve, pretending to slap himself a few times, eyes red: “Lydia, don’t scold Jude. It’s my fault. Blame me if you must.” But Lydia held his hand, rubbing his unhurt face with concern: “Don’t hit yourself. I care about you.” “Besides, you did nothing wrong. If not for you, I wouldn’t have known Jude dared to ask my mom for money.” “Tell me, baby, what reward do you want?” Asher propped his chin, deep in thought: “You’ve already bought me a Lamborghini, given me a lakeside villa.” “Regular gourmet food, endless gifts. Last time, I just mentioned wanting lobster, and you bought it and even peeled it for me.” “And the time before, at that auction, I liked a watch worth thirty million. You bought it without blinking and released all the sky lanterns just for me. You’ve spoiled me rotten; my material desires are incredibly low…” “Tell me, darling, what reward do you want?” Asher rested his chin in his hand, thinking deeply: “You’ve already bought me a Lamborghini and gifted me a Lakeside Villa.” “We enjoy gourmet food regularly, and the gifts never seem to stop. Last time, I casually mentioned wanting lobster, and you immediately bought it and even peeled it for me.” “And the time before that, at an auction, I took a liking to a watch worth thirty million. You purchased it without a second thought and even lit sky lanterns for me. You’ve indulged me so much that my material desires have become almost nonexistent…” Asher recounted Lydia’s generosity over the years, and the more he spoke, the colder my heart grew. While I spent decades eating unappetizing meals and living in a dark, damp servant’s room with cockroaches and rats, Asher lived a life of luxury and comfort. Driving luxury cars, residing in mansions, enjoying gourmet food daily, being served shrimp peeled by Lydia, and receiving various gifts from her. And yet, as Lydia’s husband, the most indulgent meal I’ve had in these seven years was vegetarian, and the best place I’ve stayed was a temple. Indeed, without comparison, there is no disappointment… Just then, my thoughts were interrupted by Asher’s words: “Sister Lydia, I know what reward I want! I want to eat an egg yolk pastry from that place we often visit in the east of the city!” He emphasized “often visit,” frequently glancing at me with a provocative and boastful look. I pretended not to notice. Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to Asher’s provocations. While I was lost in thought, Asher sighed and spoke to himself: “It’s such a shame it’s so far, 30 kilometers away. Maybe I should just forget it…” Asher’s deliberately forlorn act made Lydia feel quite sorry for him. In the private room, one of Lydia’s girlfriends suddenly suggested: “Let Jude go get it!” “Yeah, he’s got nothing else to do anyway! Plus, it’s his fault in the first place; this could be a way to punish him for deliberately asking Auntie for money!” Lydia paused for a moment, then nodded slightly in agreement: “That’s actually a good idea.” She turned her head, glanced at me indifferently, her voice ice-cold. “What are you standing there for? Didn’t you hear that Asher is craving egg yolk pastry? Go buy it!” Asher immediately put on a facade of goodwill, came to me and said insincerely: “Brother Jude, 30 kilometers is quite a way. You don’t have a car, right? I can lend you one.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bunch of car keys—Cayenne, Maybach, even a Rolls-Royce Phantom. All kinds of luxury car keys, you name it. Asher dangled the car keys in front of me, eyes gleaming with pride: “Brother Jude, pick whichever one you want to drive.” I knew he was deliberately flaunting, taking the opportunity to provoke me. However, before I could respond, Lydia snatched the keys away, her voice cold: “Do you think you’re worthy of driving?” “Just walk there step by step, it’s only 30 kilometers. Consider it exercise. Are you afraid of a little walk?” I didn’t react as I used to, shouting and resisting. I just nodded silently, accepting it all with calmness and composure. In the beginning, when Lydia deliberately tormented me, I resisted. But it only brought more severe torment. Since the outcome is already decided, why waste my breath and effort? Lydia’s words made her girlfriends’ eyes widen, and they laughed uproariously: “Lydia, you’re really clever.” “Don’t worry, we’ll keep an eye on him for you.” Lydia didn’t expect me to agree so readily. The words she had prepared to counter me got stuck in her throat. She stared at me for a while, feeling that I seemed different these past couple of days. In the past, every time she punished me, I would argue forcefully, accusing her of being unreasonable. But today, I seemed soulless, unusually quiet. But soon she convinced herself that I was using reverse psychology, trying to get her attention. She raised an eyebrow, quickly covering the surprise in her eyes with a cold demeanor, and snorted: “Seven years and you still haven’t learned. You guys must have been too lenient.” “This time, I’ll watch him myself.” Under the scorching sun, I limped along, with Lydia’s car following behind. The fierce sun beat down on the earth, my back soaked with sweat, and large drops of sweat fell like broken strings of beads. Occasionally, a few drops fell into my eyes, stinging painfully. Every time I wanted to stop and wipe my sweat, the car behind would honk sharply, accompanied by the cold ridicule of Lydia’s girlfriends. “Jude, didn’t you eat? Walk faster!” “Yeah, you’re so slow; are you trying to starve Asher?” And Lydia watched coldly the entire time, never intending to speak up for me. I could only endure the pain, dragging my heavy steps forward… We passed through bustling streets and entered a small alley. Suddenly, the car behind stopped. Lydia looked at me, drenched in sweat, and said coldly: “Stay there and wait. Asher wants to eat street skewers. We’ll leave after we’re done.” I didn’t know what else Lydia had in mind, but I obediently stood aside, took out a tissue, and wiped my sweat. Lydia and her friends laughed and joked, walking together toward the street vendors. As I watched their joyous departure, I couldn’t help but lower my gaze, lost in thought. I vaguely remembered when Lydia and I weren’t on bad terms, I also wanted to eat street barbecue. But she pulled me away, frowning in disdain: “Jude, the son-in-law of the Song family eating street food? It’s too embarrassing if it gets out. Don’t tarnish the Song family!” So I had to compromise and give up on eating street barbecue. After that, to be a good son-in-law for the Song family and not embarrass them, I had to attend classes every day to learn Western dining etiquette. But when it came to Asher, he didn’t know how to use a knife and fork for steak. Lydia not only got him chopsticks but also complained to the restaurant, demanding that they provide chopsticks at every table. Now, dressed in tens of thousands of dollars worth of high-end custom clothes, she stood in a place swarming with flies, eating junk food fed by Asher, smiling tenderly and indulgently. Turns out, she could be so down-to-earth. Turns out, she could eat street food, just not with me. The sun was blazing overhead, and my knees had long gone numb from the pain. I felt dizzy, and then everything went black as I lost consciousness. 3 When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital, surrounded by the pungent smell of disinfectant. My pant legs were rolled up, my knee had been treated and bandaged. Lydia sat by the bed, scooped a spoonful of bird’s nest soup, blew on it to cool it, and brought it to my mouth, complaining: “The doctor said you fainted from malnutrition. You’re so stubborn. I punished you by making you eat vegetarian; couldn’t you secretly eat something good? Your health is this poor.” “As for the card issue, mom told me it was for your mom’s medical expenses. I checked your account; you haven’t spent anything.” “Don’t you have a mouth? Why didn’t you explain it to me?” “And about your knee injury, why is it getting worse…” I raised an eyebrow at her, finding it ironic. Wasn’t it her who told Asher to make me kneel for an hour every day? Now she asks why the injury is worsening? This woman is really fickle. As for explaining… Haven’t I explained enough over the years? Back when Lydia wanted to torment me, she reduced my living expenses to 150 a month, only allowing me to spend five a day. Vera couldn’t stand it and often secretly gave me money for extra meals. But when Lydia found out, she was furious. She said I was deliberately angering her because I was eating so well despite her rules. I tried to explain to Lydia, but she never gave me the chance, locking me in the storage room despite my claustrophobia, cutting off my food and water for a week, forcing me to write self-reflections and think over my actions. There were several past conflicts with Asher, where Lydia blatantly sided with him. Asher claimed I deliberately caused a car accident to drive away Wenyan, and Lydia believed it. To punish me, she aborted our child despite my protests, saying a malicious schemer like me didn’t deserve to have a child, didn’t deserve a family. And when Asher tried to drive me away by faking a drowning incident in front of Lydia, he later framed me for pushing him. I repeatedly explained to Lydia, swore it wasn’t me, but she accused me of trying to justify myself, ordering people to dunk me in the cold sea for three hours, saying all the pain Asher suffered had to be inflicted on me until I passed out… All these years, Lydia never believed me, not once. She trusted Asher enough to share the safe’s password but always assumed the worst about me, her husband. Seeing me silent, Lydia thought I was still worried about my mom’s illness. She sighed: “Jude, don’t worry too much about your mom’s illness. I’m still looking for a heart match. I’ll make sure Auntie recovers.” I lowered my gaze, clenching my fist, feeling a pang of bitterness. But… My mom’s gone. She doesn’t need a heart anymore. I was about to speak about my mom. Lydia looked up at me and tentatively said: “By the way, the traffic police issued a notice. Asher’s drunk driving might lead to his license being revoked.” Seeing my silence, Lydia assumed I was still concerned about my mother’s illness. She sighed: “Jude, you shouldn’t worry too much about your mother’s condition. I’m still searching for a heart; I promise to help Auntie get better.” I lowered my gaze, clenching my fists as a wave of bitterness washed over me. But… My mom is gone, and she no longer needs a heart. I was about to mention my mom when Lydia glanced at me again and cautiously spoke: “By the way, the traffic police have issued a notice. It seems Asher might have his driver’s license revoked for drunk driving.” “Jude, you know Asher worked hard for three years to get that driver’s license. He can’t afford to have it revoked.” “Anyway, you have a driver’s license but no car. Why don’t you take the blame for him? If you agree, I can give you 300,000 as compensation.” 300,000? I found it incredibly amusing, and a chill ran through me. One of Asher’s ties costs 3 million. After seven years of marriage, am I worth less than one of Asher’s ties? I must have lived too poorly. Besides, it was because of this car accident that my mom died. And Lydia wants me to take the fall for Asher, the main culprit? My gaze turned cold as I pushed away the porridge Lydia offered: “I refuse. I won’t help with this, so give up.” After I rejected her, a cold glint flashed in Lydia’s eyes. “Jude, why won’t you help? Are you deliberately targeting Asher?” “Besides, it’s just taking the blame, and I’m even offering you money. Is it really that big of a deal?” “Or… do you think 300,000 isn’t enough?” Listening to Lydia’s absurd reasoning left me speechless. But my silence seemed to Lydia like an agreement. Her gaze grew even colder, with a hint of disdain, as if she had seen through my intentions. “Jude, I thought you had learned your lesson, but you still can’t change your greedy nature!” “In the end, it’s all about money. I guess you’re just obsessed with it!” After scolding me, Lydia raised her chin, acting like she was doing me a favor. “Tell me, how much do you want to agree to take the blame?” So, this is how Lydia thinks of me? After seven years of marriage, no matter how sincerely I treated her, even if I was willing to eat dog food for her, even if I acted as a scapegoat to help her move on from a breakup, even if I tolerated her tantrums and unreasonable behavior. No matter how much I did, I couldn’t warm her heart. When facing me, her heart remained as cold and hard as ice. In her eyes, I was just a greedy, malicious, calculating person. She thought I was only with her for the money. But she didn’t consider that if I were truly after money, I would have left as soon as she moved on from her shadow. Instead of staying with her year after year… Suddenly, it felt like a heavy stone pressed on my chest, and I felt exhausted. Perhaps two incompatible people shouldn’t be together. Maybe our marriage was a mistake from the start. I exhaled deeply, looked at Lydia, and spoke calmly: “Lydia, let’s break up.” 4 Lydia was waiting to negotiate a price with me. Hearing my words, she was suddenly stunned: “Break up? What do you mean by that?” I replied to her indifferently: “You said I was after your money, right?” “Anyway, you’ve been tired of me for a long time. We might as well separate, so I won’t be in your way.” Lydia thought I was being petty, mocking: “Back then, you insisted on marrying into my family, and now you’re using a breakup to make me compromise?” “If you’re so bold, why don’t you dare to propose a divorce?” She slammed the bowl on the table heavily, and the spilled bird’s nest soup instantly scalded my hand, causing me to gasp in pain. Hearing my pained cry, Lydia paused for a moment. But soon, she thought I was just trying to gain sympathy and left angrily. Watching her resolute back, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile. Lydia didn’t know that I wasn’t asking for a divorce, not because I didn’t dare, but because our marriage was a sham from the start. But since I’m leaving soon, there’s nothing left to explain. I drifted into a heavy sleep. When I woke up again, Asher came with gifts to see me, speaking coldly: “I heard Lydia offered 3 million for you to take the blame for me? She really loves me, huh.” I closed my eyes, not bothering to respond. He chuckled: “But I didn’t expect someone as greedy as you to refuse?” “The bond between you and your mom is enviably strong.” Seeing me silent, Asher leaned closer, speaking with a sinister tone: “Jude, you still don’t know, do you? Your mom transferred hospitals because of you.” Hearing him mention my mom, I looked at him sharply. “What do you mean?” Asher shrugged nonchalantly: “I just said a few words to your mom, and she immediately agreed to transfer hospitals.” I was even more confused, a bad feeling rising in my heart: “My mom wouldn’t listen to you. What did you do?” Asher, as if nothing happened, continued smiling: “Nothing much, I just showed her the video of you being punished and eating from a dog bowl.” “I told her you were living so miserably because of her. If she truly cared for you, she should end her life immediately and stop burdening you.” “Your mom immediately agreed to the transfer and even planned to end her life when the power went out as a signal.” “Jude, to give you freedom, she suffocated herself with her own hands. Your mom went to such lengths for you, yet you’re still clinging to Lydia like a leech?” A surge of anger rushed through me, and I couldn’t hold back any longer. I pulled out the needle and got out of bed, slapping him across the face: “So it was you who drove my mom to her death! You murderer!” Asher bit his cheek without a care, pulling out his phone to play a video, smirking: “Jude, don’t accuse me of murder. Your mom did commit suicide.” “To avoid being implicated, I set up a camera at the hospital to record everything. This video is the best evidence.” The video showed the entire process of my mom’s suicide. Tears streaming down her face, she suffocated herself. Before her last breath, instinct made her struggle painfully. But for my freedom, she wouldn’t let go, pressing on her nose and mouth until her pupils dilated, and she stopped breathing entirely. By the end of the video, I was already in tears, my heart aching to the point of suffocation. Asher didn’t miss a chance to provoke me: “I just said it casually, but your mom actually took it seriously!” “What a great mother’s love. I’m moved to tears!” “Asher, you beast, I’ll kill you!” In a fit of rage, I rushed forward, grabbing his collar, ready to land another punch. Just then, a clear, cold female voice called out from behind. “Stop!” 5 Before I could react, Lydia came over with a lunch box, quickly stepping between us. She pushed me away, shielding Asher as if afraid he might get hurt. “Jude, who allowed you to bully Asher!” “Asher came to see you out of kindness, but you hit him. Do you think that’s acceptable? Let me tell you, if anything happens to Asher, I won’t let you off!” I, exhausted, crashed into the edge of the bed and fell to the ground. Lydia, however, was busy caring for Asher, not even sparing me a glance, convinced I was faking it. “Had the strength to hit someone earlier, and now you can’t stand up? Who would believe that!” “Jude, your acting is too poor. Next time, have a plan before you lie.” Asher clung to Lydia’s clothes, covering his face and sobbing: “Sister Lydia, don’t blame Brother Jude, it’s all my fault.” “It’s because I look too much like my cousin. Brother Jude has always been jealous of your past relationship, so he hates me because I look so much like him.” “If that’s the case, I’ll avoid Brother Jude from now on…” I struggled to my feet, trying to explain: “Lydia, do you know my mom was killed by him…” Before I could finish, Asher sniffled, deliberately showing the red handprint on his face to Lydia. Seeing the fresh slap mark on Asher’s face, Lydia’s eyes reddened with heartache, and she slapped me, cutting off my words: “Jude! You drove Asher away back then, and now you’re so jealous you can’t even tolerate his cousin!” “Not only that, but you also dared to use your sick mother as an excuse?” Furious, she grabbed my hand, forcing me to slap my own face: “You like slapping people, don’t you?” “Then kneel here and don’t leave until you’ve slapped yourself a thousand times!” She left with Asher, shouting for a doctor as if Asher had some terrible illness. But she didn’t let me off easy, leaving behind two rows of strong men to watch me. If I didn’t slap myself or hit softly, they would do it, slapping my face hard. The crisp slapping sounds echoed continuously in the ward… When my cheeks were swollen and raw, Vera finally arrived, a trace of pity in her eyes. “Stop, don’t hit him anymore!” But the leader raised a hand to stop her: “Ma’am, these are Miss’s orders, please don’t make it difficult for us.” “Lydia! Are you crazy?” Vera anxiously called Lydia, but the line was busy. But she didn’t go easy on me either. She left two rows of strong men to watch over me. If I didn’t hit myself hard enough, they would step in, swinging their arms and slapping my face with harsh brutality. The sharp sound of slaps echoed continuously in the Ward… When both sides of my face were swollen and bleeding, Vera finally arrived, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. “Stop, that’s enough!” But the leader raised his hand to stop her: “Madam, these are Miss’s orders. Please don’t make it difficult for us.” “Lydia! Have you lost your mind?” Vera anxiously called Lydia, but the line was busy. Not until my cheeks were a bloody mess and a thousand slaps were done did the Bodyguards leave. In a detached manner, I raised my hand. Just as it was about to strike my face, Vera caught my hand, her voice choked with emotion: “Don’t wait the seven days, child. Leave today.” “The Helicopter is waiting on the Hospital rooftop. Pack your things and take your mom away. Never come back.” She carefully handed me my mother’s Urn and photograph. Looking at my mother’s kind face. My heart ached unbearably, as if encased in wet cotton. When she was alive, my mother would mend my clothes when they tore, patiently listen to my complaints, and make me my favorite Pickled Cabbage Pie when I lost my appetite. Just one bite of Pickled Cabbage Pie could chase away a whole day’s fatigue, providing comfort and warmth, filling me with energy and determination. In front of her, I was always a child and could forever remain one. But now, my mother is gone. My last family member in the world is gone too. From now on, no one will patiently listen to my troubles and complaints, tolerate me unconditionally, or endure my little tantrums. The saddest part is, my mother sought death just to trade for my freedom. But mother, you were never a burden. You were my reason to live, my hope in life. Without you, my life is only darkness, with no light at all… Thinking of this, I couldn’t hold back anymore and cried out loud, holding my mother’s Urn. After being discharged, I took my mother’s Urn home, going straight to the small servant’s room in the corner. Opening the door, I started to pack. Vera, who came along, was shocked to see the moldy walls, the blackened, rotten Bed, and the rats and cockroaches running around. “Child, you… lived here?” I nodded, managing a weak, bitter smile. “Mom, no, I should call you Auntie now.” “Auntie, having a place to stay that’s sheltered from the wind and rain is already good. Many times, Lydia punished me by making me kneel outside overnight.” “Usually, I’d kneel the whole night. The Bodyguards watched. If I tried to get up, they’d press me down…” I won’t forget how sharp stones pierced my knees with excruciating pain, leaving permanent damage, making me limp at times, with my knees aching after too much walking. Hearing this, Vera’s eyes turned red. She looked at me with sympathy and heartache, wanting to say something but finally staying silent. She knew, without her, I wouldn’t suffer so much. My misery was tied to her. Vera stood there, heartbroken and helpless, watching me. I kept packing. I didn’t have much, just some washed-out clothes, a few documents, and my mom’s Urn, barely filling a small suitcase, even less than what I brought when I married in. After marriage, Lydia and I once had sweet, happy times. At our most loving, Lydia bought me new clothes and many imported trinkets to make me happy. Knowing I liked Lily of the Valley, she set aside garden space for me to plant them. But everything changed when Asher appeared. Lydia believed Asher’s accusations, thinking I drove Phoebe away. She was so angry that she took back her love overnight, reclaiming clothes, shoes, and trinkets for Asher, even replacing the garden flowers with Asher’s favorite Violets. Whether to spite me or because Asher’s resemblance to Phoebe moved her, Lydia favored Asher more and more, even spoiling him endlessly. Our sweet photos were burned to ashes as my heart died for her. After packing, I said goodbye to Vera, then deleted Lydia’s contact information from my Phone. After doing all this, I got on the Helicopter Vera provided, leaving without looking back. Lydia, you find me annoying, and don’t want to see me anymore. Well, neither do I. I’ve been with you for seven years. I owe you nothing now. For the rest of our lives, may we never meet again. … Lydia partied and drank for three days before she realized that the husband who used to endlessly text her “good morning” and “good night,” call her to come home, and regularly send food hadn’t contacted her in a while. She went to the Hospital, asking the Nurse, only to find out her husband had been discharged three days ago. Lydia frowned in displeasure, muttering: “Jude, why didn’t you tell me when you were discharged?” She drove home but found it empty again. Frustrated, Lydia messaged Jude. [Jude, where are you now?] This was the first time in their marriage she had messaged him. She expected Jude to reply instantly as always. But instead of a quick reply, she got a red exclamation mark. Lydia was stunned, shock all over her face. She never thought Jude would delete her! She assumed Jude was still sulking and muttered in annoyance: “Alright, Jude, you dare delete me? Wait till I find you, I’ll make you pay!” Just as she was about to turn off her Phone, Lydia remembered the 99 missed calls from her mother. She thought Jude had complained to her mother and angrily drove to the Old Mansion. “Alright, hiding at the Old Mansion, are you? Just wait!” She drove to the Old Mansion, ready to knock, but heard Asher’s mocking voice at the door: “Auntie, it was my cousin who abandoned Lydia and ran, why be so hostile to me?” “Now, Jude’s mom is dead too. He won’t be back after leaving. I’m your future son-in-law, we should get along.” “After all, I kindly kept your secret about orchestrating the Car Accident to force Jude into marriage from Lydia!” About to knock, Lydia froze, her face turning pale as she heard these words. Her Phone dropped to the ground. 7 “Asher, are you threatening me?” Vera’s voice was filled with anger. “How would I dare? I’m just speaking the truth. Can you deny that what I said isn’t true?” Vera fell silent. Song Zhaoning, standing at the door, felt a chill run through her body. At first, she thought there might be some misunderstanding.

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I was with Asher for five years, yet I wasn’t even officially his girlfriend. That night, once again, he was with me until I lost consciousness. Half-awake, I found an engagement ring in the drawer and thought our relationship finally had a future. I vaguely heard him on the phone with his friend Declan, “How’s the proposal setup coming along?” I was thrilled. But in the next moment, Asher sneered, “Her? She’s worn out. If I weren’t worried about hurting Adeline on our wedding night, she wouldn’t even be in my bed.” That’s when I realized I was just a stepping stone for my sister. My mind went blank, yet I kept recalling the times with Asher. Because he liked excitement, I had to be with him in the park, in the car, even in the cinema. Initially, I refused, but Asher always said that after this, he’d come to my house to propose. Until tonight, when I was drugged and accidentally discovered his true intentions. He did plan to propose, just not to me. I held my breath and continued eavesdropping on the call, though it was unclear. All I heard was Asher’s mocking voice, “A nanny’s child can only ever serve. If Adeline wants, let her take care of us. It’s not a bad deal.” I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. Five years, and in the end, I’m only fit to be Asher’s caregiver. My mother was originally a nanny for the Williams Family. My father mistook her for someone else when he was drunk, and that’s how I came to be. My mother left in a hurry, but when she discovered she was pregnant, she couldn’t bring herself to abort me. After giving birth, she sent me back to the Williams Family. If my grandmother hadn’t taken me in, I might have died with my mother. Later, when my grandmother passed away, the lady of the house always gave me a hard time. That’s when Asher appeared; he’d sneak food from home for me, “Cora, eat slowly, no one’s going to take it from you.” He’d also promise firmly, “I’ll protect you in the future.” The call ended, and I pretended to sleep while Asher tucked me in. I started to wonder, did he ever have any real feelings for me? The next morning, I returned home. That afternoon, I saw Asher dressed formally at the Williams Family’s place. He rarely dressed so formally; the suit made him look even more handsome. Asher took out the gemstone necklace I had always wanted. Sunlight made it sparkle. I had begged him for a long time, but he never bought it for me. I hid behind the wall, like a mouse afraid of the light. Asher performed a courteous bow, “Miss Williams, would you honor me as my dance partner at tomorrow night’s gala?” Adeline gave a shy smile and accepted the necklace, “Mr. Johnson, you must know, I never partner with anyone unless he’s my future husband.” Nanny Taylor chimed in, “Yes, our Miss Williams is very self-respecting, unlike the second Miss who is out carousing every day.” With that, Nanny Taylor’s eyes locked on me, watching from afar. But Asher didn’t spare me a glance. His voice trembled, “Adeline, if you’re willing, I’ll propose to you at the gala tomorrow.” I had never seen Asher this nervous. Adeline, face full of shyness, said, “Mr. Johnson is now the heir of Johnson Corp. How could I refuse? But this isn’t my decision alone. If Mr. Johnson is sincere, he should ask my father first.” I didn’t understand. Before, when Adeline talked about Asher, she said, “That Asher, though young, has a stubborn streak. I prefer his uncle, who’s only a few years older, with a magnetic voice and gentle nature.” But now that Asher is the heir, she’s changed her tune. Adeline looked back at me, eyes full of arrogance and pride. I could only stand there, letting my nails dig into my palms. When Asher left, my phone vibrated slightly. It was a message from him.

“Tonight, the usual place.” Asher wanted me to go to him again tonight. He just said he’d propose to my sister, yet wanted to sneak around with me. Fine, it’s time to end this. As soon as I entered, I saw Asher’s robe half-open, approaching me. “Cora, you’re back.” I stepped back, looking up coldly at him. Asher still pinned me against the wall, nails teasing my chin, “Angry?” I turned away, “Don’t touch me.” “Tomorrow’s gala is important. Cora, your status isn’t suitable to attend. What’s wrong with inviting your sister as my dance partner?” “Besides being a dance partner, what about the proposal? Did you think I didn’t hear? Asher, what do you think of me?” I pushed Asher with all my might, causing him to stagger. Seeing my resistance only excited him more. He lifted my hands, pinning them to the wall. “Cora, after all these years, you really don’t know what you mean to me?” His other hand roamed my body. I frowned, tears falling from my eyes. For five years, I was just Asher’s tool to satisfy his desires. Seeing me cry, Asher didn’t force me further. He released my hands, speaking gently to console me. “Cora, I’m now the heir. Marrying your sister is more appropriate. You can still stay here; Adeline won’t trouble you.” “If you find it lonely, I can give you a child.” I laughed. He knew I was illegitimate, yet he wanted my child to be his too. I looked at Asher with disappointment, “All these years, was it all for nothing? Have you ever loved me?” Asher wiped my tears with his hand but said nothing. He didn’t give me an answer. Feeling deflated, I said, “Let me go.” Asher blocked the door with his body, “Cora, recognize your status. You know how I’ve treated you. This is the best solution I can think of.” I pushed him away, “Recognize my status? Don’t forget, you came to me first. You said you’d protect me, take care of me. Why didn’t you tell me to recognize my status then?” My words angered Asher. Usually, I would appease him, but today, he was already being patient with me. His eyes turned cold, “Cora, I advise you to stay by my side.” But I opened the door, “Asher, let’s end this.” Asher sneered, “Cora, who else would want you after I’ve worn you out?” “You’re just a nanny’s child, daring to think you can be my wife? You’re not even comparable to Adeline!” I didn’t reply, just walked out and slammed the door behind me. Asher was furious, he opened the door and shouted, “Cora, if you have guts, don’t come back!” I returned to the home that didn’t welcome me, heartbroken. I locked myself in my room, crying softly through the night. The next morning, there was a light knock at the door.

“Miss Cora, Mr. Williams said you should attend tonight’s gala too.” It was Nanny Taylor. I didn’t need to think to know it was Adeline’s idea to embarrass me. I found a dress in the closet, a gift from grandmother before she passed. She said she wouldn’t see me grow up, so this dress would witness it for her. Now, I finally had the chance to wear it, to witness my former love’s proposal. The dress was a gentle green, making me appear more refined. The hall was brightly lit, filled with guests. Asher and Adeline stood in the center, a perfect couple. Suddenly, Asher took out the engagement ring, kneeling on one knee. “Adeline, will you marry me?” Adeline covered her mouth, tears of joy streaming down, “Asher, I will!” Guests applauded, congratulating them, while I stood in the shadows, expressionless. They laughed brightly, as if I never existed. But some busybody noticed me. “Tsk, isn’t that the second Miss Williams? I heard Mr. Williams doesn’t like her. After all, she’s just an illegitimate child.” “Exactly, it’s Miss Williams’ day. Why is she here?” Just then, a gentle voice came. “Come, have a drink with me.” I looked up to see Gideon, the gentle uncle Adeline mentioned, standing not far away. He wore a well-tailored gray suit, holding a glass of red wine, looking at me with dark eyes. Gideon smiled slightly, taking a few steps closer, “What, don’t even have the courage for a drink?” I took the champagne he offered, lightly clinking glasses. I tilted my head back, downing the drink, feeling the burn in my throat. Gideon’s eyes flashed with admiration, “Interesting.” Adeline noticed the commotion, taking Asher’s arm and walking over. She wore a shy yet proud smile, but her eyes were full of deliberate disdain. She looked me over, smirking, “Sister, your dress is unique. But isn’t that the old dress grandmother left you? How pitiful, not even having a proper gown.” Asher stood by her side, expression cold. Adeline clung to his arm, playfully shaking it, “Asher, don’t you think so?” Asher’s eyes darkened, gently holding Adeline’s hand, looking at her with warmth and affection, “Yes, Adeline is right. She doesn’t belong here.” She wore a shy yet self-satisfied smile, but her eyes betrayed an unmistakable disdain. She looked me up and down with a smirk, “Sister, your dress is quite unique. But isn’t it the old dress grandmother left you before she passed away? How unfortunate that you can’t even afford a proper gown.” Asher stood beside her, his expression indifferent. Adeline clung to his arm and shook it affectionately, “Asher, don’t you think so?” Asher’s eyes darkened a little as he gently took Adeline’s hand, his gaze tender and deep. “Yes, Adeline is right. She doesn’t belong here.” I gripped my champagne glass tightly, my fingers trembling slightly. Adeline continued, “Today is a wonderful day. It’s dull to be alone. Why not have Asher find someone to keep you company?” As soon as she finished speaking, someone nearby chimed in, “I’ll pay a hundred thousand for a night with Miss Cora!” Adeline pretended to restrain them, “What are you doing? She’s my sister!” “I’ll pay two hundred thousand!” “Three hundred thousand!” The bids grew louder, yet there wasn’t a flicker of emotion in Asher’s eyes. Gideon stood at a distance, holding a champagne glass, watching the spectacle. It wasn’t until an elderly man with a white beard shouted a million that my father stepped in to stop the charade. “If you’re interested in my daughter, why don’t we arrange an engagement between our families?” My eyes filled with tears as I glanced at Asher. He still stood by Adeline, gently arranging her hair, as if none of this concerned him. “Dad!” I stepped forward, my voice so hoarse it was barely audible. “I’m not an object to be auctioned off!” My father snorted coldly, his eyes filled with disdain. “You still have the nerve to speak? Your mother climbed into bed for money! Now you’re just a cheap thing. If someone bids, shouldn’t you hurry over to serve them?” The hall erupted in laughter, and my face turned pale, almost unable to stand. My father set my wedding date for three days later.

Suddenly, I became the laughingstock of the party. I took advantage of the distraction to hide in the tree outside the mansion. As a child, to avoid being beaten, I would climb the tree, ignoring Mrs. Williams’ shouts from below. “You brat! Get down here and take your beating!” I also met Asher from next door while in that tree. He told me to jump into his yard, promising to catch me so I wouldn’t get hurt. But now I heard a familiar voice. It was Adeline and a waiter from the party. The waiter scratched his head. “Miss Williams, you agreed to Mr. Gideon’s proposal today. Should we still use Uncle Gideon’s drug?” Adeline replied smugly, “Of course. Gideon’s overseas business is much more lucrative than the Johnson Corp’s. Who wouldn’t want to marry someone wealthier?” Hearing this, an idea suddenly struck me. If I went with Gideon, I wouldn’t have to be with that white-bearded old man, right? Recalling Gideon’s face, his sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, high nose bridge, and defined jawline, perhaps the alcohol was taking effect, and I felt my cheeks warm. I had to admit, the Johnson family produces handsome men. Gideon seemed even more attractive than Asher. I heard Gideon was involved in the gray market business overseas, so he might have influence domestically too. Surely he could protect me. I didn’t want to become the plaything of that old man. Without delay, I changed into a waiter’s outfit and slipped back into the party. I saw Gideon swaying slightly, with Adeline quietly trailing behind. Asher suddenly blocked Adeline. “Adeline, you accepted my proposal today. Isn’t it time for us to share a dance?” Adeline glanced in Gideon’s direction but still agreed to dance with Asher. Asher held Adeline’s waist, and they started dancing to the song I used to dance with him most often. No one looked my way, so I followed Gideon into a room. As the door clicked shut, Gideon seemed to regain some clarity. The room was dark. He stared at me. “Who are you? Dare to follow me? Do you have a death wish?” Standing by the door, my palms were sweaty. When I didn’t respond, he abruptly turned on a lamp. Seeing my face, he smiled slightly. “It’s you.” He smirked, mockery in his eyes. “So eager to get into my bed?” I bit my lower lip, forcing myself to stay calm. “Gideon, I need your help.” His fingers slowly traced my collarbone, his voice low and tempting. “Tell me, why should I help you?” I lowered my gaze, struggling to suppress my humiliation, clenching my fists tightly. “If you agree to help me, I’m willing to be your woman.” Gideon leaned closer to my ear. “I’ve been waiting for you, but there’s no need to rush.” Perhaps it was the effect of the drug; he kissed me passionately. Suddenly, there was the sound of a door opening. He looked towards the entrance, raising his gaze. “Get out!” My back was to the door, but I guessed it was Adeline. After a moment of intimacy, Gideon held me in his arms. “So, tell me, how do I compare to Asher?” My face flushed red. “Uncle, you’re still as strong as ever.” Gideon chuckled softly at this. “Uncle? Do you think I’m old?” I closed my eyes, unable to meet his gaze. “Then what should I call you?” “Call me Gideon.” I took a deep breath and met his gaze. “Gideon.” Gideon traced my earlobe with his thumb, whispering, “You’re finally mine. I’ve waited so long for this day.” I was stunned. What did he mean by that? 5 Gideon let out a soft laugh, “Remember when you climbed that tree? I asked Asher to call you down because I had something urgent that day and needed him to look after you.”

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My fiancé became infatuated with the nanny’s daughter, and to elevate her status, he trampled over me. On our engagement day, 99 potential brides each received a tablet. Whoever was fastest would become his wife, a supposed method to find his soulmate. Yet, I knew the tablets had been tampered with. This absurd engagement ceremony was engineered to ensure a single, predetermined bride. In my previous life, I presented the family agreement and halted this charade, severing any opportunity for others to ascend. The following day, the nanny’s daughter took her own life, leaving no intact body behind. On the wedding day, my fiancé held her urn and set our bridal suite ablaze, with me trapped inside. Glaring into the flames, he declared with rage, “Cora, I’ve avenged you.” “You didn’t have a complete body, so I won’t leave her with even ashes.” “I’ll make her pray for you here for eternity!” He hired a Feng Shui master to bind my soul to the bridal suite, never to reincarnate. Yet perhaps the gods of the underworld could not bear my unjust death, and I was reborn on the day he chose his supposed soulmate.

“Congratulations to Cora for winning with a speed of 0.09 seconds and becoming Jasper’s chosen one.” The host’s fervent announcement brought a smile to Jasper’s face on stage. Today should have been our engagement celebration, yet to be with Cora, he staged a “fastest fingers first” event. Ninety-nine women each with a tablet; the fastest would join the Jasper Family as a wealthy wife. This move clearly disregarded our previous engagement. In my past life, I desperately stopped this spectacle with the agreement between my late parents and the Jasper Family, forcing him to honor the engagement. But it ended in tragedy for me. Now, with a new lease on life, amidst the mocking gazes, I stepped forward, took Cora’s hand, and placed it in Jasper’s. “Congratulations.” With that, I turned and left the stage. Jasper seemed taken aback by how smoothly things went and only after a long pause did he remember to pick up the microphone, announcing, “Thank you all for witnessing the moment I chose my destined one.” Hearing his words, I merely curled my lips in irony. The term “destined” was truly galling when applied to them. The tablet’s program had been preset; no matter how fast the other candidates were, they were doomed to lose. I sat below the stage, witnessing their entire ceremony. Throughout, Jasper’s gaze frequently glanced my way, unsure if I truly agreed to the annulment so easily. I certainly wouldn’t let it go. Having been reborn, I intended to make them pay dearly for their wrongs. As the ceremony concluded and Jasper and Cora exited, I stepped forward to block Mr. Jasper’s path. “Uncle, isn’t your family being too oppressive?” Guests were leaving, but my voice was loud enough for those in the front rows to pause. “Ah, this Lark Family girl is truly pitiful. Lost her parents early, and now a nanny’s daughter has stolen her fiancé.” “With no one left in the Lark Family, is she still a lady?” “The Jasper Family is bullying Maeve because she’s all alone.” “Even lost her job at the hospital because of them… poor girl!” … With murmurs behind me, I stood straight. “Uncle, though my parents are gone, the marriage agreement with the Jasper Family is signed.” “It was only because of that agreement that my mother handed over the pharmaceutical company to you, and now you’re breaking it…” Before I could finish, a sharp voice interrupted. “You little brat, how two-faced can you be?” “In front of guests, you pretended to congratulate Cora and Jasper, now you’re playing dirty behind their backs.” I looked at the familiar face holding a newborn, sneering. It was Nora, my former nanny and Cora’s mother. A year ago, she had a son with a small businessman in the capital, not marrying him but living as a wealthy woman, no longer needing to serve others. Now that Cora had latched onto the Jasper Family, she was in her prime. Those who once looked down on her had to call her Mrs. Nora. Now, holding a child, she had no filter. “Look at yourself, cursed by fate, killing your parents and even Jasper’s grandmother because of you.” “You still want to marry Jasper? Aren’t you afraid of cursing him to death?” I scoffed at her, as if I’d snatch her golden goose, and said, “Who says fulfilling the marriage agreement means marrying Jasper? Doesn’t the Jasper Family have another son?”

“You mean Jasper’s bedridden, comatose brother, Finn?” Nora froze, then vehemently opposed, “No, I disagree.” I glanced at her, then spoke with a tearful tone, “Aunt Nora, can’t you tolerate me? Your daughter stole my engagement, can’t I marry someone else?” The guests, mostly genuine socialites, abhorred mistresses. Hearing my words, they began to criticize. “Some people should know their place. Who is she to speak here?” “What’s that smell? Do you smell it? A fox’s stink?” … Nora remained unfazed by the snide remarks. To reach her current status, she’d long discarded shame. Realizing her overreaction, she tried to cozy up to me. “Maeve, I watched you grow up.” “How could Aunt let you suffer?” “You don’t know how hard it is to care for a bedridden person…” She kept persuading me not to marry, forgetting Mr. Jasper beside her. No father likes hearing others speak ill of his son. He cleared his throat, casting a cold glance. Realizing her mistake, Nora quickly fell silent, blending into the crowd. Mr. Jasper focused on me, asking sincerely, “Maeve, are you serious about what you just said?” Finn had always been groomed as the successor, but a year ago, a car accident left him paralyzed and semi-conscious. The blow was hard for Mr. Jasper, but he had to shift focus to Jasper, as the family needed an heir. He’d planned to care for Finn in the hospital for life, but hearing my willingness to marry him brought tears to his eyes. I nodded, and he promptly agreed, “I’ll arrange it, and we’ll have the wedding with Jasper.” I didn’t expect Mr. Jasper to plan it this way, but the wedding date didn’t matter. What mattered was the leverage Finn had over Cora. I initially guessed, but Nora’s attitude confirmed that Finn’s injury was suspicious. … With my goal achieved, I returned home. Jasper’s wedding was set for a week later; I needed to prepare. Unexpectedly, my long-empty Lark Family villa was filled with laughter. “Come catch me, Jasper…” “Nope, I’m not there…” I rushed to the second floor, following the sound. Through the door crack, I saw Cora’s “Jasper brother” had caught her in my bedroom. They were laughing, playing. Jasper’s hand was under Cora’s clothes, and fearing they’d escalate on my bed, I kicked the door open. “Can’t you pick a place to fool around? Get out.” Jasper withdrew his hand, coughing, while Cora showed no embarrassment at being caught. Instead, she tearfully nestled into Jasper’s arms. “Jasper, she used to drive me away like this.” “If not for her, would we have missed so many years?” When Nora first came to work, she brought newborn Cora. No one wanted a nanny with a child, but my parents took them in, thinking I’d have a playmate. The Lark Family and Jasper Family were close, so young Jasper often visited. We were the best playmates. Who knew we’d grow to be like this? Cora’s voice was sorrowful, seemingly heartbroken. “Jasper, I’m so afraid of losing you again.” Jasper comforted her, “It’s okay, Cora. We’re getting married soon. We’ll be together forever.” Then, looking at me, his eyes were filled with disdain. “Maeve, do you think I care about coming to this cursed Lark place?” “If Cora didn’t want to relive childhood memories, who’d come?” He spoke with disdain, as if he wanted no connection with me. Yet, as a child, in the same place, he said only I could be his bride. Those days were gone. He was now a stranger. I didn’t want to waste words and directly grabbed Cora from the bed. “Get off my bed.” I used great force, so even as Jasper held her, I pulled her down. I dragged her to the door, but Cora suddenly hooked her foot on a bookshelf. The shelf wobbled, and the books tumbled down.

Certainly, here is the adapted translation: — As a child, in that very same place, he confidently declared that only I was worthy to be his bride. But those days are long gone, and now he is just a stranger to me. I didn’t want to waste any more words on them, so I reached out and pulled Cora off my bed. “Get off my bed.” I used all my strength, and even though Jasper held onto Cora, I managed to pull her down. I dragged her toward the door, but just as we reached it, Cora suddenly stuck out her foot and hooked the bookshelf by the entrance. The bookshelf wobbled, and ancient books came crashing down. 3 I couldn’t spare a thought for Cora. Letting go of her, I used both hands to try to catch the falling ancient books. There were too many, thick and heavy, and I only managed to catch one. The rest fell directly onto Cora. Cora cried out in pain and ran to Jasper to accuse me, but I was only worried about the scattered ancient medical books on the floor. These were unique copies left to me by Grandma Jasper, her treasured possessions while she was alive. She entrusted them to me for safekeeping, and I had failed to protect them. For a moment, I was overwhelmed with guilt. But just as I was anxiously trying to gather the books, a large hand suddenly snatched the book from my grasp. Jasper, with a dark expression, said, “Didn’t you see your books hit Cora? Apologize.” I clenched my fists tightly. “She tripped the bookshelf herself.” If she hadn’t hooked the bookshelf with her foot, it wouldn’t have fallen. Hearing this, Cora’s eyes shone with cunning. “Jasper, the books really hurt me. How about we burn them?” Jasper frowned slightly but, after glancing at the old and worn cover of the book, immediately agreed. “Sure, these old books dared to hurt my baby; we might as well burn them.” Saying this, he actually took out a lighter from his pocket and headed toward the balcony outside my room. “These are the books your grandma left me,” I tried to appeal to Jasper’s conscience. The hatred in Jasper’s eyes deepened. “My grandma died because of you. What right do you have to keep her things? Why not burn them for her!” Grandma Jasper’s death is a lifelong sorrow in my heart. I’ve explained many times, but no one believes me. Right now, I just want to keep the last things Grandma Jasper left me. “No,” I followed them to the balcony, jogging. “I apologize. I’m sorry, Cora, I shouldn’t have pulled you.” Cora looked down at me with mockery. “Kneel.” Kneel to her? I’ve never even knelt to my parents. Seeing my reluctance, Cora snatched the lighter from Jasper’s hand. With a “whoosh,” the flame flickered, just a centimeter away from the ancient books. “No…” My eyes widened as I reached out to grab them. Cora stepped back, bringing the flame even closer to the books. “Kneel!” she commanded. Watching the ancient books get closer to the flame, I had no choice but to kneel in humiliation before Cora. “Hahaha… Maeve, you finally got what you deserve!” Cora laughed heartily and urged Jasper to take a picture. I couldn’t avoid the camera, squeezing out a few words through gritted teeth, “The books… can I have them now?” “Of course, I always keep my word.” Saying this, Cora smiled maliciously, and suddenly brought her hands together, letting the flames engulf the ancient books. “Stop!” I frantically tried to snatch them away. She disdainfully threw the burning books at me and then retreated into Jasper’s arms, feigning fear. “Jasper, the fire is so big, I’m scared.” “Do you think I’m cruel? I’m just mad at her for making us miss so many years.” Jasper consoled her, “Of course not. It’s just a few old books. Who cares if they hurt my baby?” “Does it still hurt? Let me get you some ointment.” Saying this, Jasper took Cora and left my room. I was left alone, desperately facing the ancient books about to be consumed by flames. I frantically grabbed the nearby garden hose and sprayed the half-height flames. But paper is flammable, and by the time I put out the fire, the ancient books were unrecognizable. I was afraid a gust of wind would scatter what little was left of the books. So, ignoring the heat from the charred remains, I picked up the remaining pages one by one. By the time I brought all the ancient books back inside, my fingers were covered in blisters. I went to the living room to find a first aid kit for bandaging, but Jasper and Cora were nowhere to be seen. After a simple bandage, I took my phone and left. With the wedding approaching, I needed to visit my bedridden fiancé at the hospital.

When I arrived, the nurse was changing the medication. I immediately noticed the color was off and asked the nurse to show it to me. The nurse handed it to me, saying, “This is a new drug from Jasper Corporation, said to be twice as effective as before.” “Is that so?” I examined the medicine closely. “Did your doctors also tell you the toxins are several times higher than before?” The nurse looked alarmed. “Miss Maeve, you shouldn’t say such things. This is the Jasper family hospital. How could we harm the eldest young master?” I knew this drug was not something a small nurse could procure, so I waved her off without causing trouble. Unexpectedly, as soon as she left, Cora walked in. “Maeve, you have quite the reach, don’t you? Meddling with what drugs Finn uses?” “Do you really think you’re a miracle doctor? Why didn’t you save Grandma Jasper back then?” She had just burned Grandma Jasper’s keepsakes, and hearing her mention Grandma Jasper now made me want to tear her apart. Back then, she insisted she saw me have a conflict with Grandma Jasper, claiming it was my fault Grandma had a stroke. But I hadn’t even seen Grandma Jasper that day. Yet, Jasper only believed her. Seeing me ignore her, Cora snatched the bottle from my hand to continue Finn’s treatment. “Maeve, it’s best not to meddle in others’ affairs.” I blocked Finn with all my might. “Who’s meddling now?” “You, about to marry Jasper, yet appearing in Finn’s room, aren’t you afraid of rumors?” Cora was at a loss for words. “You…” I quickly snatched the bottle and smashed it to the ground, shattering glass and medicine everywhere. The commotion drew attention from outside. Soon, a crowd gathered, and someone called Jasper. Within ten minutes, Jasper appeared in the room. Cora, seeing him like a savior, tearfully ran into his arms. “Jasper, I heard Maeve wouldn’t let brother change his medicine, so I came to check.” “I was afraid of delaying brother’s treatment, but she smashed the medicine bottle.” “I know she’s upset about me marrying you, but she shouldn’t take it out on brother…” With each accusation, Jasper’s anger grew more intense. He grabbed my collar and flung me aside in a rage. Instinctively, I caught myself with my hands, and the shards of glass pierced my freshly bandaged fingers. The pain was excruciating. Jasper’s accusation rang in my ears. “Maeve, it wasn’t enough that you killed my grandma, now you want to kill my brother too?” Saying this, he ordered someone to drag me out like a dead dog. Through the glass, I saw Finn still being administered the medicine. Supporting my battered body, I went to see Mr. Jasper. He was shocked by my appearance and even more startled by my words. He said, fearing problems with the marriage, he hadn’t told Jasper about me marrying Finn. But since I was to spend my life with Finn, he could arrange for me to work as Finn’s personal caregiver at the hospital. I could oversee his medication. Having already lost one son, he couldn’t afford to fall out with Jasper. This was the best he could do. I thanked him and left. … A week later. The whole city was filled with a sweet atmosphere. Today was the wedding day of the Jasper family’s second young master. Every seat on public transportation had a rose. Everyone assumed it was the doing of the Jasper family’s second young master, unaware that Jasper was puzzled, wondering who could outdo his grand gestures. Mr. Jasper had said our wedding would be on the same day as Jasper’s, but not so shabby as to share the same hotel. The top two banquet halls in Kyoto, one in the west and one in the east. By coincidence, the wedding processions met on the road. It could have been uneventful, but Cora insisted on swapping bouquets with me. The window rolled down, and in my bright red wedding attire, I held up my golden bouquet. “Sorry, sister-in-law, my bouquet is made of pure gold, can’t swap it with yours!” Sitting beside her, Jasper’s eyes widened. “You’re getting married today? Who are you marrying?” Finn, who had been resting with his eyes closed, leaned forward slightly. “Marrying me, brother.” “Hey, you’re awake?” Jasper was taken aback, completely missing the fact that Cora beside him had turned pale. Finn ignored him and instructed the driver to start the car, so as not to miss the auspicious time. The car started moving again, but at some point, the car behind us had changed.

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Asher, the billionaire CEO, had yet another heated argument with the woman who had always held a special place in his heart. On the most intense day of their quarrel, Asher made a bold declaration in front of everyone: he was determined to find someone more compliant and sweet than his cherished one. The very next day, Asher approached me: “Interested in dating? I’ll pay you a hundred thousand a month.” And so, I stayed by Asher’s side, playing the role of his sweet and agreeable girlfriend. Those around us were curious to see how long this emotional gamble would last. I was waiting too. Yet, three months, then six months passed, and Asher still hadn’t ended things with me. It was on our anniversary that his beloved professed her love with a grand city-wide display of roses. Asher suggested we part ways. I quietly accepted and immediately flew overseas to pursue my research. Three months later, having successfully completed my project, I returned home. That night, Asher confronted me at the airport: “Really? I let you go, and you just left, disappearing for three months without a word?” I smiled. I’ve always been the most compliant. Since I agreed to break up, I would never look back.

Adeline opened the private room door, and I wasn’t surprised. Ever since she returned to the country these past few months, we had met quite a few times. “Asher, haven’t you had enough fun yet?” Today, Adeline was clearly not in a friendly mood. She toyed with her big, wavy hair, sitting directly across from us, her gaze mocking as it landed on me: “Dating a girl without means, is it really that fresh and interesting?” The hand on my waist tightened slightly, and Asher’s casual voice drifted over: “Fun? Our Sage is gentle and understanding, very likable. Unlike some people, always making a scene and being a nuisance.” Adeline’s face turned sour. The atmosphere was tense. Eventually, their friends stepped in to ease the situation. “Okay, okay, it’s my birthday today, give me some face. Ash, have another drink.” Asher didn’t touch his glass, his slightly raised eyebrows glanced at me. I belatedly realized, clinging to his arm, softly and sweetly pleaded: “Ash, don’t drink too much, I don’t like it when you drink too much alcohol.” “Sage, Ash is the heaviest drinker among us, don’t mind him just drinking so much, this is just the beginning…” “Alright.” With that one word, Adeline’s expression became even more dramatic. Asher smirked, his voice low: “Sorry, my Sage doesn’t want me to drink too much. I’m done for today, you guys have fun.” Under everyone’s surprised and astonished gaze, Asher took me home. As soon as we got through the door, he kissed me, tasting of alcohol. His lips and tongue coaxed mine, Asher murmured indistinctly: “Sage, you really are something.”

I am the most compliant girlfriend Asher has ever had. Initially, Asher chose me for that reason alone. Back then, Asher and Adeline had their biggest argument. The childhood sweethearts had been bickering since high school. Occasionally passing by their classroom, I could hear many rumors. One day in college, I heard gossip that they finally broke the ice and got together. But the good times didn’t last long. Adeline was spoiled from a young age, with a bad temper. Small arguments every three days, big ones every five, were routine. Asher’s patience and gentleness at the beginning eventually ran out when he discovered Adeline planned to secretly meet a foreign male friend online. Later, his friends told me they almost trashed a bar that night. In his anger, Asher made a harsh statement. “Adeline, if you want to make a scene, go ahead, but we’re done. Without you, there are plenty of sweet and compliant girls waiting for me.” The next day, Asher stopped me on my way to the lab. “You’re Sage, right?” He looked at me, a hint of lingering animosity in his eyes: “Want to date? I’ll pay you a hundred thousand a month.” I stopped, a bit confused, looking at Asher. We didn’t know each other, despite being in the same high school and then college, our only contact before was just once. Plus, my reputation at school wasn’t great. Picking up trash in high school, working every spare moment in college to earn money. People called me impoverished, some even avoided sitting near me in class, covering their noses and gossiping. I was soft-spoken and had no temper. It sounded nice to say compliant and understanding, but at the core, it was just being poor for so long that I lost a lot of things. “What?” I asked Asher uncertainly. His brow furrowed slightly: “I said, date me, you can name your price.” Actually, I heard clearly. A hundred thousand a month to buy my practically worthless affection. I didn’t hesitate, even though I knew it might just be a prank by the rich kids to pass the time, I agreed without looking back. The fear of being poor far outweighed anything else.

I had prepared myself to be played by Asher. Even his friends thought the same. They were waiting, waiting for Asher’s passing whim to end, and for him to break up with me. But a month passed, three months passed, even half a year passed. I was still by Asher’s side. “Breathe, Sage.” His lazy voice came to my ear. His warm hand slid down my waist, Asher frowned slightly: “Is that another one of your nine-dollar free shipping purchases?” “…No.” My voice paused, unconsciously trembling: “This one is from you.” During my time with Asher, in the eyes of this rich kid, all my clothes boiled down to one word. Cheap. He couldn’t even comprehend how clothes could be nine dollars with free shipping in this world. A rich kid surrounded by wealth wouldn’t understand the struggles of ordinary people. ” Tsk.” Asher sighed, then kissed my ear: “This outfit doesn’t suit you, don’t wear it next time.” “Okay.” I understood what Asher meant. No matter how good the clothes were, on me, they seemed like cheap goods. I felt a bit exhausted. The money I intended to earn from Asher was about enough, I never planned to rely on him forever. Now that I had a formal job, with more research projects ahead, I couldn’t keep playing pretend with Asher like in college. So, I asked Asher if I could stay in the dorm. Asher looked slightly surprised, disapprovingly at me: “Reason?” I couldn’t very well say I didn’t want to be a part of his and Adeline’s play anymore. “Too much research, I can’t keep up.” Asher didn’t ask further, considering it tacit approval.

I was genuinely busy. Almost living in the lab. Until Asher’s call came, I belatedly realized. His birthday was coming up. “Did you forget?” Asher’s voice on the other end was a bit deep. I didn’t dare admit it, quickly covering: “No, just finishing up a bit, I’ll be there soon.” “I’m already outside your research institute.” With that, Asher hung up. I hurriedly wrapped up with my senior, and as I left the lab, I felt a bit of low blood sugar. Almost losing my balance, my senior steadied me: “Are you okay?” “I’m fine, thank you…” “Sage!” Asher’s angry voice interrupted my conversation with my senior. I was forcibly dragged into the car by Asher. The door locked, I was met with his cold, terrifyingly angry face: “No wonder you didn’t want to live with me, you found someone new.” “No.” I shook my head, softly explaining: “I haven’t been eating well lately, just a bit of low blood sugar, my senior was just being kind helping me.” “Really?” Asher’s face didn’t look any better. Honestly, I didn’t understand why Asher was angry. He didn’t like me, if I had someone new, wouldn’t he be happier to break up with me directly? Or perhaps, his and Adeline’s play wasn’t over, and he wouldn’t allow me to bow out early. Understanding his anger, I continued: “Really, Ash, don’t be mad, there’s nothing between my senior and me.” Asher’s expression slightly softened, but he still bit into my neck, leaving a mark. It was so visible, even covered with foundation, it wasn’t hidden. By the time we arrived at the party, Asher had already dressed me up. There were many people, including Adeline. “Wow, Ash, Sage looks really pretty today, you’re so lucky.” His friends generously praised me. Asher’s mood evidently improved, holding my waist, he hummed lightly. “Our Sage, naturally the best looking.” Not at all, earlier when picking an evening gown, his brow furrowed, carefully selecting one that matched my temperament. I stayed silent, obediently smiling, quietly staying by Asher’s side. Soon, Adeline couldn’t sit still. She approached us in her heels, arrogantly handing over a gift box: “Asher, this is your birthday gift from me, carefully chosen, much better than some people’s trash.”

Actually, Adeline got it wrong. I even forgot to prepare a gift. And clearly, Asher didn’t care whether I prepared one or not. “Just put it there.” Asher indifferently glanced up. Adeline got even angrier: “Do you even know what she used to do? In high school, there was a girl who picked up trash every day, like a beggar with a stench all over, do you know who that was?” Stepping confidently in her high heels, she haughtily presented a gift box: “Asher, here’s your birthday present. I carefully selected it, and it’s definitely better than some people’s worthless offerings.” Adeline was actually mistaken. I hadn’t even bothered to prepare any worthless offerings. Clearly, Asher didn’t care whether I brought a gift or not. “Just leave it there.” Asher glanced up indifferently. Adeline’s anger flared: “Do you even know what she used to do? Back in high school, there was this girl who collected junk every day, smelling like a beggar. Do you know who it was?” My body trembled slightly. It wasn’t my fault that my family was poor. My parents left when I was in middle school, leaving only my elderly grandmother. As a high school student without any means of earning, collecting scrap to sell was my only way to make money. I never thought it was shameful, yet they used it repeatedly to humiliate me. “She’s the Sage by your side, you know!” Adeline spat furiously. “To spite me, you’ve sunk so low as to be with a girl who collects junk?” I remained silent, looking at Asher. I didn’t even know what I was hoping for. Perhaps I hoped Asher would defend my dignity a little at this moment, just like that one encounter in high school. Back then, with bloodstained pants, I was awkwardly pressed against a wall, surrounded by people pointing and laughing at me. “Poor thing, can’t even afford sanitary pads?” “Ha, a junk collector. What, never found unused ones in the trash?” I was frozen, wanting to escape but blocked at every turn. Until a young man holding a basketball approached. His large jacket covered my head, his voice lazy yet warning: “Get lost, haven’t seen a girl before, or does your family not have a mom?” The crowd dispersed. Asher didn’t look at me, just left with: “Hurry and clean up, no need to return the jacket.” The incident was small, and Asher probably forgot. But I always remembered. Now the same embarrassment reappeared, and I tightened my grip on Asher’s shirt. But Asher just coldly faced the woman: “Adeline, I’d rather be with someone who collects junk than get back with you. Don’t you think you’re pathetic?” Junk collector. Asher said I was a junk collector. No rebuttal, no defense. He silently accepted it, blatantly showing the huge gap between us to everyone. The privileged guy and the poor girl. Once upon a time, Asher was no longer the light in my memory. Or maybe, from the beginning, it was just a filter of old feelings for Asher. I couldn’t keep up the act anymore. The crowd jeered, but Adeline’s face was ghostly pale. Right. I vaguely remembered. At Asher’s last birthday party, Adeline brought eight male models to the private room out of spite, making Asher furious. Now, a year later, Asher wanted revenge. After driving Adeline away, Asher leaned over, casually lowering his voice: “Sage, where’s my birthday gift? Hmm?”

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I know my birth was a mistake. My mother stood in for a wealthy heiress. After not finding love, she orchestrated my conception and was sent to a mental hospital. Before she passed away, she held my hand and said, “Don’t be like me, Adeline. You need to live a life more brilliant than mine.” Later, as I huddled in the corner clutching expired bread, four men stormed in with eyes burning red. My financier father handed me a platinum card. “Five million a month as an allowance, but don’t expect me to call you daughter.” Three brothers blocked the door, sneering, “With your tainted blood, you think you’re fit to be part of the Thompson family?” I turned my life around, entered a talent show, and shot to fame, starring in films that grossed ten billion. During a live stream, my childhood friend declared, “Adeline deserves the best love in the world.” On a stormy day, the four men knelt outside the villa, pleading, “Adeline, come home, please look at us.” I huddled in the corner with expired bread. The room in the orphanage was very dark, and I was afraid to sleep alone. I don’t know how long it was before the door opened. A man I didn’t recognize was looking at me, followed by three older boys. One of the boys glanced at me coldly and said, “Dad, she looks just like you.” I shrank further into the corner. I recognized the man. My mom said Dad looked just like me. But I didn’t dare call him that because Mom said Dad hated me. If he saw me, he would definitely kill me. Thinking of this, I quickly lowered my head. The man in front was very tall, his leather shoes creaking on the floor. He called out to me, “Adeline?” I shook my head desperately. Mom had said never to admit to that name. The boy in the blue shirt suddenly sneered, “Dad, is she an idiot who doesn’t even know her own name?” The other two boys laughed along. They were handsome, just like Dad. One of them kicked an empty can by my feet. “Dad, it’s disgusting to see her eating garbage.” The tip of a leather shoe hit my toe, causing pain. Dad reached out and pinched my chin. His nails scratched me painfully, but I didn’t dare move. I always knew my birth was a mistake. My mother stood in for a wealthy heiress. After not finding love, she orchestrated my conception and was sent to a mental hospital. Everyone said I was illegitimate. “Her mouth and nose are just like mine,” Dad said, suddenly letting go. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his fingers vigorously. “Filthy.” “Dad, can we go now?” one brother urged. “I have a tennis game with friends.” The boy in blue grabbed the back of my collar and lifted me up. I couldn’t make a sound as it choked me. They didn’t even let me take that leftover bread. When the car stopped in front of a white villa, I nervously pinched my palm. Just now in the car, Dad introduced these three brothers. The oldest is named Jasper, the second Declan, and the third Finn. They are my half-brothers. “Get out!” Someone pushed me, and I stumbled onto the cobblestone path. The air was filled with the scent of grass, and the fountain’s water splashed coolly on my face. “Country bumpkin,” Declan looked at me with disdain. “I heard you don’t even know how to use a toilet?” “Declan,” Jasper, the one with glasses, coughed softly, “watch what you say. After all, she was picked up from the slums.” I clutched the wrinkled corner of my clothes, feeling a bit embarrassed, and lowered my head. “Get inside,” Dad tossed the platinum card on the entryway cabinet. “Nanny Johnson, take her for a bath.” The hot water from the shower startled me. So, bathwater can be warm, and towels can be as soft as clouds. I stared at myself in the mirror, unable to resist touching the nightgown on my body. Such soft clothes… “Hey, what are you dawdling for?” Finn’s impatient voice came from outside the door. I hurried out, “Sorry, brother, it’s Adeline’s first time using a bathtub, it took too long.” The chandelier in the dining room was beautiful. I looked at the fork and knife in front of me, unsure of what to do. Do I have to use a fork and knife to eat? “Going to eat with your hands?” Finn sneered from his chair. “Well, in the orphanage, you only had expired bread, right?” Father slammed the knife and fork down heavily. “Finn, don’t talk while eating.” I mimicked their grip on the knife, but the steak slid off the plate with a “whoosh.” Sauce splattered on Declan’s white sleeve, and he jumped up as if electrocuted. “Do you know how expensive this shirt is? Figures, a country bumpkin who can’t even use utensils.” “Declan,” Jasper suddenly raised his voice, “stop it, isn’t the house noisy enough already?” I stared at the beef on my plate. It smelled so good… Suddenly, someone took my knife and fork. Jasper had somehow circled behind me. He took the knife and fork, and the steak obediently cut into small pieces. “Got it?” I was just about to say thank you when Jasper spoke again. His voice was cold, “Not knowing how to use a knife and fork is embarrassing for the Thompson family…” I felt like crying, Dad, and my brothers didn’t like me. But I held back my tears. Mom said no one likes a crying child. I chewed the meat in my mouth, unable to taste it. But the long-lost warmth in my stomach made my nose tingle; it was the first hot meal I’d had in six months.

Dad arranged for me to live in the attic. Although it only had a small window, I could see the beautiful flowers in the yard. Except for mealtime, I could only stay in the small attic. If I behaved and polished my brothers’ shoes, they occasionally took me out. Though tiring, it was much better than the orphanage. Today, they were in a good mood and willing to take me to the mall. Declan’s voice was harsh, “Adeline, if you dare touch anything, don’t expect dinner tonight.” Seeing me silent, he grabbed my ear again, “Deaf? Answer me!” I shivered, lowered my head, and whispered, “Got it, Declan.” He snorted coldly, “Don’t call me Declan, you’re just an outsider.” I sat quietly in the corner, nodding obediently, but I was starving. The smell of roasted chestnuts and meat pies made my mouth water. My stomach growled. Suddenly, I heard a “ding.” It was a piano. Before Mom passed, she taught me how to play the piano. A cleaning lady was wiping the piano bench, and I was drawn over as if by magic. I wanted to touch it, just once. I couldn’t help but play the tune Mom often played for me. I forgot what it was called. I felt like crying, unsure if the melody was too moving or if I just missed Mom. “Stupid girl!” Someone suddenly grabbed my ear, and Declan dragged me off the piano bench. “Didn’t I tell you not to wander? You dare touch things!” Many people around were discussing something. I couldn’t hear clearly. Declan yanked my hair and shoved me into the car. It hurt, but I didn’t dare cry. If I cried, there’d be no food. I was locked in the attic. The smell of food wafted from the kitchen, making me so hungry I wanted to cry. A servant secretly tossed me a bun, and I gobbled it up. I suddenly missed Mom a lot. Why did she have to leave me so soon?

The temperature dropped at night, and I had no thick clothes, so I curled up under a thin blanket. The next morning, my throat ached. Cold wind blew in through the window, and I wrapped myself tighter. I felt dizzy and didn’t leave my room all day. Half-awake, I heard someone angrily calling me. Declan kicked open my door with a “bang.” He stormed to my bed with a broken guitar. “Adeline, are you trying to get yourself killed?” I hurriedly propped myself up, not knowing why he was so angry. “Declan, what’s wrong?” “Still playing dumb?” He grabbed my collar and dragged me off the bed. My knee hit the floor hard. “The guitar has bread crumbs on it. Everyone knows you love bread.” “Yesterday when I played the guitar, I saw you hovering around. Don’t think I didn’t notice!” “How could it be such a coincidence?” He grabbed my trembling hand. “The evidence is clear, what are you pretending for?” I shook my head desperately, my voice hoarse. “It wasn’t me, I didn’t leave my room all day, I really didn’t touch the guitar…” “Yesterday, I watched you play the guitar, just admiring, not lurking.” Finn leaned against the doorframe, sneering, “Hands and feet raised in the slums are dirty. Not enough to steal, now you learn to destroy?” “Declan, isn’t your guitar limited edition? Make her pay, after all, Dad gave her the platinum card.” I argued loudly, “I didn’t steal anything, and I didn’t break the guitar. You’re framing Adeline!” Jasper’s footsteps echoed down the hallway. “Yesterday, I watched Finn play the guitar. I felt admiration, not sneaking around.” Declan leaned against the doorframe with a sneer, “People raised in poverty have sticky fingers. Stealing isn’t enough, now you’re learning to destroy things too?” “Finn, isn’t your guitar a limited edition? Make her pay for it. Anyway, Dad’s platinum card is with her.” I defended myself loudly, “I didn’t steal anything, and I didn’t break the guitar. You’re falsely accusing Adeline!” Jasper’s footsteps echoed from the hallway. I looked up, hoping for salvation, but his eyes were cold. “If something’s broken, there must be consequences. Declan, how do you suggest we handle this?” “Jasper, I really didn’t…” I reached out to tug his sleeve, but he stepped aside. Finn smirked maliciously, “Go kneel outside. You’re not allowed to get up until dinner.” I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. I still hadn’t fulfilled what Mom asked of me. I wanted to be strong, but I couldn’t. Finn dragged me out by the arm, his nails nearly cutting into my skin, “Stop whining! You think crying will get you out of this?” I stumbled as he threw me onto the cobblestone path in front of the villa, sharp stones digging into my palms. Declan stood on the steps with his arms crossed, nudging my leg with his shoe, “Kneel properly. A child like you should follow the rules meant for you.” I bit my lip hard. The sky was gloomy, like it was about to rain. Finn cursed irritably, “Damn it, you should just kneel until you drop!” “Pretending to faint won’t work either,” Declan’s voice suddenly came from above me. He crouched down, his tone mocking, “It hurts, doesn’t it? Say ‘I’m just a worthless child,’ and I’ll plead for you.” My throat burned, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart, “I didn’t break the guitar…” “Ingrate!” He grabbed the back of my neck and pressed me into the ground, “Then kneel until you understand your place!”

When the raindrops hit my back, the pain seemed to disappear. The stones beneath my knees had worn through my skin, blood mixed with rainwater seeping into the soil. I stared at the spreading ripples on the ground, a buzzing in my ears. Before leaving, Finn kicked me, my forehead hit the edge of the fountain, and warm blood mixed with rainwater flowed into my eyes. As my consciousness began to fade, I heard footsteps approaching. “Adeline?” Someone was calling me. This voice… Impossible! I shook my head. It couldn’t be him. He found his family and left the orphanage before Auntie Lin adopted me. I must be delirious. I struggled to lift my head, seeing a dark figure rushing through the rain curtain. A scorching palm pressed against the back of my neck. I shivered violently; this heat was more searing than my fevered forehead. “Don’t touch me…” I shrank back instinctively, my soaked nightgown sticking to the wounds, it hurt, “My brothers said… moving will increase the punishment…” He knelt down and pulled me into his arms, his voice trembling, “How long have they made you kneel? Speak!” I blinked, rainwater trickling from my lashes into his collar. This face hadn’t changed much from my memory, the scar on his brow still there. That winter in the orphanage, when he shielded me from the falling shovel, blood also trickled down his brow like this. I wanted to say five hours, or six? But my head hurt too much to think clearly. “Ezra?” I reached out to touch his face, but my fingers flinched away as soon as they touched him, “Am I dreaming?” He clasped my wrist to his chest, his palm scorching, “I’m real, Adeline, I finally found you.” Dad walked over, frowning, “What’s going on here?” I couldn’t stop trembling. Dad had said he didn’t want outsiders to know I was his daughter. Now that Ezra found out, he must be very angry. The arms holding me tightened abruptly. I heard Ezra coldly laugh, “Mr. Thompson, what exactly did Adeline do wrong to deserve this treatment?” Finn rushed over, “Dad, this child broke my guitar. I told her to reflect here, she deserved it… Ah!” A dull thud of bone on bone. Ezra punched him in the stomach, his voice icy, “Say one more thing about her, and I’ll make sure you never play guitar again.” I cried, throwing myself at him, “Ezra, don’t fight because of me.” Declan supported the staggering Finn, “Ezra Bennett, you’re fighting over an unworthy child?” “Unworthy?” Ezra lifted me, “Finn Thompson, is this how you treat your sister?” “And she dares call herself my sister?” Finn sneered, “A child like her, letting her live with the Thompson family was already more than enough!” Ezra held me tighter, “Fine, if the Thompson family doesn’t want her, I will!”

The Bennett family villa was even bigger than the Thompson’s. I shrank behind Ezra, palms sweating. Uncle Bennett sat on the sofa, sizing me up. I instinctively hid more behind Ezra. “Dad,” Ezra stepped forward, “you promised me that as long as I was a good heir, Adeline could live here.” Uncle Bennett kept a stern face, he looked like someone who rarely smiled. No wonder Ezra doesn’t like to smile either, he’s just like his dad. My heart pounded, but Uncle Bennett didn’t say much, just arranged for someone to take me to a room. How does that saying go? You can’t judge a book by its cover. Uncle Bennett and Ezra were both very kind to me. Unlike in the Thompson family, my room in the Bennett villa was beautiful, with a large floor-to-ceiling window. The sunlight streaming in was warm, like a princess’s room in a storybook. Auntie Taylor, the housekeeper, said that as soon as Ezra returned to the Bennett family, he started setting it up for me. It’s the best-lit room in the villa, even better than Ezra’s. Uncle Bennett found out I liked playing the piano and hired a piano teacher for me. After my first piano lesson, I cried for a long time under the covers that night. It was the first time I felt loved since Mom passed away. Time flew by, and before I knew it, I was seven. I started attending the same private school as Ezra. On the first day of school, I clung tightly to Ezra’s backpack strap at the school gate. I was terrified everyone would hate me for being a lowly child. “Ezra, I don’t want to go to school. Can’t I just stay at home?” He held my shoulders, patiently explaining, “Adeline, you’re grown up now. When it’s time for school, you have to go. If anyone bullies you, just stand up for yourself. If you can’t handle it, tell me, and I’ll get back at them for you.” “You’re a princess, and being friends with a princess is their privilege.” To my surprise, my classmates were very friendly. I even made a great friend named Nora Williams. During lunch, my desk would be piled with snacks from classmates. At the orphanage, I only ate expired bread, and at the Thompson house, I often went hungry. Now I constantly received delicious foods, like I was meant to have them all along. Dad and my brothers never came to bother me again. Maybe disappearing from their lives was a good thing. Ezra said I’ve become more confident now. At my elementary school graduation, I even performed a piano solo. “Adeline!” I had just stepped off the stage when an auntie in a suit stopped me. She crouched down to meet my eyes, speaking softly, “I’m a manager from Starlight Entertainment. You can call me Auntie Green. Your performance was amazing. Are you interested in shooting commercials? Or acting in TV dramas?” I clutched the hem of my dress, stepping back. “Adeline?” Ezra quickly approached, protectively hovering by my side. Auntie Green immediately stood up, handing over a business card, “Ezra, our company is preparing a family drama. The role of the young female lead is perfect for Adeline. We can discuss the pay, and it won’t interfere with school…” In the car on the way back, I stared out the window. Ezra handed me a warm milk, “If you don’t want to go, I’ll turn her down right now.” I shook my head, asking him, “Ezra, can acting make a lot of money?” He frowned, “Why do you ask? The Bennett family isn’t short on money.” “But I want to earn my own. Auntie Taylor said my piano lessons are expensive, and the dresses you bought me cost a lot.” The car went silent for a few seconds. “Adeline,” he wiped my mouth gently, “these things are what you should have.” “I want to try. Auntie Green said acting is simple. Two days on the weekend can earn five thousand.” Ezra rubbed his temples, looking resigned, “Adeline, the entertainment industry is complicated.” “But I want to be useful.” He was silent for a long time, eventually giving in. The day the TV show aired, I sat nervously in front of the TV, palms sweating. I didn’t have many scenes, only a few. Nora messaged me non-stop, “Adeline! Check Twitter! You’re trending!” Could you please share the specific text you would like me to address? #Nation’s Sweetheart Adeline# followed by a flame icon. Opening the real-time discussion, the screen was almost completely covered with live comments. [I need all the info on my baby girl in three minutes!] [Those crying scenes were phenomenal! Our darling daughter’s acting outshines the popular starlets!] [I found out! She’s the adopted daughter of the Bennett Corporation, and she’s won international awards for piano!]

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At the wedding, Asher’s secretary called him, saying the client was behaving inappropriately with her. Fearing that Adeline might be in danger, Asher abruptly left me and the wedding. The guests laughed, eagerly waiting for me to become the subject of ridicule. Soon after, I received a message from Adeline on Snapchat, showing a picture of Asher holding her. “See? The moment I call, Asher comes running to me,” she wrote. “So what if you’re having a wedding? The person he truly cares about is always me.” At the same time, a message from Asher appeared on my phone: “Adeline is really drunk. I’ll take care of her first and then I’ll come back for the wedding.” “Our families are just forming an alliance anyway. It’s only a formality, so please bear with it.” Reading his cold words, I took a deep breath and looked at a corner of the wedding hall, grabbing the microphone from the host. “Declan, want to get married?” The man in the corner strode forward eagerly, “Yes!” A moment ago, people were just watching the drama unfold, but after hearing the deep male voice, they turned to look. He wore a perfectly tailored suit with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, striding confidently until he stood in front of me, “I, Declan, have waited all these years, and finally, the wait is over.” If the groom is gone, you simply replace him. There are plenty of men in the world. After the wedding ended and the crowd dispersed, I picked up my phone and saw that Finn had messaged me two hours ago with just a few words, “The wedding is off.” I had painstakingly prepared for this wedding for two months. How could it be canceled just because of Finn’s words? As I was looking down at my phone, a furry head rested on my shoulder. Declan hugged me from behind, “Nora, marry me, and you’ll be happy. I promise. ” Saying that, he took my phone, “Stop looking at it. You’ve been tired all day. Rest well at the hotel, and we’ll get our marriage certificate tomorrow.” I raised an eyebrow, “You’re letting me stay at a hotel?” I had no home of my own in this city. The only place I could call home was Finn’s. Luckily, I had my documents with me, so I didn’t need to go back there. Declan avoided my gaze, “We just had a wedding, but we aren’t really married yet, so we can’t stay together.” I didn’t expect him to say that, finding it amusing. Declan avoided eye contact with me, his ears turning red down to his neck. I found it interesting and reached out to touch his ear. “Don’t!” Declan quickly dodged, but his ears turned even redder, “I’ll take you to the hotel.” On the way, the car was silent except for the sound of our breathing. After arriving at the hotel, Declan’s ears returned to their normal color. “I won’t go up with you. Get some rest today.” He spoke while looking at the ground. We had known each other since we were young, and I’d rarely seen him like this, so I felt playful. I hooked my pinky around his and rubbed it with my thumb, “You too.” Declan’s face turned red, and he drove away. Watching Declan almost flee, my bad mood from the day eased. But I didn’t expect to run into Asher and Adeline as soon as I got out of the elevator. Adeline was flushed, practically clinging to Asher. Asher, supporting her, frowned upon seeing me, “What are you doing here?” I couldn’t believe Asher could act so justified. He and Adeline had come out of the same room. His once neat tie was gone, and the open collar revealed faint kiss marks. I didn’t respond and planned to walk past him. When I didn’t reply, Asher suddenly grabbed my wrist, “I’m asking you!” “Why aren’t you at home at this hour? What are you doing at the hotel?!” Seeing his angry face, I almost thought he was worried about me. Pain shot through my wrist, and I shook his hand off, “What’s it to you?!” “I’m your boyfriend, your fiancé, why wouldn’t it concern me!” The next second, Asher’s anger faded, and he sighed softly, “Nora, be good. Don’t throw a tantrum.” I laughed out of anger, “I’m throwing a tantrum?” He claims to be my boyfriend, yet he’s holding another woman. He says he’s my fiancé, but he left me at the wedding for another woman. Now, he shows up at the hotel with all these marks on him. Asher, with patience, tried to soothe me, “Didn’t I explain before I left? Even if you’re angry, you shouldn’t run away. Let’s go home.” His so-called explanation was his concern that Adeline might get drunk while entertaining clients. “Adeline is a girl hanging out with customers. I was worried she’d get drunk and something might happen, so I went to check. I’ll be back soon.” I’ve heard pet owners comfort their dogs before leaving, saying they’ll be back soon, but I’ve never heard it applied to a wedding. What am I to him? What is this wedding to him? At that thought, anger surged to my head, and I started trembling, “Get lost!” Asher’s face turned grim, and his patience ran out after my repeated refusals, “Nora, I’m telling you for the last time, come home with me!” “Adeline is drunk and has a terrible headache. Go back and make her some hangover soup.” I thought he wanted me to go home to comfort me, but it was still for Adeline. I glared at him, a thousand words stuck in my throat but unable to come out. While we were at an impasse, Adeline, who was just in a daze, spoke up, “Nora, why are you here?” One after another, they asked why I was here, not thinking they were the ones who shouldn’t be here! “Mr. Asher, don’t be so harsh. Girls don’t like that,” she giggled, “If Nora doesn’t want to go back, she must have her own reasons.” At a hotel, besides sleeping, what else could one do? Adeline said it intentionally, hinting at Asher to think otherwise. And he didn’t disappoint her scheming, glaring at me, “Who did you meet?” I shook my head, but the room card in my hand was snatched away. When I reached to grab it back, Asher, in his rage, pushed me hard. Bam—my lower back hit the door handle painfully. Holding my waist, I crouched down, still trying to catch my breath when Asher dragged me into the room, pushing doors open one by one, “Where’s your lover?! Let him get out!” The pain lingered, and I stumbled as Asher dragged me, “No! I didn’t!” He didn’t believe me, but after searching the room and finding no one else, he pushed me onto the sofa. With his hands on either side of me, his gaze was dark, “Nora, if I find out you’re cheating, just wait and see.” I was in so much pain tears welled up, but I retorted, “Ha, fine, I’ll wait!” We’d fought before, but even during our worst argument, if I pouted and teared up, Asher would give in, even if I had been harsh. But now, Asher grabbed my chin, speaking in a voice only we could hear, “Think about those paintings~” With that, he let go and left with Adeline without looking back. With a loud bang, the door closed, and I slumped to the ground, tears silently streaming down my cheeks. Because of Finn’s words. Finn is an artist, running his own art company. When we first met, he couldn’t even be called an artist, just a broke student who could paint. At that time, I had just had a falling out with my family and moved to San Francisco alone. My living expenses were running out, and my credit card was stopped. To afford food, I worked as a model. My first and last client was Finn. We never made eye contact during the process. He painted, and I earned money. After he finished, I was about to leave when I heard things being thrown in the studio. Curious, I asked, “What happened? Did I pose wrong?” Finn was startled but quickly explained he was upset because he couldn’t get the painting right. Indeed, from proportions to color composition, there were issues. I happened to be bored that day and helped him correct the painting. A week later, he excitedly told me his painting was praised by his teacher, and he wanted to treat me to a meal. From then on, we stayed in close contact, growing into a couple. I continued to help him with his paintings when he struggled, pointing out errors and correcting them, until he became known as an artist. In love, everything was romantic and meaningful. We met because of life drawing, and naturally, left behind many such artworks during our passionate moments. But now, Asher is using those tokens of our love to threaten me. The next morning, after a sleepless night, Declan arrived and noticed my dark circles. He opened his mouth several times but said nothing in the end. The journey was quiet again, but the atmosphere was different from yesterday. I was uneasy, and Declan was uneasy. The car passed by the marriage office but didn’t stop. “Aren’t we getting the certificate?” Declan pursed his lips, “We’re going to take wedding photos first, then pick out the wedding dress.” Exhaustion from the sleepless night overwhelmed me, and I didn’t question why he changed the plan. Upon arriving, Declan went to park the car. I just entered the store and saw Finn and Adeline. Adeline stood under the lights in a white wedding dress, smiling blissfully, “Asher, do I look good?” Finn, in a matching suit, stood opposite her, kissing her hand, “Beautiful.” I stood at a distance, clearly witnessing their sweet interaction. Adeline is Asher’s secretary, always calling him Mr. Asher, but just now, she called him Asher, so intimate. The exhaustion from a sleepless night hit me hard, but I didn’t dwell on why he changed his plans. Once we arrived, Declan went to park the car. As soon as I entered the store, I saw Finn and Adeline. Adeline was standing under the lights in an immaculate wedding dress, smiling blissfully. “Finn, do I look beautiful?” she asked. Asher, dressed in a matching suit, stood across from her, lowering his head to kiss her hand gently. “Very beautiful,” he replied. I watched from a distance, clearly seeing their sweet interaction. Adeline was Asher’s secretary and always called him Mr. Asher. Just now, she called him Finn so intimately. They didn’t look like they had a superior-subordinate relationship; they seemed more like a couple… They didn’t notice me. Adeline walked over to Asher, snuggling up to him. “Then let’s go with this one. Let’s take some photos.” Asher didn’t move. Just when I thought he might refuse, he spoke up, “Adeline, wait a little longer for me.” Tears welled up in Adeline’s eyes. “Finn, I’ll wait for you, but you have to tell me how long.” “Do you know how much it hurt me yesterday?” They embraced tightly, while I stood there, feeling cold all over. Even though I had suspected their hidden relationship yesterday, hearing this made me think there was more to it. The next second, Asher raised his hand to make a promise, “Adeline, once I’m completely established, I’ll marry you!” “You know marrying Nora was just a reluctant move. Everyone in the industry knows about our relationship. I’m still in my rising phase, and I need her.” Yes, everyone knows Asher’s fiancée is me. Not just because we’ve been together for a long time, but because over the years, I’ve been the one supporting Asher. An artist isn’t worth much before they become famous. For years, I worked hard alone, supporting Asher with his artistic dreams. After he gained some success, I decisively quit my job to manage his studio. The overlap in our work made many people aware of me. People are judged not by their professions but by their worth. Managing the studio inevitably brought me into contact with people with ulterior motives. Even though Asher really needed that contract, money, and fame, he would still block those who disrespected me, refusing to work with them ever again. When a female client asked him for a portrait, Finn would stubbornly say, “The only leading lady in my paintings is my girlfriend, Nora!” But when did it all change? When did Asher stop needing me, stop painting for me, and even stop allowing me into the studio? “Asher, you know I’ve only ever had you in my heart,” his words interrupted my thoughts. “From high school until now, for so long, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.” “Look, I even have a couple’s tattoo on my chest with your birthday. You have to trust me.” The world spun around me. Asher had a half-winged butterfly and four numbers tattooed over his heart. I once curiously asked, “Why a half butterfly? What’s the meaning?” He explained it was art—”The beauty of imperfection.” He said the numbers represented the day he fell for me. I believed him. I even naively got a flower tattoo on my waist, thinking, “Butterflies always love flowers.” I stared at them unblinkingly, not noticing when Declan came in. “What are you looking at?” Declan’s voice drew Asher and Adeline’s attention. The moment Asher saw me, his face flashed with panic but quickly returned to normal. “Why did you follow me here? I told you to go home. Are you stalking me?” I stared at him steadily. Ignoring me, Asher was displeased. “I’m talking to you! When are you going home?” He came over to grab my arm, but Declan blocked him. “Dude, talk if you have something to say, but don’t lay a hand on my wife.” “Your wife?” Asher furrowed his brows. “Nora, enough with the nonsense. You don’t have to go this far to spite me by hiring someone to act.” Adeline slowly approached. “Mr. Asher, maybe Nora is just jealous. You should comfort her.” Just then, she seemed to step on her dress and suddenly fell forward, landing right in Asher’s arms. “Are you okay? Did you hurt anything?” Asher forgot to pretend in front of me, his concern glaringly obvious. I took a deep breath and couldn’t help but say, “Disgusting.” I was about to leave with Declan, but Asher stopped me. “Wait! I haven’t asked you, who is this guy?” Suddenly, he seemed to realize something. “Is this your fling from last night?!” His words became nastier, dragging Declan into it, forcing me to turn and face him. “Asher, did a donkey kick your brain? What right do you have to question me? The moment you ditched the wedding, we were done!” He seemed to find it hilarious. “Break up? Did I agree?” He said this while reaching for me again. This time, Declan didn’t hold back. As Asher reached for me, Declan grabbed his wrist, pulling him back and pinning his shoulder. “Buddy, I warned you to be respectful to my wife.” “Who the hell is your wife!” Asher’s words played right into Declan’s hands. He smiled, pulled out his phone, and showed a wedding photo of us as his screen wallpaper. “My wife. Beautiful, huh.” The next second, he turned to me, winking to reassure me. “Wife, when are we getting our marriage certificate?” Seeing Asher defeated made me feel good. “Let’s do it now!” I wasn’t lying. I had my documents with me. Declan was stunned for a second, then let out a playful whistle. Asher recognized the wedding setting, eyes wide, shouting, “Nora, who gave you permission to marry?!” I looked at him coldly. “Isn’t this perfect? Now Adeline doesn’t have to wait for you. We can all marry our first loves. It’s fair.” With that, I ignored both Asher and Declan’s shocked expressions and left without looking back. As I brushed past Adeline, I looked her up and down. “If Asher really cared, he wouldn’t have let you wear that wedding dress.” “What do you mean?” “The dress has a high neckline. It makes your big chest and short neck look bulky. If you’re taking wedding photos, you should wear something that makes you look beautiful.” Adeline looked at me deeply. After I left, Declan quickly caught up to me, wide-eyed. “What did you mean by what you said earlier? Marrying our first loves?” Meanwhile, Asher shouted from behind, “Nora, wait till those paintings spread everywhere!” I’m sorry, but it seems that the text to be translated is missing. Could you please provide the content that needs translation? A studio in San Francisco caught fire due to inadequate fire safety measures. Thankfully, there were no casualties, but renowned artist Asher’s paintings were entirely destroyed. When I saw the news, Declan was pestering me. “Come on, tell me, what did you mean by what you said that day?”

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