At Gabriel’s bachelor party, his childhood friend Rose approached him for a kiss. “Gabe, you’re not engaged until tomorrow. Since you’re still single tonight, can I have a little kiss?” He hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and kissed her without hesitation. Their friends froze, all eyes turning to me – his fiancée. Everyone expected me to cause a scene and call off the engagement right then and there. Instead, I walked up to them and cheered them on. “Bravo! I love it! Why stop at a peck? Use some tongue, why don’t you?” 0 Gabriel stiffened when he heard my words and turned to look at me. Rose was still in his arms, breathless. When she saw me, her eyes held a challenging glint. “Oh, Lily! I didn’t see you there. Gabe, I’m so embarrassed!” Gabriel looked confused for a moment when he heard Rose, but quickly regained his composure. He tried to explain, “Lily, it’s not what it looks like. Rose is just like a sister to me…” Everyone here was Gabriel’s friend and supporter. No one dared say a word against him. Someone even tried to cover for him: “Yeah, Lily. Gabe’s just had too much to drink tonight.” I looked at Rose, who was impeccably dressed. Her carefully applied red lipstick was now smudged from the kiss, giving her an even more alluring appearance. Noticing my gaze, she stared right back at me defiantly, as if to say, “No matter how long you look, this man will drop you for me with just a crook of my finger.” “Hah.” Her arrogance made me laugh bitterly. “Oh really? Just like a sister? Well, you’re not actually related, so why don’t you just marry her instead?” Gabriel’s expression darkened at my words. “Lily, I suggest you watch your jokes! I’ve already explained, what more do you want from me? Do you really need to keep harping on this and insulting Rose? Where are your manners? Rose just got back from abroad, I’m just looking out for her a bit more. What’s wrong with that?” His words made everyone’s expressions turn awkward. Just looking out for her a bit more? We’re all adults here. Since when did “looking out” for someone mean practically taking them to bed? Rose smiled sweetly and said in a considerate tone, “Gabe, don’t say that about Lily. She’s always been so kind and understanding. She’ll understand us, right Lily?” But I didn’t react the way they expected. I didn’t even acknowledge Rose. This made everyone watch me with eager anticipation, wondering how I would handle Rose. Anyone could see Gabriel’s clear favoritism towards Rose. They were curious why Gabriel seemed the angriest, even though he was the one who had done wrong. Where did he get the nerve? In Gabriel’s eyes, I saw impatience and a “here we go again” look. As if I was some kind of monster who would fly off the handle at any moment. I suppose that makes sense. In the past, when faced with someone like Rose, I would have been a firecracker ready to explode at the slightest spark. And he would be the silent observer, watching me detonate after he lit the fuse. Until I was hysterical and completely spent. Then he would pick up the pieces, acting as if nothing had happened. He’d offer some empty words or a gift, and I would pathetically make excuses and forget everything. I’ve lost count of how many times this cycle has repeated. The worst time, I steeled my resolve to leave. But just as I was walking out the door, he called. “Lily, I really can’t live without you.” Just like that, with one flimsy sentence, I turned right back around. Every single time, it was the same. Countless nights I broke down, then licked my wounds alone. Then we’d act like nothing happened and get back together. By now, I’m utterly exhausted from this relationship. 0

Someone nudged me, snapping me out of my thoughts. I’m not sure how long I had been standing there lost in thought, but the atmosphere had grown tense. All eyes were on me. “Lily, if you’re going to make a scene, go home. Don’t embarrass me here!” Hearing his harsh rebuke, I suddenly felt it all pointless. I grabbed my purse from the booth and headed for the exit. “I’ll be going then. Have fun, everyone.” I waved behind me as I walked away without looking back. As I was leaving, I heard Rose say to Gabriel in her sickeningly sweet voice: “Gabe, you don’t think Lily’s mad at me again, do you? I really didn’t mean any harm!” Gabriel gently reassured her: “It’s not your fault. Don’t worry about it.” Whatever was happening in that room no longer concerned me. Even if they were rolling around in bed right now, it wouldn’t faze me one bit. After all, to outsiders, they looked more like the intimate couple. I was the one intruding between them. They shamelessly acted intimate under the guise of being “siblings” time and time again, right in front of others. Those suggestive words, those repeated boundary-pushing tests. They played me perfectly, accusing me of being petty the moment I got upset. This time was no different – the same old story, the same accusations. Gabriel took advantage of my feelings for him, acting without a care. I had just gotten in the car when I received a video message from a friend. The video showed Gabriel and Rose dancing closely, then passionately kissing. I couldn’t even finish watching before feeling nauseous, like I had just kissed a toilet seat. My friend also sent a message asking: “Are you really not going to do anything about this?” After the wave of nausea passed, I sat back in my seat, staring blankly at the message. Was there even any point anymore? I couldn’t figure it out after thinking for a while. Annoyed, I turned off my phone screen. With a roar of the engine, I drove out of the parking garage. I rolled down the window, letting the chilly night air clear my muddled mind. Suddenly, I realized – maybe I could stop loving Gabriel. I returned to the home Gabriel and I shared. Everything in this place was decorated to his taste. From the overall style down to each little ornament. Everything except me. After three years of living here with him, I had grown accustomed to it all. I loved everything here as much as I loved Gabriel. But now, it all seemed laughable. I went upstairs to get ready for bed, then fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Around 4 or 5 in the morning, I heard the front door open downstairs. Gabriel was back. I had thought he wouldn’t come home tonight. I didn’t get up to greet him, just rolled over and went back to sleep. Before I could drift off, I heard something shatter downstairs. He probably bumped into something in the dark, not used to the lights being off. In the past, I always left the lights on waiting for him, even if he didn’t come home until morning. This was the first time I hadn’t waited up with the lights on. He pushed open the bedroom door, light from the hallway falling across me. There was no arguing like he expected. 0

It was as if nothing had happened at the party. I wasn’t hysterical, nor did I show any concern. I just lay there, as still as a corpse. He stood silently by the bed for a long time. Seeing I still didn’t react, he eventually stormed out, slamming the door behind him. I knew he was trying to get my attention. He needed me to comfort him, to let him vent his frustrations. But I was tired of it all. I slept soundly that night and woke up in a good mood to make myself breakfast. As I finished cooking, Gabriel emerged from his study, rubbing his temples. A symptom of his hangover. Seeing his familiar figure, I couldn’t help but think of last night. When I returned to the apartment last night, he wasn’t there. But I felt no worry at all. I just went through my usual bedtime routine. The bed felt so much more spacious without him in it. Gabriel hadn’t even sent me a single message after last night, and I felt nothing about it. In the past, I would have been beside myself with worry, ready to mobilize my entire network to find him. Did I still want to marry him? As I pondered this, my phone buzzed with a new picture message. It was a photo of Rose and Gabriel in bed together. Along with an ultrasound report showing 16 weeks pregnant. Oh, so that’s why he didn’t have time to message – he was too busy in bed with his “sister.” Though shocked, I forced myself to accept the reality. There had been signs between them for a long time. I should have seen this coming. After all that flirting under the guise of being “siblings,” it would have been stranger if they hadn’t gone all the way. I texted Rose back: “Congrats! From rolling in the sheets last night to 16 weeks along already? Your kid must be some kind of superhero.” Rose replied quickly: “Lily, what are you talking about? Did you even look at the report date?” “Let me remind you – this was from 5 months ago, the day of your engagement.” I froze in place, Gabriel’s voice cutting through my thoughts. “Lily, don’t make the soup too thick. I don’t like it that way.” “I want some Shanghai-style noodle soup. I don’t have much appetite, something warm would be nice.” I heard him say this as I bustled around the kitchen. How laughable. Did he think I was his maid now? Even maids get days off and a salary. I had nothing. He couldn’t even keep it in his pants outside, let alone provide any emotional value, yet he expected me to do what exactly? I ignored him, tossed my phone aside, and sat down to eat my own breakfast. Gabriel, who had been waiting a while, surprisingly didn’t get angry when he saw I hadn’t made anything for him. Instead, he said: “I drank too much yesterday and got carried away. It was my last night as a bachelor, don’t be mad.” I had just finished eating and was loading the dishes into the dishwasher, not really listening to what he was saying. Seeing I didn’t respond, he repeated himself. I finally looked up at him. “Oh, why would I be mad? Didn’t you say she’s just like a sister to you?” He hadn’t expected me to be so nonchalant. Trying to sound casual, he said: “Right, so don’t overthink it. We’re getting married soon, I promise it won’t happen again.” “Mhm.” I finished tidying up and grabbed my bag, ready to head to my studio. “Lily!” Gabriel called out just as I was about to leave. “Yes?” I turned back, puzzled. He looked at me in disbelief: “You’re just… forgiving me like that?” “What should I do instead?” “Anyway, I’ve got to go or I’ll be late.” Men are such strange creatures. He used to get mad when I adamantly refused to let him interact with other women. Now that I’ve given him the freedom he wanted, he seems upset too. I really don’t understand. When I arrived at the studio, everyone was huddled together whispering instead of working as usual. This unusual behavior piqued my curiosity. As I approached, I caught snippets of their conversation: “Do you think Lily knows about this?” “I bet it was on purpose, to make Lily back down.” … I was about to ask what was going on when I heard crying from outside. I turned to see Gabriel dragging Rose towards me. Their intimate body language drew stares from my coworkers. Before I could say anything, Gabriel glared at me furiously. “Lily, did you do this?!”

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My best friend and I planned a trip together. During the journey, I successfully snagged a handsome boyfriend, which drove her insane with jealousy. She angrily demanded to know: “Didn’t we agree to stay single together? Why did you betray me?!” As soon as we got home, she started spreading vicious rumors about me, saying I was a “budget traveler” who sold myself to fund the trip. She even photoshopped my pictures and posted secretly taken intimate photos of me all over the internet, eventually driving me to depression and death. When I woke up again, I had been reborn. 0 “Mia, let’s go to this event together!” Seeing the smiling, slightly chubby girl in front of me, I realized I had been reborn. Olivia was my best friend. We grew up in the same orphanage. Later, we were adopted by different families, but reunited again in college. She had an ordinary appearance and was a bit chubby, but she had always been outgoing and sunny since childhood. I was the opposite – delicate and pretty, tall and slender, but always quiet and reserved. We were adopted on the same day. Olivia, with her outgoing personality and sweet talk, was taken by a wealthy merchant couple. I was adopted by a professor couple. When we reunited in college, Olivia learned that my adoptive parents never had children of their own. A flash of jealousy crossed her face. Her adoptive parents had a son seven years younger than her after adopting her, but according to her, she was still the favorite at home. I was shy and slow to warm up to people, not good at interacting with strangers. By the end of the first semester of freshman year, I hadn’t made a single friend. The only person I could talk to was still just Olivia. But later, towards the end of the second semester, my reputation started getting worse and worse. Rumors started spreading around campus about me. They said I was always getting into luxury cars off campus, going to certain places with different men. That I bullied classmates behind their backs, insulted teachers, and was close with delinquents off campus. I tried hard to refute the rumors, but to little effect. Later, my private photos – changing in the locker room, using the bathroom, showering in the public bathroom… All those photos were posted online. Nosy netizens dug up my personal information, and even my adoptive parents were affected at the university. It was all Olivia’s doing. She wanted to completely ruin me. Because of this, I developed severe depression. I was afraid to go out, afraid to go online, afraid to see people… But my adoptive parents always believed in me. They reported it to the police, hoping to find the source of the rumors and clear my name. When I got sick and couldn’t attend classes, they put aside their work to accompany me and take care of me until my condition improved. But unexpectedly, when Olivia came to visit me at home and saw how much my adoptive parents cared for me, she was enraged again. She paid some thugs to kidnap me when I went for a follow-up at the hospital. In the struggle and shouting, I was accidentally hit on the head by one of the thugs. Panicking, the two thought I had died on the spot and dumped my body in the river. Before I completely died, I vaguely heard Olivia muttering to herself: “We’re both orphans, why do you get to live such a happy life?” “I have a good personality and many talents, why wasn’t I the one they took back then?” “Why did he choose you, a gloomy block of wood, instead of cheerful me when we traveled together?” “Since he likes your face so much, I’ll just destroy it!” “Mia, I just wanted you to leave them, it’s your fault for not listening, so you brought this on yourself. Don’t blame me.” So it was all because of Olivia’s jealousy. Jealous that I had adoptive parents who wholeheartedly devoted themselves to me, while she wasn’t as happy in the Lu family as she claimed. Jealous that when she brought me along to travel, I ended up dating the guy she had her eye on. Now that heaven has given me a chance to start over, I will definitely make Olivia experience everything she tried to do to me! 0

Seeing that I hadn’t responded for a while, Olivia elbowed me and said coquettishly: “Mia, I’m talking to you, why aren’t you answering! This event will be so fun, let’s go together.” Seeing her round chubby face lean in close, I wanted to slap her. The event she wanted me to attend was a hiking trip organized by the university’s outdoor club. It was a big activity. I remembered that after this trip, my reputation gradually worsened. It was also during this trip that she fell for James at first sight, but James liked me. I was socially anxious and shy. James was assigned to the same group as me and took care of me the whole way. He coldly rejected Olivia’s flirtations and attempts to get close, which caused Olivia’s resentment towards me to fully explode. “Do we really have to go? You know I don’t like these group activities, and it’ll probably cost a lot too, right?” “Come on, come on, it’ll be so fun! And this little bit of money is nothing.” Hearing my refusal, Olivia kept whining in my ear, pestering me to agree to go on the trip with her. She definitely wanted me to go because she wanted to go. Only when I was by her side could she better highlight her good personality, have me pay for her, and ultimately build up her own good reputation. “I…” “Oh come on, my dear Mia, it’s settled then. I’m going to sign you up right now.” With that, Olivia turned and ran out of the dorm room. I curled my lips in a cold smile. She was still as self-centered as before. “Mia, if you really don’t want to go, just cancel the registration early. There’s still time before the departure date, it shouldn’t be a problem,” Emma said after Olivia left. “Forget it, Olivia will keep bugging me to pay. If I don’t go she’ll be really annoying.” I smiled lightly as I explained. I still had to go on this trip. After all, it was a good opportunity to meet James. In my past life, he was very good to me. Even when my reputation was in tatters, he still ran around explaining things for me. Now that I’ve been reborn, I don’t want to lose James. 0

“Why do you suddenly find her annoying?” Sophia poked her head out from the bed and asked. “It’s nothing, I’ve always found her annoying, but she’s an old friend from the same orphanage, so I put up with her.” “But lately she’s really been too much. I’m tired of dealing with her and plan to talk to her clearly during this trip.” My two roommates had a sudden realization. Emma continued: “Oh, you two are from the same orphanage?” “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it, I just, I just… was a bit surprised.” Emma quickly apologized when she realized she had misspoken. “It’s fine, I don’t mind. Besides, my adoptive parents are very good to me, no different from biological parents.” I shrugged indifferently, a faint smile on my face as I mentioned my adoptive parents. Seeing how curious they looked, I went ahead and told them about how we were adopted by different families. “So Olivia is the adopted daughter of that new rich merchant family that just moved to the city? She always said she was the Lu family’s daughter, we all thought she was their biological child. But then I saw her brother come looking for her once, and that attitude, tsk…” Sophia gossiped about what she had seen before. “That attitude was worse than towards an enemy. A teenage boy with such a vicious personality, saying such cruel things. I saw Olivia was about to cry, but after her brother left, the way she glared at his back looked just like a demon from hell.” I understood in my heart. This is why Olivia was jealous that I was taken by my adoptive parents. Although the Lu family was wealthy, once they had their own son, Olivia’s role as an adopted daughter was reduced to just being raised well to be married off for an alliance. “Before she always acted so generous and cheerful in front of you, but behind your back she had such a resentful look.” Emma looked at me to make sure I wasn’t upset before continuing. “She must be jealous of you. After all, you were adopted on the same day but ended up in such different situations. She’s a fake rich daughter who’s lost her freedom, while you have the freedom of an intellectual family.” I smiled. Put that way, I really was lucky. But Olivia enjoyed the luxurious life that the Lu family’s money brought her, so she should bear the corresponding responsibilities. “The Lu couple aren’t unreasonable people, they treat Olivia quite well and haven’t forced her to do anything. It’s just that her brother, probably due to his young age and outside influences, is unwilling to accept this adopted sister.” I continued along with their conversation. “Actually, if Olivia used the right communication methods, her brother wouldn’t be so rejecting of her…”

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1 After my collision with my boss, Liam Beckett, landed me in the hospital, something felt very wrong. Wait, are these my veiny hands? And this perfectly tailored suit and tie? And, oh, this… noticeable bulge? I think I’ve somehow ended up in the body of a CEO. Not completely sure, better check. Seeing no one around, I discreetly reached for my waistband to confirm my suspicions—only to be interrupted by a shout. “Ava Adeline, stop right there!” I turned to see the person in the next bed pulling back the curtain, glaring at me, and flicking my forehead. That was my body! Oh no, I’ve really switched bodies with the CEO! My name is Ava Adeline, but now I’m in the body of my boss, Liam Beckett. And the person in front of me is Liam Beckett, now in the body of Ava Adeline. The situation is awkward, with my hand hovering in that questionable area of the CEO’s body. Liam, trying to keep me in check, placed his hand on his chest. “Go ahead, feel it, there’s nothing much there,” I said, breaking the tension. Liam lowered his hand, “Looks like you’re quite self-aware.” “Thank you, Mr. Beckett,” I replied with a smile, “Although I’m curious if Mr. Beckett has anything noteworthy.” “Ava Adeline!” Liam glared at me. Honestly, seeing my face from this angle, I never realized how attractive I look! “Glaring won’t help, Mr. Beckett,” I chuckled, “We should focus on how to switch back.” Liam sat on the bed’s edge, “We swapped because we bumped our heads and passed out, right?” “Yeah, that’s right.” “Then theoretically, if we bump our heads again, we should switch back.” Liam leaned forward, tapping his head, “Go on, bump it.” I was incredulous, “You want me to hit myself?!” Liam was puzzled, “What else? You want me to hit myself?” “I’m a girl, what if I damage my face?” At that moment, I used Liam’s commanding voice to express the most delicate thoughts. Liam glared, covering my mouth, “Don’t say things like that using my face! We swapped bodies, and your forehead’s fine, which means you’re tough enough, go ahead and bump it!” “You’re the tough one!” “What’s wrong with being tough?” Our argument was endless, so I rubbed my forehead, “Mr. Beckett, how about this, let’s meet halfway, we’ll bump our heads together on the count of three.” “Alright.” Liam slightly bowed his head, and I leaned in, our foreheads touching in what seemed like an intimate gesture, but we were both filled with animosity. “Three, two, one…” Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the hospital room, and the door swung open. “Mr. Beckett, we’re here to see you…” Company colleagues barged in, and we couldn’t stop the momentum we’d built up. Our foreheads collided sharply, and stars danced before my eyes from the pain. I clutched my forehead and fell back, “That hurt!” The stunned colleagues quickly gathered around my bed. “Mr. Beckett, are you alright?” “Mr. Beckett!” “Mr. Beckett!” … Honestly, I lost myself in the chorus of “Mr. Beckett.” Suddenly, it didn’t seem so bad. So, I looked with interest at the real “Mr. Beckett,” who was pushed aside. He looked aggrieved, receiving a heartfelt lecture from the Sales Director. “Ava, I know you often complain about Mr. Beckett, but he’s already in the hospital bed, and you’re still tormenting him, that’s not fair.” “Liam” frowned, “Ava… I complain a lot?” The Director lowered his voice, “Yes, you complain about Mr. Beckett every day in the office, did you bump your head silly?” Why does this Director talk so much! I cleared my throat and assumed Mr. Beckett’s demeanor, “Thank you, everyone.” “No need to thank us, Mr. Beckett!” I deliberately looked in Liam’s direction, trying to stay calm, “Ava, I know I’ve been a bit hard on you, like only wanting five ice cubes in my iced Americano, using single-sided print paper, entering with the right foot in the morning…” Liam raised an eyebrow. “Here, I promise, and ask everyone to witness, I won’t treat Ava like that anymore!” “Great! Mr. Beckett is so considerate!” “Mr. Beckett is awesome!” Company colleagues applauded, while “Liam” glared at me with a dark expression. “Ava, keep up the good work!” I said cheerfully, going in for a high-five with “Liam.” Liam was furious but couldn’t say anything at that moment, so he forced a smile and high-fived me. It was less a high-five and more like a slap on my hand. I gritted my teeth against the pain and cheerfully dismissed the colleagues. As they left, they murmured that Mr. Beckett seemed more approachable. Once it was just Liam and me in the hospital room, Liam finally exploded, “Ava Adeline! Are you tired of living?!” Looking at my face saying such words, I suddenly felt a sense of nostalgia, “Mr. Beckett, honestly, every day working under you, I felt like I didn’t want to live.” Liam paused. “But now that I’m Mr. Beckett, suddenly life seems a bit interesting.” Liam was at a loss for words. “Mr. Beckett, as a temporary measure, let’s keep it this way, is that alright?” Using Liam’s voice and body, I said the most ordinary, humble words of Ava Adeline. Liam suddenly fell silent. After a while, he spoke, “I guess bumping our heads isn’t a solution right now, so let’s stay this way for a while.” Still the ever-proud Liam finding an escape route for himself. “Okay, Mr. Beckett.” “When we leave the hospital, you’ll move to my place, it’ll be more convenient, and we won’t get caught.” “Alright, Mr. Beckett.” “I have no interest in you,” Liam added. “I know that, of course.” “Since you know, then handle the discharge.” Always so proud, always that high-and-mighty attitude. I silently complained, just about to get up when I suddenly felt the urge to go, “Mr. Beckett, I think I need to use the restroom.” Liam’s face turned red with embarrassment, “Go!” Just around the corner from the hospital room was the men’s restroom, I hesitantly went in and came out with confidence. Back in the room, I threw a suggestive look at Liam. Liam’s twisted expression seemed to tell me to shut up. But I wouldn’t. “Mr. Beckett, quite impressive,” I gave a thumbs up. “Get out!” 2 I first took Liam back to my place to pack up. Liam looked at the somewhat shabby apartment, a hint of disdain in his eyes. “Ava Adeline, you live in this dump?” I opened the wardrobe and suitcase, slowly packing my things. “Yeah, just living in this dump.” “No wonder you have so many complaints, it’s because of your poor quality of life.” I rolled my eyes, “My poor quality of life is because someone won’t give me a raise and keeps docking my bonus.” “Docking pay for mistakes is justified.” “Whatever, suit yourself, now I can give myself, oh no, give you, Ava, a raise.” I stood up, proudly using Liam’s height to look down at “Liam.” Haha, I love how Liam can’t stand me but can’t do anything about it. “When we switch back, I’ll dock your pay in a second.” “Well, say that when we switch back.” I shrugged. Liam silently clenched his fists. While packing, he glanced over again, full of disdain, “You usually rotate between these few ragged clothes? Really shabby.” I was about to retort, but Liam spoke, “Take my card and buy a few outfits later.” “Really, Mr. Beckett!” “Deduct from your bonus.” I was deflated. “Look at you, alright, it’s a reward, but only three outfits,” Liam added. Three outfits are fine, better than nothing. I quickly zipped up the suitcase, “Let’s go, Mr. Beckett.” Liam: “…” So I happily pulled the suitcase out, casually walking into a chic women’s clothing store I never dared enter before. And “Liam,” like a fool, followed behind with a resentful face. “Hello sir, are you buying clothes for your wife here?” the sales associate greeted warmly. The “Liam” behind me said coldly, “I’m not his wife.” “Sorry… then, is it… sister?” I jumped in, “Yes, yes, just a sister, I’m here to buy my sister some clothes.” I forcefully put my arm around Liam’s shoulder, and I must say, using a man’s strength feels great. The sales associate smiled, showing me the latest styles of the season, and I was dazzled. “This white set, that blue set, the pink one over there, and another new style I just saw, and…” I looked around, directing like a general. The sales associate took them down one by one, and I turned to Liam, who was already bulging with veins, grinning brightly, “Sister, what do you think?” Liam gritted his teeth, he wasn’t out of money, he just hated my cheeky attitude. Liam gave me a warning look, making a three with his fingers. I immediately got the hint, “My sister says they’re all okay, wrap them up in size S, and charge it to the card.” When I walked out of the store, satisfied with six shopping bags, Liam was fuming beside me. Ah, this feeling of treating myself is just too satisfying! If you can’t have a CEO husband, then make yourself the CEO! Thinking this, my steps became even more cheerful. As Liam and I were about to leave the mall, I heard a sharp female voice calling “Ava Adeline.” Liam Beckett clenched his jaw. It wasn’t about the money; it was my irritating attitude he couldn’t stand. Liam gave me a warning look and held up three fingers. I quickly caught on: “My sister said everything’s fine. Wrap it all in size S, and I’ll pay with my card.” As I left the clothing store, pleased and burdened with six shopping bags, Liam was beside me, fuming and pacing. Ah, the thrill of maxing out a card is just unbeatable! If I can’t marry a CEO, I’ll become my own! With that in mind, I walked with a spring in my step. Just as Liam and I were about to leave the mall, a sharp female voice shouted, “Ava Adeline.” That voice was all too familiar. It was my mom! Without a second thought, I grabbed Liam and sprinted away. We stopped only when we reached the underground parking, both of us out of breath. I looked around to make sure my mom hadn’t followed us and finally felt relieved. “Someone called your name, why did you run…” Liam panted, annoyed after being dragged for what felt like forever. “I owe some money to a loan shark. Be careful when you go out from now on.” I said, trying to sound serious, as I loaded the shopping bags into the trunk of Liam’s Maybach. “With your timid nature, you dared to take out a loan? You’re a riot.” Liam mocked. “Not worth my time.” The next day at work, I arrived at the company entrance with “Liam Beckett,” only to find it swamped with people. I wanted to push through the crowd but remembered I was now Liam. So, I put my hands in my pockets and cleared my throat twice. No one noticed. I cleared my throat again. Still, no response. Liam almost burst out laughing. I had no choice but to speak loudly: “Why aren’t you all working? Gathered here like this, do you want to lose your attendance and year-end bonuses?” Finally, the crowd reacted and parted, murmuring “Mr. Beckett” as they did. Strangely, they were all whispering among themselves. Curious, I went to see what was happening and found a woman hanging a banner at the company entrance, ignoring the security’s attempts to stop her. That woman was my mom! I halted in my tracks. How did she find the company? Linda Nolan, calling her my mom is an exaggeration; she’s more like a debt collector. She’s never fulfilled her motherly duties, only seeing me as a money-making machine. “Ava!” The voice was the same as in the mall yesterday. Liam instantly reacted and asked me what was going on. Before I could answer, Linda Nolan lunged at “Liam Beckett” like a madwoman: “Ava! You’re so hard to find! Living the high life in the city, have you thought about your mom, or your brother?” Linda Nolan sat at “Liam’s” feet, wailing. “Liam” frowned and stepped back in disgust. Linda Nolan cried even louder: “Ungrateful daughter! Now that you’re doing well, you don’t recognize your countryside mom!” Linda Nolan was even scarier than Betty Wilson’s mom, always exploiting me. My mind nearly shut down; I didn’t know how to handle this scene. It was “Liam” who raised his voice: “What is security doing? Don’t you know to take her to the police station for disturbing public order?” Hearing her daughter being so heartless, Linda Nolan cried even more fiercely: “Everyone hear this? Ungrateful daughter! A daughter wants to send her own mother to jail!” She cried and pounded the ground, while many colleagues started recording. I calmed myself, trembling, and spoke as Liam: “Just say it, what do you want by creating such a scene?” Seeing me speak, Linda Nolan rolled and crawled to my feet: “You’re my daughter’s boss, right? Please judge this! Everyone come judge this! My daughter has a brother who’s about to get married.” “Usually, we don’t ask her for money, but now that her brother’s getting married, we thought of borrowing some from her, but this ungrateful girl blocked me! She even said she’s no longer a daughter of the Adeline family!” Hearing this, it felt like something was stuck in my throat. My vision blurred, and the words “ungrateful daughter” seemed to tear my brain apart, making the world spin. “Enough!” I shouted. Linda Nolan was stunned by my shout. Taking a deep breath, I said, “You said you rarely ask Ava for money? But as far as I know, Ava takes six thousand from me monthly, spends two thousand on rent, one thousand on herself, and gives you three thousand! She’s living tight, and now you want more?” Linda Nolan was momentarily speechless. I was about to continue when “Liam” suddenly spoke: “Did you know about these things? I bet you didn’t care to know, right? And about your brother’s wedding, I heard he just got out of the detention center a few months ago, probably back in and needs money to bail out, right?” How did Liam know that? Linda Nolan’s guilty eyes darted around, trying to come up with an excuse, but her tongue twisted, and she could only rush to “Liam’s” feet, pulling her hair and cursing. “You good-for-nothing Ava! I can’t believe I have such a shameless daughter! Accusing your brother and consorting with shady people!” ———-This is the truncation point———- Liam was seized by the hair, grimacing in pain. The tension in the air was palpable as I stepped forward to pull Linda Nolan away. The security guard, who had been merely observing until then, quickly intervened and restrained Linda. Suppressing my anger, I said, “My employees contribute to my success; they aren’t weaklings to be exploited by parasites like you.”

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My best friend came to me, asking for help. She said she was being harassed by her ex-boyfriend and pressured by her parents to marry. She wanted to have a sham marriage with my husband. I was shocked when my husband agreed and even let her move into our house. Hearing the unsettling noises from the living room every night, I felt like I was falling apart… I’ve been married to my husband, Declan, for three years. He is thriving in his career while I am the lovely and charming presence at home. We are in love and harmonious. But something happened three days ago that left me in turmoil. My best friend Keira insisted on giving me $100,000, saying she needed to marry Declan. Her reason was that she was being harassed by her ex-boyfriend and pressured by her parents to marry. She needed a man to protect her temporarily and provide an explanation to her parents. After this period, she promised to return Declan to me. This was outrageous! Even though she is my best friend, I couldn’t agree to it. $100,000 is insignificant to me; I have countless such amounts. But just as I was about to transfer the money back to Keira, my husband Declan came home. He sighed and said, “Honey.” “Why the long face? Was work difficult?” “No.” He opened Instagram, “Honey, look how pitiful Keira is. A girl being harassed every day, it’s awful.” I saw Keira covered in bruises, and my heart ached. It made me start to struggle with whether or not to help her. Every day after that, Keira called and sent voice messages, crying to me about her miserable life. “Please, you are my only good friend, my best friend, help me. My parents say if I don’t get married, they’ll jump off a building.” “After this period, I’ll get a divorce certificate with your husband. He will always be yours.” Against my better judgment, I agreed. When I saw the divorce certificate with Declan and the marriage certificate with Keira, my mind was still buzzing. It all felt like a dream. The day they got the marriage certificate, Declan came home and gave me a bouquet of roses. “My kind and beautiful goddess, you’ve worked hard lately.” Looking at my affectionate and gentle husband, I suddenly felt calm. All the troublesome things seemed to vanish into thin air. Born into a privileged life, I’m actually easy to appease. That night, Declan and I were intimate and close. Midway through, Declan held my wrists and whispered in my ear. “Wife, I heard Keira is still being harassed. Should we let her stay with us?” I frowned slightly. Why was he bringing up Keira at this moment? “Would she want to? It’s just a sham marriage with you. Don’t make it awkward for her.” “Let’s give it a try.” I thought Keira wouldn’t come to my house, so I made a phone call pretending to invite her. “Really?! Thank you, Phoebe, I’m so happy. I’ll come over tomorrow.” Me: “…” I felt uncomfortable. On Keira’s first night at our house, Declan took us out for fondue to celebrate Keira’s visit. I was a bit jealous. Was my husband being too nice to Keira? I tossed and turned that night, unable to sleep. Declan held me and softly said, “Don’t worry, it’s just a sham marriage with her. Didn’t we agree? After some time, she and I will divorce, and I’ll remarry you. It’s fake with her.” I thought I might be overthinking, but my mind wouldn’t cooperate. I soon noticed Keira being particularly diligent around the house. She always liked talking to Declan and treated him warmly, making it seem like she was the lady of the house. Every time Declan came home, Keira would wear some revealing clothes. Once, I couldn’t hold back and told Keira, “Keira, Declan is my husband. Could you dress more appropriately?” Keira looked at me with wide eyes and admitted her mistake, “I know I was wrong. I won’t dress like that anymore.” Seeing her admit her mistake, I didn’t want to ruin our rare friendship. After that, Keira’s dressing was normal, but her behavior wasn’t. For example, when I was intimate with my husband, Keira would knock on the door, interrupting us. I asked her what was wrong. She sobbed and said, “I had a nightmare.”

Then she looked pitifully at Declan, using a sweet tone, “Declan, I’m so scared, can you stay with me?” I was a bit angry, but Declan immediately reassured me, “It’s okay, don’t worry.” His firm gaze calmed my annoyed heart. I reluctantly told him, “Then go accompany her.” So Declan took Keira to our guest room. Then I heard some strange noises coming from the guest room. I vaguely heard Keira say, “I’m so scared, Declan.” Declan said, “It’s okay, don’t be afraid. In my house, I can protect you.” I immediately pulled the blanket over my head, afraid I would overthink if I listened more, but I trusted Declan’s character. The next day, I thought it over and handed $100,000 to Keira. “Please leave my house, Keira. Leave my husband, and divorce him, okay?” Keira’s tears rolled out in three seconds. She clung to my arm like a kitten, pushing softly, “Phoebe, I swore before that after this period, once I explain to my parents about the marriage, I’ll immediately divorce. You may not believe me, but don’t you believe Declan? If you insist on this, won’t he feel like you don’t trust him?” I felt stifled. I only believed in Declan. But believing in someone doesn’t mean you won’t overthink. I was still anxious. But then Keira told me she wanted to take Declan back to her hometown. After explaining to her parents, she said they could immediately get a divorce certificate. I was thrilled. As long as they got a divorce certificate, that was fine. While adjusting Declan’s tie, I reminded, “Just act natural in front of Keira’s parents, okay?” “Don’t worry, my dear wife.” “Slick talker,” I laughed. I dressed Declan elegantly and personally sent them off to board their flight. After Declan left, I really missed him, so I kept sending him messages. He always replied with a flower and a smiley face, then photos. But a few times, I noticed something odd. He posted many photos of Keira on his feed. Some netizens teased, asking if he had found a girlfriend… Soon, they returned. After they got back, I asked Keira, “Can you get divorced now?” Keira suddenly covered her face, crying and sniffling, “No, Phoebe, I can’t yet.” I got angry in a second, “Why not?” “Because I’m pregnant.” “What?” Did I hear that right? Declan came over and put his arm around my shoulder, “The baby in her belly is her ex-boyfriend’s. Now she’s a pregnant woman, she can’t divorce me.” I couldn’t describe my feelings. I was relieved the baby wasn’t my husband’s. I was disgusted she wanted to keep clinging to my husband, yet my husband didn’t object. Because of this, in the following days, I was distant with Keira, feeling her presence in my house gave me a headache. Once, Keira held my hand and said, “Phoebe, I know you’re upset, but I swear once my baby is born, I’ll definitely divorce Declan. I have no choice, I need a man to give me courage. Declan has always liked you, he treats me like a friend.”

Whenever she spoke to me, she was sweet and cute, making me look like the villain. Seeing her tears, I couldn’t bear to drive her away, so I made peace with her. I even personally made broth for her and ensured she had a nutritious diet. During this time, she indeed kept a respectful distance from Declan, which made me more comfortable serving her. Keira had a healthy pregnancy with my care, turning plump and healthy. Ten months later, Keira went into labor. That day, Declan suddenly took leave and went with me to the hospital. “Didn’t you say there’s a multi-million project? Why come to the hospital?” I didn’t understand Declan’s actions. Declan didn’t look at me but anxiously watched the maternity ward door, brushing me off, “It’s okay, it won’t affect it.” For a moment, Declan felt so unfamiliar to me. While I was full of doubts, Keira’s eight-pound son was born healthy. When the doctor opened the maternity ward and asked who Keira’s husband was, Declan rushed in like a rocket, “It’s me, it’s me, I’m her husband.” “Congratulations, this is your son.” The doctor placed the baby in Declan’s arms for him to hold first. Me: “…” What was I feeling? Like eating something vile. Soon after, Keira was wheeled out by the nurses. Although she had just given birth, because she was young, she recovered well. Keira was soon settled in a private hospital room. Looking at the delicate newborn, I sincerely said to Keira, “Congratulations, this baby looks so much like you.” Keira gazed at the baby with gentle eyes, her tone filled with maternal love, “He not only looks like me, but he looks more like his father.” Then she side-eyed Declan. Did she mean the baby looked like Declan? Yet Declan didn’t deny it and seemed more excited about the baby than Keira. I was very upset. I felt suffocated in this environment, so I went out for some air. Just as I stepped out, I realized I hadn’t taken my bag. When I turned back to get it, I overheard Declan and Keira’s conversation. “Darling, this is our son. Your wife can’t give you a baby, but I can. Are you happy?” I noticed her give Declan a sidelong glance. Was she implying that the child resembled Declan? Surprisingly, Declan didn’t refute it. He seemed even more thrilled about the child than Keira did. A surge of anger rose within me. Feeling suffocated by the situation, I stepped outside to catch my breath. Just as I left, I realized I’d forgotten my bag. When I turned back to retrieve it, I overheard Declan and Keira’s conversation through the door. “Darling, this is our son. Your wife can’t give you a child, but I can. Are you happy?” “Keira, you did such a great job. The boy is absolutely adorable.” “Yes, what a cute child. We have a son now.” Their conversation felt like a knife cutting through me. One was my best friend, the other my husband. I recalled how my best friend had given me ten thousand to “borrow” my husband, and I had actually agreed. Now, the ridiculousness of it all hit me like a slap in the face. I wanted to burst in, scream, and tear them apart. But I restrained myself, taking a deep breath to calm down. I should have known there couldn’t be an appropriate relationship between them, but I trusted Declan’s integrity. Reality, however, proved me wrong. Declan had betrayed me, and Keira was a traitor. I composed myself, pretending nothing had happened, grabbed my bag, and left. That night, I went out to drown my sorrows, drinking until I was a wreck. I drank, vomited, then drank and vomited again. No one knew the depths of my pain, feeling as if I were being torn apart and ground to pieces. Declan, the man I loved most, had always assured me of his character. Yet, he had fathered a child. His integrity was worthless, absolute garbage. That night, I betrayed Declan and ended up in bed with a younger guy. Then I acted as if nothing was amiss, waiting for Keira and their little family of three to return. I watched as Declan personally prepared postpartum meals for Keira. “Keira, the child is born. Can you divorce my husband now?” Hearing my words, Keira held her son, looking pitiful and aggrieved. “But the child is still young. He can’t be without a father…” “Declan isn’t your child’s father. You had a sham marriage.” I pretended to know nothing. Keira cried, holding her child, appearing weak and helpless. Hearing the commotion, Declan rushed in angrily and said to me, “Phoebe, what are you trying to say? Keira is still in her postpartum period; can she afford to cry now? What about the risk of postpartum complications?”

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After being away for five years, I returned home to find numerous children’s clothes and toys scattered around. My wife explained these were for our future children. But on the day of our postponed wedding, her childhood friend crashed the ceremony with two kids in tow. It turned out that the wife, who claimed to be faithful, had already married her childhood friend and had three children with him. When I confronted her, she showed no guilt. “I may have had three kids with him, but my heart has always belonged to you.” Five years ago, just after obtaining our marriage certificate, I received a notice from the company to work overseas, delaying our wedding. I never imagined that today’s wedding would bring such a shocking revelation. I immediately stepped off the stage, removed my suit, and handed it to her childhood friend, sarcastically wishing them well. “We didn’t register, and you already have children. May you all live happily as a family of five.” As I turned to leave, Nora grabbed my wrist. Her eyes were red-rimmed. “Jude, is this really necessary?” “You’ve been away at sea for so many years. If Ezra hadn’t been there for me, I wouldn’t have survived.” I gave her a dismissive look as she wiped her tears and continued. “He’s been alone these years, taking care of me. Having his kids was just to ensure he’d have company in the future, nothing more.” She looked at me with hopeful eyes, but I felt nothing but disgust. “If you pity him so much, why not just be with him? Why come here to make me sick?” I tried to shake her hand off, but Ezra suddenly knelt before me with the three kids. “Jude, don’t misunderstand! I didn’t come to ruin your wedding. I’m just afraid that once Nora marries you, she’ll abandon the kids.” The three children knelt obediently, their eyes red-rimmed. “I just feel sorry for them, losing their mom at such a young age…” He sobbed softly, looking at Nora with pleading eyes. Seeing this, Nora rushed over without hesitation, “Don’t worry, Mommy won’t leave you!” She looked up at me, “Jude, these are my kids, and you also…” “Ah! Ezra!” Before I could react, Ezra was already lying unconscious on the ground. With a life at stake, I immediately called off the wedding and drove him to the hospital. Watching Nora take care of Ezra so attentively by his hospital bed, I couldn’t take it anymore. I asked my secretary to prepare the divorce papers right away. “Jude, what did I do wrong? Why do you insist on divorcing me?” The moment she received the papers, her eyes turned red. “How can you ask what you did wrong when you’re showing such care for another man right in front of me?” “Just because of this? Have you forgotten the promise you made when I saved you?” Oh, I remember, all right. Five years ago, after a late-night business dinner, I had a severe allergic reaction from accidentally eating peanuts. I ran under a tree, vomiting uncontrollably, and soon lost consciousness. When I woke up, I found myself in a hospital, with Nora sitting beside me, peeling an apple. Her long hair glistened in the warm sunlight. At that time, I was struggling in my career, desperately longing for love. So, after that, I pursued her passionately. On the day we registered, I promised to take care of her for life and give her the best life possible. Unfortunately, the day before the wedding, I received news about an overseas company project. It offered six million in compensation, and my boss chose me out of thousands. I wanted to refuse, but she insisted I accept it. Before leaving, I spent all my savings to buy her a villa in downtown and hired the best housekeeper to serve her. To maintain our relationship, I sent her countless luxury gifts over the past five years and often video-called her. But in the end, she still cheated on me.

“Jude.” Seeing I didn’t respond, she called to me. “Ezra’s condition is really bad. I can’t just leave him… Trust me, I have no feelings for him.” “I only had three kids with him, but my heart has always been with you.” I was dazed and only realized she was already leaning on me. “I know you can’t accept it right away, but it’s okay. We can take our time until you can accept me.” Seeing her silently crying with red-rimmed eyes, my hands involuntarily embraced her. I admit, I softened. Maybe I should give her another chance. After a few busy days at the company, I returned home. As I entered, I found the living room in disarray, with kitchen spices mixed with water all over the floor. I felt uneasy and rushed to the study, only to find my laptop shattered on the floor. The USB drive with important data was also crushed. “Who let you in here!” I yelled at the kids outside the living room, but it was Ezra who appeared instead. He was in pajamas, looking sleepy. “Jude, why are you here?” “This is my house. I should be the one asking that! How dare you come in?” I pushed past him, trying to enter the bedroom, but he blocked my way. “Jude, I don’t have much time left. Can you not push so hard?” I looked at him in disbelief. “How am I pushing you?” As soon as I said it, he kneeled on the ground. “Jude, I’m begging you, please let me go!” I was startled and reached out to help him, but he suddenly collapsed. “What are you doing, Jude!” Nora pushed me away abruptly, helping Ezra up with concern. Just as she was about to speak, the three kids knelt and cried. “Mommy, this bad uncle… he bullied Daddy, boo hoo hoo…” I was furious. “You’re the ones who broke into my study and destroyed my laptop and USB drive!” “Enough, Jude, stop pretending!” Nora interrupted anxiously. “Those kids are so young. How could they have broken your stuff? I know you’re unhappy with Ezra, but you shouldn’t make him kneel!” “Don’t you know he has a terminal illness and doesn’t have much time left?” “He just wants to spend the remaining time with the kids.” Although I was reluctant, I decided to turn a blind eye because of his illness. To make it up to me, Nora made my favorite dishes. But halfway through the meal, I suddenly felt itchy all over. Everything blurred before my eyes. “What did you put in the food?” As soon as I spoke, one of the kids jumped up. “Uncle, I added some super tasty stuff for you!” He pulled out a few peanuts from his pocket, showing them off. “Call 911 now!” I anxiously looked at Nora, but she just watched me like it was a show. “It’s just peanuts in the food. An allergy isn’t losing a limb. Do you really need to call 911? Are you that fragile?” “Someone could die if you don’t call!” I struggled to get the words out, but Nora remained indifferent.

Ezra looked at me innocently. “Jude, I’m sorry. I really didn’t know you couldn’t eat this.” “This is my fault. I’ll apologize for the kids. Please don’t hold it against them…” With that, he knelt again. I turned away in disgust, only to be slapped by Nora. “He meant well. How was he supposed to know you have a peanut allergy?” “It’s just a child’s prank. Are you really reacting this much? An allergy won’t kill you, yet you’re making them kneel!” “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill!” Ezra gave me a barely noticeable smile, feigning innocence. “Nora, don’t speak like that. It’s my fault for not disciplining the kids…” As he spoke, tears fell. “The kids are so mischievous. If I’m not around, you must take good care of them…” At his words, Nora’s nose turned red, and she hugged him tightly. I struggled to reach for my phone, but the kids deliberately threw it to the ground. “We won’t give it to you! We won’t!” Watching Ezra and Nora embrace happily, I blacked out and collapsed heavily. … When I opened my eyes again, I was lying on a hospital bed. A female doctor was facing away from me, handling medication. For some reason, she seemed familiar to me. “Awake?” She walked over to change my dressing. “Do you remember me?” I saw her name tag and learned her name was Aurelia. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t remember anything. Seeing my lack of response, her eyes dimmed with disappointment. “Well, it’s been five years. It’s normal not to remember.” “But even if you don’t remember me, you should remember your peanut allergy, right? You went into shock five years ago for the same reason. Now it happened again. Aren’t you concerned about your own life?” She frowned at me, full of reproach. “How do you know I went into shock five years ago? Have we met?” “Wow!” She slammed the medical record book down hard. “You’re so ungrateful. If I hadn’t found you collapsed from shock at the restaurant entrance and given you first aid, you’d be long gone.” “Back then, I sent you to the hospital and rushed off for surgery. When I came back to find you, you were already gone.” Her words left me in a daze. She looked at me with a furrowed brow, her eyes brimming with accusation. “How do you know I went into shock five years ago? Have we met before?” “Seriously?” She slammed the medical record book down with force. “You have no conscience. If I hadn’t found you collapsed from shock at the restaurant entrance and performed first aid, you wouldn’t even be here now.” “Back then, I took you to the hospital and rushed off to surgery. When I returned to look for you, you were already gone.” Her words left me completely stunned. For years, whenever I asked about the person who saved me, Nora always dodged the question or gave vague answers. Thinking back now, it doesn’t add up at all. “Could you be more specific?” I asked. She turned back, clearly irritated. “Five years ago on New Year’s Day, at the Peace Hotel, someone went into anaphylactic shock and collapsed under a big tree, reeking of alcohol. It was revolting!” Her words made my stomach churn. The woman I’ve loved for five years turned out to be a complete liar. I’m sorry, it looks like the text you want translated is missing. Could you please provide the Chinese text so that I can help with the translation? Not long after, Nora visited me with a bag of fruit. She looked at me cautiously, “I’m sorry, Jude. I honestly didn’t know your allergy was that severe. I thought it was just a prank.”

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“Hey, your fingers are so long, they look really interesting to play with.” “Hey, I want to eat chocolate and slide down your abs.” I found myself cornered in the school hallway by a senior, his messages replaying in my mind. “Nora, are you planning to just disappear after spending the night with me?” “Let me go, we’re at school!” I desperately tried to push him away. To my surprise, he just stared at me intently. “What? Are my fingers not long enough, or is the slide not fun?” I checked my buzzing phone. My college roommate mentioned that the senior would attend this club gathering too. I’d heard about him before from my roommate. Everyone said he was not only handsome but had an amazing physique. Most importantly, he was exactly my type. So, when my roommate asked if I wanted to go to this basketball club gathering, I immediately signed up. At the event, we sat in a booth at the bar for a bit. Suddenly, there was a commotion around us. A tall, lean man approached, with striking features and honey-colored skin. His captivating eyes made me feel an instant crush. Oh no, it’s that feeling again. He casually sat right next to me. He took a drink and chatted with his friends. For some reason, I suddenly felt hot all over, so I picked up a glass from the table to take a sip. It slipped and fell with a clatter. My roommate shone a phone light to help me pick it up, and the red mole on the senior’s middle finger caught my eye. I quickly sat up straight, hoping he wouldn’t recognize me. My roommate nudged my arm, sensing my stiffness. “Wow, are you so stunned by a hottie that you can’t move? Go for it!” I wanted to, but my mind was filled with scenes from flirting on some social media app. “Hey, your fingers are so long, they look really useful.” “Hey, I want to eat chocolate and slide down your abs.” In this urgent moment, if I didn’t run, I thought I might be doomed today. Pretending to have a stomach ache, I tugged on my roommate’s hand, “Excuse me, I’m not feeling well.” Asher noticed me, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he pulled out a painkiller and a thermos from behind. “Here, drink this, and it’ll stop hurting.” I looked at him skeptically. Could he really know I was on my period today? Anyway, there’s no way I’d admit defeat. “I’ll take this, and thank you another day.” Then, without looking back, I rushed out of the bar. Had I known I’d run into him today, even eight horses couldn’t drag me there!

Running like mad, my roommate panted heavily beside me. “Nora, you look less like you’ve seen a crush and more like you’ve hit rubbish.” Leaning against a wall, I took a breath of relief, grateful he hadn’t followed. Just as I was about to have a drink to rest, I heard a creak from the side door, startling me and spilling warm water all over myself. A muscular arm blocked my chest, “Are you okay? Here, take this shirt.” I was about to accept it, but that familiar voice, it was him! In the next second, I felt warmth on my shoulders as the shirt was already on me. Just as I was about to run, someone grabbed my neck. I had no choice but to give up; it seemed like there was no escaping today. My roommate seemed to sense the tension between us and quickly explained, “Nora’s not usually like this. She might be possessed today. I’ll figure it out.” Then she ran off, leaving just Asher and me staring at each other. Before I could calm down, a sudden pain shot through my chin. He lifted my chin with his right hand, making me look into his dark eyes. “Long time no see, my sweetheart.” My brain buzzed, and my face instantly turned red. So, he already knew who I was! “I don’t want…” He blocked my escape route, leaning down close to my ear. “What don’t you want?” His voice was magnetic and alluring.

A phone rang, and I weighed my chances of escaping from this guy. The alley was long and dim, with only a faint light, and not a single shadow in sight. Suddenly, I felt terrified. If he decided to torment me here, I’d be utterly helpless. Then, I felt a rough sensation on my collarbone. It tickled, and it turned out to be his hand roaming. The words he traced were, “Baby, did you miss me?” This was insane! I cursed in my mind, realizing he was a hypocrite! While he appeared to be talking to the dean on the phone, he was making these moves secretly. I grabbed his mischievous hand and wrote a few words in his palm. “I’m going to scream!” He seemed shameless, not caring about others’ opinions at all. Infuriated, I couldn’t help but bite him. He gasped in surprise, and it felt great! If I didn’t give him a piece of my mind, I wouldn’t be Nora! After the call ended, he grabbed the hand I used to tickle him, and in a swift motion, lifted me horizontally. I had no choice but to wrap my arms around his neck. “Didn’t expect you to be even more forward than last time, my sweetheart.” The overwhelming scent of him paralyzed me. Yet, all I wanted was to escape, so I coldly said, “Your skills are so terrible, how dare you even ask me?” “Since that’s the case, shouldn’t you practice more with me?” Asher chuckled softly, “Practice makes perfect, you know.” Even without a mirror, I knew I was as red as a lobster. Sensing my silence, he added, “Sweetheart, feel the key in my pocket.” I struggled to get down from his arms, only to touch something I shouldn’t have. He whispered teasingly in my ear, “So, want to practice unlocking with me?” Before I could answer, a scream startled me.

“Nora, the dorm supervisor is calling us back.” It was my good roommate, Beatrix. She paused, seeing us in such an intertwined position. “What’s with you? Why is your face so red?” she asked. I laughed awkwardly, “I just sparred with the senior a bit on our skills.” Her eyes darted between us, clearly skeptical. As soon as I got down from him, Asher’s next words almost made me collapse. “Yeah, Nora’s unlocking skills are quite impressive. Let’s spar again next time!” I panicked and glared at him, signaling him to shut up immediately. As I was about to follow my roommate, he pointed to my pocket, whispering, “Remember to check.” Inwardly, I thought, this jerk wants me to add him back, not a chance. Breathless, I returned to the dorm, and my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. “Add me back, or I guarantee you’ll be the talk of the school tomorrow.” Asher’s deep, magnetic voice came through. After a moment of silence, I ultimately gave in to the evil forces. Fine, it wasn’t a big deal. I could just add him and ignore him. Then my roommate said, “Nora, this doesn’t seem like your phone.” Sure enough, the jacket and phone belonged to that annoying guy. I smiled awkwardly, more like a grimace. “This seems to be Asher’s.” My roommate got excited, gossiping, “Did you and the senior date?” How should I answer that? I can’t exactly say I slept with your dream guy and then ran away, can I? I decided to play it cool. “It’s late, let’s rest. I’ll tell you another time.” Hearing my roommate snoring, I racked my brain for a message to send. “Hey, I’ve added you back. Can we call it even for what happened before?” “Tomorrow night, come to my place.” The moment I saw the message, I wanted to strangle him. “Fine.” I replied through gritted teeth.

After a dreamless night, I went to his place alone. He opened the door, seemingly fresh from a shower, with the scent of body wash filling the room. A towel loosely wrapped around his waist, revealing six-pack abs and a V-line. Watching the water droplets trace the defined lines of his abs, I involuntarily swallowed. “What, are you just going to stand there drooling over me?” He pulled me in and closed the door. I quickly covered my eyes and turned around. “Put on some clothes, have some decency.” “Oh, but that night…” He drawled teasingly. I didn’t want to understand instantly, but my face immediately burned bright red. Every second with him was pure torture! Blushing, I turned to leave. Asher leisurely sat on the sofa, pouring himself some red wine. He savored it slowly, saying, “If you miss this chance, there won’t be another.” Unable to hold back, I grabbed his arm. “What do you really want?” I glared at him angrily, but he acted like he was rooted to the sofa. “Quick, put on your clothes. You’re not behaving properly.” “Oh, but that night…” he drawled, teasingly. I didn’t want to understand immediately, but my face flushed red. Every moment with him feels like pure torture! Embarrassed, I wanted to run out. Asher, however, leisurely sat on the sofa and poured himself a glass of red wine. He savored it and said, “Opportunities like this don’t come around often.” I couldn’t resist and grabbed his arm. “What exactly do you want?” I glared at him angrily, but he seemed glued to the sofa. For a moment, neither of us spoke. I opened my phone; messages flooded in, including an email about grad school. Thinking it over, I had no choice; this needed to be resolved quickly. While I was pondering how to break through, he casually started a game on SnapChat, with voice chat on. Hearing Yara’s sweet voice calling him “bro” in the game, I was fed up. I couldn’t help but shout at him, “Asher, haven’t you had enough?” “Sweetheart, isn’t that a question you should answer yourself?” His hands moved effortlessly on the game controls. I was surprised he didn’t care at all. How could we communicate like this? I lowered my head, saying nothing. “I think you know what game I want to play, sweetheart.” He narrowed his eyes and leaned close to my ear. After hearing that, I jumped up from the sofa, furious. How could he be so shameless? Male charm is indeed deceiving. What was I thinking back then, getting involved with this guy? Initially, I wanted to resolve this quickly today, but it seemed difficult. If you can’t beat them, join them. “Let’s play the game together, bro.” I couldn’t help but lower my head and try to be nice. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him getting ready to stand up, and I quickly followed him. “Sweetheart, look at this?” he said, waving a piece of clothing. “Give it to me,” I lunged forward, but he grabbed it and ran into the room. He pulled me hard, pinning me beneath him. One hand locked my wrist, then he raised the clothing and sniffed it. “Our sweetheart smells so good, like strawberries.” Then he leaned into my collarbone, leaving a hickey. I shivered, suddenly feeling like I was back that night. “Can’t you just talk normally?” I exclaimed in frustration. He lazily replied, “I can.” “Other than that, we can discuss anything else. I’ll try to meet your needs, okay?” “Meet my needs?” He chuckled, “Then why not start by being my girlfriend from today?” Considering what I said before, I was probably wasting my breath, wasn’t I? I dared not say that to this wild dog; who knows what he’d do. “What, scared? But that night…” I was truly defeated. “Fine, fine, I’m unlucky, okay?” “When you slept with me, why didn’t you say you were unlucky?” His eyes suddenly turned playful. This is the danger of attraction, ladies. I just made a mistake every woman could make. There’s no way out now; I have to face it. I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that request. “Alright, it’s all my fault. Can you give me a few days to think it through?” I continued to implore.

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I am a top assassin, meticulously trained by the organization. But this time, I faced the only failure of my career. Late at night, the boss pinned me down on the bed, bringing out various devices in succession. He continued until I was breathless. Afterward, with reddened eyes, he asked me, “Do you know that person?” I paused for a moment before weakly responding, “We… shared a bed…” After a delightful week in bed with Lachlan, he finally unlocked the handcuffs from the bedpost. He pulled up his pants and adjusted his tie, returning to his polished appearance. This marks the third year since Lachlan took me in. He has trained me into a lethal weapon. But at the same time, I am also his devoted partner in bed. After our encounter, Lachlan casually tossed me a document folder. This mission was to eliminate a top assassin from the competition. Successfully completing it would allow the company to dominate the entire industry. I opened the document folder, reviewed the details, and then burned it to ashes.

I quickly arrived at the designated location, sneaking into the bedroom as night fell. I was ready to stage the scene to make it appear as though the target died from excessive excitement. The sheets were damp, clothes scattered, and there were… used condoms. Everything was set. But before I could dispose of them in the trash can, I felt a cold object pressed against my back. I stood still as the sound of a gun being cocked reached my ears, my nerves instantly on edge. I held my breath, waiting for the right moment to counterattack. But then, the person behind me suddenly leaned in and started licking my ear. A tingling sensation shot down my spine, and before I knew it, my body had gone soft. His long fingers slowly unloaded the bullets from my gun, one by one, onto the floor. It was clearly a dangerous move, yet he performed it like an art form. He slid the gun barrel along my calf, gradually exploring further. I pretended to collapse, unable to bear it. In the next second, I snatched the gun, loaded it, and cocked it in one swift motion. “You’re too inexperienced to play with me, dear. I’ve never lost except in bed.” Then I mimicked his move, sliding the gun barrel along his ear. But the next second, the gun barrel caught his mask strap, revealing a familiar face. “Do you have any last… Oh my god, it’s you?!” Taking advantage of my surprise, he quickly fought back, handcuffing me to the bedpost. In no time, he stripped me of my clothes. Glancing at the condoms hanging by the trash can, he teased with a hint of mockery in his eyes, “Didn’t expect you to be so wild. Is Lachlan not satisfying you?”

Hearing such explicit words from him, my heart ached. The person in front of me was Jude, the one I was smitten with in my youth, the one I once wanted to marry at all costs. To marry him, I even ran away from home. But in the end, I aborted the child, and despite his pleas on his knees, I never looked back. Now, he pinned me down, injecting a cold liquid into my body through a needle. In no time, I began to feel feverish all over. I started writhing uncontrollably in front of Jude, trying to pull him closer with my free hand. “Help… help me… please,” I mumbled unconsciously, making his gaze darken. He stood still for a moment, then removed his shirt and pants. “Beg me, beg me to please you!” His eyes, red with desire, held back the urge, forcing me to plead. I refused to speak, gently stroking his desire with a hint of flattery. Jude took a deep breath, forcefully pinning my other hand above my head. After a release, he lay satisfied on top of me, pecking my lips with a mischievous grin. “Can Lachlan make you feel this good?” Hearing this, the heat in my heart instantly cooled by half. I pushed his shoulder, my eyes red, telling him to leave. But he twisted my hand back, marking my neck with a hickey. “With you like this, will Lachlan still want you?” I saw the fury in his eyes, as if it would burn my heart to ashes. I didn’t know how to explain my betrayal to Jude back then. Nor did I know how to ask what he went through in these years to become like this. Meanwhile, he began another round of indulgence. When I woke up again, he was long gone, leaving a key on the bedside table. He didn’t kill me, but likewise, my assassination mission failed.

In this organization, assassins who fail face the harshest punishment. Lower-level assassins who fail are flayed and dismembered piece by piece. They start from the spine, splitting the skin in two, and then tear it like a bat spreading its wings, enduring a full day of agony before dying. But for someone of my level, there’s only death, not failure. As long as I’m alive, the mission doesn’t end, until I lose all value. When I returned to see Lachlan, he immediately noticed the mark on my neck. I heard him scoff, his tone mocking. “You’ve become so wanton, can’t even kill someone without getting frisky?” Hearing such words from two men in a row, I couldn’t help but look up coldly, my eyes nearly turning murderous. After a minute of standoff, I was the first to lower my head, unloading my gun and kneeling to plead guilty. “Mission failed, requesting organization punishment.” As soon as I spoke, the mockery in Lachlan’s eyes instantly vanished. He asked incredulously, “The mission… failed?” I kept my head down, mechanically repeating, “Yes! Mission 001 failed, requesting organization punishment.” This time, he actually laughed out loud. The sound was chilling, like a knife grinding against my bones. Sure enough, he then grabbed my shoulder and personally escorted me into the interrogation room. The people there were surprised to see me. After all, since earning the 001 code name, I’d never failed until now. I was tied to the interrogation chair, my expression numb, lost in thought. Lachlan gritted his teeth, taking the whip himself and lashing it onto me. My clothes split instantly. With another lash, my skin burned with a bloody mark. I bit my lip in silence, only for him to hit harder. After a dozen lashes, blood began to drip from my wounds. Lachlan carefully avoided the mark on my neck. Against the backdrop of blood, the love bite stood out even more. It was an interrogation room, yet he only tortured me without asking why the mission failed. Then he personally used pliers to pull out one of my nails and subjected me to electric shock. Every interrogation method was used on me. After another round of electric shock, I saw his hand trembling slightly on the switch, his eyes red, lips quivering. Seeing me refuse to speak, he grabbed my hair, forcing me to look up at him, then gently kissed the love bite. I couldn’t help but shudder. This side of him was far more frightening than any punishment. He untied me, gently cradling me in his arms as if afraid to hurt me. Yet back in the bedroom, he violently tore off my already tattered clothes, licking the fresh whip marks. I cried out in pain, my fingers digging into his hair. He paused, lifting my face…

When it was all over, I lay gasping for breath, the sheets rippling beneath me. My eyes were still veiled in a haze, and the figure before me was blurry. Lachlan looked down at me, controlled by desire. Even though his body reacted, he refused to touch me. He gripped my neck slightly, asking, “Do you know that person?” If you listened closely, there was a faint tremor in his voice. After a moment of silence, I weakly answered, “We… shared a bed…” Then he went crazy, biting the love bite fiercely as if he wouldn’t stop until he tore the flesh off. Was it because he loved me? But clearly, I had once asked him while lying in his arms, “Did you take me in because you loved me?” What did he say back then? I can’t quite remember, but it was probably a denial. After Lachlan took me in, I endured six months of inhumane training. On the day I officially became an assassin, I told him, “I have someone I love. It’s my only reason to keep going.” He was dismissive. “Feelings are the most unreliable thing. Only someone as foolish as you would believe in them.” So, how could he let himself fall into love now? It’s just the possessiveness of someone in power. He dragged me to the bathroom. Only then did I realize how wanton I could be in front of him. When it finally ended, I slid down the counter, but he caught me, holding me in his arms. He lifted me and tossed me back onto the bed. I thought he wanted more, resigning myself to his whims. But he threw another document folder onto the bed. Inside were the address, age, gender, and code name. But there was no photo or name. That’s why I didn’t recognize the assassination target was Jude in the first place… It’s just the possessiveness of someone in power. He grabbed my arm and hauled me into the bathroom. Only then did I realize how unrestrained I could be in front of him. When it finally ended, I slid weakly down the counter, only to be caught and held in his arms. He picked me up and tossed me back onto the bed. I assumed he was interested again and resigned myself to let him continue. Instead, he threw a document folder onto the bed. Inside, there was an address, age, gender, and code name. But there were no photos or names. That’s why I didn’t realize at first that the assassination target was Jude… Lachlan stared at that piece of paper for a moment, then suddenly laughed, though his words were harsh. “Is this the person you love? Too bad as long as you’re alive, you have to keep hunting him until you kill him. Only then will the mission be complete.” After saying this, he pinched the paper between his fingers, lit it with a lighter, and let the ashes drift onto the bed. He lifted my hand, caressing the edge where the nail had been removed. I’m sorry, but there is no text provided for translation at this point. I spoke with a harshness, “If you fail the mission again, it won’t just be a finger.” With that, I left without looking back. I sat on the bed, dazed, my hand unconsciously moving to my stomach. Once, a small life grew there, but I had heartlessly abandoned it.

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In my past life, I died in international waters. It was only after my death that I realized I wasn’t the elite family’s son who was switched at birth. I was just a stand-in to take the fall for the real son. My childhood friend, who climbed her way into the elite family by stepping over me, knew everything all along. She cozied up to the real son, smiling sweetly: “Asher’s life is worthless; dying for you is his blessing!” I mistakenly believed that my biological parents, who betrayed me, would seek justice for me, but they were brutally silenced. When I woke up again, my childhood friend excitedly grabbed me: “Asher, you’re going to be the elite family’s young master!” Fate gave me another chance to return to my past life. This time, I’m taking down that damned elite family. When the fake parents from the elite family came looking for me, I was still in class. Adeline brought them from home, looking thrilled: “Asher, you’re going to be the elite family’s young master!” Looking at her innocent face, I was momentarily dazed. Adeline and I were neighbors, and we grew up together. Her parents died in an accident when she was five. Her relatives treated her as a burden, passing her around. My parents pitied her and cared for her more than they did for me, their biological son. They always reminded me to protect Adeline and not let anyone bully her. Whenever that happened, Adeline would blush and remain silent. She told me as a child that she only wanted to marry me. I thought we were in love. So, I begged my fake parents to bring Adeline along, or I wouldn’t go with them. But as soon as we arrived at The Quinn Family, she ran into the real son Declan’s arms. Under Declan’s instigation, she knew I was just his stand-in but didn’t tell me the truth. Instead, she helped Declan trap me. In the end, I took the knife for Declan and was blown up by The Quinn Family’s enemies in international waters, with no remains left. Fighting back my overwhelming hatred, I closed my eyes, resisting the urge to confront her right there. Instead, I walked toward the luxury car parked at the door. Adeline hurriedly stopped me. “Asher! Are you leaving? Aren’t you forgetting something?” Seeing the expectation and anxiety in her eyes, I understood. Adeline had also been reborn.

I gave a cold smile and pretended not to know: “Yeah, is there something you want?” My indifferent tone left Adeline at a loss. She bit her lip hard, tears welling up in her eyes, looking pitiful: “Asher, can you take me with you…” I watched her playfully without speaking. Every second that passed, Adeline’s face turned a shade paler. After enjoying her embarrassment and shame, I stretched lazily: “Adeline, I’m now the elite family’s young master. With your status… bringing you along wouldn’t be appropriate, right?” Adeline’s face turned red and then white. I changed my tone: “However, if you really want to come back to The Quinn Family with me, it’s not impossible.” Her eyes lit up as if she saw hope. Greed and joy almost overflowed from her eyes. She obediently tugged at my sleeve: “Asher, I’ll do whatever you say! I’ll be good.” A hint of disgust flashed in my eyes as I pulled my sleeve away: “Fine, The Quinn Family shouldn’t mind having one more servant. I’ll talk to the butler to find you some cleaning work.” Adeline’s smile froze, and she looked at me in shock. In the previous life, I willingly cherished her, took her to The Quinn Family, and treated her like a treasure, afraid others would bully her. Now, she wants to enter The Quinn Family, but she can only be a cleaning servant. The difference is like night and day. How could Adeline bear this disparity? I didn’t look at her again and turned to leave. She stopped me: “Wait!… I’ll go!” I was a bit surprised. After shock and embarrassment, Adeline still bit her lip and followed. To enter the elite family, she really was enduring humiliation. I forced a smile: “Adeline, are you sure you want to come to The Quinn Family?” Adeline had already controlled her expression, obediently and aggrievedly “hmm”ed. But the resentment in her eyes didn’t escape my notice. I chuckled coldly inside. Since she wants to dig her own grave, she can’t blame anyone else.

The Quinn Family is a true elite family, living on an estate with over a hundred servants. Adeline and I were welcomed inside, and the fake parents and Declan were already waiting. The Quinns put on an impressive show, shedding tears and showing concern upon seeing me. They also mentioned they would soon send Declan abroad, telling me not to worry. Ha, of course, only after I die. Before I could say anything, Adeline, who had been staring at Declan since entering, suddenly spoke up. Her voice was soft, and her face slightly red: “Uncle, Auntie, Asher has been kind and filial since childhood. He definitely wouldn’t want you to be separated from Declan.” The fake parents were stunned and asked who she was. Declan also turned to look at Adeline. I spoke disdainfully: “Oh, she’s a neighbor of mine, eager to come to The Quinn Family as a servant. Dad, Mom, let the butler arrange some work for her.” Adeline’s face turned pale, almost twisted. The Quinns exchanged a glance, showing some disdain. Declan’s gaze turned blatant. In his eyes, Adeline was nothing but someone willing to degrade herself to cling to the powerful. In the previous life, it was because of how much I valued and cared for Adeline that The Quinn Family considered her important. She was just a tool to control and manipulate me. Without my favor, The Quinn Family wouldn’t even look at her. Now seeing me disdain her and her desperate eagerness to stick around… Declan isn’t stupid, and The Quinns are even shrewder. Would they treat her kindly?

Adeline clearly didn’t grasp the situation and still saw herself as the pampered lady. On her first day, she started causing trouble. The butler cautiously observed my reaction: “Young Master Asher, Miss Adeline said you know she can’t live with others and wants us to arrange a single room for her. According to the rules, regular servants can only stay in four-person rooms, but since Miss Adeline is someone you brought, as long as you say…” “Ignore her,” I said lightly. “She loves being difficult. Arrange her as you would any servant. If she doesn’t want to stay, let her leave.” Since childhood, my parents and I have pampered Adeline. When she first stayed in a school dormitory, she cried and fussed to go home, saying she couldn’t get along with her roommates. She cried so prettily, and my parents and I were heartbroken. Her vocational high school was far from home, and my comprehensive high school had heavy coursework, but I still got up an hour early every day to take her to school and picked her up at night. Through scorching summers and freezing winters, I never complained. Thinking of this, I called the butler again: “Also, give her the dirtiest and most tiring work. If it’s not done, she doesn’t eat.” I let my disgust show. The butler, a shrewd old fox, naturally knew how to “take care” of Adeline. That day, as I was about to leave, I saw Adeline ordering another maid to scrub the tiles. “Mrs. Lee, make sure it’s clean, here, and there. Didn’t I say it needs to be scrubbed three times with clean water? Finish before lunch, and be quick!” A younger girl couldn’t stand it: “Sister Adeline, this is your job. Why are you ordering Mrs. Lee?” Adeline stood up from the lounge chair and slapped the young girl. “Lowly servant, do you think you have the right to speak?! If I want your young master to go east, he wouldn’t dare go west. And you, a servant, dare to show me attitude? Fine, I’ll tell Asher, and you’ll pack your things and leave!” The young girl’s cheek swelled instantly, tears streaming down. Mrs. Lee tenderly touched the girl’s cheek, angry but not daring to speak out. Adeline was still smug: “I’m someone Asher cherishes. If I get hurt doing such rough work, and he gets heartbroken and angry, none of you will have it easy!” I watched coldly as she acted like the mistress, flaunting her power, and called the butler. Hearing my voice, Adeline quickly changed her expression, showing her red fingers pitifully. “Asher, they’re bullying me! They’re deliberately giving me the dirtiest and most tiring work! Look, my hands are red from the cold!” She habitually whined to me, hinting for me to punish others for her. Mrs. Lee and the young maid were visibly fearful. I ignored Adeline and frowned at the butler: “Adeline is slacking off and bullying other servants. She won’t eat today, and from now on, let her do the work for both of them. Also, no hot water for her.” Adeline was right in front of me, but I didn’t speak directly to her, nor did I even look at her. Instead, I issued her “punishment” through the butler, a blatant slap in the face. Her face turned various shades of pale, unable to maintain her weak and innocent act, and she burst out: “Asher, what do you mean?! How dare you order me around? Do you really think you’re the young master?” I glanced at her: “Talking back to the young master, slap her.” She was stunned. No one else reacted either. I signaled the young maid Adeline had slapped to come over. The girl was quick-witted, tears still on her face, and she slapped back hard. Adeline clutched her face, disbelief and humiliation overflowing, screaming: “Asher! Are you crazy?! How dare you let someone hit me!” I chuckled: “Because I’m now the young master of The Quinn Family, and you’re just a servant. Do I need to pick a day to hit you?” “Adeline, you begged me to bring you to The Quinn Family, remember?” Her lips trembled, unable to endure the humiliating and mocking gazes, and she ran off crying.

I thought Adeline would lay low for a few days. But I overestimated her. The little girl was sharp; despite tears on her face, she had already retaliated fiercely. Adeline held her face, disbelief and humiliation pouring out as she screamed: “Asher! Are you insane?! How dare you have someone hit me!” I laughed softly: “Because I’m now the young master of The Quinn Family, and you’re just a servant. If I want to hit you, I hit you. Why would I wait for a special occasion?” “Adeline, you begged me to bring you to The Quinn Family, have you forgotten?” Her lips trembled, and unable to bear the humiliation and mocking gazes from everyone, she ran off crying. 5 I thought Adeline would lay low for a few days. But I overestimated her. After just a few days of work, she couldn’t handle it anymore and found a way to get into Declan’s bed. In our previous life, she and Declan were like two peas in a pod and naturally hooked up. When I noticed she was skipping classes too much, I naively advised her to focus on her studies. Adeline had already latched onto Declan and didn’t even bother to pretend: “Asher, did you get into the elite family by studying hard? I’m not as fortunate as you. If I want a good life, I have to work hard in my own way.” Later, I understood. Her way was to latch onto an elite family and become a rich woman. As for why she didn’t choose me, Declan once asked her. At that time, she was in the kitchen having an animated conversation with Declan, and I happened to come downstairs for a drink of water, hearing her say sweetly: “I’m not blind. Anyone can see, Declan, you’re the real catch. Asher, even if he rises above his humble beginnings, is still just a poor phoenix at heart. How can he compare to your natural elegance?” She wasn’t wrong. Declan was indeed a true rich kid. But his elegance was built on the exploitation of countless ordinary people. Why would Declan be interested in someone as ordinary and poor as her? In the past life, Declan would even take her to high-end places for my sake, buy her designer bags, brands, jewelry, to appease her. Now she was just a lowly maid with some charm, and he had nothing to lose by playing around. Adeline climbed into bed at night and worked during the day. Once the other servants in The Quinn Family knew what she was, they shunned her mercilessly. Adeline, pampered and spoiled, fell ill after just a few days of this. Declan moved her into his room. Not out of pity, but because his troublesome friends were coming. 6 That day, Declan invited me to a private club to introduce me to his friends. The club was invitation-only, accessible only to VIPs. In the past life, he also invited Adeline and me, greatly satisfying her vanity. But I refused to let Adeline go, no matter what. Because I overheard Declan planning to entertain his troublesome friends. He was ready to use her as entertainment. On the phone, Declan’s tone was dismissive: “Someone like Adeline, you guys can do as you please with her.” I told her Declan was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But Adeline didn’t believe me. Seeing us argue fiercely, Declan played the good guy instead: “Asher is just worried about you. Since he disagrees, Adeline, you better not go.” Adeline then completely broke with me: “Asher, who are you to control me? I only received a little care from your family, it’s not like I was sold to you as a child bride! I warn you, my business with Declan is none of your concern, so stop meddling!” So this time when Declan mentioned taking Adeline along, I wasn’t surprised and didn’t stop him. Adeline was taken aback for a moment, then a smug look quickly crossed her face as she anticipated a show. She remembered Declan intended to set a trap for me. But she didn’t know, Declan’s trap was not just for me. At this moment, Officer Sawyer secretly contacted me. 7 In the past life, I had some suspicions that The Quinn Family’s business wasn’t clean, and their money’s origin was unclear. The police had been watching The Quinn Family for a long time, but without solid evidence, they were afraid to alert them. At that time, Officer Sawyer tried to persuade me to cooperate with them to take down The Quinn Group’s illegal business operations. But I was too bewitched by Adeline and The Quinn Family, my mind wasn’t clear. By the time I realized, it was too late. So when Sawyer contacted me, I cooperated calmly, almost making her suspect I was a double agent. It looks like the text you intended to provide is missing. Could you please share the content that needs translation? ———-此处为截断点———-

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After my family went bankrupt, I started delivering food to make ends meet. I never expected to run into my lifelong rival while delivering to his house. To embarrass me, he said, “Kiss me, and I’ll give you 100,000 yuan.” Without hesitation, I grabbed his collar and kissed him hard. “How could you change like this for money?” he blushed, covering his mouth as if he were a vulnerable spouse. I pushed him down and kissed him again before leaving with the check he’d signed, leaving him stunned on the couch with a red face and clear teeth marks. Walking through the familiar villa area in my delivery uniform, I was filled with a mix of emotions. I knew this place so well I could find the door to 65-3 with my eyes closed, but now there was a big foreclosure notice on it. I glanced at it silently, then turned to the neighboring villa, took a deep breath, and rang the doorbell. “Hello, your delivery is here.” I used the professional tone I had practiced over the past few days. “Oh, Adeline, how did the Lin family’s eldest daughter end up doing this?” The person who opened the door was my childhood rival, Finn, whom I had bullied since we were kids. “Well, Finn, the eldest son of the Aiden family, why do you have to pick up your delivery yourself?” I regretted taking this order just for the high delivery fee. I snatched it up when I saw the 200 yuan fee, but only realized afterward that it was in the suburbs, dozens of kilometers from the city, where I used to live. I even had to change my electric scooter’s battery on the way here. “Hmph, even now you’re down and out, your mouth is still so sharp.” I didn’t want to engage with him, so I dropped off his expensive custom-made suit and turned to mark the delivery as complete. “Did I say you could leave? Did I confirm I received everything correctly? You know this is expensive, right? If anything happens to it, you couldn’t afford to compensate even if you delivered for a year. Aren’t you afraid I’ll complain about you?” Finn grabbed my hand, unwilling to let me go easily. “Mr. Aiden, your items have been delivered. Is there anything else? If not, could you please give a five-star rating? Thank you.” “A five-star rating? Does your attitude deserve a five-star rating?” “Sir, it’s fine if you don’t rate me well. Just please let go so I can make my next delivery. I’m running late.” Finn held my arm tightly, and I couldn’t break free. Reluctantly, I softened my tone, eager to escape. After all, I’d already wasted a lot of time on his delivery today. “And if I don’t let go?” Finn tightened his grip, glaring at me. I sighed and asked patiently, “What will it take for you to let me go?” “How about this: if you’re so short on money, kiss me, and I’ll give you 100,000 yuan.” He smiled smugly, expecting his words to provoke me. Unfortunately for him, he was wrong. I grabbed his collar with my free hand, pulled him close, and kissed him hard, even biting him in retaliation. His expression changed from superiority to panic. “How could you change like this for money?” His face turned beet red as he covered his mouth, looking vulnerable. I ignored his question, knocked him to the ground, and kissed him all over, satisfied as I got up. “That’s 10 kisses, 1 million yuan. Will you pay by transfer or check?” I shamelessly asked for my money. Finn, doubting his life choices, mechanically took out his checkbook. I filled in the amount, had him sign it, and left with the check, leaving him disheveled on the couch. I shook my sweat-soaked hair, put on my helmet, mounted my electric scooter, and continued taking orders. After all, 1 million yuan wasn’t nearly enough.

Three months ago, I was still a wealthy girl, returning home with a prestigious degree from abroad to the villa that is now long gone. I thought taking over my father’s business empire and making it bigger and better would be my goal. But upon returning, I learned my father’s company had gone bankrupt. To pay off debts, my father sold all our properties, including the villa I used to live in. Our family went from wealthy to penniless overnight, still owing lots of debt. Because my father’s reputation plummeted in the industry, it was hard for either of us to find respectable jobs. I, who was always proud, couldn’t accept being trampled on by the rich kids who had always been beneath me. The disparity in status hit me hard until I saw my parents doing odd jobs to repay the debt. I finally put my worthless pride aside. After all, staying alive was more important than being respected. But I didn’t completely give up. Even though I had a degree in finance from abroad, I refused to enter the business world where my father once fought, unwilling to work for those who wouldn’t lend a hand when he struggled. Out of options, I started delivering food. The once pampered young lady who never did manual work now climbed stairs and carried heavy loads for extra delivery fees. I went from a well-maintained, fair-skinned girl to someone who couldn’t stop getting tanned, even with a mask on. Many things had changed, including my old life. Finn’s order was the biggest I had received since starting food delivery. I thought it was fortune smiling on a fallen phoenix like me, but the order was left unclaimed because, to experienced couriers, it wasn’t worth as much as delivering five closer orders. I only figured this out later. When I returned to the familiar wealthy neighborhood, my status no longer matched. The security guards who had once nodded and bowed to me now waved me off in disgust, demanding I register before entering. Worse, I needed the owner’s permission to deliver. That’s how I ended up calling Finn. We never got along, and since childhood, we never spoke kindly to each other. When he saw my name on the caller ID, he instinctively answered with sarcasm. “Adeline, are you finally coming to beg me?” In the past, I would’ve snapped back and started a fight. But now, he was my VIP customer. One bad review from him, and I’d lose the hefty delivery fee for traveling so far. “Hello, ExtremeSwagMaster, I’m your delivery person. Could you let the security know to let me in?” When I called, I realized that ExtremeSwagMaster was Finn, who grew up with me. I thought my ties with him ended when my family fell from grace. Little did I know I’d return to this villa area within days of delivering food. And the order was Finn’s. I tried to keep my voice calm, waiting for his permission. It wasn’t that I felt ashamed. But wearing a delivery uniform, helmet, and being as tanned as I was, facing my childhood rival gave me a sense of unease. Moreover, Finn’s chosen name was more ridiculous than mine. This reunion was surprising for both of us. He took a while to let me deliver the order, even coming out to meet me, allowing me to earn 1 million yuan. He thought his joke would humiliate me, but for me now, only a fool wouldn’t take the money. This 1 million yuan is just a drop in the bucket for my family’s debts. I didn’t plan to accept this fortune comfortably. Owing Finn money is better than owing strangers. I thought of writing Finn an IOU if I had the chance. Even if I delivered food forever, I’d find a way to repay him. I didn’t expect our next meeting to come so soon.

Because of Finn, it took me over an hour to return to the city. Apart from the 1 million yuan and high delivery fee, I made nothing today. After the dinner rush, I ended my workday and rode my little scooter home. By the time I got back, my parents had already eaten, leaving my portion in a simple dish to keep warm. To save electricity, they only had one lamp on and were doing handicrafts together. During the day, my mom worked as a waitress, and my dad drove for a ride-sharing service. At night, they did crafts, planning to sell them at a stall once they had enough. This high-intensity life barely covered the rent for our shabby place, our daily expenses, and the monthly loan shark payments. I greeted them softly and sat down to eat. Mom had made bean sprouts and tomato tofu, and the plate was still half full. No matter how tough things got, they always tried to give me the best. I quickly finished my meal and went to join them. Such an intense lifestyle barely managed to cover the rent for this rundown house, our daily expenses, and the monthly visits from the loan shark. I greeted them softly and sat down at the dining table to eat alone. Today, Mom made stir-fried bean sprouts and tomato tofu. More than half was still left on the plate. No matter how tough life was, they always tried to give me the best. I quickly ate up the food and walked over to them. This was one of the few happy moments for our family of three since moving into this shabby house. I took out the 1 million check I got from Finn and gently placed it in front of Dad. Seeing the number, Dad’s eyes filled with panic as he grabbed my hand. “Tell me honestly, where did this money come from? Please don’t do anything foolish, Adeline. We can repay the money slowly. Don’t let this ruin your life!” Dad’s hand trembled with anxiety and worry. His eyes, once bright and confident, had become dim and cloudy, with tears barely held back. “Dad, don’t overthink it. I delivered food to Finn’s house today, and he gave this to me.” I left out the more delicate details about the 1 million when explaining it to Dad. “Alright, alright, as long as you’re okay.” Dad sat back down on the bench, trembling as he picked up the 1 million check again, letting out another sigh. “Finn has a good heart. Ever since our family had troubles, those so-called old friends of mine have avoided me completely. They even let you down. With your high education, you couldn’t even find a decent job. I’m sorry, my child.” I quickly stopped Dad from continuing. “Alright, Dad. Just think about how you plan to use this 1 million. I need to rest now.” I believed that in the hands of someone who once built such a powerful business empire, this money would be put to good use. I went to the less than 3-square-meter bathroom to wash away the day’s dirt and fatigue. I threw my yellow vest into the washing machine and took out a new one. Even though life had taken away my comforts, I still hoped to find solace in small details. I soon fell into a dreamless sleep, worrying about how to repay Finn. Little did I know that Finn’s troubles were not that simple. The next morning, to catch the breakfast delivery rush, I left early with a piece of bread in my mouth. I skillfully hopped on my electric scooter, opened the delivery app, quickly snagged a few orders I could handle, and rushed to pick up the food. So when Finn’s call appeared on my phone again, I hesitated. I didn’t know how to face someone I grew up with, especially after impulsively taking his 1 million. This call might be his way of addressing the situation. But the money was taken, and there was no way to avoid the matter. Finn’s persistent calls severely affected my delivery speed. I decided to just block him. But I underestimated Finn’s determination to find me. He placed countless errand orders on the delivery platform, each offering a 1000 delivery fee. His only requirement was for the delivery person to find a female delivery person named Adeline and personally deliver to his address. A 1000 delivery fee! Even a top delivery person couldn’t earn that in a day without eating or drinking. Usually, the order hall was emptier than my stomach, but today there were plenty of orders. I even had the luxury to choose. Just when I was happy about today’s influx, our team’s top delivery person contacted me. “Hey Adeline, this order seems to be looking for you.” After finishing my last order, I finally had time to check my phone and see the message he sent me. Seeing the familiar address, I felt faint. “You know, there are many such orders now. A lot of people are looking for you. You’ve been good to me, so can I take this one?” Before I could faint completely, the top guy sent another message. He really had been good to me, teaching me how to snag orders, showing me where to find delivery hotspots, and helping me navigate shortcuts in the city. The delivery folks I met were all kind-hearted, without prejudice or disdain. Their help allowed me to at least cover the cost of renting the battery and have some savings. “Alright, I’ll go with you.” If I didn’t go, Finn would find another way to find me. I might as well see what he wanted. “Thanks, Adeline. With this delivery fee, I can take two days off.” In just one day, I crossed the familiar yet distant place I once knew so well. 24 hours later, I stood before Finn again. His expression looked like he wanted to devour me, but the presence of the delivery guy stopped him from confronting me like we used to as kids. “Boss, is this the person you were looking for?” The delivery guy didn’t notice the tension in the air and asked eagerly. “Yes, it’s her.” “Okay, I’ll mark it as delivered. Thanks, boss. Thanks, boss. Adeline, I’ll head off now. With this 1000, I’m done for the day. You take care and don’t work too late.” “Thanks, man.” I smiled and waved him off. “Have you seen enough?” I turned around, and Finn was glaring at me with gritted teeth. “Master Finn, what’s the big fuss about looking for me? Let me clarify, yesterday’s money is spent, so if you want money, I don’t have it. But if you’re offering the same price as yesterday, I’ll try to earn more.” I grinned slyly, staring at yesterday’s handiwork. Finn still had marks on his neck from yesterday. Honestly, I did have feelings for Finn; otherwise, I wouldn’t have put so much effort into kissing him. “Adeline! How did you become such a scoundrel? You’re so gentle with the delivery guy, but so harsh to me. Not just harsh, but you also… took advantage of me.” “Master Finn, you said I get 10,000 for a kiss, and you didn’t say there’s a limit. It’s more the merrier. If you want more, I’m available.” Finn’s face turned beet red, filled with embarrassment and confusion. I knew what he wanted to ask, but this was the only way to make Finn hate me, to make him loathe me. I’m an insatiable void. Dad’s loan shark debt keeps growing, and the back pay hasn’t been settled. Now I owe Finn 1 million. I had no choice but to take the money because our shattered home couldn’t endure another visit from the loan shark. Finn remained silent, so I clenched my fists, resolved to approach him. “Master Finn, is there more business today? Or does it need some cuddling?” I teasingly whispered close to his ear. He had a familiar scent, a cologne I specifically brought back for him from abroad. He once mocked my taste, but the sharp fragrance now filled my nostrils with his tense breaths. He instinctively pushed me to the ground. “Adeline, enough! You…” His chest heaved violently, taking several breaths before suppressing his anger. “Master Finn, if you have no other business, I’ll leave. You’ve already taken up too much of my time.” I tried to sound cold and disagreeable, slowly getting up from the ground, brushing off nonexistent dust. “Wait, I have a new business proposition for you.” It looks like I didn’t receive the text you wanted me to translate. Could you please send it again so I can help you with it? 6 I looked into his serious eyes, unsure of what new plan Finn was concocting. “What?” Even though I was determined to cut ties with Finn, those sparkling eyes made it hard to say anything insincere.

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I was a renowned surgeon at Seaside Hospital. Three years ago, I fainted on the operating table due to an allergic reaction, and the patient couldn’t be saved from the excessive bleeding. As the lead surgeon, I was prosecuted and sent to prison because of the family’s influence, enduring three years of unimaginable torture. The day I was released, my husband and son came to take me home. I was moved by their unwavering support and loved them even more, never doubting their words. Until one day, I unintentionally overheard a conversation in the study between my husband and son: “Dad, when are you going to marry Aunt Nora? I don’t want a murderer as my mom.” “Enough. If you hadn’t put peanut powder in your mom’s food back then, causing her allergy, she wouldn’t have ended up in jail.” “I only did it because Aunt Nora lost the department head election to Mom. And Dad, you didn’t oppose it either.” My husband angrily slammed the table: “I told you never to bring this up again. If it weren’t for Nora being upset, I wouldn’t have agreed to your plan.” I stepped back, covering my mouth as tears streamed down. “Dad, do you really want Aunt Nora to be with someone else? Didn’t you say she would be my mom?” Declan hesitated, furrowing his brows. “Are you worried that woman will find out? Don’t worry, she’s so naive, she listens to us without question and won’t suspect anything. But Aunt Nora, if you don’t act soon, she’ll marry someone else.” My son tugged at his hand, seeking affection. Declan tapped his forehead with a mix of indulgence and worry, “For now, don’t let her find out. Nora needs to become Master Blake’s disciple and needs that acupuncture manuscript of hers. Once she hands it over…” He was interrupted by his son’s excitement: “Then we can be a family, and that murderer woman can go away.” “Keep your voice down, don’t let her hear.” My son nodded, covering his mouth: “Got it, Dad. You better explain to Aunt Nora. If it weren’t for that murderer, Aunt Nora wouldn’t have misunderstood us. I hate her so much, why didn’t she die in prison?” The child who usually wore an angelic smile now spoke with disdain and hatred. It seemed my existence was their biggest obstacle. Three years ago, I was confused and dragged to court due to a medical accident. A health report falsely stating I had no allergies sent me to prison. Declan and my son assured me they’d wait for me. During those three years in prison, I endured endless torture, with anyone in a bad mood taking it out on me. At the worst, eight of my ribs were broken. The monthly visitation day was my only hope. But Declan and my son never showed up. When I was released, my foster parents had passed away, and my former friends, classmates, and teachers distanced themselves. Everywhere I went, people pointed and whispered, and the mark on my wrist became my life’s label, always drawing ridicule. Thankfully, Declan and my son stayed by my side, encouraging me, giving me confidence and courage. They said that no matter what others thought, they’d never leave me, because I was their most loved one. And I made them the only light in my darkness, willingly becoming a housewife, taking care of them with all my heart. That became my best way to express my love. I never imagined that all my suffering was thanks to them! The love I felt was just a facade to help Nora. Tears welled up uncontrollably. At that moment, I couldn’t hold back any longer and fled. Back in the bedroom, the walls were covered with photos of Declan and me. From when I was seventeen to after we got married. Each photo held different memories. But gradually, someone else appeared in our photos. Nora was an intern I brought in. Wherever Declan was, she was there too. I warned Declan, but he dismissed it. He even said, “Adeline, do you lack confidence in yourself or doubt our relationship?” So after I dismissed my suspicions, they worked together to send me to prison. Even my child, whom I carried for ten months, wants me dead. I held my head in despair, their words echoing in my mind. The pressure in my chest made it hard to breathe, and tears kept flowing. On one side was the desperate truth, on the other, years of love and family ties. What should I do? I bit my lip hard, my body trembling in silent sobs. Declan and my son came in without me noticing. Seeing my tear-streaked face, my son jumped into my arms, nuzzling against me, and comforted me with practiced ease. Declan held me gently, murmuring softly: “Adeline, it’s okay. Just be yourself, I’ll handle the rest! My son and I will always be your support.” Feeling his tenderness, I couldn’t stop asking myself, can I really rely on them? If I hadn’t heard their conversation, I’d be happy, but now all I feel is trembling and nausea. If not for Nora, they wouldn’t have to act with me. Late at night, I booked a flight for the next day. I didn’t expect Nora to come to my house the next day. They were having a meal. My son sat beside her, acting spoiled, calling her mom. Nora looked at Declan with a shy smile. Declan lovingly stroked her hair. But in this beautiful, warm scene, I was the odd one out. Nora was the first to see me. She smiled brightly. “Oh, Adeline, sorry, I forgot you were here. Sit down, I’ll get you a bowl of rice.” Nora quickly returned, placing a white bowl in front of me, contrasting with their pink ones. I gripped my chopsticks so hard my knuckles turned white. I remembered when I had just come back, I grabbed those three bowls from the cabinet, and Declan got so angry. “Adeline, after being away for years, I’ll tell you what you can and can’t touch.” Even my son angrily dumped his food and hid the bowl like a treasure. Now I realized those were the bowls for their ‘family of three.’ Nora followed my gaze to the bowl, smirking, and spoke with satisfaction, “Adeline, don’t mind. This set of bowls was specially made by Declan for Lachlan. Kids like quirky things. Adeline, eat more, try my cooking. Declan and Lachlan say I cook well, give me your opinion.” Declan smiled, placing a chicken drumstick in her bowl, “Adeline won’t overthink. But you, don’t just care about others, eat more too.” My son pouted, pretending to be unhappy. “Dad is so biased, only nice to Aunt Nora. Why don’t you give me food?” Declan helplessly gave him another drumstick. “Just two drumsticks, one for you and one for Aunt Nora.” My son happily gnawed on the chicken, while Declan casually wiped the oil from Nora’s mouth. “Grown-up, yet eating like a messy cat.” Nora blushed, glancing at me, and pretended to be shy: “Adeline is here, don’t let her misunderstand.” “Adeline is understanding, not a little girl, she won’t get jealous or misunderstand.” I forced a bitter smile. They seemed like a family, while I, the real wife, was the unnecessary outsider. The next moment, Declan ordered with a justified tone, “Adeline, Nora is practically your half-student. She wants to apply for Acupuncture Master Blake’s disciple exam. I remember you have an ancient acupuncture manuscript, you don’t need it anymore, give it to Nora!” I’ve carefully kept that manuscript, it’s the only clue to my real family. He knows that. I clenched my fists, my voice hoarse and bitter, “That ancient acupuncture manuscript is the only token my birth mother left me, I need it to find her, how could you…” Declan’s face darkened, and his tone turned impatient. “After all these years, if your mother wanted to find you, she would’ve appeared. I’m helping you, so you won’t dwell on unrealistic things. This isn’t a discussion, I’ve promised it to Nora, get it out, the exam deadline is in three days, Nora needs to start studying.” Nora looked at me with a smug expression, “Adeline, Declan is doing this for your good, I think you should accept reality!” Yes, with everything laid out, what am I holding on to? I put down my chopsticks, stood up, and spoke slowly: “Declan, let’s get a divorce.” As soon as I said it, their faces changed. My son and Nora were full of joy. Declan, on the other hand, frowned in shock, then looked displeased. “Adeline, you’re divorcing over a manuscript? When did you become so unreasonable?” “Declan, don’t say that to Adeline. The manuscript is hers, it’s okay if she doesn’t want to give it to me, I’ll get in with my own efforts.” At this moment, Nora had already put on a pitiful look, tears in her eyes, pulling my arm. I set down my chopsticks, rose to my feet, and said quietly, “Declan, let’s get a divorce.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, their faces changed. My son and Nora looked thrilled, while Declan seemed shocked, his brows knitting in displeasure. “Adeline, you’re asking for a divorce over some old book? Since when did you become so unreasonable?” “Declan, don’t speak about Adeline like that. The book is hers. If she doesn’t want to give it to me, that’s okay. I’ll earn it through my own efforts.” At this point, Nora had already adopted a pitiful demeanor, tears shimmering in her eyes as she grasped my arm. “Adeline, I know you’ve never really liked me. Now that you’re back, I shouldn’t be here in your home. But I truly care for Lachlan. If that’s how you feel, I won’t come anymore, and I don’t need the book. It’s all my fault. Please don’t divorce Declan because of me.” My son jumped off his chair and glared at me fiercely. “If you don’t like Aunt Nora, then you should leave. You’re just a murderer. What right do you have to dislike Aunt Nora?” Watching my seven-year-old son hitting me and shoving me to defend another woman broke my heart. Amid the struggle, Nora let out a scream and fell to the ground. The next moment, my son charged at me, head-first into my stomach. I stumbled several steps back, my head hitting the wall hard, pain blurring my vision. Before I could recover, Declan’s furious eyes met mine. He slapped me hard across the face, yanked my hair, and said coldly: “Adeline, how dare you, an ex-con, lay a hand on Nora? Apologize to her right now!” I endured the sharp pain in my scalp, stubbornly looking at the man who once cherished me. Back then, even if my eyes just welled up, he would feel guilty and comfort me for ages. But now? He would hit me for another woman. At that moment, I truly felt my heart shatter. “Declan, is this what you meant by having me rely on you?” Declan let go of my hair, a flicker of panic in his eyes, about to speak when Nora’s soft sobs interrupted. “Declan, Adeline, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have come between you. I’ll leave now!” My son clung to her hand, glaring at me as he spoke, “If anyone should leave, it’s you. I don’t have a murderer for a mother.” Declan also agreed with our son, “Adeline, it seems I’ve been too good to you. You should go out and clear your head. Think it over and then come back with the ancient manuscript for Nora. A useless person like you shouldn’t hold onto something so valuable.” When I was pushed out and the door shut, I clearly saw Nora give me a triumphant, mocking smile. I’m glad I discovered their true nature early on, so I’m not as devastated now. That place is no longer my home; staying would only make me feel sick. I sat outside all night. At dawn, I knocked on the door slowly. With a flight this afternoon, I have to retrieve my documents from the bedroom. Nora opened the door in a slip dress, deliberately adjusting her hair over her shoulder to reveal her neck and the trail of hickeys down to her chest. “Adeline, I’m really sorry. I wanted to come out to find you yesterday, but Declan was just too vigorous. We didn’t stop until almost dawn. Fortunately, you came back on your own.” Even though I already knew about their relationship, seeing it with my own eyes still tightened my heart. I said nothing, just walked inside. At the bedroom door, I ran into Declan coming out. When he saw me, he was startled and spoke in a fluster. “Adeline, when did you get back? I… let me explain, something came up last night, so Nora stayed over.” I glanced at the messy bedroom with clothes torn on the floor. Clenching my fists, I shook my head nonchalantly, “It’s fine. When can I come in?” Seeing my expressionless face, without anger, Declan was the one who became embarrassed and angry. “Adeline, aren’t you mad? Seeing me with another woman, don’t you have any reaction?” I blinked, “What reaction do you want from me? To make a scene or hit her? What’s the point? You wouldn’t allow it anyway.” Declan didn’t expect me to respond like that, his brows furrowing tighter. At this moment, Nora chimed in, standing by Declan’s side, “Declan, today we need to go to Washington D.C. early. If it’s inconvenient, I can go by myself.” Declan wrapped his arm around her waist, ordering me, “Two days from now, Nora needs to register. Our son and I will accompany her to Washington D.C. today. We won’t be back for a while. Find the ancient manuscript quickly. Nora needs it for her exam in six months!” I nodded. It’s just an ancient manuscript, right? I’ll give it to her. If I don’t, they’ll definitely keep pestering me, making it harder for me to leave. When Nora got the ancient manuscript, her eyes were glowing. Watching their backs as the three of them left, I gave a bitter smile. I turned to the study, copying the recording of Declan’s conversation with our son from that day and took photos of the bedroom mess. Just then, I received a text from Nora. [Adeline, you’re really stupid. Did you really think that just giving me the manuscript would mean Declan would stay with you forever?] [I’m not afraid to tell you, we’ve actually been together since before you went to prison. He said he fell in love with me long ago, and you’re just his responsibility.] [Even your own son has called me mom for three years. The reason they never visited you during your three years in prison is because we lived together every day. What you thought was your home, I’ve actually lived in for three years.] She sent pictures after that. There were intimate photos of her and Declan, and family photos with our son. I didn’t reply, just saved them one by one. Everything about me in the bedroom, along with those photos, I threw into the trash downstairs. After doing all this, I placed the signed divorce papers and wedding ring on the table. As I was about to leave with my luggage, Declan called. His tone was gloomy, sounding conflicted: “Adeline, I haven’t forgotten my promise to you. I still have you in my heart.” “Actually, I…” Before he could finish, I heard Nora calling him. I replied calmly, “You go ahead.” “Adeline, I’ll explain things when I get back. Wait for me.” I was tired of his fake promises and hung up, blocking all his contacts. I’ve never felt so clear-headed as I do now. Before boarding the plane, I sent all the evidence to my attorney. Declan, weren’t you helping Nora step over me to succeed? Then I wish you smooth sailing. I hope you like this big gift. But I never expected another accident to happen along the way. I’m sorry, but the text to be translated is missing. Please provide the Chinese text you would like translated. 5 Two days later, Declan and Nora celebrated registering at a hotel suite. They kissed passionately, and as emotions intensified, Nora boldly asked, “Declan, when can we be together openly? Didn’t you say you’d divorce Adeline once you got the ancient acupuncture manuscript?”

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