Zoe and Jack were once the most talked-about couple in our elite social circles. But at my birthday party, he was drawn to another girl. He said she was exactly his type, and even found her little schemes endearing. He broke off our engagement for her. When the media asked about me, his ex-girlfriend, Jack coolly replied: “Zoe is a nice girl, but I want to live for myself for once.” But later, he regretted marrying her. Everyone in our circle said Jack and I were the perfect match. We came from similar backgrounds and looked good together. More importantly, we weren’t bound by family interests. We got together at 16, each other’s first love. Our friends all said Jack and I were so lucky. In high society, true love is the most precious thing, and we had found it at just 16. But when I was ready to marry Jack, another girl appeared. At my birthday party, my childhood friend Olivia brought along a strikingly beautiful girl. “This is my friend Chloe. Her family is in the copper mining business,” Olivia said. I quickly ran through the names in my head. Growing up in these circles, you hear about all the major business families. But I’d never heard of a copper mining family with that surname. … I was a bit annoyed that Olivia had brought an outsider without warning me. To put it bluntly, our circle is exclusive. But at the root of it, we’ve seen too many people with ulterior motives, so we try to avoid trouble. This Chloe was trouble. She wore a bright red dress, flitting around the room like a butterfly. Even more flashy than me, the birthday girl. In one evening, she managed to add almost every guest on SnapChat. When the singer on stage finished a song, Chloe boldly went up, saying she wanted to sing a birthday song for me. I found it bizarre. I didn’t even know her, but she spoke as if we were close friends. She sang well. Her voice was sultry and alluring, her body swaying to the music, showing off her slender waist. My best friend Lucy complained: “Zoe, where did you find this kind of friend?” “She’s not celebrating your birthday, she’s clearly fishing for a rich husband.” I shrugged: “I don’t know her. Olivia brought her.” Lucy scoffed: “You didn’t hear how familiar she acted with you. Anyone would think you two were best friends!” She unlocked her phone and deleted the new SnapChat contact.

I didn’t think much of Chloe. I’d seen too many people trying to use our connections for their own gain. In the future, we’d just have to be stricter about guest lists. There probably wouldn’t be another chance to meet. But I didn’t expect her to actively provoke me. After finishing her song, she came over with her phone, asking to add Jack on SnapChat. Jack smiled noncommittally: “If I add you, my girlfriend won’t be happy.” But Chloe pouted coyly: “You’re kidding, Zoe isn’t that petty.” She turned to me: “Right, Zoe?” I coldly replied: “First, I don’t know you, so don’t act so familiar.” “Second, I didn’t invite you to my birthday, so please leave.” I called security to escort her out of the hall. Jack put his arm around me and chuckled: “I didn’t know my Zoe was so possessive.” It wasn’t really that. I just hated people trying to use my status and connections to climb the social ladder, while treating me like an idiot.

Chloe hadn’t been gone long when Jack’s assistant came and called him out. I thought it was work-related, so I didn’t ask. But he was gone for a long time. When I asked the staff, I found out Jack’s car had been hit – his new Bugatti. The car that hit him was a red Porsche, driven by Chloe. I went outside wearing a coat and saw the girl in her thin dress apologizing profusely to Jack. She was crying, insisting she had to help Jack fix the car no matter what. Jack looked displeased but didn’t give her a hard time, telling her not to worry about it. Chloe bit her lip: “Jack, I know you’re a good person.” “But I caused such big trouble, I can’t let it go without making amends.” “Can I… can I treat you to a meal as an apology? Give me a chance to make it up to you, please?” She took out her phone, wanting to add Jack’s contact. To my surprise, Jack agreed. I walked over to them: “Chloe, you were driving drunk, you should face the consequences.” “Lin, please call the police for me.” Lin was Jack’s assistant. He nodded, looking to Jack for approval. But Jack stopped me: “Let it go, it’s not a big deal.” He said to Chloe: “Call a driver to take you home.” I got angry: “How is it not a big deal? Her red car was parked several rows away from your Bugatti.” “If she wasn’t completely drunk, how could she possibly hit you from so far away?” “She was driving drunk, I’m calling the police. What’s wrong with that?” Seeing Lin not moving, I took out my phone to call myself. Jack was getting impatient: “Do you have to be so aggressive?”

I’ve always been straightforward, and Jack usually indulged me. But this time, he gave me the cold shoulder over a girl he’d just met. Chloe was taken away by the police, looking frail in her thin dress. Jack seemed very disappointed in me and asked: “Was that really necessary?” “Yes.” “Girls who are so domineering aren’t likeable.” I was stunned for a moment, then looked at him seriously: “Jack, I, Zoe, don’t live my life to please anyone.” We parted on bad terms that day. We didn’t contact each other for the next few days. When Lucy met me for lunch, she advised: “I know you’re a spoiled rich girl, but this time you should give Jack a way out!” “He’s under so much pressure at work lately, it’s normal for him to be irritable.” I thought about it and realized she was right. He had just taken over the family business and was struggling. The uncles and senior executives weren’t cooperating, causing him all sorts of headaches. I was about to send him a conciliatory message when I saw a waiter leading a man and woman to the window-side table with the best view. No wonder I couldn’t book that table for lunch today. Chloe’s apology dinner – Jack had kept the appointment after all. I deleted the reconciliation message I’d typed out. Instead, I sent: “Let’s break up.” Send.

Jack put down his phone and looked around as if sensing something, meeting my gaze. I put on my coat and turned to leave, but he caught up with me: “Zoe, don’t be like this.” Chloe chased after us too: “Zoe, don’t misunderstand, we were just…” I snapped at her: “This doesn’t concern you. Stay out of it.” “Jack, I’m not playing around. I really don’t want you anymore.” His expression was very serious. “Zoe, don’t regret this.” … After so many years together, I thought ending it would be harder. But it wasn’t. My parents had always told me I didn’t need to marry for family interests. They hoped I would date and marry someone I truly liked. I used to like Jack. But today in the restaurant, I suddenly realized I didn’t like him that much anymore. Not enough to fight another woman over him.

After that, my family’s company expanded into the French market, and I was abroad for a few months. Jack called me several times, but I didn’t answer. He sent me a message: “I’m going to be with Chloe now. Do you mind?” Looking at my phone, I felt more certain that ending things decisively was the right choice. Better to break up early and be free, than to be disgusted for months. I replied: “Do whatever you want.” But he seemed unwilling to let it go: “Zoe, you really don’t care about me at all, do you?” … A few days later, Jack brought Chloe as his official girlfriend to a social gathering. Lucy was puzzled: “Is Jack an idiot? Can’t he see she’s just a gold-digger?” I said: “Maybe he doesn’t mind. Who knows.” Logically, he should mind. People who approach you for personal gain will eventually harm you for personal gain. But it wasn’t my business anymore. Knowing I had no lingering feelings for Jack, Lucy sent me screenshots of Chloe’s Twitter to gossip about. Scuba diving, baking, afternoon tea, skiing. She perfectly fulfilled netizens’ fantasies of a rich girl’s life. But girls in our circle could tell at a glance – she was just a knockoff socialite. Girls who grew up in luxury don’t post 8 selfies for a $100 afternoon tea. It’s just an ordinary day, nothing worth showing off. But she was genuinely beautiful, with a great figure. Netizens called her a “goddess”. Her influencer friend casually revealed: [The goddess is taken now, her boyfriend is the heir to the J Group.] That’s when netizens realized: [Isn’t the J heir Jack?] [What? He and Zoe broke up???] News spreads fast online. That evening, both my parents and Jack’s parents learned about our breakup from trending topics on Twitter. I was urgently called back to the States.

My family and Jack’s family were old friends. A breakup wasn’t a big deal, but we were already engaged. If Jack had been more sensible, he should have at least informed both sets of parents first, let the families jointly announce the end of the engagement, before going public with his new girlfriend. The way things happened made it look like I’d been abandoned, which made my family lose face. Jack’s father was furious: “Don’t you have any sense? Throwing away basic courtesy for some random woman!” “Apologize to Zoe right now!” “That Chloe girl will never be accepted by our family!” Jack’s mother even slapped him twice to appease me. My parents were extremely angry at first, but seeing Jack’s parents had made their stance clear, and that I didn’t seem heartbroken, they decided not to pursue the matter. After a chaotic afternoon, Jack and I left my family’s house one after another. Chloe was waiting for him outside. Seeing the slap marks on Jack’s face, she suddenly went crazy and slapped me hard. I was stunned for a moment. I, Zoe, had never been hit by anyone in my life. After a few seconds, I finally reacted and was about to strike back. But Jack shielded Chloe behind him. She even shouted: “You can look down on me, but you can’t hurt Jack!” I was shaking with anger: “Jack, get out of the way. I’ll slap her once, and we’ll call it even.” But Jack said: “What’s the point of an eye for an eye? It’s just a misunderstanding, can’t she just apologize?” “If you want to hit someone, you can slap me!” I laughed bitterly: “What? Tired of being useless, now you want to play the hero?” I raised my knee and hit him hard between the legs. With a cry of pain, Jack crumpled to the ground. “A slap isn’t enough. This is more satisfying.”

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I lost my ability to speak due to childhood trauma. My parents, not wanting me around, arranged for me to marry my sister’s fiancé, Jasper, who was in a coma. Through three years of dedicated care, Jasper eventually emerged from his coma. Yet, his first request was for a divorce. He believed my sister had been the one caring for him all these years and insisted he would marry no one else. Later, I overheard his friend explaining it had actually been me caring for him. Jasper merely shrugged it off, saying, “I knew all along, but I can’t have a wife who doesn’t speak.” Feeling utterly defeated, I sought the help of a hypnotherapist to erase my memories, hoping it would restore my speech. When I awoke, I looked at the man by the hospital bed and asked, perplexed, “Who are you?” The man in front of me was stunned… 1. Jasper had been in a coma for three years, and when he opened his eyes, I was the first person he saw. However, his gaze was filled with a fleeting disappointment. I was too elated to notice and eagerly helped him sit up, sharing the joyous news with my friends. Soon, the room was bustling with people. Meanwhile, I, who had been by his side for three long years, found myself pushed to the sidelines, unnoticed. Lydia arrived fashionably late, clad in a stunning blue dress, as if she’d just come from a celebration. Jasper grasped Lydia’s hand, his eyes brimming with emotion, “My love, thank you for everything over these three years.” His words left everyone in the room momentarily frozen, the air thick with tension. I stood awkwardly, fiddling with my clothes, unable to voice my side of the story because of my speech disorder. His friend tried to clarify, “Jasper, it’s Cora who’s your wife.” Jasper’s expression turned cold, glaring at me as if I were the intruder in his and Lydia’s relationship. I had always known Jasper was fond of my cousin Lydia. They were to be wed, but a car accident left him comatose. My cousin, unwilling to face hardship, had pleaded with my parents. Upon learning it was Jasper, I agreed to marry him in her stead. I never imagined that after three years of meticulous care, this would be the result. I quickly picked up my phone to type out an explanation, only for Lydia to snatch it away. She smiled insincerely, “Sister, Jasper just woke up. He can’t handle too much information right now. You should leave.” Sensing the uneasy atmosphere, others in the room made their excuses to depart. As the door closed, Lydia threw herself into Jasper’s arms, tears rolling down her cheeks, “Jasper, you’ve finally woken up. I’ve waited for you for so long…” A sharp pain clenched my heart, and my hand trembled slightly on the door handle. After some time, Lydia opened the door, her face still streaked with tears. Suspiciously, I stepped into the room, only for a glass to crash at my feet. “Cora, you really went to great lengths just to marry me!” “Using such despicable tactics, aren’t you ashamed?” The shattered glass cut my leg, but the physical pain paled in comparison to the hurt inside. Jasper was my childhood friend, the one person who didn’t mind my inability to speak and encouraged me to seek help. But after meeting Lydia, he became drawn to her. The boy who once promised to marry me slowly drifted away, and now he saw me as the villain disrupting their relationship. I anxiously gestured in sign language, only to remember he couldn’t understand it, and shakily picked up my phone to type an explanation. Lydia looked at me mockingly, knocking my phone to the ground, rendering it useless. “Sister, please let us be together!” I stood there, frozen. Sign language and my phone were my only means of communication, and now I couldn’t even defend myself. I shook my head in desperation, but the world can be a cruel place, especially for someone who can’t speak. 2. My parents somehow got wind of the situation and rushed to the hospital. I felt a flicker of hope, stopping them and frantically gesturing for them to explain on my behalf. They could only understand basic sign language. Mom gave a slight nod, but Dad merely brushed past me, leading Mom into the room. After some small talk, Mom hesitated, “Cora, she…” Sensing what Mom intended to say, Lydia interrupted, “Mom, my sister just cares too much about Jasper. Don’t blame her.” My eyes widened in disbelief as I grabbed Lydia, gesturing furiously, “You’re lying! You’re lying!” She rubbed her wrist, nestling into Jasper’s arms, looking pitiful, “I’m sorry, sister. Don’t be angry. I won’t say more.” I gestured desperately at Mom, my vision blurring, “Tell him it’s not like this!” Mom avoided my gaze. A sense of hopelessness washed over me; caring for Jasper alone for three years hadn’t felt as despairing as today. Dad’s face darkened, “Weren’t you the one who insisted your sister step aside? Saying Jasper wouldn’t know anyway.” I could hardly believe my own father would distort the truth so much; his words pierced my heart like needles. It was my sister who had refused to marry Jasper, deeming him worthless, and my parents who had made me marry him instead. Jasper sneered, “Cora, it’s a good thing I woke up, or I would have died with regrets.” I bit my lip hard, the taste of blood spreading in my mouth, realizing how little I meant to him. Mom pulled me out of the room, her face apologetic, “Don’t blame your dad; we owe it to Lydia.” My cousin’s parents died saving mine, so they took Lydia in, treating her as their own. Out of guilt, my parents made me yield to her in everything. If I disagreed, Lydia would cry, lamenting how things would be better if her parents were alive. After I developed my speech disorder, when I needed company the most, Lydia had my parents take her on a vacation abroad. Her mocking words from three years ago still echoed, “A mute and a coma patient, perfectly matched!” Mom continued, “Now that Jasper is awake, he will divorce you sooner or later.” “Leaving a good impression will raise your sister’s status higher, right?” Tears fell to the ground, and I pounded my chest hard, the only way to ease the pain in my heart. But it was them who owed my uncle and aunt, so why should I have to repay it? Jasper acted quickly. In the morning, he decided to divorce, and by the afternoon, the divorce papers were ready. Afraid of any trouble, he hired bodyguards to ensure I signed my name. I let out a bitter laugh, slowly writing my name. Jasper had once saved my life; I had cared for him for three years. We were even now. 3. The evening autumn breeze carried a chill. Once my phone was repaired, I immediately messaged Dr. Wesley, “I want to try the hypnosis therapy you mentioned.” Dr. Wesley quickly replied, “After hypnosis, you’ll lose some memories.” “And you’ll need a family member to sign a consent form, ensuring someone takes care of you during recovery.” My eyes lingered on the words “family member,” unable to think of anyone who could sign for me. I scrolled through my contacts, hesitating over one name. Unexpectedly, a message popped up, “I’m back in the country today. How about a meal together?” I quickly replied, setting a meeting place. I gazed out at the scenery, my thoughts drifting far away. Asher was the son of my sign language teacher; I became familiar with him while attending classes at their house. Three years ago, when he discovered I was marrying someone in a coma, he angrily smashed the birthday gift he had for me, saying his mom teaching me sign language was a waste. I retaliated with harsh words in sign language. Later, he studied abroad, and I thought we’d never meet again. I never expected him to return, looking more mature, with an aura that warned strangers away when not smiling. I got straight to the point, asking in sign language if he could pretend to be my family member and sign for me. His expression froze, clenching his hands tightly as if suppressing something. “Are you sure?” I nodded slightly; these memories meant nothing to me, and erasing them would allow me to speak. “Okay.” Returning to the house, it was already evening, and my belongings were carelessly thrown in the hallway. Jasper glanced at me indifferently, “Cora, don’t say I didn’t leave you any dignity; from now on, you’ll stay in the guest room.” I nodded slightly; he didn’t expect me to be so calm, examining me up and down. I would soon forget him; where I lived no longer mattered. A small dog suddenly ran out of the house, and I froze, instinctively grabbing Jasper’s arm. He frowned displeasedly, harshly shaking off my hand. “Cora, know your place.” His force was strong, catching me off guard, and I fell to the ground, pain shooting through my wrist. I’ve been afraid of dogs since childhood, and the boy who once promised to protect me for life now let go of my hand. He hesitated, wanting to reach out and help me up. I pretended not to notice, enduring the pain to stand up. Lydia emerged from the room, clinging to Jasper’s arm, acting coy. “The little one doesn’t like being confined; let’s give it a bigger room.” Jasper dotingly ruffled her hair, “Alright, let’s give it the newly tidied guest room.” “Cora, move to the basement.” How ironic; in his eyes, I’m worth less than a stray dog they took in. While packing my things, I suddenly noticed a strange smell. He looked at me with a trace of annoyance and reached out to grab my arm. I pretended not to notice and endured the pain as I sat up. Lydia emerged from the room, holding Jasper’s hand, speaking sweetly, “Little Cutie doesn’t like being confined. Let’s move it to a bigger room.” Jasper gently tousled her hair. “Alright, let’s give Little Cutie the guest room we just prepared.” “Cora, you’ll move to the basement.” How absurd. To him, I’m not even worth as much as the stray dog they’ve taken in. While packing, I noticed a strange smell. I traced it to find a large yellow stain on a red coat. This coat was a birthday gift from Jasper. My birthday coincides with the day my uncle and aunt are memorialized, so my parents never allowed me to celebrate it. Jasper had secretly given me the coat, promising, “Cora, from now on, I’ll celebrate every birthday with you.” Promises hold value only when there’s love behind them. I treasured that coat so much that I never wore it. Now, it seems I never will. Seeing the coat, Jasper seemed momentarily moved and instructed the butler to have it dry-cleaned. But I threw it into the trash bin, along with all the photos of Jasper and me over the years. I want no ties to him in the future. Jasper fixed his gaze on me, speaking slowly, “Lydia has such a kind heart to adopt Little Cutie. If you upset her, there will be consequences.” Sometimes, when words fail, all you can do is laugh. It seems Jasper has completely forgotten that I’m afraid of dogs. Apparently, Jasper had given orders, as not one servant offered to help me. I endured the pain in my wrist, packing until evening, clearing out everything connected to Jasper. For the first time in three years, I was staying at home. Ever since Jasper became comatose, I practically lived in the hospital. Initially, people visited, but eventually, his family gave up on him, and it was mostly just the two of us in the hospital room. Just as dawn broke and I had drifted off to sleep, a basin of cold water jolted me awake. Jasper looked down at me, “Cora, you’re getting lazier by the day.” “You’re no longer the mistress of this house. How dare you sleep in?” Dazed, I nodded slightly to show I understood. I wiped the water from my face, got up, and changed my clothes. In the villa, the servants were bustling about. The butler glanced at me and directed me to clean the piano. It dawned on me that today was Lydia’s birthday. My fingers brushed over the keys, releasing beautiful music. Jasper once said my hands were meant for playing the piano, but now they’re used for cleaning it. A self-deprecating smile appeared on my lips. Sweet words are only genuine at the moment they’re spoken. Halfway through cleaning, I received a message from Dr. Wesley: [Tomorrow at ten in the morning.] I quickly replied with “okay” and forwarded the message to Asher. The prospect of being able to speak again lifted my spirits. I thought this party had nothing to do with me, but Jasper dragged me into the dressing room, and I was surprised to be handed a dress. He looked impatient. “Hurry up and change. If you don’t participate, how will people talk about Lydia?” It turns out he was just worried about gossip concerning Lydia. I touched the large stain on the dress, feeling numb inside. I remembered Lydia’s Snapchat story from an hour ago: [It doesn’t matter if the dress gets dirty. Jasper will prepare two for me.] Lydia stood by the cake like an elegant princess, while I felt like a clown for their amusement. I tried to make myself as inconspicuous as possible, sitting in the corner. Yet, the whispers still reached my ears. “What’s on her dress? It’s disgusting!” “She’s shameless enough to steal her sister’s engagement.” “I heard she’s mute too.” The mocking voices were relentless, and I clutched the hem of my dress tightly. Lydia sat by the piano, the spotlight on her, capturing everyone’s attention. The music abruptly stopped, and she exclaimed, “It hurts! Why is there a blade in the piano?” The butler pointed at me in the corner. “Only Miss Cora touched the piano!” Jasper glared at me, roughly dragging me to the piano and pressing my hands onto the keys. The pain was so intense I could barely breathe. “Cora, this is the price of your wrongdoing.” After saying that, he ignored my bleeding hands and carried Lydia out. I clearly saw Lydia give me a triumphant smile. Later, an ambulance took me to the hospital, but all the doctors were called to consult for Lydia. Before I passed out from blood loss, I heard a nurse shout angrily, “If her hands aren’t treated in time, she’ll be permanently disabled!” Tears slid from the corners of my eyes. I wish I had never met Jasper. Meanwhile, a doctor recognized Jasper and greeted him. “How’s your wife? She took care of you for three years. It’s good to see her suffering is over.” It looks like there’s no text available for translation. Could you provide the Chinese text that you want translated?

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My stepsister, Esme, has dissociative identity disorder and becomes violently aggressive whenever she sees me. She once attacked me with a knife, leaving me severely injured. Yet, my father and brother blamed me for provoking her. “You know Willa can’t handle stress. Why did you have to show up in front of her?” “Willa has nothing, unlike you. As her sister, you should let her have the family home.” These accusations took a toll on me, and I developed a severe mental disorder. Even my childhood fiancé fell for my stepsister, leaving me for her and holding a lavish wedding. Unable to cope with his betrayal, I lost my composure and caused a scene at their wedding. I was subsequently locked in a psychiatric hospital, where I died in misery. Meanwhile, my stepsister enjoyed the wealth I left behind, adored by my family and fiancé. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back at the moment when Esme was brandishing a knife, demanding I leave the house. This time, I vowed to see which was stronger: her disorder or my resolve! 1. “Get out!” “This is my home. I will not let an outsider like you set foot in here!” Esme’s demeanor changed drastically upon seeing me. She picked up a fruit knife from the table and lunged at me. I was ready, sidestepping her attack and then kicking her hard. She crashed to the ground, too pained even to groan. I bent down, picked up the dropped knife, and waved it in the air. “Where were you aiming just now? The arm, neck, or… the heart?” I said as I approached Esme with a cold smile. My actions terrified everyone else in the room. My stepmother rushed to shield her with her body, screaming. My father glared at me sternly and scolded me harshly. “Lydia, what madness is this? Willa has dissociative identity disorder; she’s ill. Why argue with her?” “Your mental state is even more unstable. You seem more like a mental patient than Willa!” My brother, Jasper, grabbed my hand holding the knife tightly, glaring at me with disdain. “Lunatic!” he spat. Instead of getting angry, I laughed hysterically, tears streaming down my face. Yes, I had lost my mind, driven there by them! In my previous life. When mom died in a car accident, dad managed Lydia Corp alone, working late into the night. I felt sorry for him and couldn’t stop him from remarrying. His new partner was his long-time secretary. To blend into the family more easily, my stepmother had her daughter change her name to match his surname. Esme was the opposite of my quiet nature, sweet and understanding, quickly winning Jasper’s approval. They were closer than I, his biological sister, could ever be. Despite feeling sorry for mom, I tried to accept the new family members. But no matter how friendly I was, Esme always showed hostility toward me. My stepmother explained that Esme had been triggered in childhood, developing dissociative identity disorder. Her second personality would emerge when sensing malice. This condition was like an excuse for everything. Esme shredded my clothes, and they sided with her. She destroyed all of mom’s relics, and they sided with her. She didn’t allow me into this house, stabbed me, and they still sided with her. In my past life, I nearly died at this moment. When I finally regained consciousness, I was met with harsh reproach. “You know Willa can’t handle stress. Why do you keep showing up in front of her? Are you trying to push her to her death?” “Willa has nothing, unlike you. Why can’t you give her the family home?” Esme felt so guilty for injuring me that she self-harmed. Dad and my brother blamed me for everything, hating me to the core, constantly abusing me verbally. Even when they learned I had a mental disorder, they didn’t stop mocking me. “We only said a few things, and you can’t handle it? Lydia, if you’re pretending to be sick, at least be convincing.” “Do you think you can take our love for Willa by being sick? Wishful thinking!” My childhood sweetheart, Declan, also thought I was being unreasonable and insisted on calling off our engagement, only to announce his upcoming wedding with Esme. On their wedding day, everyone was happy for the couple, except me. I couldn’t accept Declan’s betrayal and mentally collapsed, repeatedly asking, “Why do you love Esme and not me?” My crazed state terrified the guests. To maintain order, Declan and my family teamed up to have me institutionalized. There, I suffered inhumane treatment and soon died miserably. Perhaps my resentment was too strong because my soul lingered around Esme after death. I watched her enjoy the enormous wealth I left behind, adored by my family and fiancé. Her life was happy and satisfying, and her violent second personality never appeared again. My family also tacitly never mentioned it. Until I overheard her talking with my stepmother. “Mom, thanks to your brilliance in having me fake dissociative identity disorder, I could drive that wretch Lydia out and live such a good life!” My stepmother was quite pleased. “After enduring humiliation for so many years, we finally got what we wanted.” “It’s just a pity that old hag died too early to see her suffering and regret.” The mother and daughter laughed together. That’s when I realized Esme never had dissociative identity disorder. The pretense was revenge against mom, to take everything from her! Gideon knew all about this. He craved power, married into Lydia’s family, but couldn’t let go of his first love. They kept in touch secretly and had an illegitimate daughter. Just when he struggled to keep the secret, mom died unexpectedly. He was overjoyed and hurriedly arranged formal identities for the mother and daughter. To compensate for the grievances they suffered over the years, he chose to sacrifice me without hesitation. Luckily, I was given a chance to start over. This time, I won’t foolishly waste time and energy on unattainable love and family affection. I will expose Esme’s facade and guard mom’s wealth in Lydia Corp! With this in mind, I couldn’t bear to wait any longer. I raised my free hand and slapped Jasper hard. Since they called me crazy, I’ll show them just how crazy I can get! 2. Jasper was stunned by my slap. I took advantage of his daze to easily free myself from his grip. Realizing what happened, Jasper furiously wanted to retaliate. But I was quicker than him. With a sharp slap, the other side of Jasper’s face swelled up quickly, creating a kind of symmetry. I was quite satisfied with my handiwork, though the one being hit didn’t think the same. He was furious, determined to teach me a lesson. I wouldn’t give Jasper that chance. With a twist of my wrist, the sharp knife tip pressed against his vulnerable throat. Jasper’s face turned pale instantly, and his voice trembled. “Murder is illegal! Lydia, calm down!” I took the opportunity to remind him. “I forgot to mention, I do have a mental disorder. When I have an episode, I can’t control my actions. I’m the kind who won’t go to jail even if I kill someone.” “So, Jasper, stop provoking me. Got it?” With the blade so close, Jasper nodded repeatedly, unable to utter a word of defiance. Seeing he was sensible for once, I silently withdrew the knife. There were others I needed to deal with, so I decided to let him go for now. With the immediate threat resolved, my stepmother immediately spoke in her exaggerated, affected tone. “Though you’re reclusive and sullen, you’ve been pampered since childhood. How could you have such an illness? It must be quack doctors tricking you for money!” “Don’t worry, mom will find another doctor for you.” In the past, I would have been moved by her display of concern. But now, I immediately recognized her jealousy of my material conditions. I glanced at Gideon. As expected, I saw intense guilt and remorse in his eyes. It disgusted me so much that I immediately mocked him. “Don’t act all motherly.” “You, a low-class thing, aren’t worthy of associating with me!” My stepmother gritted her teeth in anger. But she had to maintain her dignified and virtuous image in front of Gideon. She could only forcefully suppress her temper, lower her head, and pretend to wipe away non-existent tears. Gideon was heartbroken. Pointing his finger at me, he started cursing. “Lydia, watch your mouth!” “Even if you don’t want to accept Esme, it doesn’t change the fact that she’s my lawfully wedded wife, your stepmother, and your elder!” “As a dignified lady, shouting like a shrew, what does it look like? You’ve disgraced me!” “Apologize now! Or I’ll pretend I never had a daughter like you. Get out of this house immediately!” I snorted disdainfully. “My mom went through all the trouble to give birth to me, not you, who only cares about having a good time!” “Do you think I care about being your daughter?” “And I should remind you, this is Lydia’s family estate. You’re a Gideon. If anyone should leave, it’s you, not me!” Gideon didn’t expect me to defy him too. Trembling, he kept cursing me as a brat. I was tired of listening and coldly interrupted. “If you want me to be filial, it’s not impossible.” “When you’re dead, I can, for the sake of being father and daughter, burn some money for you.” “For example, like this…” Saying that, I took out some leftover ceremonial paper money, lit it with a lighter, and tossed it over. My aim was excellent, hitting Gideon squarely. The flames spread along his clothes. Gideon started screaming and rolling on the ground, trying to put out the fire. Gideon never imagined I would stand up to him. His hands trembled as he called me a bastard over and over. I was tired of listening, so I cut him off coldly. “If you want me to show filial piety, it’s not impossible.” “Maybe when you die, I’ll burn some money for you out of our father-daughter connection.” “Like this…” With that, I pulled out some spirit money I had left over from a ritual and set it on fire with a lighter before tossing it at him. My aim was precise; it landed straight on Gideon. The flames quickly spread across his clothes. He screamed in agony, rolling on the ground trying to extinguish the fire. My stepmother and Jasper rushed over in a panic, creating a scene of chaos. That’s exactly what I was waiting for! As their attention was focused on Gideon, I turned back to Esme. “Finally, we can continue.” Her expression remained angry and fierce, but if you looked closely, you could see the fear in her eyes. She was scared. Afraid I might really kill her. I looked down at her, savoring the moment. Then I tightened my grip on the knife and lunged at her with force! In a life-and-death moment, Esme unleashed unexpected strength and narrowly avoided a fatal blow. The knife only grazed her arm. Fortunately, I had used considerable force, and her wound was deep. In the blink of an eye, blood poured out like a stream, pooling on the floor. She screamed in pain. The others heard the commotion and rushed over much faster than I had anticipated. I had to abandon the idea of finishing the job. Before I could escape, Jasper grabbed my hair. “Lydia, are you looking to die?” His eyes were red with anger. His hand tightened around my neck, and the suffocating sensation overwhelmed me. My hands fell weakly, and the knife dropped to the ground. At that moment, my own brother genuinely wanted to kill me! In my past life, when Esme hurt me, it was considered my fault. In this life, when I hurt her to protect myself, it was unforgivable. In my family’s eyes, Esme was always pure and good; no matter what, everything was my fault. How ridiculous is that? Luckily, I no longer yearn for their love. With effort, I opened my mouth: “If you kill me, they won’t make it either.” “Before I die, I can take two more down with me. It’s worth it.” Jasper followed my gaze. Esme lay in a pool of blood, barely breathing. Gideon was drenched, his chest blackened, his condition uncertain. My stepmother was a mess, crying in panic. Every extra minute we delayed added more danger. Jasper didn’t dare engage with me further. He tossed me aside like trash. I gasped for the precious fresh air, coldly watching Jasper scramble around. Before leaving with the medical staff, he threw one last sentence at me. “Lydia, just you wait, this isn’t over!” Threatening me? Someone who’s already faced death once doesn’t fear threats. My eyes were filled with murderous intent. This isn’t over by a long shot! As soon as Jasper and the others left, I had the locks changed. Once that was done, I discovered Esme’s name dominated dozens of trending topics. I almost forgot she was a beauty influencer with millions of followers. The most popular video showed Esme lying in a hospital bed, her delicate face devoid of color. Even so, she forced herself to endure discomfort and sincerely apologized. “I’ve suffered severe injuries. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to take a break and recuperate.” “Thank you to my fans for understanding. Also, please don’t blame my sister. She just couldn’t accept that the family’s love for her was divided by me, and she lost control, which led to hurting me.” “I believe Sister Lydia didn’t do it on purpose!” Her choked-up voice, along with tears in her eyes, made Esme seem extremely vulnerable and pitiable. Fans, seeing her being wronged, quickly used their skills to dig up all my dirt. My reputation was dragged through the mud: insulting the stepmother, setting fire to the father, injuring the stepsister with a knife… Each incident made onlookers question if a person could truly do such things. Righteous netizens flooded my comments section. “Willa and her mom just joined this family, not to ruin it. Is it necessary to be so hostile?” “Your own mom died, and you can’t stand others being happy. You’re sick, no wonder you’re always going crazy.” “My girl Willa is the most beloved in the world, your jealousy is useless!” “Spoiled, ruthless, inhumane… No combination of bad words can fully describe your malice!” The unpleasant comments were endless. I scanned through them with a blank expression, filled with overwhelming hatred. Again, it’s the same! Clearly, Esme was wrong first. But as soon as she put on another face, played innocent, and acted weak, everyone sided with her, sympathizing with her. Having just saved my life, she immediately provoked me. Does she think the lesson wasn’t enough? Then I’ll make sure Esme remembers it well! I drove to the hospital. Before I even entered, I could hear laughter and joy from inside. “Willa, you can’t move your hand yet. Don’t push yourself. Let Declan feed you.” Faced with Declan’s domineering yet gentle demand, Willa didn’t know how to refuse, and sweetly agreed. “Then I’ll trouble you, Declan ~” Her drawn-out tone was enough to make anyone’s heart melt. Where was the slightest hint of the grievance shown in the video? I raised an eyebrow, pushed the door open, and saw the two on the bed kissing passionately. You could even hear the sticky, intimate sounds echoing in the room. Mouth to mouth. So that’s how he was feeding her. I suppressed my disgust and snapped several photos. After the kiss ended, Declan finally noticed my presence. His previously smiling eyes turned icy the moment he saw me. His voice carried a bone-chilling coldness. “What are you doing here?” “You’re not welcome here, get out!” I laughed mockingly. “What, did I interrupt your little affair?” “Having an affair in broad daylight without shame, but embarrassed when caught? What’s the act for?” I spoke with no mercy. Declan, embarrassed and angry, shouted with a red face. “Lydia, what nonsense are you spouting?” “I’m only atoning for your crime! You’re the one who went crazy and hurt Willa!” “People with dirty minds see everything as dirty!” Esme, on the other hand. Her eyes burned with intense hatred as she threw a bowl of chicken soup at me. I sidestepped it. The porcelain bowl shattered, and the hot soup splashed everywhere. Declan was used to Willa attacking me on sight. After all, in the lies Willa spun about her dissociative identity disorder, one point was her intense possessiveness over Declan. She believed she was Declan’s fiancée, and I was the homewrecker trying to interfere. So whenever she saw me, it was either endless insults or violent attempts to drive me away. Only when I completely disappeared from her sight would she return to normal. Declan’s expression didn’t change. He just leaned over to check if her wound was bleeding. Playing the role of a thoughtful fiancé to perfection. Once he saw no major issue, he relaxed. He continued to condemn me with a tone full of disdain. “You know Willa gets emotionally agitated whenever she sees me talking to you. Yet you still provoke her. Are you trying to leave her with a permanent injury?” “Lydia, you’re too vicious!” Meanwhile, Esme, frustrated by a missed attack, grew even more agitated and rushed at me without care. “Interfering in my relationship, stealing my fiancé.” “Bitch! Homewrecker! Go die!” I knew I couldn’t count on Declan. Acting quickly, I bent down to pick up a shard of the broken porcelain bowl. Then I swiftly got up, seizing the moment, and grabbed the back of her neck. With a slight movement of my wrist holding the shard, a blood mark immediately appeared on Esme’s slender neck. Her sharp, ear-piercing scream abruptly stopped. What followed was Declan’s voice, altered by fear, calling my name repeatedly, urging me to calm down. I found it annoying. I tightened my grip on the shard, about to make a deeper cut. Suddenly, I spotted unexpected guests. Jasper and my stepmother were at the front, uniformed police officers right behind them, with Gideon following, panting heavily. My stepmother wailed, “Let Willa go!” Jasper threatened fiercely, “Lydia, don’t be arrogant! I’ve reported you for attempted murder. Your good days are over!” The police timely intervened, “Release the hostage! If you insist on harming others, I have the authority to shoot you dead!” It appears that there is no original text provided for translation. Please supply the content you wish to be translated, and I’ll be happy to assist. As he spoke, he reached towards his waist, clearly intending to deal with me if I didn’t cooperate. I felt sure I could move faster than the police, but I wasn’t willing to take the risk. Esme was still alive, and I wasn’t ready to give up just yet. After considering my options, I dropped the shards and pushed Esme away with disdain. “Tch, she’s so hard to kill.” She stumbled, nearly falling, but Declan caught her. Noticing her slight trembling, he comforted her with genuine concern. With others around, Esme was cautious not to reveal her fake dissociative identity disorder act, so she only sobbed softly. From a hidden angle, she shot me a taunting glance, as if to say: The one you love has betrayed you for someone else, you pathetic fool. Seeing that made my blood boil, and I wanted to lash out again. The police, sensing my intent, quickly handcuffed me. Declan finally relaxed, glaring at me with undisguised disgust and contempt. “How could you be so cruel to your own sister, Lydia? You’re heartless!” He didn’t bother explaining the situation, just criticized and belittled me. My family didn’t defend me either; they seemed to agree with him. My stepmother declared righteously, “Lydia almost killed Gideon before; she probably has an antisocial personality disorder. Officer, you must keep a strict watch on her, don’t let her harm others!” Jasper nodded repeatedly, “Having such a troublesome sister is my misfortune. Thankfully, Willa is sweet and sensible, nothing like Lydia.” Finally, Gideon sealed it. “Lydia’s actions are unforgivable. Let the law decide her fate!” I was taken away by the police for attempted assault. As soon as the news broke, netizens were elated. “Finally! The always-crazy Lydia is caught! Now my dear Willa can live happily ever after, and her fans are relieved.” “Serves her right! Anyone who harms our younger sister deserves to pay!” “Hope Lydia stays in jail forever!” Soon after, Declan made a public declaration of love. “For years, Lydia clung to me like a parasite, stopping me from being with the one I love.” “Now that Lydia is out of the way, I can finally give Willa the grandest wedding!” Nora wasn’t shy either, boldly responding. “The past hurts are hard to forget, but I’ll cherish every day with my love from now on.” “I hope everyone can, like me, leave the gloom behind and embrace happiness!” Their statements fueled a public backlash against me. “I can’t believe Lydia interfered in Willa’s relationship, how shameless!” “Lydia is so vicious, not only stealing from family but also lovers. Thankfully she’s caught and can’t harm Willa anymore.” “With such trouble around, I can’t imagine the hardship Willa endured at Lydia Corp all these years… My heart aches for our younger sister!” To comfort her distressed fans, Esme decided to livestream her wedding, letting everyone witness her happiness. This decision was widely applauded. Major media outlets eagerly covered this high-profile union of a wealthy young man and a wealthy heiress, gearing up for a big story. And so, Esme’s wedding day arrived amid great anticipation. Esme appeared in a stunning gown. Her white dress and exquisite makeup made her look like a fairy from another world. Declan was mesmerized, reverently kissing her hand. “Willa, my bride, you look beautiful today.” Cameras flashed, capturing the beautiful moment. The livestream chat was filled with praise. Esme, basking in the adoration, finally spoke. “Now, let’s all look back at the journey Declan and I have taken.” “I hope everyone, like me, never gives up no matter how hard it gets, and bravely pursues happiness!” After her words, a pre-recorded sweet video of the two was supposed to play on the big screen. She would then marry the rich and handsome Declan, becoming the envy of all girls. However, the screen showed Esme’s twisted face instead. She tore up my mom’s painting despite my pleas, tearing each piece while cursing. “What ugly paintings, such an eyesore!” But that wasn’t enough. She took scissors and cut my clothes into shreds. “Why should you have what I don’t? I won’t allow it!” She only stopped when my room was in shambles, satisfied, and threw herself pitifully into the late-arriving Jasper’s arms. “My sister was flaunting her stuff, I was so envious. Then, I don’t know how it ended up like this…” With tear-filled eyes, I tried recounting the events. But before I could speak, Jasper harshly reprimanded me. “Enough! I don’t want to hear your excuses for bullying Willa!” “If you hadn’t provoked Willa first, she wouldn’t have damaged your stuff!” The scene shifted to Gideon scolding. “It’s just childhood sweetheart feelings. Is it more important than your sister?” “Since Willa has chosen Declan as her childhood fiancé, you should give up the fiancé title.” “Instead of selfishly holding on and letting Willa be labeled a mistress!” Then, the video showed Esme trying to stab me with a knife. Of course, Declan’s cheating and blaming me for catching him didn’t go unrecorded. Every hurtful deed against me was captured in full. Inside and outside, people couldn’t help but criticize. “Oh my, you never know someone’s true face. Didn’t expect Esme to have two faces!” “Turns out, Esme is the troublemaker, the mistress… Lydia has been bullied and jailed all along, how pitiful…” “Throwing dirt online, bullying Lydia, stealing her lover and family, while pretending to be positive, making fools of us, Esme you’re such a phony!” Overwhelming scorn and disdainful looks deeply stung Esme. She tried to defend herself. “I’m sick, I have dissociative identity disorder.” “I just found out my other personality did so many horrible things to sister Lydia. After the wedding, I’ll definitely apologize to her in jail!” Esme’s tears flowed, making her seem like the victim. Her acting was impressive, and I clapped as I walked from the viewing room to the stage. “No need to wait, apologize and kneel now.” “I will definitely… not forgive you!” Seeing me, Esme looked like she saw a ghost. Her disbelief mixed with fear. Something was clearly wrong. A huge sense of panic overwhelmed her. “Lydia, how are you here! You should be in jail!” Her shrill voice was unpleasant to hear. People who were unsure before now had their minds made up. Yet, some still blindly accused me, despite everything. Jasper looked at me with hatred. “Lydia, how long will you target Willa?” Declan, full of disdain. “Even if you ruined my wedding with Willa using dirty tricks, I won’t marry you, you scheming woman. Give up and stop pestering me!” Gideon sternly ordered. “Lydia, I don’t care how you escaped, go back to serve your sentence! Lydia Corp can’t harbor lawbreakers!” I shrugged and chuckled. “I told you, I have a mental disorder. Why don’t you believe it?” Esme refused to accept reality, mumbling. “Impossible, this can’t be…” Guests in the front row sneered. “Why not? Only you can be sick, and others can’t? What a double standard, quite an eye-opener.” “If I were Lydia, under your daily oppression, I’d be even crazier!” “Lydia was driven mad by your family! You can’t take responsibility, shame!” Everyone chimed in, belittling Esme. Even those who defended her, like Declan, got scolded. “A cheating jerk is no good either!” “Brother’s slap, dad’s two slaps, Esme’s a total disaster.” “Can’t tell right from wrong, twisting the truth, the worst all together, no wonder you’re a family!” “Lydia was too normal for your family before, but now that she’s sick, the whole family can go crazy together.” Esme was humiliated, her face flushed red. Under everyone’s gaze, she only dared to glare at me covertly, not daring to act. After all, with so many people around, including professionals, if she couldn’t hold back and hit me, everyone would know she was faking. Trying to use dissociative identity disorder as an excuse to bully her non-blood-related sister. From now on, she’d be nailed to the pillar of shame, never to wash it off. Seeing her daughter hold back her dissatisfaction, the stepmother was distressed. She quickly pulled out a diagnosis from her bag. On it, in black and white, it stated Esme had dissociative identity disorder. “Willa is really sick, please be gentle with your words, don’t provoke her!” The bright red seal looked quite convincing. People quickly shifted from disgust to sympathy. They didn’t even consider the possibility of a fake diagnosis. I feigned regret. “So Esme really has a mental disorder.” Just wanted to use dissociative identity disorder as an excuse to bully her non-biological sister. From now on, she’ll be forever marked by shame, never able to live it down. Seeing her daughter suppressing her resentment, the stepmother felt a deep heartache. She quickly pulled out a diagnosis certificate from her bag. In clear, stark letters, it stated that Esme was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. “Willa is truly ill, please, everyone, be gentle with her and stop provoking her!” The bold red stamp looked rather intimidating. The crowd’s disdain swiftly turned to sympathy. No one considered that the medical record might be forged. I also put on a show of regret. “So Esme really has a mental disorder, huh.” “It’s a pity she can’t be held accountable or brought to justice.” The stepmother looked at me warily. “What do you mean?” My answer was a snap of my fingers. Simultaneously, a new video started playing on the big screen. A pedestrian was hit on a rainy night. Then, Gideon and Celeste got out of the vehicle. “Such luck, not dead. What now?” “How about hitting again?” “Wouldn’t that be too obvious?” While they were indecisive, a voice urged from inside the car. “Just run over directly.”

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“You, who is the father of your illegitimate child?” My parents demanded to know frantically. They wanted to find out who fathered the child I was carrying. I looked at them and suddenly laughed, “The kidnapper.” Shock froze my parents and brother, leaving them pale-faced. I continued softly, “Don’t you remember? The kidnapper asked for ransom, but you chose to save your other beloved daughter instead, saying I needed to learn a lesson.” My mother slumped onto the sofa. “That’s impossible. We just wanted to teach you not to bully Adeline. We never thought…” I knelt before my mother, “You never considered that the kidnapper might violate me, did you?” Without waiting for her to respond, I pressed on, “Did you really think a group of male kidnappers would show mercy?” My mother opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off, “When I returned home covered in scars, why did no one ask me about them?” “You didn’t come to rescue me. You just took Adeline away.” “You didn’t come on the first day, or the second, or even after a whole month…” “Did you think the kidnapper still believed they could get a ransom?” Now it’s over. I’m dying.

The next day, as I prepared to go to the hospital for surgery, I ran into Mr. Beckett, Mrs. Beckett, and Asher. Adeline’s stomach issues had flared up again, and the whole family was anxiously by her side. I went to the doctor’s office, confirmed my surgery time, and then left to handle my admission paperwork. Asher saw me and grabbed my arm, with Adeline glaring fiercely behind him. “Why are you at the hospital? Adeline’s not eating because of you, and now she’s sick. What more do you want?” Asher accused harshly. I waved him off, “I’m not here to see you.” To me, the Beckett family had become distant, like strangers. Since I decided not to be part of the Beckett family anymore, I would sever all ties with them, just like… my parents had done with me. Perhaps, deep down, I did have the same cold blood as the Beckett family. I shook off Asher and turned to leave. I used to always watch the backs of Mr. Beckett, Mrs. Beckett, and Asher. Now I finally didn’t have to. The biopsy results came back, confirming a stage 4 brain tumor. Surgery was no longer an option, and the child couldn’t be kept. How could I keep the child? When I got off the operating table, I felt like I had lost half my life. I slept for two days, but it felt like just a light nap. If death is like this, it doesn’t seem too hard to accept. The doctor said my abortion was successful, but the cancer had spread. I knew my time was shorter. A month later, I was discharged, with the doctor advising me to continue chemotherapy. It was then I received a call from Adeline. She said if I was leaving the Beckett family, I should do it thoroughly. She arranged to meet me at the coffee shop to return my belongings. Twenty minutes later, I arrived at the coffee shop, where Adeline was already impatiently waiting. I didn’t expect Asher to be there too. He scrutinized me, I had lost weight too quickly in that month, leaving me gaunt, and the pain from the cancer made my eyes dark. “Cora, look at you. How can you compare to Adeline? You’ve brought shame to the Beckett family,” Asher said. I didn’t respond, picked up my luggage, and prepared to leave. Asher called after me, displeased. Probably because I ignored him. For four years, I constantly tried to please him. When had he ever received such coldness from me? Seeing him silent, I prepared to pull open the glass door of the coffee shop to leave. Asher tried to grab me but unintentionally pulled my long hair… the brown wavy hair fell off. Asher and Adeline were shocked, “Why did you shave your head?” “Are you crazy? Don’t you care about your image at all?” Asher continued, seeing the equally shocked faces of the coffee shop customers. Adeline also scoffed at me, “Cora, what’s your trick this time? Some people perform grand gestures for their parents, and you shave your head to prove a point?” Adeline’s words were like knives. I laughed, “Don’t you know what it means to start over?” I reached out to Asher, “Give me back the wig.” Asher held my wig without speaking, it was Adeline who snatched it and threw it into my arms. I calmly put on the wig. After all, on the street, a skinny, bald woman is quite a sight. “Adeline, you don’t have to be so scared. I won’t return to the Beckett family,” I said with a smile, “Not in this life, not in the next.” “I’m not scared at all. Dad, Mom, and Brother only love me,” Adeline retorted, fuming. Before going to the hospital for chemotherapy, I went to choose my burial plot, right next to my foster parents. In my next life, I want to be their biological daughter. This life was too painful. In the next, I just want to live like I did before I was 17. Unexpectedly, the sales manager for the burial plot was my foster parents’ neighbor, Jasper. He didn’t ask much or offer unnecessary comfort. Probably used to seeing life and death. The shock he showed was likely because it was his first time dealing with the person who would use the burial plot. Jasper seriously explained the details to me, even helping me pick an affordable urn. Jasper accompanied me to my parents’ grave, “Dad, Mom… I miss you.” I quickened my pace up the stairs, 108 steps in total, standing before the familiar tombstone, only to be stunned by the scene before me! In front of the tombstone, in foul-smelling dog blood, were large words. I rushed to the tombstone… “Cora is a disgrace, the parents who raised her are animals!” I fell to my knees, using my sleeve to desperately wipe it clean. As I wiped, I apologized, “Dad, Mom, I’m sorry… it’s your unfilial daughter’s fault, even in heaven, you can’t be at peace…” “It’s my fault, how could this happen…” “I’m sorry, truly sorry!” My hand rubbed the stone until the skin broke, staining my light clothes red and dirty. Jasper returned with a bucket and cloth to help me clean. The rain poured harder, drenching me as Jasper struggled to carry me down the hill. I am the true heiress the Beckett family found. But when I returned at 17, there was already a fake heiress my age, Adeline. Adeline, what a lovely name, gathering all the Beckett family’s love. Before I went missing, I was called Pearl Beckett, the apple of my parents’ eye. In the four years since I returned, no one remembered to change my surname back to Beckett. I continued using the name my foster parents gave me, Cora Liu. My foster parents treated me well. Unable to have children, they thought finding me was a blessing, They said they would always cherish me as a treasure. But when the school’s blood donation uploaded my DNA to the network, my biological parents, who had been separated for 13 years, found me. My foster parents still let me go back. They believed I could gain better educational resources in the Beckett family, At least I wouldn’t need to work while studying. But now, I’m going to die, brain tumor, terminal stage. Even my foster parents are being humiliated like this, I feel my heart and guts are being viciously squeezed. They don’t love me, and I don’t want to love them anymore. I just want to live for myself at the end of my life. Tomorrow is the painless surgery, but why must I witness my beloved foster parents being so insulted? My foster mother died when I was 12, and my foster father passed away unexpectedly last year. Can’t the deceased even leave quietly? My impressions of Mr. and Mrs. Beckett from childhood are vague. I only remember my brother Asher, who is five years older, taking me to the amusement park. He told me to wait for him to buy ice cream. I waited from morning till night, but my brother never returned. In the end, it was the theme park’s cleaning lady, my foster mother, who found me and took me home. On the first day back at the Beckett house, Adeline cried and said to me, “I don’t want anything. I know I’ve taken my sister’s place all these years, but I just want to stay with Dad, Mom, and Brother. Please, sister, don’t drive me away.” And what did my brother Asher, who lost me, do? He pushed me aside, “Adeline, no one will drive you away, nor will anyone dare. You are my sister, my only sister.” Asher held Adeline tightly, glaring at me. It was as if I were a villain trying to tear their family apart. My biological mother, with red eyes, looked at Adeline and choked out to me, “Cora, when you went missing, your mother went crazy, so your father brought Adeline home. Adeline accompanied me through the days and nights without you.” When I turned to look at Adeline, she smirked at me provocatively: “Mom, let’s not talk about this now. Let sister stay in my room tonight, the guest room isn’t ready.” Adeline emphasized “guest room.” “How can that be, Adeline, you’re picky about beds. You won’t sleep well if you change rooms.” My mom quickly said, but catching herself, stopped abruptly, realizing I was still there. For the next four years, I lived in the guest room next to the nanny’s room on the first floor and never moved again. I don’t want to think about it anymore. I can’t think about it. The first chemotherapy session, the pain made cold sweat stick to my face, dripping down. The pain was excruciating, and the doctor asked if I had any family with me. I didn’t answer. But when I saw Jasper at the door of the operating room, I felt somewhat relieved. I wasn’t alone. Being alone is too lonely. I needed someone with me, at least for this last journey, someone to help bury me. Over the next four years, I stayed in the guest room next to the nanny’s room on the first floor and never moved again. I tried to stop thinking about it; I couldn’t afford to dwell on it any longer. Chapter 4 During my first chemotherapy session, the intense pain caused cold sweat to cling to my face. The experience was utterly agonizing.

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On the third day after I broke off my engagement, my ex-fiancé committed suicide in our would-be marital home, leaving all his assets to me. As I sorted through his belongings, I saw walls covered in photos of me and bloodstains on the floor. His assistant told me: “The boss had loved you for many years. His depression was severe – only seeing you or thinking of you could make him feel a little better…” Each revelation was more shocking and suffocating than the last, yet strangely heartbreaking. So when I got a second chance at life, I smiled and refused my childhood friend’s plan for me to break the engagement. “I’m not leaving,” I said. I wanted to see just how foolish this man who loved me so desperately could be. Adrian died on the third day after I broke off our engagement. My father and brother had just left his estate after regretfully informing him about my decision when they received news that Adrian had slit his wrists. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The will he had prepared long ago left all his assets to me. When I received my brother’s call in North America, my expression gradually froze. In my eyes, Adrian was just a stranger who had suddenly appeared demanding marriage. I didn’t know him at all. But every new piece of information seemed to suggest that he had loved me deeply for many years.

I rushed back to the country at the lawyer’s request, stiffly accepting Adrian’s urn. His background was a mystery and he had no relatives. His assistant looked sorrowfully at the square box and quietly told me: “The boss had loved you for many years. His depression was severe – only seeing you or thinking of you could make him feel a little better. I thought once you two got married, he wouldn’t be so pessimistic anymore, but I never expected…” His voice trailed off. There was no blame, but my heart inexplicably clenched. The assistant handed me a key: “This is the estate the boss prepared for you. It’s also the marital home he decorated himself.” The place where he had killed himself.

The estate was huge, with a riding arena built on the sprawling green lawn. The decor was in my favorite royal blue, with every piece of furniture and decoration matching my tastes. One room was filled wall-to-wall with photos of me. Looking closely, I realized they spanned from my sophomore year of college up until now. I had been under this man’s lens almost every moment. On the floor were faint bloodstains from where he had slit his wrists, giving off a slight metallic smell. Each revelation was more shocking and suffocating than the last, yet strangely heartbreaking. I couldn’t help feeling angry too. If he liked me, why didn’t he just say so? Bursting into my home like a bandit, demanding marriage right off the bat – how could I possibly feel at ease marrying him? Now with this tragic outcome, was he trying to make me feel guilty and regretful, to never forget him for the rest of my life? Dream on – I ended up donating all the assets, including that mansion. The cleaning lady tore down the photos on the wall, carelessly tossing them on the floor to cover the bloodstains… Adrian’s brief yet legendary life had vanished without a trace from this world.

It took me three days to accept the fact that I had been reborn. Three days ago, Adrian had just come to my home, forcefully demanding an arranged marriage in a manner bordering on coercion. My childhood friend Nathan heard about it and unhesitatingly told me to run, to hide out in North America for a few days. In my past life, that’s exactly what I did. But this life, remembering those walls of photos and the horrifying bloodstains on the floor, I calmly shook my head. “I don’t want to leave anymore,” I said. “I want to go ask him directly why he wants to marry me.”

Adrian’s business empire was vast. When I went to find him, he was still in a meeting. His assistant personally came down to receive me, asking me to wait briefly in his office. “The boss will be down very soon.” I gave a soft “Mm” in response. Adrian did come quickly. Before I could even finish a cup of tea, he walked in hurriedly, fastening his loose cufflinks as he went. Seeing me, he stopped in his tracks and calmly called out, “Miss Gu.” His expression was cold and distant, as if looking at a stranger. I was rendered speechless by his coldness. After some thought, I softly asked: “Mr. Shen, my father said you want to marry me. Why?” “I want to, so I will. No reason needed.” Me: “…” How was I supposed to respond to that? I slowly stood up and picked up my purse. “Then I’ll be going now.” Adrian’s expression shifted slightly, a rare look of bewilderment crossing his face. “You’re leaving already?” I stared at him expressionlessly, watching as his face gradually turned pale and his whole demeanor became tinged with resignation. Yet he still moved aside to let me leave. If I wasn’t certain this man liked me, I would really think he was just toying with me… I sighed and took the initiative to grab his sleeve. “How about we have a meal together?”

Adrian’s interactions with me had even his assistant on edge. As I was leaving, the assistant kept apologizing to me: “The boss isn’t good at talking to girls. Please don’t be angry with him, Miss Gu.” “I’m not angry,” I said with a smile. “I actually quite like him… his looks are very much my type.” The office door wasn’t fully closed. Through the small gap, I clearly saw Adrian touch his own face, his expression dazed. I smiled slightly and told the assistant: “I’ve asked your boss out to dinner tonight. Remember to remind him not to stand me up.” The assistant hurriedly nodded, as if afraid I would change my mind any second. I walked out of the company building in my high heels. As soon as I stepped outside, I received a call from Nathan. Looking at the contact saved as “Brother Nathan”, I calmly hung up and stared blankly at the clouds in the sky. Nathan was very good to me and truly had my best interests at heart. But childhood friends, good friends – they all eventually fade away on the long road of life. Just like in my past life. He had a wife and children, learned to keep his distance from me. So even when I was later trapped in the mountains with an expedition team and called him, I was viciously mocked by his wife, called an old maid who couldn’t get married. Nathan was right beside his wife when she berated me, silent and unresponsive. I ended up dying there, not knowing how he would react to the news.

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I snapped a photo at the high school reunion of my ex-boyfriend with his arm around his fiancée as they announced their engagement. Just as I was about to hit send on a message to his mother saying “They look perfect together. Congratulations on getting what you wanted,” my wrist was suddenly grabbed tightly. “Oh, still in touch with my mom, are we?” Ethan glared at me, his expression dark. “What, didn’t get enough money out of us yet?” An eerie silence fell over the room. I looked up, my face pale. The music had stopped at some point. All eyes were on me. Everyone knew I had abandoned Ethan for money. The year he loved me most, I took $2 million from his mother Evelyn and left him without a backwards glance. He was furious at his mother’s meddling and went on a hunger strike, nearly destroying himself. His friends, barely concealing their disgust for me, came one by one to plead Ethan’s case. I refused to see any of them. Later, when Ethan’s life was in danger, his mother called me as a “last resort,” begging me to talk some sense into him. When I appeared before him, he clung to me desperately. Though he had wasted away to skin and bones, his grip was painfully tight. “Olivia, you came back. You still love me, don’t you? I knew it—” The joy in his voice was unmistakable. I coldly pushed him away and played him a voice recording and showed him a text message. The recording was of his mother asking me to see him, with me naming my price of $300,000. The text was a bank transfer confirmation for that amount. He stared at me in bewilderment, then violently shoved me away as realization dawned. But he used too much force and fell out of the bed, coughing painfully. “Olivia, get the hell out!” he spat out each word venomously as he lay crumpled on the floor. I left without looking back, just as he asked. Somehow, word of this incident spread. From that day on, I became the laughingstock of our town. Those who knew the story said I loved money more than anything, that I was heartless. Others claimed I had never loved Ethan at all, that I had only been after his family’s wealth from the start. No one cared about the truth… Later, once Ethan recovered, he entered into an arranged marriage with Sophia, the pampered daughter of a wealthy business tycoon. I received no less than ten invitations to his engagement party. They were all from his friends, of course. As per my “agreement” with his mother, I had completely vanished from Ethan’s life. But over the years, I kept tabs on everything he did. I knew he and Sophia went to study abroad together in America, even living together. I knew he completed a dual JD/MBA program at Harvard and Kennedy School in just two years. I knew that as soon as he joined his family’s company, he handled several extremely difficult cases brilliantly, earning the respect of even the most skeptical senior executives. I knew that although he and Sophia hadn’t officially married yet, they were already calling each other’s parents Mom and Dad… I didn’t go out of my way to find this information. His friends seemed to take perverse pleasure in keeping me updated on his accomplishments. They say a good ex should fade quietly into the background like they’re dead. But Ethan’s friends seemed determined to keep dragging me into the spotlight. As if proving how successful Ethan had become would somehow prove how foolish I had been. This high school reunion was the first time I had seen Ethan face-to-face in the three years since we broke up. Tomorrow I would be starting a new chapter of my life, far away from here. From now on, he would remain in his lofty world of wealth and status, while I retreated to my humble life in obscurity. Before coming here tonight, I had called his mother to make a final request. “You can go, but remember what you should and shouldn’t say or do,” was her curt response. I had agreed. Officially, I was here as Alex’s date to the reunion. But in reality, I had come hoping to verify some medical records with an old classmate who specialized in nephrology. There were some things I needed to know before I could find closure… I had anticipated Ethan’s scorn and cold shoulder. I had braced myself for the taunts and mockery of our former classmates. What I hadn’t expected was for Ethan to turn this reunion into a pre-wedding celebration. As the center of attention, he and Sophia played drinking games and flaunted their affection, completely at ease. The atmosphere was festive. No one was tactless enough to bring up the past. I managed to get the answers I needed from my classmate. Alex got held up chatting with some old friends, so I waited a bit longer than planned. Who would have thought that in the brief moment it took to snap a photo and type out a text, Ethan would materialize in front of me out of nowhere. Dragging me into the harsh spotlight of everyone’s scrutiny.

“So what if you’ve gotten enough? And what if you haven’t?” I raised an eyebrow at Ethan challengingly. “Is the great Mr. Shen offering to make up the difference?” “Olivia, three years apart and you’re still as cheap as ever!” He looked down at me coldly, his beautiful eyes filled with contempt. His words cut like a knife, piercing straight to my heart. I studied him through the hazy lights. He used to shine so brightly, a beacon of sincerity in this duplicitous world. Now he stood there in an expensive suit, still strikingly handsome, but his eyes were like bottomless pits. When he looked at me, there wasn’t a trace of the tenderness from years ago. I jerked my wrist, forcing him to step closer. “Manhandling other women in front of your fiancée – who’s really the cheap one here?” I shot back at him with the same venom as always. Except where we once exchanged words of love, now we traded barbed insults. Ethan seemed to snap out of it. He roughly let go of my hand and grabbed some wet wipes from the table, frantically scrubbing his hands. The insult couldn’t have been clearer. I didn’t want to stay a moment longer. I caught Alex’s eye and stood up to leave. But Ethan stepped in front of me, blocking my path. “Sweetie, come here. Let me introduce you to someone.” He called out to Sophia, his tone suddenly gentle. “Who’s this, babe?” Sophia minced over and clung to Ethan’s arm, leaning against him coyly. She was as sweet as her name suggested – cute and clearly pampered since birth. “She’s very special,” Ethan said to Sophia, but his eyes were fixed on me. “This is my ex-girlfriend, Olivia. The one who dumped me for $2 million.” His voice wasn’t loud, but it was enough for everyone to hear. The atmosphere in the room instantly changed. An overwhelming sense of humiliation washed over me. I kept my face impassive, quietly hiding my trembling hands behind my back. Tonight I could feel pain, I could laugh, but the one thing I absolutely could not do was show even a hint of weakness. “Is $2 million really that much? The necklace you gave me cost $10 million.” Sophia’s delicate fingers lightly traced the dazzling diamond necklace around her neck. She had matching earrings dangling from her small, perfect ears. “$10 million? That’s eight figures!” “She’s basically wearing a house around her neck!” Gasps of amazement rippled through the crowd. Followed by sneers and mocking laughter. Laughter at me for giving up such a handsome, wealthy boyfriend for a mere $2 million. Crunch Someone in the crowd crushed an empty beer can. Startled by the sound, I turned towards its source. Alex was casually playing with the mangled can, a wry smile on his face. I shook my head slightly at him, signaling him to stay calm. But Ethan suddenly let out a low chuckle. He pulled out a thick wad of hundred dollar bills from his pocket and tossed them carelessly into the air. “Olivia, I’ve got more money than I know what to do with.” “But you don’t deserve a cent of it.” The bills fluttered down, landing on my face, my body, scattering at my feet. “You’d better hold on tight to such a good boyfriend, little girl.” I forced a smile through the rain of judgmental stares. “Oh, I will.” Sophia looked up at Ethan adoringly. Their loving gazes met. “Aww, they’re so sweet together!” “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” Someone started the chant and soon the whole room was demanding they kiss. Ethan suddenly grabbed Sophia’s waist and dipped her onto the couch, bending down to kiss her passionately. The crowd went wild. They were making out right in front of me, mere feet away, bathed in the pulsing lights. The room was filled with cheers and whistles, but all I could hear was deafening silence.

I threw up violently in the bathroom. When I came out, I immediately spotted a tall figure lurking in the shadows. People were coming and going from the nearby private rooms. The flashing lights illuminated his face, revealing a storm of anger. It was Ethan. My body reacted before my mind could catch up. I spun around and ran. I was fast, but Ethan was faster. I had barely taken a step when he grabbed me by the shoulder. “Running away from me? Feeling guilty?” His grip was painfully tight. I tried to shake off his hold, but it was useless. “Guilty about what?” I laughed hoarsely. “I just didn’t see any point in catching up with you.” “Olivia, you hang around under my nose all night and now you say that? Isn’t it a bit late?” His voice was ice cold. “What do you mean ‘hanging around under your nose’? Am I not allowed to attend my own class reunion just because we broke up?” I straightened my back and turned to face him, slapping his hand away. “If that’s the case, why were you hiding in the bathroom throwing up?” He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. “Pregnant with someone’s baby? Or just disgusted?” The memory of him kissing Sophia flashed through my mind, making my stomach churn again. I had to use all my willpower not to throw up right there. “Didn’t eat much, but you sure threw up a lot,” he commented lazily when I didn’t respond. His words stung, making my eyes burn with unshed tears. “Ethan, we’re over. What the hell do you want from me?” I shoved him hard, but he caught my hands and pinned me against the wall. “I should be asking you that,” he leaned in close. “If you disappeared, why come back now?” The disgust and hatred in his eyes were unmistakable. My blood ran cold. I let out a bitter laugh. “What answer do you want to hear? That I can’t forget you and want to rekindle our love? Or that I regret everything and I’m begging for your forgiveness?” He didn’t say anything. He really did seem to want some kind of explanation. “Of course it’s—” “She came with me.” Before I could finish, a man’s amused voice cut in. A few steps away, Alex stood with his hands casually in his pockets. Who knows how long he had been watching from around the corner. “Bros before hoes, Ethan. You’re crossing a line here.” He added nonchalantly. “You… what do you mean?” Ethan’s voice suddenly shook. “I mean Olivia is my girlfriend now.” “I’m a year older than you, by the way. What, you’re allowed to have a fiancée but I can’t date?” Alex lazily rolled up his shirt sleeves. He looked ready to throw hands if Ethan didn’t let go of me soon. “You two are really… together?” Ethan’s gaze returned to me. Even in the dim light, I could feel the intensity of his stare. “Need us to make out to prove it?” I smirked coldly. “Do whatever you want…” Ethan released me and walked away. Alex let out a low whistle, a sly, victorious smile playing on his lips. My carefully constructed mask crumbled. I slumped against the wall and closed my eyes wearily. “I told you not to come. Now look what happened – you brought this on yourself.” Alex grumbled irritably. I opened my eyes and looked at him. “Some things can’t be delegated to others.” When he found out I was meeting with our doctor classmate, he had offered to ask on my behalf. I refused. Because I needed to hear the truth for myself. “You can fool yourself when it comes to feelings, but you can’t fool others.” Alex stepped in front of me, leaning one hand against the wall by my head as he looked down at me. “Liv, I’ve waited for you for seven years, and you’ve never given me the time of day.” “Just now when he was publicly humiliating you, I wanted to punch his lights out but you wouldn’t let me.” “Is he really so great that you’re still pining for him after three years apart?” Though his words were harsh, his tone was filled with poorly concealed pain. I wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his chest. He noticeably stiffened. “Alex, some protection has nothing to do with love. There aren’t many second chances in life.” “Back then, I refused to see him even when he was begging. Showing up today was bound to upset him.” “If cursing me out a bit makes him feel better, I’ll take it. It’s my fault for coming here with an agenda.” I patiently explained. “Did you find out what you needed to know?” Alex sighed. I nodded slightly. “Then let’s go.” He ruffled my hair. “I’ll go get the car and meet you out front.” “Okay.” I reluctantly let go of him. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure quietly slip away…

On the drive home, Alex was unusually quiet. He didn’t speak, and I had no desire to talk either. “Remember your promise – I’m taking you tomorrow.” Just as I was about to get out of the car, he suddenly locked the doors. I wanted to refuse, but seeing the stubborn look in his eyes, I changed my mind. “Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten.” I smiled reassuringly at him and gave him an “okay” sign. Only then did he unlock the doors. As Alex’s car roared off into the distance, I stood lost in thought. He and Ethan used to be best friends. They grew up together, closer than brothers. Before I started dating Ethan, Alex had publicly given me a love letter. When I rejected him, he brazenly declared he “wouldn’t give up until the Yellow River ran clear.” After Ethan and I got together, Alex started dating too, but his relationships never lasted long. I thought his interest in me had just been a passing fancy. But he gradually withdrew from Ethan’s life and mine, eventually becoming estranged from Ethan. I had assumed our paths would never cross again. But when my family hit hard times, it was Alex who stayed with me through countless difficult days and nights at the hospital. He even acted as a smokescreen, successfully getting Evelyn to lower her guard against me. Apart from my parents, I have two regrets in the first half of my life. One is letting Ethan down, and the other is not being able to return Alex’s love… The night grew colder, the wind stinging any exposed skin. I wrapped my scarf tightly around my face and turned towards the apartment building. A car’s hazard lights suddenly flashed a short distance away. In the glow of the streetlights, I could make out the driver. It was James, Evelyn’s trusted chauffeur. I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. They really were relentless. I quickened my pace and got into the passenger seat. “What is it?” “Miss Olivia, please pack your things. We’re leaving tonight.” His voice was as gruff as ever. “Wasn’t the train ticket for 6am tomorrow?” I turned to look at him. “Is Mrs. Shen so impatient she can’t even wait one night?” He said nothing, just placed his phone on the center console. It was on speaker, mid-call. “Does Miss Olivia have a problem with this arrangement?” Sophia’s voice came through the speaker. Arrogant and domineering, completely different from her demure act earlier. “I wouldn’t dare.” I frowned slightly, smiling. “I just want to know if this is Mrs. Shen’s idea or Miss Jiang’s?” “Does it matter?” She let out a derisive snort. “Whoever’s idea it is, Miss Olivia just needs to know that Mrs. Shen will only feel at ease once you’re gone.” She paused. “And so will I.” Remembering the figure I glimpsed leaving earlier, I let out a mocking laugh. One encounter and she was already on guard against me. And me? What had I done to deserve this? “I’ll go, then.” I couldn’t be bothered to argue. I got out of the car and headed upstairs. I had already packed most of my things. What was left were just everyday items. After finishing up, I zipped my suitcase closed and took one last look around. This apartment was bought by my parents. We had lived here for over 20 years. Every corner held traces of our family. But now everything had changed. Even the property deed had been transferred. I left the keys on the shoe cabinet by the door, locked up, and headed downstairs with my suitcase. As the car drove towards the highway, I opened my phone to send a farewell message to the new owner. My eye caught on the unsent message from earlier. I no longer felt that urge to challenge Evelyn. I put my phone away and gazed out the window, silently saying goodbye to this chapter of my life. The city lights illuminated the inky night sky. Skyscrapers stretched as far as the eye could see, neon signs glaring. This city had been home to countless lonely souls, had witnessed the joys and sorrows of so many lives. But it was no longer a place where I belonged…

The car kept driving further and further out of the way. It wasn’t until I recognized the familiar estate that I realized James had brought me to the Shen family home. “The madam wanted to say goodbye to Miss Olivia in person.” James parked the car and politely opened my door. “Is that really necessary?” I didn’t budge. I had only been here a handful of times, but each visit was unforgettable. And not in a good way. I had no desire to set foot here again. “I’m just following orders,” he looked at me steadily. “Please don’t make this difficult for me, Miss Olivia.” I sat stubbornly in the car, locked in a stalemate with him. The cold night air seeped in, dispelling the warmth of the car heater. I shivered. “The young master doesn’t live here anymore,” he added after a long pause. Only then did I get out of the car. I was led through the grand entrance and into the receiving room, where I found Evelyn watching financial news on TV. Though nearly 50, her skin was still smooth and youthful. Illuminated by the crystal chandelier, she seemed to glow. “Here’s your ID. James will escort you to the station.” She lowered the TV volume and handed me an ID card after I sat down across from her. The photo showed a girl who looked somewhat similar to me. “You really went to great lengths to cover my tracks, Mrs. Shen.” I smiled. “When will I get my real documents back?” “After Ethan marries the Jiang girl.” She slid a new phone across the table to me. “Until then, I hope Miss Olivia will behave herself.” I immediately understood her meaning: she was confiscating my phone. My throat suddenly felt tight. It wasn’t enough to withhold my household registration and ID. Now she wanted to cut off all my connections too? “And if I refuse?” I clutched my phone tightly through my clothes. This phone was a gift from Ethan five years ago. It was part of a matching couple set. It had started to lag and crash lately from overuse. I had so many precious memories stored on it that I couldn’t bear to replace it. Even a small scratch made me anxious… “I don’t want anyone coveting my future daughter-in-law’s husband.” She pushed the new phone towards me again. “Miss Olivia, don’t make me use force.” With one sentence, she made the relationships and her stance crystal clear. Knowing I had no way out, I reluctantly took out my phone and placed it on the table. “James, take care of it.” She gestured. James picked up the phone, removed the SIM card and snapped both in half, then crushed the phone with his bare hands. I watched helplessly as my phone was destroyed beyond repair. “Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Olivia.” Evelyn nodded in satisfaction. “If you’re thanking me for obediently following your orders these past three years, I accept.” My gaze swept over the mangled remains of my phone. “But if you’re thanking me for my powerlessness to refuse just now, there’s no need.” “Life is long, Miss Olivia. You’re still young – you need to learn to look forward.” She raised her chin and instructed James, “It’s late. Take Miss Olivia to the station.” “Yes, ma’am.” James responded. I got up silently and headed for the door, my head bowed. James hurried ahead and stuffed the new phone into my hand. I accepted it numbly. “Olivia—” Just as James was about to open the door, Evelyn spoke again. I turned back like a puppet on strings. “Stay alive. No one wants to fight over a dead person.” She sat with her arms crossed, radiating authority. I let out a humorless laugh. All these years, she had treated me like a thief, guarding against my every move. Now she destroyed my phone before I left, paranoid that I might reconnect with Ethan. But Ethan was far too proud. After being hurt by me multiple times, how could he possibly look back? The most ridiculous part was that after doing so many despicable things, she could still bring herself to wish me a long life… “Understood.” I responded coldly and walked out past James. As soon as the door opened, I froze in my tracks. Ethan was standing right outside. He stood tall and straight, his breathing steady. But those dark eyes burned with a quiet intensity.

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Nathan was ashamed of my stammer and never brought me into his social circle. At a gathering with friends, his buddy joked, “How do you argue with a stammerer?” His childhood sweetheart laughed and said, “It takes her three minutes to say one sentence. So stupid. Last time she couldn’t get the words out, she almost cried from frustration.” Everyone burst into laughter. “Looks like he’s not planning to make it official.” Nathan shrugged carelessly, “She’s just a mute. I’ll dump her when I’m bored.” Later, I appeared at a banquet on the arm of his older brother. Speaking fluently. Nathan grabbed my wrist and demanded coldly, “When did you get better?” The man beside me put his arm around my waist and said with a smile, “Sorry, she’s always been quite sharp when it comes to cursing.” I rushed into the bar through the pouring rain, only to find the atmosphere inside at its peak. Nathan was kissing his childhood sweetheart Sophia amidst the cheers of the crowd. He held her chin gently, a smile playing on his lips. Sophia was crying, tears streaming down her face. She looked utterly pitiful. Nathan’s eyes darkened. “Still want to run away?” She shook her head between sobs. “No more running. I just beg you not to bully me anymore.” “Good girl. Drink this, and I won’t bully you,” he coaxed. I forgot to push open the door, frozen in place. A dull ache spread through my heart, as if countless needles were being buried inside. I had been with Nathan for three years. He was ashamed of my stammer and never brought me into his social circle. His childhood sweetheart Sophia had abandoned the down-on-his-luck Nathan years ago to pursue opportunities abroad. Now that she was back, Nathan immediately introduced her to all his friends. Sophia downed a glass of strong liquor, clearly already drunk. She clung helplessly to Nathan’s neck, looking utterly vulnerable. The possessiveness in Nathan’s eyes grew more intense by the second. Before things could get worse, I chose to push open the door and enter.

“Nathan, your m-medicine…” I stood dripping wet in the doorway, my voice trembling. On rainy days, the joints in Nathan’s fingers would ache terribly. It was an old injury from when he saved me years ago. I had run here to bring him his medication. Nathan’s eyes flashed with annoyance. “It’s still raining outside. Why did you come?” he asked coldly. “I was w-worried you’d be in p-pain—” Nathan gestured for a waiter to take the medicine, cutting me off. “It’s too rowdy here. Go home.” “Aww, Nathan really cares about his girl, huh?” one of his friends teased. Sophia was curled up in Nathan’s arms, gazing at me through hazy eyes. She was wrapped in Nathan’s jacket. Nathan was afraid she’d be cold, so he’d had the staff turn up the air conditioning. His friends were sweating but didn’t dare complain. Now that’s what you call caring. Suddenly Sophia tugged on Nathan’s sleeve, slurring, “Let her sing for us, okay?” “You want to hear her sing?” Nathan’s expression softened, pleased by Sophia’s conciliatory gesture. He knew full well that with my stammer, singing would only humiliate me. I took two steps back. “I-I’ll go now.” Sophia suddenly burst into giggles, mimicking me: “I-I’ll g-go now.” Nathan’s eyes lit up, a faint smile touching his lips. He grabbed Sophia’s wrist. “Let her go. Why are you leaving?” My face burned with humiliation. I turned and pushed open the door. As I left, I heard one of Nathan’s friends ask: “How do you argue with your stammering girlfriend anyway?” Sophia mumbled drunkenly: “It takes her three minutes to say one sentence. So stupid.” “…Last time she couldn’t get the words out, she almost cried from frustration.” Nathan let out a derisive laugh, his eyes overflowing with affection for Sophia. “You ungrateful little thing. You forget all the good I’ve done for you, and just get jealous of others.” “Nathan, when are you going to break up with the stammerer? Looks like you’ll be taking Sophia to a hotel tonight, huh?” another friend chimed in. Nathan leaned back on the sofa and said coldly, “She’s just a stammerer. I’ll dump her when I’m bored.” Then he looked at Sophia, a hint of something dark flashing in his eyes. “As long as it makes Sophia come back to me, it’s all worth it.” But he didn’t know that my stammer had already improved greatly. I had come tonight wanting to share the good news with him. Now it seemed there was no point.

I walked out of the bar in a daze. The sky was gray and it was still raining. A black Bentley was parked out front. I made my way to the car through the rain, wiping raindrops from my lashes. The window rolled down, revealing a sharp, handsome profile. The man inside wore a black suit that couldn’t hide his noble air. “Mr. Fu, I’m sorry to disappoint you,” I said softly. The cold man sitting in the car was Nathan’s older brother and the head of the Fu family business. Ethan. A few months ago, he had sought me out with a straightforward proposition. “Nathan is my brother, so I hope things go well between you two.” Presumably for the sake of his precious brother’s happiness, Ethan had brought in specialists from abroad and spent a great deal of money. That’s how my stammer had gradually improved. But now, Nathan no longer loved me. Ethan’s gaze shifted from his tablet to me. He uttered two words: “Get in.” I opened the car door, careful not to get water on the leather seats as I climbed in and huddled in the corner. Ethan had a unique aura about him. Dignified and reserved. Inspiring both respect and fear. He hung up a business call and turned to me. “So, want to consider liking someone else?” “What?” I met his cold, emotionless gaze, my heart tightening. Ethan spoke as if discussing a business deal. “You could marry me.” “Everything Nathan has, I have too. Even more.” “In terms of benefits, I’m the better choice.” Silence fell in the car after he finished speaking. Raindrops drummed on the roof. Like a frenzied symphony. I hadn’t processed his words yet. “Why…?” It seemed like he was… trying to steal his own brother’s girlfriend… Ethan’s lips curled slightly, his eyes still cold and clear. “You know Grandfather is pressuring me to get married. If you’re willing to help, all the better.” “As a reward, I’ll give you everything you want.” “Of course, you can refuse me. I’ll give you time to consider.” In that moment, I glimpsed a true businessman. Ethan was more mature and steady than Nathan. He knew how to control the big picture. And how to maximize benefits. The Fu family had saved my life. With such an enormous debt of gratitude, I didn’t seem to have grounds to refuse. Finally, I said carefully, “I’ll think about it. But if you find someone you like in the future, we should still get divorced.” Ethan’s gaze returned to his tablet. He said softly, “We’ll see when the time comes.”

That night, Ethan dropped me off at my rented apartment. I watched the black car disappear silently into the twilight, then opened my phone. Nathan had posted on social media a few minutes ago. The background was a hotel room. Sophia was curled up asleep beside him, her lips slightly swollen and her long hair disheveled. The caption read: “So obedient.” I looked up at the sky, taking several deep breaths to suppress the urge to break down. I sent Nathan a message saying “We need to talk.” He didn’t reply. It was as if he had died. I knew Nathan would never come back to me. For a whole month, Nathan completely disappeared. Finally, I gathered my courage and sent Nathan a breakup message. I blocked him on all platforms and married Ethan. Ethan was very busy with work and left on a business trip the day we got our marriage certificate. After leaving the civil affairs office, Ethan had his driver take me to his villa in the city center. He also had my things moved over from my rented apartment. On the third day after getting married, Ethan was still out of town. As night fell, the villa felt empty and quiet. I turned on a small lamp and walked into the master bedroom. The bedroom was done in gray and white, with a minimalist style and spacious layout. The walk-in closet next door was filled with Ethan’s expensive clothes and watches. And… a few of my clothes. At 10 PM, I heard the front door open. Thinking Ethan was back, I opened the bedroom door. A familiar voice drifted through the crack. It was Nathan. “My brother’s out of town. We’ll stay here tonight.” I heard Sophia’s breathless voice. “Nathan… I can’t breathe.” Nathan’s low chuckle. “You’ll have plenty to endure later.” In the silent, empty night, I curled up on the bed, listening to the sounds from next door, feeling like I couldn’t breathe. When Ethan pushed open the bedroom door, my eyes were swollen from crying. Teary-eyed, I asked, “Mr. Fu, why are you back early?” He had his jacket draped over his arm, as if he’d come straight from the front door. He hadn’t even taken time to put away his clothes. Travel-worn. His body carried the chill of the night air. “Why are you crying?” he asked. That cool tone somehow gave me an immense sense of security. He took off his watch and cupped my chin, leaning down. “This is your house. Why didn’t you ask them to leave?” The hot, rough touch of his fingers scorched my skin. My ears instantly turned red. “He’s your brother…” Ethan had been willing to cure my stammer for Nathan’s sake. What right did I have to throw out his own brother? Just then another strange sound came from next door. Sophia’s voice was soft and coquettish. I tried to get out of bed to find some earplugs, but in my haste I tripped over a stool. My knees hit the floor with a thud. “Ah…” I cried out in pain. Next door suddenly went quiet. Ethan sighed and bent down to pick me up. “What’s the rush?” He was carrying me out of the bedroom when suddenly there was a knock at the door. Nathan called tentatively, “Brother… did you… bring someone home?” The next second the doorknob started to turn. I froze, not daring to move. In the urgent moment, Ethan calmly supported me, pressing my back against the door. Frightened, I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck. Clinging to him like a koala. Hot and cold, our body heat intermingled. I looked down. His clear eyes reflected hints of lazy amusement. I had messed up his tie, exposing a small patch of his exquisite, tempting collarbone below his Adam’s apple. Ascetic yet alluring. It was really… unfair. “Mr. Fu…” My voice was trembling. I suddenly realized what a suggestive position we were in. Ethan suppressed the meaningful look in his eyes. “Can you moan?” I shook my head. Outside, Nathan was getting impatient. “Brother, open the door. Did you bring a woman home?” Ethan smiled at me, but his words held no warmth. “Do I need to report my love life to you?” He was clearly used to being dictatorial. Nathan choked. “I thought I heard—” “You heard wrong.” Ethan stroked down my waist, moving lower. As my breathing grew more rapid, he asked softly: “If you can’t moan, then sing.” “Don’t worry, your voice sounds good.” This was the first time anyone had complimented me. My face flushed red as I held back, not sure what came over me as I blurted out: “Little bunny, be good…” I stopped after half a line. Ethan was looking at me strangely. “That line is hard to resist,” he said, his voice tinged with teasing laughter. Like a feather, tickling my heart. I lowered my head, not daring to look at him. My face felt hot and red. Suddenly it went quiet outside. Nathan’s voice shook. “Brother, who exactly is your girlfriend?” Ethan locked the door with a click. In an unyielding tone, he said: “Tonight is my wedding night with your sister-in-law.” “She doesn’t like noise.” “So take your woman and get out.”

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Six months ago, my daughter was diagnosed with kidney failure and needed me to donate a kidney for her transplant. But on the eve of the surgery, I accidentally discovered that my daughter wasn’t sick at all! The one who really needed my kidney was my husband Jack’s ex-girlfriend’s son! It turned out to be a scheme set up by Jack to trick me into donating my kidney. My daughter was also a participant and accomplice in this deception. I was the only one kept in the dark! At that moment, ten years of marriage and family bonds crumbled, leaving only heartbreak and despair. I threw the divorce papers at Jack, along with custody of our daughter. I didn’t want it anymore. “Tricking you was wrong, but is divorce really necessary?” Jack frowned. “Besides, I just wanted you to donate a kidney. You won’t die from losing one, but Tommy will die in a few days without a good kidney.” I closed my eyes briefly and pushed the divorce agreement towards Jack. “Sign it.” “Look, you’ve been a housewife for ten years. You’re completely out of touch with society. I’ve been supporting you all these years. You can’t survive without me,” Jack shook his head helplessly. “Stop being unreasonable. Go to the hospital with me tomorrow for the kidney donation surgery. Don’t worry, I won’t look down on you for being partially disabled after the surgery. I’ll still give you a monthly allowance and take care of you.” “How dare you talk about divorce! You’re just a maid who eats and lives in our house,” my daughter Lily angrily shouted at me. “Besides, why won’t you donate? You’re only losing a kidney, but Tommy will lose his life!” I stared at her in disbelief, unable to believe my sweet daughter would say such things. “A woman like you with a ruined figure, average looks, and no skills – what man would want you if you left Dad? Even if you tried to throw yourself at a homeless person under a bridge, they wouldn’t want you!” Lily looked at me with disgust and held a mirror up to my face. “Look at yourself, you’re like a pig! Fat and ugly. It should be your honor to donate a kidney to Natalie’s son! Don’t be so ungrateful!” The person in the mirror looked haggard and aged, completely different from ten years ago. “Are you going to say again that you developed health problems from overworking during postpartum recovery, and that taking medication for years made you gain weight?” Lily rolled her eyes. “Please, don’t blame me for your laziness and lack of self-discipline. Natalie also had a child, so how come she’s still so slim?” I remembered how Lily never let me attend parent-teacher conferences. I thought she was being considerate of my weak health and inability to handle crowds. It turns out I was just deluding myself – she was actually ashamed of me. The family I thought was happy and complete turned out to be nothing but a mess.

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After I was forced to donate my kidney to my sister, she finally got pregnant with my husband’s child. My parents and brother took my savings, my car, and my house to congratulate the newlyweds. On their wedding day, my best friend – the only one who knew about my death – sent a row of funeral wreaths… along with my death certificate. I watched as a flicker of panic crossed the faces of my parents and brother, which had been cold towards me for over twenty years. On the day of Mark and Evelyn’s wedding, they each called me, wanting me to come back. Although the calls didn’t go through, it didn’t stop the three of them from discussing how to transfer my house to Mark and Evelyn. My dad said, “It’s just a house. Lily is being too stingy.” My mom said, “It’s been six months. Evelyn just had a kidney transplant and got pregnant. She needs someone to take care of her. Lily hasn’t even come to help.” My brother said, “Hmph, don’t let me see her. If I do, I’ll force her to sign over the house to Evelyn.” My dad took a deep breath and nodded, “That’s all we can do. If she won’t consider Evelyn’s needs on her own, we’ll have to make the decision for her.” They finished their discussion in a few sentences and turned their attention to wedding preparations. I floated in the air, watching them busily prepare for the wedding. Surprisingly, I felt no ripples in my heart. Perhaps it was because I had never felt any familial love from them. Even in death, I didn’t expect them to show any concern for me, who had been missing for six months. Because my sister needed cord blood, my 40-year-old mother desperately gave birth to me. Whenever my sister had a need, I, as her younger sister, had no right to say “no.” From something as big as a kidney to something as small as a pencil. This range also included my Harvard acceptance letter and my husband, Mark. Mark was a classmate I met after retaking the SATs and getting into Yale. We were in the same class. We got together because of our shared interests. We were very much in love and happy. So, with no one paying attention to me, we got married very smoothly after graduation. I think if it weren’t for that chance encounter with my sister on the street, I probably would have lived out my life peacefully like this. The first time my sister saw Mark, her eyes seemed to light up. It was a look I was all too familiar with. Since childhood, whenever she set her eyes on something, they would emit this light – that intense desire to possess, which loomed over me like a nightmare. I knew she had her sights set on Mark. And in the days that followed, she deliberately seduced him. From the moment Mark said, “I don’t think your sister is as bad as you say,” I watched them grow closer and more intimate. They even had sex in my house.

Before it happened, my parents gave me a report of uremia. It was my sister Evelyn’s. My father looked troubled and said, “I know it’s difficult to ask you to donate a kidney to your sister, but without your kidney, your sister will die.” My mother’s tears had already fallen. “Your sister is still so young. You’re sisters, you can’t not help her. If your father and I had kidneys that matched your sister’s, we wouldn’t have to come to you.” I looked at the report and at my birth parents. I asked, “Did Jack also do a kidney matching test?” Jack is my brother. Like my sister, he’s the apple of my parents’ eyes. From childhood, whatever my sister had, my brother had, and whatever my brother had, my sister also had. Only I… had nothing. My parents fell silent, their eyes not daring to meet mine. I tugged at the corner of my mouth, my heart like still water. Their attitude had already made it clear that they hadn’t planned to ask Jack to donate a kidney. In this family of five, if someone had to be sacrificed, it would definitely be me. If someone could benefit, it definitely wouldn’t be me. I refused my parents’ request. They started scolding me. They scolded me for being inconsiderate, for being ungrateful, for disregarding the bond between sisters. I walked in front, and they followed behind, scolding me. They didn’t care how passersby looked at them. They were determined to make me agree to donate the kidney. I didn’t listen or speak, letting them make a scene. Until we got home. I opened the door. The three of us simultaneously saw Evelyn and Mark, both naked, in the throes of passion. Actually, before this, I had already seen Mark and Evelyn’s chat history. The explicit content had made me nauseous for many days. Now, seeing their naked bodies entangled, I thought I would scream and go crazy, then pull away the blanket they were using to cover themselves and call the neighbors to come and see. But in reality, I was incredibly calm. I even managed to pull out a smile and say to my parents, “Under these circumstances, do you still want me to donate a kidney to her?” My parents looked embarrassed, but only for a moment. They quickly regained their composure and asked Mark and Evelyn to get dressed. Under my dad’s organization, the five of us sat on the sofa. The four of them sat together, opposite me. Looking at their happy faces, I felt I should take out my phone and take a “family photo” for them. In this marriage, I was the extra one. In this family, I was also the extra one. My dad broke the silence. He said, “Since this is the case, you and Mark should get divorced soon, while you don’t have children. Neither of you has lost anything.” My mom hesitated for a moment, but still bravely said what was on her mind: “Mark doesn’t have a future with you, but he’s still our son-in-law. In the future, when we meet, we’ll still be family.” The meaning was very clear. They had already accepted Mark and Evelyn. I had anticipated this outcome. When I looked through Mark and Evelyn’s phone chat history, I also saw their family group chat. In the family group, there was my dad, my mom, my sister, my brother, my husband, but I didn’t exist. That group had been established last year. The five of them would often inform Mark and Evelyn about my schedule in the group. Several times, to let Mark and Evelyn date smoothly, my brother, who disliked me, would ask me to go shopping, and my parents, who didn’t like me, would ask me to come home for dinner. During that half year, I once thought that I had finally gained the love of my family. I didn’t expect it to be just a fleeting illusion in the end.

Evelyn was already used to this kind of scene. Faced with my silence, she brought out her usual coquettishness, which only I found affected. “Lily, don’t blame Mom and Dad, and don’t blame Mark. If you want to blame someone, blame me. It’s all my fault.” I looked at her and said slowly, “Mm, it’s your fault. So are you going to kneel down and apologize to me?” Evelyn was momentarily speechless. At this moment, my mom’s eyes darted towards me: “How dare you speak to your sister like that? Apologize.” When Evelyn snatched my pencil, I cried and made a fuss. In the end, I apologized to Evelyn to end the matter. When Evelyn took my college acceptance letter, I still cried and made a fuss. Again, I apologized to Evelyn to conclude the affair. Now, my husband had been snatched by Evelyn. I didn’t cry or make a fuss, showing self-awareness, yet my birth mother still said that one word: “Apologize.” I smiled slightly and looked at my mother: “Alright, I’ll apologize.” I stood up and bowed 90 degrees to Evelyn. Then, devoutly and seriously, I said: “I’m sorry, sister. If I had known earlier that you liked Mark, I shouldn’t have married him. I should have sent Mark to your bed.” Hearing me say this, my parents and sister’s faces darkened slightly. Mark hadn’t expected me to be like this. He hurriedly stood up and supported me, his face full of guilt: “Don’t be like this, Lily. We’ve wronged you.” The guilty expression on his face should be genuine. Mark wasn’t someone who could pretend. I tried to find a hint of reluctance to part with me on his face. But his next words made me feel that the world’s malice towards me was truly great. Mark said: “Your sister’s uremia is in the late stage. If you don’t help her, she really has no way out. Lily, people have two kidneys, you won’t die with one less. Your salary is so high, with good care you can recover to a normal person’s level.” The guilt on his face was gone without a trace. Instead, it was replaced by full calculation. Pitiful calculation. At the mention of kidneys, Evelyn’s whole body weakened. Seeing Evelyn’s discomfort, my parents, along with Mark, pressured me. My dad said: “This is your sister, donating a kidney is your responsibility.” My mom said: “I gave birth to you because of your sister, you should be grateful.” Mark said: “Evelyn is the person I love most, I can’t live without her. For the sake of our past love, help us.” I didn’t have the ability to argue against the group. I also didn’t have the attitude to act weak and pitiful. I certainly didn’t have a compassionate heart that embraced all of humanity. So, I chose to escape. I fled that place empty-handed, not even taking the bankbook hidden in the cabinet. I refused their request. I refused to save Evelyn. I refused to be forced to give up everything like when I was a child. I’m grown up now, I have the ability to resist, I choose my own life, I protect my own body.

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In the third month of my pregnancy, my husband, a forensic expert, once again left me to attend a prenatal checkup alone. This wasn’t the first time. During my first checkup, his assistant was called out to a case, and I ended up spending the entire day waiting in the hospital lobby. On the second occasion, halfway to the hospital, he received a call from his assistant, left me on the side of the road, and rushed off. From the day we got married, whether it was a special occasion or a routine prenatal checkup, his assistant always seemed to find a reason to call him away. By the third time he abandoned me at the hospital, my heart was utterly broken. Yet, when I mentioned divorce and boarded a plane to go abroad, he went to great lengths to win me back. 1. At 10 weeks pregnant, Ethan hadn’t accompanied me to a single checkup. Today was the third one, and he had promised he’d stay with me until it was over. But soon after we arrived at the hospital, Chloe called. Ethan quickly pulled his hand away from mine, his expression softening as he answered her call. Chloe’s helpless voice came through the phone: “Mr. Ethan, I’m the only woman on the scene this afternoon, and I’ve never handled such a big case. I’m a bit scared.” Hearing this, Ethan covered the phone and looked at me apologetically. “Willa, there’s a major case at the department, and Chloe is inexperienced. I’m worried she can’t handle it.” “It’s just a routine blood test today. You can manage on your own, right?” Though phrased as a question, it was more of a statement. Despite this scenario playing out many times since we got married, I tried to suppress my anger and quietly asked, “But Ethan, I might faint during the blood test. Plus, the doctor said the early stages of pregnancy are very important. Could you please stay and listen to the doctor’s advice with me?” He frowned, clearly displeased. “Since when have you had a fear of blood? I wasn’t aware of that. I understand you have issues with Chloe, but this is work. Can you please not let your feelings interfere with my job?” Realizing he might have spoken too harshly, he quickly added, “Anyway, you’ll still have a long wait. I should be able to finish work and come to pick you up.” After saying that, Ethan ignored my reaction, reassured Chloe on the phone, and left without looking back. I stood there, stunned, holding the newly prescribed medicine. After three years of dating and two years of marriage, this wasn’t the first time Ethan had left me for Chloe. In the past, I’d probably have argued with him, questioning who his real wife was. Was my unborn child less important than an assistant? Why couldn’t he remember I had hereditary anemia, which made blood tests truly faint-inducing? But this time, I just felt profoundly exhausted. No matter what I said, Ethan’s excuses were always “work is busy” and “Chloe needs me more.” No matter what I did, in Ethan’s eyes, it was just me being jealous. River City was in the height of summer, and my body was weak from the pregnancy. The oppressive heat made me break out in a sweat, but my heart grew colder with each passing moment. I took a deep breath, clutching the prenatal checkup form tightly in my hand. I knew it was time to let this relationship go. 2. After the checkup, I went straight to the police station to tender my resignation to Officer Carter. “Beatrix, are you sure about resigning so suddenly? Does Ethan know?” Officer Carter was surprised by my resignation. As a specially appointed sketch artist for the police, I had helped solve numerous challenging cases over the years and had a promising future. I forced a smile and said, “I’ll tell him later, but he probably won’t care much.” “Sigh, back then, you two were the golden couple—the youngest and most promising forensic expert and the most capable sketch artist. When you got married two years ago, the Chief even officiated the wedding. Everyone thought you two were so happy…” Officer Carter sighed regretfully. Indeed, we were once the envy of others. But now, those memories were just that—memories. After handing over my work, I returned home at nine in the evening. The house was silent and empty. My phone displayed a new post from Chloe, specifically tagging me. “With Mr. Ethan by my side during my first big case, I wasn’t scared at all! To thank Mr. Ethan for taking me home, I’m treating him to a big meal tomorrow~ [heart][sun]” I knew Ethan, who had promised at noon to be home for dinner, wouldn’t be coming back. He had completely forgotten about picking me up from the hospital. In the two years since our marriage, such situations were countless. I cooked myself a bowl of noodles, filling my stomach, and then opened my email. Looking through the invitations from overseas universities in my inbox, I paused at the one from the Royal College of Art. Without much hesitation, I accepted the invitation and booked a flight to London for three days later. Five years ago, Ethan had gone to London for a transnational case. Upon returning, he fell seriously ill and was unwilling to speak about that city since. Not only did he avoid going there, but he also got agitated whenever I mentioned it. Ethan, once I’m in London, we’ll never see each other again. 3. The next morning, I started packing my luggage. Halfway through, Ethan returned, bringing with him a faint scent of perfume. I paused, slightly surprised. He never liked sweet and cloying perfume scents. Because of this, I rarely wore perfume while with him, switching to unscented or mild fragrances. It seems now, he just didn’t like me wearing perfume. Seeing me packing, his eyes flickered. “Last night there was a team dinner, and when it ended, Fiona didn’t look well, so I took her home first. It was too late, so I stayed the night at the duty room.” I looked up at him, feeling indifferent. In these two years of marriage, he rarely explained anything to me voluntarily. I nodded, not saying a word. He approached me and asked, “Are you going on a business trip?” I nodded. “Sort of.” He seemed relieved, pausing before saying, “I came back to get some documents. I won’t be home for lunch.” “Okay.” I didn’t look at him, just continued packing my luggage. Originally, I planned to discuss the divorce over lunch and inform him of my resignation from the department, formally ending our marriage. But it seemed there wouldn’t be a chance. After speaking, Ethan went to the study, took a file and a blue bag, grabbed his clothes hanging by the door, and rushed out. “Crash!” The photo together, hanging on the wall by the door for two years, suddenly fell and shattered as he left. Glass scattered everywhere. I turned to look. It was a picture Officer Carter took of us on our wedding day. In the photo, we were wearing bridal attire, closely leaning against each other, smiling happily. That day, he had promised to always respond, to be kind to me, to love me forever. But since Chloe appeared, all those promises turned into empty words. After a long silence, I slowly crouched down, carefully picking up the broken pieces. Then, I threw away the photo that once held such beautiful memories, along with my last lingering feelings for this relationship, into the trash can. 4. Late at night, after finishing everything, I lay in bed, my whole body aching. Suddenly, my phone rang with a voice message from my best friend, Fiona. “Beatrix, how can Ethan and that Chloe be so blatant about this?” “You haven’t even divorced yet, and they’re flaunting it like this. Ethan is too much!” Puzzled, I opened my phone to see a screenshot of Fiona’s social media feed. In the photo, Chloe wore a deep V-neck dress, her fair chest adorned with a dazzling diamond necklace. On the table corner was a blue bag—exactly the one Ethan took from home at noon. The caption read: “Thanks for the surprise gift, Mr. Ethan. Happy two-year anniversary!” I scrolled through my phone, instinctively glancing at the calendar. Two-year anniversary? Today was also my and Ethan’s two-year wedding anniversary. After our marriage, he was always busy. Busy with various cases, busy with Chloe’s numerous demands. We never celebrated an anniversary properly. Eventually, I even forgot those important days. I chuckled bitterly and replied, “Maybe he’s just taking care of a subordinate.” “Taking care? That’s not taking care; that’s blatant infidelity! Beatrix, what are you thinking? Are you really going to keep enduring this?” Listening to Fiona’s question, I fell silent. Indeed, was I really going to endure this forever? In these two years of marriage, Ethan had been called away by Chloe for various reasons, from holidays to even my birthday and our wedding anniversary. I thought having a child would settle him down. He promised to be a good father one day. But after I got pregnant, Chloe became even more unscrupulous. My pregnancy made me sleepy, and several times I woke up in the middle of the night to find Ethan gone. Even his rare rest time was occupied by Chloe’s calls, one after another. Facing Fiona’s questions, I remained silent. Is this truly something I should continue to endure? Throughout our two-year marriage, Ethan has been drawn away by Chloe for various reasons, even during important moments like holidays, my birthday, and our wedding anniversary. I hoped that having a child would encourage him to settle down. He had once promised to be a good father someday. But after I became pregnant, Chloe’s demands only grew bolder. During my pregnancy, I often found myself waking up alone in the middle of the night, realizing that Ethan had left without a word. Even the few breaks he had were consumed by Chloe’s constant calls. Now, even with a child, he’s left me alone at the hospital three times without a trace of guilt. I looked up at the ceiling, my eyes burning with unshed tears. What have these two years of marriage truly meant? I have no idea. Perhaps it was a mistake from the very beginning. 5. Around midnight, Ethan finally came home. He seemed a little tired, taking off his coat and instinctively reaching to hang it behind the door, only to notice the wedding photo was missing, making him pause.

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