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After my daughter Jessica was pulled by her pigtails for the third time by a boy at kindergarten, the teacher once again chose to sweep it under the rug. Angry and anxious, I directly taught Jessica: “Next time that Zack bullies you again, you have to learn to fight back!” Jessica nodded seriously, then fell into a deep sleep. Before bed, I also decided to personally go to the kindergarten the next day to teach that boy a lesson. But that very night, I had a nightmare. In the dream, I pushed that boy off the 36th floor. The sound of him hitting the ground was like a watermelon smashing on concrete. Jolting awake from the nightmare, my phone lit up. There were many messages in the parents’ group chat. I clicked it open, and the first message made my blood run cold: “Zack jumped from the 36th floor. He’s dead.” “Zack’s mom Katie says it wasn’t suicide—someone pushed him.” “Did you guys hear the police sirens?” When I saw this message, the image of myself pushing Zack Harper off the 36th floor involuntarily flashed through my mind. But I knew very clearly that it was just an absurd dream. How could it possibly happen in real life?

But the parents’ group chat was already in chaos. Bella’s mom: [Are you guys joking?! It’s midnight now, how could that child be pushed from the 36th floor?!] Jordan’s mom: [Who would joke about something like this! Katie and I live in the same complex, the police cars and ambulances all came…] Then Jordan’s mom posted a high-definition photo. When I saw the image of Zack lying in a pool of blood, my heart suddenly stopped. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! In the image, Zack was wearing the same grass-green basketball uniform I’d seen in my dream. Although in my dream I had pushed him, it was just a dream. He had only pulled my Jessica’s pigtails—I couldn’t possibly kill him over something like that. I told myself this was all just a coincidence. The next day, I sent Jessica to kindergarten as usual. Zack’s seat was empty, but the other children didn’t seem affected by what happened. It seemed they didn’t yet know that Zack had completely disappeared from this world. Before leaving the kindergarten, Miss Foster stopped me: “Nina, you said yesterday that you had something to discuss with me today. What was it about?” I felt a bit awkward, since just yesterday I’d been planning to teach Zack a good lesson today. But now that he was already dead, what could I possibly complain about? So I could only explain: “It’s nothing now. I just wanted to ask about Zack…” Miss Foster sighed: “Katie came by this morning and took all of Zack’s belongings home.” “She was extremely agitated, saying that if she finds the murderer, she’ll definitely get revenge for her son!” I felt inexplicably guilty: “Why is she so certain someone else pushed him? Could it have been an accident where Zack fell by himself?” “Why would a five-year-old child suddenly run to the rooftop! And the police detected the killer’s fingerprints on Zack’s clothes—they’ve preliminarily determined it was someone he knew.” The words “someone he knew” immediately put me at ease. Although I’d met Zack, I wasn’t familiar with his family. I didn’t even know which complex they lived in, which building, which unit. Miss Foster continued: “Even if it’s someone he knew, it won’t be easy to find. That child was so naughty—bullying kids at kindergarten, bullying elderly neighbors at home. If he provoked someone petty, they really might have killed him.” Thinking about it, that made sense. If he hadn’t bullied my Jessica multiple times, I wouldn’t have thought about going to the kindergarten to settle accounts with him. And of course, I never would have had such an outrageous dream. After confirming this matter had nothing to do with me, I brought Jessica home. But as soon as we got home, the first thing she said was: “Mommy, why did you push Zack off the building?”

Her words scared me pale: “Jessica, what—what are you saying?” Seeing her confused expression, I continued asking: “Tell Mommy, why would you ask that?” Jessica tilted her head, looking innocent: “Mommy, you said it yourself last night when you were dreaming.” I crouched down and gripped her shoulders tightly: “What Mommy says in her dreams, you can’t take it seriously, and you can’t tell anyone, understand?” After she nodded seriously, she suddenly lowered her head with an extremely aggrieved look: “Mommy, Zack didn’t come to school today, and Lily said it was my fault.” “Now none of the kids in class want to play with me anymore…” “That’s too much!” I immediately sent a message to Miss Foster. She said she would definitely have Lily apologize to Jessica in front of the whole class tomorrow. Looking at Jessica’s dejected appearance, I encouraged her: “Jessica, when you encounter something like this, you must speak up right away!” “Whether she meant it or not, her behavior hurt you, so we must be brave and stand up for ourselves!” Hearing my words, her eyes instantly lit up. “Mommy, I’ll remember.” At eight o’clock that night, after I put Jessica to sleep, I gradually fell asleep too. I just didn’t expect I would dream about Jessica’s kindergarten classmate—Lily. I had a deep impression of this little girl. Because she was the tallest girl in the entire senior class. Jessica had mentioned that she and Zack were good friends. So when Zack didn’t come to school today, she took all her anger out on Jessica. In the dream, I was completely out of control. Under the pitch-black night, I quietly walked into Lily Sweet’s room. Then I threw her out the tenth-floor window. “Ahh…” I screamed in terror, jolting awake from the dream. I had killed someone in a dream again! The dream was so real, yet so bizarre! Jessica beside me was also awakened by my scream: “Mommy, are you okay…” After taking a deep breath, I told Jessica I was fine, then quickly opened the parents’ group chat on my phone. Fortunately, there were no messages inside. I must have been affected by Zack’s incident, which is why I had this kind of dream. But because of this dream, I couldn’t fall back asleep that night. I just stared at the parents’ group chat on my phone, watching it until daybreak. Thankfully, the thing I feared never happened. But the next day when I took Jessica to kindergarten, I ran right into Lily’s mother. She was disheveled, standing at the kindergarten gate like a shrew, crying out: “My daughter died last night! Someone threw her out the tenth-floor window!” “First Zack, now my daughter—there’s no such thing as coincidence. It must be someone from the kindergarten!”

Lily was dead too! What on earth was going on! I thought of that dream again. If once was a coincidence, what about twice? Why did I kill Zack and Lily in my dreams, and in reality they died the same way? Faced with Lily’s mother making a scene, Miss Foster was also helpless: “I completely understand how you feel right now, but our kindergarten teachers have no reason to harm their own students, and the police have also ruled out our kindergarten as suspects.” A mother who had lost her child couldn’t care about any of that. She cried hysterically, looking viciously at everyone present: “Even if it wasn’t your kindergarten teachers, what about these parents? Have they been cleared of suspicion?” Someone protested: “This whole thing is too strange! The killer couldn’t have entered your home silently and killed your daughter, right!” “As long as they’re human, they would leave some traces, right!” “What about your home surveillance? The fingerprints on the locks, footprints on the floor, and fingerprints on the child’s body—don’t any of these exist?” His analysis was logical, but Lily’s mother’s expression went blank: “There’s only one faint fingerprint on the child’s clothes. The police are still investigating…” Two children had died in the same bizarre way. No one knew the killer’s motive. Except for one fingerprint, the police had no other usable evidence. This was like looking for a needle in a haystack—who knew how long it would take to find the killer. However, the police learned from Miss Foster that these two children were good friends, so they preliminarily determined the killer was the same person. After the day’s events, I immediately checked my home surveillance when I got home. Although I killed people in my dreams! The surveillance showed that after I fell asleep, I never left the bedroom. As long as I had this evidence, it could prove their deaths had nothing to do with me. But in the afternoon, the teacher still called me to the school with one phone call. The entire classroom was chaotic. Jessica was crying, while the other children kept cursing: “Jessica Anderson’s mom killed people!” “Jessica Anderson’s mom killed people!” I pulled Jessica into my arms. After Miss Foster arrived, I finally learned what had happened. She handed me a drawing: “Nina, this was found in Jessica’s backpack. I think you need to see this.” I tremblingly opened the drawing, and my anxious heart finally cracked. Jessica had actually drawn my dream of killing Lily! Whether it was the blue pajamas Lily wore before she died or that pink window, everything matched the dream. As if she had witnessed it herself. I was too shocked to speak. I finally understood why the children were shouting “Jessica Anderson’s mom killed people!” But I really didn’t kill anyone! Miss Foster quickly comforted me: “Nina, don’t be nervous. I asked Jessica about it. She said this drawing was based on a dream.” Just as I was about to speak, Katie and Lily’s mother burst in with the police: “Officer, this is Jessica Anderson’s mother. We suspect she’s the one who killed our children!”

Because of that drawing, I was taken to the police station. They didn’t believe my explanation at all: “Stop making excuses! If it was really a dream, why do the blue pajamas and pink window in the drawing match my home exactly? We never made these details public.” This was indeed a doubt I couldn’t clear up. Killing in dreams—I couldn’t understand it myself. But I was certain that in reality, I hadn’t killed anyone. I provided my home surveillance and the complex’s surveillance: “On the two days your children were killed, I had solid alibis! Although your children bullied my Jessica, I’m not deranged enough to kill them over that!” After the police verified my evidence, they finally released me. After returning home, I didn’t dare sleep at all. I was afraid I would have that strange killing dream again. But when I stayed up until 3 AM, my eyelids still closed uncontrollably. I had another dream… In the dream, I kidnapped all the children who had mocked Jessica during the day and locked them in an abandoned underground parking garage. Their sobbing and crying viciously stimulated my heart, and I woke up because of it. But then I discovered something even more terrifying— Jessica was gone. My husband and I searched every room but couldn’t find her. She had vanished like she’d evaporated. Just as my husband and I were about to go out looking for her, the police and a group of parents rushed into our home. “Nina! Did you kidnap our children!” “Nina, give us our children back!” I instinctively defended myself: “It wasn’t me! Jessica is missing too!” As soon as I finished speaking, someone discovered a drawing by Jessica’s bed. “You still want to deny it? Your evil deeds have all been drawn by Jessica! You really did kidnap our children!” Everyone surrounded me demanding an explanation. Lily’s mother rushed up and started hitting me: “Stop making excuses! Lily only had a conflict with Jessica. Who else could it be but you!” I was powerless to resist. That drawing seemed to seal my guilt completely. To investigate the case, the police still took me to the station. I said it was just a dream, but they didn’t believe me. They forced me to reveal where the children were being held, but how would I know? When I appeared in the dream, I was already in that abandoned underground parking garage. Although the police didn’t believe my “dream theory,” they still patiently guided me: “Right now, this concerns the lives of over a dozen children, possibly including Jessica. Our only lead is you and that so-called dream. Think carefully again—did that underground parking garage have any distinctive features?” I closed my eyes and recalled that bizarre dream once more. Five minutes later, I opened my eyes wide: “I saw writing on the underground parking garage… it said Riverside… it’s Riverside Complex.” After I provided this lead, the police immediately dispatched people to Riverside Complex. After thirty minutes of searching, we finally found the 15 missing children in a storage room. I wanted to rush over and hug Jessica, but she retreated in fear: “Mommy… don’t come near me. I’m scared.” Then the other children burst into tears the moment they saw me: “Bad person, go away! Bad person, go away…” Lily’s mother rushed over and slapped me: “The children all say you’re the one who kidnapped them. What else do you have to say! Why did you kill Lily… give me back my daughter’s life…” My eyes were full of tears. I could only weakly explain over and over: “I really didn’t hurt your children. It was just a dream. I really don’t know what’s going on…” Katie threw an identification report in my face: “The fingerprint report from Zack’s body is out. It matches your fingerprints exactly! You’re the killer who murdered them!” Looking at that report stamped with a red seal, my heart sank to the bottom. The police had already handcuffed my wrists. But the next second, I spotted critical information on the identification report: “Officer! I’m not the killer. I already know who the real killer is!”

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At the New Moon Festival, during the Hailmark pack’s tribal banquet, my Alpha husband Gareth had his arm around his first love Fiona as they ate together. Gareth wouldn’t let me sit down. He made me stand on the side to serve them, pouring drinks and passing food. I said to him, “Let’s get divorced.” He replied absentmindedly: “Just because I asked you to serve us? How long are you going to stay mad this time?” Three years of marriage, and he never believed I would actually leave him. But this time, I had really made up my mind. Because just a few minutes ago, I received a message from Alpha King Jasper: [I’ll come pick you up after I finish this interview. Should be around midnight.] I immediately replied: [Okay] At the tribal banquet on New Moon Festival day, Gareth pushed me aside without a second thought and told me to go greet the pack members. He fussed over everyone’s seating, then pulled Fiona to sit beside him. With so many people at the banquet, there was no seat for me alone. I could only help out from the sidelines. Seeing my anger, Gareth said: “I just asked you to help out a bit. Are you satisfied now?” “Could you pour me some water too?” Fiona interrupted our conversation and naturally sat down next to Gareth. Seeing my expression darken, she immediately asked, “What’s wrong? Gareth, did you upset Luna Violet again?” Gareth pursed his lips but said nothing. Fiona immediately started trying to smooth things over. “Luna Violet, don’t be angry with him. I should be the one pouring water for everyone.” I let out a cold laugh. “You like my husband so much, you even had to sit next to him today. I might as well just hand him over to you.” Fiona bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes. “How can you say that? You’ve misunderstood. Even though Gareth and I dated before, that’s all in the past. Gareth and I are just friends now.” Gareth glanced at me reproachfully: “If you have an issue, take it out on me. Why are you provoking her? If you want a divorce, fine, get divorced. No need to drag other people into this.” Gareth patted Fiona and took her outside to clear her head. We discussed divorce so carelessly. It wasn’t like this when we first started dating. Back then, Gareth and I fell in love at first sight. I was Gareth’s fated mate, and after meeting me, he immediately broke up with Fiona. But Fiona’s father was a high-ranking Beta in Hailmark pack, so even after the breakup, they still had plenty of contact. I still remember what Gareth said at our wedding: “From now on, I’ll only love you.” But looking at it now, Gareth’s vows couldn’t be trusted at all. After the banquet ended, Gareth’s old friends had a party planned. I didn’t want to affect everyone because of our issues, so I forced myself to go. When I reached the door, the friends were complaining about me. “Is Violet not coming? Did you two have a fight?” Someone laughed awkwardly. “Getting mad over this? Someone had to help out at the gathering. Isn’t Violet being too sensitive?” “Seriously. If I were looking for a partner, I’d rather find someone easy-going who doesn’t make a fuss all the time. Hey, someone like Fiona would be perfect.” Gareth seemed to sigh. “What can I do? That’s just her temper. I spoiled her, so I have to deal with it.” Someone laughed. “You should still stand your ground when you need to, or you won’t have any say in the future.” Fiona said: “Luna Violet is so lucky. If someone pampered me like this, I wouldn’t dream of fighting with him.” Gareth’s friends immediately started egging them on. “Then let Gareth pamper you today.” “Really? We’re finally all together. Can you give me a New Moon Festival gift? Honey?” she asked jokingly. I heard Gareth answer her with a laugh. “I already prepared a New Moon Festival gift for you.” Then Gareth reminded everyone. “You can joke around, but don’t say anything in front of Violet.” I let go of the doorknob. The laughter inside sounded so sharp. Gareth knew very well that I minded him being ambiguous with other people. He said he was afraid of me getting angry, yet he let Fiona call him honey in front of everyone and even prepared a New Moon Festival gift for her. It was simply because he was so certain that after getting angry for a bit, I would ultimately forgive him. But this time, he miscalculated. Soon after, Fiona updated her social media status: “Received Gareth’s New Moon Festival gift. It feels so good to be cherished!” In the photo, she and Gareth had their fingers intertwined. The bracelet on her wrist sparkled brightly. I ultimately didn’t push open the door to join their party. Instead, I called my dad, the Alpha of Soulgnaw pack. “Dad, I want to come back to Soulgnaw pack.” He paused, somewhat surprised. “Really? You haven’t been back in so long. Did something happen between you and Gareth?” I held back my emotions, not letting him hear my sadness. “I miss you. I’m planning to develop my career in Soulgnaw pack. I’ll stay there and keep you company from now on.” My dad instantly heard the dejection in my voice, but he didn’t call me out on it. “I support all your choices. Should I come pick you up?” Hearing my dad’s indulgent voice, my heart settled down. “No need. Someone’s coming to get me.”

When Gareth came home with Fiona, I was watching TV with other pack members. “Luna Violet, you and Alpha Gareth have been married for three years now, right? Shouldn’t you start thinking about having a child?” “Exactly. Have one soon.” Gareth’s mother picked up the conversation: “Violet had some physical issues before, so she couldn’t get pregnant. Recently she’s been drinking quite a bit of potion specially prepared for her by a witch. She should be able to conceive soon.” At that moment, Alpha King Jasper appeared on the TV. I looked up sharply, and that familiar face appeared on the TV screen. The reporter interviewed Jasper: “Who will you spend the New Moon Festival with?” Jasper smiled warmly: “Of course with the most important person!” Gareth’s mother couldn’t help but exclaim, “The Alpha King is so handsome.” Fiona picked up the thread. “The Alpha King is many girls’ dream man.” They didn’t know that the person Jasper was meeting tonight was me. Long ago, Gareth also said I was the most important person to him. When I first married Gareth, he took me traveling to various places every day and prepared all my birthday gifts from birth to age twenty. Gareth said, “I don’t want to be absent from any of your past days.” But last year on my birthday, he was absent. That day Fiona got sick, and he was busy taking her to the hospital, staying with her until very late before coming home. At night, when he saw the unopened cake on the table, he realized he’d forgotten my birthday. That was the first time we fought. Later, our friction grew more and more. Gareth always complained that I was too sensitive and jealous, that I couldn’t even tolerate a first love. Time and again, he left me to accompany Fiona moving, celebrating holidays, seeing doctors. My phone vibrating pulled me back from my thoughts. Someone at the gathering pulled out their phone and showed me a photo, asking if the person in it was me. It was Jasper’s just-posted Ins: [Every moment with you is happy.] In the attached group photo of volunteers, I was standing right next to Jasper. In front of us were a group of orphanage children we were visiting. Before I could respond, Gareth chimed in from the side: “How is that possible? She just looks similar. How could Violet possibly appear in the Alpha King’s photo? Impossible.” Looking at his flustered appearance, I even found it somewhat laughable. While speaking, he accidentally knocked over a wine glass on the table, wetting his pants. Fiona quickly pulled out some tissues and without thinking began gently wiping his leg. Gareth awkwardly cleared his throat, and only then did she stop. I laughed lightly. “Why don’t you just wash them for him?” Fiona’s face turned red instantly. “What are you saying? I broke up with Gareth long ago. I only think of Gareth as a brother now. Don’t overthink it.” I ignored her and just explained briefly from the side. I’d been doing volunteer work at the orphanage before and happened to run into the Alpha King who came to participate in his monthly charity activities. The scene got even livelier. “Oh my god, Violet actually met the Alpha King in person!” “How tall and handsome is he in real life? I want to know!” I got scared and didn’t dare say much more. Just then, Jasper sent me a message: [Interview’s done. I’m heading to the airport. I’ll come find you soon.]

During dinner, Fiona acted coquettishly toward Gareth: “Gareth, pass me the lemonade.” Then I saw the bracelet on Fiona’s wrist. I said sarcastically: “Pretty bracelet! Gareth gave it to you?” Fiona said somewhat awkwardly, “It’s not expensive. If you like it, I’ll give it to you.” Gareth stopped Fiona: “This is my gift to you. How can you give it to her?” Then he turned to me and said: “Violet, what New Moon Festival gift do you want? Anything at all, just name it.” Fiona suddenly tugged at Gareth’s arm and shouted: “Oh no, what time is it? Are we late? We made plans with friends to rush to the square together to make wishes in front of the Moon Goddess statue. Shouldn’t we go?” Gareth’s eyes flickered, and he stammered an explanation to me: “I promised friends earlier we’d go together. If you’re not tired, you can come with us.” Fiona got anxious. “Luna Violet doesn’t even know those friends. Wouldn’t it be awkward for her to go?” I laughed coldly and declined the invitation. Gareth patted my head, like soothing a loyal little dog. “True. It’s pretty cold outside. Just wait for me at home. I’ll buy you a gift.” Fiona came up to me, then deliberately showed me what was in her bag. She said with a smile, “Don’t worry, Luna Violet. I’ll take good care of Gareth.” Gareth urged Fiona along, then drove off with her. I sat in front of the TV and finished watching Jasper’s program before going back to my room to print the divorce agreement. Jasper called. I said softly, “See you at the airport.”

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After my adopted sister died, my brother Ethan became the person who hated me most in this world. He hated me so much that he shipped me off to a casino in Las Vegas to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. I begged and pleaded, but his eyes held nothing but contempt: “If it weren’t for donating her kidney to save you, Lily never would have died on that operating table! You killed her — now spend the rest of your life paying for it.” But when a gang ambush hit, he didn’t hesitate for a second. He pulled me into his arms and took every bullet meant for me. With his last breaths, he touched my face and said, coughing up blood: “If there’s a next life, I’d rather never have you as my sister. Having Lily was enough.” Those dying words dragged me straight into hell. I put a gun to my head and pulled the trigger. When I opened my eyes again, I’d been reborn — five years in the past. Dear brother, this time, I don’t want Lily’s kidney. And I don’t want your love anymore. I’ll give you exactly what you wished for. I’ll make sure you only ever have one sister.

“Grace! You actually held Lily’s hand in boiling water over a piece of candy — she saved your life! How do I have such an ungrateful, vicious sister?!” The familiar voice rang in my ears. I slowly opened my eyes and stared at the scene in front of me. This was five years ago. The day I burned Lily’s hand. I really had been reborn. The Ethan standing before me had no blood at the corner of his mouth. No bullet holes in his body. My nose stung. I forced down the flood of emotions rising in my chest and spoke in a hoarse voice: “I’m sorry, Ethan. I shouldn’t have burned Lily’s hand.” Ethan froze. I looked at him and let out a bitter smile. That piece of candy — it was the one he’d pressed into my palm the day our parents died in the car accident. His eyes had been red, and he’d been trying so hard to comfort me. “Grace, don’t cry. I’m here. I’ll take care of you for the rest of my life.” Ethan had only been a teenager back then. The weight of the whole family had crashed down on him without warning — and he still had little me to look after. It made sense that he’d forgotten. I shouldn’t have held onto it. I swallowed the lump in my throat and turned to bow deeply toward Lily, who lay in the hospital bed: “I’m sorry. I won’t try to take your brother away from you anymore.” Lily blinked, and her eyes slowly turned red. She looked like she was about to cry again: “Grace, I didn’t mean to step on that candy. Please don’t—” Without a word, I turned, picked up the kettle of just-boiled water on the bedside table, and poured it over my own right arm without hesitation. Searing pain exploded across my skin. Cold sweat instantly soaked through my shirt. I was shaking so hard I could barely breathe. “Is that enough?” The two of them were completely stunned by my sudden shift in behavior. It was Ethan who snapped out of it first. He lunged forward and grabbed my arm, shouting: “Grace, are you out of your mind?!” Before I could answer, he was already barking at the assistant standing by the door: “What are you standing there for? Get a doctor!” Something warm flickered through me. I watched the scene with quiet relief. Right now, Ethan still cared about me. The eyes he turned on me weren’t just cold and full of disgust. That was enough. Even if this love was never truly mine to keep. I still clung to the warmth of it. But before I could say another word, Lily grabbed the hem of Ethan’s shirt and sobbed: “Ethan, I know Grace wants all your attention for herself — but she shouldn’t be hurting herself on purpose.” Then she turned to me, crying and pleading: “Grace, you and Ethan are real siblings. I’m the outsider here. Please stop hurting yourself, okay?” Ethan’s expression grew noticeably cooler at her words. Seeing that, I quietly closed the mouth I’d been about to open. A second later, just as I expected, Ethan’s voice turned cold: “I actually let myself hope you’d changed. What a fool I was. You never change, do you? Are you really my sister? What kind of person even does this?” Those cruel words were nothing compared to what he’d said in my past life. I lowered my head in submission: “Fine. Whatever you say.” “You—!” Ethan’s jaw tightened. He raised his hand and pointed at me, unable to speak for a long moment. Then he turned to the assistant: “Take her to get her arm bandaged. And keep her away from Lily. She’s exhausting.” I nodded and quietly stepped out. But I didn’t go get bandaged. From the moment I’d come back, a familiar sharp pain had been radiating from my kidneys, spreading to every nerve ending in my body. The pain was so bad I could barely stay on my feet. Because this was the day. In my past life, this was the day the kidney disease had been discovered. Without a transplant, I had two weeks to live.

I’d been sick my whole life. Rare blood type on top of everything else — every illness felt like a coin flip between life and death. Once, during a surgery, I lost so much blood that the hospital’s supply ran out. Ethan searched like a man possessed and finally found an orphan who shared my blood type — Lily. Her blood saved my life. And just like that, she went from a penniless orphan to the adopted daughter of the Whitmore family, one of the wealthiest families in the country. But after that, Ethan changed. He stopped checking in on me. Stopped looking after me the way he used to. When Lily and I were both hurt at the same time, he wouldn’t even glance at me. He’d leave me where I fell and carry Lily — who was always less injured — straight to the hospital. I went crazy with jealousy. I resented her. I made her life difficult every chance I got. Between a sweet, gentle sister and a difficult, spiteful one, the choice was obvious. It didn’t take a genius to figure out which one Ethan would choose. But even through all my tantrums and acting out, I secretly believed that deep down, Ethan loved me most. The only reason he treated Lily so well was because she’d saved my life. I was wrong. Completely, catastrophically wrong. In my past life, after my kidney disease was diagnosed, Lily died on the operating table during the transplant surgery. I survived, against all odds. But from that day forward, Ethan looked at me with nothing but hatred. He said the cruelest things imaginable to me — as if we weren’t siblings at all, but bitter enemies with blood between us. This time, I don’t want things to end up that way. This time, I’d rather be the one who dies. Winter up north was brutal. The wind carried snow like razor blades, slicing across my face. The dull ache in my kidneys tangled with the sharp burn along my right arm until even breathing normally felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. I hunched over, pulled my coat tight, and walked down the street. I’d been greedy just now. I came back to fulfill Ethan’s wish — a life where he only had one sister, Lily. I should leave. Now. That was what I was thinking when a car horn sounded beside me. The window rolled down, revealing Ethan’s cold expression: “Get in.” I started to refuse. But his bodyguard grabbed me before I could say a word and pushed me into the car. The heat inside was turned up high, but I still felt cold. To keep from looking out of the ordinary, I curled up against the window and stared silently at the streets rushing past outside. “You didn’t get it bandaged. What are you up to now?” Ethan’s voice was as cold as ice. “Playing the martyr didn’t work, so now you’re pulling back to move forward?” I was quiet for a moment. Then I turned and looked at him calmly: “Ethan, I mean it. From now on, you don’t have to be put in the middle because of me. I’m going to move out. I’ll stay far away from both of you.” He looked at me like I’d just said something laughable. The corner of his mouth curved into a thin, mocking smile: “Move out? Grace, everything you have came from this family. Without the Whitmores, without me, you’re nothing. How long do you think you’d last?” Not very long at all. I thought that, and looked down: “How long I last is my business.” “I know I’ve been out of line. I always thought that if I made enough noise, fought hard enough, you’d pay more attention to me. But I get it now. Some things aren’t mine to have. Lily saved my life — you loving her is right. And I… I shouldn’t have been in the way.” Ethan’s sharp gaze swept over me. He seemed to be searching my face for a crack — for the manipulation, the calculation he expected to find there. But what he found was a pile of cold, dead ash. Whatever had burned there before — the jealousy, the desperation, the aching need to hold onto him — it all seemed to have truly gone out. That unfamiliar stillness made him more unsettled than her outbursts ever had. “You think saying all that will make me go soft? You think I’ll suddenly believe you’ve grown up? Grace, I’ve seen every trick you have!” “I’m not playing tricks, Ethan.” My voice was quiet, carrying a faint, bone-deep exhaustion: “I’m just… tired. I don’t want to fight anymore. I just don’t want to…” I don’t want to go to Mom and Dad carrying your hatred.

The car passed through the sweeping gates of the Whitmore estate. I got out and walked directly to my room — the one tucked in the far corner of the house. It was large. Lavishly decorated. But there was no warmth in it. It felt like a beautiful cage. I started packing. I took only the bare essentials — a few changes of clothes, some cash, and an old photo album our parents had left behind, the one Ethan had probably long since forgotten existed. I’d just shoved everything into a worn backpack when the door swung open. Lily leaned in the doorway. Her left wrist was wrapped in fresh white bandaging, and her face was still a little pale. But her eyes carried the quiet, barely-there satisfaction of someone who’d already won. “Grace, are you really leaving?” Her voice was soft and gentle. “Did Ethan say something to upset you? Don’t be angry with him — he just cares about me so much. Even though you two are real siblings, Ethan still trusts me more, you know.” I watched her performance without a flicker of reaction. In my past life, words like that would have set me off like a match to gasoline. I would have gone for her, and then Ethan would have torn into me. But now, I just wanted out. “Move,” I said. Lily stepped forward instead, blocking my path. Her voice dropped until only the two of us could hear: “Grace, take a good look around. In this house, you’re nothing to Ethan. You staying here is just a joke. The sooner you get out, the better — for everyone.” I ignored her and tried to step around her. That was when Lily let out a sudden scream. Her right hand moved — from somewhere, she’d produced a small fruit knife — and before I could blink, she dragged the blade hard across her own left forearm. Blood welled up immediately. “Grace! What are you doing?!” She shrieked, stumbling backward, face twisted in shock and disbelief. “I already apologized to you! Why do you keep hurting me?!” Footsteps thundered down the hall. Ethan appeared in the doorway, his face dark. He took in the blood on Lily’s arm. He took in me standing over her with my backpack. He took in the fruit knife lying on the floor. Three seconds of frozen silence. Ethan didn’t ask a single question. Fury tore through his expression, and he raised his hand and struck me hard across the face. Time stopped. The burn along my arm, the grinding ache in my kidneys — all of it vanished. Only the fire on my cheek remained. This was the first time — in two lifetimes — that he’d ever laid a hand on me. It hurt more than every other injury on my body combined. Even at his worst in my past life, when the cruelest things had come out of his mouth, he’d never hit me. So he really did love Lily that much. I stood there, dazed, thinking that with something strangely close to peace. “Grace!” Ethan froze too. His hand trembled for a long moment before words finally forced their way through his teeth: “I actually let myself believe, for one second, that maybe you had changed! I’m an idiot. A leopard doesn’t change its spots. How black is your heart? What has Lily ever done to you? Why do you keep hurting her, over and over again? She saved your life!” The familiar accusations, the cutting words — like poison-tipped needles, one after another, straight into the softest part of me. I’d prepared for this. I’d told myself to go numb. But hearing Ethan speak to me with such naked hatred still sent a sharp, blinding pain through my chest. My legs nearly buckled. My vision went dark at the edges. I looked at his handsome face, twisted slightly with rage. I looked at Lily crying softly behind him, her eyes briefly flicking to mine with a gleam of triumph she couldn’t quite hide. And I felt something settle in me — a terrible, quiet clarity. Explain? He wouldn’t believe me. In his mind, I’d been beyond redemption for a long time. That was fine. I drew a slow breath. I swallowed the metallic taste rising in my throat and the sting behind my eyes. I gathered what was left of my strength and pulled my arm free. Then I bent down and picked up the small knife from the floor — the one still wet with Lily’s blood. Ethan’s eyes narrowed: “What do you think you’re doing?” I turned the knife around and pressed the handle into his hand. I made him close his fingers around it. Cold metal against his palm. And in its surface, a reflection — my face, white as paper. I stepped forward until I was almost pressed against his chest. I tilted my head back and looked up into his furious eyes. My voice came out soft and unsteady, like a dry leaf in the wind, ready to fall. “Ethan. You hate me this much. You think I hurt your Lily.” “Then make it right for her. Okay?” Before he could react, before he even understood what I meant, I lunged forward. Thud. The dull, sickening sound of a blade sinking into flesh.

Agony detonated below my right shoulder blade and swept through my entire body in an instant. I felt the cold metal enter me — felt it tear through muscle — and with it came a deep, bone-level chill that felt like the edge of death. Time stopped. The fury on Ethan’s face locked up. It became shock. Pure, total shock. He let go on instinct, but the knife was still in my shoulder. Blood soaked through my thin shirt fast, a spreading stain that was almost hard to look at. Lily’s crying cut off completely. She stood there with her mouth open, frozen. “Gr… Grace?” Ethan’s voice came out cracked and barely there. He stared at his own bloodied hand, then back at my face, which was draining of color by the second. Something appeared in his eyes that I’d never seen there before — a vast, near-panicked fracturing. I looked at him, and I thought about the one thing I hadn’t said out loud. This is to cancel the debt. The one from our last life — when you threw yourself in front of every bullet meant for me. After this, we’re even. But the cold spreading from the blood loss made it impossible to speak. My body slid downward. “Grace—!!!” Ethan let out a sound that didn’t seem like it could come from a human throat. He caught me as I went down, his hands scrambling frantically to press against the wound — and then pulling back, afraid to touch the knife. His arms were shaking. His whole body was shaking. “Get a doctor! Call an ambulance! NOW!” He was screaming at the frozen housekeeper and assistant, his eyes red, every trace of the cold, controlled man he’d always been completely gone. Only terror remained. When I came back to consciousness, I was in a hospital room that smelled heavily of antiseptic. My shoulder was wrapped in thick bandages. A dull, constant ache pulsed through it. But stronger than that was the familiar, crushing weight inside my body — that deep, systemic exhaustion I recognized. So it’s here. Just like I knew it would be. The room was quiet. From beyond the door, I could make out muffled arguing. Ethan and Lily. “…I’m asking you one more time. That knife — did she use it to cut you? Or did you do it yourself?” Ethan’s voice was low, but it carried the still, heavy pressure of a storm about to break. “Ethan… you’re doubting me? How could you doubt me? It’s Grace who hates me — she’s always hated me for taking you away from her—” Lily dissolved into sobs. “I only believe what I actually saw. Grace acts out, yeah — but she’s never gone this far with herself before. Lily. Don’t lie to me.” Ethan’s voice had taken on a quality I’d never heard from him — a cold, quiet ferocity that was somehow more frightening than shouting. “If I find out you did… I’ll destroy you.” Lily stumbled back a step, the color draining from her face. She couldn’t get another word out. Ethan’s footsteps moved away. He stepped out onto the balcony and smoked a cigarette before he trusted himself to feel anything clearly. When Grace had gone limp in his arms — barely breathing, barely there — he’d finally understood what it felt like for his heart to stop. “Look into it,” he said, his voice rough. He turned to his assistant: “The door to Grace’s room was open. The hallway camera should have had a clear angle into the room. Pull the footage.”

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I had just been diagnosed with late-stage cancer. Before I could tell my husband, I found him in the parking garage. He had the new intern pinned against a car, kissing her. Our eyes met. I didn’t cry or make a scene. I just turned and left, tearing the papers into pieces and throwing them in the trash. That night, he brought her home. He deliberately showed off the hickey on his neck. He and Sophia deliberately made suggestive moans in the guest bedroom. But unlike before, I didn’t go hysterical. I just stayed quietly in the study, never disturbing his little affair. He went crazy, kissing my lips fiercely. “Evelyn, aren’t you angry?” He didn’t know I was dying. With only fifteen days left to live, I didn’t want to fight over a man whose heart had already wandered. Evelyn POV In the quiet bedroom, my phone screen suddenly lit up. I opened my email. It was a confirmation letter from a Swiss organization. “Ms. Evelyn Hart, your assisted death application has been approved. The flight is scheduled for fifteen days from now. Please arrive on time.” I stared at those words for a long time, until my eyes burned, then slowly exhaled and pressed the lock button. Fifteen days. I only had fifteen days left in this world. At the same time, on the hundred-inch TV on the wall, a financial interview was being broadcast live. Under the spotlight, Ethan Sterling wore a perfectly tailored bespoke suit, devastatingly handsome. The host smiled and asked, “Mr. Sterling, I heard you named the landmark building about to be completed in the city center ‘Evelyn Tower.’ Does it have any special meaning?” Hearing that name, Ethan’s usually stern eyes instantly softened with infinite tenderness. “Evelyn is my wife’s name.” He looked at the camera, his voice deep and certain. “This tower is my ten-year anniversary gift to her. I want everyone in the city to know that Ethan Sterling will always love Evelyn Hart.” The audience immediately burst into thunderous applause, and the host’s envy was visible to the naked eye. “Oh my God, Mr. Sterling and his wife have been together since college and are still so sweet. It really makes people envious. Any secrets to maintaining love?” “The secret is to treat her as the only light in your life. If I could give her my life, how could I bear to let her suffer even a little?” Hearing this deeply romantic confession, I leaned back on the sofa, my lips curling into a faint sneer. Yes, everyone thought Ethan loved me. When I got sick in college, he carried me to the hospital in pouring rain and ended up with pneumonia from getting soaked. During the hardest times of his startup, he ate expired bread for a month just to buy me that necklace I’d glanced at. In five years of marriage, he never spoke to other women, and all his assets were in my name. Even I once firmly believed that Ethan would never betray me. Until half a month ago, when I received my late-stage stomach cancer diagnosis. Holding the report, I went to Ethan’s company, wanting to see him, wanting to cry in his arms. But in the dim underground parking garage, I saw him pinning the new intern Sophia against the car door, the two of them kissing intensely. In that moment, my world collapsed. No questioning, no hysteria. I just quietly turned around, tore that diagnosis into pieces, and threw it in the trash. Since his heart was already gone, he didn’t need to know about my condition. I didn’t want to spend the last moments of my life fighting over a man whose heart had changed like some pathetic woman. So I calmly contacted the Swiss organization and set my own death date. The door opened. Ethan came in covered in snow. Seeing me on the sofa, he didn’t even take off his shoes, quickly walking over and pulling me into his arms with concern. “Why aren’t you lying in bed? The living room is so cold. What if you catch a cold?” He scolded while covering my cold hands with his warm ones, his eyes full of anxiety. I didn’t struggle, letting him hold me. But the moment he got close, I smelled the faint rose perfume on him. That was Sophia’s favorite scent. My gaze dropped, and I clearly saw a lipstick mark on the inside collar of Ethan’s black coat. My heart felt like it was being stabbed by needles, the pain stopping my breath. Ethan noticed my gaze and looked down, his expression freezing for a moment. But he reacted quickly, explaining without changing expression. “I had a business dinner today. The private room was crowded, probably accidentally brushed against someone. I’ll go shower and change right away so it doesn’t bother you.” Lying without even blinking. I looked at this familiar face and suddenly found it incredibly strange. “It’s fine.” My tone was calm. “Go shower.” Ethan paused, seemingly not expecting me to be so calm. After all, in the past, though I wouldn’t make a scene, I would always be a little angry and need him to coax me for a long time. “Evelyn, you’re not mad, are you? I swear, I didn’t even look at another woman.” He carefully leaned in, wanting to kiss my forehead. I turned my head away, dodging him. “I’m a bit tired. I want to sleep now.” Ethan just thought I wasn’t feeling well and touched my hair tenderly. “Okay, you sleep first. I’ll come keep you company after I shower.” Listening to the sound of water from the bathroom, I closed my eyes and mentally crossed off another day. Ethan, you don’t need to act anymore. After all, I only have fourteen days left.

Evelyn POV The next morning, I woke to the aroma coming from the kitchen. I walked out of the bedroom and saw Ethan wearing an apron, busy in the kitchen. “You’re up?” Ethan heard movement and turned to smile at me. “Go wash up. I made your favorite foie gras today.” I watched him skillfully cooking the foie gras, his movements meticulous. Suddenly, he accidentally cut his finger with the knife, and blood seeped out. I instinctively stepped forward, wanting to get a bandage, but my steps halted. If it were before, I would have been panicking. But now, I just found it ironic. These hands. Had they also caressed another woman the same way last night? Ethan saw I didn’t move and looked a bit surprised. He grabbed a tissue and pressed it to the wound himself, then brought the foie gras to the table. “Try it quickly. Today’s foie gras is delicious.” I had just picked up my utensils when the doorbell suddenly rang. Ethan frowned and went to open the door. Outside stood Sophia with red, swollen eyes. “Ethan,” Sophia’s voice was tearful from the start, “the pipes burst in my rental. The place is uninhabitable now. I don’t know anyone in this city, so I could only come find you.” Ethan instinctively glanced at me, his tone somewhat stiff. “My wife doesn’t like strangers in the house. I’ll have my assistant book you a hotel.” “But I’m scared to stay in a hotel alone…” Sophia’s tears dripped down. She stepped forward and grabbed Ethan’s sleeve. “Ethan, I’ll just stay a few days. I absolutely won’t disturb you two, okay?” I sat at the dining table, coldly watching this performance. Sophia was a student from a poor background that Ethan had sponsored. After graduation, she went straight to his company. Before, Ethan always said this girl had it tough, he’d help where he could. And now the two of them were in bed together. Ethan watched Sophia cry, sighed, and turned to look at me, his tone consulting. “Evelyn, she’s a young woman, it really isn’t safe. How about we let her stay in the guest room for a few days?” I took a sip of milk, not even lifting my head. “Whatever you want. It’s your house.” Ethan fell silent. He might have noticed something unusual about me today, but he still let Sophia in. As soon as Sophia entered, she sat at the dining table as naturally as the owner, staring at the foie gras with shining eyes. “Wow, Ethan, you can cook! This foie gras looks so delicious.” As she spoke, she directly picked up utensils and took the foie gras Ethan had specially made for me, taking a bite. “So good!” My hand holding the utensils paused. Ethan’s expression changed slightly as he lightly scolded. “Sophia, that was for Evelyn. If you want some, there’s more in the kitchen. Get it yourself.” Though it was a reprimand, his tone carried an unmistakable indulgence. Sophia stuck out her tongue playfully. “Sorry, I was too hungry. You won’t hold it against me, right?” I put down my utensils and wiped my mouth with a napkin. “If you like it, eat more. I’m not hungry anymore.” With that, I got up and walked toward the backyard. The backyard had a huge glass greenhouse that Ethan had spent tens of millions building for me. It was filled with my favorite bellflowers, blooming year-round. I walked into the greenhouse and skillfully opened the surveillance computer in the corner. This computer was connected to the dashcam in Ethan’s car, originally installed for convenient vehicle monitoring. Ethan had always known about it. I clicked on last night’s footage. The image was somewhat dark, but the sound was piercingly clear. In the cramped back seat, two people were tightly entangled. Sophia’s coquettish moans and Ethan’s heavy breathing intertwined. “Ethan, if you treat me like this, Evelyn will be heartbroken…” Sophia said. Ethan’s movements suddenly intensified, his voice hoarse. “Don’t mention her. Evelyn’s health is poor, I don’t dare touch her. Only you can satisfy me. Sophia, you’re such a temptress.” “Between her and me, who do you love more?” “She’s a responsibility I can’t shirk, but you’re my life.” I stared at the screen, my nails digging deep into my palms, drawing blood without me even noticing. Responsibility. So these ten years of feelings, in his eyes, had been reduced to nothing but a responsibility he couldn’t shirk.

Evelyn POV “Evelyn.” Familiar footsteps suddenly came from behind. I quickly closed the computer screen and stood up. Ethan walked over, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist from behind, his chin resting in the crook of my neck, gently nuzzling. “Why did you run off here alone? You didn’t even eat breakfast. Your stomach will hurt again.” His voice was so tender it could drip water. I felt his chest pressed against my back, but all I could think of was the video of him and Sophia having sex. A strong wave of physiological nausea surged up. I suddenly pushed Ethan away, covering my mouth and dry heaving. Ethan was pushed back two steps, his expression instantly changing as he rushed forward to support me. “What’s wrong? Is it your stomach again? Come on, I’m taking you to the hospital!” The anxiety and panic in his eyes weren’t fake. Even his hands were trembling slightly. If I hadn’t heard him say that phrase “responsibility I can’t shirk” with my own ears, I really would have thought he loved me to his bones. The late-stage cancer pain attacked without warning at this moment. It felt like countless rusty knives were wildly churning in my stomach. The pain made my legs go weak instantly, and I collapsed to the ground. Cold sweat dripped down in large drops. I couldn’t even speak a complete sentence. “Evelyn! Evelyn, don’t scare me!” Ethan completely panicked. He scooped me up in his arms, his voice carrying desperate sobs. “It’s okay, I’m taking you to the hospital right now. Hang on!” Just then, Sophia walked out of the villa. She wore my silk robe, the neckline open wide, deliberately showing the glaring red marks on her collarbone. Seeing Ethan rushing out carrying me, Sophia put on a worried expression and came forward. “Ethan, what happened to Evelyn? Do you need my help?” Ethan only had eyes for me right now. He didn’t even look at her, roaring. “Get out of the way! Don’t block the road!” Sophia was startled by his yelling, a flash of viciousness in her eyes, but she still obediently moved aside. I leaned in Ethan’s arms, enduring the severe pain, looking at the hickeys on Sophia’s neck, my lips curling into a weak yet sarcastic smile. At the hospital, the doctor gave me a painkiller injection. Because I’d signed a confidentiality agreement with the doctor beforehand, he only told Ethan it was ordinary gastric spasms and prescribed some medicine. The hospital room fell quiet. Ethan sat by the bed, tightly holding my hand, his eyes red. “Evelyn, I’m sorry. I didn’t take good care of you. I’ll never make you angry again. Whatever you want, I’ll give you.” He lowered his head and kissed the back of my hand, his voice choked up. “When you’re feeling better, let’s go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, okay? You’ve always wanted to go, right? I’ve pushed all my work for the second half of the year just to be with you.” He painted a beautiful future, trying to comfort me with these promises. I quietly looked at Ethan, my eyes hollow without a trace of emotion. “Ethan.” I spoke softly, my voice hoarse. “I’m here, I’m here.” Ethan quickly responded. “Do you really love me?” Ethan’s whole body shook. He looked up, his eyes firm beyond doubt. “Evelyn, you are my life. Without you, I can’t live.” I closed my eyes, and a tear slid from the corner, disappearing into the pillow. Such beautiful words. But why is your life currently wearing my robe, waiting for you at our home? I didn’t expose him. Since I’m leaving anyway, I’ll leave cleanly. No need to dredge up these things. “I’m tired. I want to sleep.” I turned over, my back to him. Ethan tucked in the blanket for me, saying softly. “Okay, I’ll watch over you. I’m not going anywhere.” I silently counted down in my heart. Thirteen more days. Ethan, in thirteen days, you’ll be completely free.

Evelyn POV The second day after being discharged, I made an excuse about meeting friends and went alone to a law firm. I signed donation agreements for all the properties, cars, and company shares Ethan had transferred to me after marriage. The recipient was a charity organization specifically for rescuing critically ill orphans. “Ms. Hart, are you certain you want to donate everything? This is an incalculable fortune.” The lawyer looked at the documents, repeatedly confirming in shock. “I’m certain.” I signed the last character without a moment’s hesitation. “It takes effect in fifteen days. During this time, please keep this absolutely confidential from my husband.” After handling everything, I walked out of the law firm building and stepped into an old elevator. The elevator descended halfway when there was a loud “clang,” and it suddenly stopped mid-air. Then the lights in the car flickered twice and went completely out. Everything plunged into deathly darkness. I have severe claustrophobia. When I was ten, I was kidnapped and locked in an abandoned basement for three days and nights. Since then, I couldn’t stand darkness. Ethan knew about this condition. For these ten years, he never let me stay alone in the dark. Even during power outages, he would rush over immediately to hold me tight. But now, darkness surged like a tide, instantly drowning me. I trembled all over, breathing rapidly, cold sweat instantly soaking through my clothes. I pressed the emergency call button, but there was no response. The intense sense of dying left my mind completely blank. With shaking hands, I pulled out my phone and instinctively dialed that familiar number. The phone rang for a long time before being answered. “Hello, Ethan…” I grasped at it like the last thread of hope, my voice trembling uncontrollably. “Evelyn?” On the other end came Sophia’s voice. All the blood in my body instantly froze. “Ethan’s in the shower. Do you have something urgent? Should I have him call you back later?” Sophia’s tone carried unconcealed provocation and pride. In the darkness, I gasped for breath, my throat feeling stuffed with cotton, unable to make a sound. “Oh my, Ethan, hurry up in there. I can’t wait anymore~” Sophia’s deliberately amplified coquettish voice came through the phone, followed by the sound of the bathroom door opening. I closed my eyes in despair, my hand loosening as the phone fell heavily to the ground. The screen shattered, the call disconnected. I curled up in the corner of the elevator, arms wrapped tightly around my knees, consciousness gradually fading. Ethan, I’m not afraid of the dark anymore. Because my world. You already destroyed it with your own hands, leaving not a trace of light. When I woke again, I was already on a hospital bed. I’d been rescued by building security who forcibly pried open the elevator doors. I opened my eyes. The hospital room was empty except for a nurse changing my IV. “You’re awake? Do you know how long you were unconscious? You almost died!” the nurse said worriedly. I stared blankly at the ceiling, not speaking. It wasn’t until three hours later that the door was suddenly pushed open. Ethan rushed in breathlessly, his tie askew, covered in sweat. “Evelyn! I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’m late!” He rushed to the bedside, hugging me tightly, his voice trembling. “There was an emergency meeting at the company. I left my phone in the office. When I finished the meeting and saw the hospital’s call, I was scared to death.” I let him hold me, my gaze passing over his shoulder to land on his white shirt collar. There was an extremely obvious lipstick mark that hadn’t been wiped clean. The exact same color lipstick Sophia wore today. I looked at that red mark and suddenly laughed. Laughed until tears came out. “Evelyn, don’t scare me. Does something still hurt?” Ethan was thrown into panic by my laughter, cupping my face and asking anxiously. I gently pushed his hand away, my tone so calm it was devoid of emotion. “Ethan, I’m not afraid of the dark anymore.” Ethan froze, a flash of panic in his eyes. “Evelyn, what are you talking about?” I closed my eyes and turned my head away, no longer looking at him. Ten more days. Endure ten more days, and I can be completely free.

Evelyn POV The day I was discharged, New York welcomed its first snow of the year. Snowflakes fell heavily, quickly blanketing the entire city. Ethan had once sworn to me that every year’s first snow, he would walk with me down that long sycamore boulevard in our neighborhood. “Because I want to be with you always, until we grow old.” That’s what he’d said. I stood at the starting point of the sycamore boulevard, snow covering my body. I took out my phone, looking at the text Ethan had sent half an hour ago. “Evelyn, got held up with something at the company, and there’s traffic. Wait for me there like a good girl. I’ll be right there.” I didn’t reply, just stood quietly in the snow. Cold wind wrapped snowflakes into my collar. My stomach cramped in waves, but I seemed unable to feel the cold, standing motionless. One hour passed. Two hours passed. The sky gradually darkened, and streetlights lit up one by one. Just when I thought he wouldn’t come, two familiar figures appeared at the end of the sycamore boulevard. Ethan was giving Sophia a piggyback ride, stepping through the snow, walking toward this direction step by step. Sophia wore Ethan’s oversized down jacket, her whole body draped over his back, laughing exuberantly. “Ethan, carrying me like this feels like you’re carrying the whole world!” Sophia laughed, reaching out to catch falling snowflakes. Ethan laughed and bounced the person on his back, his voice clearly floating to my ears on the wind. “You’re way heavier than the whole world. Like a little pig.” “Hey! You’re the pig!” Sophia laughed and went to pinch his ear. The two looked so intimate. I stood behind a thick sycamore tree, coldly watching them walk past me. In the snowy sky, they really did look like a real couple. And I was like a ghost that couldn’t see light, hiding in a dark corner, watching my husband perform devotion with another woman. The severe pain in my stomach surged again. I bit my lip hard, tasting intense blood. I didn’t rush out to expose their affair, didn’t cry or make a scene. I just stood quietly until those two figures completely disappeared from view, then turned and slowly walked back to that cold home. At ten o’clock that night, Ethan finally came home covered in snow. Seeing me sitting on the sofa, he walked over with a face full of guilt, half-kneeling in front of me, holding my ice-cold hands. “Evelyn, I’m sorry. The car broke down halfway, and I waited forever for a tow truck.” As he spoke, he warmed my hands. “I couldn’t give you a piggyback ride down the sycamore boulevard today. Are you mad at me?” He acted so convincingly. If I hadn’t witnessed that scene with my own eyes, I would have believed him without hesitation. I looked at this face written with “deep affection” and suddenly felt it was all so pointless. Really, utterly pointless. I withdrew my hand, my lips curling into a faint smile. “I’m not mad. Since the car broke down, we’ll make up for it next year.” Ethan breathed a sigh of relief, pulling me into his arms like a weight had been lifted. “You’re so wonderful, darling. I promise, next year’s first snow, I’ll definitely carry you the whole way!” I leaned on his shoulder, eyes hollow as I watched the snow falling outside the window. There won’t be a next year, Ethan. Next year’s first snow, we won’t see each other again. I mentally crossed off another day. Seven more days.

Evelyn POV Three days until the flight departed. I started clearing out my things. Those limited edition bags Ethan gave me, the haute couture dresses, expensive jewelry. I kept nothing, listing everything at low prices on secondhand sites. What didn’t sell, I packed up and threw directly into the dumpster outside the neighborhood. The entire walk-in closet emptied by more than half. When Ethan came home that evening, he saw the empty cabinets. “Evelyn, where are all your clothes and bags? Why are they all gone?” he asked nervously. I was organizing the desk, not even looking up. “Got tired of them. Want to try a new style.” Hearing this, Ethan visibly relaxed. “Change them! Tomorrow I’ll have the brands send over all the new season items for you to pick from!” He hugged me from behind, pulling out a thick document from his briefcase and placing it in front of me. “Evelyn, look what this is?” I took the document. The cover prominently read: “Evelyn Foundation.” “This is a charity foundation I specifically established in your name.” Ethan’s tone was full of pride seeking praise. “Every year from now on, I’ll invest ten million into it, specifically to fund poor college students who can’t afford school. Consider it an advance wedding anniversary gift from me. Do you like it?” I opened the document. The terms were beautifully written, all about helping students and giving back to society with grand visions. But when I flipped to the hidden attachment on the last page, my gaze froze. The attachment clearly stated that under the foundation’s name was a shell investment company, and the actual controlling shareholder of this company was named Sophia. This meant that the ten million Ethan invested into the foundation each year, under the guise of charity, would ultimately flow into Sophia’s pocket through legal investment after being laundered. He used my name for charity to gain a good reputation, while secretly using this money to support his little mistress. Even this so-called “wedding anniversary gift” became a tool for him to pave the way for Sophia. Ethan, you’ve truly used calculation to its extreme. I looked at that name, my heart already numb beyond feeling pain. “What’s wrong? Is something written unsatisfactorily?” Seeing me remain silent, Ethan nervously leaned over to look. I closed the document, picked up the pen from the desk, and signed my name in the beneficiary confirmation column. “No, it’s written very well.” I handed the document back to him, even showing a slight smile. “Thank you. I really like this gift.” Ethan excitedly hugged me tight, lowering his head to plant a heavy kiss on my forehead. “As long as you like it. Evelyn, as long as you’re happy, I’m willing to do anything for you.” I lowered my eyes, hiding the bone-deep coldness in them. I knew that after I died, all my assets would be donated, including this foundation established in my name. Everything Ethan carefully planned for Sophia would ultimately turn to bubbles. Consider it my final “congratulatory gift” to them. I silently counted down in my heart. Three more days. I can leave him forever. I only hoped nothing would go wrong in these three days.

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Born again, I swore I would love Ethan with all my heart and make up for what I owed him in my past life. But he had changed. He brought his mistress home and even slept with her right in front of me, in our bed. He stole my art exhibition and gave it to his mistress, caressing her slightly swollen pregnant belly as he publicly declared she was his true love. It wasn’t until I signed the divorce papers and left for good that he remembered he was also reborn. He called me. “Stella, I remember everything now! You’re the one I love!” But it was too late. I sat on the falling plane, my heart calm. “If there’s a next life, let’s never meet again.” Stella’s POV To pave the way for Vivian Sullivan, Ethan Blackwood forcibly took the solo art exhibition I’d prepared for three years and put Vivian’s name on it. Two burly bodyguards pinned me to a chair in the lounge. Through the gaps in the blinds, I watched the big screen with heartbreak. On screen, Vivian wore the haute couture dress that was supposed to be mine, gracefully accepting the media’s flashbulbs and praise. And every painting hanging in that exhibition hall was the result of countless sleepless nights I had spent creating them. “Ethan, you can’t do this!” I struggled, my voice breaking with sobs. “That’s my achievement! You know how important it is to me! I painted those to commemorate my grandmother who passed away!” Ethan stood before me, looking down at me with arrogance. The eyes that once overflowed with tenderness now looked at me with the coldness of a stranger. “Vivian just returned to the country. She needs a prominent name to establish herself in the art world. You’re my wife. You get the power and status that come with being a Blackwood. What’s wrong with doing her a small favor?” “Sacrifice?” I looked at this man who had once sacrificed everything for me with despair, my heart crushed by an invisible hand. I shed all my tears, and finally couldn’t help asking him before he turned away. “Ethan, you loved me so much. Why did you suddenly stop loving me?” He paused, not looking back, and said, “Ours is just a marriage in name only, a mutual arrangement. When did I ever love you?” The moment the door closed, I slid down the wall to the floor, tears streaming down my face. Never loved me? How could he have never loved me? In my past life, he loved me so much. That’s right. I was reborn. In my previous life, I was forced to marry Ethan because of family circumstances. Back then, he indulged my every whim. If I wanted the stars, he would never give me the moon. If I mentioned liking a multi-million dollar piece of jewelry, it would appear on my desk the next day. When I was sick, he would cancel billion-dollar international meetings to stay by my bedside. But I despised him. Because the one I loved was Adrian Foster. After my parents forced me to marry Ethan, I fiercely resisted the marriage. I refused to sleep in the same bed as him, wouldn’t accompany him to any events, and even frequently went out drinking at bars, deliberately embarrassing him. In the end, I believed Adrian Foster’s words, naively thinking it was love, and eloped with him. But I never imagined Adrian Foster didn’t love me at all. The reason he went to such lengths to win my heart was because the Foster family and the Blackwood family were business competitors. Adrian had long ago figured out that Ethan loved me, so he came up with a plan to use me to defeat Ethan. Adrian kidnapped me and used my life to threaten Ethan. “Ethan, send me one of your fingers every day, or I’ll throw her off this building.” Ethan said nothing. He simply cut off one finger each day and sent it in a box. On the tenth day, when the last finger, still wearing his wedding ring, was delivered, I completely lost my mind. Unwilling to let Ethan continue such foolishness for my sake, I killed myself. After death, my soul floated in midair. I watched as Ethan, who had always been so proud, went mad at the sight of my corpse. He went alone to avenge me, personally breaking every bone in Adrian Foster’s body, listening to his screams. He abandoned his billion-dollar fortune, abandoned the entire Blackwood Group, and perished in flames while holding my corpse. In the fire, he kissed my lips tenderly and whispered, “Stella, if there’s a next life… could you love me just once?” As the flames consumed him, I floated in midair, sobbing uncontrollably. In that moment, I finally saw his love. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself reborn. I was back to the first year of my marriage to Ethan. I was overjoyed. This time, I was determined to love Ethan properly and make up for everything I owed him in my past life. So I deleted all of Adrian Foster’s contact information, woke up early every day to make him breakfast, waited for him to come home late into the night. My whole world revolved around him. But he had changed. He was no longer gentle with me, no longer came home every day, and kept a mistress on the side. Vivian Sullivan. Now, he had even stolen my art exhibition to help Vivian. After Ethan left, I sat on the cold floor, my tears dried up. Fine! Since he didn’t love me in this life, I would let go and completely fulfill his wishes. I stood up and dragged my exhausted body to the hospital. When I pushed open the door to the ward, Dad was still unconscious, his face pale, his breathing weak beneath the oxygen mask. “Stella.” Mom stood sadly by the bed, looking as if she’d aged ten years overnight. “Your father’s company was maliciously sabotaged by Ethan. The capital chain broke, which triggered your father’s heart attack…” I fell to my knees. “Mom, I’m sorry… it’s all because of me…” Mom pulled me up and sighed. “Back then, Ethan was the one who actively pursued you, saying he’d loved you for years. How did things suddenly become like this?” “Mom,” I took a deep breath, my nails digging deep into my palms. “I’ve made up my mind. I want to divorce Ethan. Once Dad gets a little better, our family will leave the country. We’ll leave this place forever.” Mom thought for a moment, looked at Dad on the hospital bed, and nodded. “Alright. We’ll leave.”

Stella’s POV The immigration office paperwork went smoothly. When I walked out the door, the sunlight outside was brilliant. This marriage full of misunderstandings and torment was finally coming to an end. Just then, I heard a loud screech of brakes. “Watch out!” Before I could turn around, a massive impact knocked me to the ground. My entire body exploded in pain, and then I blacked out. I woke to the smell of disinfectant. The instant I opened my eyes, Ethan’s cold face was right in front of me. He looked down at me with arrogance and disgust. “Stella, did you do this on purpose? Seeing that Vivian got hurt a few days ago, you deliberately got into a car accident to gain sympathy?” He sneered. “Let me tell you, ours is just a marriage in name only with no love. No matter how much you imitate Vivian, it won’t work. I don’t have time to play along with your act here.” I opened my mouth, about to say I really had been in a car accident, when the hospital room door suddenly burst open. “Mr. Blackwood, the fruit you requested.” The assistant handed over a box. Ethan took it, lifted the lid to glance inside, and his brow immediately furrowed. “Why is there mango?” His voice was displeased. “My wife is allergic to mangoes. Go buy another batch.” That sentence struck me like lightning, freezing all the blood in my body. Allergic to mangoes. In my past life, in our second year of marriage, I ate mango and had an acute asthma attack that nearly caused me to pass out. That’s when he learned about it. But now, we’d only been married one year, and I’d never mentioned my mango allergy to anyone! Thinking back to his behavior recently. His sudden distance from me, his inexplicable favoritism toward Vivian Sullivan, and that statement “when did I ever love you”… An absurd thought appeared in my mind, and my whole body began to tremble. “Ethan…” I looked into his eyes. “Are you… also reborn?” A flicker of emotion flashed through Ethan’s eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He frowned, his tone impatient. “What rebirth? Did you damage your brain in the crash?” I continued to press. “Then how did you know I’m allergic to mangoes?” “A while ago your parents came to see me,” he said calmly, not even a flutter of his eyelashes, his tone cold and flawless. “They asked me to treat you better. They gave me a notebook with your preferences and dietary restrictions written in it. I glanced through it before throwing it in the trash.” His explanation was perfect, but it caused me great pain. Was I overthinking? Yes, if he really carried memories from his past life, how could he bear to hurt me like this? A nurse suddenly pushed the door open. “Mr. Blackwood, Miss Sullivan is awake. She says her heart hurts and she’s looking for you.” At those words, Ethan turned without hesitation and walked away without looking back, not even sparing me a glance as I lay in the hospital bed. During my three-day hospital stay, Ethan didn’t visit me once. Every time the nurse came to change my dressing, her hesitant glances felt like mockery of my miserable state. On the fourth morning, I discharged myself. The immigration paperwork was complete. To leave now, only one final step remained. Divorce. I returned to that cold house and sat at the desk, neatly writing out a divorce agreement. The terms in the agreement were simple: I would leave with nothing, wanting only my freedom. My phone vibrated. Vivian Sullivan had updated her Twitter. In the photo, Ethan sat at his office desk with Vivian leaning on his shoulder. The caption read: “Someone said he never allows non-work personnel in his office, but today he made an exception for me~” My finger hovered over the screen for a long time without pressing down. In my past life, Ethan had similarly broken countless principles for me. Though he never ate spicy food, he accompanied me eating chili peppers until he needed his stomach pumped. Despite his severe germaphobia, he carried my drunk self home… I took a deep breath, banishing those images from my mind, picked up the divorce agreement, and walked out the door.

Stella’s POV The Blackwood Group building was still imposing. As the elevator ascended, I was still thinking about how to bring up the divorce. Passing the secretarial area, Ethan’s assistant happened to walk by with documents. “Mrs. Blackwood?” The assistant was obviously stunned. “Are you here to see Mr. Blackwood?” “Yes.” I clutched the document folder in my hand. “I need him to sign something.” The assistant’s gaze lingered on my pale face for a moment. “I happen to be going in. I can take it in for you.” I hesitated, then handed him the divorce agreement. “Thank you.” The moment the door opened, my blood froze. Ethan was kneeling on one knee, tenderly massaging the ankle of Vivian who sat on the sofa. Vivian wore a short skirt, her pale legs resting on his knee, a sweet smile on her face. “Mr. Blackwood, these documents need your signature.” The assistant’s voice made Ethan look up. Busy massaging Vivian, he didn’t even look at the documents, simply flipping to the last page and signing. I stood outside the door, my nails digging deep into my skin. In my past life when I sprained my ankle playing tennis, Ethan had knelt just like this, carefully applying medicine, his brow furrowed with worry. Soon, the assistant came out and returned the divorce agreement to me. “Mrs. Blackwood, it’s signed.” I looked at Ethan’s name on the divorce agreement, tears streaming down my face involuntarily. I hummed in acknowledgment, thanked him, and turned to leave. While waiting for the elevator, Vivian’s voice suddenly came from behind me. “Stella? What are you doing here?” I whipped around to see Ethan release Vivian’s hand, his face dark as he walked toward me. “Who told you to come to the company?” He grabbed my wrist. “We have no feelings for each other. I won’t bother you, so don’t come bothering me!” I forcefully pulled my hand free. “Got it. There won’t be a next time.” Seeing the atmosphere grow tense, Vivian immediately stepped forward and took Ethan’s arm, coaxing gently, “Ethan, don’t be like this. Stella, Ethan and I are going to the auction house. Why don’t you come with us? Consider it relaxing.” “That’s not necessary.” I cut her off directly. “Stella,” Ethan said coldly, “When someone tells you to go, you go. Don’t waste others’ good intentions.” In the end, I was still forced to go with them to the auction house. I sat in the auction hall, the enthusiastic bidding voices ringing in my ears. “Fifty million! Mr. Blackwood bids fifty million!” the auctioneer shouted excitedly. “This pink diamond necklace goes to Mr. Blackwood!” Vivian leaned on Ethan’s shoulder, a victorious smile on her face. “Ethan, this necklace is so beautiful.” “As long as you like it.” Ethan gently brushed the hair by her ear. I gripped my bidding paddle tightly, my knuckles white. In my past life, Ethan had doted on me the same way. But now the same tenderness was given to another woman. Just then, the big screen suddenly changed, playing an audio recording. In the recording, Vivian’s voice sounded. “What charity auction? It’s just a bunch of poor people gathering. If it weren’t for Ethan, I wouldn’t come. And that Stella, so what if she’s married to Ethan? Didn’t Ethan still give me her art exhibition?” The entire hall erupted. Vivian’s face turned from red to white to finally gray. “Turn it off! Turn it off now!” She stood up screaming, trembling all over. She whirled toward me, tears streaming down. “Stella! Do you hate me this much? You had to use AI to synthesize this recording to humiliate me? Are you trying to drive me to death?” With that, she covered her face and rushed out. Ethan’s face was very dark, his sharp gaze sweeping across the hall. “Anyone who dares leak what happened today will bear the consequences themselves.” Finally, he looked at me, his voice ice-cold. “You just wait.”

Stella’s POV I returned home in a daze, my mind completely blank. I hadn’t done any such thing. I had no idea about that recording. But Ethan wouldn’t believe me. He would only think I was making excuses. I sat anxiously on the sofa waiting all night. It wasn’t until dawn that the front door was violently flung open. Ethan stormed in radiating fury. “Stella!” He grabbed my chin, applying so much force he nearly crushed my bones. “Do you know Vivian tried to kill herself?! If I hadn’t arrived in time, she’d be a corpse by now!” “It wasn’t me…” I said with difficulty. “I didn’t play that recording…” “It wasn’t you? Are you telling me she synthesized a recording herself to ruin her own reputation?!” He sneered and abruptly released his grip. “You keep hurting her. You must pay the price!” Those words stabbed into my heart like a knife. “Stella, hold a press conference immediately. Publicly apologize to Vivian and admit you forged the recording!” I felt heartbroken but still looked at him defiantly. “I didn’t do anything wrong. I won’t apologize!” Ethan sneered. “Fine. Quite stubborn. In that case, the Sinclair Group’s overseas project will shut down completely today. Also, the special medication your father’s using at the hospital will be immediately discontinued.” “Ethan!” I looked at him in disbelief, trembling all over. “Are you insane? That’s my father’s life!” “You forced my hand.” He looked at me coldly, like an emotionless machine. “Apologize, and the medication resumes.” For my father’s life, I gave in. Under the spotlights, countless cameras pointed at me. My face pale, like a soulless robot, I stood before the microphone. “I’m sorry. I was jealous of Miss Sullivan and forged the recording. I apologize to her.” I mechanically recited the script the PR department had prepared, each sentence crushing my self-respect. The flashbulbs were blinding. The reporters below attacked me with the most vicious language. “Miss Sinclair, how could you do something so malicious?” “Are you psychologically twisted?” And Ethan stood not far away, watching me coldly, even thoughtfully draping a coat over Vivian Sullivan, who had just been discharged from the hospital. In that moment, my heart died completely. The man who once said “whoever hurts Stella, I’ll make their whole family die” had now personally pushed me into hell and destroyed my reputation. That evening, Ethan actually brought Vivian Sullivan back to our house. “Vivian was traumatized and her mental state isn’t good. She’ll be staying at home for a while.” His tone was flat, as if discussing the weather. I had no energy left to argue. “Whatever.” Anyway, we were already going through divorce proceedings. Soon, this wouldn’t be my home anymore. Vivian looked at me, a smile curling her lips. “Stella, I’m hungry. Can you make me some pasta?” Ethan looked at me. “Didn’t you hear?” How ironic that I’d fallen to the point of cooking for my husband’s mistress. I pulled at the corners of my mouth and mechanically walked toward the kitchen. In the kitchen, the water had just started boiling. Vivian suddenly walked in and closed the door behind her. The vulnerability on her face instantly vanished, replaced by undisguised arrogance. “Stella, Ethan loves me now. You have to serve me like a servant.” I chopped vegetables expressionlessly, not even giving her a glance. “Are you done? If so, get out.” Vivian’s gaze shifted and suddenly landed on the table. There lay the bracelet I’d casually removed when washing my hands. The only thing my mother had left me, and my most treasured possession. Vivian sneered and suddenly reached out to grab the bracelet, deliberately smashing it hard on the floor. The crisp sound of shattering echoed in the kitchen. The fine bracelet instantly broke into several pieces. “What are you doing!” I shouted angrily, my brain buzzing as I shoved her hard. Vivian deliberately fell backward, hitting the cabinet heavily, then let out a shrill scream. “Ah! It hurts!” Ethan rushed in at the sound. Seeing this scene, his expression changed drastically. He rushed forward and shoved me hard. Caught off guard, my waist slammed heavily into the corner of the table. The pain made me gasp, cold sweat instantly breaking out. “Stella, what are you going crazy about now!” Ethan roared. “She broke the bracelet my mother left me!” I pointed at the broken bracelet on the floor, my voice choked with tears, my eyes full of despair. Vivian hid in Ethan’s arms, crying softly and gently. “Ethan, I didn’t mean to. I was just trying to help get a bowl and accidentally knocked it off… Stella pushed me, my waist hurts so much…” “Over a broken bracelet, you assault someone?” Ethan looked at me coldly, his eyes full of disgust. “Stella, you’re becoming more and more vicious.” A broken bracelet? That was the last keepsake my mother left me! I looked at him and found myself unable to breathe. I suddenly felt that explanations were meaningless, because for someone unloved, even breathing was wrong. “Since you like pushing people so much, go stand outside tonight. You can come in when you’re ready to admit your mistake.” Ethan issued his cruel order.

Stella’s POV On a late autumn night, heavy rain began to fall. The bodyguards forcibly dragged me into the courtyard. The icy rain mercilessly pounded down on me, stealing away all my body heat. Through the bright floor-to-ceiling windows, I watched the warm lamplight inside where Ethan held a towel, tenderly drying Vivian’s hair. Rain mixed with tears streamed down my face. I stood in the rain all night. In my past life, even in light drizzle, he would nervously shelter me in his arms, afraid I’d get even slightly wet. But now, he personally pushed me into the rain. By dawn, my legs had completely lost feeling. My vision went black and I collapsed heavily into the rainwater. I developed a high fever, my consciousness blurry. But in the huge house, no one cared about me. The servants looked at me with pity, but none dared help because Ethan had issued a supreme order: no one was allowed to call a doctor for me. I forced myself to get up and took two pills myself. Because Ethan sent word: Vivian’s birthday party must be personally organized by me, as punishment for pushing her. Dragging my sick body, I mechanically confirmed every detail of the party. Selecting flowers, confirming dishes, checking the guest list. I was like a soulless machine. On the day of the birthday party, the Blackwood estate was brilliantly lit. Guests wore haute couture, holding champagne and greeting each other. “The legitimate wife throwing a birthday party for the mistress. I’ve never heard of such a thing…” “Mr. Blackwood is truly in love this time. Look at those gifts. Any one of them is worth a fortune…” I stood in the shadows of a corner, deaf to these comments. My gaze fell on Ethan at center stage. He wore an impeccable suit, constantly checking his watch, obviously waiting for Vivian to appear. Time passed minute by minute, but Vivian never showed up. Ethan’s expression grew worse and worse. Finally, he sent his assistant to find her. “Mr. Blackwood!” The assistant ran back in a panic, holding a letter. “Miss Sullivan left. She only left this…” Ethan snatched the letter and scanned it quickly, his face changing drastically. Finally, he threw the letter in my face. “Stella!” His voice seemed to squeeze through his teeth. “You’d better explain this clearly!” The letter drifted to my feet. Trembling, I picked it up. It was in Vivian’s handwriting. “Ethan, by the time you read this letter, I’ll be gone. I love you very much, but Stella threatened me using my brother. I had no choice but to leave. From now on, we’ll never see each other again.” “It wasn’t me.” I numbly returned the letter to him. “I didn’t do such a thing.” “You say that every time!” Ethan grabbed my throat. “But you’ve done everything! Tell me! Where is Vivian?” I could barely breathe but stubbornly met his gaze. “I… really… don’t know…” Ethan sneered and pulled out his phone to make a call. “Immediately turn off the respirator for Stella’s father at the hospital.” “No!” I completely broke down. I knelt on the ground and said, “Ethan, please, spare my father! I really don’t know where she is! If you turn off the respirator, my father will die!” I desperately begged. Was this cold, ruthless man really the same man who died for me in my past life? Just then, a bodyguard rushed in. “Mr. Blackwood, we found Miss Sullivan! She’s on her way to the airport!” Ethan immediately released me and rushed out without looking back. I lay on the floor, my face covered in blood, and closed my eyes in despair.

Stella’s POV The ambulance siren pierced the night sky. I sat on a bench in the hospital corridor, my hands clenched into fists. On his way to chase after Vivian, Ethan had gotten into a car accident because he was driving too fast. From the end of the corridor came Vivian’s anguished crying. Medical staff rushed past pushing a gurney. Ethan lay on it, his white shirt soaked with blood, his handsome face completely pale. Vivian clutched his hand tightly, crying heartbrokenly. “I’m sorry… it’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have thrown a tantrum and left…” Ethan weakly raised his hand and wiped away her tears with his fingertips. “As long as you don’t leave, I’m willing to do anything…” My heart clenched violently. I turned and quickly left. I didn’t want to watch anymore, didn’t dare to watch. My heart had died completely. In the following days, I stayed at the hospital caring for Dad. Dad’s condition finally stabilized. I knew it was time to leave. Before leaving, I went to a church in the suburbs. The church was very quiet in the early morning. I sat there peacefully, silently crying. Slowly, all the moments I’d shared with Ethan began replaying in my mind. The wishes Ethan had made when shooting stars passed also appeared before me one by one. “May Stella be happy and safe. From Ethan” “Praying for Stella’s health. From Ethan” “I hope Stella can come to like me. From Ethan” Everything from the past slowly turned black and white before me, and finally, along with my feelings for him, disappeared completely. After returning, I went to the Blackwood family’s old house to say goodbye to Ethan’s grandfather. Ethan’s grandfather had always been very fond of me. He was the only person in the Blackwood family who gave me warmth. “Ethan and I… got divorced.” After his initial shock, Ethan’s grandfather sighed deeply and gripped my hand. “He failed to seize the opportunity. Remember this. As long as I’m alive, that Vivian Sullivan will never marry into my Blackwood family!” My nose stung. “Please rest. I’ll go pour you some water.” I went out to get water. When I returned, I heard Vivian’s malicious voice from inside the room. “You still dare obstruct me from marrying Ethan? Go die!” I froze in shock, then burst through the door to see Vivian replacing Ethan’s grandfather’s emergency medication with different pills. “What are you doing!” I rushed forward and shoved Vivian aside. Startled, Vivian dropped the pill bottle. Ethan’s grandfather suffered extreme shock, his eyes wide, unable to catch his breath, and he passed out directly. The hospital corridor lights were a harsh, pallid white. The operating room light stayed on all night. At dawn, the doctor finally emerged, his expression grave. “Mr. Blackwood, your grandfather’s condition is too severe. Combined with the extreme shock, there’s a high probability… he’ll become a vegetative patient.” Ethan punched the wall, his knuckles immediately bloody. He turned around, his face dark, looking at me and Vivian standing to the side. “What exactly happened?” “It was her!” Vivian immediately pointed at me and screamed. “She tried to kill Grandfather! When I came in, she was switching Grandfather’s medication! Ethan, I’m so scared…” “It wasn’t me!” My voice trembled as I looked at Vivian lying in disbelief. “It was Vivian Sullivan. I saw with my own eyes that she switched the medication!” “Enough!” Ethan angrily interrupted, his gaze like a sharp knife stabbing my heart. “Stella, my grandfather treated you so well. How could you bear to hurt him?” “Ethan, believe me.” I looked at him in despair. “Take her away.” Ethan coldly ordered, feeling that even one more glance at me was excessive. He didn’t torture me. Instead, he threw three plane tickets in my face. “Stella, you’ve disappointed me too much. Take your parents and get on a plane immediately. Leave and never appear before me again. Otherwise, I guarantee the Sinclair family will completely disappear from this world.” I stared at those plane tickets, suddenly finding it laughably absurd. In my past life he killed himself for me. In this life he wanted to drive me overseas, never to see me again. I said nothing and silently picked up the tickets. On the way to the airport, I quietly sent a text to Mom and Dad. “Mom, Dad, bring my divorce certificate. Let’s meet at the airport. We’re leaving right away.” The departure hall was bustling with people. Ethan had originally planned to watch me go through security, but Vivian’s call suddenly came. “Vivian? Don’t be afraid, I’ll come back to be with you right away.” He hung up and didn’t even glance at me again, turning and striding away. I stood there, watching his figure disappear into the crowd, finally allowing a smile to appear on my face. I walked toward Mom and Dad and took the divorce certificate. Then I tore the three tickets to Paris that Ethan had given me into pieces, threw them in the trash, and bought three new tickets to Switzerland. “Dad, Mom, let’s go.”In the evening light, our family walked into the boarding gate without a single person looking back.

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