I was the only she-wolf in the pack with two mates—a pair of twin Alphas, Caleb and Cillian. They adored me, loved me, and would shift into wolf form just to carry me on their backs. Until a healer named Elowen arrived at the pack, with a pup in tow. My mates started coming home smelling like her. After one fight, Caleb severed our mate bond without a second thought and walked away. Cillian held me close, swearing he’d never leave—even as Elowen’s scent clung heavier and heavier to his skin. I didn’t dare confront him. Not until I saw Cillian step out of Elowen’s cottage with claw marks of pleasure raked across his back. My soul ripped in two. I turned and ran, straight to my Alpha father’s house. “Father, the marriage alliance with the vampires—let me be the one to go.” … “Lyra, have you lost your mind?!” My father—Gideon, Alpha of our pack—shot to his feet so fast his chair scraped against the floor. His amber eyes burned faintly red with shock. The wolf was close to the surface. “They’re vampires!” His voice rang off the study walls. “Wolves and vampires have been at each other’s throats for a thousand years! Nobody knows what the hell will go wrong with this first-ever alliance marriage!” I stood before him, fists clenched in the fabric of my skirt, fighting to look composed. But I knew the two faded marks on my neck gave me away. They were the scars left behind when a mate bond breaks—like two dead brands, reminding me of what I’d once had and what I’d lost. “Father, I’ve made up my mind.” My voice came out steadier than I expected. Gideon drew a deep breath. The wolf receded from his eyes. He crossed to me and placed both hands on my shoulders. Alpha hands—warm, strong, full of the instinct to protect. “What did they do this time?” His tone went cold in an instant. “Was it Caleb or Cillian? I’ll go settle the score right now—” “Don’t!” The word tore out of me almost as a shout. “Father, please don’t!” I grabbed his arm in a panic. Last time—when Caleb severed our bond and left me for that newcomer Elowen—I’d gone to my father in tears. He’d been furious, nearly drove Elowen out of the pack altogether. It only made everything worse. The look in Caleb’s eyes shifted from tenderness to disgust. “Lyra, do you have any idea what you’re doing? Elowen hasn’t done a single thing wrong. She’s just a mother who fled here with her pup, and you want to throw her out?” “Take away your father’s protection,” he said with a cold smirk, “and what do you even have left? A she-wolf who can’t even take care of herself—what makes you think you deserve to be this pack’s future Luna?” Those words hit like silver bullets through my heart. And worse still, Cillian had grown distant. He no longer brought me blueberry muffins every morning, no longer ran beside me through the forest on full-moon nights, no longer whispered sweet things in my ear. “Lyra.” My father’s voice pulled me back. “You’re my only daughter. I can’t bear the thought of sending you so far away—to those cold-blooded vampires.” He paused, his amber eyes heavy with heartache. “But I can’t just stand by and watch you suffer, either. The alliance roster is due in three days. Give yourself three more days to think it over. Will you do that?” I nodded, though I already knew I wouldn’t change my mind. I stepped out of the study into a hallway lined with torches that cast dancing shadows on the stone walls. Our pack lived in an old manor—once a nobleman’s castle, long since claimed by wolves. Soaring vaulted ceilings, Gothic windows—every inch of it steeped in age. I walked slowly, because my soul was still writhing inside those two severed marks. A mate bond was the most sacred connection between wolves. When two wolves recognized each other as fated mates, they marked each other’s necks. The mark gave off a unique pheromone that told the world: *this one is taken.* But when a bond is broken deliberately—the pain is like someone carving into your soul with a silver blade, cut by agonizing cut. I reached the front courtyard. A night breeze carried the chill of late autumn. Oak leaves crunched beneath my feet. And then I saw him. Cillian. He stood at the bottom of the courtyard steps, moonlight silvering his brown hair into a pale halo. He wore a dark gray sweater, hands shoved in his pockets, as if waiting for someone. My heart hammered all over again. Even though he’d severed our bond just last night. But here he was. Maybe he regretted it. Maybe he’d come back for me—after all, he had loved me so fiercely once. Hope swelled in my chest. Wretched, burning hope. Even after he’d hurt me. Even after he’d abandoned me. I would have forgiven him in a heartbeat, if only he’d come back. That was the curse of the mate bond—even shattered, the love stayed carved into your soul. I took a step toward him. Then I heard a child’s laughter. A little boy darted out from a side door—five or six years old, at most. He giggled as he ran straight for Cillian and threw himself at him. “Cillian! Cillian! Mommy said you promised to take me to see the fireflies!” Cillian crouched down, and his smile was so gentle it broke my heart. I hadn’t seen that kind of tenderness on his face in a long time. “Of course, little guy.” He grinned. “Hop on my back.” Then, as I watched, his body began to change. Bones cracked and shifted. Skin rippled beneath a coat of dark gray fur. His frame expanded under the moonlight. In seconds, a massive wolf stood in the courtyard, amber eyes deep and warm. That was Cillian’s wolf form. The little boy let out a whoop and scrambled onto the broad wolf’s back. I stood frozen. The world spun around me. That was… that was the spot that had belonged to *me*. On countless full-moon nights, Cillian would shift and let me ride on his back as we tore through the forest, chasing starlight. He’d carry me to mountaintops for the sunrise, to streams where we’d catch fish, to patches of the sweetest wild blueberries. “Only my mate gets to ride on my back,” he’d once murmured against my ear. “And you, Lyra, will always be my mate.” But now, another woman’s child sat in that place. Elowen’s child. The great wolf bounded toward the forest with the boy on his back. Their silhouettes melted into the dark. I stood where I was, feeling the last trace of warmth drain out of my soul. Cold. A cold that went straight to the bone. I turned and stumbled back to my quarters. It was time to leave. Off to the Blood Kin. To those cold-blooded vampires. Could it really be any colder there than it was here?

The moment I stepped back into my room, I realized how foreign the space had become. Once, it had been full of life. Every morning, Caleb would set my favorite tea on the nightstand—a rare silver needle white tea he had to travel a hundred miles to a mountain valley to find. Cillian would light the fireplace at dusk, adjusting the heat to the exact temperature I liked, then lean against me and read aloud. But now… I looked around. Clothes lay scattered across the floor. The bed was a wreck. Unopened letters piled high on the desk. The fireplace held nothing but cold ash, and the air smelled stale. No one took care of any of this for me anymore. I sank down on the edge of the bed and wrapped my arms around myself. The two scars on my neck ached faintly, like two dead serpents gnawing at my soul. Memories rushed in like a tide. It had started three months ago, when Elowen first arrived at the pack. She had a five-year-old son named Toby, a body covered in scars, and a pair of eyes that were exhausted but fierce. Her husband had lost a power struggle and been killed by the new Alpha. She’d fled with her child. “She just needs a safe haven,” my father had told me. “As a healer, she can be useful to the pack.” I hadn’t objected. I thought I was generous enough, kind enough. I never imagined that within a single month, everything would change. Elowen truly was exceptional. She cured long-standing ailments for several key members of the Elder Council. She taught the children how to identify herbs in the forest. She never troubled anyone, always solving her problems quietly on her own. “Look at Elowen,” people in the pack started to say. “Raising a child alone, no mate, and she still has her life together.” “Not like *some* she-wolves—two Alpha mates and still never satisfied, throwing tantrums left and right.” Those words found their way to my ears, and I went crying to Caleb. “How can they say that about me?” I sobbed. “I just… I just want you two to spend more time with me.” Caleb held me, but his gaze had already lost that old focus. “Lyra, don’t you think you’re being a little… oversensitive about Elowen?” “What’s that supposed to mean?” I stared at him. “She’s just a she-wolf who needs help,” Caleb said. “And honestly, you leave everything for us to handle and never try doing things on your own. Maybe you could learn from her. Try being a little more independent.” That was the first time Caleb told me I should “learn from another she-wolf.” After that, things spiraled out of control like an avalanche. Caleb started coming home later and later, claiming he was helping Elowen repair her cottage—the little place was falling apart. Cillian began visiting her frequently too, saying he was helping her adjust to pack life. And me? I became hysterical. A caged animal. I’d stay up deep into the night waiting for them, demanding to know why they reeked of another she-wolf. I’d cry. I’d rage. I’d threaten. “If you dare betray me, I’ll have my father drive her out of the pack!” That was the most foolish thing I ever said. Because the very next day, Caleb severed our mate bond. The pain… I can’t even put it into words. It felt like someone had wrapped silver chains around your soul and ripped them apart in one vicious pull. You could hear the scream rising from some place deep inside yourself, feel your blood boiling in your veins, watch the entire world shatter into fragments before your eyes. I lay in bed for three solid days, burning with fever, slipping in and out of consciousness. When I finally woke, Cillian was sitting at my bedside, his eyes red and swollen. “I’m sorry,” he said, holding my hand. “I’m so sorry, Lyra. I didn’t know it would hurt this much…” “Then don’t leave me.” I was crying. “Cillian, please don’t leave me.” He was silent for a long time. Finally, all he said was: “I’ll stay.” But what stayed was only a shell. He stopped gathering the things I loved. He stopped sharing his thoughts with me. He stopped loving me the way he once had—wholly, completely. He was just… fulfilling an obligation. Like tending to a fragile patient. Until last night, when I caught Elowen’s scent all over him. The pain and the fury finally broke the dam. “You’re going to leave me too, aren’t you?” I demanded. “You think she’s better than me too?” “Lyra—” “Don’t explain!” I screamed. “You’re just like Caleb! You both think I’m nothing but dead weight! A spoiled, useless she-wolf!” Something shifted in his eyes then. Guilt turned into something that looked almost like… relief. “Maybe,” he said slowly, “maybe you’re right.” Then he raised his hand and pressed it to the mark on my neck. “No—” I tried to fight him, but his strength far outmatched mine. The pain hit again, worse this time—because it was the second time. I screamed. I convulsed. I felt my soul tear clean in half. When it was over, Cillian was gone from the room. He left me alone, thrashing in the wreckage of my own soul. Now, sitting in this disheveled room, I made a decision. I would go to them. One last time. If they turned me away—if they had truly, irrevocably chosen Elowen—then I would let go for good. I would go to the Blood Kin, leave this place and all its agonizing memories, and never come back. But before that, I’d fight for them one final time. I got to my feet, pulled myself together quickly. A clean dress. Hair brushed smooth. I even spritzed a bit of perfume on my wrists—a gift Caleb had given me once. He’d said the scent of lily of the valley suited me. Then I walked out, heading for Elowen’s cottage. Elowen lived on the western side of the manor, in a small standalone stone house. It had originally been a tool shed, but my father had it renovated as temporary housing for her. I hadn’t even reached the door when I heard voices inside. Caleb and Cillian. “Did you go see her today?” That was Caleb—low, serious. “Just ran into her by chance.” Cillian’s reply. “She went to see the Alpha King.” My footsteps halted. They were talking about me. “How did she look?” Caleb asked. A beat of silence. Then Cillian said: “Not good.” “Going soft?” Caleb’s voice sharpened. “If you’re going soft, walk out now. Cillian, we’ve been over this. If we’re going to lead this pack as dual Alphas, if we’re going to carry it into the future, we need a Luna who is truly strong. Not a she-wolf whose only skills are crying and clinging.” “I know.” Cillian sounded tired. “I just… worry she might do something to Elowen again. Last time she nearly got Elowen expelled from the pack.” “If she tries that again, I won’t hold back,” Caleb said, his tone glacial. “Elowen is the kind of asset this pack needs. And Lyra… she needs to learn what responsibility means. What sacrifice means.” I stood outside that door, and the entire world came crashing down around me. So this was what they really thought. I wasn’t strong enough. Wasn’t independent enough. Wasn’t *worthy* of being their Luna. And Elowen—the outsider—was their idea of the perfect mate. Grief, rage, humiliation—it all churned together, igniting into a blaze inside my chest. I turned to leave—and then a child’s furious shriek split the air. “You bad wolf! Don’t you dare hurt my mommy!” Then I saw water flying toward me, and a piercing hiss tore itself from my throat.

That hiss was mine. Burning. Searing, vicious burning. I looked down at my arm. My skin was smoking, giving off the stench of scorched flesh. It was— *silverleaf sap*. The plant that’s toxic to werewolves. The pain ripped away my control. My body began to shift on instinct. Bones cracked. Teeth sharpened. Nails lengthened into claws. My wolf surged awake under the onslaught of agony, desperate to protect me, desperate to strike back. The door slammed open. Caleb and Cillian burst out. Toby cowered behind them, still clutching an empty bottle, his face white with terror. “Lyra!” Cillian cried. But what they saw wasn’t my pain. They saw me mid-shift—fangs bared, claws out, facing a five-year-old child. In their eyes, I must have looked like a monster. A monster about to hurt a pup. “What the hell are you doing?!” Caleb’s roar was deafening. The next instant, a wall of force slammed into me. Caleb had already half-shifted; he drove his shoulder into my body and sent me crashing to the ground. I hit the flagstones hard. Pain exploded through my back. But it was nothing compared to the pain in my heart. Cillian had already scooped Toby into his arms and was shielding the boy with his body, eyes locked on me like I was a threat. “I—” I tried to speak, but my throat would only produce a ragged croak. I fought to rein in the wolf rampaging inside me, forcing myself back into human form. The process was excruciating and slow, every bone grinding back into place like a separate torture. Finally, I was human again, crumpled on the ground. The wound on my arm was ghastly—skin charred black, flesh torn and raw. I was in too much pain to speak, but Caleb and Cillian weren’t looking at the wound. They just stood there, eyes cold, staring at me like a stranger. “You’d go after a *child* now?” Caleb’s voice was ice. “Lyra, I don’t even know who you are anymore.” He stepped forward, seized my throat in warning. “I’d suggest you leave. Now. Before I call the enforcers and have you dragged in for assaulting a pup.” “The one who’s hurt… is me,” I managed to choke out. “Still making excuses!” His glare hardened further. “Looks like you need a lesson.” His grip around my throat tightened. “No—” I struggled weakly, but there was no fighting an enraged Alpha. “Wait!” A voice cut through the suffocating standoff. Elowen emerged from inside. Her eyes—bright emerald green—went wide the moment they fell on my arm. “Oh God,” she gasped. “That’s a silverleaf burn!” She rushed toward me, but Caleb blocked her path. “Elowen, careful. She just tried to attack Toby.” “No.” Elowen shook her head, her gaze darting between me and Toby. “Toby, what’s that in your hand?” The little boy held up the empty bottle, trembling. “It’s… it’s silverleaf sap. I saw this bad lady sneaking over here, and Mommy always says I should protect myself…” “So you threw it on her?” Elowen’s voice turned stern. Toby flinched and nodded. Elowen took a deep breath and looked at Caleb and Cillian. “Can you not see? Her wound? Silverleaf is severely corrosive to werewolf skin. She didn’t shift to attack—she shifted because of the *pain*. It’s a reflexive response.” Silence. Dead silence. Caleb and Cillian finally turned their eyes to my arm. In the moonlight, the wound looked even more horrific—blackened skin, curling flesh, the pale gleam of bone visible beneath. “Lyra…” Cillian’s voice wavered. I smiled. It must have been an ugly smile. “So you finally see it?” My voice was raw. “I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. I just… I came to find you. One last time.” I struggled to my feet, swaying with pain. Elowen stepped forward. “Let me look at that wound. I can—” “No need.” I cut her off and took a step back. I looked at her—this perfect she-wolf. Strong. Independent. A healer. She had every quality I lacked. “You’re remarkable, Elowen,” I said. “You really are stronger than me, more independent, more suited to be Luna.” “Lyra, that’s not—” Cillian tried to say something. “But,” I raised my voice, cutting him off, “I still have my dignity.” I turned to Toby, the five-year-old hiding behind Cillian, eyes wide with fear. “Toby,” I said. “You threw that on me. You owe me an apology.” “Lyra!” Caleb’s tone was pure warning. “He’s just a kid!”

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The night before my wedding, I drive forty miles to pick up my fiancé’s mistress and bring her home myself. “Addie, let Cass have the wedding tomorrow. ” When Julian sees us, he actually exhales in relief. “Addie, I promise you’re still my wife, legally. Cass can’t handle stress. She needs it. Once she’s settled, I’ll marry you properly.” Julian takes my silence for a yes. He doesn’t even look back as he leads Cassidy upstairs to pick out a wedding dress. I don’t get angry. I just calmly pick up my phone and drop one line into a group chat. [I’m short a groom for tomorrow. Any takers?] My phone explodes. Every one of Julian’s so-called best friends is in there, fighting to be the one to walk me down the aisle. I smile. See, Julian? If you won’t marry me, plenty of men will. I mute the chat and set the phone down. “Miss Whitlock.” Mr. Brennan, our butler, clears his throat. “Mr. Hayes is asking you to bring out the wedding gown.” He pauses, then forces himself to finish. “He said you won’t need it tomorrow. Let Miss Lane wear it.” That gown. Six months of sketching. A year of flying around the world. Every stitch, hand-finished by me. No one knows better than Julian how much of me is sewn into that dress. And now — because Cassidy wants it — I’m supposed to just hand it over? “Tell him,” I say evenly, “if he wants it, he can come down here and beg me for it himself.” Thirty minutes later, the front door slams open. Julian walks in with a dozen bridal consultants trailing behind him, each holding two designer gowns. He drops onto the couch, lazily twirling a strand of my hair between his fingers. “Addie. Our wedding can wait. Cass likes your dress — just let her borrow it.” He gestures at the consultants. “Pick one you like from these.” “Or don’t. After Cass is done with yours, you can wear it for our wedding. I don’t mind.” Cassidy bursts out laughing. She throws herself into Julian’s lap. “Julian, you’re awful. You’re the one who told all of Manhattan Addie’d never wear secondhand. And now you want her in a dress I’ve already worn? She’s going to hate me.” Julian doesn’t even blink. He smiles and pats her head. “She’s not that petty. She’s been with me ten years. Who else is she gonna marry?” I keep my eyes lowered. In the group chat, the men are still going at it, each posting Instagram Stories about the wedding tomorrow — captioned with photos of suits, cufflinks, custom shoes. Julian sees it too. He laughs under his breath. “I’m the one getting married tomorrow and these idiots are pulling all-nighters with their tailors. More dressed up than the groom.” He casually drops a voice note into the groomsmen’s chat: [Relax, boys. Tomorrow’s casual. Eat, drink, have fun. Just one thing — make sure you call Cassidy by her name, with respect.] He doesn’t notice that no one replies. He shifts Cassidy in his arms, then lazily reaches a hand toward me. “Addie, where the condoms? You know how clingy Cass is — she wants me every night. And if she doesn’t get her way, she loses it.” “But I promised you. My first child will come from you.” I pull the corner of my mouth into something like a smile. That promise. He remembers only half of it. Ten years ago, under a sky full of fireworks, twenty-year-old Julian had sworn he would marry only me. That my wedding would be his first. That my child would be his first. Ten years later, everything has changed. I drop the smile quickly. Tell Mr. Brennan to go pick up a box of condoms for him. Pleased with my obedience, Julian scoops Cassidy up and heads for the stairs. “Oh, and Addie — sleep in the guest room tonight. Cass wants me all to herself. She’s a nightmare in the morning, so have the MUA wait outside the door. She can start once Cass wakes.” “Julian.” He stops on the staircase, turning his head with a faint frown. Make it quick. I look him in the eye, one word at a time. “The wedding’s still on tomorrow. If you won’t be the groom — I’ll find someone who will.”

Julian doesn’t believe me. He scoffs and shakes his head. “Addie, this isn’t the time to fight for attention.” “Let me handle Cass first. If she’s in a good mood tomorrow, maybe she’ll let you be a bridesmaid.” In his arms, Cassidy pouts and tugs his sleeve. Julian doesn’t look back. He heads upstairs. A minute later, the sounds start. Mr. Brennan opens his mouth several times before he finally speaks. “Miss Whitlock… for Mr. Hayes, there’s never been another Mrs. Hayes. Only you.” I glance at the box of condoms in his hands. Tilt my head toward the stairs. … In the middle of the night, my phone rings. Brooke is screaming so loud my ear hurts. “Addie, what the hell? Why is Julian telling everyone the wedding is off?!” “You’ve been planning this for a year! The venue alone cost a couple million! Half of it is your designs! He can’t just call it off!” I sit up, rubbing my ear. Sleep is gone. Before I can answer, she shrieks again. “Wait — wait. He just sent me a new invitation. Same wedding. Same time. Different bride — some girl named Cassidy. Says we better show up.” “Who the hell is Cassidy?!” I close my eyes. Julian has always been like this. When he loves someone, he gives them the world. When he stops loving them — he takes everything back. “Brooke. Don’t worry about any of it. Just come tomorrow. The wedding is still on.” “He’s swapping the bride. So tomorrow, I’m swapping the groom.” Silence on the other end. Then Brooke pieces it together, and her voice goes raw with fury. “That son of a bitch. Swap him. Swap his sorry ass and don’t look back.” “He played the perfect fiancé for ten years. Twenty-eight countries for engagement photos. Renting out drones to announce your wedding to the whole city. And now he’s cheating?! I knew it — men are bastards!” I laugh, helpless. I want to tell her — it’s not that bad. My backup grooms are all impressive in their own right. But before I can speak, Mr. Brennan knocks. His face is pained. “Miss Whitlock… Mr. Hayes is asking for you in the master bedroom.” I know if I don’t go, he’ll take it out on Mr. Brennan. I tell Brooke to put on her bridesmaid dress tomorrow and meet me at the venue. Then I head upstairs. The bedroom door is half-open. The room is a wreck. The smell hits me first. Julian’s just stepped out of the shower, droplets running from his hair down the open collar of his robe — past a neck covered in marks. I dig my nails into my palm and force myself not to feel it. He sees me and lazily points at the floor. A bridesmaid dress. Crumpled. Stained. “Addie. I know you put a lot into this wedding. Wear that tomorrow. Be Cass’s bridesmaid. Call it closure for the past year.” Cassidy smiles, naked under the blanket. She leans up and whispers something sweet and venomous in Julian’s ear. “Julian — Addie’s the designer, right? The rings she makes must be stunning. I want one.” My face stays blank. That ring — like the dress — is mine. Sketched by me. Flown around the world for. Hand-finished by me. Julian knows. He just raises an eyebrow. “Addie, it’s just one ring. She wants it. Let her have it.” “We’re in no rush, Addie. You’ll have plenty of time to design a new one.” He says it like it costs him nothing. And just like that — the sharp, splintering ache in my chest disappears. I don’t feel a thing anymore. I look him in the eye and say it again. “I told you. The wedding’s still on tomorrow.”

Julian freezes. Then he laughs — confident, certain. “The groom won’t be there. Who exactly are you marrying?” “Come on, Addie. You’re not the desperate type. I said I’d marry you, and I will. You just need a little more patience. Mm?” I waited ten years. I finally got to the wedding. Only to find out he’d been cheating for three. And now he wants me to wait again — wait for him to marry another woman, then come back to marry me like he’s doing me a favor? I’m done waiting. Julian glances at the Rolex on his wrist, pulls Cassidy back into the bed, and tosses one last line at me without looking up. “Plenty of time for another round. Don’t worry, Addie — the Hayes heir is still coming out of you.” I lower my eyes. Nothing in them. I drop the bridesmaid dress on the floor and walk back to the guest room. … The next morning, neither of them gets up. The MUA waits awkwardly outside the master bedroom. I walk over. “I’m the bride. You’re doing my face.” She’s been working with me for months — the consultations, the fittings, all of it. She recognizes me instantly. By the time my makeup is almost done, the two of them finally come downstairs. Sunlight spills in through the windows, falling across me. Julian stops dead. The artist pins the last piece of veil into my hair. I gather my skirts and stand, turning to face him. He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. “Addie. I said I’d give you a wedding. Later.” “For now, let Cass have it. Be a good girl and take that dress off — you’re going to upset her.” Then footsteps on the stairs. Cassidy comes running down. She grabs Julian’s arm — and the second she sees my dress, she snaps. She jabs a finger at me. “Julian! I’m the one getting married today. Why is she in a wedding dress?!” Her eyes well up. “My own mother was a mistress. I swore I’d never become her. But for you, I was willing. Three years, Julian — and you’d make me share my wedding with another woman?!” Julian’s face changes instantly. He bends close, voice soft, hands fluttering to comfort her. I let out a small laugh and toss a small pink notebook onto the floor. “Julian. I don’t need this anymore. You can have it back.” If he’d looked — really looked — he’d recognize it. The bucket list we made fifteen years ago. He’d said it himself: Once we finish all 100 wishes, we’ll never be apart. Ten wishes left. I don’t want to finish them with him anymore. “Addie, perfect timing.” Julian picks up the notebook and hands it straight to Cassidy with a soft laugh. “It’s a couple’s bucket list, baby. We finish all 100, and we’ll never be apart.” “Don’t cry. The dress is yours. The wedding is yours.” Cassidy laughs through her tears. She leans into him and shoots me a look. “Julian. Make her take the dress off. She’s a bridesmaid. Why does she get to wear it?” Julian crooks a finger. Maids swarm me from every side. “Addie. Take it off.” The MUA looks around, stricken. She tries to speak — bodyguards drag her into a separate dressing room. The dress is heavy. Underneath it, I’m wearing nothing but my underwear. I glance around at the room. At every staring face. “Julian. You sure you want me to take it off — right here?”

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I was on the phone canceling my custom gown with Camille, the Paris-based wedding dress designer, when my assistant asked again, “Ms. Mitchell, are you absolutely sure? You waited three years for this slot. The deposit is non-refundable.” I nodded. “I’m sure.” I had loved Camille’s work for years. She only took eight brides a year. I’d pulled all-nighters writing emails to get on her list, asked people to pass along my portfolio, even pushed back the wedding date twice to make the timing work. Christopher Harrington curated luxury brand exhibitions. His connections in the industry ran deep. When I asked him to reach out on my behalf, all he said was, “Camille only works with clients whose aesthetic aligns with hers. Me stepping in would actually make things worse. Besides, my fiancée looks gorgeous in anything.” Then last night, I came across Blair’s Instagram Story. Her Bichon Frise, Cotton, was sitting in front of a three-tier cake, wearing a miniature couture wedding gown. The caption read: “Thank you Chris for connecting me with Camille’s atelier so Cotton could have her own custom gown. My little princess deserves nothing but the best.” I stared at that dog’s dress for a long time. Then I took a screenshot. So it wasn’t that he couldn’t pull strings. It was that I wasn’t worth pulling them for. Christopher called, irritation already bleeding into his voice. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of a dog.” I hung up and dropped my engagement ring into the trash. Paris was too far away. Three years was too long. I wasn’t wearing the dress anymore. I wasn’t having the wedding either. *** It was midnight when Christopher got home. By then I had already left the wedding planning group chat. The planner texted: “Nora, are we still confirming the bouquet tomorrow?” I typed back, “No need,” and left the group. Christopher walked in, smelling of whiskey. He tossed his car keys onto the entryway console table. “I found another designer. Not Camille, but she’s talented. Good enough for your wedding.” I sat at the dining table. Didn’t look up. “It’s off.” Christopher frowned. “Nora, the wedding is next month. If you pull the plug now, all of Manhattan will laugh at us. What am I supposed to tell the board?” The email from Paris had just come through. Cancellation confirmed. The dress I’d waited three years for no longer belonged to me. He moved closer. Scotch breath hit my face. “All of this because Blair threw Cotton a birthday party?” I closed my laptop. “You helped Cotton get Camille. For me, you offered ‘good enough.’” A flicker of genuine impatience crossed his eyes. “You cannot seriously be competing with a dog.” I didn’t answer. It wasn’t about competing with a dog. He was the one who ranked me below Blair’s dog. I got up to get water. Passing the entryway, I noticed the shoe closet door wasn’t fully shut. Inside sat a pair of tiny pink dog rain boots. A sticky note was stuck beside them: “Chris, make sure Cotton wears these when you walk her in the rain. Her little paws get cold. —B” Chris. I’d known Christopher for five years. Even at our most intimate, I’d never dared call him that. Inside the drawer was a dog tag. Cotton’s name was engraved above Christopher’s phone number. Last month, my stomach pain got so bad I was crouched outside my office building. I called him. He said he was at a gallery viewing in Chelsea and told me to take an Uber to the ER. That same night, Blair posted on Instagram. Cotton was lying in a pet emergency hospital. Christopher’s hand was resting on her paw. The caption read: “All thanks to the one and only Mr. Harrington.” So he did know how to take care of someone. My phone buzzed. The wedding venue manager. Christopher hit speaker. “Mr. Harrington, Miss Tinsley just called. She wants the appetizers switched to a vegan cold platter. All nut-based sauces removed. The dessert bar stripped of chocolate. In case Cotton accidentally eats something toxic.” My hand stilled on the water glass. The manager kept going. “She also wants the signature cocktail replaced with organic cold-pressed celery juice. She said Cotton could drink it too.” I looked up at Christopher. “Why does Tinsley get to change our wedding menu?” Christopher reached to turn off speaker. I pressed my hand down on his. He lowered his voice. “She knows event planning. She’s just helping out.” I pulled in a breath. Kept my voice steady. “It’s our wedding. Why are we accommodating her dietary restrictions? My parents eat steak. My grandmother needs gluten-free options. Those were already in the original menu. Cotton can’t have chocolate. What does that have to do with our wedding?” Christopher’s expression hardened. “Tinsley’s bringing Cotton. If she eats the wrong thing, she could go into shock.” I let out a quiet laugh. A dog’s allergy mattered more than my family’s health. Christopher rubbed his temples. His tell. Extreme impatience. “Nora, it’s just one meal.” Something inside me snapped quiet. If I wasn’t happy, I was the one being difficult. If Tinsley opened her mouth, she was professional. She was just helping. I spoke into the phone. “Don’t change the menu.” The manager exhaled. “So we’re keeping the original plan?” “No.” I looked Christopher in the eye. “Cancel everything.” Christopher’s head jerked up. “Nora!” I set my water glass down. It landed with a soft but definite thud. “Since every dish has to accommodate Tinsley and her dog’s dietary needs, let them throw the wedding instead.” Christopher’s face went stone cold. “Nora, that’s enough. What exactly are you trying to prove?” His phone screen lit up. A voice message from Tinsley. “Chris, Cotton won’t eat anything today. I’m really worried.” Right in front of me, Christopher replied. “Don’t panic. I’ll come by in the morning to check on her.” His voice was gentle. The kind of tone you use to soothe an anxious mother. I looked at him. The last trace of warmth inside me went cold. “Christopher, why exactly do you want to marry me?” He didn’t even glance up. “You’re steady. You don’t cause drama. You carry yourself well. You’ll make a perfect Mrs. Harrington.” I nodded. Pulled my engagement ring out of the trash. Set it on the dining table. “Then go find yourself a better one.”

My phone woke me up the next morning. Christopher had added me back into the wedding planning group chat. The one I’d left last night. Inside, everyone was acting like nothing had happened. The planner sent over a preview link for the wedding website. “Nora, Mr. Harrington says the site goes live this afternoon. All guests will get the link. Let me know if the homepage needs any changes.” I clicked it open. The homepage had a scrolling photo gallery. The first three images were our engagement photos. The fourth was a close-up of Cotton in her custom Camille gown. Beneath the photo, a handwritten-style caption read: “Our very special flower girl: Cotton.” Tinsley posted a smiley face in the group chat. “Is Cotton’s photo too prominent? Nora won’t mind, right?” Christopher replied instantly. “She won’t. She was just tired yesterday. She’ll be fine today.” I stared at that message. The corner of my mouth curved into a smile with no warmth behind it. He didn’t even let me speak for myself anymore. Ten minutes later, Christopher walked in. He was already in his suit. In his hand was the ring I’d left on the table last night. “The site goes live this afternoon. Stop making this a thing.” He grabbed my hand and started forcing the ring onto my ring finger. I pulled back. “Christopher, I said no.” His grip tightened. He shoved the ring all the way down. The metal edge scraped my knuckle raw. This ring. A hundred and ninety-nine dollars. Wrong size. I’d told him. Multiple times. He said my fingers would swell during pregnancy. It’d fit perfectly then. His phone lit up. Tinsley sent a photo. Cotton was curled on a pink cushion, wearing a crystal collar. “Chris, is this one too expensive? Cotton seems really comfortable in it though.” Christopher texted back one-handed. “Not expensive. Her skin is sensitive. Cheap ones chafe her neck.” I recognized the brand. Three thousand eight hundred dollars. A new message popped into the group chat. The planner sent the ceremony schedule. After the bride and groom’s entrance, a new item had been added: “Flower dog delivers rings. Cotton, wearing custom Camille gown, escorted by Miss Tinsley.” My wedding dress was gone. And the dog wearing my dream dress would be delivering my ring. I typed: “Who added this?” The group went silent for a few seconds. Tinsley sent a voice message. That signature, trembling nasal tone. “Nora, Cotton is really well-behaved. And that little gown turned out so beautiful. It would be such a shame not to let her walk in the wedding. Chris agreed. He said it would make our wedding one of a kind.” Christopher followed up in the group. “It’s just a small moment. Don’t overthink it.” I looked up at him. “Christopher, this is my wedding.” He frowned. “I know.” “Then why is the homepage and the ceremony schedule all about Tinsley and her dog?” His face iced over. “Tinsley has put a lot of time and energy into this wedding. Instead of thanking her, you keep attacking her?” I stopped talking. Because if I kept going, I’d be the emotional one. The one who couldn’t see the big picture. The one making unreasonable demands. I looked down at the ring. Too big. I lifted my finger. It slipped off, hit the table with a small clink. I placed it back in the jewelry box in front of him. The planner was still asking in the group: “Can we take the website live now?” Christopher grabbed his phone to reply: “Go live.” I typed into the group: “Don’t.” Christopher’s face twisted. “Nora!” I didn’t look at him. Sent another message. “The wedding is canceled.” Another voice message from Tinsley. This one thick with tears. “Nora, did I do something wrong? Please don’t be mad at me and Cotton. If you cancel the wedding, I’ll feel like it’s all my fault.” Christopher seized my wrist. Looked me dead in the eye. Spoke one word at a time. “You have to make all of society laugh at the Harrington family?” I met his stare. “You turned my wedding into a showcase for her and her dog.” I pushed the ring box against his chest. “If Cotton delivering the rings is that important, let her deliver them to Tinsley instead.”

While Christopher and I were locked in stalemate, his mother Linda Harrington called. “Nora, sweetheart, I know you’re upset. I’ve invited your parents and grandmother to dinner at the club tonight. Let’s all sit down and talk things through, alright?” My mother called right after. “Nora, what’s going on? Your grandmother heard the wedding might be canceled. She didn’t touch her lunch.” I could ignore Christopher. I couldn’t ignore my grandmother. The moment I walked into the private dining room at the club, I saw Tinsley. She was pressed right up against Linda, Cotton cradled in her arms. Evan, Christopher’s business school friend, was there too. He spotted me and flashed a grin. “Nora, heard you and Chris hit a rough patch. Aunt Linda called us all in as peacemakers.” Tinsley stood up. Her face was a mask of guilt. “Nora, please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t want to come. But Linda said since I’d been involved in the wedding planning, some details might need clarifying. She asked me to come help explain.” Her eyes welled up, like she’d been dealt the greatest injustice. My mother’s expression darkened. My grandmother took my hand. Her palm was cool. Trembling slightly. The food hadn’t even arrived when Linda started talking. “Nora, let me be fair here. A wedding isn’t a game. You can’t just call it off on a whim. Chris is swamped with work. Tinsley knows the industry. Her helping out is for your own good.” Evan jumped in right on cue. “Yeah, Nora. Chris is going to marry you. What more could you possibly want? Don’t get hung up on the small stuff.” I looked at Christopher. He was buttering a bread roll. Head down. Like he didn’t hear a thing. Linda scrolled through her phone. Didn’t even look up. “Nora, Chris told me about the menu situation. You don’t need to stress over it anymore. I’ve already confirmed everything with the venue. They’re going with the version Tinsley finalized the day before yesterday.” My mother froze. “But we have guests with nut allergies. I specifically arranged a nut-free menu. Nora’s grandmother also needs gluten-free options.” Linda finally lifted her head. Fixed my mother with a polite, distant smile. “It’s just one meal. Everyone can make do for a few hours.” Right as she finished speaking, the private room door swung open. The restaurant manager walked in carrying an elegant French dessert plate. Mango mousse cake. Tinsley’s eyes lit up. She clasped her hands over her mouth, laughing. “Chris! I mentioned I was craving this once, and you actually had them prepare it?” She caught herself, suddenly remembering I was in the room. Hurriedly pushed the plate toward me. “Nora, this must be for you. You should try it first. Don’t let Chris’s thoughtfulness go to waste.” Linda looked at me too. Her voice coated in that gentle, unyielding authority. “Nora, Tinsley is offering you the first taste. Don’t keep that sour look on your face.” I lifted my head. Looked at Christopher. “I’m allergic to mangoes.” Christopher frowned. Genuine confusion. “Since when are you allergic?” “Four years now.” My voice stayed flat. “My throat swelled up. I almost went into anaphylactic shock. I called you. You said you were at a gallery opening with Tinsley. Told me to go to CVS and get antihistamines myself.” Christopher’s fingers finally went still around his water glass. The smile on Tinsley’s face froze for a second. Then she dropped her eyes. Her voice went soft. “Nora, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” I looked at her. “It’s not your fault. He’s the one who never bothered to remember anything about me.” Evan frowned. Tried to smooth things over. “Nora, could this just be pre-wedding jitters? Tinsley means well. Do you have to snap at everything she says?” Linda set down her napkin. Her expression hardened. She looked at me the way you look at an ordinary girl about to marry into a prestigious family. A girl who doesn’t know the rules. “Nora, marrying Christopher means understanding the importance of protecting this family’s reputation and knowing your place. If you’re this petty, how is Chris supposed to focus on growing his career out there?” My grandmother finally put down her fork. She looked at Christopher. Her eyes were red. Her voice shook. “You’re supposed to marry my Nora. Why do you always side with outsiders?” Christopher’s face went rigid. His voice came out low but seething. “Grandmother, Tinsley is not an outsider. She put a lot into this wedding.” My father slowly set his wine glass down. In that moment, the thing that stung most wasn’t my own humiliation. It was watching my parents see with their own eyes how small I’d made myself for this man and his family. Year after year. I stood up. Helped my grandmother to her feet. “We’re the outsiders. We won’t keep you from your family dinner.” Christopher’s brow furrowed hard. “Nora, not in front of the elders.” I ignored him. “Grandma, let’s go home.” Linda shot to her feet. That elegant mask finally cracked. “Nora! If you walk out that door right now, what happens to the wedding?” I glanced back at her. “The wedding? Let Tinsley handle it. She’s already arranged everything, hasn’t she?”

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I was trying on wedding dresses when my best friend Avery asked me: “Ten years with Cole. Why are you marrying someone else all of a sudden?” My fingers went still on the veil. “Because of a high school reunion.” Three days earlier, Cole had texted me before the reunion. *No one knows about us yet. I don’t want those guys making a scene. Let’s go in separately.* I texted back, *Okay.* Then I watched him walk in with Madison on his arm. She’d been our high school cheerleading captain, the kind of blonde so golden she could’ve stepped off the yearbook page. Her smile hadn’t changed at all. All night, everyone gossiped about them. “Cole, you two finally hooked up?” “I always knew they’d end up together.” Faced with all that noise, he didn’t explain. Didn’t deny a thing. He just waved them off with a smile. “Cut it out. Madi gets embarrassed easy.” Every laugh, every wolf whistle echoed through that banquet hall and straight into my chest. I stared at them for a long time. Then I pulled out my phone and deleted the message I’d never sent. *Actually, I’m his girlfriend.* Ten years together, and our relationship had always been underground. His coworkers didn’t know. His basketball buddies didn’t know. His family had never even heard my name. He couldn’t give me a real title. But he had no problem letting someone else think she could have one. In that moment, I suddenly realized that a love where simply standing beside him in public felt like asking too much… probably wasn’t worth holding onto anymore. I sent my family a text. **I’ll do it. I’ll move back to Nashville. I’ll meet this Nathan.** Avery listened. Tears welled in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around me, her voice thick. “Elena, that’s all behind you now. You’re about to be the most beautiful bride.” I looked at myself in the mirror, draped in white silk. She was right. I looked beautiful. Just not for Cole. *** By the time Avery and I said goodbye outside the bridal shop, the sky had gone fully dark. A Chicago winter. The wind off Lake Michigan cut straight through my collar, wet and bone-deep. I pulled my coat tighter and stood at the curb waiting for an Uber, my fingers going numb. The little car icon on my screen barely moved. *Beep.* A horn behind me. A black Range Rover pulled up to the curb. The window rolled down. Cole’s face. “Get in.” His voice was flat. No emotion I could read. I didn’t move. Just stood there looking at him for two seconds. His brow creased. “It’s ten below out here. How long are you planning to stand there?” I glanced down at my ankles, already red from the cold. No point hesitating. I opened the door and climbed in. The second the door shut, I regretted it. The passenger seat was reclined way back, almost lying flat. I’m not tall. Every time I got in his car, the first thing I’d do was pull the seat forward. Over time, his passenger side had molded itself to me. Now the seat was set for someone else. And there was a scent in the car I knew too well. Chanel. Floral. The most expensive one at the department store counter. The same fragrance that had swept past me at the reunion when Madison walked by. Something I thought I’d already numbed myself to twisted in my chest all over again. “Where were you?” He cranked up the heat as he asked. I didn’t answer. I forced the thoughts down and reached for the seat adjustment lever. This time, my fingers closed around a lipstick. YSL. Bold red. Loud as hell. Not my style. I looked at it, then dropped it in the glove compartment. Cole’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Madison wasn’t feeling well today. I took her to Northwestern Immediate Care.” “Mm.” I fastened my seatbelt. “We were classmates for three years in high school. She just moved back from the West Coast, doesn’t know anyone. It’s normal for me to help out a little.” He was explaining himself. Ten years ago, I might have actually believed him. Too bad we’d been together too long. I knew exactly who Cole was. He couldn’t even be bothered to visit his own brother in a Milwaukee hospital because he hated the smell of disinfectant. When his buddy landed in the ER with alcohol poisoning and called him, he made excuses. He was never the caring type. Anything that didn’t involve him directly, he didn’t spare a second glance. And now he was telling me he wanted to take care of an old classmate. The irony. Ten years with me. How many times had he taken care of me? The corner of my mouth tugged. My voice came out quiet. “What about me?” “What?” I stared at the streetlights sliding past the window. Michigan Avenue. One after another, stretched into ribbons of light. Not a single one was lit for me. “What are we?” No answer. The car went silent. Just the hum of the heater blowing warm air. I waited. One second. Two. Three. Then he hit the gas. Like speed could leave the question behind. But some things you can’t outrun by stepping on a pedal. He pulled up to his apartment building in Lincoln Park. Killed the engine. Everything went quiet. He was silent a few seconds before he spoke. “I know you weren’t happy about the reunion. But there’s no point dragging it out.” “Then why didn’t you deny it that night?” “It wasn’t necessary. And Madi didn’t mind.” I laughed. His jaw tightened. His voice sharpened. “Elena, what the hell is going on with you today? Can we not do the drama thing?” Ten years. I spent ten years molding myself into the perfect, never-complaining cool girl. I didn’t fight. I didn’t check up on him. I didn’t demand a title. And now, after asking two questions, I was the one making a scene. I suddenly felt exhausted. I rolled down the window. Cold air rushed in, snowflakes stinging my face, sharp as a slap. It jolted me completely awake. I turned to look at him. His expression had settled back into that calm, unbothered mask. I knew what he was thinking. That I’d let it go. That I’d do what I always did. Be upset on my own, get over it by morning, make his breakfast like usual, walk his dog like usual. Show up when he needed me, disappear when he didn’t. But this time was different. “Cole.” “Yeah?” “There’s something I need to tell you.”

I opened my mouth. His phone rang. The name on the screen: Madison. Cole grabbed it and answered. I couldn’t make out the words on the other end. Just a woman’s voice, muffled and tearful. Cole’s face went visibly pale. “Okay. Don’t move. I’m on my way.” He hung up without once looking at me. “Madi’s fever got worse. I have to go. You head upstairs.” He was already unbuckling my seatbelt as he said it, already pushing my door open. He didn’t give me a chance to speak. The door slammed shut. The engine roared. The taillights dragged two red arcs through the dark. They shrank smaller and smaller until they turned the corner and vanished. I stood at the foot of the apartment building, watching until the last trace of light disappeared. I’d wanted to exercise my girlfriend rights one last time before I left. To look him in the eye and end things properly. He couldn’t spare me three minutes. I dragged my leaden legs upstairs and collapsed onto the couch. The living room was dark. The only light came from his MacBook, still glowing on the coffee table. I glanced over. The computer was awake. An iMessage window open on the desktop. Madison. Two lines sat there quietly. *Cole, Jake and the guys are all over the comments saying we’re a thing. They want you to take everyone out for drinks.* The message was timestamped half an hour ago. His reply right below it. *No big deal. I’ll book a table at RPM sometime and buy them a round.* I stared at those two lines for a long time. My eyes started to sting. What was I doing half an hour ago? I thought about it. I’d been at the bridal shop, confirming the satin gown. My gaze caught a folder on the desktop. One word: “Madi.” My heart skipped. My hand moved on its own. Double-clicked. A password prompt. My fingers trembled as I typed in Madison’s birthday. It opened. The folder spread across the screen. Album after album. Madison in Iceland. The aurora behind her, green ribbons falling from the sky. She was wrapped in a white parka, smiling like a snow angel. His caption in the corner: *Iceland, December 2016. She said she had to see the Northern Lights at least once in her life.* Madison in Paris. An apron around her waist, standing at an oven, holding a tray of croissants. Golden and flaky. Caption: *Paris, August 2020. She’s taking a baking class. Said she wants to make breakfast for the person she loves someday.* Madison holding an orange cat, pressing her cheek to its forehead, eyes crinkled in a smile. Caption: *May 2021. Her cat, Lucky. He ran away later. She cried for a whole week.* Madison’s finger wrapped in a Band-Aid. Next to it, a fruit knife and an apple, half-cut. Caption: *March 2022. Cut herself slicing fruit. She’s always so clumsy.* Every photo had a watermark from a different social platform. Instagram screenshots. Facebook saves. Some pulled from her VSCO. He’d saved them all. Labeled every one with dates and locations. Some photos had clearly been cropped. The people beside her cut out. Only she remained. I scrolled down. My hands shook harder and harder. My fingers froze on the trackpad. Then I did something I didn’t expect. I opened my own photo album and started scrolling through ten years with Cole. No Iceland. No Paris. The furthest we’d ever gone was a drive to watch the sunrise on the shore of Lake Michigan. I’d woken up at four in the morning to make sandwiches and coffee. He complained the whole drive about waking up too early. When we got there, he slept in the car for two hours. I sat alone on the rocks by the water and watched the entire sunrise. I didn’t even have a single photo of us together. The only one I had was a shot I’d taken in secret, his profile while he slept. In the kitchen trash, the Eggs Benedict I’d made him that morning. He’d taken one bite, said the hollandaise was too heavy. The time my acute gastroenteritis had me doubled over in pain and I called him. He said he was playing ball. Told me to drink more hot water. I looked back at the last photo on the screen. Three days ago. The reunion. A picture of the two of them together. He stood beside her, head tilted toward her, the corner of his mouth lifted. Not a big smile. But there was light in his eyes. A line of text underneath, dated that day. No extra words. Just four. *She’s back.* That’s when I understood. It wasn’t that he didn’t know how to love someone. He just didn’t want to love me. Tears hit the keyboard with a dull thud. No warning at all. I buried my face in my hands, fingers digging into my scalp, curling into myself. A laugh clawed out of my throat first, short and ugly. Then the laugh broke into sobs I couldn’t hold back. I wasn’t crying for our ten years. I was crying for the girl who didn’t even have a name in his story. Silence. Just the sound of my own strangled crying. The computer screen was the only light in the room. That folder sat right in the center of his desktop, like he hadn’t even thought to hide it. Or maybe he thought I’d always be obedient. That I’d never touch his things. After all these years, I never looked through his phone. Never read his messages. Never asked where he went or who he was with. I thought that was trust. Respect. The most basic boundary between two people. Now I knew the truth. It wasn’t trust. It was stupidity. I don’t know how long I sat there. Long enough for the screen to dim to black again. Long enough for the weight of it to stop mattering. From downstairs came the sound of a car pulling into the underground garage. Cole was back.

The living room lights snapped on. I squinted. “You’re still awake?” Cole glanced at me. I didn’t look up. I just sat there, frozen. He changed his shoes. Stood there a moment in silence. Then walked over. “Madi’s fever hit a hundred and three. She’s in rough shape. Her parents retired to Florida. She’s alone in that high-rise in Lincoln Park. No one to take care of her.” I said nothing. “I want her to stay here for a while,” he went on. “Just until she’s better.” A pause. Then he added, “What do you think?” I knew what this was. He wasn’t asking for my opinion. He was telling me. “I’ll move out tomorrow.” He frowned. “That’s not what I meant.” “Then what did you mean?” I lifted my head and looked at him. “You want me to live with her? Three of us under one roof? As what? Roommates? Or are you just taking care of two women at the same time?” When he saw my red, swollen eyes, he paused for half a second. But he didn’t ask. He pressed on about Madi. “She’s just staying temporarily—” “What’s the difference?” I cut him off. My voice had gone cold. The living room sank into dead silence. After a long moment, he pulled a credit card from his pocket and set it on the coffee table. A black Amex. His supplementary card. “Go stay at a hotel for a few days. A month at most. Just until she’s feeling better.” As he said it, my phone buzzed in my pocket. An email from United Airlines. Booking confirmed. Tomorrow morning. O’Hare to Nashville. I remembered my hands shaking when I’d bought that ticket, my heart pounding. But now, holding my phone, I felt calm. Like a drowning person finally grabbing hold of driftwood. “Okay.” I drew a breath. “I’ll pack my things and move out tomorrow.” Cole looked at me for a few seconds. Then he turned toward the bedroom. “Cole.” He stopped. “I’m getting married.”

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It was a blissful night, the stars adorned the sky, I held up my head zipping through the gardens, my red silky gown flow as the breeze encircled me with its peace, from afar I sighted a man, clothed in white, his hair was maybe brown colored and shoulders was vast, the strange man looked like a protagonist in a love story, a story that Is about to uncover, as I gasped back to reality. 7:10 am Whoa” I looked at my time to see it was past seven, I had a few hours to get ready for my interview. I hurried in and out of the bathroom, wearing nothing but a towel around me, I wiggled off the water from my hair, pulled out my clothes from the wardrobe, and after, walked out of the house the second I finished getting dressed to the home of my soon to be boss, Mr. Liam Khan. I was being interviewed to be his son’s nanny, minus the fact, I had no idea how to take care of a child, how hard can it be?.  I wore a pair of joggers, a crop top, and a white canvas, wandering through the streets of Elmore city. I walked past a candy shop, followed by another before I got to the place of my interviewer, it bewildered my breath away beholding a house of such immenseness, it felt like a royal family lives there,  the gates automatically opened to me a voice said from behind, “welcome miss Sara Scott”. I took heed of a masculine voice, who walked up to me, slinging his shirt off his wet dripping body.  I gazed like a lost puppy, from his seductive eyes, well-shaped body, and that of his lips, gosh! He looked like a demigod. “Miss Sara! Snap out of it”. I had this hunch he knew how farther my thoughts traveled and if he hadn’t recalled my attention, it would have gone further away, and most likely never to return. “Good morning sir! I came for the interview”. I paused for his response. “Yeah! I do know, come on in”. He says. We took a step into the house, bloody hell, it felt like I had just died and gotten to heaven, its exquisite tastes took my breath away for the second time, and for a man of his caliber, all these things are nothing to him. My eyes loomed around, as we strolled over to his study room, “have a seat and we will begin in a while”. He walks back out, leaving me behind in the study room, as I patiently wait for him, “hmm! Where is he?” Gradually my patience was running thin, I wondered where he was, maybe he had something important to do and forgot he kept me waiting in here? “I rather go check for him” initially I thought about doing so but what if he gets aggravated and that makes me lose this job even before getting it. So without deliberation, I sat back down quietly geeking at the time.

Two hours passed, Liam hasn’t returned for the meeting.”Are you waiting for my dad?” I took heed of a child’s voice, I turned back to see a little boy clutching a ball in his hand, he had curly hair and brown colored eyes. “Hello child,  yes, I am! Do you know where he is?” he walked closer to me, “I think he must be in his room, should I call him?”.  He said. I shook my head disliking his idea, “don’t call him, I’ll wait” I smiled. “Okay! While waiting, do you wish to play football with me?”. He threw away the ball at me, riding out of the room. “Hold on champ” He snatched me outside, aiming to catch the ball, “what are you waiting for! Toss the ball”. His voice attained his father’s attention, as he caught a glimpse of us playing from his room window. We both played to a notch I forgot I had an interview with his father, I swirled back to see the same person I thought of, standing behind with his arms folded together. Holy moly, father of all, I am in deep trouble. “What are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you to wait for me” he gets provoked. “Yes sir! But I only wanted to play football with champ here”. I answered back. Liam whirls to the side and saw the boy I called champ, he looked at me and said, “you mean Andres! My son”. “Yes Sir, your son” I duplicated back his words to him, and he detonates a weak smile right back. The smile he had on made me perplexed, he veers his back. “Walk with me”. He says. I walked rearward as we step back into the house. Liam’s switched on his serious face, we quietly walked without altering a word to me, he rumbled a particular song, shaking his head, finally, he repaid his attention to me, “I am sorry for taking much of your time! I had to take care of some pending issues” we continued walking. “Yes sir! So can we proceed with the interview?”. I said idling for his response,  he halts reading the look on my face, “there is no need for the interview! I have gotten what I wanted”. He announces “Gotten what you wanted? I don’t think I understand what you mean by that?”. Liam ran a check on me before answering back, “now let me break it down for you, the whole reason is to find someone that would be able to take care of my son when I am not around, and for the past three weeks, you’re the only person my son, took a liking too, that beats it all!”. “Hmm!” I shook my head understanding his words. An hour later, he ambled with me to the front door, he pushed it open and turned to me, “thank you and welcome to my family, so! Tomorrow I’ll be expecting you”. “Yeah” I rode past him, wearing a smile. 10:09 pm I got back home tired and reeking of alcohol, urgh! My head continued spinning, it felt like the whole world was crumbling down on me, and I needed to have a rest, I couldn’t think of anything else.

The next morning, the sound of my alarm beeped me up, I swung my eyes down just to behold myself naked, how, When, I Don’t understand. The last thing I can remember was going to bed with my clothes on and now to wake up and see myself nude, it didn’t just disappear overnight!. (My clothes). I soared my eyes around gathering my thoughts, exactly when the door to my room pushed open, I saw Christain strolling in with a tray in his hand. “Good morning,” He says, but what I was much concerned about was his shirtless body, “good morning,  did you sleep here last night?”. That question spotted a smile on his face, he walked past me and dropped the tray on the table, attaining back his attention over, “hmm! I did sleep here, but don’t you remember what happened last night?”.  He watched me quietly trying to recollect what happened yesterday after my job interview. All I can remember was after I had left Liam’s home, I went straight to mine and towards dusk, Christian,  who has been my best friend, came home and dragged me out of the house to celebrate with me obtaining a job, and from listing out all his options,  Christain Devon chose to do it in the bar by drowning me in alcohol. The whole scenario played part by part in my head, immediately I lifted them with a furious look on. “What? I told you not to drink too much, but do you listen, no!”. He tries to clarify. In all that wasn’t my main concern, all I wanted to find out was, apart from what he said, did anything happen?. That there was my interest, I cannot possibly think of doing anything with my best friend, it’s just messed up. “Did we have…sex”. I raised a question, Christian immediately laughed, it felt like I shouldn’t have said something about it, but I needed to know how my clothes dispatched from my body, whereas he strode into my room without wearing a shirt. “Yes! We did have sex…. God it was magical and wonderful”. I watched as his imagination plunges far away, he walks closer to me nudging his head forward to mine, “are you stupid? We didn’t have sex and besides, you removed your clothes the second you got into your room and lastly the only reason I slept here was that it was getting late, so please nothing happened between us, it hasn’t and it won’t ever happen”. I buffed out a relieved breath, thank God almighty that nothing of a sort happened last night, a few minutes not quite long my phone rang, I picked up the call without identifying the caller. “Hello! I’m I unto miss Sara?”. A masculine voice at the other end of the phone says, “Yes you are?” I responded oblivious to the fact my boss, Liam was the caller. “Good morning it’s Liam, and why aren’t you here yet?”. He asked me, holding me at the other t end of the phone. I dashed into the bathroom. “I am sorry sir! I’ll be there” I replied. Liam immediately puts off the call the second he warned I come before it clocked 10:00 am,  and  I did everything possible to beat the time. Christain quietly watched me run in chaos and not once did he alter a word of assistance to me,  sometimes he can be such a wizard. “Excuse me” I shouted. He took a step back, as I dashed out of the house holding my shoes.

Stop me here?” The cab halted in front of Liam’s mansion, I stepped out of the car after paying my fare. I ran like I was being chased by a spirit, “whoa! Calm down” A feminine voice attained my attention, I looked up to find an elderly lady standing in front of me. “Oops! I am sorry ma’am, I didn’t see you there”. I buffed and buffed for a while trying to curb my breath, the lady looked at me with a curious gaze, when someone else blurted out before she did. “You’re late” I took heed of a footstep approaching, I hoisted my head a little beholding Liam’s angry gaze. “I am sorry sir,  Please forgive me, I had a mishap last night” I answered back, but my response no way made any difference, he took me by my hands as we walked close to the door, the serious look on his face got me tensed, and without hesitation, Liam shoved me outside and angrily tried to bang the door. “let go of it, right now,” he noticed I stopped him. salvaging his angry eyes at me. “No sir! But try to understand my situation please” I said trying to explain to him, instead he pulls my hands from blocking the door and slammed the door to my face. Liam swerved back to hint at the elderly lady I walked in a few minutes ago,  gazing at him, “what is it aunt?”, He moves closer to her. “Why did you send the lady out, at least you would have listened to what she had to say” She tried clarifying, but he walks past her not impairing a single word. I sat outside for over an hour now, my mind constantly played tricks on me, it was either I get up and leave or rather bang on the door, until he decides to open up, therefore before I could make up my mind, the door opened “come in”. Liam said, standing behind. I buffed out a relieved breath heeding to his voice,  I jerked up from where I was sited and turned strolling back in. “Now talk to me, why were you late?”. He interrogated. An hour had passed and it was now time he deemed necessary to listen to me,  minus the fact I had the worst reason ever. “I had an emergency at home, my mom got hit by a horse”. I had no idea, how that came out, but it did and I know Liam no way believe me but fairly, he smiled ambling away. it felt like a huge load was dropped from my shoulder as I watched him leave. Lingering around, I sat and waited for my job description to be read out to me, the whole day passed and Liam didn’t even step his feet out of his room, yet again did he forget I was in the living room waiting for him?. Some hours later. “Erm! Did you not move from his spot throughout the whole day?”. Finally, Liam decides to come out. ” Sir, I was waiting to hear the explicit duties you want me to do as your son’s nanny!”. I said swerving my gaze low. “Specific duties? Huh? I don’t think I explained everything to you yesterday, wait I’ll be back”. He walks  up into his bedroom.

I couldn’t take my eyes off, later on, Liam walks down to meet me, he handed over a piece of documents, which stated each and everything I needed to do as his son’s nanny, but among the listed requirements, what I couldn’t understand was, and I quote, you will have to live with us, so your duties will be taken care of effectively. I raised my head, as I politely asked him to explain further. “Urgh! Do I have to explain everything to you? “Liam says taking note of the expression I had on my face, “have you ever been a babysitter before” he added. Originally,  I thought lying to him would be better but something within told on, I should tell the truth, so I did. “No sir, I haven’t been a babysitter before”. I replied. “How the hell I’m I going to entrust my son to someone who doesn’t know the first thing about babysitting”. Liam scowls at me. I know he had every right to stop me from working, firstly I had no idea how to babysit a child, and secondly, I can still recall I lied to him about being a babysitter on my resume. “Look, sir! I am sorry, I know I said I have been a babysitter before,  but I am willing to learn and abide by the rules and regulations governing our contract, please give me a chance sir”. I pleaded with him in at most sincerity, and he quietly listens “hmm! I can see you’re sorry, but it’s okay, maybe God wanted you to get this job, in all honesty, I’ll like to see how you handle a kid of such naughtiness especially if the child is my son”. Liam speaks in a loud voice detonating a devilish smile at me. I’ll love to wipe off that smile on his face when I show him, I can do anything if I set my mind to it. “Yes sir, I can do it” I said. Apparently to him, that was my response but behind those words what I truly meant is, Challenge accepted,  and trust me, I will make Andres be in his good behavior, even if I have to bend him to it. “Okay! Why don’t you go home and pack your bags and please make sure you’re early okay?’ he says making his way to his study room. The following morning, before my alarm beeped, I was up already, my bags packed, and I was set to begin a new phase in my life, a phrase with Liam Khan in it. Ding dong. I rang the doorbell placed outside the moment I got to his house, I patiently waited for a response when something flashed brightly to my eyes, I looked a little further, just to notice I was being followed by the reporters, they all attacked me,  I struggled to push them off but the more I try the more intense they become, unexplainably a hand-pulled me out, as I feel my whole weight on my new boss. “Liam,” I said. Everything happened so fast, they surrounded us in every corner,  aiming to know who the strange-looking lady appeared at Liam’s doorstep clenching a suitcase. According to them, they thought I must be the woman Liam has been hiding from the world for over some time, in a real sense I am but his son’s nanny.

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After five years of marriage to Vincent Grey, I still hadn’t become pregnant. He withstood immense family pressure and publicly claimed that the problem was his own. Everyone said his love for me, Claire Ashford, was unmatched—he was even willing to give up his masculine pride for me. But even a man like Vincent Grey eventually cheated. At a business reception, he was drugged by a rival and ended up sleeping with a female college student working part-time at the event, Chloe Rivers. The day I asked for a divorce, he cried and swore: “Claire, I’m dirty now. You can hit me, yell at me, punish me—just don’t leave me.” I believed him. But five months later, I accidentally saw Vincent accompanying Chloe, her belly slightly rounded, as they picked out baby supplies at a shopping mall. This time, I asked for a divorce again. He frowned and said: “Can you stop making a scene?” “Chloe is pregnant. Once she gives birth, I’ll make her leave.” “You are still my wife.” Everyone thought I would forgive him again this time. But I threw away my wedding ring, cut up our wedding photos, and boarded a flight in the middle of the night to leave. A man who has been tainted… is no longer worth keeping.

Claire Ashford POV Everyone said Vincent Grey’s love for me was incomparable. When I casually mentioned wanting to see the Northern Lights, he postponed his meetings and chartered a private jet, flying me all the way to Scandinavia to chase the aurora. When I said I missed my grandmother’s apple pie, he flew in seven master pastry chefs from England, all to recreate that familiar taste. He spoiled me endlessly. Even when I coughed, he would panic like it was a crisis. But that same Vincent eventually cheated on me. He was drugged by a rival at a business gala and slept with a college girl who was working part-time at the event. When I found out and packed my bags to leave, he sent the girl away overnight. Then he knelt outside my family’s house under the scorching sun until he collapsed. He said, “Claire, I have been tainted. You can hit me, scream at me, punish me. But please don’t leave me.” Looking at his cracked lips, I softened in the end. But less than five months later, I accidentally ran into Vincent at a mall with that same college girl, her belly slightly swollen, shopping for baby supplies together. He rushed to explain. “Claire, she got pregnant that night. Grandfather found out and threatened his own life if I didn’t keep the child.” “Grandfather raised me. He has been the best to me since I was young. I can’t just ignore his life. Please don’t leave me, okay?” He held me tightly, his eyes red as he promised. “I swear, once she gives birth, I’ll send her abroad. Grandfather will raise the child. They will never appear in front of us again.” Seeing the deep pain in his eyes, I softened once more. I thought if I could just endure until Chloe Rivers gave birth, this absurdity would end. Until this time, at a private collector’s auction on a cruise ship, Vincent actually competed against me for my mother’s keepsake, just to make Chloe happy. It was an antique pocket watch, the last thing my mother left me before she died. After my family went bankrupt, the watch was forced into collateral and had been lost ever since. It became my deepest regret and obsession. I’d been searching for three years before it finally reappeared at this auction. But Vincent kept raising his paddle, and finally bought it from me at an exorbitant price. I followed him out of the auction and confronted him on the cruise ship deck. Vincent sighed helplessly. “Chloe wanted to pick a gift for the baby, but couldn’t find anything she liked, until she saw this pocket watch. She fell in love with it at first sight.” “Claire, can you just let her have this one?” His eyes were gentle, his voice soft and coaxing. “I’ll find you a better one later, okay?” I clenched my fists, my heart turning cold. My face was icy. “Vincent, you know perfectly well that this watch is my mother’s keepsake. You know exactly how long I’ve been searching for it.” “I know it means the world to you, but Chloe has her heart set on it. Giving it to her is just to help her stay calm and safely deliver the baby.” Vincent reached out to take my hand, but I dodged. He rubbed his temples instead. “Claire, don’t throw a tantrum over something this small. Chloe only has a few more months before she gives birth. Once she has the baby and leaves, everything will go back to how it was before.” I suddenly laughed. “Go back to how it was before?” What were we like before? Was it when he set all his passwords to my birthday? Or when he drove across half the city in pouring rain during my period, just to bring me a hot water bottle? But ever since he slept with Chloe Rivers, that Vincent who only had eyes for me was gone. I should have understood earlier. Once a crack forms, it can never be restored. We could never go back to before. “Oh no!” Suddenly, Chloe, standing at the edge of the deck, cried out. “What’s wrong?” Vincent panicked and rushed over immediately. “Are you feeling sick?” I instinctively turned to look. I remembered Chloe had just been holding that pocket watch, playing with it lovingly. Now her hands were empty. An ominous feeling crept over me. I quickly approached Chloe and asked urgently, “Where’s the watch? Weren’t you just holding it?” “Mr. Grey…” Chloe’s eyes brimmed with tears as she looked helplessly at Vincent. “I’m so sorry. When I was looking at the watch just now, the baby suddenly kicked me. I couldn’t hold on properly, and it… accidentally fell into the ocean.” Vincent froze. “Fell into the ocean?” I felt a roaring in my ears. All the blood in my body rushed to my head. I lunged forward and grabbed Chloe’s collar, my eyes blazing. “That was my mother’s keepsake! Chloe, was that an accident or on purpose?!” Chloe flinched, tears streaming down her face, looking even more pitiful. “Miss Ashford, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was so important to you… I’ll go get it back for you right now!” She struggled against me, as if about to climb over the railing and jump into the sea. “Chloe, stop this nonsense.” Vincent pulled Chloe into his arms and snapped at me disapprovingly. “Claire, you’re scaring her. It’s just a watch. If it fell, it fell. Is it really more important than her and the child? She’s pregnant. How can she do something so dangerous?” Just a watch. Every word was like a needle stabbing into my heart. “Calm down first. It’s windy on the deck. I’m taking Chloe back to rest.” With those words, Vincent didn’t spare me another glance. He walked away with his arm around Chloe. He didn’t notice that the second he left, I climbed over the railing and jumped into the pitch-black, freezing ocean without hesitation. As seawater flooded into my nose, I suddenly remembered. Five years ago, when he proposed to me, it was also on a cruise ship like this. He said, “Claire, from now on, even if you want the stars in the sky, I’ll get them for you.” But now, he didn’t even care about the keepsake my mother left me.

Claire Ashford POV It took me all night to crawl out of the freezing seawater. The recovered pocket watch was clutched in my palm. My fingers were stiff from the cold, my lips purple. I staggered onto shore. After just a few steps, everything went black and I lost consciousness. Afterward, I struggled between chaotic dreams and reality. Sometimes I dreamed of my mother’s gentle smile. Sometimes I dreamed of Vincent kneeling under the scorching sun. Sometimes I dreamed of the pocket watch slowly sinking to the ocean floor. When I woke up, the smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils. My whole body was burning with fever. I groggily opened my eyes to see the white ceiling of a hospital. The room was silent. There was no one by my bedside. No Vincent. Not even a nurse. I propped myself up and reached for my phone on the nightstand, wanting to call Vincent. But then I saw a new post Chloe had made on Instagram. The photo’s background was the passenger seat of Vincent’s black Bentley. Chloe’s hand rested on her slightly rounded belly, and on her ring finger was a dazzling diamond ring. The caption was just one sentence: “He said he wants to give me and the baby a home.” I stared at that diamond ring for a long time, until my eyes stung. That was the pink diamond Vincent had won for me at an auction last year. I thought it was too flashy and kept it in the safe. Turns out he’d taken it out and put it on someone else’s hand. I pulled my lips into a smile, wanting to laugh, but only tasted bitterness. I was hospitalized with a high fever for three days. Vincent never came once. No calls. No messages. It was as if I had disappeared from the world. On the day I was discharged, I had the taxi stop at a law office. Two hours later, I walked out with a document. The cover read. Divorce Agreement. That evening, I finally returned to the villa I once thought would be my forever home. As soon as I stepped through the door, I sensed something was off. Several servants were carrying boxes upstairs, new boxes with luxury brand logos. “What are these?” I stopped one of the servants. The servant looked uncomfortable, stammering without answering. “Claire?” Vincent’s voice came from the living room. He walked over quickly, his face wearing its usual gentle smile. He reached to take my bag. “You’re back.” I avoided his hand and asked again, “Whose things are those?” Vincent’s smile froze for a moment, his gaze evasive. “They’re Chloe’s. She only has a few more months until she gives birth. I was worried about her living alone, so I thought I’d have her move in. This way it’s easier to take care of her, and I won’t have to run back and forth between two places.” I looked at him silently. I knew my eyes must have looked like two dry wells at that moment. My silence made him panic. He quickly added, “Claire, don’t overthink it. Chloe’s only staying here for a few months. Once she has the baby, I’ll send her abroad immediately. She’ll never appear in front of us again. I promise.” Promise. I remembered how he’d knelt under the scorching sun and promised he’d never see Chloe Rivers again. I remembered how he’d held my hand and promised that once the child was born, he’d send her away. Now he was promising again. It was only temporary, just for a few months. Every promise came with another boundary crossed. “If you’re really that unhappy,” Vincent said, seeing my continued silence, his tone softening, “I’ll have them throw all this stuff out right now. I won’t let Chloe move in. Okay?” I closed my eyes. After a long moment, I opened them, calm and emotionless. “No need. I agree to let her move in.” What would be the point of refusing anyway? Since he’d already made up his mind, since he’d already brazenly moved Chloe Rivers’ belongings into our home, did my agreement or disagreement even matter to him? It would just mean more coaxing words from him, or another day of kneeling in the sun. Hearing this, Vincent’s face showed obvious relief. He couldn’t help but lean in and kiss my cheek. “I knew it. My Claire is the most understanding and considerate.” That kiss landed on my skin, but I felt like I’d been burned. “By the way,” Vincent said, as if suddenly remembering something, frowning, “where have you been these past few days? I haven’t seen you around. Were you still mad about the watch and hiding from me on purpose?” I looked up at him. He asked so naturally, so innocently, as if he were truly just a husband worried about his wife throwing a tantrum. I was hospitalized with a high fever for three days, and he had no idea. I suddenly remembered a phrase I had read somewhere. When someone doesn’t love you anymore, even if you were hanging from a rope, they would think you were on a swing. I used to think that saying was too harsh. Now I understood. It was all true. “No,” I heard myself say. “I was just tired and wanted some time alone.” Vincent relaxed and put his arm around my shoulders. “That’s good. Tonight I’ll cook your favorite dishes to make it up to you. Okay?”

Claire Ashford POV “Mr. Grey…” Just as Vincent was coaxing me, a soft, timid voice came from the spiral staircase. We both turned. Chloe Rivers stood midway up the stairs in a loose maternity dress, one hand supporting her waist. Vincent immediately released his arm from around me and strode toward the stairs. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Why did you come downstairs by yourself?” He quickly climbed the steps and naturally supported Chloe’s arm, his movements gentle, as if handling a fragile treasure. Chloe said softly, “I’m not feeling bad. I just suddenly had a craving for the crème brûlée and chestnut cake from that bakery on the west side of town. Could you send someone to get me some?” “Little glutton.” Vincent’s face showed an indulgent smile. “Wait here. I’ll go get it for you.” Chloe looked flattered. “You’ll go yourself? Isn’t that too much trouble…” “Don’t be silly.” Vincent’s palm covered her slightly swollen belly, his eyes so tender they could melt. “You’re carrying our baby. You’re precious to the Grey family. Running an errand for you, how could that be trouble?” That tender gaze, that protective manner, that picture of sweet happiness. They were like countless fine needles piercing my eyes, making them ache. Vincent helped Chloe settle on the living room sofa, carefully instructing her not to wander around, before turning to get his car keys. As he passed me, he seemed to remember I existed. “Claire, do you want anything? I can bring something back for you too.” “No need.” My voice was flat, emotionless. Vincent nodded. “Alright then. I’ll be back soon. Chloe, call me if you need anything.” That last sentence was directed at the sofa. With that, he grabbed his car keys and left the villa quickly. In the vast living room, only two women remained. I slowly turned around, my gaze falling coldly on Chloe. That look carried scrutiny and a chill that made Chloe shrink, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress. I walked toward her step by step. “Miss Ashford.” Chloe looked at me with those doe-like moist eyes, speaking timidly. “Are you going to punish me for the watch? I’m sorry. I really didn’t do it on purpose. The baby really did kick me, and my hand slipped.” “Whether you did it on purpose or not,” I stopped one step away from her, “you know the truth.” Chloe froze, her eyelashes trembling. I stared at her intently. “You’re quite capable, actually managing to make Vincent compete with me for my mother’s keepsake.” Chloe shook her head frantically, tears quickly filling her eyes, threatening to fall. “Miss Ashford, you’re misunderstanding me. If I’d known that pocket watch was so important to you, I never would have dared compete for it.” “Is that so?” “Even though Mr. Grey bought it from you and gave it to me, I know he was just trying to keep me calm so I’d safely deliver the baby and leave as soon as possible.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she choked up. “Mr. Grey treats me well, but I understand he’s doing all this for the child. In his heart, he’s always been thinking of… you.” I laughed coldly. “There are only the two of us here, Chloe Rivers. No matter how well you act, no one’s going to applaud you.” Chloe’s expression stiffened for a moment. “Six months ago, Vincent gave you thirty million and sent you away. But you not only secretly kept his child, you also found a way to let his grandfather, who desperately wanted a great-grandchild, know about it. That forced Vincent to bring you back. You schemed your way back here, moved in, and you claim it’s just to peacefully give birth and then leave?” I said mockingly. “Chloe Rivers, do you even believe that yourself?” I didn’t, anyway. Chloe’s lips moved as if to defend herself, but I took out a document from my bag and handed it to her. “I know exactly what you want,” I said expressionlessly. “I can make it happen for you. But if I ask Vincent for a divorce, he won’t agree. If you can find a way to make him sign this divorce agreement, you’ll get what you want.” Ever since Chloe got pregnant, Vincent had been terrified I’d leave him. He carefully read any document I gave him. Chloe looked uncertain. “Miss Ashford, you really are misunderstanding me. I never wanted to break you and Mr. Grey up…” “This chance only comes once.” My face was cold. “Think carefully before you answer.” Chloe stared at the divorce agreement for a long time. After much hesitation, she bit her lip and reached out to take it. “Then, thank you.”

Claire Ashford POV After Chloe moved into the villa, Vincent’s attention was mostly focused on her. He hired a professional nutritionist to prepare elaborate pregnancy meals for her daily. He read parenting books, learning how to provide prenatal education for the unborn child. Every time Chloe went up or down the stairs, he’d carefully support her, terrified she might bump into something. I saw all of this. But I said nothing. One night, I was jolted awake by a sudden, sharp stomach pain. “Vincent,” I instinctively called his name, my voice weak. “My stomach hurts…” Usually, even if I just coughed, he’d wake up immediately and ask anxiously what was wrong. But this time, there was only silence beside me. Didn’t he hear me? “Vincent.” I called again, reaching toward the other side of the bed. My palm touched the sheets, cold and flat, without a trace of warmth. He wasn’t there. I froze. Just then, a man’s low, gentle voice came faintly from the guest room next door, reading intermittently, “and so, the prince and princess lived happily ever after…” It was Vincent. He was in the guest room next door, reading Chloe a bedtime story. I, his actual wife, was in agony from stomach pain, while he sat by another woman’s bedside, building a fairy-tale world for his pregnant mistress and unborn child. I pulled my lips into a smile, wanting to laugh, but my stomach hurt even more. Even my chest ached with a dull pain. The stomach pain didn’t allow me to think further. Gritting my teeth, I forced my weak body to get up, wanting to go downstairs to find painkillers. Cold sweat soaked my hair. I supported myself against the wall and had just reached the bedroom door when a violent cramping pain struck. Everything went black, and I passed out before I could grab onto anything. When I woke up again, I was back in bed. Vincent was sitting by the bedside. When he saw me open my eyes, he immediately bent down and grasped my hand. “Claire! You’re awake?” He was incredibly anxious, as if terrified. “You collapsed in your room last night. You scared me to death!” I looked at his bloodshot eyes without speaking. “The doctor came by. He said you’ve had irregular eating habits lately, and your stomach condition flared up, causing you to faint from the pain. It’s nothing serious.” He frowned, worried and confused. “But you eat with us every day. How could your eating be irregular?” I lowered my eyes, hiding the self-mockery in them. Recently, all his thoughts were on Chloe and her growing belly. Naturally, he wouldn’t notice that watching him dote on another woman made me lose my appetite completely. I couldn’t eat anything. “It might be because of me.” Chloe appeared at the bedroom door at some point, her face full of guilt. “Miss Ashford is probably still upset about me accidentally dropping the watch. That’s why she can’t eat. It’s all my fault.” Vincent’s brow furrowed deeply. He turned to me. “Claire, Chloe really didn’t do it on purpose. I already talked to her about it. If you’re still bothered by it, I’ll compensate you on her behalf, okay? Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you, as long as you stop being unhappy about this and eat properly.” Compensate again. The word was so absurd it made me want to laugh. Did he think everything could be traded away or smoothed over with “compensation”? Before I could respond, Chloe slowly walked in with a warm smile. “You don’t need to compensate Miss Ashford for me, because I have already obtained something Miss Ashford wants even more.” She handed me a document envelope. Vincent’s gaze was drawn to it. “What is that?” Seeing him curiously reach for the envelope, my heart tightened. I quickly snatched it before he could. I forced a smile. “This is just a little secret between me and Miss Rivers.” Vincent paused, then laughed. “When did you two become so close that you’re keeping secrets from me? You used to tell me everything.” I looked up at him. “Didn’t you also keep it from me that she was five months pregnant before letting me know?”

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When I found out my childhood sweetheart, Chloe, couldn’t have children, my husband, Ethan, became convinced it was my fault. He forced me to have an abortion and then forced me to divorce him. I thought his revenge would end there. But at his wedding to Chloe, he actually played my intimate video. “The woman in the video is my ex-wife, Aubrey Stone, and that’s why I divorced her!” Suddenly, I was the scandalous woman everyone shamed and condemned. After I was beaten and hospitalized, Ethan came to visit me. He offered a perfunctory apology: “I didn’t expect those internet trolls to actually hurt you. I just wanted to help Chloe get some payback. You framed her before, so now we’re even.” I looked at him numbly, a cold laugh escaping my lips. How could we ever be even after this? Ethan, the pain you’ve inflicted on me is something you can never atone for! “Aubrey, did you hear what I said?” My silence completely infuriated Ethan. He instinctively tightened his grip on my arm. I winced in pain and quickly pushed his hand away. “Chloe told you I impersonated you, sent her messages to get an abortion, and that’s why she can’t have kids for life, and you just believed her?” “And why wouldn’t I? You’re the only one who knows my phone password, and you’re still denying it?” Ethan snapped, his face reddening with anger as he pointed at me. “I’m telling you, this is a lesson. Don’t cause trouble again, or I won’t stop them from taking this fifth child either.” With that, Ethan turned and walked away. I watched his retreating back and gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Fine then, don’t keep it. I don’t want to have any more of your children anyway, especially since only the father of my children could inherit the Sterling Medical Dynasty.” No sooner had Ethan left than the hospital room door swung open. I thought it was the hospital staff, but it turned out to be internet trolls who supported Chloe. They attacked me again. This time, I was seriously injured. I called the police, but nothing came of it. Because my husband, legally speaking, as my next of kin, settled the case. When I woke up the next day and learned all this, I screamed hysterically at Ethan, “Why? We’re divorced, how dare you make decisions for me?!” “We might be separated, but legally, I’m still your husband.” Meeting Ethan’s indifferent gaze, I felt a lump of frustration stuck in my throat. It took a while for my breathing to steady. “Fine, even if that’s true, why would you settle? They almost killed me, do you know that?!” “You’re exaggerating. They just couldn’t stand seeing you bully Chloe. Besides, are you completely blameless?” It was the same old line. I knew Ethan cared about Chloe, but I never imagined he’d be so utterly blinded by her. Tears welled up in my eyes at the thought. The injustice I felt was beyond words. Well, good. The decision I hadn’t been able to make before was now set in stone. While Ethan wasn’t looking, I sent a message: [Proceed as planned, new successor.] The reply came quickly: [Not Ethan anymore?]

Ethan? Did he deserve it? [No, choose someone else.] Chloe had clung to Ethan relentlessly, for no other reason than him being the chosen successor of a medical legend. Both the hospital and the medical college were ultimately supposed to be inherited by Ethan. The Sterling Medical Dynasty had already announced this. Everyone said, “The Sterling family really does pick its heirs based on ability, choosing outside their own children.” “Exactly! It seems merit truly prevails.” Little did they know, I was the sole heir of the Sterling Medical Dynasty, and Ethan was simply *my* chosen successor. My parents had asked me back then, “Why him?” To this day, I remember what I said: “He may only be a midwife now, but I believe he has a bright future.” Ethan hadn’t disappointed me. In just three years, he became a leader in his field. He even became synonymous with the profession of a midwife. But without our family’s support, how could his path have been so smooth? I even used to joke with Ethan, “If I told you I was the heir to the Sterling Medical Dynasty, would you believe me?” Ethan paused for a moment, then laughed, “Honey, even if your family background doesn’t match mine, I wouldn’t mind. And don’t worry, my parents are completely fine with whoever I choose.” Back then, Ethan only had eyes for me. He didn’t just say it; he acted on it. Because I had always kept my identity a secret, my in-laws thought I wasn’t good enough for Ethan. But every time, Ethan would sternly retort, “I’m choosing a wife, not a business partner for you.” For my sake, Ethan hadn’t visited his parents’ mansion in ages. Their family relationship had only recently begun to mend. I just never expected a man’s love could be a deception from beginning to end. Four miscarriages later, I was utterly disillusioned with this man. Three days later, I was discharged and returned home, only to find the house completely transformed. Chloe, a triumphant smirk on her face, came downstairs. She feigned surprise, “Oh, Aubrey, you’re back?” “Even though you’re still legally my husband’s wife, we’re already married. I actually don’t want to see you in *my* house…” I ignored Chloe and walked straight to the bedroom, intending to retrieve my belongings. But Chloe blocked my path. “This is our master bedroom. Do you think you can just waltz in?” “I need to get my things.” “Your things?” Chloe instantly sneered. “What ‘things’ do you have? All your belongings were bought by my husband.” Meeting Chloe’s mocking gaze, I didn’t back down. “Chloe, you just said I’m still legally Ethan’s wife. If I were to truly burn all bridges and sue him for bigamy, what impact do you think that would have on both of you?” “You… you’re threatening me?” I didn’t deny it, and Chloe was furious. Taking advantage of her hesitation, I walked straight into the bedroom. But the transformed room left me at a loss. Chloe recovered and mocked, “I threw out all your things. If you really want them, go check the trash cans downstairs.” “What about the box in the closet?” I opened the closet, but didn’t see the cherished box. Chloe ignored my sharp glare, merely shrugging, “Threw it away.” Furious, I grabbed Chloe by the throat. “You’re asking for it.” As Chloe struggled, Ethan returned.

He shoved me away. “Aubrey, are you crazy?!” Seeing Ethan, Chloe instantly burst into breathless sobs. “Ethan, I don’t know why Aubrey is doing this to me!” But my eyes were fixed on Ethan. “She threw away our children.” Ethan’s eyes darkened for a moment. Chloe quickly interjected, “How was I supposed to know what was in that old box? Besides, your first four children weren’t even viable embryos. And now you’re using dead children to insult me?” “Aubrey, how can you be so vicious? Aren’t you afraid your children’s vengeful spirits will come back to haunt you?” Chloe certainly knew how to twist things. My four children were all lost because of her, yet she managed to completely absolve herself. I expected Ethan to reprimand Chloe, but instead, he frowned. “I’ve told you before not to keep those unlucky things in the house.” I stared at Ethan in disbelief. So, our children were just “unlucky things” to him. Of course, why couldn’t I see it? If he truly cared about our children, how could he have let them miscarry? “Enough, Aubrey. Do you want to lose yet another child?” Ethan knew my obsession with having children. He always knew how desperately I wanted to bear his children, so he used that to manipulate me. But our fifth child was already gone when I was attacked by those internet trolls supporting Chloe. I sneered at Ethan. “Neither you nor I deserve to have children.” With that, I tried to leave, but Ethan blocked me. “It’s my father’s birthday tomorrow. You have to be there.” At his words, I couldn’t help but scoff. “Everyone knows you married Chloe. Why would I, your ex-wife, show up?” Ethan immediately frowned. “Look, this is your chance to atone. My parents know you’re pregnant and are willing to overlook everything. Just go, okay?” “I’m not going.” My gaze was firm. After saying that, I ignored Ethan completely and turned to leave. But I didn’t expect Ethan to retaliate by sabotaging people who were friendly with me. Soon after, Ethan sent me a message: [If you don’t come, I guarantee they’ll suffer greatly.] I didn’t reply, so Ethan exposed me on Ins. The compromising video from his and Chloe’s wedding had only been known by a few people, but now everyone knew. Suddenly, I was a pariah. The same people who had assaulted me at the hospital now came out to speak for what they called ‘justice’: [Boycott Aubrey Stone…] My company even issued a statement announcing my termination. People I didn’t even know, who claimed to be close to me, started coming forward. [Yes, I was Aubrey Stone’s classmate, she was like this even in school.] [I can’t believe Aubrey Stone got together with Ethan Stone and still wasn’t satisfied.] [She’s had three abortions. It’s because the children weren’t Ethan’s at all. Only Ethan could put up with it, anyone else would have beaten Aubrey Stone to death.] My social media accounts were attacked within half an hour. My DMs were flooded with insults telling me to die. I saved all of them and sent them to my lawyer. But I didn’t expect this to be just the beginning. Knowing I was under attack from all sides, Ethan launched a series of further actions. His goal was singular: to force me into submission. After making a phone call to arrange things, I replied to Ethan’s message: [Okay, I’ll be there on time tomorrow.] Before going, I went to the hospital and placed my fifth child in an exquisite box. That night, I stayed at my small apartment, but Chloe was restless all night. She kept sending me intimate videos of her and Ethan, or recordings of Ethan slandering me. [Aubrey can’t compare to you. You’re the one I care about most.] [Even though Aubrey is pregnant now, I still want to have a child with you.] [Chloe, no one will ever break us apart again.] I forwarded all of these to my lawyer as well. My lawyer immediately sent a happy emoji: [You’re definitely going to win.] Yes, Ethan had grandly married Chloe, yet he never even bothered to finalize the divorce with me. It showed just how little he valued me. In Ethan’s eyes, I was just someone with no family support. Fortunately, this also allowed me to see his true colors. Early the next morning, I was yanked awake by Ethan. He glared at me, “Are you ever going to stop? Chloe doesn’t even mind you being my mistress, yet you keep stirring up trouble. Do you really want me to throw you out to be satisfied?”

Meeting Ethan’s furious, almost devouring gaze, I felt a bit bewildered. Seeing my confusion, Ethan grew even angrier. “Still playing innocent? You found someone to maliciously spread rumors that Chloe broke up our relationship, saying you’re still my wife, and that Chloe can’t have children for life. Are you trying to see Chloe dead?” Even though I hadn’t done any of those things, all of them were true. As our eyes met, Ethan understood the meaning in mine. He grabbed me and dragged me off the bed. “Since you’re so vicious, you don’t need this child either.” Ethan dragged me to the hospital, but just before I went into the operating room, he received a FaceTime call from Chloe. “Alright, alright, I’ll be right there.” Ethan left me in the operating room. He said, “Be at the mansion within half an hour, or you’ll regret it.” Watching Ethan’s frantic departure, I couldn’t help but smile. I was going anyway, even if he hadn’t said anything. I had an announcement to make. By the time I arrived at the mansion, many people had already gathered. These people, who used to be overly polite to me, now merely glanced at me coldly, clearly disapproving. Some even deliberately whispered loudly, “I really don’t know how some people have the nerve to show up.” “Exactly! Today is Mr. Stone Sr.’s birthday, and the Sterling Medical Dynasty is also announcing Ethan as the successor. How can she, someone who constantly slandered Mrs. Stone, still have the face to come?” “Well, she is an ex-wife, after all. Maybe she’s hoping to cash in on the family’s prestige.” I didn’t pay much attention to their remarks. Ethan’s parents also saw me and immediately snorted, “What are you doing here? Our Stone family doesn’t have a daughter-in-law like you.” I was about to say something when Ethan arrived with a frail and delicate-looking Chloe. The Stone family members smiled and stepped forward. “Chloe, you’re pregnant now, be careful.” Hearing this, everyone present gasped. “She’s already pregnant?” “Congratulations!” But I couldn’t help but mock, “Didn’t she say she was infertile for life? How did she get pregnant so quickly?” Hearing me say that, Ethan glared sharply at me. “Shut up.” Everyone thought I was heartless and cold, with some even saying, “I think she’s just jealous.” Ethan’s family, enraged, ordered their bodyguards to pin me to the ground. “Beat her! How dare she target my daughter-in-law? I won’t tolerate it!” After Mr. Stone Sr. spoke, the Stone family bodyguards surrounded me. I looked at Ethan one last time. “I’m pregnant too…” “So what? Your child only stays if I want it to.” Ethan looked at me with disdain. I closed my eyes and counted down in my mind. I thought, everything should end now. Just as the bodyguards started tearing at my clothes, Mr. Stone Sr. suddenly yelled, “Wait!” I thought he had realized something, but instead, he said, “The people from the Sterling Medical Dynasty are arriving soon. Take Aubrey to the back first, don’t make a scene.” No sooner had he spoken than the bodyguards dragged me towards the garden. At the same moment, the banquet hall doors were pushed open. The Stone family members fawned over the newcomers, “You’re here.” The person didn’t even look at them, instead scanning the crowd. Ethan, receiving a signal from Mr. Stone Sr.’s eyes, hurried after the person. “Hello, I’m Ethan Stone.” The person glanced at Ethan, their expression instantly darkening. “Where is Miss Sterling?” Everyone was baffled. “Miss Sterling? Your Miss Sterling is at the banquet?” Mr. Stone Sr. looked at Mr. Davies in disbelief. Mr. Davies searched the room but couldn’t find me. He immediately called my number. The next moment, my phone rang in my hand. Everyone present looked with horror in my direction. At this point, Mr. Davies also saw me, my clothes disheveled. His face went pale. “Miss Sterling?”

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I waited for ten hours at the Registrar’s Office again, until the screen above the window went completely dark. I spoke calmly into my phone. “Ethan, the Registrar’s Office is closed again.” This was the third time he’d left me to become a joke on the day we were supposed to sign our marriage license. Each time, the excuse was identical. Chloe, the girl next door, was so helpless, she couldn’t even turn on a gas stove. He said she was all alone and so clumsy, and he was just lending a hand. Once, I bought into his grand excuses. I let her tag along on every date. I got used to him being called away mid-movie. Even when people openly mocked me for being too invested, I held my head high and endured it. But my patience only brought out his entitlement. Finally, there was a stir from the earpiece. He clearly heard me say the Registrar’s Office was closed again, yet he couldn’t even be bothered with a perfunctory apology. On the other end of the line, he deliberately lowered his voice, coaxing her with extreme patience. “Don’t worry, it’s just a scratch from a broken nail. Leave it, I’ll put a band-aid on it right away.” Meanwhile, the marriage license application form in my hand was being swept into the trash like garbage by the cleaning lady. It was never just “helping out.” He simply couldn’t bear for her to face even the slightest setback. And this ten-year-long, dead-end relationship? I didn’t want it anymore.

I walked out of the Registrar’s Office and took a cab back to my apartment building. The elevator ascended to the seventeenth floor. I stood at my door and pressed my thumb to the fingerprint scanner. The screen flashed red: “Fingerprint not recognized.” I tried again, red letters again. I typed in the code, my birthday — a six-digit number I’d used for ten years. “Incorrect password.” I tried his birthday. “Incorrect password. Two attempts remaining.” I pulled my finger back. He’d missed our wedding registration, but he remembered to change the lock code. The hallway was silent, the lock’s blue indicator light blinking. I leaned against the wall, a cold dread creeping up my back, vertebra by vertebra. The elevator chimed. Ethan stepped out, Chloe walking half a step behind him. Her left index finger had a pink Hello Kitty band-aid, but her manicure was perfectly intact. “Where have you been?” Ethan’s first words weren’t an apology when he saw me. “I called you six times. You didn’t answer a single one.” He frowned. “Do you know how worried I was?” Chloe peeked out from behind him, her voice light and soft. “Ethan, is Summer mad… It’s all my fault, I shouldn’t have asked you for help…” The finger with the band-aid fluttered in front of his eyes. Ethan immediately turned back. “It’s not your fault, Chloe.” He turned to me, his tone softening. “She’s so clumsy, she scratched her finger with a broken nail. I just helped put a band-aid on it. It’s just a small thing.” I didn’t respond. I sidestepped between him and Chloe, walking straight to the lock. “What’s the code?” “…352716.” The door opened. I walked straight to the liquor cabinet. On the top shelf, a bottle of whiskey, its label yellowed and curling at the edges. He’d bought it ten years ago, saying we’d open it on our wedding day. I took it down. “What are you doing with that?” Ethan followed me into the living room. “You said we’d drink it on our wedding day.” “Right, so put it back,” he said. I inverted the bottle. The amber liquid splattered onto the carpet, soaking in fast, leaving a large, dark stain. The entire living room filled with the dull, sour smell of fermentation, clinging to my nostrils. “Summer!” He rushed over to snatch the bottle, but it was already empty. The last few drops fell from the neck, landing on his shoe. “What’s wrong with you?” “Ethan, this is the third time we’ve scheduled to get married.” “I explained, Chloe hurt her hand.” “We won’t make it to that day.” I placed the empty bottle on the coffee table. His face flushed, a vein pulsed at his temple. “Unbelievable.” He spat out the words and turned toward the entryway. Chloe stood there, unmoving, her fingers tugging at her sleeve, her gaze flickering toward me. “Chloe, go inside and rest. Don’t mind her.” He put an arm around Chloe’s shoulder, and they both went into the master bedroom. The door closed, leaving only the wine stain and the sour smell in the living room. I went to the study and pulled open the drawer. My driver’s license, passport, copies of the apartment deed. I took each item out, one by one, and put them into a canvas tote bag. My phone vibrated. Chloe’s new post on Instagram. A photo of the master bedroom’s king-sized bed, with a dark gray suit sleeve draped over a chair in the top right corner of the frame. It was captioned with a sun emoji and a smile. Posted three minutes ago. I opened my contacts. Ethan. Swiped left. Delete. Opened our chat, then blocked him completely. The screen jumped back to my contacts list, his profile picture gone. I zipped up my canvas tote bag and placed my phone face down on the desk. The drawer was empty. The liquor cabinet was empty. My contacts list, empty too.

At seven the next morning, the moving truck pulled up downstairs. Two movers came up with me. I used yesterday’s code to open the door and told them to start with the study. As I passed the master bedroom, the door was ajar. I pushed it open. Chloe stood in front of the full-length mirror, wearing my wedding dress. A white satin haute couture gown. Custom-made in Paris last year. The fabric alone cost eighty thousand. She was turning sideways, admiring the curve of the skirt, but when she heard the door, the smile on her face froze instantly. “Sum-Summer… I was just trying it on…” She took a step back, her heel caught the hem, tearing a slit in the lace. I pulled out my phone and snapped two photos of her and the tear in the dress. Footsteps echoed on the stairs. Ethan rushed down, first stunned at the movers, then saw me standing at the master bedroom door. “What are you doing?” “Moving my things,” I said. “Is this really necessary?” He blocked the doorframe, his tone softened, trying to concede. “Cool down. I’ll take you to get married tomorrow, okay?” Chloe said softly from inside, “Ethan, I didn’t mean to wear it…” “Chloe, it’s okay. Go change back.” Ethan turned to soothe her, then lowered his voice toward me. “Tomorrow. I promise.” I didn’t look at him. I pulled out my phone, opened the calculator, and turned the screen toward his face. “This gown’s fabric alone cost eighty thousand, labor another one hundred twenty thousand, plus custom fees, the total was two hundred thirty-six thousand. She tore the hem. With depreciation and damage, I’m charging you one hundred fifty thousand.” Ethan’s expression froze for a second. “What are you talking about?” “Payment.” “She’s just a kid.” “One hundred fifty thousand. Bank transfer or cash.” He stared at me, his mouth twitching. “Fine.” He pulled out his phone and flashed his bank account balance at me. One hundred sixty-three thousand, one hundred. In ten years, I’d put far more than that into this home. That was all he had left in his account. Before he could transfer the money, his phone rang. The caller ID flashed: Mom. I put it on speakerphone, and his mother’s voice boomed out. “Summer. Ethan told me you’re causing a scene again? Chloe’s just a young girl, she doesn’t know any better. You’re older, you should be more understanding. It’s just a dress.” I reached out and hung up the phone. Ethan’s mouth opened. “You…” I turned and walked into the master bedroom, stopping in front of Chloe. She had already half-undressed, the white satin piled at her feet. I bent down, picked up the wedding dress, and grabbed the scissors from the coffee table. One snip, and the ripping sound of lace echoed in the room. “Summer!” The cold glint of the scissors flashed across the satin, and pieces of white fabric fell onto the floor. Chloe clapped a hand over her mouth and retreated to the corner. By the time Ethan rushed in, the last piece of the skirt hem tore away in my hands. The fragments fell in front of his feet. “Two hundred thirty-six thousand.” I put down the scissors. “She wore it, and your mom said I was petty. So no one gets it.” I turned and walked into the living room. On the coffee table was the bill I’d painstakingly compiled last night: ten years of transactions, every date, amount, and purpose, printed on three pages. “Take your time looking.” My canvas tote bag slung over my shoulder, I took my suitcase from the movers. Ethan stood amidst the wreckage, his mouth open, no sound coming out. The scissors lay at his feet, their metal surface reflecting the fluorescent light, cold and stark. I walked to the door. The door slammed shut, the loud bang echoing back from the hallway, making my feet tingle. The elevator doors were open, the movers deferentially stepping aside. I dragged my suitcase in and pressed the ground floor button. In the last second before the doors closed, I heard the sound of a door pulling open from the end of the hallway. But the elevator was already descending.

In the hotel lobby, the manager recognized me immediately. He blocked the entrance to the banquet hall, a look of distress on his face. “Ms. Summer, the venue has been changed.” “Changed to what?” “Chloe’s birthday party.” My fingers tightened around my bag strap. I had personally booked this venue six months ago. The deposit, the floral arrangements, the lighting — every single payment came out of my personal account. Ethan hadn’t said a word to me. “Show me the receipt,” I said coldly. The manager wrung his hands, trying to bluff his way out. “Ethan instructed…” “I want to see the receipt,” I interrupted him. He couldn’t argue, so he pulled out the booking contract. In the “Payer” column, my name, in stark black and white. I snapped a photo of the contract and dialed hotel security. When the banquet hall doors swung open, it was a lively scene inside. Chloe sat at the head table, wearing a pink poofy dress, surrounded by seven or eight of Ethan’s relatives. Someone handed her a gift, others held up phones to take photos. A three-tiered champagne tower stood tall, the top glass still fizzing with fine bubbles. When she saw me, she froze for a beat. Then she smiled. That perfectly practiced curve of fragility, innocence, and panic. “Sum-Summer?” She instinctively recoiled half a step into the crowd. I didn’t look at her. I walked straight to the sound control panel, and yanked out the power cord. The music stopped abruptly. The moment the current died, the speakers emitted a sharp, screeching static. Someone’s hand trembled, knocking over a champagne glass. The entire hall fell silent. Ethan rose from the back row and strode to me, his face ashen. “What are you doing?” “Canceling the venue.” “There are elders here…” “You used my money,” I cut him off. “To host her birthday party?” He froze. I realized he clearly thought the company had covered the cost. He probably hadn’t even checked the payment records. “Admin booked it,” he said, a hint of guilt in his voice. I slapped the contract onto a table. The paper landed on the red tablecloth, covering Chloe’s unopened gift box. “See for yourself who paid.” He looked down, his Adam’s apple bobbed. People in the hall began to whisper. One of Ethan’s aunts frowned and spoke up. “Ethan, what’s going on?” He didn’t answer. Chloe’s eyes, on cue, began to well up. She clutched the sleeve of an aunt next to her, her voice quivering perfectly. “I didn’t know… I really didn’t know it was Summer’s venue…” Her nose was red, her lashes glistening with tears. I didn’t spare her a glance, turning to the manager. “The contract is here, I’m the payer. Clear the hall.” The manager hesitated for two seconds. He looked at the contract, then at Ethan, before finally nodding to security. Waiters began clearing tables. Someone didn’t stabilize the champagne tower while moving it, and the bottom glasses clattered against the table edge. The crisp sound of shattering glass echoed, and spilled wine pooled across the table. Balloons were deflated one by one, collapsing onto the carpet. Chloe finally ran out, covering her face. Several relatives scrambled after her. Ethan stood amidst the wreckage. His hands clenched into fists, silent. I retrieved the contract and turned to leave. Behind me, he spoke, his voice low. “Are you satisfied?” I didn’t stop. “I’ll remember this. At next week’s project meeting, you’d better have a clear head.” I pushed open the lobby’s glass doors. The sunlight outside was intense, making me squint. I stood on the steps and pulled out my phone. Mr. Davis’s business card from the rival company was still tucked into my phone case. Before dialing, my throat tightened slightly, but my hand was perfectly steady. It connected after two rings. “Mr. Davis, this is Summer.” “Regarding the proposal we discussed last time, I’d like to schedule a meeting.”

Monday’s project meeting lasted forty minutes. Ethan announced Chloe would be taking over the core project I was leading. No one in the conference room made a sound. He asked if I had any objections. “None,” I replied calmly. Throughout the afternoon, I meticulously organized three years’ worth of project documents and personally handed them to Chloe’s desk. She accepted them, smiling as she said, “Thank you, Summer.” I nodded, returned to my desk, placed the voice recorder behind the pen holder and pressed record. Four days after Chloe took over, the core database crashed. That night, the client sent a letter of accountability. I counted the zeros after the loss amount three times. Ethan called me into his office. His tie was loosened halfway, his forehead slick with sweat. “You go deal with the client.” “Ethan, this isn’t my project anymore.” “But you know the process.” “Chloe knows it too. You put her in charge.” He slammed his palm on the desk. “You don’t know what’s going on?” I knew perfectly well. The voice recorder was put there precisely for this day. Every incompetent instruction Chloe gave, every wrong call she made over those four days, all of it was recorded. “You want me to take the fall?” He didn’t speak. His silence was an admission. I stood up. “Fine. I’ll handle it.” He leaned back in his chair, his shoulders visibly slumping in relief. I left his office, but I didn’t go to the client. I opened my phone and went into the company-wide WhatsApp chat group. Two hundred thirty-seven people. I dragged the compressed files into the chat window: recordings, screenshots, original client communication logs. Each file was timestamped and identified by the operator. My finger hovered over the send button, a cold prickle running through it. A second later, I pressed it. Phones across the entire floor vibrated simultaneously. The group chat was silent for a few seconds, then messages flooded in rapidly. Someone tagged Ethan, someone tagged Chloe, others just typed a string of ellipses. Chloe sprang up from her desk, frantically tapping her screen. She tried to recall them. Thirty-seven files. The recall window had long since closed. By the time Ethan burst out of his office, I was already standing in the center of the hallway, holding two items. One was my resignation letter. The other, a collective resignation statement from the core team, with eight signatures, not a single one missing. His steps skidded to a halt in front of me. “Summer, are you insane?” “No.” I handed him my resignation letter. He snatched it directly. In front of everyone in the hallway, he tore it in half with both hands. The paper ripped into fragments, white confetti fluttering onto the dark gray floor. “You think you can survive without this?” His voice was already ragged. “What about the client? What about the channels?” The sound of leather shoes on floor tiles echoed from the end of the hallway. The receptionist led a man in a sharp suit down the hallway. The cover of the folder in his hand bore the major client’s corporate logo. In the bottom right corner, a red official stamp was stark against the paper. “Mr. Ethan Hayes?” “…Yes.” “This is a legal notice from our firm.” The man’s tone was all business. “Regarding Ms. Summer’s departure as your company’s core project lead, per Article 17 of our contract, our firm officially terminates all ongoing collaborations with your company.” “All further matters will be handled directly with Ms. Summer’s team.” Ethan’s hand trembled as he reached for it. I turned and walked toward the elevator. My heels crunched over the scattered paper fragments, each step a faint whisper. The elevator doors opened. I stepped inside and pressed the basement floor button. In the last sliver of space before the doors closed, Ethan was still frozen in place, not moving an inch. The legal notice dangled from his hand. The resignation letter he had so carelessly torn now lay in fragments, being scattered by the hallway’s draft, drifting toward his feet. And the elevator doors in front of me had already closed completely.

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On our third anniversary, Liam booked the most exclusive cruise ship in Seattle and proposed to my adopted sister, Rachel Snow, in a live broadcast streamed across the entire internet. My phone still held a message he had sent half an hour earlier: “I love you, go to bed early.” On the screen, he knelt on one knee, holding a pink diamond, his eyes filled with a tenderness I had never seen directed at me. “Rachel, from today forward, you are my only wife.” The comments section went wild. Everyone called it a match made in heaven. I stood at the cruise ship’s entrance, looking at the plain wedding band he had slipped onto my ring finger three years ago. Half an hour earlier, after sending that message, he had added another. “Chloe, the three years are up. Tomorrow, I’ll give you what you are owed.” I raised my hand, wiggled the ring, and let out a laugh. “Liam, I have received your ‘settlement.’” From today on, I will return every bit of humiliation you inflicted upon me, inch by inch. Chapter One It was the third year of my secret marriage to Liam Caldwell. He had booked Seattle’s most luxurious cruise ship to propose to Rachel Snow, live-streaming it across the entire internet. Liam, CEO of Caldwell Enterprises, a man usually so cold and reserved, was now on one knee. He held a dazzling pink diamond, his eyes filled with profound emotion. “Rachel, from today on, I will let everyone know that you are my only wife.” The comments section was flooded with envy. Everyone was exclaiming it was perfect love. My phone screen was still paused on the message Liam had sent half an hour ago: “Still busy tonight, I’ll be staying home. Go to bed early, don’t wait up for me.” Watching the deeply affectionate man on the screen, a wave of nausea churned in my stomach. We had registered our marriage three years ago. That very night, he suddenly told me that the Caldwell family’s rules were strict; to inherit the company, he had to maintain a single image for three years, or all his assets would revert to the family. “Chloe, I’m sorry to put you through this for three years. Once I inherit Caldwell Enterprises, I promise to give you the most spectacular wedding imaginable.” His tender whispers felt like yesterday, but today marked the end of those three years. He did indeed hold the city’s most spectacular ceremony, but the bride wasn’t me. It was Rachel Snow, my adopted sister. I turned off the live stream and changed into a simple black dress. Pulling open a drawer, I found our marriage certificate, neatly placed there from three years ago. I didn’t cry. My hands didn’t even tremble. Half an hour later, I arrived at the cruise ship dock. Tonight was a socialite gala for the city’s elite. Using my identity as the heir to Hayes Group, I slipped past security unnoticed and walked into the ballroom, which was adorned with white roses. On stage, Rachel was in tears, nestled in Liam’s arms, letting him slip the priceless ring onto her ring finger. I stood in the center of the ballroom, my expression calm, and clapped my hands. The sharp sound was strikingly out of place amidst the romantic music. Everyone’s gaze instantly focused on me. The smile on Liam’s face froze. Rachel flinched, instinctively burrowing deeper into Liam’s embrace, and spoke with a sniffle, “Chloe Hayes, why are you here? Today is Liam’s and my happy day. Are you still mad at me?” Liam pulled her closer, and the tenderness in his eyes vanished, replaced by a bone-chilling coldness as he looked at me. Before he could speak, I directly pulled out my marriage certificate and handed it to several uniformed police officers who were already waiting nearby. “Hello, I’d like to report someone for bigamy.” Police sirens, I realized, had started wailing from the dock. The romantic, beautiful proposal scene instantly plunged into dead silence and chaos the moment the police rushed in. Chapter Two The police officers took my marriage certificate, verified it, and then looked sharply at the man on stage. “Mr. Caldwell, this lady has presented a valid marriage certificate, accusing you of bigamy. Please cooperate with us and return to the station to assist with the investigation.” The surroundings immediately erupted in whispers. The guests’ murmurs surged like a tide. “Chloe Hayes must be crazy, right? How could she have Mr. Caldwell’s marriage certificate?” “It must be fake, right? How could Mr. Caldwell marry her?” Rachel clutched Liam’s suit lapel, sobbing, “Liam, I’m scared… How could Chloe do this to us?” Liam patted her back, then turned to stare at me, his tone flat, as if looking at a stranger. “Officers, this lady is my wife’s sister. She’s been working long hours and hasn’t been mentally well, suffering from severe delusions.” He pointed to the certificate in my hand. “This marriage certificate is one she fabricated herself. You can easily verify it with the official system.” He said it so confidently, so calmly. His cold words felt like a blunt knife tearing at my heart. I looked at the man I had loved for three years, and a chill ran from my toes to the top of my head. “Liam, look me in the eyes and say that again.” I dug my nails into my palms, determined not to show any weakness. “Our three-year marriage was just a delusion?” “Enough! You disgraceful spectacle!” A furious roar rang out. A sharp pain shot across my cheek. My biological father, Martin Hayes, had rushed over at some point and slapped me hard. The force of it made my head snap to the side, and a trickle of blood immediately seeped from the corner of my mouth. “Today is Rachel’s engagement ceremony. Why do you have to choose today to cause a scene? Are you only satisfied if you ruin your sister’s happiness?” Martin Hayes pointed a trembling finger at my nose, red with rage. Wiping sweat from his brow, he handed his business card to the police officers, forcing a smile. “I apologize, officers, this is all a misunderstanding. We’ll take her home now and discipline her strictly. We won’t waste public resources.” Before I could react, two Hayes Group security guards rushed forward, roughly twisted my arms behind my back. A sickening pop as my shoulder dislocated, and excruciating pain shot through me. I bit down hard, refusing to utter a sound. Martin Hayes snatched my marriage certificate from the police officer’s hand and, in front of everyone, ripped it to shreds with a loud riiiip. Red paper confetti scattered across the floor, looking like an absurd funeral. All this time, Liam merely watched, cold-eyed. He didn’t even say a single word on my behalf. Instead, he meticulously wiped away Rachel’s tears and gently cooed, “Be good, Rachel. I’ll take you to the hospital for a check-up first. Don’t hurt yourself.” The Maybach sped off. Martin Hayes shot me a look of disgust and waved his hand. “Drag her home. Unless she’s taught a lesson, she won’t know who’s really in charge of Hayes Group.” Chapter Three The air in the house was thick with the damp smell of incense and the musty scent of rotting wood. The sound of the belt whipping against my back grew heavier with each strike. I bit down hard, my nails digging into the flesh of my palms, refusing to make a single sound. Cold sweat mixed with blood quickly soaked through the back of my black dress. It wasn’t until he had broken the second belt that Martin Hayes finally stopped, breathing heavily. He threw the belt to the ground in disgust, taking a hot towel from the maid to wipe his hands. “Stubborn and disobedient, no amount of beating seems to get through to her.” He spat. “Lock the door. No water, no medicine for her. Let her reflect properly in here.” The door slammed shut, plunging the house into a deathly silence. I slumped weakly onto the cold stone floor, my back burning as if on fire, my consciousness beginning to dim. I don’t know how much time passed before the heavy door was pushed open again. A faint beam of light shone in, and the sound of footsteps on the floor grew closer. I struggled to open my eyes and saw Liam standing over me. He had changed into casual clothes and carried a white medical kit. He knelt, and his long fingers reached for my bloodied back, his brow slightly furrowed. I managed to gather my strength and abruptly shifted backward, avoiding his touch. “Does it hurt?” He sighed, a rare trace of tenderness in his voice. “Chloe, you were too impulsive. What good did causing a scene at an event like that do you?” I forced a smile. My throat was as dry as if I’d been swallowing sand. “So, Mr. Caldwell himself has come to play peacemaker. I suppose this beating was worth it.” Liam’s eyes darkened. He took a document from his briefcase and handed it to me. Hayes Group Share Voluntary Waiver and Transfer Agreement. “Sign this,” Liam’s tone was unequivocal. “Rachel’s heart isn’t well; she was startled on the cruise ship today and almost fainted at the hospital just now.” I looked at the agreement, feeling nothing but absurdity. “She almost fainted, so you want to take away the Hayes Group shares my mother left me, just to make her happy?” “Chloe, you’re capable. Even if you lose everything, you can still make your mark in the industry.” Liam tried to persuade me earnestly. “But Rachel, without me and without Hayes Group, she can’t survive. If you give her the shares, she can secure her position at Hayes Group.” “This is also for your own good. If you sign, I guarantee you’ll live comfortably for the rest of your life. We can… still be like before.” He even tried to take my hand. Looking at his handsome but utterly hypocritical face, tears finally streamed down my face, mixing with the bloodstains. “Liam, for three years, you said we were secretly married for the inheritance, and I believed you. You said you wanted me to be your invisible strategist behind the scenes, and I did it.” “And what’s the result? You’re taking my achievements to elevate Rachel, and now you want to strip me of my last possession to provide for the love of your life?” I laughed, a desolate, piercing sound. “What if I don’t sign?” Liam stood up, looking down at me. The fleeting tenderness in his eyes vanished, replaced by the cold ruthlessness of a businessman. “Chloe, in this family, no one will stand by you.” He turned and left, the door slamming shut. The deafening sound of the closing door shattered my last illusions about him. Chapter Four The next morning, the door was roughly pushed open by a maid. I was dragged out of the house. When I returned to my second-floor bedroom, the hallway was piled high with my books and clothes. Inside the room, several workers were busy. Liam stood in the center of the room, directing the workers, “Paint this wall pink. Replace the bed with a custom soft mattress. Rachel has a bad back; she can’t handle hard surfaces.” I endured the searing pain in my back and rushed to block the workers. “Liam! This is my room!” Liam blocked me with one hand, his brows tightly furrowed, his eyes filled with impatience. “Rachel just got out of the hospital. The doctor said she needs the room with the best lighting, and yours is the only south-facing one in the villa. Be good, don’t always argue with her over such trivial matters.” “Trivial matters?” I pointed to the mess on the floor. “This is my home! Am I to be thrown out like a dog the moment she returns?” “Take Chloe Hayes away. Don’t let her hold up the workers.” Liam didn’t even bother to spare me another glance. Two burly men easily hoisted me up and threw me out the villa’s front gate. I walked the streets, feeling completely lost. The cold wind blew, and the scabs on my back wounds, which had started to heal, re-opened as they stuck to my clothes, making me tremble uncontrollably. When I came to my senses, I was standing downstairs from the investment company I had founded myself. But when I tried to use my employee badge to open the access gate, the turnstile flashed red frantically. The receptionist, a young woman, walked over awkwardly, gulping nervously. “Miss Hayes, Mr. Caldwell issued a notice this morning under the board’s name. You’ve been suspended.” “What’s the reason?” I stared intently at her. “The reason is… leaking commercial secrets, and unstable mental state, making you unsuitable to continue in a management position.” I pushed her aside and, ignoring their protests, rushed towards the general manager’s office. Through the transparent floor-to-ceiling windows, I saw Rachel, dressed in a designer power suit, sitting in what used to be my chair. Liam stood behind her, gently holding her hand as she signed a document. Rachel seemed to sense something and turned, seeing me standing outside the door. Her hand trembled, and the hot coffee she was holding instantly spilled onto the desk, splashing her hand. “Ah! So hot!” she cried out. Liam’s expression changed drastically. He immediately grabbed her hand, blew on it, then sharply turned, his eyes like daggers through the glass, piercing me. I pushed the door open, a cold laugh escaping my lips. “Liam, you’re putting someone who can’t even read a financial report in this position. Are you trying to ruin Hayes Group, or are you trying to destroy my life’s work?” Liam continued to meticulously wipe Rachel’s hand with a wet wipe, then spoke coldly, “Rachel has great talent. She just needs a chance to prove herself. Chloe, have you forgotten even the most basic rules now?” Rachel huddled in Liam’s arms, her eyes red, her voice as fragile as a small white flower in a storm. “Chloe Hayes, I know you look down on me. But I’ll try hard to learn… Liam says I’m smart, I won’t disappoint him…” Just then, Martin Hayes entered the office with several security guards. “Enough! Haven’t you caused enough embarrassment? Throw her out! Don’t let her step foot in this building again!” The security personnel roughly grabbed my arms and dragged me out. In the struggle, my bag fell to the floor, its contents scattering everywhere. A delicate blue velvet box rolled out, conspicuously gleaming on the polished marble floor. Inside it was the engagement ring Liam had given me three years ago. Liam’s gaze lingered on the box for a moment, his expression complex, but in the end, he said nothing, merely holding Rachel tighter. Under everyone’s gaze, I was thrown out of the Hayes Group building like a madwoman. My knees scraped against the hard concrete, instantly drawing blood. I propped myself up, looking up just in time to see the Hayes Group news conference being broadcast live on the giant LED screen outside the building. On the screen, Liam, with Rachel in his arms, faced countless flashing lights, his spirits high. “I am proud to announce that Miss Rachel Snow will officially assume the role of Executive President of Hayes Tech. The highly anticipated AI project was, in fact, Rachel’s original idea; she is the true soul behind our team.” I looked at Rachel’s bashful face on the screen, and in my chest, it felt as if the last flicker of warmth in my heart died out. That project, it was a plan I had devised after researching countless documents. Now, it had become her stepping stone to success. Chapter Five Dragging my injured leg, I walked through half a block of hotels, only to be met with apologetic glances from the front desk staff. “I’m sorry, Miss Hayes, your ID shows it’s been suspended in the system, so we can’t process your check-in.” “All your bank cards have been frozen. The system indicates you are a high-risk credit client.” I clutched the invalidated cards in my hand and sat down on a street bench. The cold rain soon soaked my hair. I couldn’t help but let out a low laugh, tears streaming uncontrollably. Liam, ever so thorough. He didn’t need to physically break my leg; he just needed to sever all my financial resources and identity from society. He was sure that once I had nowhere left to turn, I would eventually come back begging him. A black Maybach slowly pulled up in front of me. The window rolled down, revealing Liam’s handsome, yet nauseating, face. “Get in,” he uttered, two cold words. I didn’t move. Liam pushed open the car door and, without a word, shoved me into the passenger seat, locking the door. The car sped away, driving into a high-end, secluded private apartment complex. Inside, he poured a glass of hot water and placed it in front of me, his tone finally softening a bit. “Chloe, as long as you don’t appear in front of Rachel and upset her, this will be your home from now on. I’ll transfer money to your account annually, enough for you to live very comfortably.” He sat beside me, reaching out to stroke my cold, damp cheek, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes. “We had something special, Chloe. Besides the title, I can give you anything.” The nausea in my stomach surged to the top of my head in that instant. I violently grabbed his hand and, with all my strength, bit down hard! My teeth sank into his flesh, blood instantly spread, and my mouth was filled with the metallic taste of blood. Liam cried out in pain and instinctively threw me off. I crashed into the hard stone table, hitting my forehead hard, and blood streamed down my temple. “Liam, you sicken me.” I spat out the blood, staring intently at him. “Don’t forget, those project proposals, they all contain my…” Liam clutched his bleeding hand, his eyes turning stone cold in an instant. “Chloe Hayes, are you threatening me?” Seizing the opportunity while he turned to the bathroom to tend to his injury, I grabbed my bag and, fighting off dizziness, rushed out of the apartment. I ran wildly into the nearest all-night internet cafe, my hands trembling as I opened a computer and logged into my private cloud. However, before I could send the backup of my original proposal to the industry regulatory authorities, the screen suddenly went black without warning. Immediately after, my phone vibrated, and I received a text message from an unknown number: “Don’t waste your effort.” A bottomless despair swallowed me whole. Before I could catch my breath, heavy footsteps suddenly sounded from the internet cafe entrance. Several uniformed police officers walked in, and cold silver handcuffs were directly clasped onto my wrists. “Chloe Hayes, you are suspected of embezzling Hayes Group’s commercial secrets and misappropriating five million dollars. Please come with us to assist with the investigation.” Chapter Six In the interview room. Liam watched me through the thick bulletproof glass, his expression indifferent. “Rachel is currently negotiating a major project with a top European venture capital firm; it’s crucial for her to secure her position as CEO of Hayes Group.” His voice came through the intercom, cold and ruthless. “At this critical juncture, neither Hayes Group nor Caldwell Enterprises can afford any scandals.” “Chloe, if you sign this voluntary confession, admitting that the five million was a personal misappropriation unrelated to the company, I will arrange for legal counsel to get you a suspended sentence. You won’t actually go to jail.” I clutched the phone tightly, my nails almost digging marks into it, tears streaming down my face. “For her future, for her reputation, you want to completely destroy my life?” “Liam, in your eyes, am I just meant to be a stepping stone?” Liam avoided my gaze. He looked at my disheveled appearance, and a fleeting struggle flickered in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by coldness. “Rachel is fragile and can’t handle stress. You’ve always been strong, Chloe. You can get through this setback.” I’m strong, so I deserve to suffer. She’s fragile, so she can climb to success on my blood and bones. “I won’t confess to something I didn’t do!” I gritted my teeth, enunciating each word. Liam said nothing, merely pulled a photograph from his pocket and pressed it against the glass. In the photo was my best friend, Sarah Miller. She stood in front of her flower shop, while several uniformed fire and tax officials were posting eviction notices. “I know you’re not afraid of anything, Chloe.” Liam’s voice was devoid of emotion. “But I also know that Sarah’s flower shop is her family’s entire livelihood. I hear the fire department and tax office have been very strict lately. If they find any problems, not only will the shop be shut down, but people might also go to jail for a few years.” “And that old villa your grandmother left you, I hear it’s scheduled for demolition soon…” All my strength drained out of me in that instant. I slowly slid down the glass, kneeling clumsily on the floor. I could gamble with my own life, but I couldn’t bear the thought of the only person who was good to me having her life ruined because of my persistence. I closed my eyes, letting the warm tears flow into my mouth, bitter and astringent. “I’ll confess. I’ll do whatever you say.” A flicker of satisfaction crossed Liam’s face. “Tomorrow night is Hayes Group’s charity gala. You need to publicly apologize to Rachel and admit that you did these foolish things out of jealousy.” The next evening, I was bailed out of jail and taken directly to the event. I wore dirty, somewhat torn clothes, my hair disheveled, my face as pale as a ghost. On stage, Rachel, in a white designer gown adorned with tiny diamonds, looked like an untouched angel, holding Liam’s arm, basking in everyone’s admiration. A spotlight suddenly shone on me without warning. Whispers erupted, surging like a tidal wave. “Is that the older sister who embezzled money?” “I heard she was jealous of her sister and even made a false police report on the cruise ship.” “How shameless, she looks so scheming.” Martin Hayes walked onto the stage, his face filled with sorrow. “It’s a family disgrace, having such a disobedient daughter. But after all, she is blood. If she is willing to sincerely repent today, we are willing to give her one last chance.” Liam walked up to me and handed me a pre-written confession. I took the paper with trembling hands. Every word on it was designed to crush my dignity, my backbone, beneath the heel of a shoe. “I am a sinner. I was jealous of my sister. I coveted wealth.” I numbly read the last word, and the ballroom fell silent. Liam looked down at me, an almost imperceptible hint of coercion in his eyes. “An apology requires the right attitude.” Everyone’s gaze pierced me like needles. Rachel’s eyes held a triumphant gleam, and Martin Hayes’ face was cold. I looked at the man I had loved for ten years, feeling as if a hideous monster stood before me. Thump. My knees hit the cold, hard marble floor with a heavy thud. I knelt before Rachel. In that moment, I heard the sound of my backbone breaking. But in my heart, I also etched their names, stroke by stroke. Every single one of you who made me kneel, in the future, I will make you kneel and return it all.

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The day my brother, Gordon, was recognized by the wealthy William family and taken back, he knelt, his eyes red-rimmed, begging his parents: “Audrey is my only family. If she doesn’t come with me, I won’t go back.” In the end, his parents had no choice but to bring me back to the William household with him. When we first arrived, Scarlett, the fake heir who had lived in their place for over a decade, constantly targeted both Gordon and me. Gordon initially always stood by me, protecting me. But later, he gradually fell for Scarlett. “You should be more cheerful, like Scarlett. Why don’t you ever even smile?” Later still, he even forgot my birthday. I didn’t make a fuss, quietly baking a cake for myself. But as soon as I finished, he gave my birthday cake to Scarlett. “Scarlett’s cake got ruined on the way. Just give her this one.” I was so upset I didn’t speak a word all night. Seeing my mood, he looked annoyed, “Are you giving me attitude just because of a cake? Why didn’t you just say no earlier if you didn’t want to?” Scarlett pouted: “I told you before that Audrey is petty, but you wouldn’t believe me. I really don’t know why you brought this burden back.” This time, Gordon didn’t argue. Turns out, even he now thought I was a burden.

The cake I had painstakingly made for four hours was completely ruined, all messed up with forks. My name, which I had carefully spelled out with dried blueberries, was scooped out whole, smeared together with the cream-covered “Happy Birthday” card. Scarlett took a bite and threw it directly into the trash can. “What is this disgusting thing? It’s awful, so much worse than what our Michelin chef makes!” “You’re just picky.” Gordon complained, but his eyes were full of indulgence. “If you can’t eat it, just throw it away. I’ll have Kate make you another one.” “Okay, then it has to say in cream, ‘Gordon will be Scarlett’s dog for life’!” “Who told you to steal Mom and Dad’s love the moment you came back, and always go against me for this burden!” Gordon, who used to be completely at odds with Scarlett and couldn’t stand anyone calling me a “burden,” had no reaction this time. He just smiled, ruffled Scarlett’s head, and said helplessly: “Alright, alright, you win, it’s all my fault, okay?” They were intimate, as if no one else was around, making me feel like an outsider. In truth, being an outsider wasn’t wrong. Gordon was Anthony and Vivian’s biological son, who had been separated from them. Scarlett, though swapped at birth, had grown up in luxury in the William home, already forming deep bonds with Anthony and Vivian. The day Gordon was reunited with his birth parents, they couldn’t bear to send Scarlett away. From beginning to end, they were a family. I was the only extra one. I woke up this morning and saw Gordon’s Instagram post about him and Scarlett at the amusement park. I knew then that he had forgotten my birthday again. But even though I no longer wished for him to celebrate my birthday with me, why couldn’t I even keep a cake? The tears still couldn’t be held back, falling one by one to the floor. Gordon frowned, instinctively reaching out to wipe my tears as he used to. “What are you crying about?” Scarlett, however, suddenly let out a mocking laugh: “He just ate your cake, is that really worth all this drama? You’ve been giving him attitude all evening!” “I guess all your usual good behavior was just an act.” “Gordon, you spoil her too much, that’s why she’s become so demanding.” Gordon’s hand paused, then he pulled it back, his expression fading. “This isn’t your old home. You eat and live at the William family’s expense, it’s just a cake. Don’t be so petty.” Seeing the impatience in his eyes, my heart went cold. The day Gordon was taken back by the William family, I didn’t sleep all night. I was happy for him, but also vaguely afraid of being left behind. Noticing my emotions, he held me, promising again and again: “I will never abandon Audrey. From now on, my home is your home.” But now, he said, “This isn’t your old home.” In his heart, I didn’t know when, but I had already become a burden. “I understand.” I nodded vaguely, hearing my own voice tremble: “Gordon, I think I’ll move out after all.”

Scarlett rolled her eyes: “You make it sound like living in the William house is a hardship for you. No princess life, but acting like a spoiled princess!” “Now you’re trying to get attention this way.” Gordon’s face darkened. “What are you throwing a tantrum for?” I said softly, “I’m not throwing a tantrum. I just think dorm life would be better for my studies.” But Gordon’s tightly furrowed brow didn’t loosen: “I know you. Why now? Why not before? You’re just mad about that cake, aren’t you?” “Fine. If you really want a cake, I’ll have the kitchen whip one up for you in a bit.” After saying that, he didn’t bother with me anymore, instead laughing as he used a tissue to wipe a bit of cream from the corner of Scarlett’s mouth. “Still acting like a kid, getting cake all over your face.” “In Mom and Dad’s eyes, I’m their baby who never grows up. Got a problem with that?” “Alright, alright, you’re their baby who never grows up.” I couldn’t stand it anymore and silently went upstairs. After applying for dorm accommodation with my teacher, I looked at the carefully arranged room, a little lost in thought. The expensive and exquisite teddy bear on the bed, the valuable orchids on the window frame, the delicate bookshelf on the top shelf within reach, the soothing night light on the bedside table… Each item was something Gordon had carefully arranged for me when I first arrived at the William home. Even the room’s layout had been specially renovated to match my old room at home, fearing I wouldn’t get used to it. He had said: “This will be our home from now on. Our family was poor before, and I couldn’t even afford to buy you a proper bookshelf.” “Now that we have the means, I want to give you the best. I won’t let you suffer any more hardships.” How happy I was then. We moved into a big house we’d never dared to dream of; No longer worried daily about utility bills and daily expenses; No longer afraid that the roof would leak on a rainy day, or that the house would be flooded when we woke up. Gordon also wouldn’t have to work tirelessly day and night, scrambling to save up for my tuition. I thought everything was finally going to get better. But I never imagined that all of this would ultimately cost me him. A sudden knock on the door. When I opened it, a beautifully wrapped cake box suddenly appeared before me. Gordon peeked out from behind it. “Happy Birthday, Audrey!” Meeting my still red eyes, a flicker of guilt crossed his face: “Sorry, I just remembered it’s your birthday today.” For a moment, I thought I saw the brother who once had eyes only for me. I held the cake that had been placed in my arms, like a traveler almost frozen stiff in the harsh winter suddenly encountering a warm fire. I followed him into the room, my heart wavering uncontrollably. But that flicker of hope shattered again the moment I opened the cake box and saw it packed with mangoes. My lips trembled as I whispered, “Gordon, did you forget? I’m allergic to mangoes.” Gordon’s brows instantly furrowed at my words. For a long time afterward, I couldn’t forget the way he looked at me then. It was the look someone gives something troublesome.

Gordon “tsk”-ed, annoyed, “You should’ve mentioned if you couldn’t eat something, otherwise it’s a waste.” With that, he picked out all the mangoes from the cake one by one and pushed the remaining cake back toward me. “Scarlett specifically asked Kate to make this cake to apologize to you.” “She saw you liked orchids and specially emphasized an orchid design, thinking you’d like it.” “Her words can be harsh sometimes, but she’s actually soft-hearted. You should at least eat a little, or she’ll be sad.” My throat tightened. I didn’t even notice my fingernails digging into my flesh, drawing blood, as I murmured, “But I’m allergic to mangoes.” Gordon said impatiently, “That’s why I picked them out, right? Just eating a little won’t hurt.” Just then, Scarlett suddenly pushed the door open: “Audrey isn’t going to dislike the cake I had Kate make, is she? It takes this long to coax someone, she’s too high-maintenance!” Before I could say anything, Gordon spoke first: “It’s your gesture of goodwill, she’ll like it whether she wants to or not.” “Good! Once you’re done coaxing her, come downstairs! I wasn’t happy with the designs on the first few cakes Kate made, come help me finish them!” Gordon laughed, scolding, “Are you treating me like a trash can?” “No way! I think of you as my best brother, okay?” Gordon’s body stiffened. “You only call me ‘brother’ when you need something. I really owe you.” He said that, but his joy was practically overflowing. It turned out he really was just out of patience with me. If it were Scarlett, he wouldn’t think it was a waste, and just her calling him “brother” could make him so happy. Now, it seemed, no matter what I did, it only annoyed him. The next day, I quietly moved out of the William home and into the school dorms. I squeezed out only a little time for sleep each day. All my waking hours were spent either furiously studying or working multiple part-time jobs. This feeling of being swamped kept me from thinking about anything else. Until one day Gordon called me. As soon as I answered, I was met with a barrage of questions and accusations: “Audrey, why haven’t you come home yet?” “You used to be so sensible, and now you’re staying out all night!” I said softly, “I told you before, I’m living at school.” “Who gave you permission? Are you all grown up now, starting your late rebellion? Get back here now!” I remained silent. He waited for a moment and, getting no answer, laughed in anger: “Fine, then don’t ever come back! I’d like to see how tough you can be!” For the next while, I diligently attended classes, studied, and worked. As the SAT approached, I started to feel like things were finally falling into place. Three days before the SAT, Gordon suddenly called me. His voice was hoarse on the phone, tinged with a rare weariness: “Audrey, I’m in the hospital right now.” “You haven’t been home in a long time. I want to see you.” I instinctively gripped my phone tighter. Since his heart had gradually drifted towards Scarlett, this was the first time he had softened his tone and tried to make peace with me. Thinking of the early admission notification I had just received, and the money I had saved up during this time—enough for me to live independently. I hesitated for a long time before finally saying, “Okay.” This might be our last meeting, and I didn’t want to leave with any regrets. I wanted to tell him I got into a northern school. That I wouldn’t be a burden to him anymore, and I wouldn’t bother him again. But I never expected that when I rushed to the hospital and pushed open the door, I’d be greeted by a heavy slap across the face.

A strange woman, Brenda, lunged at me like a madwoman, punching and kicking me, tearing at my hair. “It was you who deliberately put a needle in her pencil case, making her cut her hand!” “The SAT is in two days! If she hadn’t found it in time and wasn’t seriously injured, my daughter’s life would have been ruined by you!” “You’re only eighteen, how can you be so vicious!” I struggled free from her, bewildered. “It wasn’t me, I don’t even know your daughter!” “Audrey, you’re still trying to argue! I saw you put a needle in her pencil case myself!” Scarlett suddenly stepped out from behind Brenda, pointing at me confidently. My face instantly went cold: “Why would I put a needle in her pencil case? You have no evidence, how dare you accuse me without proof?” “Who said there’s no evidence?” The moment I heard Gordon’s voice, my blood ran cold. He held up his phone and played a video. Due to the camera angle, the footage showed me discreetly walking to a classmate’s desk and seemingly putting something into their pencil case. I suddenly remembered that was me helping a teacher from the next class give a prize to their top-performing student. It was a pen, not a needle. But my explanation only earned me a retort from Brenda: “Scarlett saw it with her own eyes! We have witnesses and evidence, and you still won’t admit it!” I turned to Gordon, gritting my teeth as I asked him, “Did you see it with your own eyes too?” Gordon avoided my gaze, remaining silent for a long time, then his voice came out hoarse: “Audrey, you’re usually so jealous and always targeting Scarlett, but I never expected you to harm a classmate. I’m very disappointed in you.” I looked at him, unable to believe it. That sentence, without a doubt, confirmed that I had maliciously assaulted someone. “How can a school teach a monster like you! I’m going to expose you to your school and let everyone know what kind of person you are!” Brenda stormed out, slamming the door. I looked at Gordon, trembling uncontrollably. “Why?” He clenched his fists, his eyes filled with complex emotions, and whispered: “Audrey, Scarlett didn’t mean for it to get this big. She didn’t expect a joke to cause so much trouble.” “If Mom and Dad knew, they would be so disappointed in her. She’s used to being proud, and this is the first time I’ve seen her cry so sadly and fearfully.” By the end, his voice was even tinged with tenderness. I stared at him intently, word for word: “So you deliberately pretended to be weak to get me to come all this way, just so I could take the blame for Scarlett?” His breath hitched, and he spoke with difficulty: “I’ve already secured a fallback plan for you, nothing bad will happen to you.” The last bit of hope in my heart shattered. I don’t know how I got back to school that day. I only remember that when I arrived, along the way, I was met with disgusted looks and harsh whispers from my classmates: “It was her who deliberately put a needle in a classmate’s pencil case. It’s so dangerous to be in the same school as someone like that!” “Can’t they just lock people like her up and not let them out? It’s terrifying.” Before I even reached my classroom, I was called to the principal’s office. The principal personally pushed a document in front of me: “The victim’s family has made a huge fuss about this, forcing us to respond. Your early admission has been revoked.” “Furthermore, the school has unanimously decided to expel you.” I stood frozen, my entire body cold. I couldn’t understand why, despite trying so hard, I couldn’t hold onto the things that mattered to me. But ever since I returned to the William family with Gordon, it felt like I had been constantly losing things. Losing Gordon, losing my home, losing my early admission. In the end, even my school enrollment was gone. All I wanted was to leave quietly, but even that was so difficult. A message popped up on my phone. Gordon sent me transfer documents and two plane tickets: “There’s a school affiliated with the Williams in Seattle. I’ve already arranged for them to accept your transfer.” “It’s too late for the SAT, but with your grades, even if you study for another year, you can still get into a great school.” “After the SAT is over, I’ll go with you.” So, Gordon had thought of all the consequences, he knew the situation I might face. He still went ahead and ruined me to this extent for Scarlett. I stumbled out, clutching the documents, and stood at the school gate for a long time until the security guard shooed me away. After the SAT, I was dragging my suitcase, about to board a train. Gordon’s message popped up: “I’m already waiting for you at the airport. Where are you?” I sent him one last message: “I’m not going to Seattle with you. We’re done.” As soon as the message was sent, Gordon’s phone started ringing off the hook. I didn’t answer. I just blocked all his contacts. I turned and got on the train. Gordon, goodbye forever.

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