For the sake of Roman White’s career, I willingly served time in prison for him. After I was released from prison three years later due to my good behavior, he gave me a cheap necklace. Just when I was feeling confused, I saw his secretary, Megan Smith, holding a necklace packaging box just like the one I had. I dismissed the doubts in my heart. Until the company’s year-end party was over, Megan updated her Instagram. [I received a high-end custom diamond necklace from Mr. White at the party. So happy!] Many people asked her when she would become Mrs. White, and Roman liked that post. I went to confront Roman, and the answer I got was that my identity was not honorable after I had served my sentence. He asked me to hide our marriage. Angrily, I called his enemy, Noah Adams, and said, “You said your company would always welcome me. Does that still hold true?” “You served time in prison for Roman for so long, and now you want to come to my company?” Noah joked, “Didn’t he say that when you were released from prison, the position of department manager would be yours?” I held up the cheap necklace in my hand, smiled self-deprecatingly at the light, and said, “I don’t want it anymore.” As soon as I finished speaking, Roman appeared at the door, looking at me in confusion and asking, “What don’t you want?” I calmly hung up the phone and confessed, “The department manager position.” His expression became complicated, but he quickly let out a sigh of relief and said, “Coincidentally, I was planning to give this position to Megan anyway. You can start as a clerk first.” I frowned. Three years ago, for the development of his company, I unhesitatingly took the blame for him. At that time, he promised me that when I was released from prison, the position of department manager would be mine. But now I had become a dispensable clerk. Roman had broken his promise from that year, yet there was not the slightest bit of guilt on his face. I felt heartbroken. Seeing that I didn’t say anything, he took out an agreement from his briefcase and threw it on the coffee table, saying nonchalantly, “This is the secret marriage agreement. Just think of doing this for the company.” The words “secret marriage agreement” were dazzling to me. Three years ago, the day before I went to prison, Roman and I got married. What supported me through the long prison term was my expectation of being with him after I was released. But now, I had become a stain on his company, and he even wanted me to disappear completely from his world. I smiled self-deprecatingly, picked up the pen, and signed without hesitation. Roman suddenly turned his head and looked at my hand that was about to put pen to paper, his brows furrowed. He thought, “How could she who once couldn’t wait to make our marriage public be so resolute?” He subconsciously stopped me and tentatively asked, “Aren’t you going to think about it at all?” I didn’t answer and directly signed my name. Roman held the signed agreement and fell silent. After a while, he cleared his throat and said gently, “Abigail, don’t worry. Once the situation of our company stabilizes, I will compensate you.” I responded perfunctorily. Just then, the notification sound of the company group chat rang. Megan was appointed as the first department manager of the company. Colleagues in the group congratulated her. [You have accompanied Mr. White and worked hard for these three years. We all think you deserve this position!] [I think Megan should be Mrs. White. We support you very much.] Then, Megan sent a shy emoji, tacitly agreeing with what everyone said. She wrote: [I still think Abigail is luckier. She served three years in prison and can still be a clerk in the company. Mr. White is so good to her!] Megan, who knew the inside story, was undoubtedly mocking me by saying this. I forced myself to endure the discomfort and looked away, only to catch a glimpse of Roman staring at his phone with a gentle smile. I couldn’t help but start to suspect that he chose to have a secret marriage with me because of Megan.

Moving into the guest room was the first step for Roman to fulfill the secret marriage agreement. Then, he drew the line. We didn’t take the same car, and we didn’t go together. I was only allowed to call him Mr. White in the company. Finally, he said that his relationship with Megan was just for show, and I wasn’t allowed to make a fuss about it. After saying these things to me, Roman disappeared for three days. Three days later, I took a sick leave because of a fever. He called me and said reproachfully, “I can’t believe you asked for leave when you just started. Go to the hospital by yourself. I’m on a business trip and busy.” I’d seen this coming. I gave a faint answer. But before his words were even finished, a coquettish voice sounded. “Roman, my zipper is stuck! Come and help me…” Roman hung up the phone in a hurry, and I heard his footsteps walking away. Then I saw that Megan’s Instagram had a new profile picture, which was a couple’s profile picture with Roman. Once, I always pestered Roman to change the couple’s profile picture with me, but he always made excuses, saying it was troublesome and childish. He just didn’t want to use the couple’s things with me. For some unknown reason, he started to send me messages and call me frequently. I only replied with one message: [It’s my rest time now. Mr. White, please understand.] After finishing the infusion, I returned to the company. My colleagues were still cold to me, and my desk was piled high with work documents. Probably in their eyes, I was just a lucky person who was taken in by Roman after serving my sentence, and I deserved this treatment. I adjusted my mood and packed the items in the storage cabinet into a black garbage bag. If I had known they would be useless, I wouldn’t have brought them into the company in the first place. Just as I was about to go out to throw away the garbage, Roman came back. Before I could react, he angrily dragged me into the stairwell. Seeing the garbage bag in my hand, his face darkened, and he said, “You have time to throw away the garbage, but you don’t have time to answer my phone calls?” The strong perfume smell on him made me instinctively take a step back, and I said calmly, “I have replied to your message.” My words angered him, and he questioned me, “Why do you call me Mr. White?” I thought, “What’s the difference between being on the phone and being in person? This was what he asked for. Why is he dissatisfied now?” Seeing that I was silent, he sneered, “You know I don’t like willful women. Don’t become the kind of person I hate.” After saying that, he snatched the garbage from my hand and threw it hard on the ground. A huge noise echoed in the stairwell. He walked away swaggeringly. Our photo together and the couple’s water cup were shattered all over the ground. Our relationship of many years seemed to be like these fragments, difficult to be restored. My heart ached faintly, as if it was also full of cracks. I silently cleaned up the garbage and called a lawyer, asking him to draw up a divorce agreement. Just as I was holding the printed document and about to knock on the door, Roman opened the door of his office one step ahead. Seeing his cold gaze, I calmly handed the document to him and said, “Sign it when you have time.” Roman didn’t look at the document. He directly turned to the last page and signed it, and then calmly handed it back to me, ordering me, “Go out for business entertainment with me later. Drink more wine.” I wondered in my heart, “His alcohol tolerance is always good. Why does he want me to drink more wine?” Before I could ask, Megan bounced out from behind him and said, “Mr. White is so considerate! Thank you for remembering that I can’t drink because of my cold.”

Megan was wrapped in a blanket and snuggled up on Roman’s shoulder. When she saw me, she frowned and said reluctantly, “Mr. White, you’re being too careful. I just have a cold. You won’t let me drink or let me go to work. If I hadn’t begged you all the time, you wouldn’t have brought me here.” Hearing this, Roman affectionately touched the tip of her nose with his fingertips and said indulgently, “Then don’t cry when you take your medicine.” The affectionate gestures between them were what only lovers in love should have. His gentle and humorous appearance made me feel so unfamiliar. I clenched the divorce agreement in my hand and instead felt relieved. When we arrived at the restaurant, Roman first exchanged a few pleasantries with the partner and then began to introduce Megan, saying, “This is Megan Smith, the department manager of our company.” When Roman introduced me, the president of the partner frowned and said disdainfully, “This lady, if I’m not mistaken, was imprisoned for defaulting on a loan, right? Mr. White is so nostalgic.” His body stiffened slightly. He glanced at me, finally smiled, and acquiesced. Roman’s and Megan’s seats were next to each other. During the meal, he kept giving me looks, indicating that I should take the initiative to please the partner. During the dinner, someone noticed the intimacy between them and joked with a smile, “Mr. White and Ms. Smith are a perfect match. Mr. White, may I ask if you’re married?” Roman looked at me, his eyes showing a hint of imperceptible hesitation. The next second, we almost answered at the same time, “No.” Although we said the same answer, he suddenly turned his head to look at me, his eyes full of shock. It wasn’t until the partner went to the restroom that he sent me a message to explain: [It’s just for show. Never mind.] Roman said he was just acting, but what I said was the truth. After all, he had already signed the divorce agreement. I glanced at the message and turned my phone screen down on the table. Seeing this, Roman was just about to stand up, but I stood up and went to the restroom first. When I came out of the cubicle, I ran into Megan. She folded her arms across her chest and said arrogantly, “Abigail, you’re pathetic. You’re being despised by your husband to this extent. I would be very ashamed if I were you.” I lowered my head to wash my hands. The sound of the running water covered up my indifferent words. I said, “Ms. Smith, this has nothing to do with you.” After drying my hands, I was about to leave. But Megan stepped sideways to block my way and scanned me from head to toe with her eyes. She said, “Mrs. White, why are you still wearing such old-fashioned clothes?” She chuckled and showed off, saying, “Oh, I forgot. Roman’s money was probably all used to buy me high-end, custom-made clothes. I’m really sorry.” Those expensive brand-name clothes on her were like a silent mockery, reminding me of the difference between a plastic necklace and a high-end custom diamond necklace. The pain that had been pent up for a long time made me almost flee in a hurry. When I got back to the private room, I picked up my bag and left. Roman quickly stepped forward to stop me and said patiently, “Don’t leave yet. I’ll send you back later.” Just as I was about to refuse him, Megan suddenly rushed in, crying, instantly attracting everyone’s attention. He immediately let go of my hand and stepped forward quickly, asking about the situation anxiously. Megan rummaged through her bag in a hurry and then searched all her pockets. She shouted in a panic, “My custom-made diamond ring is gone!”

The private room suddenly became noisy. Everyone was helping Megan look for the ring. As she searched, she said anxiously, “This is a birthday gift from Mr. White. It’s worth more than 30 million dollars. But I lost it!” I just wanted to leave this suffocating scene as soon as possible. When I was just at the door, Megan stopped me and said, “Abigail, let me check your bag. This way, you can clear your suspicion.” She seemed polite, but her eyes were full of provocation. I knew I didn’t take her ring, but I couldn’t defend myself. I said, “I’m tired. Ms. Smith, you can look for it yourself.” Seeing that I was determined to leave, Megan actually grabbed my bag. As we tugged, the things in my bag scattered all over the ground. In the mess, a huge diamond ring sparkled with a blinding light. I was stunned and looked at Megan in disbelief. She showed a triumphant smile. “Why are you framing me?” I looked at her angrily. I turned around and saw that everyone in the private room was looking at me with disdain. Roman frowned, and his disgusted gaze stabbed into my heart like a knife. “I didn’t take it!” I instinctively explained to him, but my voice was drowned out in the noise. Megan picked up the ring and burst into tears. “This ring means a great deal to me. How could you steal it, Abigail? I thought you had reformed, but I didn’t expect you to stop at nothing for money. I won’t dare to work with you in the future…” Her words made everyone’s faces in the room gloomy. The president of the partner showed a gloomy expression and said sternly to Roman, “Mr. White, our cooperation this time is over!” After saying that, he left angrily. I wanted to chase after him and explain, but Roman slapped me in the face. I covered my face and looked at him in disbelief. He said coldly, “I didn’t expect you to be such a greedy person! I brought you here not to embarrass me!” His actions and words let me down. I thought, “He should know my character. Has he forgotten why I went to prison in the first place?” Looking at his angry eyes, I knew he wouldn’t believe me. I smiled bitterly, took out my phone, and handed it to him, saying, “In that case, call the police.” He glanced down at the phone and then looked up at me. His eyes were complex, but he didn’t move. I seemed to know Roman more. “Unreasonable!” He snorted coldly and turned around to comfort Megan, gently putting the ring on her finger. I was left alone in the private room with a mess on the floor. I silently picked up the scattered items, without any hesitation, turned around and left, heading straight for the airport. The waiting hall at night was empty. I wanted to edit my resignation letter, but I received a dismissal notice from Roman first. [Don’t come to the company anymore. Reflect on your mistakes at home!] His words were full of anger, as if he was giving me charity. I looked at the phone screen and just thought it was ridiculous. Without hesitation, I took a photo of the divorce agreement that I had already signed and sent it to him. [Roman, I wish you and Megan a long life together! But the prerequisite is that you have to go through the divorce procedures with me first, otherwise, I’ll sue you for bigamy.] Soon, I received a call from Roman. I hung up all of his calls, and Roman sent me a lot of messages. [Abigail, are you kidding? When did I agree to the divorce?]

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296089”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

My name is Cynthia Johansson. After my husband Zane Knowles lost his memory, he demanded I leave our marriage with nothing, citing his mistress Camilla Fox’s pregnancy as the reason.   I agreed. After he regained his memory, he chased me to a foreign country, begging for reconciliation.  But by then, I had long lost all feelings for him. Because I, too, had recovered the memories I had lost.   “Sign your name. Camy is pregnant, and I need to divorce you.”   Across the table sat the man I had loved for seven years—Zane, the primary heir of Knowles Group.   And I was his wife.   “Zane, think this through,” urged the woman beside him, his mother, Mary Knowles. “You’ll regret this once your memory returns.”   That was right—Zane had lost his memory.   Three years ago, on our first wedding anniversary, he had driven to the supermarket to buy ingredients, saying he wanted to cook me a grand meal himself, just like he did when we were dating.   But he never came back. The day after I reported him missing, the hospital called to inform me that Zane had been in a car accident.   When I rushed there, I found Zane gazing tenderly at the girl who had saved him.   Then, the doctor told me Zane had lost his memory.   His memories had reset to three years prior—just one day before we first met.   He didn’t remember that I was the woman he had pursued for two years. Worse, he had fallen madly in love with the girl who brought him to the hospital.   The day after he was discharged, he asked me for a divorce. The look in his eyes was as serious as when he had confessed his love and promised to cherish me forever. It felt like a knife twisting in my heart.   I refused. I couldn’t let go of what we had.   So he moved out.   Over the next three years, I heard countless stories of Zane’s reckless devotion to that girl. After all, Knowles Group was influential, and Zane himself was handsome and accomplished.   But more than that—many of those grand gestures were things he had never done for me.  

Sometimes, I think love is the most fragile thing in the world. A person’s affection can shift entirely just because their memories have changed.   For three years, many people tried to talk Zane out of his foolishness.   Every relative and friend who had witnessed our love urged him to come home, even just for a while.   Later, they turned to me, saying that once Zane regained his memory, he would remember how deeply he had loved me.   So I endured. I endured when they told me Zane had bought the company where the girl worked just to keep her close. I endured when they said he had gifted her an entire island. I even endured when I learned they were living together and calling each other husband and wife.   But now, I couldn’t take it anymore.   “Fine,” I said with a smile. “Bring the papers. I’ll sign.”   “Thia, don’t do this.” Mary clutched my hand, tears streaming down her face. “Zane’s just lost his memory. He loved you so much, and you love him too. Fate has been too cruel to both of you.”   My parents had passed away long ago, and over the years, Zane’s parents had treated me like their own.   “I’ll be alright. Haven’t you always wanted a grandchild? She’s pregnant now. The child is innocent.” I wiped Mary’s tears away. “That girl isn’t bad either. Zane and I… I guess we just weren’t meant to be.”   “I can’t believe you’re giving up so easily.” Zane let out a cold laugh, his gaze devoid of any past affection—only the disdain one would reserve for a deranged woman. In his current memories, I was just the lunatic who refused to divorce, standing in the way of his perfect love.   “If I don’t agree, should that child grow up as a bastard instead?”   Zane glanced at my stomach and sneered, “Seems I never loved you that much to begin with. We were married for a year—why didn’t you get pregnant?”   I flung a glass of water in his face. “Get out!”   Wiping his face in a fluster, he still managed to throw out a final threat. “Once we’re divorced, this house won’t be yours either!”   After he left, Mary vented her anger on my behalf. “Thia, move in with me. Even if you’re no longer Zane’s wife, you can still be my daughter.”   I shook my head. Over the past three years, Zane had fought with his parents too. He refused to come home. When I went to his office, he had his staff block me.   But he needed my consent for the divorce. His friends were too ashamed to pressure me, so he turned to his parents. After being scolded by them a few times, he stopped visiting them altogether.  

After finally convincing Mary to leave, a friend brought me a message—the girl wanted to see me.   Camilla was the one who had taken Zane to the hospital that day. Now that she was pregnant, I was terrified that any meeting might result in her getting hurt or miscarrying, leaving me responsible. So I refused without a second thought. But my friend insisted that Camilla was determined—she was waiting at a café right now and wouldn’t leave until she saw me.   Those two were truly the bane of my existence. Grumbling under my breath, I stormed into the café and immediately spotted Camilla by the window.   Thinking about it, Camilla and I didn’t have any real enmity between us.   Some friends called her a homewrecker, but I believed the fault ultimately lay with Zane.   If anything, Camilla was the unlucky one. She had done a good deed by taking an injured man to the hospital, only to be relentlessly pursued by him afterward.   I knew exactly what Zane was capable of when he wanted a woman. His charm and resources were irresistible, and Camilla was just a young woman fresh out of college. No matter how strong-willed she was, Zane’s sweet words and grand gestures would wear anyone down.   Camilla wore a pale sundress, her long curls glowing softly in the sunlight—though her complexion looked off.   “Cynthia, thank you for coming.” Her voice was as gentle as her appearance.   Camilla and I were complete opposites. She was an art student—gentle, refined, and delicate, like the heroine of a romantic music video.   Before meeting Zane, I had been a botanist constantly trekking through forests. Because I became a team leader at a young age, my personality had grown assertive. Back then, Zane hadn’t taken over Knowles Group yet—he was still a thrill-seeking playboy. He had paid a fortune to join our expedition team, only to be scolded by me countless times for his lack of survival skills.   When he first pursued me, I refused. I loved my adventurous life in the rainforests and mountains. Being a wealthy wife might be many people’s dream, but not mine.   But Zane knew exactly how to manipulate people. He showed me something I had never had—the warmth of family. His parents were wonderful, truly treating me like their own. And he promised me that marriage wouldn’t chain me down—that he would be my support.   Those were all lies. In the early days of our marriage, I didn’t give up my career. It wasn’t until he wanted to have his own children that I considered temporarily switching to lab work. Then, right as I was finalizing the transfer, the accident happened—and he lost his memory.   My marital vows wouldn’t let me abandon him, so I took the lab position, continuing my research over the three years he kept demanding a divorce.   Now, I knew it was time to let go. I started missing the life I had before marriage.

I sat across from Camilla at her invitation. She must have been newly pregnant—her figure was still slender.   “Why did you insist on seeing me? I’ve already agreed to the divorce,” I said bluntly. I didn’t expect Camilla to burst into tears. “What are you crying for? I said I’d sign the papers.” I was baffled.   She just kept wiping her tears. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”   Seeing such a delicate beauty cry softened my heart despite myself.   “You don’t owe me an apology. It’s not you who made Zane lose his memory. That was just…because of fate.” I took a sip of coffee. Normally, I drank it like water, but today, for the first time, the latte tasted unbearably bitter. “You’re having his child, so just…be happy with him.”   Camilla sobbed uncontrollably. “I never wanted this—really, I never wanted this.”   The attention of the café was now fixed on our table, and I felt exhaustion creeping in.   “Stop crying.” I reached over to wipe her tears. “I don’t blame you. Honestly.”   “Camy!” The café door slammed open, and Zane stormed in like a hurricane.   “I never thought you’d stoop this low!” He grabbed my wrist with enough force to snap it. “Camy did nothing wrong! If you’re angry, take it out on me!”   I had never realized until now that Zane was an idiot.   “Are you insane? Why would I hurt her?”   “Zane, Cynthia didn’t do anything to me. Let her go!”   Zane shoved me away violently. My hand slammed against the edge of the table with a loud thud.   I hissed in pain. I had fieldwork coming up—an injured hand would be a disaster.   But I’d underestimated Zane’s irrationality. He fussed over Camilla, checking her from every angle, only to confirm that her eyes were just swollen from crying.   “Cynthia, I’m the one who betrayed you. If you dare harass Camilla again, I won’t let you off easy.”   I couldn’t fathom how I’d ever fallen for a man like this.   “Zane, the divorce is happening. And one more thing—” I slapped him across the face. “If you’re so desperate for it, bring the papers sooner. Don’t fucking waste my time.”  

That evening, Zane’s secretary called. “Mrs. Knowles, why did you agree to the divorce?”   I pressed an ice pack to my wrist and corrected her, “Don’t call me Mrs. Knowles anymore. We’re divorcing. Given how eager he is, it’ll probably be finalized in a couple of days.”   “Ms. Johansson, but Mr. Knowles isn’t leaving you anything!”   I froze. “What do you mean, nothing?”   “Mr. Knowles consulted a lawyer this afternoon. He’s demanding you walk away with nothing.”   But I distinctly remembered Zane’s proposal vow: if he ever betrayed me, he’d be the one to leave empty-handed.   The secretary continued, “Including everything he ever gifted you—he wants it all back.”   He’d been thoughtful during our courtship. Knowing I didn’t care for jewelry or handbags, he’d named a star after me.   “Even the star?”   “Which star?” The secretary sounded confused. After some typing, she said, “Mr. Knowles only purchased the naming rights. He hasn’t filed to rename it yet.”   Or maybe he’d simply forgotten. I caught her implication.   The more I thought about it, the more absurd it seemed. A star bearing my name was as fleeting as our relationship—shattered the moment his memory disappeared.   “It’s fine. Those things were always his. Let him have them.” I was tired. Soon, none of this would matter anyway.   “Ms. Johansson, even though I’m Mr. Knowles’ secretary, the terms are unfair. You did nothing wrong in this marriage. He can’t treat you like this.” She hesitated. “I have no right to interfere, but…please don’t sign.”   I knew she meant well. Everyone knew my background—modest, orphaned, living in a shabby apartment before knowing Zane. Yet the heir of Knowles Group was stripping his blameless wife of everything.   “Thank you,” I said sincerely. “But honestly…none of it ever really mattered to me.”   The next morning, Zane’s lawyer arrived at my door.   “Ms. Johansson, these are the divorce papers drafted per Mr. Knowles’ instructions.”  

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296088”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

It was the fifth year after I broke up with Elliot Blair, and we met again at a class reunion. Right in front of our classmates, he knelt on one knee and proposed to me. “Samantha Adams, will you marry me?” I waved the wedding ring on my finger and told him, “I’m already married. From now on, I’ll be your uncle’s wife.” At the class reunion, I pushed open the door of the private room. The people who had been chatting and laughing merrily suddenly fell silent. They looked at me. After a moment of stillness, a man asked in confusion, “Who… Who is this?” Another man said, “I don’t know. Beautiful lady, did you go to the wrong room?” “Hey, I think she looks like Samantha Adams,” a woman stated. Another replied, “No way. How could Samantha afford to wear a limited-edition Chanel dress?” We had all changed a lot in the past five years. The group of classmates who used to be so righteous were now men dressed in suits and women looking all glammed up, all having that worldly and tactful look. I had changed from a poor student from the mountains who had to save on meals and eat only two instead of three a day to the founder of a jewelry brand that had more than a dozen offline stores and production factories. I couldn’t blame them for not recognizing me. The class monitor, Heather Hall, was the first to stand up and said with a smile, “It’s Samantha. I invited her to the reunion.” As soon as she finished speaking, there was an uproar among the people. One of them said, “Samantha, you’ve changed so much in five years, but you’re still as beautiful as before.” I responded to Heather’s greeting, took the empty seat beside her, and exchanged pleasantries with everyone. This class reunion wasn’t originally in my travel plans. Five years ago, when I was about to graduate, I had been wrongly accused of stealing money, got a criminal record, and didn’t even get my college diploma. All my classmates drew a clear line from me because of that theft incident. After I left Capinuss, I had no more contact with them. It was yesterday when I returned to Capinuss. When I landed at the airport, I accidentally left my bag behind, which contained important things like my driving license, bank cards, and jewelry design sketches. Heather found the bag and recognized me according to my driving license. To express my gratitude, I invited Heather to dinner, but she took the opportunity to invite me to the class reunion. I couldn’t refuse and came as promised. Unexpectedly, just as I sat down, the door was pushed open again, and the people who came in were Elliot Blair and Nora Wilson. The people who had been chatting with me just now fell completely silent.

Elliot was my boyfriend during my college days and was from a wealthy family in Capinuss. Nora was Elliot’s childhood friend, and their family backgrounds were a good match. Because I came from a poor mountainous area, after getting together with Elliot, I was constantly compared to Nora. People couldn’t understand why Elliot, instead of choosing Nora, was acting like a lovesick man to me. During my college years, I was so poor that I wore the same piece of clothing for three years. I was either busy with classes or on my way to a part-time job every day. When we were in a relationship, I could only choose free places like parks or libraries for our weekend dates. But Elliot was dead set on me. He started chasing after me during my freshman year, showing his concern for me. In my junior year, after saving enough money from several years of part-time jobs and having no more financial pressure, I finally agreed to his pursuit. After we got together, our relationship was great, and we never once quarreled. Before our college graduation, Nora lost 20 thousand dollars in the dormitory. Coincidentally, I was going to deposit 20 thousand dollars in the bank that day. So, some people said that I had stolen Nora’s 20 thousand dollars. The 20 thousand dollars was the money I had saved up by setting up a street stall in the evenings when I didn’t have classes. I saved it bit by bit, tens and hundreds of dollars at a time, over half a year. There was no way it could be the 20 thousand dollars that Nora had lost. I didn’t admit it and called the police myself. When we confronted each other at the police station, Nora said, “I just withdrew that 20 thousand dollars from the bank, and all the banknotes are in consecutive serial numbers. There’s a surveillance video at the bank counter. “If Samantha didn’t steal my money, we could check whether the 20 thousand dollars in her hand has consecutive serial numbers, and the truth will be revealed.” Then, the police checked and found that the 20 thousand dollars in my hand not only had consecutive serial numbers but also had the same serial numbers as the 20 thousand dollars that Nora had lost. It meant that the 20 thousand dollars in my hand was indeed the 20 thousand dollars that Nora had lost. With such irrefutable evidence, I couldn’t defend myself even if I tried. Because the incident caused a big commotion, the school finally expelled me, and my classmates all criticized me and distanced themselves from me. Even Elliot looked at me with disappointment and accused me, saying, “Samantha, if you needed money, you could have just told me. Twenty thousand dollars is just the cost of one of my clothes. Was it worth getting a criminal record and sending yourself to prison for such a small amount of money?” In the end, he forced me to apologize to Nora, saying that only if Nora forgave me would she not send me to prison.

What happened back then should have been resolved back then. Now, seeing Elliot again after five years, I felt completely indifferent inside. However, Elliot walked towards me with an excited expression. “Samantha, how have you been these past few years?” I looked at him calmly and smiled, “Thanks to you, I’ve been doing fine.” Elliot was taken aback. In the year we were in love, he had known all my preferences inside out. He could tell what I was thinking just by seeing me frown. Even though five years had passed and everything had changed, one’s personality didn’t change easily. He knew that my smile showed my ease after completely letting go of the past, and his face turned pale instantly. “Samantha, I’ve been looking for you for the past five years,” he said. Ignoring the classmates around us who were watching and not caring about Nora, who was beside him, he continued eagerly, “I even went to your hometown and asked all your family members. But they all said they didn’t have your contact information. Samantha, I’ve been searching for you for five years.” His voice choked up a bit, and his eyes were already red. “As soon as Heather said she saw you yesterday, I immediately flew back from abroad.” No wonder Elliot looked so travel-worn, with his suit all wrinkled, and I almost thought his family had gone bankrupt just now. Heather looked a bit embarrassed and explained to me in a low voice, “Samantha, there were some misunderstandings about what happened back then. I thought it was necessary to call him here to explain things clearly and apologize to you.” What happened back then, of course, referred to that theft incident that left me unable to defend myself. As the dormitory leader, Heather was the one who had first accused me of stealing. She stood up, took a deep breath, and said to me solemnly, “Today, in front of our classmates, I want to clarify one thing. Samantha didn’t steal Nora’s money back then. “That 20 thousand dollars was Samantha’s. I replaced it with the 20 thousand dollars that Nora gave when Samantha wasn’t around.” Nora, who had been silent, stepped forward reluctantly under Elliot’s intense gaze and apologized to me, saying, “Sorry, Samantha. You didn’t steal my money. I framed you back then.” Everyone was immediately in an uproar, and one shouted, “Samantha was too pitiful back then. She not only didn’t get her diploma but also lost her job. I remember she had received a job offer from Chanel back then.” Heather looked pale. “Samantha, I’m really sorry.” I had studied hard for more than ten years, managed to get into university with great difficulty, and worked day and night to get that dream job offer. But because of that malicious frame-up, everything came to nothing. I carried the stigma of theft, and my life changed from then on. Now, could it be resolved just with a simple “sorry”? Smiling, I stood up and told them word by word, “I don’t forgive you.”

There was no point in staying at this party any longer. I picked up my bag and turned to leave. But Elliot chased after me to the door and stopped me. “Samantha, I misunderstood you about what happened back then.” He had a look of pain and regret. “I’ve been looking for you all these years, wanting to tell you the truth.” I looked straight at him. “Now, I know the truth. So what? Are you going to plead for Nora and ask me to let it go?” In the past few years, even though I wasn’t in Capinuss, I had heard about the situation of the Wilson family. Due to some failed investments in the previous two years, the Wilson family owed more than they could pay and was on the verge of bankruptcy. Nora was only willing to admit her mistake to me because her family was in financial straits and her jewelry brand needed Elliot’s financial support. If her family’s wealth and influence were still the same as they were back then, she would definitely not have apologized to me today. Elliot was hit right in the mark by my words, and a look of guilt flashed across his face awkwardly. He said, “Nora already knows she was wrong. Her family is in a tough situation, and she’s suffering now. “Besides, she once saved my life. If it weren’t for her back then, I would have died in the mountain flood.” When Elliot was fifteen years old, he had gone on a trip out of the province with his classmates and gone to a mountain area to escape the heat. Unexpectedly, it rained upstream, and the mountain flood came so quickly that it swept Elliot into the river. Everyone said that Nora had saved him. Because of that, Nora had water in her lungs, and her health hadn’t been good these past few years. “Nora is suffering. But what about me?” I looked at Elliot calmly. “Did you ever think about how miserable I was when I was expelled from school? I came from a mountainous area, and my family had used up all their savings to support my studies. But I didn’t get my diploma and lost my job. How do you think I felt? “What’s more, it was you that Nora saved. What does that have to do with me? Why are you so generous at the expense of my future?” Elliot’s lips twitched. “I’m sorry, Samantha. I apologize to you on her behalf. But it’s been five years already. Can’t you let it go? “Don’t worry. With me around, you won’t have to suffer anymore. I’ll make up for all the hardships you’ve endured in the past five years.” As he spoke, as if he had just remembered something, he suddenly knelt on one knee and took out a diamond ring from his pocket. “Samantha, will you marry me?”

It was absurd. The Elliot I remembered was smart, gentle, and sensible. Now that we had met again, how could he do such a thoughtless thing as proposing to me right after not seeing each other for five years? He completely turned a blind eye to the pain I had endured when I was isolated, wronged, expelled from school, and lost my job. Heather and the others all chased after us. When they saw the scene, they started cheering and shouting, “Samantha, say yes.” One of them said, “Back then, Elliot was going to propose to you, and the venue was all set up. If it hadn’t been for that theft incident that day, maybe you would be married by now and have your baby.” I corrected his words, “It wasn’t a theft incident but a frame-up. Since you framed me back then, you should clarify it now. I want all of you to post on your social media platforms to clear my name.” Heather’s expression immediately turned terrible, but after taking a look at Elliot, she still nodded. “Okay.” Nora stood behind Heather, biting her lower lip with a look of unwillingness. At this moment, a car slowly drove up. After seeing the license plate number, I composed myself, looked down at Elliot, and said, “It’s been five years, Elliot. What makes you think I’d still be waiting for you to propose to me?” Elliot finally seemed to have noticed something, looking at my right hand. “You…” I waved the wedding ring on my finger and told him, “I’m already married. From now on, I’ll be your uncle’s wife.” Elliot was taken aback. “What?” Just then, the approaching car stopped in front of me.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296087”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

A car accident caused Saul Winston to lose his memory. He forgot everything, except for one person. He was moody, and even I, his wife, had to go through her if I wanted to do anything. She was the woman from his past, the one he could never let go of. When the news of Saul’s accident reached me, I rushed to the hospital in a panic. The police explained that the other driver had been drunk and swerved suddenly, forcing him to crash into the highway guardrail. Half the car was left hanging dangerously over the edge. He barely survived. After seven hours of surgery, he was finally out of danger. The doctor hesitated when discussing his brain injuries. I found the attending physician and asked, “Doctor, what is the worst that could happen to my husband?” Countless worst-case scenarios went through my mind. Cognitive regression. A vegetative state. Even brain death. The doctor adjusted his glasses and looked at Saul’s medical chart. “The main trauma is to his head. He will likely suffer from memory loss. This is the most common result in similar cases.” Memory loss? I felt relief wash over me. If that was all, it didn’t matter. As long as he was alive, I could handle anything he forgot. But I underestimated how complicated things could become. A week later, Saul finally woke up. While I worried about his recovery, he looked at me coldly and asked, “Who are you?”

I was overwhelmed with excitement when Saul woke up, but another challenge was quietly unfolding. Saul had forgotten me. He had forgotten everyone from his memory. I forced a smile and tried to calm him. “I’m your wife. We’ve been married for two years. Look.” I held out my hand, showing him the plain wedding band on my ring finger. It matched the one on his hand perfectly. But he stared down at his hand, motionless. I thought he was trying to remember something, but when I placed my hand gently on his shoulder, he shoved me away violently. “Don’t touch me. You’re not my wife. I don’t know you.” I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could, Saul erupted like a storm. He swept everything off the bedside table, including the glass of hot water I had just poured. I ignored the burning pain on my skin and tried to restrain him. He managed to stand, albeit unsteadily, and stubbornly ordered me out of the room. “I don’t know you. Get out.” During the scuffle, he wavered, his body swaying as if he might collapse. I immediately called the doctors to stabilize him. A sedative was slowly administered into his system. After a moment, I heard him mutter a name under his breath. The doctor turned to me, puzzled. “Who is Chris?” I stared helplessly at Saul lying on the bed, my eyes gradually filling with sorrow. Chris was his first love.

I thought Saul had lost all his memories, but Chris was the one exception. Even as he slept, he called out her name over and over. The doctor pulled me aside and said, “It might help his recovery if you go along with what he wants.” After pacing the hospital corridor countless times, I finally dialed a number I hadn’t called in years. To my surprise, she answered almost immediately. I swallowed my pride and said, “Come to First Central Hospital. Saul needs you.” Before she could reply, I hung up. Chris had been my best friend from childhood through college, but everything fell apart between us because of Saul. For my sake, she walked away from the love triangle we were trapped in. I had fooled myself into thinking Saul chose me out of love, but now I understood. I was the outsider all along. Chris arrived quickly, carrying a white bag over her shoulder. “Is Saul okay?” Leaning against the wall, I forced a smile. “He doesn’t want to see me. Even in his dreams, he keeps calling your name. You must have something special to stay in his heart after all this time.” Chris didn’t reply. Without a word, she turned toward the room and went inside.

I could only watch from the sidelines, separated by glass. Since Saul woke up, his temper seemed reserved just for me. He never got upset with Chris. When she cried out of worry for him, he would reach out to gently wipe her tears away. As for me, I had to stand at the doorway, wiping my tears on my sleeve. I crouched by the wall, helplessly watching as they cared for each other like no one else existed. The title of Saul’s wife felt like the most invisible role in the world. Chris would massage his shoulders, feed him fruit, or point out birds and butterflies outside the window, laughing with him. No matter what she did, Saul just smiled along with her, saying nothing. Whenever I knocked and stepped in, his expression would harden immediately. “What are you doing here? I already told you, I don’t know you.” The coldness in his voice was piercing. I dared not stay long. I would simply call Chris outside and hand over the medicine. “The doctor prescribed this. Make sure Saul takes it after meals. Three pills, three times a day.” Chris would nod without a word, take the medication, and go back to looking after him. That moment left me feeling more defeated than ever. They looked like a couple united in adversity, while I stood on the outside, nothing more than a spectator to their happiness. Eventually, Chris broke the silence as she gazed at Saul. She couldn’t hold back any longer. “Saul, have you forgotten everyone?” Saul lifted his head and blinked at her. After a pause, he smiled. “I haven’t forgotten you, Chris.”

With Chris around, it felt like there was no place for me anymore. Watching them through the glass left me with a heavy heart, so I decided to leave the hospital and find something else to do. Yesterday, while lingering near the door of his room, I heard Saul say he wanted chicken. I went to the supermarket, picked up the ingredients, and spent the afternoon cooking. Just as I finished packing the chicken in a thermal container, Chris called. “Saul says he’s bored and wants me to take him out for a walk. Is that okay?” Her tone sounded like she was asking for permission, though she didn’t need to. She could have taken him without checking, and I wouldn’t have said anything. But that simple question made me feel like I mattered, even if just for a moment. “Sure. Don’t go too far, and make sure to be back soon,” I said. I could hear Saul’s voice urging her in the background. Chris explained quickly, “We’ll go to park. I promise we’ll be back by three.” I nodded, placed the chicken aside, and decided to rest before returning to the hospital. That nap was the first decent sleep I’d had since the accident, though my dreams still haunted me. In the dream, Saul held Chris’ hand and walked away. No matter how loudly I called his name, he didn’t look back. I woke up to Chris’ voice on the phone. “Saul is gone!” Her panic instantly jolted me awake. “What do you mean?” “He said he wanted water. I turned to buy some, and when I looked back, he was gone. I searched the entire park and couldn’t find him anywhere!”

I panicked for a moment but quickly calmed myself. With his injured leg, Saul couldn’t have gone far. Just as I was about to head out to look for him, the door opened. He walked in, limping, with a bag of chocolates in his hand. Every flavor inside was from my favorite brand. He glanced at me briefly before walking past to sit down. I couldn’t hold back and asked, “Why are you back?” His eyes showed no emotion as he answered flatly, “This is my home. Why wouldn’t I come back?” My heart soared. I grabbed his hand and started talking nonstop. “You remember, don’t you? This is our home. I’m your wife. You promised you’d always stay with me. You said you’d buy me my favorite chocolates, and eat the food I cook forever…” I placed the chicken in front of him, looking at him with hope and desperation. Saul looked at the plate and then at the wedding photo of us on the shelf. His expression wavered. For a moment, he seemed determined. The next, uncertain. I could tell he was struggling internally. But slowly, the light in his eyes faded. Confusion took over. He pulled his hand away, his voice low and hoarse. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I bought the chocolates or why the food seemed familiar to me.” He stood, avoiding my gaze. “I should go. Chris is still waiting for me at the park.”

I once knew him as warm and full of life. Now his coldness doesn’t just hurt, it scares me. I’m terrified he’ll never remember me, that he’ll walk away forever. Fear and sadness overwhelmed me. All I wanted was for him to hold me. “What do I have to do for you to stop looking at me like that?” He didn’t respond. He gave me an impatient look, stood up, and walked out, slamming the door behind him. Ten minutes later, Chris called. She said Saul had brought her ice cream from the shop they loved in college. Her tone was thoughtful when she said he hadn’t forgotten everything. I forced a bitter laugh. He hadn’t forgotten everything, just everything about me. Drained, I told her to bring him back to the hospital. I wasn’t ready to give up. He was still healing, and I had to hold on to the hope, however faint. I packed the chicken and headed back to the hospital. In the hallway, I heard laughter coming from his room. Chris was telling him about how he once proposed to her with a soda can ring, how it got stuck, and how they had to call firefighters to remove it. Saul was laughing with her, his voice light and carefree. It felt like a knife twisting in my chest. He had proposed to Chris too. What am I to him, then? Just the second choice he settled for when he couldn’t have her? Chris stayed close to him, reminiscing about skipping class, sneaking into concerts, and crying over romance movies. I stood outside, listening to their story where I didn’t belong.

I don’t even know what I am to him anymore. Maybe in all the stories they share, I’m nothing more than an afterthought in his life. He fell asleep after talking for so long, and that’s when Chris finally noticed me. “When did you get here? Why didn’t you say something?” I forced a smile. “You two seemed so immersed in your conversation. I didn’t want to interrupt. I didn’t know your memories together were so happy and full of life.” Chris looked uneasy, playing with her hair and fixing her dress. “It’s not like that. I just…” Not wanting to make her feel awkward, I handed her the box of chicken. “He wanted these. But they’ve been sitting too long, so they’ve gone cold. No matter how good the container is, it can’t keep them warm forever.” She hesitated before taking the box. To me, the hospital is now just a place to discuss his condition with the doctor. It doesn’t mean anything more. As I turned to leave, she called out to me. “Zara.” I stopped and looked back at her. “He will recover, won’t he? I believe he will. You should believe it too.” Her voice was soft. She seemed to be saying it more for herself than for me. For a moment, it looked like she had something else to say, but she didn’t. She turned back to the room and shut the door. I went home and sat on the couch, eating the chocolates he bought. They were the flavor I loved, but they didn’t taste the same anymore.

glanced at the wedding photo on the counter. I was so sure that his gaze once carried love for me. But how did it come to this? Was there really no trace left of the love we shared? I couldn’t accept it, so I started searching through the bedroom. Our life together had always been simple, maybe too simple. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find anything that truly stood out as evidence of our love. Feeling defeated, I sank to the floor. My gaze fell on a small box tucked away on top of the wardrobe. I climbed onto a chair, pulled it down, and opened it. Inside were two movie tickets and two concert tickets dated July 10 and August 20, two years ago. Chris’ words from the hospital came rushing back. They had watched movies and gone to concerts together. It hit me like a punch. Those dates were during the first year of our marriage. With the tickets in hand, I headed straight to the hospital, anger simmering inside me. The moment I saw Chris, I tossed the tickets at her. “Explain this. Why were you doing these things with Saul right after we got married?” She looked at me, confused. When she glanced at the tickets, realization dawned. She stared at them in silence, her head lowered. It seemed like she didn’t know what to say. I felt like I was going to explode with anger. Unanswered questions swirled in my mind, driving me to the brink. My nerves throbbed, and the pain in my head felt unbearable. “I’ve always been honest and fair in this marriage. I have never done anything to wrong you. Why would you do this to me?” We had been friends for so many years, always open and honest with each other. I couldn’t understand how she could act this way. The busy hospital corridor seemed to weigh on her. Unable to endure the stares any longer, her voice trembled. “I never did those things with Saul,” she said. I frowned slightly, watching as she continued. “It wasn’t me, Zara. “It was you.” The moment the words left her mouth, a deafening roar filled my ears. I stared at Chris, clutching the tickets with such conviction.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296086”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

Three days before my wedding, I went to check on the venue decorations. What I saw made my blood run cold. There, on an enormous poster, was my fiancé gazing lovingly at someone—but it wasn’t me. It was his first love. And there he stood at the altar, sharing an intimate look with her. Through my tears, I demanded to know why he would do this to me. He merely looked annoyed. “I’m just letting Kira experience being a bride. Why are you being so petty? I’ve been with you for five years. If what we had was real, do you think you’d be the one I’m marrying?” I raised my hand to slap him, but he shoved me away. I lost my balance and tumbled down the stairs. At that moment, my heart turned to stone. This wedding would never happen. Let them have their happily ever after. I lay at the bottom of the stairs, my ankle throbbing with excruciating pain. “Jeffrey?” I gasped in disbelief. “Did you just push me?” Before I could process what had happened, the sound of shattering glass filled the air. A wine glass exploded beside me, showering me with shards and red wine, ruining my white dress. I instinctively shielded my face, but not before the glass sliced my arm. If I hadn’t protected myself, my face and neck would have been cut. The wine glass—Jeffrey had thrown it. “You accidentally fell on your own,” Jeffrey sneered, his voice thick with anger. “If you hadn’t shown up here making a scene, none of this would have happened. Stop the act, Raelyn. Don’t tell me you sprained your ankle—that’s pathetic!” I tried to move my ankle, and white-hot pain shot through it. Fighting back tears, I looked up at the man I was supposed to marry in three days, watching as my heart crumbled to dust. I had left work early specifically to see the “surprise” he’d been keeping from me these past few days. I’d even worn the white dress he once said he loved. But this was what awaited me at the venue: a massive poster featuring Jeffrey gazing adoringly at Kira Lopez, his first love. The sight felt surreal. What did that make me? When I looked down from the poster, I caught them sharing that same look of devotion. The love in his eyes was unmistakable. When I confronted him through my tears, this was his response. Everything Jeffrey had told me was a lie. His excuse about the decorations not being ready was just a cover for holding a wedding with Kira. I’d even noticed Kira wearing an identical wedding ring to mine. The matching rings I thought were special to us had become a set of three. It was beyond absurd. Kira looked down at me with cold eyes, though her voice was honey-sweet as she addressed Jeffrey. “Jeffrey, don’t be so harsh. You frightened me.” Jeffrey patted her hand, gazing at her adoringly. “Kira, she tried to hurt you first. Don’t worry. She’s fine—just an act.” My chest ached with a dull throb. What had these years of devotion meant to him? I wiped my tears and limped away, their mocking laughter following me. “See? I told you she was fine.” Jeffrey’s smug voice carried after me, with Kira’s agreement. “She was definitely faking. Don’t worry, I would never lie to you.” I made my way home in a daze. Sitting on my couch examining my ankle, I saw it had swollen completely—probably because I’d forced myself to walk on it instead of treating it immediately. As I stared at my ankle, tears began to fall. I silently held an ice pack to it, using ice cubes from the freezer. As they melted, water pooled on the floor, but at least the swelling started to subside. I had just applied arnica cream when the door opened. Jeffrey walked in with Kira and immediately frowned at the scene. “Raelyn Mitchell, are you throwing a tantrum again?”

“Throwing a tantrum?” I fixed him with an icy stare. Jeffrey responded matter-of-factly, “Aren’t you? Look at this mess of the house.” I followed his gaze to the wet spots and footprints on the floor—some of which they had just tracked in themselves. Taking my silence as confirmation, Jeffrey continued, “You’re obviously fine. Kira was actually worried about your foot and insisted I check on you, but look how energetic you are! Make sure you clean it up later.” I took a deep breath, trying to suppress the ache in my heart. Jeffrey hadn’t always been like this. How could he have changed so completely in just a few years? We met in college and shared some beautiful moments together. He used to treat me with such care and consideration—otherwise, I would never have accepted his proposal. I truly believed Jeffrey was someone I could build a life with. He remembered every anniversary, every little detail about me. He even tracked my menstrual cycle in his calendar when I sometimes forgot. I’d always known about Kira. He told me about her when we first started dating. They’d known each other since high school but separated when they attended different colleges in different cities, and Kira went abroad to study. When did our relationship begin to deteriorate? It started a year ago when Kira returned. One look, one word from her could completely win Jeffrey over. Sometimes I thought bitterly that the moment Jeffrey picked up Kira at the airport, I had already lost him. I didn’t want to deal with either of them, so I limped back to my room, wanting to be alone. But Jeffrey followed me in with Kira, demanding, “Raelyn, what’s with your attitude? You haven’t said a word since I came in. Did that fall make you mute?” “Jeffrey, calm down.” While Kira pretended to soothe Jeffrey, her eyes wandered around the room, landing on a jeweled necklace on my vanity. “What’s this? How beautiful. Such a large gem must be fake, right? Could I have it, Raelyn?” As she reached for it, disgust welled up inside me. How could someone be so shameless? “Put it down!” I snapped. “Touching other people’s things without permission? Where are your manners?” Kira jumped, her face instantly crumpling into a hurt expression as if she might cry, which only fueled Jeffrey’s anger. “Raelyn, why are you being so petty? It’s just a fake gem. What’s wrong with giving it to her? I’ll buy you a real one later.” I almost laughed at how quickly he dismissed it as fake, completely disregarding my feelings. My fury finally boiled over. “Fake? Jeffrey, you know perfectly well that’s from my mother! Don’t push me too far! Buy me a real one? You couldn’t afford it even if you sold your company!” “What do you mean? I can’t afford your stupid necklace?” Jeffrey exploded, reaching for it. Without thinking, I grabbed an eyebrow razor and slashed at him. “Jeffrey!” “Raelyn!” Jeffrey clutched his face, staring at me in shock while Kira fretted over whether he needed medical attention. He angrily wiped the blood from his face. Seeing that I wasn’t lowering the razor and recognizing I was on the verge of breaking down, he had no choice but to storm out with Kira. I collapsed slowly to the floor, staring at the blood on the eyebrow razor. My throat tightened before I burst into loud, wracking sobs.

Tears blurred my vision, and my emotional outburst sent fresh waves of pain through my swollen ankle. Yet the physical agony was nothing compared to the crushing weight in my chest. I still could hardly believe it. How had the gentle, caring Jeffrey transformed into this stranger? Had this been his true nature all along? Had I been fooled by his masterful performance these past years? I had loved him with every fiber of my being, yet his heart had always belonged to Kira. Fresh out of college, we’d been so poor we could barely make ends meet. We survived on bread and water, splurging on pizza only for birthdays. I remembered the modest cake he’d somehow managed to buy that day—small but meaningful. Jeffrey had carefully placed the candles, and despite my touched expression, he’d looked devastated, apologizing repeatedly. “I’m sorry, Raelyn, you deserve better than this. I’ll never forget your kindness. I promise to give you a better life.” As I looked at his youthful face then, my heart had overflowed with warmth. I’d smiled, nodded, and blown out the candles, making my wish. What was that wish again? Ah yes—that Jeffrey would keep his promise and love me forever. But things had changed. Now that we lived comfortably, his feelings had transformed. That man who once pledged eternal devotion with tears in his eyes was gone forever. I roughly wiped my tears away and began packing despite the pain. Only then did I realize how little I truly owned after all these years. Perhaps fate had never meant for this place to be my real home. Everything I possessed fit into a single suitcase. I left behind all the gifts and mementos from Jeffrey. They meant nothing to me now. Suitcase in hand, I took one last look at what had been our home before turning away without hesitation. I took a taxi to my parents’ house. Opening the door, I found only silence within. The setting sun cast golden-orange light through the windows, bathing the space in a warm glow. Dust motes danced in the air, and a fine layer of dust covered the furniture. Standing in the doorway, I could almost see Mom emerging from the kitchen, smiling, telling me to wash up for dinner. Just a bittersweet fantasy, of course. I closed the door, curled up on the floor, and hugged myself tightly. After a while, a muffled sob escaped. God, I missed them so much. As twilight faded to darkness, my phone suddenly rang. I lifted my head groggily, realizing it was now the middle of the night. It was Jeffrey. “Raelyn! Where the hell are you? What’s with all the water on the floor? Didn’t I tell you to clean that up?” His accusations and displeasure shattered the silence. I stared into the darkness, managing a bitter smile. How absurd. He’d come home this late, hadn’t even noticed my missing belongings or my departure, and his first concern was scolding me about the floor. After my prolonged silence, he continued, “Raelyn, how could I marry someone who tried to stab me with an eyebrow razor?” Hearing his callous words, I finally interrupted, my voice heavy with exhaustion, “Jeffrey, then don’t get married. Let’s break up.” Before he could respond, I hung up and blocked his number without a second thought. The moment I hung up and blocked Jeffrey, an unprecedented sense of lightness washed over me. All those attachments I’d thought would be impossible to face or let go suddenly dissolved in seconds.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296085”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

My fiancé, Nathaniel Reed, told me the company was facing financial difficulties and suggested we temporarily cancel our plans for the wedding house. He wanted me, Seraphina Calder, to continue living with him in a rental and for me to use my savings to help the company in an emergency. I agreed, but the next day, I saw his most beloved assistant, Madison Wells, post a photo of a property deed with both her and Nathaniel’s names on it. I paused for two seconds and then gave it a like. Madison, feeling guilty, broke down and cried. To comfort her, Nathaniel did something unprecedented. He called a company-wide meeting and insulted me, calling me petty. He demanded that I publicly apologize and compensate Madison for her emotional distress. The room fell silent. Everyone held their breath and stared at me, waiting for my response. I reluctantly set my chips down, raised my arm, and said, “Why are you just standing there? This joke is too good. Let’s all give a round of applause!” Before anyone could respond, my fiancé, Nathaniel, angrily grabbed the microphone and slammed it into my body. I couldn’t dodge in time and stumbled backward. The room gasped in shock. Madison hung her head, looking sad, but secretly enjoying my misfortune. I looked up at Nathaniel, only to find him frozen for a moment, with a brief flash of guilt in his eyes. But it quickly disappeared, and he returned to his usual self. “Seraphina, can you stop being so unreasonable? “This house is for Madison’s brother, Connor Wells, to use for school. He’ll return it in five years. What are you complaining about? “Why don’t you learn from Madison? She’s kind and strong. But you? All you do is act selfish and petty.”  Nathaniel’s voice was cold and filled with disdain. I looked around at the sympathetic or mocking gazes directed at me, and the initial embarrassment was long gone. All that was left was numbness. After all, this kind of absurd situation had happened so many times that I had grown used to it. Madison came from a poor family with a gambling father, a mother who favored boys over girls, and a five-year-old brother. Life was hard for her. In contrast, I came from a middle-class family and had been my parent’s precious daughter since I was little. My ten years with Nathaniel had been smooth sailing, with hardly any major setbacks. Nathaniel always said I hadn’t experienced hardship, that my character was nowhere near Madison’s. So, under the guise of toughening me up, he showered Madison with money and affection, compensating her for everything she lacked, while at the same time, he imposed the same pain Madison had endured onto me. Not long ago, he finally quieted down and, for the first time, even brought up the topic of our wedding. I thought he had finally realized his mistakes. But I didn’t expect him to make things worse. At this point, Madison, covering her face, began crying pitifully. “Seraphina, I really didn’t mean to upset you. “But I had no choice! The school said my brother can only attend if we have a house nearby. “Our family is struggling. I couldn’t finish college, and I don’t want my brother to go through the same thing. I’ll do anything to get him into a good school.”  Someone couldn’t help but speak up for me. “If he’s willing to study, he can still get into a good school somewhere else. Why does he have to take someone else’s house to go to this school?”  “Exactly, he’s your brother, not Seraphina’s!”  A few people agreed, and the room murmured in agreement. It was common sense that even everyone else understood, but Nathaniel seemed oblivious to it. His brow furrowed. He probably didn’t expect anyone to speak up for me. Before he could say anything, Madison, with a pitiful look, turned to me and said, “Seraphina, if you’re worried about losing out, I can let my brother call you sister. He’ll promise to repay you in the future. “If he doesn’t repay you, you can hit him or scold him however you like.”  She purposely glanced at Nathaniel. Nathaniel was very fond of Madison’s brother. Every time he went on a business trip, he would bring back gifts for him, and whenever he found something tasty, he’d make sure to bring back a portion for him. If the boy wanted toys, even if Nathaniel was overseas, he’d have someone buy them overnight. These were privileges I had never experienced. When I heard this, Nathaniel’s brow immediately knitted together, and he slammed the table, glaring at me. “Seraphina, is that all you think about? Your own interests? “Children are like flowers. It’s our responsibility to help them grow up healthy and happy. “Is it really shameful to use a little child like this?” After speaking, Nathaniel turned toward Madison. His tone suddenly softened, completely different from the tension he had when facing me. “Madison, don’t worry. I’ve made a decision. From now on, Seraphina will cover the cost of your child’s college tuition. “You don’t need to worry. I’ll transfer her bonus and half of her salary directly to your account.” Madison’s eyes instantly lit up, and she excitedly said, “Thank you, Mr. Reed.” “Don’t mention it. It’s only right,” Nathaniel responded casually. I couldn’t help but laugh in anger. A colleague who had a good relationship with me couldn’t hold back and said, “This is ridiculous. First of all, Seraphina should be able to manage her own salary. And why should anyone else handle Madison’s personal matters? “If we go by the logic that the weaker party is always right, should we be expected to save up and pay it off for those who owe money for some reason?” Everyone chimed in with their opinions. Soon, the room fell into complete silence. Everyone saw Nathaniel’s face grow darker, but he didn’t speak. This was a clear sign he was about to lose his temper. After three seconds of silence, Nathaniel kicked the table in front of him over. I was closest and nearly got hit. But Nathaniel ignored it and stormed angrily. “I never imagined there were so many selfish people in this company, but don’t forget, our company’s core values are harmony and friendship! “I’ve already made my decision. From now on, anyone who makes comments like ‘it’s none of my business’ will be kicked out of the company!” No one dared to say a word. Nathaniel stormed off, and Madison quickly followed him out. My colleagues looked at me with sympathy but didn’t know how to comfort me. In the end, they patted me on the back and offered a few half-hearted words of consolation. Everyone gradually left. Soon after, I heard Madison’s sweet voice from outside the door. “Mr. Reed, I know you’re doing this for me, but please don’t be so harsh on Seraphina. What if she gets so mad she decides to quit?” Nathaniel sneered. “She won’t. The company is doing so well now. She wouldn’t want to leave. And even if she did, you’d still be here, wouldn’t you? You’re way better than her now.” The two of them laughed. Their voices were grating. I had left my parents’ arranged plans to move far away and help Nathaniel start his business, raise investments, and endure the kind of cold stares I’d never seen before in my life. I stayed up late working on projects, my dark circles deepening, and built the company from just the two of us to a hundred people. Not only did Nathaniel never thank me, but he also made an exception and brought Madison, who had no qualifications, into the company. Even though I didn’t understand, I still seriously taught her and helped her fix many major mistakes in her work. Right now, one of them was trying to steal my credit and leech off me. The other just turned a blind eye, only looking for ways to manipulate me. I let out a bitter laugh at myself. At the same time, my phone vibrated. I opened it to find this month’s salary. As mentioned in the meeting earlier, all the bonuses and half of my salary were deducted. I no longer endured in silence like I used to, holding onto the hope that he would eventually wake up and realize his mistakes. This time, I took out my phone and directly dialed the police. Chapter 2  The police arrived quickly, and they were at the company within ten minutes. Nathaniel didn’t expect me to actually call the police. He stood there, stunned, for a long while, trying to process what just happened. When he finally reacted, he glared at me in anger, accusing me of being heartless and unreasonable. “You’re calling the police over a little bit of money? Is this how much you value such a small amount of cash?” I didn’t respond. Seeing my silence, Nathaniel thought I was reflecting, just like I had done in the past. His face softened a little, and he calmly told the police that I had voluntarily given money to Madison’s brother for tuition. The police asked me to confirm. I replied seriously, “I never said that and never agreed to it.” Nathaniel furrowed his brows. “Seraphina, why have you become so selfish now? I warn you, if you keep causing trouble, don’t stay here. Go back home and play the role of the young heiress.” He dared to threaten me, knowing full well that I couldn’t bear to leave him. We had been together for ten years. In the past, I let him be overbearing. He had done worse things than this, but I always thought that men needed to grow and needed care, that eventually, they would mature and take responsibility. But now I understood he and I would never reach the day we’d get married. I shook my head, still insisting that I had never agreed. Nathaniel’s face darkened, and he finally told the police that we were a couple and that my salary was his to control. The police immediately reprimanded him, ordering him to follow the contract and pay the missing salary and bonuses, or face a lawsuit. Knowing he was in the wrong, Nathaniel had no choice but to instruct the finance department to reissue my salary. After the police left, he looked at me helplessly. “Seraphina, how have you become so stingy? “I’m your fiancé, and everything I do is for your own good. When you have money, you buy favors and build connections. Isn’t that the basic principle? “You’re my fiancée, and once we get married, everything I have will be yours. The connections I’ve built will be yours, too, in the future.” I looked at his earnest expression, and perhaps I would have believed him in the past. But last year, during Christmas, one of our long-time partners was short on cash and urgently needed funds. I offered to help, but Nathaniel outright refused. His reason was that the company was facing a financial crunch. But later, I found out that the company actually had plenty of liquid assets at that time. He refused to help simply because Madison had been upset over a project handover, where the other party’s tone had been a little harsh, making Madison unhappy. Nathaniel refused to help just to get back at Madison. I snorted and asked him, “What kind of connections does Madison have, and didn’t you just say yesterday that we’re facing financial difficulties?” Caught off guard, Nathaniel fell silent. He awkwardly cleared his throat. “Madison’s abilities are actually quite impressive…” I didn’t want to listen to his excuses anymore, so I calmly interrupted him. “I don’t think so. In fact, I think she’s useless and want to fire her. “Now, either she leaves the company, or you return the money for our wedding house, every penny, back to my account. The choice is yours.” Nathaniel stared at me in disbelief, perhaps not expecting me to speak to him like this. He was angry. “Why are you so petty? Are you jealous of Madison?” I couldn’t help but laugh in frustration. “Jealous of her? Jealous of her being incompetent? Jealous of her stealing credit?” “You…” Nathaniel’s face turned pale, and he pointed at me. “Seraphina, I think you’re just making trouble for no reason! “Just take a taxi home today. Calm down and think about it on your own.” With that, he turned and walked away. This was always how he started a cold war with me. In the past, I would’ve rushed to apologize, swallowed my pride, and admitted I was wrong. But now, I felt calm inside. I didn’t care at all. What he didn’t know was that I no longer wanted to marry him and didn’t care about anything he did. I drafted a resignation letter, planning to have him sign it, but I still hadn’t seen him by the time work ended. It wasn’t until the evening that Madison posted something on Instagram. [Money and everything else in this world is a false proposition. Only love is the true proposition.] The picture was taken in a bar, showing her and Nathaniel sitting closely together, with the lighting being poor, but it looked like Nathaniel was holding her. Within a minute, Nathaniel liked the post. Then he commented: [A thousand cups are never enough when drinking with a true friend.] He added a facepalm emoji. I knew he was doing this on purpose. Every time, he would use this kind of tactic to make me jealous. When I got angry and rushed over, he would turn it around and accuse me of being petty and overthinking. But the real question was, was I overthinking, or were they not as innocent as they seemed? I didn’t know, and honestly, I didn’t want to know anymore. When I got back to the apartment Nathaniel and I rented, I knew I should leave immediately. But after everything that had happened today, I felt drained. It was getting late, and I didn’t want to look for a hotel. I quickly packed up a few things, and before long, I fell asleep. When I woke up again, Nathaniel had just returned from outside. I checked the time. It was 2 a.m., still early. In the past, he often didn’t return until 3 or 4 a.m. after social events. I would worry and stay up, waiting on the couch for him to contact me so I could go pick him up. “I called you so many times. Why didn’t you pick up?” Nathaniel tugged at his tie in frustration as soon as he saw me and angrily demanded an explanation. I noticed then that there were two missed calls from him on my phone. “I was asleep. I didn’t hear it,” I replied calmly. “You were asleep?” Nathaniel frowned. I nodded. “Yeah.” “Seraphina, you know I can’t drive after drinking, and you still managed to sleep? Don’t you worry that something could happen to me on the road?” He looked at me in disbelief. I remained calm. “If you were worried, you could’ve called a cab. “I’m not your personal driver, and you’re not paying me like one.” I answered him with his own words from the past. Nathaniel’s anger flared. “Seraphina, why are you so obsessed with money? If I’d known you were like this, I wouldn’t have come back tonight.” With that, he grabbed his coat and turned to leave. “Wait.” Nathaniel seemed to have guessed I would stop him, and he looked at me smugly. “What now?” I pulled the resignation letter from the table. “Sign this.” Chapter 3 Nathaniel’s brows furrowed as he looked at me with suspicion. “What’s this?” “You’ll know once you open it.” Nathaniel thought for a moment, then showed a smug smile. “A gift for me? “Seraphina, don’t think that by making me angry and buying me some gifts, you can make me forgive you. “What I want is your attitude toward me and our relationship.” He raised an eyebrow, and his tone returned to its usual condescending manner. It took me a moment to realize what he meant. When we had fought the worst before, I had secretly bought him his favorite car and registered it in his name just to make him happy. So he thought that this time, I was just trying to appease him again. I scoffed inwardly and was about to tell him, but then a knock came from the door, followed by Madison’s gentle voice. “Mr. Reed, are you asleep?” Nathaniel’s eyes lit up. He was anxious and didn’t even look at me, quickly signing my resignation letter. “Don’t think you can just buy me something to win me over. Whether I forgive you or not will depend on how you act later.” He said this in a rush and quickly got up to open the door. Seeing how eager he was, I found it amusing. I tucked the resignation letter away and went back to my room. When I came out again, I saw that it wasn’t just Madison but also her brother, Connor. As usual, Connor ate snacks without manners, leaving a mess of wrappers and juice stains all over the carpet. Madison apologized awkwardly, but Nathaniel generously said it was fine and that it could be cleaned up later. But he never cleaned up himself. Every time, I was the one who silently cleaned the whole room without complaint. When I later complained, he would always tell me I was being petty and then drive off in frustration. Now, I pretended not to notice. “Seraphina, I’m sorry. Connor needs to wake up early tomorrow for an entrance exam. “The house over there isn’t ready yet, but this place is close, and there’s an empty guest room, so I was hoping to have Connor stay here for the night. It shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Madison asked, knowing full well the answer. Her words weren’t a request but more of a notification. But Nathaniel seemed not to notice. He shot me a warning glance as if afraid I’d refuse. I smiled lightly. “It’s fine.” After all, I was only staying here for the night. Perhaps he didn’t expect me to be so agreeable. Nathaniel paused for a moment, then looked at me with a complex expression, unsure whether he was pleased or not. I ignored him and turned to go back to my room to rest. Outside, I could hear laughter and excited shouts from the child. Ten minutes later, Nathaniel knocked on my door. “Seraphina, I know you’re awake. Open the door, let’s talk.” I glanced at the time. “Rest, it’s getting late.” Nathaniel then spoke through the door, “You did well today. You’re being sensible, and I like it. Let’s put today behind us. Once this time passes, we’ll talk about the wedding.” I couldn’t help but laugh. I knew he was trying to make amends. This was usually a sign that our cold war was ending. But this time, it seemed he hadn’t realized that I no longer intended to marry him. The next morning, I was awakened by the lively laughter outside my door. Stepping out, I saw Madison and Nathaniel sitting at the dining table, eating breakfast together like a happy family of three. Madison passed her milk to Nathaniel. “Try this. It’s not sweet at all.” Nathaniel took it and sipped through the straw, and their seamless understanding seemed like it wasn’t the first time. Yet, I remembered at last year’s company party, he accidentally used my fork and grimaced, complaining that he could taste my saliva and found it disgusting. Back then, I was considerate of his germophobia, but now it seemed that only Madison’s saliva wasn’t disgusting in his eyes. At that moment, Madison saw me and smiled, “Seraphina, you’re awake. “Sorry, I didn’t know when you’d be up, so I didn’t get your breakfast.” Nathaniel covered for her. “It’s fine. She’s on a diet. She skips breakfast. “By the way, Seraphina, why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be at work by now?” Nathaniel frowned at me, scrutinizing me. He allowed Madison to go to the company anytime for her brother. But I would lose half a day’s salary if I was even a second late. I ignored him, pulling out my suitcase that was already packed. “What are you doing with a suitcase?” Nathaniel furrowed his brows. “I don’t recall any business trips scheduled for your department.” Just as I was about to speak, Madison intervened with a pretense of hurt, “Is it because we’re staying here that Seraphina is angry and wants to leave?” As usual, without waiting for my explanation, Nathaniel believed Madison’s words. His expression immediately darkened. “Seraphina, I thought you had grown wiser, but you’re still being unreasonable. “I order you to come back to the office immediately, or it’ll count as a severe tardiness! “Three instances of severe tardiness could get you fired.” Madison hypocritically tried to persuade me while her brother clapped his hands rhythmically, chanting, “Fire her! Fire her!” “See? Even the kid knows…” Nathaniel was about to lecture me again, but I said quietly. “Don’t bother. I’ve already resigned. “And Nathaniel, let’s break up as well.” Chapter 4 “What did you say?” Nathaniel’s eyes widened as he stared at me. “You want to break up with me?” We had been together for ten years, and even when he bullied and humiliated me the most, I never once mentioned the word breakup.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296084”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

At the annual party, just as my husband was about to announce our relationship, his intern deliberately put up the wrong photos. Instead of our wedding pictures, the screen flashed sweet, intimate shots of him and the intern. I stayed quiet for a moment, then casually stepped aside, giving them the spotlight. I even raised my glass and offered a toast, wishing them a lifetime of happiness. But the intern shattered her glass, her eyes brimming with tears. “Ms. Ashford, you know I’m allergic to alcohol, yet you still pushed me to drink. Are you really wishing me well, or trying to hurt me?” That night, my husband called an emergency meeting. I thought he would have my back, but instead, he tore into me, accusing me of bullying the new hire, questioning my character, and threatening to take away my year-end bonus and commission to make it up to her. The room fell silent, and everyone stared at me. I just smiled calmly and said, “Wow, with a sense of humor like that, it’s a shame you’re not on stage.”

The moment I finished speaking, Callum Huxley’s expression darkened. Without warning, he grabbed a pen from the table and threw it at me. I didn’t move quickly enough, and the sharp tip grazed my right cheek, leaving a long, painful cut. Gasps filled the room. Elowen Marlowe, the intern, looked at me with concern, though a hint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes. I endured the pain, lifting my gaze to Callum, but he simply glanced at me before turning his attention elsewhere. His voice was cold, his words cutting. “Sylvie, you’ve been making trouble for the new hire. Take this as a lesson and don’t do it again.” I almost laughed. He had a real talent for twisting things around. Earlier, when he called the emergency meeting, I’d held on to a small hope that he would defend me. Instead, it was clear this meeting was only to pacify Elowen. Callum’s words hung in the air, and soon, I felt eyes on me, sympathy from some, judgment from others. One of my colleagues, someone who had always been supportive, spoke up, “Mr. Huxley, Elowen doesn’t even have an alcohol allergy. At the last department gathering, she drank more than anyone else…” Before she could finish, Callum slammed his hand on the table, cutting her off. He turned to look at me, his expression cold and unwavering. “Ellie isn’t lying. You’ve been targeting her, rallying people against her. Anyone who defends Sylvie can forget about their bonus.” The room went silent. Elowen, ever the actress, managed a small, knowing smile before speaking, her voice sweet and innocent. “Callum, don’t blame Sylvie. I’m sure she’s just upset because you gave me her project. If I had known it would upset her this much, I wouldn’t have taken it. Sylvie, if you feel that strongly about it, I’ll give it back to you. And as for my mother’s medical bill, I’ll find a way to handle it.” I felt a pang of frustration. Not long ago, Callum had taken pity on Elowen, thinking her struggles in the city alone were too much to bear. He’d handed over a project I had already put most of the work into, leaving her to finish what was easy. I’d objected, but he called me heartless. “Ellie has a sick mother and needs support. Can’t you be a little more understanding? And besides, you’re the one who hired her. You should be looking out for her.” It was settled, and though I’d been reluctant, I’d eventually given in to avoid further conflict. Now, here was Elowen, pretending to offer the project back with a smile, but it was obvious she had no intention of following through. And Callum, as always, bought into it. He fixed me with an icy gaze, his voice sharp as he spoke, “It’s just a few projects. Do you really have to be this petty? How can someone so selfish even work here? You’re more than capable. Why make a big deal out of it? You don’t need these projects, but for Ellie, they’re her mother’s medical bills. Can’t you show some compassion?” I couldn’t help but feel the sting of his words. “I’m capable, yes. But that doesn’t mean you can just use me however you like. Elowen’s problems aren’t mine to solve. Why should I be the one to pay for them?” At my words, Callum’s brow furrowed, and his tone turned icy. “Sylvie, after all this time, is money all you care about? When did you become so… cold? So ruthless?” I stared at him, the words feeling like they came from a stranger. He used to say my practicality was charming, and that I had the instincts of an entrepreneur. Now, apparently, that very trait was something he despised. It was funny, in a way. When love fades, even your strengths turn into weaknesses. When I stayed quiet, Callum assumed I was agreeing with him. He raised an eyebrow and spoke down to me with that same familiar superiority. “So, you’ve accepted it, huh? Realizing you were wrong? Don’t bring up the project again. This was your fault from the start. Apologize to Ellie, write an apology, and get her to sign off on it. Then we’re done with it.” One of my colleagues, someone I’d always gotten along with, gently tugged at my sleeve and whispered, “Sylvie, just do what Mr. Huxley says. You don’t need to throw away your future over this.” I let out a dry laugh. The whole office thought Callum and Elowen were a couple, but they had no idea that the man constantly giving me grief was my husband of six years, the one I had secretly married. Over the years, Callum had used the company’s growth as an excuse, never wanting to go public about us. I had hoped that the annual meeting would finally bring that moment, but Elowen ruined it. I’d always been good to her. When she couldn’t find a job, I hired her, trained her, and helped her when she needed it. And this was how she repaid me… a backstabber. As I wasn’t responding, Elowen’s eyes started to well up. “Sylvie, why aren’t you saying anything? You really do hate me, don’t you? Fine, I’ll just quit. If I’m such a bother, I’ll leave.” She wiped her tears, sniffling as she turned to walk away. “And for my mom’s medical bills, I’ll just sell my kidney or something…” Callum quickly grabbed her, and before I could react, he slapped me across the face. “Sylvie, are you done yet? Is it not enough to drive Elowen to the edge? Is that what you want?” The sting from the slap was sharp, and the cut on my face that had barely healed was reopened, blood starting to seep through. I held my cheek, glaring at Callum. For years, I’d helped him build this company from scratch. To get investors, I waited outside their offices in a snowstorm, standing out there all night, only to end up with a fever for a week. Back then, Callum had been full of concern, promising that when he made it big, he’d never forget me. Now that he was successful, he was using that power to control me. Callum saw the look in my eyes and, without a hint of remorse, spoke coldly, “What are you staring at? Sylvie, listen carefully. If you keep pushing Ellie, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’ll fire you.” I chuckled bitterly. Callum thought I was giving in, and his tone softened. “Alright, apologize to Ellie, and I’ll let it go. We won’t make a big deal out of it.” If this had happened a few years ago, I would have swallowed my pride, and apologized even though I knew it wasn’t right. But not now. I laughed coldly, then slapped him right back across the face. “This one’s for you. As for firing me? I don’t need you to do that. I’ll quit right now.”

“What? You’re quitting?” Callum stood motionless, his gaze hardening, a flicker of irritation passing through his eyes as if he’d forgotten about the slap I’d just delivered. Elowen’s smile stretched wider, but her tone was dripping with insincerity. “Sylvie, don’t take what Callum said to heart. He was just angry. You’re not getting any younger, and with how tough the job market is, if you quit, you won’t find another job like this. I don’t mean to be blunt, but you can’t throw away your future like this.” Her words seemed to strike a nerve, and Callum’s expression hardened, his jaw tightening as if he was trying to keep his frustration in check. “Sylvie, are you really going to make this harder than it needs to be?” I remained composed, my gaze unshaken. “I’m not making things difficult. I’m just being clear. Since I’ve already made my decision, could you return the bonuses and commissions you withheld? If not, I’ll have no choice but to pursue legal action. And about the injury on my face, let’s settle the medical expenses.” Callum’s features twisted with frustration, his eyes narrowing as his patience wore thin. “Sylvie!” I didn’t waste another moment on him. I pulled out my phone, preparing to contact a lawyer. When Callum saw I was serious, he reluctantly transferred the money, his lips curling into a sneer as he did so. His voice, however, still carried the weight of condescension. “Sylvie, how did you become like this? I’m truly disappointed.” In the past, a remark like that would have made me second-guess everything, wondering if I had done something wrong. I would have apologized, begging for forgiveness, and trying to make things right. But now I didn’t care anymore. The money was in my account, and as for Callum, his opinion no longer mattered to me. My feelings for him had long since faded. Callum, still expecting an apology that never came, shot me a look of disbelief, his brows furrowing as he stared at me in frustration. “Sylvie, you’re hopeless!” He stormed off, dragging Elowen behind him, his anger radiating in every step. Once they were far enough away, I contacted HR and submitted my resignation. They approved it online but informed me I needed a physical resignation letter signed by Callum. I printed out the letter, knowing I’d need to get his signature when the opportunity arose. After everything was set, I took a cab home. This time, my decision was final. I was done with Callum. I immediately called my parents and told them everything that had happened. “Mom, Dad, I can’t stay with Callum anymore. I’m moving back home.” They didn’t scold me. Instead, their voices were full of concern and understanding. “Of course, we support you. Your mom and I will be waiting for you.” Their warmth brought a surge of relief, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly at peace. From the start, my parents had warned me about Callum, but I had been too stubborn to listen. Now, I knew they had been right all along. It wasn’t too late to change. I would no longer live for him. From now on, I would live for myself. After hanging up, I quickly bought a ticket to return home. Callum and I had been married for years, but we never officially registered our marriage. Thank goodness we hadn’t, or leaving wouldn’t have been so simple. This time, it was I who turned the page, choosing to close the chapter on him once and for all.

When I arrived home, I quickly packed my things. I had lived here for six years, yet the majority of what I owned could be tucked into a single suitcase. Most of the belongings in the house were Callum’s. He often spoke about how all his money went into the company, leaving us struggling. Over the years, I had cut back on my own needs to buy him expensive gifts, while my clothes, worn and faded, remained long past their prime. Once my things were packed, I couldn’t bring myself to leave the wedding photo hanging on the wall. I took it down and discarded it, along with the trash. After disposing of the trash, I didn’t head home immediately. I made a stop at a jewelry store, planning to sell the ring Callum had given me when he proposed. It felt like the right way to close the chapter on everything we had shared. The saleswoman looked at me with surprise as I handed over the ring. “Are you sure you want to sell it?” This was the ring Callum had saved for two years to buy. He had promised me that once he was more stable, he would replace it with a bigger, more beautiful one. But those promises never materialized. Over the years, I had watched him buy luxury items for others, while I was left with nothing. With a deep breath, I removed the ring and nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.” Just as the associate took the ring, I heard a familiar voice. “Callum, you’ve been so good to me and my mom.” Looking up, I saw Elowen, Callum, and her mother. Callum was busy picking out jewelry for them, his eyes lighting up every time they expressed interest in something. Without hesitation, he had the store pack it all up. The sight made something inside me tighten. I remembered when the company went public, and I had asked Callum for a new ring. He dismissed me, saying I was being materialistic and that we didn’t have the money for it. He promised me he’d buy jewelry for me once the company was stable. But after six years, that promise had never been kept. He had always been stingy with me, yet here he was, freely spending on Elowen and her mother. The realization hit me hard. Money followed love. That much was painfully clear now. And then I watched him allow Elowen’s mother, whose hands were covered in sweat, to touch him without a second thought. My mind drifted to the time my mother came to visit. After spending hours in the kitchen, tired and sweaty, she had asked Callum to pass her a plate. He had looked at her as though she were beneath him, then washed his hands several times as if she had dirtied them. I was snapped from my thoughts by Elowen’s voice, dripping with sarcasm. “Wow, what a coincidence, Sylvie. I didn’t think we’d run into you here. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were following us.” Callum, as usual, took the bait. His gaze hardened, and he glared at me. “Sylvie, what’s your deal now? Are you really stalking us?” I kept my tone calm, my words measured. “I’m not stalking anyone. I’m here to sell jewelry.” He shot me a quick, dismissive glance, not even noticing the ring was gone. Clearly, his attention was elsewhere. “Well, since you’re here, you might as well sign this,” I said, pulling out my resignation letter and pen. He barely looked at the document before signing it, then pulled me aside. “You’re not fooling anyone,” he muttered. “Let me guess. This is your way of making up for everything, right? A gift to win me back? What is it this time? A house? A car?” I realized then that every time we had a falling out, I had always given him something, hoping it would fix things. This time, Callum would be disappointed. What he had just signed wasn’t a gift. It was my resignation letter.

Before I could speak, Elowen’s mom, Sarah Marlowe, moved between us, studying me with a discerning eye. “Who is this?” Elowen immediately jumped in, a smirk on her face. “She’s just someone who runs errands for Callum. She even delivered documents for him earlier.” I could see the disdain flicker in Sarah’s eyes as she looked me over. Her judgment was clear, and yet, Callum said nothing. He stood by, detached, letting them humiliate me without a word of protest. He tugged at my sleeve, lowering his voice. “Elowen’s mom has a weak heart. I promised Elowen I’d play along and act like her boyfriend in front of her. Don’t ruin this for her.” In the past, I would have reacted, raised my voice, argued, or demanded respect. But today, I wasn’t going to waste my energy. I was leaving soon, after all. Just then, Callum’s phone rang. It was his assistant, informing him of a critical meeting that required his immediate attention. He was about to respond, but Elowen grabbed his hand, her tone laced with innocence. “Callum, you promised you’d spend the day with my mom shopping…” I expected Callum to refuse. After all, he’d always placed business first. I recalled a time when I asked him to pick up my mom from the station, and he refused, claiming work was more important. I had to rush back myself. But surprisingly, Callum nodded without hesitation. “Don’t worry. I always keep my promises.” He turned to me, a small, almost condescending smile playing on his lips. “Sylvie, if you cover the meeting for me, I might make it up to you by celebrating our sixth anniversary.” His words hit like a punch to the gut. I remembered our sixth anniversary all too well. He had promised to meet me after work, but I had waited for hours, only to discover he was with Elowen, celebrating her birthday. That incident had led to weeks of silence between us, a wound that never quite healed. The idea that he would now offer to make it up to me felt hollow. Had he made this offer a year ago, I might have eagerly accepted. But now, all I could feel was indifference. “I’m sorry,” I replied, my voice even. “I have other things to do.” Elowen, seizing the moment, spoke up with mock sweetness, “Sylvie, it’s already after hours. What could you possibly have to do? Don’t tell me you just don’t like us. If that’s the case, we’ll leave right away, no trouble.” The tension in the air was palpable. Sarah, sensing something was off, started to show signs of distress. “Wait a second. Didn’t you say she was just running errands for you? Elowen, are you hiding something from me? Are you and Callum really a couple, or is this all a lie?” Callum quickly turned to comfort Sarah, then pulled me aside, his face hardening. “Sylvie, I’ve told you a hundred times. Ellie’s mom can’t handle any stress. Why do you keep pushing it? I thought you were being more understanding, but you’re still being completely unreasonable.” I gave a calm, measured response. “I really do have things to take care of. I need to go home and grab my stuff, and I’ve got a bus to catch…” Callum’s expression grew darker. “So now you’re using leaving as some kind of threat? I’ve been way too soft on you. I promised Ellie and her mom I’d spend the day with them. You have to go in my place, or don’t blame me if I fire you without a second thought.” His strictness had always been the same, even when I was sick and needed time off. But when it came to Elowen, he’d bend over backwards. A single sneeze from her, and he’d give her a week of paid leave without question. He thought I would fold like I always had, but this time, I remained calm, pulling out the resignation letter he had signed earlier and handing it to him. “Callum, even if you’re the CEO, you don’t have the right to order me around. Because just now, you did sign my resignation.” He looked at the letter in shock, finally realizing what he’d just signed. His face went cold. “Are you serious? Is it because I spent time with Ellie and her mom? Or because I spoke up at the meeting? Or maybe because I let Elowen take your spotlight?” He knew exactly where my frustrations lay but chose to feign ignorance. I didn’t have the energy to argue any longer and started to walk away. But as I moved, the store clerk accidentally knocked my ring off the counter, sending it rolling toward Callum. “This is?” Callum bent down, picked it up, and when he saw the familiar engraving and our initials on it, he froze, staring at it. “Sylvie, this is the wedding ring I gave you, isn’t it? You… you sold it?” Before I could respond, my phone rang. I picked it up, but my finger slipped, hitting the speakerphone button instead. My mom’s voice immediately came through the speaker. “Sweetheart, when will you be here? Your dad and I are already on our way to pick you up.” Callum’s expression shifted, panic flashing in his eyes for the briefest moment before it was quickly replaced with a colder, more controlled look. “So this is your plan? Going back home? Sylvie, if you keep acting like this, there’s no way I’m making an official announcement with you.” Every time he wanted something from me, he used the threat of the official announcement to control me. In the past, I had longed for it, always giving in. But now, with my decision made, I no longer cared. I gave a small, almost imperceptible smile, and with a calm voice, I said, “Then we don’t need an official announcement. After all, we never even got the marriage certificate. We were never really a married couple.” “You’re being ridiculous. We’ve been married for six years. How could we not have a marriage certificate? Sylvie, enough with this childish behavior.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296083”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

According to the nurse, my mom didn’t even know she was pregnant when she gave birth to me. She only knew that she had gained a lot of weight. It wasn’t until the day she was notified of bankruptcy, when all her bank cards were frozen, that she realized she only had $2,000 left. That was the New Year’s money her distant relatives had given her when she was young. She had thought it was too little and never touched it. Looking at the remaining $2,000, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her stomach and was rushed to the hospital. Then she gave birth to me. Even during labor, mom insisted on staying in a VIP room, saying she didn’t want to go to the regular delivery room. As a result, her balance lost a zero, becoming just $200. I came very suddenly. When mom first saw me, she acted like an idiot. She was too surprised. She had never thought about having a child. Even when she loved dad the most, she never thought about it. Because she needed a lot of love, and only dad could give her that love, which could only be given to her alone. They had made a vow when they were very young. “Connor’s love can only be given to Vivian alone.” When they first grew up, things were indeed like that. Dad’s love was only given to her. Eighteen-year-old Connor told her, “I like you, only you.” He fulfilled the vow he made as a child, and everyone knew that Connor belonged to Vivian. Whenever mom controlled dad, those who knew them would always tease: “The young lady sure is possessive.” For eighteen-year-old Connor, under her possessiveness, what he felt was sweetness. Like a green apple lollipop, slowly melting in his heart. He would blush and say goodbye to these friends, then turn around and run towards his happiness. But for twenty-four-year-old Connor, faced with her possessiveness, what he felt was oppression. Like a dipping sauce with an unbalanced sweet and sour taste, he couldn’t spit it out, and holding it in his mouth only left endless suffering. Friends mocked him for being henpecked. Whenever he heard the urgent ringing of his phone, his heart would sink. If suppressed emotions can’t find an outlet, then the heart will open a window in another direction. So he chose to stray, falling for another woman. He knew he was wronging Vivian, so he kept it a secret. At first, the scale still had some weight due to guilt, but the joy of straying gradually increased, tipping the scale to the other side. When all the lies fell apart, they had a very messy fight. The two hurled insults at each other, tearing and pulling, making their home unlike a home. In the end, they vowed never to see each other again. They got divorced last month. As the villainous supporting character, mom was extremely paranoid. Once dad showed any sign of not loving her as much, she would become suspicious. Three fixed phone calls every day. The clothes on his body must be chosen by mom. He must return home before 7 pm every night. Even though she guarded him so strictly every day, dad still slipped away like a handful of sand, blown into another woman’s arms by the wind. First, it was the chestnut-colored hair on his coat, then the unfamiliar perfume emanating from his collar. At the beginning of their arguments, mom confronted him directly: “You smell awful.” It was a very cheap scent, so sweet it made her dizzy. To cover up his guilt, my dad took off his coat and pretended not to care, saying “I just went to the mall, must have accidentally brushed against something.” Later, it was an unknown woman’s accessory, a scarf that the housekeeper found in dad’s pocket. The housekeeper asked about it, and mom discovered it didn’t belong to her. Then came the deliberate turning of his back when sleeping. The wandering eyes during hugs. Mom couldn’t ignore these changes. So, she hired some private detectives to investigate dad’s whereabouts. When those photos were sent over, mom could hardly believe it. He was cheating with the person she hated the most. Perhaps it was the innate intuition of a villainous supporting character. The first time she saw this person, she despised her from the bottom of her heart. That person had a face completely opposite to hers. And in these photos, the man who was a good husband in others’ eyes, the person who once loved her the most, Was openly holding hands and embracing this person during his work hours. The two seemed as familiar as if they had been together for many years. Just a year ago, dad had still been gossiping with her about this person late at night. They both agreed that this person was a manipulative girl. Now, dramatically, this person had become her husband’s lover. She had become the third party in their marriage. To save her marriage, mom tried to talk to her. But she refused. The second time, mom deliberately went to the company to confront her. After waiting for a long time, she finally came down, but arm in arm with mom’s husband. When dad saw mom, he immediately shielded the woman behind him. This scene made mom laugh. She said, “Connor, aren’t you going to give me an explanation?” Dad didn’t respond to mom’s words, instead turning to say a few words to the girl, telling her to leave first. After coaxing the girl away, dad tried to come over and hold mom’s hand. He didn’t try to deny or defend himself for changing his heart, but kept saying sorry, sorry. He slapped himself while speaking. Then he knelt down, begging her not to divorce him. Mom was silent for a long time, then turned and went into the room. Just when he thought mom would choose to divorce him first thing in the morning, Unexpectedly, mom forgave him. She said, we don’t have to divorce, but you have to promise me to cut off contact with that girl. Subsequently, the situation completely reversed, with the girl coming to confront mom instead. Mom rejected her several times, and finally, she came to our house to confront dad. Seeing his lover in such a sorry state, dad held back his heartache. He left with her. A month later, he finally returned home. The sky was gloomy and it was raining heavily when Connor pushed open the door, his body damp with moisture. Just as she thought her cheating husband had finally realized her worth and was willing to come home, She was slapped in the face with a stack of photos, the sharp edges cutting her face. It was then that she woke up as if from a dream, realizing this person hadn’t come to reconcile, but to confront her. “Vivian, you’re getting more and more disgusting.” “Now when I see your face, I feel sick. How can you be so vicious?” “You knew how important this banquet was to Lily, yet you still had people ostracize her. Do you know how many nights she stayed up for this banquet?” “Are you even human? How can you be so intolerant of others’ success?” Mom was stunned. She never thought that the man who had shared her pillow for many years would lose his temper so badly over an outsider. In an instant, her grievances burst forth. “Yes, I just can’t stand to see her doing well.” “Why should a homewrecker like her get to live better and better?” “Why don’t you ask about me? How many nights have I cried for you? How many nights have I stayed up for your career?” “What right does she have? Tell me, what right does she have?” She almost screamed hoarsely, then, like a deflated balloon, she hunched over, pulling at her hair and breaking down in tears. The cold rainwater on his body dripped straight down her collar. Extinguishing all the passion in her. Connor just coldly watched her. He thought, this scene is so familiar. In the past, when she cried like this, he would still feel heartache. Now he suddenly realized that all he wanted was to escape from here. So he said, “Let’s get divorced.” Mom’s mind went blank, and she slapped him hard on the left cheek. Connor was stunned by the slap. “Divorce, how dare you say that.” “Isn’t it all your fault that we’ve come to this?” “I just don’t understand, when all couples encounter problems, they choose to solve the problems.” “But you, you chose to solve me! You chose to cheat!” My dad couldn’t take it anymore. They had rarely yielded to each other since childhood. So he pushed her in front of the mirror. “What about you?” “Have you ever looked at yourself?” They both looked at the woman in the mirror. Her hair was disheveled, there was a long scratch on her cheek, her eyes were red and lifeless. The sadness and anger on her face hadn’t had time to disappear. She looked at herself in a daze. Remembering when they got married, the first time they looked in this mirror, they were both smiling. But now one face was full of disgust, the other full of anger. She suddenly felt that it was pointless to dwell on whether to divorce or not. There was no love left, and she didn’t lack people to spend her days with. When the two were signing the divorce agreement, mom looked at the signed agreement over and over again. The person next to her asked if there was any problem. She said, “After so many years, we should say a proper goodbye.” Then she picked up these papers, stood up exhaustedly and said, “I hope we never meet again.” Unexpectedly, a month later, the Vivian family went bankrupt. Mom found out when she was preparing to move. The house was jointly owned by the two, but there was no reason to live there anymore. She drove back home, where only an empty house remained. She had never thought that in such a situation, she could still have a child. She had lost everything, but gained a child. This child was like a fast-forward button, instantly splitting her life. Although everything was very sudden, she still accepted me, this change. Then she found that she couldn’t even take care of her own food, clothing, housing, and transportation, let alone a child. She didn’t know that taking a taxi from her home to the hospital cost twelve dollars. She didn’t know that the food she used to eat was so expensive, that she couldn’t even afford a fraction of a casual meal now. She was forced to learn how to take care of herself. She was also forced to learn how to take care of me. She had never thought about having children, but she seemed to like me very much, always holding me, gently nuzzling my little face, holding my little hand. Speaking to me softly. When the nurse was taking care of me, she would watch from the side, clumsily learning. All the mindless novels on her phone were deleted, replaced by parenting guides. But she often fell asleep while reading them. I really liked to stare at mom’s sleeping face. When mom was asleep, she was like the roses blooming outside the window, swaying gently in the wind, quiet and beautiful. Whenever I fell asleep, mom would also gently pat me. She quietly asked the nurse what kind of formula was suitable for a small baby like me. The nurse also said quietly, you can try xx formula, your baby is thin and small, not well-nourished in the womb. Mom looked at the expensive price and at me blowing bubbles in the cradle, feeling conflicted. In the end, she gritted her teeth and stocked up a box. After buying it, her balance lost another zero, becoming just $20. Although I was well taken care of in the hospital. I was always very sleepy, and chest tightness was a common issue. Mom didn’t notice my abnormality, saying I was a little pearl, sleeping twenty-four hours a day. The nurse did a full body check-up for me. The doctor said it was congenital heart disease, and I might not live to adulthood. For the first few days after the diagnosis, mom cried while holding me. She hadn’t finished her postpartum confinement yet, and the doctor advised her to cry less, and asked who the child’s father was. Mom cried without answering, her life seemed to have been suddenly cut in half. The first twenty years were spent in luxury, ignorant of worldly affairs. Fate, seeing her living too comfortably, made her become a mother without knowing anything. As if not painful enough, it cut her again. The nurse looked very unhappy, wondering how such a nice young girl could marry such a man. “Some things can be let go if you can. In life, many things don’t matter in the face of life and death,” the nurse patted her back, comforting her softly. They even called a psychologist for her, to prevent postpartum depression. The nurse often sighed while looking at me. She said that at first, she really disliked mom, thinking she wasn’t like a mother at all. Later, ah, she felt sorry for mom. Because she looked just like a newborn flower bud, any wind or rain could make her fall from the branch. She encountered several such people every year. Perhaps because I was too well-behaved, too cute, whenever she looked at me, she always wanted to take care of me a bit more, and couldn’t bear to see me become an orphan. However, no matter how much sympathy others had for me, the high medical expenses still overwhelmed mom. In the past, she had gone crazy over a love that couldn’t be salvaged, doing everything to lose face, humbly pleasing, constantly using her own wealth to subsidize, pouring wine on the female lead in public, sabotaging the female lead’s career. From childhood, all she seemed to crave was for someone to lend a hand when she fell, rather than laughing out loud. But from childhood to adulthood, only Connor had done so. Her parents were exhausted in their own married life, with no energy to educate a child. So from childhood, she was willful, disrespectful, arrogant, and spoiled. No one would restrain her, they would only submit to her status and position. Without these things to disguise herself, she was like a flower bud just opening on a branch, any wind and rain could make her wither. She clearly understood these things, but she didn’t know how to act. Seeking things she had never obtained, using her own methods to grasp the little love she got. In the end, she grasped nothing. She just wanted to hold onto that love that could scatter with a breath. … After taking several deep breaths. She started to borrow money from those friends she thought were close. But the phone calls were either busy tones or curses. When making the last call, she hesitated for a long time. The other end: “Who is it?” “Rachel, it’s me.” “Who would have thought? It’s Miss Vivian.” The tone was mocking. “What brings you to call me?” “To borrow money, how much do you want to borrow?” Mom reported a number, but before she could finish, the other side sneered. “Aren’t you a rich young lady? You can wave your hand and get hundreds of thousands, why are you borrowing a few thousand from us small fries?” “I do have money, but in your current situation, it would be hard for you to pay it back!” “Why don’t you bark like a dog a few times, maybe I’ll soften up and lend it to you.” After the person finished speaking, a burst of laughter came through the phone. They not only mocked her but also wanted others to know that now anyone could make fun of her. However, this time, mom didn’t hang up the phone promptly as usual. She asked, “Wasn’t I good to you before?” The laughter on the other end suddenly went cold. “Yes, you were very good to me, but that’s what you owed me.” “Who told you to be born rich, possessing wealth I couldn’t get in several lifetimes.” “I’ve always hoped you would fall from grace.” “Now that you have, I’m especially happy.” “I’m celebrating with them right now, celebrating your downfall, that there will be one more person in this world just like us.” Mom didn’t hear the words that followed. She slowly sat down in front of me with the phone, gently touching my blanket. She wondered, what were those people around her like before? As a rich young lady, even though she was so awful, there were countless people trying to please her. Some clumsily flattered her, some subtly showed goodwill, some imperceptibly and gradually became her close associates. Rachel was her favorite friend. Because she always cared about her and wouldn’t indulge all her behaviors. She treated herself and everyone else equally, she would denounce the rich for their misbehavior and the poor for their cynicism. During exams, she would prepare notes for her in advance and tell her not to cheat. When she did something wrong, she would give her the cold shoulder. She would also patiently advise her on some of her behaviors. She was like a family member. But when fame and fortune were lost, she became so unfamiliar, mocking and ridiculing her just like those other people. Finally, she put down the phone that had already gone silent. She threw away a scarf from the few clothes she had left. Faced with the constant payment reminders, Mom still dialed that number. She first heard some mixed male and female laughter on the other end. Then came the familiar: “Hello” In the past when they called each other, she would definitely sweetly call out “Connor.” But now she could only politely reply, “Connor, it’s me.” Her voice was slow and stiff. “Can you lend me some money?” More laughter came from the other end of the phone, then some rustling of clothes. “Stop it, haha.” The voice returned to the phone. “What did you say?” Just this one sentence, mom seemed to instantly lose the courage to borrow money again. After all, they had parted on such bad terms before. The two of them had hurled insults at each other over the divorce, they had never fought so fiercely since childhood. Connor used to be like a blazing light to mom. Although this light couldn’t penetrate the depths, at least it brought momentary warmth. Unexpectedly, after signing the divorce agreement, all the past just became the past. With no other choice, mom could only turn to her grandmother who lived far away in the south. Grandma was mom’s birth mother. When mom was eighteen, she divorced her husband. Years of torment had given her a lot of white hair, and she had been taking antidepressants year after year. When mom was little, grandma always stayed alone in a room. She didn’t go out, didn’t talk, occasionally staring blankly at the white curtains. When mom went to see her, she was trying to swallow white pills. These pills blocked her mouth. Grandma saw her and spat them out, white pills scattered all over the floor. The housekeeper heard the commotion and quickly ran in. “Madam, you can’t take too many of these pills. If you really can’t sleep, I’ll warm up some milk for you, maybe that will make you feel better.” She stared blankly at the pills on the floor, and after a long while, shook her head. Mom went over and held her hand. Little as she was, she didn’t understand what depression was, only knew that mom was sick. Grandma seemed unable to sense mom’s presence, just staring lifelessly ahead. Later, she never opened that door again. She thought her mom was like a doll, too boring. Sometimes when passing by this door, she would linger for a while. It was quiet inside, without a hint of life. On a certain day after she came of age, this long-closed door finally opened. That person as white as nearly transparent was her mom. The housekeeper was carrying her suitcase. She left this home forever. When she left, she didn’t even glance at her. As if she had never given birth to her. And now the only one she could rely on was this long-unseen mother. Her stepmother and father had already left for abroad after the bankruptcy. Mom spent all the money she had left to buy a ticket for an old-fashioned train. She had never taken such a train before. The train was full of luggage and garbage, and she could barely move. Among the four seats, there was only one small table big enough for two hands. After finally finding a seat, the seat cover was greasy. Next to her sat a fat uncle, whose cigarette smell filled the entire space. Mom’s eyes reddened as soon as she sat down. Her white dress was already dirty in several places. This was the only dress she had left, everything else that could be sold had been sold. I slept all the way, sleeping until we reached grandma’s house. When I opened my eyes, I heard grandma scolding mom: “You, from the moment you were born, you only knew how to spend money. Ending up like this, you’re really stupid.” Mom was crying while eating noodles. To buy this train ticket, she had been eating one meal as three, never feeling full. Grandma’s hair was grizzled, her features faded, her mouth complaining about mom. But her eyes couldn’t hide her joy, nostalgia, and reproach. It was the look of a daughter finally growing up and coming home. Grandma lived in a very quiet small courtyard house in the south. She had been living well in the south, the walls inside and outside the courtyard were covered with roses. When the wind blew through the small alley, the flowers swayed gently. There was a stone table in the courtyard, on which lay a fluffy white cat, round all over. On sunny days, it would sleep next to the rose bushes. In her lifetime, grandma never thought she would see her daughter again. Now she could finally calm down and take a good look at her. Mom was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and at that time, grandma was already suffering from severe depression. From one to five years old, they rarely met. By the time mom turned eighteen, grandma’s illness had finally improved. Grandma wanted to take her daughter away, but years of neglect had made mom thoroughly dislike her. Due to lack of guidance, mom only knew how to spend money from the moment she was born. She had never truly worked hard in her life, even her diploma was obtained through her family’s donations to the school. She not only liked to spend money but also liked to give money away. Mom later didn’t think there was anything wrong with giving money away. She said, “Anyway, I had so much money then, what’s wrong with giving some away? Who could have thought that money would become negative in an instant.” Mom thought that relying on grandma would allow her to live worry-free. But grandma didn’t indulge her. Except for expenses related to me, grandma didn’t give her anything else. As a result, mom often argued with grandma. She couldn’t wear her previous pretty clothes anymore, couldn’t buy her previous expensive cosmetics, and couldn’t eat her previous expensive Western food. “Mom, my underwear is torn, I need to buy new ones.” Grandma said: “Buy it yourself.” “Mom, I want to eat dessert from that place.” Grandma said again: “Buy it yourself” “Mom, there’s a new lipstick, I want to buy the 203 color.” Grandma still said: “Buy it yourself.” Mom was so angry her face turned red and her neck swelled. The beautiful hair dye had faded, the curls were no longer curly, and she was wearing grandma’s old T-shirt. Mom often cried before coming to grandma’s, but now she didn’t cry anymore. She was just angry, like a child who couldn’t get candy. Mom learned to cook at grandma’s, followed grandma to trim the flowers in the garden every day, and did many household chores she had never touched before. Sometimes she would complain to me, saying: “Little pearl, your great-grandma has already transferred her affections. She doesn’t like me anymore, she likes you now.” We spent a year there. That year, it even snowed in the south. I was also one year old, grew a few little teeth, smiling so much that mom’s heart blossomed. She often lifted me high, and we would spin together among the rose bushes. Grandma still loved to sit by the window, reading that novel so thick she could barely lift it. Occasionally staring blankly at the roses outside the window. The daily routine of mother and daughter was bickering. Grandma criticized her daughter for having no concept of consumption. Mom complained that grandma was old-fashioned. When I was playing in the living room, grandma would read some storybooks to me. She said: “Finally, the pigeon flew away. It decided to fly to a distant place to find a place of its own.” Mom saw this and always sat with me, listening intently to grandma’s stories. Winter was a very difficult season for grandma. She always dressed very thickly, fearing the cold. At first, she just coughed occasionally. Mom urged her to take medicine, but she said it was an old problem, medicine wouldn’t help. Later, she had a high fever that wouldn’t go down, and mom took care of her around the clock. Later, grandma was hospitalized. The flower bed outside the window was covered with a thick layer of snow. When grandma wasn’t awake, mom would stare blankly at the osmanthus tree outside the window. That cold snow would sometimes fall along the leaves, forming a small mound. I had never seen mom with such an expression, as pale as the snow outside. In the end, grandma lay in a small box. She held the small box and walked in front of me, patting my head. With a hoarse voice, she said: “Little pearl, mom doesn’t have a mom anymore.” Mom cried a lot that year. Since grandma left, mom had to go out to find a job. She didn’t know how to do anything, the only thing she knew best before was how to dress herself up. Originally, she could have found a decent job with her high educational background, but people saw her photo and name and didn’t dare to hire her. They said mom had done too many stupid things, and they didn’t believe she could handle the job. Of course, most of the reason was that they didn’t dare to offend mom’s ex-husband, my dad. Mom often said that dad was a heartless man who wasted so many years of her youth. Later, she stopped saying it. Because she had too many things more important than the love Connor gave her. For my medical expenses, mom could only work odd jobs everywhere. To avoid drawing attention to herself, mom would deliberately go out without makeup. This way, she could quietly get a job like an ordinary person. Finally, a flower shop was willing to employ her long-term. That was the skill grandma had taught her in that year. She wrapped flowers beautifully and generously, and could meet any weird requests from customers. This was the only thing she could do every day without getting bored. Our life seemed to suddenly stabilize again. Mom would come to visit me in the hospital every day. She had no friends and didn’t dare to make friends. In the year of her bankruptcy, she had experienced enough cold shoulders and ridicule from these former friends. She would say many things to me, although I couldn’t understand. One month, she suddenly became very tired, even bringing back many leaves on her worn-out coat. She said, “Little pearl, do you want to meet your dad?” Mom had often tried to make that call when I was just born. But she never dialed it. I was angry that mom still remembered this bad person, so I turned my head to play with my own fingers, ignoring her. Mom rambled on to me about many things. The next day, two people came to see me, a man and a woman. I had never seen my dad since I was born. When this man tried to touch me, I cried with all my might. The nurse hurriedly ran over, trying to comfort me, and the man was awkwardly pushed to the back. The nurse asked, “Are you the patient’s family member?” That man said: “I’m her father.” Seeing that I was crying badly, the woman also tried to comfort me. I didn’t like her, she smelled like my dad. At this time, mom walked in, facing this ex-husband, she had nothing to say. She just skillfully picked me up, gently patted me, and then said softly to me: “Good baby, don’t cry.” Dad was stunned looking at mom. He had never seen her like this before. Her hair was messy, there were deep dark circles under her eyes, her lips were colorless, she was disheveled, but her expression was gentle as she held me, without a trace of embarrassment. He listened to mom quietly comforting me. He still remembered, when they were in school together, the arrogant and willful rich young lady was never afraid of anyone. At fifteen, she was already a well-known troublemaker, but she was helpless when it came to real children. She often said: “Children are truly the most terrifying creatures in the world.” After comforting me to sleep. She sat down expressionlessly. She took out that custody agreement, which clearly stated the expenses dad should bear. They faced each other so calmly. Those times of quarrels, though only a year and two months ago, seemed very far away from them. “If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can come to me.” This sentence sounded abruptly, he didn’t dare to look directly at mom. Only occasionally glancing up. After dad said this, the lady sitting next to him tugged at his clothes. That lady was as beautiful as mom, her features were softer, less sharp. She was like a yellow daisy blooming in a corner, particularly eye-catching among the drab surroundings. My dad, he still had the young master’s air, as the male lead, he was surrounded by a halo wherever he went. Mom didn’t say anything. The male lead’s guilty conscience could indeed bring benefits. But she didn’t want to have any more entanglements with this person. When grandma was on her deathbed, she told her: “Move forward.” From that time on, she was determined to listen to her mom’s words, to move forward, to look ahead. Mom also sent a court notice to her good friend “Rachel”. Demanding the return of all items she had given her before this year. All those past items were sent back, and mom took them all to sell, getting a large sum of money. Those former friends said she had no shame, how could she ask for things back that were given away. Mom didn’t care. She said very coolly, “If you had the nerve to accept them, why shouldn’t I have the nerve to ask for them back?” Mom collected this money but still worked in the flower shop. My condition also slowly improved. She took very good care of me. In the past, she always couldn’t cook well. Every meal was either burnt or undercooked. I often had stomach problems, and she always carried digestive medicine in her bag. Now, she could even make three dishes and a soup. She understood that winter clothes would be discounted in summer. She understood that she could use medical insurance when buying medicine at the hospital. These were all things grandma had taught mom. That year, she finally received the maternal love that came late for her. But as a villainous supporting character, even if she didn’t provoke others, she couldn’t live a peaceful life. Soon after, someone found out where mom worked. They placed many orders at her shop. After receiving the flowers, they gave overwhelming negative reviews. At first, the shop owner thought it was because there were too many orders and mom couldn’t keep up, so she was careless. But in fact, mom carefully arranged every bouquet she sent out. This situation continued until the fifth day, with the negative reviews becoming more and more intense. The boss showed mom the screen of his phone, which displayed several private messages.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296082”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

It’s hard to describe how I felt when I heard those words. Samuel was leaning forward, burying his face in Chloe’s neck, inhaling the scent of her long hair. Chloe was his therapist. Samuel had been saying lately that his mental state was a bit chaotic and he needed to see a doctor. I didn’t expect it to be this kind of “seeing”. The intimate scene between them was jarring. The pain of betrayal instantly consumed all my rationality. I wanted to rush in and confront him, asking why he would do such a thing. For three lifetimes, Samuel’s heart had always been with me, from beginning to end. I believed this with all my being, but the reality of this fourth life hit me like a ton of bricks. I was in such disbelief that I wondered if I had misunderstood something. Then the Samuel I thought loved me most – the most devoted and faithful Samuel – spoke. He glanced sideways, playfully twirling the long hair of Chloe who was sitting on his lap, and sneered: “Dr. Feng, do you think I’m really crazy? “But I feel like the three previous deaths weren’t fake. Even now when I think about that pain, I still get chills.” Chloe clutched her chest, showing exaggerated concern: “What should we do? You won’t die again this time, will you?” Samuel curved his lips into a smile: “How could I? I’ve played along with Sophia every lifetime, but ended up dying by her side each time. “Originally I wanted to see how she would save me, but now I think she must be bad luck. Look how well I’m living now that I’ve stayed away from her. “This lifetime, I have you, Dr. Chloe.” His voice lilted upwards at the end, causing Chloe to blush and coyly chide him: “Well, you’ve found the right person. Dr. Chloe will cure you this lifetime.” At that moment, the laughter of the man and woman inside sounded distorted, as if coming through a filter to my ears. Those few sentences from Samuel’s voice kept replaying and amplifying in my mind, constricting my heart and leaving me breathless. I leaned against the wall, gasping for air. I can’t remember how I got home that day. I only remember collapsing onto the sofa, feeling like all the strength had been drained from my body. As if my spine had been removed, I went limp. This is not an exaggeration at all. What had supported me through multiple rebirths was the obsession with saving 28-year-old Samuel. In our first life, he died when we were most in love. We had just gotten our marriage license, and he was driving us on a trip. I was still admiring the ring in the car, saying I wanted to design a matching set of earrings. Before he could even finish saying “Okay”, an out-of-control truck crashed into us on the highway. In that instant, time seemed to slow down. In my eyes, widened with horror, I clearly saw him lunging towards me, half his body shielding me. In the end, I saw his eyes, unable to close, bloodied, filled with love and pain. I cried out hoarsely, weeping in disbelief. There was only one thought in my mind – no, no, Samuel can’t die, we still have so many things we haven’t done… I have to go back, I have to save him! Suddenly, it was as if a voice in my head asked me: Are you sure? Are you sure you want to give up your future, to go back and do something that might fail, to repeat it over and over? I said yes. So I spent a lifetime, two lifetimes, giving it my all… And in this life, he tells me he knew everything. He just watched me desperately, pathetically, begging him to live. He even said I was bad luck, that I was the one causing his death.

When Samuel came home, it was already late at night. I was still sitting dazed on the sofa, replaying in my mind where exactly things had gone wrong, when exactly his heart had changed. “Why are you sitting in the dark? What are you spacing out about?” His tone was as gentle as always. He sat down next to me and naturally reached out to wrap his arm around my waist, acting so normal as if what I had seen earlier was just a dream. I reflexively dodged his touch. The atmosphere became awkward. A hint of coldness flashed across Samuel’s eyes. He had clearly noticed my abnormal behavior. But as if tired of it all, he didn’t inquire further. “I’m going to bed first. You should get some rest too.” That night I slept poorly. Even though Samuel was right beside me, my mind kept flashing back to scenes of his death. In our first life, he died instantly in the car accident. Blood poured out from his body, soaking through my shirt. In our second life, we got married but didn’t go on a honeymoon, so that car accident never happened. But then a freak accident occurred. He was picking me up after work when a billboard suddenly fell from above. It landed squarely on top of him. I watched helplessly as the tall man was crushed without a trace. It was as if fate was determined to take his life. I refused to accept it, so we came to our third life. This time I quit my job. After we married, I hardly left his side for a moment, terrified that he would have an accident if I wasn’t paying attention. So we made it to his 28th birthday without incident. On his birthday, the candlelight illuminated his sparkling eyes. In the warm glow, he professed his love to me, eyes glistening: “Sophia, I’m so lucky to have you.” My heart was racing. But then his smile seemed to fade, his face becoming blurry. An overwhelming sense of dread nearly knocked me over. Then Samuel coughed up a mouthful of blood. Perhaps too much time had passed, or perhaps my mind was too panicked to retain other memories. I don’t remember the name of his illness, it seemed to be some rare condition. His life ended so suddenly, almost absurdly abrupt. My final memory is of a stark white hospital room. In the deathly silence, only the faintly glowing monitor by his ear persisted in beeping, as if desperately clinging to his last traces of life. How could I accept this? How could I possibly be okay with this? Samuel and I met when we were young. Back then, I was a country bumpkin who had come to the city. Because I was pretty and had an enviable talent for dance, some girls in class started picking on me. I endured and endured, until the day they knocked over my grandmother’s pancake stand. Amidst the mess on the ground, I held back tears as I helped my grandmother up. The girls stood there looking pristine and superior, laughing with shrill voices. They called me Pancake Girl and told me to go back home and make pancakes. My grandmother was mute. She moved her lips silently, gesturing to wipe the oil stains off my clothes. The girls laughed even harder. That’s when Samuel appeared. He was holding a camera and made one phone call to summon the school leaders. He was a good student from a well-off family, quite an impressive figure in our small town. It was evening, and though the day had been gloomy, somehow at that moment the sunlight broke through the clouds, shining directly onto Samuel. He reached out his hand, holding a clean, neatly folded handkerchief. The first thing he said was: “I’m sorry I didn’t come help right away. I wanted to get evidence on camera first.” Even now, I still remember how my heart pounded that day. Fierce and strong, it sustained me as I traversed alone through countless worlds of his death.

Even by the second morning, I was still in a daze. Samuel got up at this time. He put on the clothes I had ironed for him and glanced at me setting breakfast on the table. “You’re not going to the dance troupe? “You’re just going to stay at home all the time? There’s not much for you to do here anyway…” His voice trailed off at the end, tinged with confusion. I paused while wiping the table and looked up at him. But I only saw him quickly averting his gaze. “Have breakfast at home. I’m not eating. Don’t see me off, and don’t come pick me up tonight either. “I’m going to see Dr. Chloe.” He rubbed his brow, his tone flat. In the past, I definitely would have worried about his condition. But now, I only felt a chill in my heart. He was about to turn 28, and we were about to get our marriage license. In previous lives at this time, I had completely lost interest in work, spending my days anxious and afraid. So I simply quit my job at the dance troupe and truly became a full-time housewife. Back then, he thought I was working too hard and said with a smile: “Then don’t go anymore. From now on, just dance for me alone. With me here, what do you have to worry about?” I accompanied him to and from work. He proudly introduced me to his colleagues. He raised his hand to show off our matching rings. But now, he looked at me warily and coldly, telling me: “Stop watching me all the time. Find something to do for yourself.” I caught my breath, followed by the loud slam of the front door. An eerie silence fell over the house. I sat at the table, mechanically picking at the breakfast in front of me. It was still warm, but tasted unusually cold in my mouth. How did things end up like this? Ever since Samuel started therapy, the distance between us seemed to gradually grow. He began to resent and reject my presence. After spending three lifetimes with me, had he now found true love? But saving Samuel was like a program hardwired into my very being. Suddenly being told to give up felt like losing the center of my life. I felt I should rush up and confront him, ask if all my efforts over the past few lives were just a joke to him. But then why did he keep playing along with me each time? But I still acted as if nothing had happened. I watched helplessly as Samuel grew more and more distant and cold towards me, as we spoke less and less. I watched as Chloe and he grew closer, to the point where some nights he didn’t even bother pretending anymore, openly calling Chloe from the balcony. In the darkness, even through the glass, I could see the smile spreading across Samuel’s face. Then one evening, I stubbornly sat at the dining table like a bitter wife, waiting for him to come home. It was almost 9 PM. After reheating the dishes countless times, Samuel finally returned. Except Chloe came back with him.

Chloe nodded a greeting to me, then naturally took off her shoes and entered the living room. “Don’t misunderstand, Miss Sophia. I’m just here to help with Mr. Samuel’s treatment. “Mr. Samuel described being troubled by memories from the past, or memories that don’t exist. So I came to look at the home environment, which can actually have a big impact on one’s mental state.” Her smile was open, her words professional. Facing me, she was completely different from the coquettish woman by Samuel’s side earlier – very proper and dignified. It almost made me feel like her intimacy with Samuel had been my imagination. But the next second, her eyes met Samuel’s, and she flashed a meaningful smile, full of their private understanding. “Get rid of these few things, and redesign the sofa layout over here…” Her red lips opened and closed, but by the end I could no longer make out what she was saying. I only saw our carefully decorated home being completely changed by her. Her gaze turned smug and challenging as she lifted her chin to look at me: “One must always look forward. It’s best to throw away old things.” She took a charm off her bag and hung it by the front door, her tone coy: “Mr. Samuel, seeing something bright and colorful before leaving home will improve your mood.” “This is our marital home…” I watched Samuel’s lips curl up involuntarily as he reluctantly saw Chloe off. Then I spoke up, my lips trembling. “What’s wrong?” he asked, puzzled. Our carefully designed marital home – how could you just bring another woman back here, casually rearrange our decor, and leave her traces behind? “Sophia, Dr. Chloe is a professional. If things aren’t arranged properly, they should be changed. I’m sick – should I just stay sick?” His tone was a bit exasperated. But I could hear the underlying impatience. “Don’t be so stubborn. If you don’t like the current arrangement, we can change it again later based on your preferences.” Bitterness welled up in my throat. I took a deep breath and forced a smile: “Samuel, aren’t we supposed to get our marriage license next month? “Do you still want to go through with it?” Samuel frowned: “What are you going on about? Just because Chloe came to look at the house? Sophia, I think you have too much free time on your hands. “If you have nothing to do, go find something. Stop obsessing over me and jumping to conclusions. Now you’re even saying such things.” He was about to say more, but froze in place. My tone was very flat and cold: “Let’s call it off.” Just three words, but I struggled to get them out. Samuel didn’t react at first, confusion in his eyes: “What did you say?” As he spoke, his voice trembled slightly, as if suppressing some joy. I suddenly remembered what he had said in front of Chloe: “She’s always clinging to me, like bad luck by my side. How could I not have problems?” The tears pooled in my eyes, but I held them back. Instead, a wave of grief and anger rushed to my head. The cold blood seemed to ignite, and I let out a silent laugh: “What? Are you satisfied that I said we should call off the wedding? “Samuel, you haven’t really fallen for someone else, have you? Are you that eager to get rid of me?” Realizing I seemed to be joking and toying with him, his face instantly darkened, his expression frightening: “Sophia, I think you’re the one with mental problems. Is this funny to you? “No wonder my condition has been poor lately. Turns out you’ve been affecting me.” He looked down at me imperiously, angrily tossed his coat aside, and went to sleep in the guest room. Silence fell over the living room again, but that oppressive feeling lingered. I looked up at the ceiling, and the tears I had held back for so long didn’t retreat, but rushed out in a flood. After that day, things became even more strained between Samuel and me. He began openly going to see Chloe. Faced with my heartbroken questioning, he just looked at me coldly, his expression mocking: “Then why don’t you give up on me? Go ahead and call it off. “Your world doesn’t revolve around just me.” He was so calm, making me look like the crazy one. I was left speechless. I couldn’t accept it. I had invested four lifetimes. My sunk costs were too great – so great that I didn’t have the courage to give up everything from before. I kept thinking I should wait a bit longer, until the day we were supposed to get our marriage license.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296081”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School

I couldn’t resist trying a sip. When I got home, he grabbed me by the throat. “Stay away from her.” Suddenly, I remembered years ago, He had warned my arranged marriage partner the same way. Then he stole my wedding car and took me home. “You like her that much?” I smiled, watching Jack lose control. Well, I’ll make it happen for you then. I thought to myself silently. My husband’s affairs came one after another, But I never cared, pretending nothing happened, Still acting like a loving couple in public. Our marriage was something I had begged my dad for on my knees, I wouldn’t allow any possibility of failure. Even if my heart was shattered, I would only cry alone under the covers. Fortunately, Jack was just playing around outside and didn’t directly threaten our marriage. But this girl was different. When I went to bring Jack coffee, I saw a corner of divorce papers peeking out. My movement woke him up. He took a small sip of the coffee I brought. “Too bitter.” “No need to bring me coffee anymore.” I don’t know how I left his study, only that my trembling hands betrayed my emotions. I called someone to investigate for me. They found that Jack often went to a coffee shop. After his business success, his tastes became more and more picky, only drinking hand-brewed coffee. As if trying to shed his former poor boy image, He wouldn’t even look at those cheap little shops. But this one, I carefully checked the photos my assistant sent me. It was a hidden, affordable little shop in the university town. I walked in, and a girl called out “Welcome!” with a smile. Like a little sun, My heart trembled, No wonder Jack would have an affair. “I don’t know what to drink, could you recommend something for me?” I watched the girl skillfully grind the beans and add ice. Then she handed it to me. “Enjoy!” I found a seat by the window and carefully took a sip of coffee. So sweet, the taste of artificial sweetener filled my entire mouth.

I only drank one sip of the coffee, left a bill, and left the little shop. That night Jack came home drunk, The smell of alcohol made me cover my nose. I walked around him with a glass of water, “Go take a shower, your smell is keeping me from sleeping.” I don’t know when Jack and I’s relationship started becoming so strange. Married for seven years, the former passion had faded, leaving only disgust for each other. He rolled over, deliberately rubbing the smell onto me. I angrily slapped him. “I went to a coffee shop today.” “Next to our old university, I never noticed it before-” He suddenly grabbed my throat, “You went to see her?” I quickly realized who “her” referred to. Jack used to find other women before, But I turned a blind eye and never interfered. “Yeah, that little vixen seducing other people’s husbands, can’t I teach her a lesson?” I deliberately said cruel words, feeling Jack’s hand slowly tightening. “I’m warning you, don’t touch her.” I laughed, laughing until tears came out. The oxygen entering my airway became less and less, I started to roll my eyes. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, Jack released my throat. I collapsed on the bed coughing for a long time. There were hideous handprints on my neck. “Lila, she is my bottom line. If you dare touch her, I can make your family’s business go under.” He slammed the door as he left. I sat silently on the bed. In that moment near death, I only had one thought. He really would kill me for that girl.

The girl’s name was Emma, a student at the university. Still in school, she worked part-time at the coffee shop near campus because her family was poor. Three months ago, Jack started frequently coming here for coffee. Sometimes he wouldn’t even go to the office, just sitting here all day. “You like her that much? You’d strangle me for her.” I muttered to myself, remembering how Jack used to strangle others for me. “She’s my wife now, stay away from her.” Jack and I met in college, Back then he was still a poor college student, working three jobs to survive. He was running errands on campus and spilled coffee all over me while delivering it. I wasn’t angry, it was just a piece of clothing, I could have someone buy a new one in 10 minutes. He apologized with a red face, and the next day stood in front of me holding the dress from last year that now reeked of laundry detergent. He carefully avoided touching my fingers when handing it over. Awkwardly cute. I found him interesting, and started paying him to buy me coffee. Back then I was trying to act mature, only drinking iced Americanos, So bitter I could barely open my eyes, Jack secretly put double cream and sugar in it. “It’s sweet.” It was an age when even whispering made us blush. But now, looking at myself in the mirror, disheveled, with horrifying red marks on my neck. I searched all over the house but couldn’t find where the first aid kit was, In the past, if I accidentally bumped into a table leg, Jack would anxiously carry me to bed and rush to get band-aids and anti-inflammatory medicine. I sat hugging my knees on the bathroom floor, My phone vibrated, it was a message from Jack. “Let’s get divorced.” Attached was a divorce agreement, Leaving me the house and car, For Emma, he was willing to leave with nothing. I put on a turtleneck sweater and took a taxi to his company. This was my first time coming here. The receptionist officially asked me for an appointment. “I don’t have one, tell Jack his wife is downstairs.” The young receptionist snickered. “Miss, that’s not how you social climb. We’ve all met Mr. Lee’s wife before. While I haven’t called security yet, please see yourself out.” I was about to take out my phone to call Jack, “Good morning!” A voice sounded behind me, Emma was wearing overalls, her ponytail tied high. For a moment, I thought I saw myself from college. She smiled and greeted everyone. The receptionist bowed to her. “Good morning, Mrs. Lee.” She emphasized the “Mrs.” especially heavily. Her eyes were full of mockery as she looked at me. “I brought coffee for everyone, I made it myself!” “Thank you Mrs. Lee, our Mr. Lee is so lucky to have married you. Beautiful and talented, unlike some girls who just daydream.” The girl lowered her head shyly and bounced into the elevator. I was left standing there, like a mascot. I called Jack several times, All were immediately hung up. “If you want her to be legitimate, come downstairs and invite me up.” My hand trembled as I pressed the phone, tears already flowing from my eyes. All these years, I tried so hard to pretend I didn’t care, Thinking it was okay, Jack loved me, those other girls were just for fun, Soon, Jack’s assistant came down to bring me upstairs. As we approached Jack’s office, I could see the girl’s delicate skirt. She was half-embracing Jack coquettishly. Seeing me approach, the girl hurriedly let go. “You still have work, I won’t disturb you.” I instinctively raised my hand to stop her, And saw the jade pendant hanging on her chest. It was the one I had gotten for Jack when he was seriously ill, Kneeling step by step up the mountain to pray for it. I opened my mouth, but my throat felt stuffed with cotton, unable to make a sound. Behind me, Jack narrowed his eyes at me in warning. “Do you need something?” I came back to my senses and let go of her arm. “Nothing, your pendant is very pretty.” “Thank you.” 5 “Seems you didn’t take my warning from yesterday to heart.” After Emma left, Jack reverted to that cold, unapproachable face. He tossed a file to me. I opened it and glanced – it was a project my dad’s company was working on. “Lila, I’m not joking with you. If I want, your dad will lose everything right now.” “How long do you think you can keep playing princess?” I licked my dry lips. So all these years, he had been harboring resentment in his heart. When I brought Jack to confront my dad, the old man was furious, refusing to let me marry someone who had nothing back then. He knelt in front of my dad and was humiliated, but stubbornly refused to let go of my hand. The divorce papers were thrown in my face. Just like when my dad threw a stack of bills in his face back then. I guess what goes around comes around, and now it’s my turn. Actually, why bother with all this? If he had just told me he didn’t love me anymore, I never would have clung to him. I picked up the divorce papers, Jack’s name was already signed next to it. I couldn’t help but laugh, seems he really does love her. “Can I ask you something?” I looked up at Jack, now dressed like a gentleman. “What do you like about her?” Jack didn’t answer. Seven years of marriage ended in silence. The day we went to get the divorce certificate, Jack brought Emma along. I couldn’t help but mock him. “Saving yourself a second trip?” Emma was shielded behind Jack, like a mother hen protecting her chick. “Sister Lila, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you and Jack had that kind of relationship. If I had known, I definitely wouldn’t have interfered in your relationship.” “But you’ve seen how Jack was suffering with you. Since you’ve parted amicably, I hope you can give us your blessing.” Such a pretty face, saying words that make people want to die. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to invite you to our wedding.” She handed me an invitation. I silently looked at Jack. Wanting to see a glimpse of how he used to be. How he used to love me, But his gaze was entirely on Emma’s blushing face, not sparing me a glance. The ink was barely dry on the divorce papers, and the wedding invitations were already fresh off the press. 6 Their wedding was extravagant, taking up a large section of the news. Jack smiled tenderly, arm-in-arm with Emma in her white dress.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296080”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #重生Reborn #校园School