I never imagined that my mother-in-law would turn out to be a fake, and worse yet, my “husband’s” real girlfriend. Yes, Jack had tricked me into marriage. “Who’s more important to you, me or Claire?” I overheard Rachel asking. “Of course you are, my love. Claire’s nothing but a means to an end,” Jack replied. “How do you think I did playing your mother? That little fool never suspected a thing! She even called me ‘Mom’ – can you believe it?” Rachel cackled. “You were perfect. Once she has the baby, I’ll kick her out and we can raise the child together as our own,” Jack assured her. I had just returned from taking out the trash when I heard my so-called mother-in-law and Jack talking in the bedroom. Tears began to fall unbidden down my cheeks. I had thought I’d found true love, but it was all an elaborate scam. Jack had conspired with his girlfriend Rachel to trick me into pregnancy and marriage. Jack and I met at a real estate company where we both worked as sales agents. As my senior colleague, he always looked out for me. He would argue with difficult clients on my behalf and bring me breakfast when I was running late. For someone like me, fresh out of college and trying to make it on my own, he seemed like a knight in shining armor. Our coworkers often teased that he had a crush on me. I started to notice the way he looked at me was different from how he regarded other women in the office. That special look in his eyes – I thought it was love. Jack casually mentioned to me one day that he made hundreds of thousands a month in real estate commissions and already had over a million in savings. He said he was looking for a simple woman to settle down with, someone to move back to his hometown with him and start a family. He planned to get a regular job in the small county town to supplement their income. One night after a work event, a client got me drunk and tried to take advantage of me. Jack chased the man off and took me back to my apartment. Things progressed naturally from there. Two months later, I started feeling nauseous all the time. A trip to the doctor confirmed it – I was pregnant. What touched me most was Jack’s reaction. He eagerly expressed his desire to take responsibility as a father. After our families met, we had a simple wedding ceremony and got our marriage license. Then I moved with him to his rural hometown to start our new life together. By the time I discovered that my mother-in-law was actually Jack’s girlfriend in disguise, I was nine months pregnant and about to give birth… No! I couldn’t let those two get away with this. All the pain and humiliation they put me through – I would make them pay dearly for it! They had to face the consequences of their actions! Perhaps it was the shock and anger, but suddenly my stomach cramped painfully. I collapsed to the floor. “Jack… Jack, my stomach hurts so bad. I think I’m going into labor. Jack, where are you? Please, save the baby!” After my cry for help, the bedroom went silent. Then I heard Jack’s voice: “Claire, don’t panic. I’m coming right now.” About a minute later, Jack burst out of Rachel’s room. Seeing me pale and exhausted on the floor, he frantically called for an ambulance while pacing back and forth in the living room. Half an hour later, the ambulance managed to navigate the rural roads and arrived at our village. I refused to let my fake mother-in-law ride in the ambulance with Jack and me, making the excuse that she should rest at home given her age. The paramedic, seeing my insistence, figured there must be some tension between us. She told Jack that a pregnant woman’s emotions were crucial and that we should try to accommodate my wishes when possible.

In the ambulance, Jack gripped my hand tightly. To an outsider, he probably looked like a concerned husband. But I noticed his eyes never left my swollen belly. It was in that moment that I truly lost all hope. I had given him everything, but Jack clearly cared more about the baby than my wellbeing. I turned to Jack, my face pale, and said through tears: “Honey… no matter what… please save the baby first.” The paramedic looked at me in disbelief, probably thinking I was being foolish. Jack hesitated before responding: “Don’t say such unlucky things. You and the baby will both be fine.” I caught a flicker of guilt in his eyes before it quickly vanished. His fake concern only disgusted me more. At the hospital, after determining there were no major issues, the doctor pulled Jack aside to speak privately. I overheard the doctor scolding him: “She’s pregnant and doesn’t know any better, but what’s your excuse? How can you talk about prioritizing the baby over your wife? Don’t you have any sense of responsibility as her husband?” “Forget it, talking to someone like you just makes me angry. Make sure she doesn’t eat anything cold or uncooked. Most importantly, keep her well-nourished and try to fulfill her requests. Don’t let her get upset – it affects both her and the baby’s health.” Jack responded dismissively: “Yes, yes, doctor. I understand. I’ll be more careful from now on.” The female doctor had likely seen too many cases like this. She could only sigh: “Don’t just say you’ll be careful later. Start paying attention now.” After speaking to Jack, she returned to my bedside. She leaned in and spoke to me quietly but earnestly: “Did you have a fight with your husband? Even if you’re upset, try to control your emotions. I know it’s unfair to put all that pressure on you as the pregnant one, but you can always set him straight after the baby is born.” I thanked the doctor, and she left. During my few days of observation at the hospital, Jack often brought me chicken soup. Of course, he couldn’t have made it himself – the man could barely boil water. He relied on “Mom” for everything, even making me take out the trash when I was about to pop. The soup must have been made by my fake mother-in-law Rachel. “Oh honey, it’s too bad I can’t cook,” I said. “If only you’d married someone who could cook, it would be so much better. Poor Mom is getting on in years, yet she still has to work so hard for me.” “You’re carrying my child now. It’s only right that my mother takes care of you…” Jack trailed off, suddenly wary. He must have worried I’d discovered something. He started probing: “Sweetheart, did I do something to upset you? Is that why you suddenly went into labor?” Hearing him call me “sweetheart” made me want to vomit. I clutched my chest, feeling nauseated. Seeing I was about to be sick, Jack instinctively backed away, afraid I’d throw up on him. “What, do I disgust you now?” I looked up at him pointedly. “No, no, of course not…” Jack stammered. Jack must have sensed the edge in my voice lately. He seemed to wonder if I’d uncovered his and Rachel’s secret. Seeing I didn’t say anything further and looked a bit accusatory, Jack quickly put on a gentle tone: “Don’t be silly. You’re my wife, the mother of my child. How could I ever be disgusted by you?” I wondered if he felt any guilt saying such things, given the truth. I looked at Jack and said: “I don’t know why, but lately I can’t stand the smell of oily foods. They make me want to throw up.” Jack nodded, seemingly satisfied with my explanation. Then he added: “Mom is really worried about you too. She wants to come visit you at the hospital. She said it wouldn’t look right if your in-laws found out you almost went into labor and she didn’t do anything as your mother-in-law.” I thought to myself, they must be getting impatient after just a few days apart. Rachel probably worried Jack might actually fall for me if she wasn’t around. But I wasn’t about to give them any chance to be alone together. I found my phone by the hospital bed pillow and took several photos of the chicken soup from different angles. Then I posted them on social media with the caption: Look at this delicious chicken soup my mother-in-law made for me! It smells amazing. I despised Jack and Rachel with every fiber of my being. But to lure them into my trap, I had to keep playing along for now. Within minutes, I got likes from my parents. They asked how I was doing and praised my “mother-in-law” effusively. After that, I showed Jack the posts and messages, making it clear I was really trying to maintain a good relationship with his “mother.” Jack visibly relaxed after seeing the exchange. If I’d really discovered anything, why would I be so naive as to keep up appearances? Then I said to Jack: “Mom isn’t in the best health. The hospital isn’t as comfortable as home. She’s getting on in years – you should think of her more. Let her rest at home. If she needs anything, you can bring it when you have time to go back.” Jack started to object, but swallowed his words, probably remembering the doctor’s instructions. I knew I had to keep up the act of being affectionate with this despicable man, as nauseating as it was. It would drive Rachel crazy with jealousy to see us together. I pulled Jack close and took a selfie of us with our faces pressed together. Then I sent the photo to Rachel. Just imagining her panicked, anxious reaction filled me with satisfaction. Such a simple act, yet it would make her so miserable. I’d been in the hospital for observation for a week now. I knew there was nothing wrong with me anymore – the doctor had cleared me to go home days ago. But Jack insisted on keeping me there, unwilling to risk anything happening to the baby I carried. While Jack was out getting food, Rachel came to visit, bringing bananas. She wore a forced smile as she set the fruit on the bedside table. After pulling up a chair, Rachel reached out to pat my hand, putting on an act of concern. She focused on asking whether Jack was taking good care of me, if he was being gentle and attentive. The more I praised Jack, the more her smile faded, until it disappeared entirely. This old woman clearly had no common sense. She started peeling a cold banana to feed me, just as Jack returned with lunch. Jack shouted: “Wait, stop! Don’t eat that.” “What’s wrong, honey?” I asked innocently, spitting out the bite of banana. I saw anger flashing in Jack’s eyes. He berated Rachel: “You’ve never had a baby, so don’t try to take care of her! Claire can’t eat cold things right now. I told you to stay home – why did you come? If something happens to the baby, could you live with yourself? You don’t know the first thing about caring for a pregnant woman…” I was secretly delighted. Rachel was caught off guard by the sudden scolding. She didn’t know how to respond, tears welling up in her eyes. If Jack had continued, she likely would have broken down crying. I kept playing dumb: “Honey, why are you yelling at Mom? She came all this way from the village to see me and even hand-fed me fruit. What are you so angry about?” “And what do you mean she’s never had a baby? Didn’t she have you?” Jack realized his slip-up could expose Rachel’s true identity. He stopped criticizing her and just put the food down before rushing off to find the doctor. For a moment, I had the strangest feeling. I almost wondered – if this man hadn’t deceived me, could he have been a good husband and father? But Jack had manipulated my marriage and my child. Given what he’d just said, it seemed Rachel had never had children. Yet he was so concerned about the baby I carried. I couldn’t help but think of how much my rural parents valued having descendants. Once I gave birth after nine months of pregnancy, Jack would probably divorce me quickly. Since I had no job, I wouldn’t be able to get custody. The judge would surely award custody to him. Then Jack would have Rachel act as the child’s mother, and the two of them would live happily ever after. What a perfect scheme they’d concocted. But how could I let my unborn child become a pawn in their sick game? After the doctor checked me over and confirmed everything was normal, Jack, Rachel and I returned to the village early the next morning. I’d always vaguely sensed the villagers looking at me strangely, but could never pinpoint why. Now that I thought about it, they seemed to purposely avoid me. Their looks made me feel like a trafficked bride rather than someone who came willingly. Jack commuted to his job in the county town Monday through Friday. Since it was Saturday, he was home. I went to the kitchen and made some tea with goji berries and red dates. I brought it to Jack in the living room, playing the role of doting wife: “Honey, you’ve been running back and forth to the hospital all week. You must be exhausted. I made you some tea with goji berries and dates. I added sugar too – try it and see how it tastes.” Jack took the tea, glancing at Rachel who was watching TV. He seemed to be seeking her approval. Then he looked at me standing there with my swollen belly and decided to drink the tea I’d brought. My actions must have looked like I was marking my territory to Rachel, even though she didn’t know I’d discovered her true identity. After tending to Jack, I turned to Rachel to twist the knife further: “Mom, you must be tired from taking care of the chickens and ducks while I was gone. Now that I’m back, let me do the laundry.”

Even though I was heavily pregnant, I used to do most of the housework to try to please my “mother-in-law.” Looking back now, I can’t believe how foolish I was. I started walking towards Rachel’s bedroom, using the excuse of gathering dirty laundry. Rachel panicked when she saw me heading for her room. She quickly stood up to stop me, exchanging a look with Jack. He rushed over to block my path. “You’re pregnant – you shouldn’t be doing chores,” he said with fake concern. “Mom can wash her own clothes.” I could imagine what Rachel’s room looked like, full of evidence of their intimacy. But I didn’t push the issue. I told them I was going for a walk in the village, but my real purpose was to ask the older villagers about Jack’s background. The elders seemed reluctant to talk at first. I noticed one old woman had an unemployed son who spent all day playing video games. So I offered to set her son up with a former classmate of mine. The old woman’s wariness melted away, and she dug out an old notebook with Jack’s mother’s phone number. I gave the woman my high school friend Emma’s number. I’d already asked Emma to play along with my plan. Emma had become a successful lawyer after handling some major cases. When the old woman heard my “classmate” was a lawyer, she was overjoyed. That’s how I got in touch with Jack’s real parents. At first, his mother couldn’t believe I was really Jack’s wife, pregnant with his child. I had to explain several times. Jack’s mother let out a long sigh on the other end of the line. “Oh, my dear girl. I’ve failed you… Jack’s father passed away when he was young. I didn’t raise him right…” She went on to tell me that Jack was very stubborn and insisted on marrying a woman 20 years his senior named Rachel. Rachel was too old to have children, so she couldn’t fulfill their wish for grandchildren. It caused a huge rift in the family. Then one day, Jack called saying he wanted to bring her to the city to retire. She was thrilled at first, thinking her son had come to his senses and would find a nice girl his own age. But Jack revealed his plan to trick a young woman into having his baby in the village. In the end, her desire for a grandchild won out over her conscience. She agreed to go along with it, renting an apartment in the city while Jack carried out his scheme. Learning the full story, I was even more disgusted by Jack’s utterly despicable behavior. After talking to Jack’s mother, my hatred for him and Rachel grew even stronger. Those two would face karmic justice, one way or another! I told my friend Emma, the hotshot lawyer, that my husband Jack was actually trying to trick me into having his baby through a sham marriage. Emma was furious on my behalf. As my best friend, she vowed to do everything in her power to help me. She advised me to gather evidence that Jack had committed bigamy, saying she could likely get him sentenced to two years in prison. With a criminal record, he’d have trouble finding work anywhere. I asked Emma to organize a high school reunion, saying I’d bring Jack along. At the reunion, Emma discreetly handed me a listening device. According to our plan, the others got Jack very drunk. He could barely stand by the end of the night. With help from my classmates, we managed to get him home. Rachel went to make hangover soup. I seized the chance to sneak into her bedroom and plant the tiny listening device behind the headboard. It was so small you’d never notice it unless you knew where to look. Late that night, the man beside me reeked of alcohol. I wanted nothing more than to strangle him in his sleep. Every time I thought of how this couple planned to use my unborn child as a pawn in their sick game, I nearly lost control. Only the swell of my pregnant belly pulled me back from the edge of doing something rash. To make me believe their lies, Jack and Rachel even planted crops in the village. Early the next morning, the two of them headed out, laughing and chatting. They claimed to be weeding the fields. In reality, they were just desperate for some alone time. I grabbed a chair and some water, intending to make the lovebirds supremely uncomfortable. I knew that the sweeter I acted towards Jack, the more it would drive Rachel insane until she couldn’t take it anymore. I called out to Jack as he was working in the field. Running over, I clung to his arm and said: “Honey, you must be so tired after last night’s reunion. I felt bad that I couldn’t drink to keep up with your old classmates since I’m pregnant.” Rachel was watching us embrace from nearby. Jack played along, gently pushing me away. “Don’t worry about it. What kind of husband would I be if I couldn’t handle a few drinks on your behalf? Your classmates would’ve laughed at me.” I used the edge of my shirt to wipe the sweat from his brow, gazing at him with feigned adoration. Rachel couldn’t stand it anymore. She fake-coughed loudly to interrupt. Of course, I hadn’t forgotten about Rachel. I turned to her and said: “Oh my, I got so caught up wiping my husband’s sweat that I forgot you were here, Mom! Here, let me help you too.” Rachel quickly waved me off: “No need, dear. That shirt is for your husband only. I couldn’t accept such treatment.” But shouldn’t a good daughter-in-law know better? So I pressed on: “Don’t be silly, Mom. If it weren’t for you raising such a wonderful son all on your own, how could I have found such an amazing husband? I only have one husband, but I only have one mother-in-law too.” Rachel clearly hadn’t expected sweet, obedient Claire to be so persistent. She gritted her teeth and let me wipe away her sweat. “Here Mom, have some water. I put it in the fridge earlier so it would be nice and cool.” Rachel had no excuse to refuse, so she took the cup and drank. As she sipped the water, I sighed dramatically: “You know, at the reunion last night, my old best friend told me the most awful thing. Her husband, who seemed so honest and reliable, has actually been cheating on her behind her back.” “She broke down crying as she told me. Her makeup was a mess by the end. The poor thing was absolutely devastated.” When I finished speaking, Rachel froze with the cup halfway to her mouth. Jack’s eyes darted around nervously, looking very guilty. Jack tried to sound calm as he asked: “Why are you suddenly bringing this up?” Rachel chimed in: “Yes, did that good-for-nothing Jack do something to hurt you? If he did, you tell me right now. I’ll teach him a lesson myself!” I deliberately didn’t answer their questions. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense. After about 15 seconds of awkward silence, I burst out laughing. “Oh, you should see your faces! You both looked so scared. I really had you going there!” “Mom, do you think I have talent as an actress? Maybe some big media company will discover me and you’ll be a celebrity’s mother-in-law!” I stuck my tongue out playfully, the picture of youthful innocence. Seeing me act so carefree, Jack and Rachel seemed to relax, figuring I must have been joking around. Then I waddled over to Jack with my big belly, demanding a hug. Nothing about my behavior seemed out of the ordinary. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rachel clench her fists, seething with barely contained rage. But there was nothing she could do. I wanted Rachel to keep bottling up her anger until she finally exploded. I announced I was going to the market in town to buy groceries. Jack and Rachel exchanged a look. “Claire, let me go with you!” Jack quickly offered. “You’re so pregnant – I don’t want you going alone.” I smiled and declined. “I know the market well. I’ll be fine, don’t worry. I know my own body, silly. I love you, honey!” I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. It made me want to scrub my mouth with soap. Rachel’s face turned green with envy. “Yes, go on then. Hurry up and go,” she snapped. Seeing Rachel’s anger, Jack had no choice but to let me leave alone. “Alright, just be careful,” he said. “I will, honey. See you soon!” I called as I turned to go. As soon as I was out of sight, I wiped my lips with my sleeve. How revolting. The two of them didn’t suspect a thing. I used to do all the dirty work and chores around the house. I thought Jack worked so hard and his poor old mother deserved a break after raising him alone. Ha! How stupid I’d been. When I got to town, I did actually buy groceries. But more importantly, I wanted to hear what those two dogs would say about me once I was gone. That’s where Emma’s listening device came in handy. They went back inside the house. First I heard Rachel’s voice: “Jack, do you know how much it kills me to see that little bitch Claire hanging all over you? I can’t take it anymore. From now on, you better find a way to avoid her when she tries to get close to you!” “Baby, you know I’m just playing a part. It’s all to get that child she’s carrying, remember?” Jack soothed her. Calling that old woman “baby” – disgusting! But Rachel wouldn’t let up: “For the baby, for the baby. That’s always your excuse. So what if she’s pregnant? It’s not that special. I just can’t stand it for one more second.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296019”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #励志Inspiring

Jack Wilson planned 66 romantic trips to propose to me. On the 67th attempt, I was finally moved enough to say yes. On our first day of marriage, I prepared 66 “forgiveness cards” for him. We agreed that whenever he upset me, he could use one of these cards to earn my forgiveness. For six years of our marriage, every time Jack angered me because of his childhood friend Jessie, he would use up one forgiveness card. By the time he used the 64th card, Jack started to sense something was off about me. I no longer reminded him to be careful or set boundaries. I no longer seemed to need him. I only asked him one question when he was about to abandon me for Jessie again: “If you go to her, can I use a forgiveness card?” Jack paused for a moment, then looked at me helplessly. “Use it if you want. There are so many left anyway.” I nodded silently, watching his figure disappear. He still thought the forgiveness cards were endless. But what he didn’t know was that there were only two cards left.

Today was the banquet held by the company’s biggest partner. It was also the 7th day after my surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. Jessie Yang smashed a cake onto the clothes of the partner’s CEO. Jack’s first reaction was to ask if she was okay. Then he turned to look at me. “Lily, go apologize to Mr. Zhang.” I stared at him in shock. The CEO was wiping cake off his suit, his anger visibly rising. “So your company likes to shirk responsibility! The one who should apologize is hiding behind others.” Jessie had tears in her eyes as she leaned against Jack’s chest, acting as if she was the one who got hit. Jack held her protectively and gave me a stern look. “What are you waiting for? Hurry up and apologize!” “First offer Mr. Zhang a drink. We can’t let this affect our partnership!” He forgot that I was still recovering from ectopic pregnancy surgery, and alcohol was strictly forbidden. Or maybe he just didn’t care about my health at all. Jessie looked at me smugly, her eyes full of challenge. She knew all along that Jack would push me out as a scapegoat. She also knew Jack would always protect her and never let her get hurt. I naturally didn’t want to take the blame for her mistake, but Jack suddenly whispered in my ear: “One forgiveness card.” Years ago, when he was trying to marry me, Jack personally planned 66 romantic trips to propose. I got to enjoy his undivided attention and love 66 times. On the 67th attempt, I finally said yes to his proposal in front of our family and friends. That’s when I received his solemn vow: “Lily, you are the love of my life! If I ever betray you, may heaven strike me…” I covered his mouth before he could finish. The sight of him kneeling and swearing his love touched my heart deeply, so I agreed to marry him. To match his 66 proposals, I had a friend design 66 forgiveness cards for me. I told Jack, “If we ever use up all these cards, I’m leaving you!” For the first five years of our marriage, Jack kept the cards locked away, afraid I might impulsively use them up if I got angry. But after his childhood friend Jessie returned from overseas, it only took one year for him to use up 63 cards. This time, he was using the 64th card. I bent over slightly, my body trembling as I fought the pain in my abdomen. I looked at the CEO and said: “Mr. Zhang, I’m truly sorry about what happened.” The CEO glanced at me and could only shake his head helplessly, not really blaming me. As I bowed, I saw Jack carefully fixing Jessie’s hair. “Be more careful next time. What if you had hit the table and gotten hurt!” “Okay, okay. You’re still the same as before.” Before? The pain from my surgical wound spread across my abdomen, making my face turn pale. Just bear with it a little longer. He only has two chances left! After the banquet ended, I followed behind Jack just wanting to go home quickly. But he stood with Jessie, looking like a perfect couple. Jack turned to me with a cold expression and said slowly: “You go home by yourself. Jessie twisted her ankle, so I need to take her to get it checked.” He seemed to have forgotten about my own injury. His eyes were full of concern as he looked at Jessie. In the past, I probably would have explained that I was in pain too, then asked him to take me to the hospital with them. Then I would have cried and asked why I had to apologize when I didn’t do anything wrong. But now I just nodded lightly. “Okay.” Jack let out a sigh and his expression softened. “Lily, be careful on your way home.”

Just as he finished speaking, Jessie walked up and linked her arm with his. “Jack, my foot hurts. Can we go soon?” Jack’s suit jacket was draped over her shoulders. Her delicate figure leaned halfway against Jack’s body. Jack paid no attention to me and my pale face from the pain. He simply picked Jessie up and placed her in the passenger seat. “Sit tight and don’t bump your injury.” After he finished helping her, he was about to drive off when he finally noticed me still standing there. “We grew up together. I only see her as a sister. You go home first.” I forced a smile. “Mmm, sister.” Afraid he might think I was upset, I added: “You already used a forgiveness card, so it’s fine.” Jack looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated. Jessie let out a hiss of pain, and he quickly turned back to her. “We’re leaving now.” With that, Jack drove off. Leaving me alone at the hotel entrance, I pulled my coat tighter around myself. When I got home, I took out the forgiveness cards from the side table. The stack of cards that Jack used to keep locked in the safe was now carelessly left out on the table. I stamped the 64th card and then found the divorce papers I had prepared earlier. Not knowing any lawyers personally, I decided to contact my former professor. “Professor, do you have any lawyer recommendations if I want to get a divorce?” The professor was confused when he heard the news. “Who’s getting divorced? You?” “I remember you two caused quite a stir on campus when you got together. It’s only been a few years, what happened?” The professor had witnessed Jack’s proposal back then. How did we end up here? It started when he kept abandoning me for someone else. When he was with Jessie and only talked about their shared history that I couldn’t be part of. When he shamelessly shared a bed with Jessie overnight. The worst thing for a relationship is the appearance of a third person. We had drifted apart and there was no going back. The professor let out a sigh. “I’ll take care of this. I’ll have someone contact you soon. Just let them know what you need.” I looked at the last two forgiveness cards in my hand and said slowly: “Okay, thank you professor.” Just then, Jack walked in. “Who were you talking to? The professor?” He was carrying a shopping bag which he placed on the table. I hung up the phone and turned to face him. “It’s nothing, just asked about some research questions.” Jack frowned, giving me a suspicious look. “What questions? It’s so late, why are you asking now?” I furrowed my brows and looked at him. “It’s nothing, just about an experiment.” He finally sat down on the couch and pushed the bag towards me. “Here, this is for you.” The bag was from my favorite traditional pastry shop. In the past, Jack would always bring treats from this shop whenever he came to see me. Of course, being a century-old famous bakery, there were always long lines of customers every day. Just because I said I wanted to eat their pastries, he would go line up before the store even opened. I didn’t want him to go through so much trouble. But he would just tap my nose and say with a smile: “If you want to eat a pastry, of course I’ll go buy it myself. Even if you asked for the stars, I’d find a way to pluck them for you.” Thinking back, we did have many sweet memories. “How did you go there… What’s this?” I opened the bag, but it wasn’t the pastries I was expecting. Inside was just a dress stained with cake and a crumpled bed sheet. I looked at Jack and he had an odd expression on his face. “Jessie’s clothes got dirty and there’s blood on the sheets that’s hard to wash out. She’s on her period so she can’t use cold water. I thought I’d bring them back and ask you to help out.” He spoke with increasing confidence, his expression becoming forceful. “Don’t be so petty. You’re both women, you should understand. If not, just use another forgiveness card.” The angry words I was about to say got stuck in my throat. I had just had surgery and couldn’t use cold water either, but he seemed to have completely forgotten about that. And what forgiveness card? There was only one left. But seeing his nonchalant expression, I swallowed my words. All of Jack’s clothes were expensive custom-tailored suits that required hand washing and ironing. Thinking about it carefully, I must have water in my brain. My self-perceived care and consideration was no better than just sending it to the dry cleaners.

I left the clothes by the entrance, planning to take them to the dry cleaners, then went back to the bedroom. Seeing me come in, Jack looked pleased. “As expected of my wife, finishing so quickly. That’s Jessie’s favorite dress, make sure you wash it clean.” I nodded once and started to put on a face mask. I picked up my tablet from the bedside table and began watching a show. Jack was also on his phone, his fingers tapping away as if messaging someone. Suddenly a notification popped up on my tablet. I tapped on it and realized Jack’s SnapChat was logging in on the tablet. “Jack, you’re so thoughtful! I haven’t had such authentic pastries in ages.” “Though it was really crowded there. You went to so much trouble.” Jack glanced at me, his fingers still typing. “I’m glad you like them. I’ll buy you more next time.” “Who else would I do this for but my little sister!” Jessie replied again: “What about my bed sheets? There’s period blood on them. Is it really okay to have Lily wash them?” “If she doesn’t want to, forget it.” Jack’s lips curled into a smile, his eyes full of affection. “It’s fine. I heard you need to use cold water. I couldn’t bear to let you wash them, and she has experience.” I paused, instinctively looking at Jack. After marrying him, I took care of all the household chores big and small. Even changing light bulbs was my job. No wonder he said I had experience. I put the tablet aside, not wanting to see any more hurtful messages. After washing off my face mask, Jack suddenly leaned close to my ear and whispered: “Lily, Chris called me over for something. You rest first.” I curled up in bed and mumbled an agreement. As he was getting dressed, I asked in a low voice: “Jack, if you don’t come back tonight, can I use up a forgiveness card?” I looked at him, my voice trembling slightly from sadness. His hands didn’t pause as he tied his tie. He smiled as usual. “Go ahead and use it.” Jack smoothed his hair, completely unconcerned. “I’ll definitely be back soon. That forgiveness card will be useless today!” Seeing his relaxed expression, I held back the tears in my eyes and shrank further under the covers. “Mm.” It was 10 PM now. He said he’d be back soon. I had someone go buy me pastries from that shop I loved. Coincidentally, Chris had just posted a photo on social media celebrating a date with his girlfriend. Jack sent me a message right then: “Found Chris. I’ll be back soon.” It was almost midnight. I looked at an old post on my social media from when I accepted Jack’s proposal. I reshared it to my profile with the caption: “Time flies.” Jack commented a heart emoji below it. Then he sent me a photo of an office desk. “Working. Missing my wife.” I closed his chat window. Ignoring him. He must have forgotten that photo was one I took with his phone last month. It wasn’t a photo from today at all. He was not only lying to me, but also putting in minimal effort. Jessie also posted an update, as if deliberately for me to see. “You said you’d marry me when we grew up. You broke that promise and now you say you regret it.” In the photo, their hands were intertwined. Jack’s small birthmark on his index finger was clearly visible. I sat on the couch, watching the video Jack had recorded of his proposal while eating the pastries I’d bought. The pastries I used to love now tasted bland. Maybe I didn’t like them anymore. And it wasn’t just the pastries I no longer liked. Jack never sent another message. I put my phone on the coffee table and started packing up my belongings. It was already past midnight. I was about to stamp the final forgiveness card. Suddenly my phone rang. It was Jack calling. “Lily, are you asleep? Don’t wait up for me. Something came up and I can’t come home tonight.” “Use a forgiveness card first. I’ll bring you pastries tomorrow. I have to go now, bye.” Before I could say anything, Jack hung up. The busy tone sounded before I could react. I put the phone back on the coffee table, accidentally knocking over a mug. It was the couple’s mug we had made after getting engaged. It instantly shattered into two halves. Perhaps it was a sign that our relationship should be severed as well. I opened SnapChat and tapped on Jack’s profile. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you earlier. There are no more forgiveness cards left.” “Let’s get a divorce.” Immediately after, my phone started ringing non-stop.

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My cousin Lucas has an obsession with testing my girlfriends. Despite my constant refusals, he finds great pleasure in it. After successfully seducing them, he dumps them and then tells everyone in our family group chat that my girlfriend wasn’t good enough. When he tried his old tricks again, he had no idea that this time, it was a trap I had set specifically for him. He couldn’t resist falling into it. Lucas has been divorced for three years, yet he still receives a hefty monthly alimony from his ex-wife, living a life of luxury and indulgence. One day he’s dating a model, the next he’s wooing a college girl. He’s always busy with his conquests. Recently, he set his sights on my girlfriend of six months, Stella. I wasn’t surprised that he discovered her so quickly. My mom had come to my rented apartment to pick up some things and happened to meet her. My mom’s biggest flaw in life is her constant need to compare herself to others, commonly known as the “green-eyed monster.” Lucas had married well, and even after the divorce, he still had an endless supply of alimony. Add to that my Aunt Linda’s relentless bragging in front of my mom. It had become my mom’s life mission for me to marry someone even better than Lucas’s ex-wife. My lack of progress in this area had become her constant worry. I met Stella at a bar. I spotted her in the crowd and it took me over six months to finally win her over. She was younger than Lucas’s ex-wife, prettier, and even wealthier. Wasn’t this exactly what my mom wanted? She immediately announced it in our family group chat on WhatsApp, even sending out a red envelope to celebrate my impending marriage. When I saw this, I could only respond with a waving hand emoji. “It’s not that serious, family. Don’t make a big deal out of it.” My mom immediately fired back with a photo in the group chat. “With looks like this and carrying a bag like that, you’re not serious? Come on!” Lucas chimed in: “Wow, where did our Ryan find such a gem? Does big bro need to test her out for you?” I didn’t respond, but I knew that whether I liked it or not, he would try anyway. However, this time I was well prepared.

On the first day of our relationship, I told Stella, “I have a very handsome and intellectual cousin who likes to add my girlfriends on SnapChat. If he tries to add you, please don’t accept.” Stella jokingly asked, “Afraid I’ll fall for him?” I chuckled softly and said, “I’m afraid you’ll lose your soul and meet a terrible end. Every one of my exes died this way.” She hugged me and cooed, “Well, I definitely won’t. I’m yours for life, Ryan.” With my warning, when Lucas first tried to add her, she consistently refused. She even complained to me several times: “Your cousin Lucas is really persistent. He’s tried to add me with over ten different SnapChat accounts.” I kissed her cheek in approval and said, “You must stand firm. Don’t let his playboy ways tempt you.” Her fingers didn’t stop as she rejected another friend request from a new account. Then she turned to me and said: “My parents want to have dinner with you. They say we’ve been dating for six months, and you still haven’t shown your face. They’re really excited to meet you after everything I’ve told them.” I paused for a moment, stroked her head, and said, “Let’s wait a bit longer. I’m quite busy these days. After this quarter is over, I’ll treat your parents to dinner.” “You don’t need to treat them! They’d be over the moon just to see you. We’ll eat at my family’s hotel!” Perhaps frustrated by his inability to add Stella on SnapChat, Lucas became impatient and suggested coming to stay at my rented apartment for a while. Of course, I wouldn’t agree, but my mom was eager to show off the new apartment Stella had gotten for me. She couldn’t wait to give him the address. So when I returned from work, I found Stella and Lucas sitting on opposite ends of the sofa, scrolling through their phones. Stella pulled me into the bedroom, clearly annoyed, and said, “I really didn’t engage with him. How did he end up at our place?” I shrugged it off, “My mom probably gave him the address. He’s just like that. Just ignore him and he’ll go away.” She swore to heaven that she hadn’t encouraged him. I felt a bit uneasy, my mind replaying the image of them sitting on the sofa. Surely Stella wouldn’t fall for him so quickly, right? It had taken me six grueling months to win her over. She couldn’t possibly be won over in just one evening, could she? I was still anxious, partly due to my lack of self-confidence, and partly because I wasn’t sure how long Stella could resist.

Stella didn’t stay over that night. She had another apartment in the next building and went back there. Early the next morning, she came over with breakfast. The table was laden with seven or eight dishes. Lucas saw this and smirked proudly. “Did my sister-in-law bring so much because she knew I was here today?” “Wow, I love the soup dumplings from this place. They never do delivery. Did you go and pick them up early this morning?” Stella glanced at him and said, “No, I forgot you were here. I actually bought less than usual. Ryan doesn’t have much of an appetite in the morning, so I buy a variety for him to choose from.” Lucas let out a long “Oh,” but his hands kept fidgeting, a sign that he was deep in thought. I figured if he was only slightly interested in Stella before, now he was definitely determined to win her over. I squeezed Stella’s hand unconsciously, perhaps a bit too hard. Stella looked at me, puzzled by the pain. I quickly apologized and left the table. That evening when I got home from work, they were again sitting on opposite ends of the sofa. Stella got up to greet me as I entered. She whispered to me, “Does your cousin not have a job? Why is he here every day? And doesn’t he have his own place? Why is he always at ours?” I looked up at her and said, “If you add him on SnapChat, he might leave you alone.” Her expression froze for a moment before she said, “I just added him. He said if I did, he’d go home tomorrow.” I simply said “Oh” and went into the bedroom. Stella followed me in, asking if I was angry. “I just didn’t want to see him every day. I’ve already blocked him, see? I’ve even muted his messages.” She said, pulling out her phone to show me, trying to prove her innocence. I didn’t say anything, but my disappointment must have been obvious because Stella spent half the evening trying to cheer me up. At dinner, she kept trying to engage me in conversation and piled food onto my plate. Lucas observed this and smiled, “Our Stella is very attentive, isn’t she?”

Stella ignored him. She was busy discussing with me about the setup of a new direct-sale brand store she was working on. Lucas, hearing this, deliberately made a commotion at the dinner table. When we both looked at him, he smiled and said: “Oh my, you’re talking about something I’m quite familiar with. I got a bit excited.” He turned to the puzzled Stella and said, “My ex-wife has a direct-sale brand that’s doing quite well. She has many resources that she could share with me. For Ryan’s sake, I could help you out.” He then went on to describe the brand in detail. I could see that Stella was very interested. She looked at me hesitantly, then back at Lucas, and asked: “Since it’s your ex-wife’s, wouldn’t it be inconvenient?” “What’s inconvenient about it? A quick fling and everything’s solved. Just wait for my message.” This time, Stella didn’t refuse. I knew her “Do Not Disturb” setting for Lucas was about to be turned off. Sure enough, when she came into the room later, she said to me, “Your cousin is quite generous and straightforward, isn’t he?” I just looked up at her once, my eyes already half red. She immediately came over to comfort me: “I was just saying. How could I be interested in a man who’s still entangled with his ex-wife?”

Lucas left my apartment the next day, and Stella didn’t come back for several days. She said she was out of town for work, as several direct-sale stores were opening simultaneously. During our video calls, I could sometimes see Lucas in the background. She quickly explained: “Your cousin called to ask about my progress. When he heard I was in the neighboring city, he came over to check things out. This time, thanks to your cousin’s help, a lot of work was saved. Even my dad praised me.” Second-generation rich kids spend their lives trying to surpass their parents, and Stella was no exception. Especially since she was a girl. Her father and grandfather were both very successful entrepreneurs. She wasn’t bad herself, but she was always overshadowed by her family’s legacy. She had always wanted to prove herself. This time, the direct-sale stores were set up in several cities at once, fast and in good locations. Even her father and grandfather praised her at the dinner table for handling this matter beautifully. Stella transferred $200,000 to me, saying it was to buy a gift for my cousin in my name. “I know he helped me because of you. It’s better if you give it to him. I still have some sense of propriety.” She added, “Choose something your cousin likes. If it’s not enough, I can send more.” I took out my phone and called my brother. As soon as the call connected, I said: “Thanks for helping my girlfriend. She wants to send you a gift worth about $200,000. Is there anything you like? Or should I just transfer the money to you?” There was a pause on the other end, then a slightly hoarse female voice came through. “Ryan? Why is your girlfriend sending Lucas a gift?” Oh no, Lucas and his ex-wife’s contact names only differed by one letter. I had accidentally called his ex-wife, Fiona. Fiona, Lucas, and I were all alumni. Fiona was a year ahead of us, and we’d run into each other during club activities. I had only complimented Fiona once on being considerate, and the next day, Lucas started pursuing her ostentatiously. Two weeks later, they were together. After several breakups and reconciliations, they got married right after graduation. Three years into the marriage, they divorced. To prevent this big financial backer, who still sends my brother a monthly allowance, from misunderstanding, I quickly explained: “No, no, he helped my girlfriend with something big. But we should thank you too. This time, my girlfriend’s direct-sale snack brand stores relied entirely on your resources.” “I thought he was finally getting his act together and starting his own business. Turns out it’s for your girlfriend. He cares more about her than he ever did about me.” Before I could respond, she continued: “Alright, I get it. I’ll buy him a gift. You keep the money for yourself.”

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In the final stages of cancer, my only chance at life-saving chemotherapy was bought out by Frank and given to Rachel, who was in the early stages. I gave up on the doctor’s life-saving plan and swallowed strong pain-blocking medication. The price was organ failure and death in 3 days. During these 3 days, I gave up everything. When I handed over all my hard-earned assets to Rachel, my parents smiled with satisfaction. When Frank presented the divorce papers and I signed without hesitation, he sighed and said I was very understanding. When I pushed Lily to call Rachel “mom”, she excitedly said mom was the best. Even when I gave all my properties and assets to Rachel, they didn’t notice anything wrong. They just looked at me with contentment and said, “Our sensible Chloe has finally come back.” But I’m also curious, will they remember me after I die? Under the doctor’s pitying gaze, I swallowed the pain-blocking medication. I had 3 days left to live. After taking the medicine, I went to Rachel’s hospital room. Inside, Dad was peeling an orange for Rachel while Mom chatted with her. When they saw me enter, the smiles on my parents’ faces instantly turned cold. “What, done pretending to be sick and here to pick on Rachel again? Chloe, I’m warning you, don’t you dare bully Rachel while we’re here!” Dad glared at me, his tone icy. “Our Wilson family has always had strict discipline. I don’t know where you learned such bad behavior, being jealous of Rachel and even trying to steal her treatment opportunity,” Mom scolded, pointing at me. “If I had known, I never should have given birth to you!” In a corner hidden from my parents’ view, Rachel smiled at me, her eyes full of provocation. I lowered my gaze. I had heard these words from my parents countless times before. In the past, I would have argued with them and exposed Rachel’s true nature in front of everyone, even though my parents never believed a word I said. But now I was tired, too exhausted to fight anymore. “Well, it’s good you’re here. I have something to discuss with you,” Dad spoke up. I smiled faintly. “Dad, I have something to tell you too.” “Doesn’t Rachel want my store business and company? I’ve thought it over – she can have it all!” Dad was stunned for a moment. Mom also looked at me in surprise. “How did you know I was going to talk to you about this today? You agree?” I forced a smile. No wonder they were shocked and kept confirming. Rachel had wanted my hard-earned businesses for a long time. My parents had said all kinds of things, good and bad, trying to get me to hand over my life’s work to Rachel. But I had always refused. Now that I was dying anyway, these things meant nothing to me. Seeing I looked serious, Mom finally smiled in relief and stepped forward to pat my head. “You’ve finally come to your senses!” “Rachel has always been more talented than you, even when you were in school. Although she’s sick now, her financial management skills are better than yours,” Mom said. “We’ll feel much more at ease if you let her take over your stores and company.” I forced another smile and handed the transfer documents to Rachel. After seeing Rachel sign, my parents happily held my hands, calling me a good child over and over. I felt a hint of bitter irony in my heart. How laughable – only when I gave in to Rachel would Mom smile at me. But I was also curious – if Mom discovered Rachel’s true nature after I died, would she and Dad regret it? That evening, I returned home to find my husband Frank and daughter Lily cooking in the kitchen. Perhaps because of my late-stage cancer, I closed the door softly. The father-daughter pair seemed not to notice, laughing as they cooked together. Frank turned around with a plate of food and saw me. His smile froze for a moment before returning to normal. “Chloe, when did you get back? I didn’t hear you come in.” I silently looked at the dish in Frank’s hands – stir-fried vegetables, Rachel’s favorite. The presentation rivaled that of a professional chef. How ironic. I was about to die, and only now did I learn that Frank, my husband of 5 years, could cook. In the past, he always complained about my cooking. Under Frank’s influence, Lily gradually started criticizing me too. I had worked so hard for this family, but in the end, I didn’t earn an ounce of respect. In the past, I might have started screaming hysterically by now. But now I just calmly walked past them and sat on the couch, sorting through the things in my bag. Seeing my silence, Frank hesitated for a moment. He put the dish on the table and walked over. “Chloe, there’s something I want to discuss with you today.” Frank rubbed his nose awkwardly, hesitating before continuing: “It’s about your sister Rachel.” My heart sank. A bad feeling suddenly washed over me. Frank’s next words left me stunned: “After Rachel finishes her cancer treatment, she’s been feeling very depressed. So your parents suggested I marry Rachel to cheer her up.” My ears were ringing. It took a long time before I found my voice again. “So… you agreed?” Frank sighed. “Chloe, even though Rachel isn’t your biological sister, she’s still family after your parents adopted her. It’s just to cheer her up. Once Rachel is discharged, I’ll still be your husband and Lily’s father.” Before I could speak, Lily chimed in: “That’s right, Mom. Aunt Rachel has been so sad lately. You need to understand!” I silently looked at the father and daughter in front of me. This was the man I had loved for years. This was the child I had raised with such difficulty. I had never done anything wrong. I had given my all to my family, husband, and child. I could face them with a clear conscience. In the end, this was how they repaid me – with betrayal. But it didn’t matter now. If Rachel wanted everything, I would give it all to her. I didn’t want any of it anymore. I raised my head to look at Frank. “Alright, I agree.” Frank’s eyes flashed with surprise. “Really?” He quickly took out divorce papers from a drawer and placed them on the table. I smirked inwardly. Oh Frank, you can’t even bother to hide your impatience? I picked up the pen and quickly signed my name. After signing, Frank’s face was full of relief. His expression was solemn yet affectionate. “Chloe, once Rachel is discharged, we’ll remarry. Don’t worry, I’ll never let you down!” Frank finished speaking and signed the divorce papers as well. After signing, he looked at me and sighed. “Chloe, you’ve become much more sensible than before. I’ve made mistakes in the past too. I was wrong. After Rachel gets better, I’ll never let you worry about anything again!” “That’s right, Mom!” Lily chimed in like a little adult. “Mom is so good to Aunt Rachel. I’m proud of you!” Looking at them, my heart turned to ashes. Before this, I had held out one last shred of hope for Frank and Lily. But now… Forget it. I had no expectations left, except for death. I stood up, intending to go back to my room to rest. A wave of intense dizziness hit me. I couldn’t help but faint. In the last moment before everything went black, I saw Frank’s worried face. I was jolted awake by a wave of cold. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to find myself still lying on the floor. Frank and Lily were looking at me with disappointed expressions. “Dad, I told you Mom was faking again!” Lily said. “Mom, can you stop being so childish? You’re really holding us up from going to visit Aunt Rachel at the hospital!” Faking? Frank also spoke up with disappointment: “Chloe, can you stop making a scene? I already told you, even though we’re divorced, you’re still the one I love. There’s no need to use such childish tricks to test me!” After hearing Frank’s words, I finally understood. The pain-blocking medication I had taken would suppress all symptoms for these 3 days. During this time, I would look like a normal, healthy person. But the side effects were severe. After 3 days, I would die from organ failure. It seemed the medication was working quite well. I forced myself to stand up. “It’s probably just low blood sugar. I’m fine. I’ll go to the hospital with you. There are some transfer documents Rachel still needs to sign.” Frank nodded. There was no surprise on his face. My parents must have told him in advance. At the hospital, Rachel was watching TV in her room. “Chloe, you’re here!” Rachel’s face was still very pale, but her spirits seemed much better. However, I didn’t miss the smugness and arrogance in her eyes. “Chloe, thank you for trusting me to manage your businesses. Don’t worry, I won’t let you down!” “That’s right, Chloe. With Rachel managing your stores and company, you can stay home and collect dividends every day. How nice!” Mom said with a smile. I took out the remaining documents from my bag. “In that case, I’ll let her manage all my assets too. That way I won’t have to worry about anything in the future.” Everyone in the room froze. “Chloe, are you serious? You want to give Rachel all your assets?” Frank grabbed my arm, his eyes full of shock. This time it was my turn to be confused. In the past, they had always sided with Rachel. Whatever Rachel wanted, they gave her. If I refused, they would berate me endlessly. How come now that I was giving Rachel everything, they suddenly didn’t understand? Dad was the first to recover. His eyes were full of approval. “This child has finally come to her senses! Our efforts in raising you weren’t wasted!” “Chloe, it’s good that you’ve learned to accept your sister now,” Mom added. “From now on, you two can live well together. Even when we’re old, we can rest easy!” Rest easy? Dad, Mom, you’ve been fooled by Rachel’s act for too many years. Do you really believe Rachel will manage everything well? My head started spinning again. My nose felt itchy. When I touched it, I realized it was a nosebleed. “Chloe, why are you getting a nosebleed? The weather isn’t even dry,” Mom asked. I paused as I wiped the blood. In the end, I couldn’t help but look at them and speak: “Dad, Mom, if I really died from illness one day, would you regret it?” But Mom’s expression didn’t even change. She just smiled and glanced at me. “Your face looks so healthy, how could you possibly die from illness? Don’t say such unlucky things!” “Yes, Rachel is different. We need to make sure she gets proper nutrition once she recovers!” Dad said, looking at Rachel with concern. “I agree!” Lily chimed in. “Mom looks so healthy. Aunt Rachel is the one we’re most worried about!” The last glimmer of hope in my heart disappeared completely. I had nothing left to look forward to… I lowered my head to look at Lily and smiled as I spoke: “Lily, didn’t you always want Rachel to be your real mom? I agree now. Rachel is your mom now. Why don’t you call her ‘Mom’?” Lily’s eyes lit up with joy. “Really?!” I smiled faintly. “After you call her Mom, you can always eat the food she cooks and have her accompany you from now on! Isn’t that what you’ve always wished for? Are you happy?” Lily jumped up excitedly. “Yay! Mom is the best! Thank you, Mom!” With that, Lily let go of my hand and hugged Rachel. My parents and Frank watched the scene with satisfaction. I turned to leave, taking one last look at them. My parents were playing with Lily alongside Rachel. Frank was watching with a smile. No one noticed me. I closed the door to the hospital room and left. With only one day left until my death, I had nowhere to go. My life had been so busy and rushed. I had never taken the time to truly enjoy myself. I booked a ticket to B City to see the ocean at night. I had wanted to go hiking too, but I couldn’t hold on any longer.

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My best friend Mia said I had a great voice and pressured me to quit my job to be her co-host on a relationship advice live stream. On the first day, a girl called in and asked me to help her reconnect with her ex-boyfriend who was about to get engaged. When the guy agreed, the girl suddenly changed her tone: “Actually, I’m his current fiancée, and we’re getting engaged tomorrow. It’s over between us.” I was bombarded with insults after that. People online accused me of helping a homewrecker. Mia not only didn’t clear things up for me but went live to spread rumors that I’d been dating rich old men since college and would do anything for money. This led to a stalker following and killing me. When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the moment I answered that call on the live stream. This time, I snapped: “A proper ex should be as good as dead to you. Aren’t you just trying to be the other woman here?” The psycho dragged me into a dark alley, methodically breaking my bones with a hammer. He sneered, “You’d go for 70-year-olds, but you won’t accept me? Is it just because I’m broke?” “You bitch! Die!” The next second I lost consciousness, I found myself back on the first day of the live stream. On my phone, the girl who called in was pouring her heart out. “My ex and I were in love for 8 years. We broke up 6 months ago due to a misunderstanding, and now he’s getting engaged to someone he met through an arranged date tomorrow. I can’t let him go.” “I want to be brave one last time for this relationship.” “Host, could you please call him for me?” Viewers in the chat were moved by her story. They kept sending messages urging me to agree to her request. Living through this again, I knew these were all paid commenters hired by Mia. “Don’t worry, Lily. I’ve received your contact info through a private message. I’ll call him right away to ask,” Mia said, sitting off-camera while scrolling through her phone, not forgetting to reply to the girl named Lily. I was still reeling from the near-death experience, barely able to breathe. But just before she could dial, I instinctively grabbed the phone and smashed it against the wall with all my strength. Mia was dumbfounded. Comments started flooding in at lightning speed. “Whoa, why did the host suddenly go crazy?” Lily’s voice sounded hurt: “If you didn’t want to help, you could’ve just said so…” I cut her off and went on the offensive. “Help with what? Do you know what an ex is? An ex is as good as dead. You knew you’ve been broken up for six months, what have you been doing all this time?” “He’s about to get engaged and now you want to get back together? That’s like trying to breastfeed a dead baby. What, are you eager to be the other woman?” “I despise people like you the most, using love as an excuse to manipulate others. Do you really think we’re all idiots?” I was speaking with a double meaning. I was scolding everyone in the live stream. After my rant, I didn’t give Lily a chance to explain and kicked her off the call. In my past life, after Lily stated her request, I had the same thoughts initially. But I knew everyone goes through relationship problems, and it’s normal to have a hard time letting go when you’re in the middle of it. I didn’t want to judge her from a moral high ground. I planned to politely decline and then slowly talk her through it. But Mia dialed the guy’s number before I could speak. Left with no choice, I reluctantly explained the situation to him. The guy promptly replied that he was willing to get back together. The live stream exploded with excitement over his response. At that moment, I felt bad for his fiancée, but then Lily immediately spoke up, saying, “Actually, I’m not his ex. I’m his current fiancée. Thank you, host. I guess there’s no need for this engagement anymore.” I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and I even felt glad that she had escaped from a bad situation. It wasn’t until I died that I realized… The girl who called in and the guy who answered the phone were all actors hired by Mia. She had planned from the beginning to sacrifice me to boost her own career. Mia panicked: “Everyone goes through breakups. She just wanted an answer. How could you attack a girl with such harsh words?” I flipped the camera to face her. “So what?” I challenged. “Just because she’s heartbroken, the whole world has to coddle her? Don’t be ridiculous, sis. What answer? Didn’t she get her answer when they broke up? Now that he’s about to get engaged, she suddenly wants an answer?” “I never realized your values were so messed up. Do you also think that it’s not cheating if you’re not the one being loved?” My words were sharp and my tone was biting. Mia was so taken aback by my verbal assault that she couldn’t even lift her head. She covered her face and actually started crying. Jack burst in and ended the live stream. Then he stood protectively in front of her, glaring at me with disappointment. “Mia was kind enough to bring you into live streaming to make money, and you’re being so aggressive over this little thing? How can you be so ungrateful?” I held my head high and replied firmly: “I’m sorry, but I can’t earn this kind of dirty money!” In the past, I had a gentle personality and didn’t want to argue with them. But my tolerance only led to them taking advantage of me more and more. Jack still didn’t take me seriously. He instinctively told me to apologize to Mia. He furrowed his brow, his eyes full of disappointment: “We’re all friends here. You’ve really gone too far today.” I walked up to them and held out my right hand. “Make up with a handshake? What are you, in elementary school…” Mia started to say. She hesitated, then reached out to shake my hand. Just as we were about to touch, I raised my hand high and slapped Jack hard across the face. His condescending words were cut short. He looked at me in utter disbelief. “I’m curious, I’m supposed to be your girlfriend, so why do you always take her side?” I coldly questioned him. “Tell me, when did you two start hooking up?” “You’ve misunderstood Jack and me. He came to see me last night because it’s your birthday soon, and he wanted to surprise you,” Mia explained, biting her lower lip. “We’ve been friends for 10 years. I would never betray you.” I turned to Jack: “Is that true?” Jack nodded, and I kicked him hard in the knee, making him fall to the ground. Mia rushed to help him up, her face full of concern. “I was just testing you, and you both confessed everything. Did I even mention anything about last night?” I said. “No wonder you wanted to help that homewrecker earlier. So you’re that kind of person!” “You don’t really think that only the one who’s not loved is the other woman, do you?” Jack hissed in pain and scolded me through gritted teeth: “Enough! Can’t you reflect on yourself at this point? If you were really that great, why would I look at someone else?” “Oh, great, now we’re blaming the victim, are we?” I retorted. While they weren’t paying attention, I flexed my wrists, grabbed both of their heads with my hands, and smashed them together hard. The sound of their heads colliding was quite loud. I felt like I was listening to heavenly music, and some of my anger dissipated. Along with Jack’s sharp intake of breath, Mia burst into tears with a loud wail. I felt even more satisfied. “You cheating bastard, we’re done!” “I hope you two snakes stay together forever, locked in misery!” Mia and Jack held their heads, having lost all their strength and tactics. I quickly made my escape. But I didn’t leave right away. Instead, I stood outside the room, wanting to hear if they had any more schemes planned. As soon as Mia recovered, she started badmouthing me. “That bitch Aria must have taken the wrong meds today. How dare she get physical? Wasn’t she your lapdog? How come she’s not even listening to you anymore?” “Who knows what’s wrong with her? She’s just a psycho!” Jack cursed, then started analyzing the situation rationally. “She must have found out about us. Otherwise, with her personality, there’s no way she would have been so aggressive today.” “What should we do? I was counting on her to help me grow my following,” Mia said, unwilling to give up. Jack reached out and pulled her into his arms. He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent with pleasure. “Baby, why are you panicking? Worst case scenario, we’ll just edit the livestream video and say Aria was the one who put us up to it. We’ll have that actress who called in today come out and accuse her too.” “Nowadays, netizens believe whatever they hear first. No one will bother to investigate the truth.” “Besides, you’re her best friend, and I’m her boyfriend. We have the closest relationships with her. In outsiders’ eyes, we have the least reason to hurt her.” “The only downside is that we can’t go public with our relationship for a while. I’m sorry about that.” Mia looked at him with sparkling eyes, full of admiration: “Jack, how are you so smart?” Jack was very pleased with this kind of praise. I had been squatting under the window until my legs went numb. I originally planned to wait for them to leave, then go in to get my phone that I had left behind. I never expected these two scumbags couldn’t wait even for a moment. Things were heating up inside the room. Suddenly, I realized that they were the ones who should feel guilty. Why was I hiding? I’m just too moral of a person. I kicked the door open with one foot. The door slammed against the wall with a loud bang. Mia screamed, and Jack immediately lost his excitement. They both turned to look at me in horror. I was very calm: “Sorry, I left something behind.” Jack asked: “What did you leave?” Is that really the point here? I looked him up and down, my gaze lingering on a certain area. I made a gesture that Korean men hate the most. Then I turned to Mia and said: “Tsk tsk tsk, just this… how could you possibly fall for him?” Mia and Jack finally snapped back to reality and hurriedly looked for their clothes to put on. I took advantage of this time To quietly slip my phone into my pocket and leave. In my past life, I had very low self-esteem. So during the first livestream, I put my phone in a corner of the room to record the entire process, wanting to watch it later to see where I could improve. In my previous life, Mia’s plan went smoothly, and I didn’t capture any evidence that could help me. But now it’s different. After I got home, I edited out the NSFW parts. Then I uploaded the video online. “Perhaps it’s because my boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend that he would use this method to hint at me to leave on my own.” “I never thought something like this would happen to me. Although this whole thing was orchestrated by my best friend, I want to say that society is still too tolerant of such behavior.” “I may not have much influence, but I absolutely refuse to go along with people who have no moral compass. I’ve cut ties with them and broken up!” “Don’t worry, I’m not in the internet industry and never planned to make a living this way. The only reason I became a host was because Mia kept begging me.” “I’m heartbroken. Logging off now.” After experiencing so much in my past life, I knew exactly what kind of content netizens like to see, and how to stir up public opinion. After a night of fermentation, this video had over ten thousand shares, with impressive likes and comments. My former colleague from work commented: “I knew being an internet celebrity couldn’t be that easy. It turns out it was all a scheme. The boss wants you to come back to work right away. She doesn’t blame you.” I worked at a boutique perfume company and had been the top salesperson for three consecutive years. When Mia first asked me to quit my job, I refused. I thought she was being too unrealistic. Later, she came up with a nasty trick. While I was at work, she deliberately caused trouble, making me lose quite a few clients. After learning what had happened, my boss didn’t blame me and even gave me time to sort things out with Mia. Mia flew into a rage, stormed into the boss’s office, and trashed the place, sending the boss to the hospital. The boss wanted to press charges, but I, considering our years of friendship, begged her for half a month straight. Perhaps I was too much of a saint. In the end, the boss just sighed and said: “You’re not fit to stay in the company like this anymore. You should go.” Thinking back on all this, I felt increasingly stupid. I anxiously opened SnapChat. When I saw the unread message from my boss, I almost teared up. “You’ve grown. Now that you’ve sorted things out, come back if you want. I’m still waiting for you to make money for me.” “You got it, Sophia!” I replied. While Jack and Mia were drowning in a sea of online criticism, I was already standing in Sophia’s office. Sophia lectured me for a good while in a tone of disappointment. In the end, her eyes twinkled with amusement. “You woke up, and not too late.” I had joined this company right after graduation. Back then, it was just a small workshop. She focused on perfume research, while I handled sales. This unknown little brand could barely sell one item a month. At the worst of times, when we couldn’t even pay salaries, others left one by one. Only I stubbornly stayed. I was waiting for her to declare bankruptcy, and she was waiting for me to quit voluntarily. We stared at each other every day. Somehow, we managed to hang on for a few more months. Until we finally caught a break. That small workshop has now grown into a sizable company. “I knew you were a sentimental fool who clings to old relationships. If I didn’t let you see for yourself, you’d still be letting them suck you dry.” “From now on, work hard and try to help me buy a Cullinan soon, got it?” I looked at the car keys on the desk: “You want to buy another one? Why not try something else?” She laughed: “These are for you.” I was surprised: “For me?” “Don’t you need a nice car for business meetings? I bought it for you a while ago, but when I heard you had a boyfriend, I was afraid he might be after your money, so I didn’t dare give it to you.” Sophia picked up the car keys from the desk and tossed them to me. Seeing that I caught them, she smiled. Me: “Now that I’m famous, do I still need to go out for business meetings?” “Getting cocky, are we?” Sophia gave me a light knock on the head. It hurt so much my eyes welled up. “I mean, we can take advantage of this opportunity to open up online sales channels.” Sophia was surprised: “Didn’t you say in your statement that you won’t be involved in the internet industry?” I did say that. But I’m just riding the wave to grow our business, promoting the company’s products and managing operations without showing my face. Sophia’s eyes were full of approval. “I actually had similar plans.” We hit it off immediately and chatted until nearly lunchtime. As we were heading to the cafeteria together, I got a call from my parents. “Aria, we saw your video. Jack said it was all planned between you guys to grow the account. What’s really going on?” “Jack and Mia are at our house now. They say they want to discuss the next steps with you. Come home quickly.” Jack and I met through an arranged date. We had been dating for so long, and he had always pretended to be very reliable. If I hadn’t lived through this once before, I never would have discovered his true nature. Thinking about how much my parents approved of him, I couldn’t help but worry. I excused myself to Sophia and rushed home. Afraid that Jack, the freeloader, might cling to me, I didn’t dare drive the Cullinan yet. Just as I reached the door and was about to take out my keys, it opened automatically. Jack and I made eye contact. He was the first to break into a smile: “Aria’s back. We can start eating now.” He reached out naturally to take my bag. I dodged to the side. I changed into slippers and went inside. Mia, wearing an apron, happened to be bringing a dish out from the kitchen. My parents sat awkwardly at the table, visibly relieved when they saw me. My gaze darkened. In all the years I’ve known Mia, every time she came to my house as a guest, my parents would wait on her hand and foot. When had they ever let her cook? There’s no such thing as a free lunch. They must be up to something. I glanced around, getting a sense of the situation. “Aria, why are you just standing there? Come eat. I made your favorite sweet and sour ribs today. Try them and see how they taste,” Mia said. My eyes fell on the dish in her hands. Without responding, I turned and walked into the kitchen.

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My husband’s first love was too scared to perform, so I switched places with her and became an overnight sensation. But she deliberately sprained her ankle and falsely accused me of pushing her. To avenge Olivia Reed, my husband Jack Thompson cut off my left leg. When reattaching the leg, Jack specifically instructed the doctor to put my toes facing backward and my heel forward. The doctor was incredulous, “Mr. Thompson, your wife is a dancer you’ve supported for years. She’s finally famous after persevering for a decade. How can she dance in the future with such a deformed leg?” Jack said, “She hurt Olivia, so she must suffer a thousand times more. How can I not teach her a lesson?” “When Olivia becomes a big star and is no longer bullied, I’ll make it up to her.” Six months later, I received an invitation from the country’s largest talent agency. When the contract termination and divorce papers were placed in front of Jack, his eyes turned red. In my hazy consciousness, I saw the doctor approaching me nervously. When I opened my eyes again, my left foot was facing backward, and the deformed leg made it impossible for me to lie flat on the bed. I heard voices behind me as Olivia Reed and Jack Thompson walked up to me. She abruptly pulled off my blanket and covered her mouth in shock. Olivia shrank into Jack’s arms, wiping her tears. “Jack, I was just complaining a bit. I never meant for Aria to pay such a heavy price.” “After all, I’m just a small-time performer. A sprained ankle isn’t a big deal.” Jack stroked her head affectionately, “You’re just too kind-hearted. How can I not worry when you always put yourself last?” Watching Olivia’s act of playing the victim, I felt nauseated. A few days ago, the company sent Olivia and me to participate in a national live dance competition. Just before the competition started, Olivia suddenly claimed she couldn’t remember the dance moves and hesitated to go on stage. To prevent a broadcast mishap, the production team switched my performance order with Olivia’s. I danced with all my might, and all the judges lit up their approval lights for me. The audience gave me the highest score in history. Nationwide viewers voted for me, and I topped the rankings within minutes. Returning backstage with an excited heart, I saw Olivia crying and holding her swollen foot. “Aria, I know you were jealous that I dance better than you. I wasn’t going on stage anyway, so why did you have to push me down the stairs?” Everyone backstage looked at me with contempt. “What’s the use of dancing well if you have such a vicious heart? Using such despicable means!” Someone had already taken out their phone to film me. “You just wanted fame, right? Fine, I’ll make you famous right now!” I’m not a naturally gifted performer. I had practiced hard for ten years for this day. Only I knew how much hardship I had endured. I couldn’t let it all be ruined like this. “There are surveillance cameras backstage. You can check them!” Olivia cried even more pitifully, “Don’t I know who pushed me? Do we need to check the cameras? Aria, even at this point, are you still trying to smear me?” I was at a loss for words because no one would believe that a dance performer would roll down the stairs on her own before going on stage. I grabbed Jack’s hand, begging him to change my leg back. “Jack, I really didn’t push her. We’ve been together for ten years. Don’t you know what kind of person I am?” A hint of reluctance flashed in Jack’s eyes, but he eventually pulled his hand away from mine. “I know you. You’re kind-hearted. But in the face of fame and fortune, people change.” “Do you want me to believe that Olivia, such an innocent girl, would roll down the stairs herself just to frame you?” All the grievances exploded at that moment, and I became somewhat hysterical. “You can check the surveillance footage! Why are you accusing me without caring about the truth?” Olivia immediately shrank into Jack’s arms, trembling. “Jack, Aria looked just like this when she pushed me down the stairs that day. I’m so scared. Don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me…” Jack pulled Olivia into his arms to comfort her. But when he looked at me, his eyes turned fierce. “Aria Collins, I know you don’t like Olivia, but I never thought you could be so vicious! Are you trying to destroy Olivia?” I bit my lip hard, not wanting to let the tears fall, but the next second, I broke down completely. “Jack, do you really want to treat me like this…” His eyes showed a hint of disgust. “It seems you still don’t know where you went wrong. Do I need to reverse your other leg too?!” At that moment, I suddenly realized that Jack’s heart had already drifted away. Now he would only believe Olivia’s tears. Olivia trembled in Jack’s arms, her eyes full of grievance, “Sister also said that she had practiced hard for ten years just waiting for this opportunity. If I didn’t give it to her, she would stop her grandfather’s medical treatment and beat him to death to feed the dogs.” Jack’s eyes turned blood-red. Without waiting for my explanation, he grabbed my shoulder and dragged me off the bed. “Now kneel down and apologize to Olivia!”

Olivia was an orphan, with only a seriously ill grandfather as her only relative. It was with this backstory that she had clung to Jack’s leg while begging on the street, asking him to take her in. But the last time I went to see her grandfather, I caught her frantically slapping the old man’s face, saying, “You old bastard, I’m about to become a star, and I still have to take care of a dog like you!” My right leg was forced to kneel, but my left knee couldn’t bend backward. As soon as force was applied, the already injured area broke again. The wound hadn’t healed and reopened. My left leg fell straight down. The doctor heard the commotion and rushed in, quickly going out to call for help. Soon, a group of nurses and doctors rushed into my hospital room. Jack was obviously panicked, “How did this happen…” Olivia instructed from the side: “Jack, this is just her trick. She’s just trying to make her leg fall off to gain sympathy and get her leg changed back!” Jack sneered, “Right, this is just another one of your tricks. Doctor, still follow my previous instructions. We’ll consider changing it back when she truly repents.” The doctors and nurses looked at each other, but this hospital was funded by Jack, and no one dared to disobey his wishes. Just as the doctor was about to give me anesthesia, Olivia said pitifully, “If only I had anesthesia when I fell down the stairs.” With one order from Jack, no one dared to use anesthesia on me anymore. After waves of excruciating pain, I passed out. When I opened my eyes again, my leg was completely numb. Olivia and Jack didn’t realize I had woken up and were embracing and kissing passionately next to my bed. I used to think Jack only sympathized with Olivia and doted on her like a sister. I never imagined they would do such things in front of my hospital bed. Jack’s hand had already slipped under Olivia’s shirt. Olivia fell softly into Jack’s arms. “Jack, whose body do you prefer, mine or Aria’s?” “Yours, of course. You’re like boneless, while Aria is always as stiff as a board.” As he spoke, Jack carefully caressed Olivia’s facial skin, his eyes full of tenderness. Olivia faced me, a smile curling at the corner of her mouth. This was all deliberately shown to me. She pushed Jack away, pretending to be flustered, “Aria, you’re awake…” Seeing my pale face, Jack finally felt a pang of conscience and asked Olivia to leave. He stroked my face and poured me a glass of water. “Aria, I just wanted you to apologize to Olivia. You have me and the company, but what does Olivia have? Nothing but a seriously ill grandfather.” “She’s like our little sister. You should be coddling her.” Little sister? Jack still thought I hadn’t seen their behavior just now, that I was still in the dark. He had my leg turned into this state just to please Olivia. Looking at the person I once wanted to spend my life with turning into this, I felt both pathetic and ridiculous. Jack continued to comfort me, “Once Olivia becomes famous, I’ll change your leg back. We’ll go abroad together, and no one will be able to bother us anymore.” The greatest sorrow is a dead heart. When you’re completely disappointed in someone, you don’t even want to argue anymore. I forced myself to sit up and calmly said, “Jack, let’s get a divorce.” Jack frowned, “What nonsense are you talking about?” I turned my head away, my mind made up. He picked up a cup and smashed it on the floor. Olivia rushed in at the sound. Jack pointed at me and roared, “Aria Collins, don’t forget who gave you everything you have today. Don’t say I’m only wasting one of your legs. Even if I wanted your life, you’d still be my ghost even if you died!” “I’ll cancel all your schedules. You just stay here and recover. When the time is right, I’ll come to get you.” With that, he put his arm around Olivia’s waist to leave. Olivia looked back at me and said, “It’s best to tie her up. If sister escapes, Jack will surely be heartbroken.” Jack ordered people to tie me to the bed. “Jack, let me go! This is imprisonment!” But he didn’t even look back. In the days that followed, I had to have someone bring a basin for me to use the toilet, like a person without dignity.

Half a year later, Jack appeared in the hospital room again. This time, he had prepared a dance dress that exposed the legs for me. “Aria, put this on today. You’ll perform on the same stage as Olivia.” During the half year I was tied to the bed, I wasn’t completely ignorant of what was happening outside. The nurses felt sorry for me and told me a lot. During the half year I was confined to bed, the two of them would go traveling and having fun every few days. Olivia was average-looking with mediocre dance skills and wasn’t hardworking. She couldn’t make any waves in the entertainment industry. Recently, someone had started a trend hoping for my return. Jack’s move was to let Olivia ride on my popularity. “Aria, I promise this is the last time. Once Olivia becomes famous today, I’ll take you abroad tomorrow.” Jack seemed to be discussing with me, but it was actually just coercion. I was stripped naked and changed into the dance dress. Then I was carried and put into the show’s business car. I was thrown onto the stage, limping. Under everyone’s astonished gaze, Olivia completed a dance. Everyone’s attention was drawn to me, and they didn’t pay much attention to Olivia. At the same time, a video of Olivia accusing me of pushing her backstage six months ago went viral. Suddenly, Olivia became an internet sensation. “I heard no one was willing to perform with Aria the cripple this time, only Olivia agreed. And that’s her former enemy who tried to harm her!” “Olivia is too kind-hearted. She deserves to be famous!” “I heard Olivia’s foot injury was quite serious back then. Her dancing skills have fallen drastically. The top spot six months ago should have been Olivia’s.” Backstage, Olivia stepped on my head in the toilet bowl, flushing repeatedly. “You’re not still expecting Jack to fulfill his promise to take you abroad, are you? I’m already pregnant with Jack’s child. After the baby is born, do you think he’ll want a popular starlet or a crippled wife like you?” When Olivia kicked me out the door, Jack, who was coming in, saw it. He pulled Olivia back. “Are you crazy? If someone sees you bullying her at this time, you’ll be ruined completely!” Olivia instantly became teary-eyed and pitiful. “So Jack is still worried about her. Then I’ll leave!” Jack hugged her again. “What am I going to do with you? I’m planning all this for you.” Olivia cried like a tear-soaked person in Jack’s arms, “Then after our child is born, will you marry me?” Jack paused, “Olivia, I’ve told you many times, I’ll give you everything I have, but I’ll only have one wife in this life, and that’s Aria.” Olivia’s expression froze for a moment as she slowly slid down from Jack’s body. She covered her belly, “Jack, my stomach was just hit by Aria. It hurts so much now.” Jack’s eyes were filled with killing intent as he looked at me, kicking me against the wall. “You really never learn! If anything happens to Olivia’s child today, I’ll break both your legs!” He carried Olivia away, disappearing at the end of the corridor. At this moment, a woman walked in from outside and handed me a business card. She was the agent from Starlight, the largest talent agency in the country. Most of the hottest stars in the country came from there. She helped me into a wheelchair, carefully tidied my hair strand by strand, then crouched beside me, giving me the utmost respect. “Miss Collins, we’ve always admired your talent. Our company has video footage of Olivia falling down the stairs herself, and we have the best medical conditions in the country to restore your leg.” “If you’re willing to work with us, we can solve all your current problems.” Looking at myself in the mirror, already tortured to barely resemble a human, I made up my mind to leave this place. “Prepare the contract termination and divorce agreement for me. I’ll sign with you.” One hour later, in Jack’s office, his assistant ran in from outside. Jack was comforting Olivia while asking, “Have you brought Aria back? Has she admitted her mistake?” The assistant didn’t dare to breathe loudly, stammering in response, “Mr. Thompson, when we arrived, your wife was already gone.” ———-This is the breakpoint———-

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In the seventh year of my marriage to Lily, her wealthy first love returned from abroad. He had a face that was 70% similar to mine. At the class reunion, he cornered me in the bathroom and taunted: “Tell me, who does she think of every night, you or me?” I couldn’t help but throw a punch. But Lily yelled at me for his sake: “Why don’t you just die?” She didn’t know that I was indeed dying. At the class reunion, Lily’s first love had returned from abroad. Now successful and famous, he walked past old classmates amidst their flattery, stopping in front of Lily to say a simple “long time no see.” With just those words, Lily’s eyes instantly turned red. Classmates laughed and teased, “After all these years, Zack still only has eyes for Lily.” “If Lily had married Zack back then, she’d be Mrs. Jack now, instead of running that small company.” “I say it’s not too late for Lily to get a divorce now.” “…” Everyone was gossiping, with Zack and Lily at the center of attention. And I, as Lily’s husband, sat to the side, more like a piece of background scenery. I studied Zack. He had a face that was 70% similar to mine. In fact, I had always known that I was just a substitute Lily had found. I once vowed to use the rest of my life to make Lily truly fall in love with me, but— Now, I was dying.

Feeling suffocated, I went out for some air. But at the bathroom door, I encountered Zack. He smiled contemptuously, “Thank you for taking care of Lily all these years.” “Now that I’m back, she doesn’t need you anymore.” A lump formed in my throat, causing pain throughout my body. I looked at him coldly, “The choice is Lily’s. At least for now, I’m her legal husband.” Zack’s cold laughter rang out. “Where does your confidence come from? Just that face that looks a bit like mine?” “Tell me, when she’s lying next to you at night, who is she thinking of, you or me?” Every word was particularly grating. I couldn’t hold back anymore and punched him hard in the face. However, a cry of surprise came from behind: “Zack!” Turning around, Lily had already run up. She helped Zack up, glaring at me with red eyes. In seven years of marriage, she had never been this angry. “Ethan Summers, are you crazy?” “What right do you have to hit someone?” Their classmates also came forward to help Zack, looking at me with hostility. “Lily, your husband is really something. Even if he’s jealous, he can’t just hit people!” “Yeah, he’s so lacking in self-awareness. If it were me, I’d pack up and leave as soon as the real deal came back.” Amidst the chatter, Lily looked at me coldly, “You’ve really disappointed me.” My chest seemed to hurt even more. Suddenly, I tasted blood in my throat, but I managed to hold it back. I turned and left. On the steps outside the hotel, I slowly took out the medical report from my pocket. Ethan Summers, male, late-stage stomach cancer. The sunlight shining on that thin piece of paper was a bit dazzling. I couldn’t hold it back anymore and coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Seven years ago, Lily approached me, using the excuse of avoiding her family’s pressure to marry, saying she wanted to live together as partners. At that time, it was my third year of secretly loving Lily. So I agreed without hesitation. For seven years after marriage, we lived together respectfully, and later even developed feelings. I held that piece of ice in my palm for seven years, watching as the fortress she had firmly built slowly crumbled. To the extent that, later on, I even believed she had fallen in love with me. Now it seems. I was just deluding myself. Without realizing it, I fell asleep curled up on the sofa. When I woke up, it was to the sound of the door closing. When Lily came in, the wall clock was just pointing to 3 AM. Seeing me awake, she paused, then took off her coat and hung it in the closet. That coat looked a bit familiar. In the afternoon, it had been on Zack’s body. Lily walked to the sofa, half-squatting to hold my hand, “Still angry?” I didn’t say anything, just pulled my hand away and pushed the prepared divorce agreement in front of her. “This is the divorce agreement. Take a look.”

Lily was stunned for two seconds, then her face showed the anger of having her intentions exposed. “Ethan Summers, what do you mean by this?” “Nothing happened between us, we just met up with old classmates today.” “Can you stop being so unreasonable like a woman?” She asked three questions in a row, getting more and more agitated. The anger I had been suppressing all day finally burst out at this moment. “What about you?” “Lily, in these seven years of marriage, have I been a husband to you or just a substitute?” “When you kiss me, are you thinking of me or Zack?” I didn’t want to argue with her. But the knife-like pain in my stomach made me unable to hold back this question. Lily was instantly silenced. After a while, she got up and walked towards the door. “Ethan Summers, are you going to be this childish until you die?” Throwing down these words, she slammed the door and left. But I was stunned. Yeah. I’m about to die, and I’m still this childish.

Lily hasn’t been home for two days. I called her three times, wanting to urge her about the divorce. The first two times she hung up, and the last time she simply turned off her phone. I remembered that a few years ago, she had pulled me into her classmates’ Facebook group. I opened the computer and logged into the account I hadn’t used in a long time. It was still there. Someone in the group had posted some photos of a private gathering of classmates. I saw Lily in the photos, as well as Zack. She seemed to have been drinking and was passed out in his arms. I looked at every photo, then calmly tagged Lily in the group. “Come home, let’s sign the divorce papers.” She responded to me quickly. “What are you going crazy about now?” Soon after, I received a message notification: “You have been removed from the group chat.” Lily’s phone was still unreachable. But someone rang the doorbell. I pressed on my aching abdomen and went to open the door. “Mom? Why are you here?” Outside the door, my mother-in-law was carrying bags full of things, smiling tiredly, “You’ve been saying your stomach wasn’t feeling well lately, right? Mom got some herbal medicine from a traditional doctor. Remember to drink it.” “I heard this traditional doctor is very good at treating stomach problems.” Several bags were placed on the ground, filled with medicinal soup and dishes we liked. My nose suddenly stung. This old lady who had rushed over from dozens of miles away with bags and packages still didn’t know— No matter how good the doctor was, they probably couldn’t cure my body now.

After some hesitation, I still brought up the matter of divorce with her. “Mom, I’ve thought about it for a long time and decided to divorce Lily.” With a dull thud, the teacup in her hand fell to the ground. Shattered. Hot water splashed everywhere. I hurriedly went to help her up, but she grabbed me instead, “Ethan, did you two have a fight?” “If she did something wrong, tell Mom, I…” “No,” I interrupted her, “It’s my fault, we’re having some problems with our relationship.” I didn’t intend to expose her daughter’s misdeeds in front of my mother-in-law. For seven years of marriage, my in-laws had always treated me like their own son. Whatever Lily did wrong had nothing to do with them. Suddenly, there was the sound of a key in the door outside. Lily was back. “Ethan Summers, isn’t it enough that you’re making a scene at home? Do you have to make it public too?” Lily’s voice suddenly stopped when she saw her mother. However, my mother-in-law had already seen Zack behind her. Zack didn’t seem flustered, instead he took the initiative to come over, “Auntie, I don’t know if you remember me, I’m Zack Jack.” “Before I went abroad, I even had a meal with you.” My mother-in-law remained silent with a cold face. The atmosphere was awkward. Lily came forward to smooth things over, but was grabbed by her mother, “Lily, let me ask you, are you divorcing Ethan for him?” Lily’s face cTomed, “Mom, don’t get involved in this.” “Whether we divorce or not is between me and Ethan, we…” “Slap—” A slap interrupted Lily’s words. “Foolish girl!” My mother-in-law pointed at Zack, her hand shaking with anger, “Do you think he truly loves you? If he loved you, he wouldn’t have left you to go abroad in the first place!” Lily was also angered by that slap. The mother and daughter argued fiercely. Until I noticed my mother-in-law’s face didn’t look right. “Stop arguing!” I went forward to support her, “Mom, are you okay?” “Mom…”

My mother-in-law was hospitalized for a heart attack, fortunately it wasn’t serious. In the hospital room. Lily and I sat by the bed, my mother-in-law tightly holding my hand, tears streaming down her face. “Ethan, Lily is being foolish. This child has always been stubborn since she was little. Give her some more time, she’ll come to her senses.” I didn’t say anything. The old lady’s voice choked up as she gently patted the back of my hand, “All these years, we’ve always treated you like our own son. We only recognize you as our son-in-law.” “Mom’s health won’t last for another two years. If you two divorce, Mom…” “Mom won’t be able to close her eyes even on her deathbed.” I felt a lump in my throat. Unable to bear seeing the old lady crying and begging, I took a deep breath and said okay. Only then did my mother-in-law feel at ease. … In the corridor. I clutched my aching stomach and looked at Lily, “Find a day to get the divorce certificate.” Lily was stunned, “Didn’t you just say…” “I was lying to the old lady.” The more my stomach hurt, the calmer my expression became, “I don’t want the old folks to worry about our affairs.” “I’ll send you the divorce agreement when it’s ready.” “I don’t agree!” Lily frowned, “Ethan Summers, can you stop this nonsense? Zack and I are just classmates. He just came back, and our classmates have been organizing gatherings every day.” “Besides, we agreed to live together as partners from the beginning. Whether Zack is back or not doesn’t affect our marriage.” I found it laughable. Just as I was about to speak, I saw Lily’s expression cTome. Turning around. I saw Zack walking over with gifts. Lily, who had just been adamantly refusing divorce, suddenly fell silent. The pain in my body was almost unbearable. No longer having the strength to argue with them, I gave Lily a look, “I’ll send you the divorce agreement when it’s ready.” With that, I turned and left. And this time, Lily didn’t refuse. Next to Zack, she chose to remain silent.

At midnight. In the dark office. Lily fumbled around in the dark, searching through the desk drawers, almost turning over every drawer. While I sat quietly on the small sofa in the corner, watching her. Recently, the company was participating in a very important bid. And Zack, having just returned to the country and eager to establish business connections, was likely to have his eye on this bid. Lily still came. She came to steal our company’s bid documents for Zack. Seven years of marriage, all affection, completely destroyed in this moment. In the darkness, I held the bid documents and spoke softly— “Are you looking for this?” “Ah!” Lily screamed, seemingly almost collapsing from fright. When the lights came on, I saw her face clearly. Her expression was terrified, her eyes darting around nervously. “Ethan…” She came to her senses, calling my name with obvious lack of confidence. Soon. Zack’s figure appeared at the office door. Obviously, he had seen the lights come on in the office from downstairs. “Lily,” I looked at her calmly, “If you hadn’t tried to steal these bid documents, I would have still tried to leave us both with some dignity.” Lily bit her lower lip, “Zack just came back, this bid is very important to him…” “Isn’t it important to my company too?” Lily was at a loss for words. She knew better than anyone that this bid was also very important for the company. But she still chose to help Zack. As the atmosphere grew tense, Zack shielded Lily behind him, “I asked her to get it, what’s wrong with that?” “Half of this company belongs to Lily, why can’t she take it?” Under the fluorescent lights, he looked me up and down, his laughter contemptuous. “Ethan Summers, as long as I’m back in the country, this bid will definitely be mine.” “So will Lily.” Knowing he was trying to provoke me, but with the pent-up anger in my chest surging, I still threw a punch at him. “Go to hell!” Zack and I started fighting. Lily cried out and tried to separate us. “Ethan Summers, can’t you stop making trouble?” “Slap—” In the chaos, she raised her hand and slapped me. It didn’t hurt, but it was loud. Lily looked at me in shock, her hand still in the position from just now, trembling slightly. “I didn’t mean to…” My stomach was hurting badly. I suddenly felt more exhausted than ever before. Struggling to pick up the bid documents from the ground, as I stood up, I suddenly started coughing heavily. I covered my mouth with my hand, only to find I had coughed up some blood. But Lily didn’t notice my weakness. She was still trying to persuade me, “Ethan Summers, this bid is really important to Zack. Please, I’m begging you, okay?” I didn’t want to talk to her anymore. I turned around with the bid documents and slowly walked out of the office. I had given up on Lily. But this bid, I couldn’t. 9

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As the heavy rain poured down, floodwater rushed into the underground parking garage. I dialed the number of the rescue team leader’s wife. “Help me… Rachel, I’m trapped in the garage. The emergency exit is locked!” Rachel’s impatient voice came through the phone: “Enough, Jack! Ethan’s cat is stuck up a tree and can’t get down. We’re busy right now!” She hung up despite my pleas, taking all the nearby rescue personnel with her to save a cat, cutting off all my chances of survival. … The water in the garage rose quickly. With the emergency exit locked, I climbed onto the roof of a car. My phone battery was down to its last bar. After Rachel hung up, my phone went dead. In despair, I shouted at the top of my lungs, “Help! Someone save me!” Looking up at the security camera, I waved frantically, hoping to catch the attention of the monitoring staff. But no one noticed. The flood surged in, gradually submerging everything until it swallowed me whole. As my chest filled with suffocation and pain, I looked at the necklace around my neck, yanked it off, and then lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I was floating near the ceiling of the garage. Outside, I heard shouts: “Is anyone there? Is anyone there?” “Mr. Carter!” The property manager and his team waded through the water and mud. When they saw the emergency exit, they froze. “Who locked this?!” “I don’t know! It’s always been open, and that’s not even our lock!” Floating above, I watched the manager’s face turn ashen. My heart sank. Someone wanted me dead. “Quick, find him!” “Jack!” “Jack!” They knew I was trapped in the garage? Curious, I followed them as a spirit. The community I lived in was a new development with diligent property management. During the heavy rain, the property staff had warned me that water was entering the garage and asked me to move my car out. I remembered last year when the garage had also flooded, damaging many cars. My little car was newly bought this year. Hearing the news, I hurried down, only to find water already up to my calves when I entered. I went to drive the car out, but suddenly a surge of water rushed in. I immediately turned to run. But the emergency exit had somehow been closed by the wind. I couldn’t open it no matter how hard I tried. Now I realized someone had maliciously locked the door. Who could it be? Who wanted me dead? My spirit followed them out, where I saw many rescue workers had already arrived. Their bright orange uniforms stood out. I searched for Rachel among them. She was the leader of the local rescue team, conveniently assigned to patrol nearby for emergencies. But today, by such bad luck, she had taken all seven or eight team members away with her. An ambulance had also arrived. Learning I was down there, they immediately started the rescue operation. However, the underground garage was flooded with over three meters of water. The property manager and his team had to use boats to enter. The bottom was covered in silt that sucked in their feet with each step. The rescue was difficult, and no one knew where my body was. At this moment, Rachel finally arrived late with her team. Ethan followed behind her. “Rachel, could he be in trouble? It’s all my fault for delaying the rescue.” “It’s fine. He always bothers me over little things. They’ve issued a stay-at-home notice for the heavy rain. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to go out at this time!” Rachel replied without a second thought, only to be confronted by her superior, Captain Chen. Seeing her, Captain Chen’s face darkened. “You were the closest, yet you’re half an hour late. Where were you?!” “Captain, it’s my fault. My cat ran out and got stuck up a tree. Rachel helped me find it,” Ethan explained innocently, carefully staying behind Rachel. Captain Chen was even more furious. “Rachel! Do you realize someone has died?! No matter the reason, I will definitely discipline you this time!” Rachel’s face turned extremely ugly. She hadn’t expected anyone to come out in this weather, let alone get trapped in the underground garage.

“Stop dawdling! Team Three, all members enter! The missing person is confirmed to be male, 24 years old, exact location unknown!” At Captain Chen’s order, all rescue personnel entered the garage fully equipped. At this point, Ethan held Rachel back. “Rachel, it’s dangerous inside. Let them go in.” “How can I not go? I’m the team leader. Be good and wait for me out here.” As soon as she finished speaking, Captain Chen pulled Ethan aside. “Civilians should not interfere with the rescue. Please stay behind the police line!” Faced with the captain, Ethan stomped his foot but had no choice but to stand aside. I laughed. Ethan, only a fool like Rachel would fall for your act. Anyone else wouldn’t give you the time of day. I followed behind Rachel as she entered the garage. By now the silt reached their thighs. Even the professional rescue workers had difficulty moving, let alone me when I was alive. Unfortunately, they didn’t know my exact location. I also learned that the garage’s security cameras had broken down. The property manager and his team only knew I had come down because they saw my plea for help on SnapChat. My car was parked in Area D, the innermost part of the garage. A team member next to Rachel pulled out one leg, panting, “Rachel, doesn’t your husband also live in this community?” “Could he have…” “No way. Jack is always busy with work. He wouldn’t come out.” “But didn’t he call saying he was trapped?” Rachel pressed her lips tightly. “It can’t be. He probably just said that because he knew I was with Ethan.” “He’s always such a bother!” Hearing this, her team members remained silent. I smiled bitterly on the side. Me, a bother? In all my life, this was the first time I’d been called a bother. Right, I’m not as good as Ethan at playing the victim, but I’ve always been independent. The first time I asked her for help, after being rejected, I never bothered her again. Until today, when I really couldn’t handle it myself, I called her. And she saw it as a bother. Rachel, if you knew that hanging up on me caused my death, would you regret it? With over forty rescue team members and property staff working together, after 10 hours, the property manager finally found me. By then my body was swollen, with mud filling my nose and mouth. He trembled as he pointed at the human-shaped object in the mud: “It’s… it’s him!” I had been caught on a car emblem, which kept me from sinking completely, though my body was already covered in mud. Hearing his voice, the rescue workers got excited. They trudged through the mud with a stretcher and pulled me out. After placing me on the stretcher, everyone lowered their heads seeing my tragic state. Especially Captain Chen, who took a deep breath, observed a moment of silence, then waved his hand. Everyone lifted me out together. By now Rachel’s team had also arrived, and they all helped carry me out. Rachel shook her head. “Who would come to the underground garage at this time? Anyone with common sense wouldn’t come out now. What a pity.” As they carried me out, a gust of wind blew by. Somehow, my hand suddenly drooped, and the necklace in my hand came into view. Rachel happened to turn away at that moment. I smiled bitterly. Rachel, there’s really no chemistry between us. If you had turned around, you would have seen that the dead person was me. This necklace was the birthday gift you gave me. In our two years together, it was the only gift you ever gave me. When I died, I was already completely disappointed in you. I didn’t want anything to bind me anymore, so I yanked it off. From now on, I won’t cling to you anymore. Unfortunately, Rachel didn’t see it. But Ethan on the other side shuddered and quickly rushed over. “Rachel, you must be tired.” He took out a tissue to wipe Rachel’s sweat. Rachel’s face was covered in mud. “It’s not tiring. This is what we should do.” Ethan continued, “I wonder what he was thinking, coming to the underground garage at a time like this.” “You can’t talk sense into someone bent on dying. We did everything we could. It’s his own…” Captain Chen overheard as he passed by and angrily interrupted, “Shut up! Rachel, watch your mouth! As a rescue worker, never say such things in front of the deceased. I shouldn’t have to remind you of this!” “Also, you will definitely be disciplined this time. Go write a self-criticism report when we get back!” “Why should she be disciplined?” Ethan was unhappy. “Rachel was late because she was helping me.” “This is a matter of life and death. Rachel, we’ll settle accounts back at headquarters!” Captain Chen glared at Ethan. “I also hope Mr. White won’t waste public resources next time. If your cat got lost, that’s due to your negligence as its guardian. Don’t expect everyone to revolve around you for your cat!” Captain Chen had never liked Ethan. He also couldn’t stand how Ethan always called other people’s wives “sister”. So whenever he saw me being bullied, he would remind Rachel to scold her. But after all, he wasn’t a relative, just the captain. After speaking up a few times and Rachel not listening, Captain Chen stopped saying much. But this time Captain Chen really couldn’t hold back anymore. Ethan got angry at being spoken to like this. “Rachel, how dare he talk to me like that?” “Enough, Ethan. He’s the captain. Don’t say anymore here. I have to go back to the team, you should head home too!” She patted Ethan, but he grabbed her hand. “Come to my place. I made some soup to help you recover. It’s also to thank you for saving Mimi.” Mimi was his Ragdoll cat. Rachel thought for a moment and nodded, then turned to call me. But my phone was dead and powered off. A flash of displeasure crossed Rachel’s face. “Still playing these games with me. I’m telling you, if you don’t want to answer, then don’t ever answer again!” I sighed, “Indeed, I’ll never answer again. Rachel, are you happy now?” She angrily hung up and returned to her team. When she got to the office, Captain Chen immediately started scolding her. Learning that she had delayed half an hour to save a cat, Captain Chen couldn’t hold back anymore. “Rachel, separate your public and private affairs! Don’t treat all the personnel as your personal property! If you had come half an hour earlier, that kid wouldn’t have died!” “I’m going to report this. You wait for your disciplinary action!” “Isn’t that too severe?!” Rachel was shocked. “I just had another task!” “Who assigned you that task? Is there a record?” Rachel was immediately speechless. There was no record of Ethan calling her for help. It was just a phone call. But for me, after the property management learned of my situation and contacted them, Rachel was half an hour late. If she had been even five minutes earlier, I wouldn’t have died. After being scolded by Captain Chen, Rachel hurried back to write her self-criticism report. Four hours later, my body had been cleaned up. The property management confirmed my identity and sent over the relevant information. When Captain Chen received the information, he was stunned. He quickly ran to the office. He saw Rachel hurriedly leaving. “Rachel! Where are you going? Jack…” “Don’t mention it, Captain. Jack is throwing a tantrum. He lied about being trapped, then turned off his phone. I don’t know what he’s upset about!” Before she finished speaking, Captain Chen handed over a document. “This is the deceased’s information. Take a look.” “Why should I look at this? It’s not like he’s anyone to me…” Rachel’s words trailed off as she froze. She looked at the text on the document, her hands shaking and eyes wide. After a long moment, she said, “No… it can’t be!” “This isn’t him!” “Whether it is or not, go see for yourself.” 4 My body had already been cleaned and sent to the funeral home’s morgue. Rachel stumbled over, showed her ID, and when she saw me being pulled out, she immediately covered her mouth, tears in her eyes. “Jack…” She wanted to reach out and touch me, but in the end didn’t have the courage. A staff member on the side took out a box. “These are the deceased’s belongings. Please take a look.” She took it and saw the necklace, immediately bursting into tears. Captain Chen had also followed. He patted her shoulder. “Rachel, I don’t want to say much about this, but you said he called you saying he was trapped, right? Where were you at that time?” Rachel immediately crumpled in pain, wailing as she fell to her knees. Captain Chen sighed heavily. “If I had known he called you, I should have beaten you to death when we were there!” Captain Chen pointed at her nose and berated her, “Rachel, you’re not fit to be a rescue worker at all! Starting today, you’re suspended pending investigation. We’ll deal with this after the incident is handled!” The staff then asked about my family. Captain Chen shook his head. “This kid was an orphan. He has no family. This is my number, contact me if anything comes up.” Captain Chen left his phone number. After the staff member took it down, he looked at Rachel again. She said in a low voice, “I’ll stay here with him for a while.” But regulations wouldn’t allow her to stay with a cold corpse. The staff pushed me back into the freezer. Rachel rushed over wanting to grab me, but was held tightly by Captain Chen. “Are you crazy? Calm down! Do you want to disturb him even in death?!” “Jack is gone, dead! Rachel, get a hold of yourself!” “No, he’s not dead. He’s just being a little dramatic. How could he possibly die? Captain, let me go. I have to ask him why!” “Ask my ass!” Captain Chen slapped her across the face! “What did you say when he asked you for help? Now you’re putting on this act!” Watching Rachel’s hysterical state from the side, I felt extremely satisfied. Well done, Captain! If you’re going to hit her, hit her harder! She clearly killed me, and now she’s playing innocent. She should be beaten to death! I stood to the side grinning from ear to ear. Captain Chen’s slap seemed to wake her up. Rachel stumbled and fell to the ground. In the end, Captain Chen had to drag her away. “Rachel, I’m telling you, you’re handling the funeral arrangements!” Rachel was like a soulless zombie, not knowing how she got back. Until her phone lit up – it was Ethan calling. “Rachel, why haven’t you come yet? The soup is ready. If you’re too busy to come over, how about I bring it to you?” Hearing this, Rachel suddenly came to her senses and refused. “I have to work overtime tonight. Don’t bring it over. I’m not in the mood to drink it.” “What’s wrong, Rachel? Did I do something wrong?” “No, you did very well. I’m just not in the mood right now.” She hung up immediately. Rachel ran her hands through her hair, finding it hard to believe I was really gone. She hid in her office, looking at my death report over and over again. Death by drowning. She knew that if she had come just a bit earlier, I wouldn’t have died. Now Rachel was consumed by guilt. She raised her hand and slapped herself hard several times, leaving her face swollen and red. 5 Watching from the side, I shook my head. “Now you know you were wrong, but what’s the point? I’m already dead. This won’t bring me back. Just forget it!” “But you’re in charge of my funeral arrangements. Please make me look handsome… Never mind, don’t let you handle it. Even though I have no family, I don’t want you to touch me again!” I took a deep breath, wanting to leave, but found I couldn’t. At this moment, Rachel suddenly thought of something.

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When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back on the day the Chen family came to propose marriage. Mrs. Chen, the family matriarch, was being helped out of a luxurious car. The bodyguards in suits beside her made my father’s eyes widen in awe. Behind her stood Ryan Chen, the youngest son of the Chen family. His handsome and refined features were quite eye-catching. He wore the latest Patek Philippe watch on his wrist, and his bespoke suit gave him an extraordinary aura. The Chen Group was the richest family in Bay City and the leader in the national daily chemical industry. Their assets had long since reached tens of billions of dollars. This top-tier wealthy family that we usually only saw in magazines and on TV was now standing in front of us, wanting to arrange a marriage with our family. My mom was overjoyed and quickly pushed my prettier sister Olivia forward. But to her surprise, Olivia didn’t step out. She put on a stern face and said righteously in front of everyone’s gaze: “Mom, I don’t want to take shortcuts. I want to achieve success through my own efforts!” “Marriage and happiness are not things that can be traded. But since I seem to be the only one who thinks this way, let Lily go then.” Everyone was surprised. My parents were particularly puzzled. Olivia had always been competitive, trying to outdo me in everything. How come she suddenly changed today and started being modest towards me? But I knew what was really going on. I packed my luggage expressionlessly, only carrying a travel bag, and got into the Chen family’s car. My parents’ confusion wasn’t wrong. In my previous life, Olivia had dressed herself up glamorously in order to marry into the Chen family. With the help of our parents, she had shown off in front of the Chen family. Not only that, to prevent any unexpected issues, she even spread rumors outside, falsely claiming that I had a chaotic and improper private life. This made me the laughingstock of everyone, while she became a pure and elegant white lotus flower in comparison to me. She thought that after marrying into a wealthy family, what awaited her would be a luxurious life and high social status. She expected to have a Cinderella-like fairy tale romance with a handsome rich young master like Ryan Chen. But who knew that what awaited her was countless dirty and despicable things under the facade of a wealthy family. The reason Mrs. Chen allowed a civilian girl like her to marry Ryan was because he was just an illegitimate son without any power or status. Olivia not only couldn’t get any money from the Chen family, but also had to endure daily torment and humiliation from the other young masters and misses. “How dare a dirty and lowly rat like you enter our Chen family?” “A bitch from the gutter and a bastard son who can’t see the light of day – what a perfect match!” She couldn’t bear the torment, so she blamed it all on Ryan. She was not only harsh and abusive towards him, but even tried to seduce the other young masters of the Chen family. But for a girl like her with no skills and only a pretty face, she could only end up as a plaything for rich young masters, to be kicked away after they got tired of her. After Ethan Chen became the head of the family, both she and Ryan were kicked out. She went to beg Ethan for mercy, wanting to exchange her body for wealth. But what she got in return was even deeper humiliation from him. “I’d feel dirty touching a greedy and lowly gold digger like you.” “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re plotting. I’m not as stupid as Ryan. Not all women are worthy of getting into my bed.” Meanwhile, I endured that dark period, burying myself in studies at A University. I finally graduated with excellent grades, becoming the only student with a perfect GPA that year, and received offers from countless companies. Later, I even caught Ethan’s attention at a presentation and he pursued me aggressively, giving me a grand wedding that shocked the whole country. Olivia, who had nothing left, finally went crazy. She rushed onto the stage and pushed me off, falling down herself as well. Living this life again, she decisively dumped Ryan and chose to walk the path I took in my previous life. Although she would be unknown for the first few years, as long as she met Ethan Chen, she could soar and become a phoenix. Watching my departing figure, a mocking and smug smile appeared on Olivia’s face. “This life, you can enjoy all this undeserved fortune for me, dear sister.” “While I will take back everything that should have been mine!”

I had long been prepared to be ostracized and tortured. Therefore, when those young masters and misses of the Chen family poured scalding hot soup on me and made me kneel in the yard as punishment, I went without a word. It had snowed heavily all night. I knelt on the ice-cold marble tiles in the yard. My knees gradually went from stinging pain to numbness, and finally lost all feeling. “I’ve seen plenty of women like you who try every means to climb up the social ladder,” the second young miss of the Chen family said with her arms crossed, looking at me mockingly. “A pheasant is still a pheasant, even if it flies up a tree it can’t become a phoenix.” I was starving, and even the servants in the house were watching me like a joke. Emma Chen took a plate of leftovers and threw it in front of me disdainfully, as if feeding a dog: “Here, eat this. I’m gracing you with it.” Laughter erupted around me, countless gazes filled with malice fell on me. I looked at the cold food on the ground, without saying a word. Someone shouted “Big brother is coming!”, and the group of young masters and misses scattered. A pair of shiny black handmade leather shoes appeared in front of me. I looked up to see a handsome and intense face. Those eyes that were full of tenderness in my previous life were now as cold as the ice under my legs, looking at me without any emotion. But it was just a glance, then he retracted his gaze as if looking at garbage. Those spotless leather shoes mercilessly stepped on the food in front of me as he walked past. My days in the Chen family were even worse than the servants. No wonder Olivia was so desperate not to marry Ryan this life. But after all, I was still the nominal daughter-in-law of the Chen family. They had to keep up appearances to outsiders. I followed the Chen family members into the auditorium. I watched them sit in the VIP seats under the guidance of the organizers, while I could only sit in the corner. This college student innovation and entrepreneurship competition was jointly organized by several major companies in the city, with Chen Group holding the highest position. I sat in the last row, listening boredly. For a chemistry genius like me, the ideas coming from these students’ mouths were obviously too naive. I was getting drowsy. Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. “As people’s demand for nature and health grows, I believe that all-natural ingredients will become the mainstream trend in the cosmetics industry in the future.” Olivia stood on the stage, talking eloquently. Her long black shiny hair was tied into a high ponytail, but she deliberately left a few strands by her ears to frame her face. Her poised speech and brilliant content won unanimous praise from the audience. I looked towards Ethan Chen sitting in the front row. His eyes were fixed unblinkingly on the young woman on stage, with an unusual light flickering in them. “Miss Lu, is the honeysuckle extract you mentioned developed by yourself?” someone asked. Olivia turned around and nodded shyly. The pure white skirt swayed with her movement, creating a beautiful arc. Her whole person looked as pure as a jasmine flower. “Yes, this is what I spent a year researching.” If it weren’t for the occasion, I would have laughed out loud. The technology that made me famous overnight in my previous life was the result of countless professors and students at A University spending nearly 10 years researching. Even though it was finally successful in my hands, I didn’t dare to take all the credit and monopolize other people’s years of hard work. Olivia actually dared to say she independently researched and produced results in just one year. Unless she was an unparalleled genius. But I knew better than anyone that she wasn’t. However, the people below didn’t know. The final result was a foregone conclusion – Olivia won first place in the competition and obtained an internship opportunity at Chen Group. Ethan Chen lowered his eyes to look at the young woman in front of him, undisguised admiration in his gaze. The two huddled together, ignoring everyone else. When the conversation got exciting, Olivia covered her mouth and giggled, looking incredibly pure and beautiful. Everyone present was an old hand, seeing through but not exposing each other, tacitly ignoring the desire belonging to a grown man on Ethan Chen’s face. Olivia walked up to me, her hand deliberately brushing against Ethan’s suit jacket draped over her shoulders. “Lily, how’s life in the wealthy family?” She clearly saw that I was ostracized by everyone, after all, this was the treatment she had suffered in her previous life. In my previous life, she had also walked up to me like this and said to me who had just finished a press conference and been hired by Chen Group for a huge salary: “No matter how arrogant you are, you’re just an employee. No matter how hard you try, you’ll never match my status as the Chen family’s daughter-in-law!” But in this life, she said to me with an arrogant face: “I don’t want to be a parasitic flower that only relies on others. I want to achieve my dreams through my own abilities.” She turned and left. I raised an eyebrow. In my peripheral vision, I saw Ethan Chen’s face reveal an intriguing smile after hearing her words.

Olivia and Ethan Chen left one after another. But I didn’t care at all where they went. Instead, I took out my business card and, based on my memories from my previous life, sought out those people who could help my career. Everyone present was a big shot who knew my identity well, so not many people paid attention to me. I wasn’t embarrassed or angry, nor did I care about the hateful gazes from the Chen family members that looked like they wanted to kill me. After all, I was still a member of the Chen family. This humble appearance made them deeply ashamed. Ryan wasn’t here, so I was just a village girl with the title of Chen family daughter-in-law. Naturally, those big shots wouldn’t give me any face. I was repeatedly rebuffed, but still introduced my ideas calmly and confidently. In her previous life, Olivia only thought she could gain a foothold in the Chen family by relying on Ryan, so she focused all her energy on infighting, which only made the Chen family despise her and think she wasn’t presentable. But I knew that to gain a firm foothold in such deep waters, the most important thing was strength. It was the strength to prove that you were irreplaceable. On the way home, Emma Chen deliberately brought up my networking efforts today. “Looks like our sister-in-law has big ambitions. How many business cards did you hand out?” I ignored the sarcasm in her tone and carefully counted the partners from my previous life. There were only a few college students participating in the competition. In this life, they were just inconspicuous startups that couldn’t catch the eye of big companies like Chen Group. Sure enough, Emma Chen burst out laughing. “Lily, lower class people will always be lower class. No matter how hard you struggle, we won’t accept you. We’ll just think you’re a laughable clown.” Laughable? I curved my lips slightly. I didn’t care if they would accept me or not. After all, I didn’t even take the Chen family seriously. Although Ryan and I were married, we didn’t have a real husband-wife relationship. In her previous life, Olivia always complained about her husband when she came home. All the memories about Ryan revolved around negative words like “useless”, “weak and selfish”, “idiot”, etc. But I found that he wasn’t a bad person. After knowing that I was forced into the Chen family by my parents, he readily accepted my proposal for a marriage of convenience. Although we lived under the same roof, we were more like friends than husband and wife. Because of his illegitimate son status, he was ostracized in the Chen family, with no dignity or rights. But he had money. “My dad once gave my mom a black card. After my mom left, she gave it to me.” “I know you’ve suffered a lot of grievances during the time I was away. I have no other way to make it up to you, I can only do it through money. You don’t mind, do you?” How could I mind? I was overjoyed! Ryan’s expertise wasn’t in business management, but in computers. But for the Chen family, this was equivalent to being useless. So he could only go out and find a job on his own, leaving early and returning late every day. Even though he had the Chen family’s black card in hand, he was still afraid that this security would be taken away one day. In her previous life, Olivia thought he was useless and cowardly, treating him harshly and even helping other Chen family members bully him. But my heart ached. “Okay,” I smiled and nodded, taking the card, “Thank you. If you ever need my help, I’ll definitely do my best!” I invested some money into the startups of a few partners. No one paid attention to this small company founded by a few young people. It was like a speck of dust in the huge waves stirred up by these big enterprises, so small and insignificant that everyone thought this ordinary seedling would die in its cradle before long. This money was just a drop in the bucket for the Chen family, so they didn’t notice. But for us, it was crucial. Because I wanted to recreate that technology that shocked the entire industry in my previous life. I rented a lab. Even without that basic data, the experiments I had done countless times in my previous life were deeply etched into my bones. The days and nights spent in the library and lab, relying on the cheapest instant coffee powder to stay awake, allowed me to do those experiments flawlessly even with my eyes closed. This was the reason why Olivia couldn’t replicate my path from my previous life.

I heard that Ethan Chen invited Olivia to dinner, but was rejected by her on the grounds that she had to attend evening self-study. The next day, rumors spread throughout the school about the top wealthy family heir pursuing the genius school beauty. Olivia hurriedly denied it, but the more she cared, the more it confirmed the truth of this matter. I have to say, she was quite clever on this point. Ethan Chen didn’t lack women, especially women who threw themselves at him. The biggest reason he fell for me in my previous life was that I was different. My aloofness, my innocence, my dedication to research and disdain for power aroused his interest and then his desire to conquer. The Olivia in this life was the same. Her playing hard to get successfully piqued Ethan Chen’s interest. Men always yearn for what they can’t obtain. I lay on the memory foam mattress, feeling the relaxation of muscles brought by the massage mode. My hair was refreshing, smooth and shiny after just having a scalp treatment. Olivia should be lying on the hard board bed in the Lu family’s humble home right now, plotting her next move to win over Ethan Chen. I smiled. She probably hadn’t thought about what unspeakable truth was hidden beneath the marriage she so desperately desired. In my previous life, it wasn’t until much later that I figured it out – how could a man who had been fighting in the business world for years marry me just because of my “pure kindness”? It wasn’t until after marriage when he confined me at home, not allowing me to go out to work, taking away all my research results, and wanting me to do research for him wholeheartedly, that I understood what he was really after. After I refused, he finally showed his true colors, putting me under house arrest and taking away all my communication devices. I lost my freedom and could only stare blankly at the sun through the narrow window every day, facing four white walls. Even when I developed mental issues later, he didn’t let me go. Instead, he chose to hold press conferences to gain sympathy, using my pain to squeeze out my last bit of value. Perhaps his initial attraction was real, and that light-hearted affection was real too. It’s just that his feelings were too impure, easily dissipating in the face of interests. I wonder how Ethan Chen will treat Olivia after discovering the truth. And whether Olivia can withstand his torment. My “unruliness” made the Chen family members increasingly malicious towards me. In the past, they would still have some reservations before acting, out of respect for Mrs. Chen. But now, seemingly knowing that Ethan Chen also disliked me, they became more unscrupulous in bullying me. Cutting up my clothes, making me embarrass myself at banquets; Spitting in my food, pouring toilet water into it; Even setting my hair on fire in public, laughing at me as I frantically tried to put it out… They took it for granted that they had this privilege to punish me, this gold-digging bad woman, to teach me, this lowly woman trying to taint their noble bloodline, a lesson. But I didn’t show any of the panic and fear they expected. Instead, I looked at them with disdain, as if watching children playing pranks. I cut off my long hair in front of everyone. As the black strands fell to the ground, I saw Ethan Chen standing at the door. His gaze was dark and unclear, with emotions I couldn’t decipher roiling inside. As if curious to see how long I could persist for the Chen family’s money. … Actually, I wasn’t just putting on a brave face. After being slandered in my previous life, the bullying I suffered was much worse than what I was enduring now. In order to change my fate, I could only work part-time jobs while studying hard. But in this life, I had the Chen family’s top resources. I didn’t have to worry about my parents secretly taking my next semester’s tuition fees for “investment”, nor did I have to worry about the school kicking me out of the research group because of those rumors. This was already a huge help for me. Let them continue with those harmless pranks. After all, they wouldn’t be able to keep it up for long. As for Olivia. I heard that she frequently skipped classes to attend banquets with Ethan Chen and go on dates with him. Her repeated absences led to her final exams being a complete disaster, failing most of her courses. Not to mention doing research. Throughout the entire semester, she hadn’t even touched a lab coat. The lab manager had hardly seen her. Her advisor talked to her, saying she couldn’t neglect her studies just because she had an internship opportunity. But she was dismissive, saying she was a well-known genius, and geniuses were supposed to achieve greater results with less time than ordinary people. When told her grades were too poor to graduate, she didn’t care either, saying that in today’s society, connections and resources were more useful than grades and academic qualifications. Over time, the teachers stopped caring about her too. Even her parents believed that firmly grasping the future head of Chen Group was more important than academic qualifications. Moreover, my nominal position as the Chen family’s daughter-in-law had already disappointed them enough. After discovering they couldn’t gain any benefits from me, they directly cut off contact with me and wholeheartedly helped Olivia become the Chen Group’s mistress. All these rumors only reached my ears later, because at this moment, I was busy with the final stage of the experiment.

The lights in the company’s somewhat shabby lab stayed on all night. The others also stayed up all night with me, and we finally produced a rough product. We were so excited. After the celebratory dinner, it was already very late. The Chen family’s curfew had long passed, so I had no choice but to go back to the Lu family’s house for the night. In the latest issue of the journal, my published research results caused a sensation in the entire scientific community. Reporters swarmed towards that small company like sharks smelling blood. Countless industry giants extended olive branches to me. Just like in my previous life, my name was pushed to the forefront. Everyone praised this technology as capable of revolutionizing the industry. I didn’t want to go back to the Chen family to face those people’s sarcastic remarks, so I rented a small apartment next to the company to stay temporarily. But unexpectedly, when I didn’t go looking for them, they came looking for me instead. I looked at Ethan Chen standing in front of me with a dark face and Olivia standing behind him on the verge of tears, expressionlessly standing at the door with no intention of inviting them in. “Lily, your unscrupulousness really makes me look at you with new eyes.” “What do you mean?” I frowned. Olivia opened her mouth pitifully. “Sister, I know you’ve always been jealous of me, jealous that I’m prettier than you and study better than you.” “But all of this is what I gained through my own efforts. Why do you have to take even these away?” I was confused and wanted to laugh. “Just spit it out if you have something to say. No need to beat around the bush until you’re out of breath.” Olivia’s face instantly turned red. Ethan Chen snorted coldly: “Plagiarizing other people’s research results, Lily, you’d better prepare to go to jail!” I opened my phone and looked. Several bright red “Breaking News” headlines had somehow been pushed to the top trending spots. #Lily Academic Fraud# #Lily Plagiarism# #Olivia Genius Girl# At the press conference, several well-known newspapers and authoritative media, including the Chen family members, were present. Olivia presented her experimental data, with a timeline clearly earlier than my publication date. “This is the result I worked so hard to research, but I never thought it would end up becoming someone else’s wedding dress in the end. Do we poor college students really have no justice at all, and can only be bullied by rich people at will?” She was indignant, with crystal clear tears in her reddened eyes, looking so pitiful. The crowd was in an uproar, criticizing me for using my power to bully others. “I knew it, how could a village girl who didn’t even graduate from college research these things?” “She must have relied on the Chen family’s influence to steal a college student’s research results. How shameless!” “I must seek justice for us ordinary people. These capitalists deserve to die!” Olivia wept pitifully, protected in Ethan Chen’s arms. But the Chen family members stayed far away from me, afraid of being tainted by me and ruining their reputation. Ryan wasn’t here. There was no one from the Chen family standing on my side. Their attitude was very clear – although there was no clear evidence proving my plagiarism yet, they seemed to have already determined my crime and wanted to cut ties with me. The public naturally sympathizes with the underdog. Even though the current situation on the scene made me look more like the underdog, everyone had already made up their minds. After all, a useless wealthy daughter-in-law stealing a genius college student’s research results for fame – this was the kind of plot the public loved to see. “At home, Lily always liked to steal my things. I saw that she was young, so I just let her have her way. I didn’t expect to nurture a tiger that would bring calamity.” “Sister, this is my hard work. I can’t let you have it this time!” Tears fell from Olivia’s stubborn little face, making the audience and viewers watching the live broadcast indignant. “I can’t believe they’re actually sisters. Stealing her own sister’s hard work, I’ve never seen such a shameless person!” “How can a greedy woman like Lily enter the Chen family? If the Chen family doesn’t give an explanation, I’ll hate them for life!” “That’s right! Kick this scheming woman out of the Chen family!” I glanced at the rapidly scrolling barrage on the screen, feeling no ripples in my heart. But my expression fell in their eyes as cold and provocative. “Miss Lu, when you originally chose to marry into the Chen family, didn’t you also steal your sister’s opportunity?” “You were originally a child from an ordinary family, but after marrying into a wealthy family, you started oppressing ordinary people. Is this your true nature, or the change brought about by the wealthy family?” My gaze swept over the people below one by one, finally landing on Olivia’s pitiful face. I slowly curved my lips, and my clear voice resounded throughout the entire venue through the microphone. “You’re right, this is indeed a case of academic plagiarism.” “She actually admitted it? What kind of tactic is this, trying to establish an honest image?” “This isn’t just stealing anymore, it’s outright robbery!” “Can wealthy families just treat ordinary people’s efforts as a joke? I really can’t stand her arrogant face!” The sound of camera shutters erupted like thunder. A flash of bewilderment crossed Olivia’s face, followed by a smug smile. She probably thought that I had no ability to clarify, so I simply gave up completely.

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I never expected that when my grandfather asked me to choose one of the Johnson brothers for marriage, I would pick Ethan, Caleb’s older brother. Everyone knew I had been Caleb’s shadow since childhood. I once made myself deathly ill, begging to marry him with my life. I smiled bitterly, remembering my past life. On our wedding day, Caleb ran away with Lily, the girl my family had been supporting, declaring he would marry no one but her. I stood there in the wedding dress I had dreamed of for so long, utterly humiliated. Only then did I realize he had agreed to marry me just to get revenge at the wedding. After being reborn, I started avoiding him at every turn. Later, when his brother Ethan held me in his arms and kissed me until my lips were swollen, Caleb, who had always looked down on me, suddenly lost control of his emotions. After setting the wedding date, I started preparing things we’d need for the ceremony. I didn’t expect to run into Caleb and his friends at the mall. “Coming out to play and still keeping such a close eye on her. Caleb, you’re watching your woman way too tightly,” his friend teased, causing Caleb to frown in annoyance. “She’s not my woman. Say that again and I’ll sew your mouth shut.” Caleb spotted me from afar and walked over, clearly displeased. “Aria, when will you give it a rest? Why do you have to follow me everywhere I go?” “You forced the elders to tie us together. Now everyone knows you’re marrying into the Johnson family. Are you satisfied now?” I stayed silent for a moment, my expression calm. “I’m not trying to tie myself to you. You’ve misunderstood.” His emotions suddenly flared up as he gripped my wrist tightly, causing pain. “Then why are you here? Aren’t you just stalking me?” I shook off his hand, instinctively rubbing my reddened wrist as I explained: “I’m here to prepare things for the wedding. I didn’t expect to run into you.” Seeing our unhappy expressions, his friends quickly gathered around. “Preparing for the wedding? Caleb, marrying her sure is convenient – you don’t have to prepare anything yourself.” Caleb glared at the speaker without responding. “Aria, don’t think that just because our families arranged this marriage, you can use these tactics to get me.” “Even if you get my body, you’ll never have my heart. I despise manipulative, vicious women like you the most.” His eyes were cold, his voice suppressing anger. But I felt nothing, only wanting to escape this troublesome situation. I looked up and met his gaze calmly: “Who wants your heart? Don’t flatter yourself. I won’t be marrying you either.” Hearing this, Caleb’s face immediately fell. “How can you still deny it at this point? You’ve always used every trick to force me to marry you. Now that you’ve finally succeeded, you’re saying you won’t marry me…” His friend bumped his shoulder: “Caleb, can’t you tell? The little lady is just mad at you. She’s saying that out of anger.” “She’s personally out choosing things for the wedding. How can she be happy when you’re being so cold and sarcastic to her?” Caleb’s expression finally softened a bit. He stared at me with a complex look, finally forcing out a sentence after a long pause. “I’ll show up for the wedding on time, but like I said, don’t expect me to ever like you.” Suddenly there was a sound of something dropping behind us. Caleb and I turned to see Lily standing there in shock, wearing a cute sundress. She was the foster child my family had been supporting. With poor health, she was a frequent hospital patient. My mother felt bad about her poor living conditions and took her in to live with us. She was now dressed up like a delicate doll, with fluttering eyelashes over watery eyes. Caleb immediately let go of me and rushed over to her. “Lily, let me explain. It’s not what you think.” Lily covered her face and ran off, not giving him a chance to explain. Everyone dispersed unhappily after Lily left. Before leaving, Caleb threatened me harshly. “If Lily gets upset over this, I won’t let you off easy.” I laughed mockingly, for a moment doubting if the childhood friend I grew up with had been possessed by someone else.

After that whole scene, I lost interest in continuing to shop and went home early. It wasn’t until evening that Caleb brought Lily back. He was carrying bags of things, with his driver following behind carrying several boxes. The boxes were filled with expensive fruits and imported snacks. It was clear Caleb had bought a lot to appease Lily. When they came in, I was curled up on the couch watching TV. I deliberately didn’t look Caleb’s way, but he came over on his own. At first he didn’t speak, just pursing his lips as if waiting for my reaction. But I kept my eyes fixed on the TV, not even glancing his way. “Aria, you clearly saw me bring in all these things. Why didn’t you come help?” I gave him an indifferent look: “Why should I help you? The stuff wasn’t bought for me. What does it have to do with me?” His expression darkened: “If you want something just say so. If word gets out that my fiancée is so desperate for a few trinkets, people will laugh at me.” Caleb completely ignored what I’d said at the mall. I couldn’t be bothered to keep emphasizing to him that I wouldn’t marry him. He’d understand completely on the wedding day. Caleb casually picked up a box of blueberries and tossed it next to me. Due to the force, the box bounced off the couch and fell to the floor. “A reward for you. Don’t say I mistreat you.” I looked down at the box of blueberries, but had no desire to pick it up. Because if I did, I’d be like a begging dog, eagerly accepting Caleb’s handouts. I don’t need that kind of charity. I curled my lips in a cold smile: “You’re quite at home in my house. Don’t you have any sense of being a guest? Don’t embarrass your family’s upbringing.” We’d grown up together and were certainly familiar with each other’s homes. I’d never said such insulting words before. Caleb’s face turned red with anger. He looked at me like he wanted to eat me alive. My parents weren’t home yet, and the staff were busy with their own tasks. Only Caleb, Lily and I were left in the living room. Caleb acted like I didn’t exist, pressing Lily against the wall and giving her a quick kiss. He murmured: “Lily, in the future if anything upsets you, just tell me directly. Don’t let it hurt your health.” Lily’s coquettish voice reached my ears. “I know. Caleb always treats me the best.” As Lily responded to him, the two started kissing passionately, their intimate sounds making one blush. I turned off the TV and walked around the couch, deliberately taking a path farther from them to reach the stairs, intending to return to my room. When I was halfway up the stairs, Caleb suddenly opened his eyes, remembering there was another person present. He instinctively pushed Lily away. Lily didn’t notice his change, just reluctantly ending the kiss. Finally Lily looked up at me, her eyes full of provocation and disdain, as if showing off her victory. Back in my room, I received a message from Lily. [Sister, even though Caleb promised you a wedding, the title of Mrs. Johnson will only ever be mine.] [Aria, whatever outcome you got in your past life, you’ll get the same this life. You can’t beat me.]

Seeing this message, my heart suddenly skipped a beat. So I wasn’t the only one who had been reborn. In my past life, after Caleb accepted the engagement, I thought he had been moved by my sincerity. After all, I had chased after him for over a decade. Even a rock should have been warmed up by now, right? I never expected that he only accepted the marriage to thoroughly humiliate me at the wedding. In front of all the guests, he tightly held Lily’s hand. He announced to everyone that he could never marry me, that Lily was the only one he loved and would marry in this life. I was utterly humiliated, standing alone in my wedding dress, trapped in awkward emotions. Everyone in our social circle knew how much I liked him. I had even made myself deathly ill, just to get my parents to agree to an engagement with the Johnson family. I had lowered myself so much, shaming myself and my parents, only to be repaid with Caleb’s revenge. He resented me for using my family’s status to force an engagement, making him and Lily separate. I also passed away from illness. I never want to experience that kind of suffering again. So after being reborn, I gave up on Caleb and chose his brother Ethan instead. But I never expected that this time, my marriage to Ethan would proceed so smoothly. There were no obstacles. I just had to wait patiently for the wedding next month to arrive on schedule. In my past life, Ethan had always worked abroad and never married. Everyone thought he had some unspeakable issue. Even my grandfather asked me to confirm again when he heard I decided to marry Ethan. Was I really sure I wanted to marry Ethan? I nodded. Even if he had some physical problem, so what? If I had to choose between them, a life of mutual respect was far better than one full of scars. The next day, I went to the jeweler to pick up the wedding rings for Ethan and me. But the staff informed me that the rings had already been taken by Mr. Caleb Johnson. This jewelry store was under the Johnson Group. If Caleb wanted to take them, the staff couldn’t stop him. Out of all the couples’ rings, he just had to take my wedding rings. Anger suddenly flared up inside me, because those rings were my own design. Since childhood, I’d had a dream of wearing rings I designed myself at my wedding to the man I loved. In the past, I thought the man wearing the matching ring would be Caleb. But now that the groom had changed, I’d torn up that old design and made a new one specially for Ethan. Yet Caleb had snatched them away. Just as I was about to call Caleb to demand an explanation, I suddenly saw Lily’s new post on social media. [A one-of-a-kind ring from my beloved.] The photo showed her and Caleb wearing the rings I had designed. People flooded the comments with congratulations. My eyes unconsciously welled up with tears. Even if the arranged marriage had once troubled Caleb, I had already backed out in time and given him his freedom. Why did he have to keep humiliating me, and even let Lily take my wedding rings? I couldn’t wait another second. I didn’t want to argue with Caleb over the phone. So I took a cab straight to Caleb’s office.

Caleb wasn’t in his office. But Lily was there. When she saw me, her eyes showed no surprise. As if she had expected I would come demand an explanation. Lily kept fiddling with the ring on her finger, occasionally pouting. “Sister, what do you think of the ring Caleb gave me?” She shook her head as she spoke. “I think it’s ugly as sin, but since Caleb gave it to me, I love it.” “I love anything he gives me.” Hearing her words, I couldn’t help but clench my fists. “Sister, do you think if I wear this ring to your wedding, I’ll steal your spotlight?” “After all, the diamond Caleb gave me is definitely bigger than whatever ring you’ll have.” Something snapped in my mind. I rushed forward to grab the ring from her hand. So Lily and I ended up in a tussle. The moment I got the ring off her finger, I felt a sharp blow to my waist. Someone kicked me hard, sending me sprawling on the ground in pain so intense I could barely breathe. Tears leaked from the corners of my eyes as I stubbornly turned my head, gritting my teeth as I glared at the petite woman now cradled in Caleb’s arms. “You crazy woman, how dare you lay hands on Lily? Don’t you know her health is fragile?” The pain spreading up from my waist was nothing compared to the ache in my heart. Caleb didn’t bother scolding me further, focused on comforting the distraught Lily. “Caleb, I can’t believe it. If you hadn’t arrived in time, would my sister have beaten me to death?” His gaze fell on Lily as he gently wiped away her tears, his movements tender and attentive. Caleb’s brows were tightly furrowed, his eyes rimmed with red. “Lily, don’t worry. I won’t let that crazy woman near you alone again.” “I won’t allow anyone to hurt you. Even if it’s the Wilson family’s daughter, I’ll turn against them if they so much as touch a hair on your head.” Caleb really went to extremes for Lily’s sake. Many people at Johnson Group knew me, including his secretary. The secretary helped me up, but Caleb angrily berated her. “Who said you could help her? Go to accounting and get your final paycheck. Don’t come in tomorrow.” The secretary stood there stunned before reluctantly leaving the office. I clutched my waist, my face flushed red. Just thinking about this humiliating situation made me want to cry. I laughed mockingly at myself. Each laugh blurred my vision a little more with unshed tears. He fired his secretary who helped me without a second thought. Did Caleb really hate me to this extent? “Crazy woman, you still have the nerve to laugh?” Caleb demanded: “I told you I would never like you. So why do you keep hurting the person I love?” I stubbornly refused to back down: “Are you blind? She’s the one who stole my things!” Caleb hesitated for a moment, but after glancing at Lily’s pitiful expression, he impatiently scolded me: “It’s just a ring. It was meant for me anyway. What’s wrong with her having it since it was meant for me!” I sneered: “You must not have a mirror, or even a puddle to look in. Check yourself – your ego is way too big!” I almost blurted out that the ring was meant for Ethan. But I suddenly remembered Ethan would be back tonight. I would thoroughly humiliate Caleb at the family dinner. I pressed a hand to my waist, each step difficult and painful. His voice came from behind me: “Come to the family dinner on your own tonight. I don’t have time to pick you up.” I left the office without looking back, a faint smile still on my lips. Laughing at his conceit, and even more at my own pathetic state. It’s fine. I don’t need him to pick me up. He’ll understand soon enough that my life will have nothing to do with him from now on. ———-This is the breakpoint———-

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296010”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #浪漫Romance #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller #魔幻Magic #后宫Harem