Seven months pregnant, I suffered from food poisoning and started bleeding. Gabriel rushed me to the hospital, constantly reassuring me that we could save the baby. In my semi-conscious state, I clung to his hand, placing all my hope in him. When I opened my eyes again, I overheard Gabriel talking to the doctor. “Mr. Anderson, if we perform a C-section now, your wife’s life will be in danger, and we might not be able to save the baby either.” Gabriel’s previous worry and anxiety vanished instantly, replaced by a cold and resolute tone. “Sophia has already given me a son. This one is unnecessary. Get rid of it quickly.” So he wanted to use my child to replace the one he had with his first love. The happy family I thought we had was just a facade for someone else’s benefit. If that’s the case, I’ll give you what you want. … “Quickly kill the baby in Mrs. Anderson’s womb and throw it in the trash. I’ve already brought Sophia’s child. We’ll say it’s Mrs. Anderson’s.” The doctor’s horrified voice replied, “Mr. Anderson, your wife has been coming for check-ups every month, taking such careful care. I really can’t bring myself to kill an innocent life. If you really don’t want it, we could at least let her give birth and send the baby to an orphanage…” “There’s no need. Since Sophia has already given me a child, I must take responsibility for her. Not being able to marry Sophia was my biggest regret. I promised her that her son would be the sole heir to the Anderson family.” The doctor hesitated before saying, “Mr. Anderson, this will leave your wife paralyzed from the waist down. She’ll be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. If we could wait just two more months before harming the child, we could at least save your wife’s body.” “We can’t wait a single day. If she’s crippled, so be it. With the Anderson family’s assets, she can sit in a wheelchair for several lifetimes without issue.” Gabriel sighed again, “There’s no choice. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s her bad luck. Who told Sophia’s child to be born already?” “It’ll be over soon. I’ll make it up to her later.” As soon as he finished speaking, the restaurant owner called. “Mr. Anderson, we prepared all the food according to your requirements today. We haven’t settled the bill yet.” “Get lost! The dose was so small that the child was still alive when it arrived at the hospital. You have the nerve to ask me for money?” “Please, Mr. Anderson, I swear that entire bowl of soup was filled with abortion drugs.” The footsteps grew fainter as Gabriel made another call, instructing his assistant to pay off the owner with $100,000. After he left, I could no longer hold back my tears. The child I had carefully nurtured for seven months had been poisoned by its own father, causing premature labor. The doctor wiped my tears, and soon I fell unconscious. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Anderson…” When I woke up again, there was a baby crying constantly by the bed. Gabriel was holding him joyfully. “Jane, come look at our son.” He gently kissed the baby. “From now on, you’ll be the only young master of the Anderson family.” I already knew I was carrying a girl from the prenatal checkups. This child wasn’t mine at all. I turned my head away, not wanting to look. I wanted to get out of bed and search for my baby in the trash, but my legs wouldn’t move no matter how hard I tried. I kept hitting them, using all my strength, but they remained numb. “If you want to hit something, hit me.” My wrists were grabbed. Gabriel looked at me with concern. “Jane, you can’t walk anymore because of giving birth to this child. From now on, let me be your legs, okay?” “And you can’t get pregnant again. This child will be our only one.” 2. I looked at him, wishing I were dead. Gabriel quickly hugged me again. “Don’t be sad. Look, at least our child is born. Isn’t that something to celebrate?” He pinched my cheek. “We’ll definitely be the happiest family of three from now on. I’ll always be by your side.” He had destroyed my life and spoke of it so lightly. Soon, my lower body felt like it was being torn apart. When I lifted the blanket, there was a bloody smell. Gabriel, however, wasn’t disgusted and personally helped clean my body, constantly asking if the water temperature was okay, acting caring and loving with convincing performance. “I’ve named our child Xin Xin, meaning everything will be new from now on. You’re the child’s mother, his role model, so you need to be strong.” This child’s features resembled Sophia’s, and besides, I was only seven months pregnant – the baby shouldn’t be this big. Gabriel called the doctor to check on my mental state. I left the hospital in a wheelchair. The wind was bitterly cold, and my clothes were thin. With great effort, I finally arrived at Gabriel’s private villa, where I had seen Sophia leaving just as I was being framed and sent to the hospital. Gabriel had said it was his newly established private club for entertaining clients. The door’s password was indeed Sophia’s birthday. When I saw everything inside the room, I was stunned. The walls were covered with photos of him and Sophia together. The screen in the living room was playing a video of him kissing Sophia. So this was their love nest. For three whole years, every time he said he was working late or in a meeting, he was spending time here. With each month Sophia’s belly grew, they would take a set of photos. A full ten months, documenting her entire pregnancy process, and even going to Hong Kong for check-ups every month. During my pregnancy, Gabriel never accompanied me once. Every time I had a check-up, it was when he flew to Hong Kong. Even when I told him the baby was healthy and showed him the examination reports, he never replied. Looking at the walls full of various intimate outfits, I finally understood how passionate he was with Sophia. No wonder he was always exhausted when he was with me. I thought he was tired from work and understood him, not realizing he had used all his energy on Sophia. The world’s most expensive crystal high heels, studded with diamonds, were displayed in an exquisite showcase. These shoes, hailed as “Shining Sun”, had Gabriel’s dedication next to them. [Sophia, you appeared in my life like the sun, forever radiant.] A pair of shoes worth $220 million was just the tip of the iceberg. Everything was expensive and luxurious, including a necklace worth over a billion dollars. I had seen Sophia wear it a few times, and Gabriel said it was from her wealthy husband. At the time, I joked about when he would buy one for me too. I still remember his expression now, “Those are all very ostentatious things. I prefer you without anything on.” Below the necklace was another message: Sophia, you deserve all the best in the world. Signed, Gabriel Anderson. Drawers full of giant diamond rings dazzled my eyes. The one on my finger was small and old, and the only one I had. I thought he was too busy to buy me gifts. Now I knew he wasn’t not buying, he just wasn’t buying for me. The kitchen was luxuriously equipped. He never cooked at home, but here he was a master chef. The walls were covered with photos of him wearing a chef’s hat, posing with tables full of gourmet dishes. [Only cooking for the one I love. Sophia, you’re the only one with this privilege in this life.] No wonder he didn’t like eating the food I cooked. His culinary skills were even better than mine. The last time I had a birthday, he said he was on a business trip abroad. Looking at the date on the photos, it was exactly when he was celebrating with Sophia in Hong Kong that they were having a boy. He had rented out an entire theater and invited celebrities to perform, all to celebrate the Anderson family having an heir. When I told him I was carrying a girl, there wasn’t a hint of happiness on his face. “After we have a daughter, we’ll have a son, okay?” “But Jane, your health isn’t good. Can you handle having so many children?” Thinking back now, it was truly ironic and laughable. He didn’t care about our child at all, yet I was still full of hope. 3. When I left the villa, my heart was already numb, my mind filled with videos of their love. I don’t know how I got back to the hospital. My body was already exhausted. As soon as the wheelchair went up the steps, I saw Mrs. Anderson glaring at me angrily, and she slapped me hard. The slap knocked me to the ground. Before I could regain my senses, she started berating me in front of all the doctors and nurses. “You useless thing, your body is ruined, and now you can’t even feed the baby.” Sophia hugged her affectionately. “It’s okay, Mrs. Anderson. I’m here. I’ll feed him.” Gabriel gave her a grateful look. On the way home, Sophia kept kissing and hugging the baby, constantly praising how cute and handsome he was. She sat in the front seat holding the child, occasionally looking at Gabriel with happiness, while I sat in the back like a stranger. She only said she was hot once, and Gabriel immediately turned on the air conditioning. Completely forgetting that his wife who had just had surgery couldn’t be in cold air. Passing by a globally air-shipped chocolate shop, Sophia said it looked delicious, and Gabriel immediately stopped to buy for her. A big bag, all sorts of chocolates stuffed into her arms, with none for me. Sophia ate one and then fed one to Gabriel, the two of them being lovey-dovey. Finally arriving home, when the car door opened, no one came to help me. They all crowded around Sophia. “Madam, you’ve worked hard. Quick, get ready.” At the housekeeper’s call, all the servants and bodyguards came out to welcome, each holding gifts that filled the hall. 100 maids each held a limited edition dress. From the hall all the way to outside the courtyard, they stood in neat rows. “Pregnancy and childbirth are the most difficult things for a woman, and naturally should not be underappreciated. So at this crucial moment, I want to thank…” Everyone’s eyes were on me. Gabriel continued, “Sophia.” How laughable. Sophia stepped forward and hugged him. “Gabriel, it’s just feeding the baby. No need to be so polite. Besides, it’s just a small effort on my part.” “Jane can’t walk now, so the clothes should be used to comfort her. I already have too many high-end dresses, I can’t wear them all even if I change every day.” “Moreover, Jane doesn’t have a single one of these styles.” I looked at the pajamas I was wearing, fidgeting uncomfortably. Gabriel said disdainfully, “She can’t even walk, what’s the point of dressing up? These are all specially prepared for you. With your model-like figure, you’ll definitely look good in them.” Sophia swayed her chest coyly. Soon, a stage with lights was quickly set up. She put on these limited edition dresses one by one, starting a fashion show. Each time she came out in a new outfit, a new look, it left Gabriel unable to take his eyes off her, while she confidently and arrogantly enjoyed everyone’s gaze. Their eyes were fixed on each other, intimately close. Every time she passed by me, Sophia deliberately swung her skirt, brushing my face as she twirled. I was filled with anger and resentment, pinching my thigh until it bled. With a cry, my cat scratched the baby. Sophia quickly rushed over, tenderly stroking the blood marks on the child’s face. “Mommy’s little darling, it must hurt so much.” When I was pregnant, the kitten often lay on my belly. Maybe it recognized that this wasn’t my child. Sophia tried to hit the kitten but couldn’t catch it as it ran around the room. The kitten climbed onto her face, scratching it continuously. Soon, her eye corners and mouth were bleeding. She pointed at the kitten viciously, “Quick, kill it!” “This is the good cat you raised, Jane. It only knows how to hurt people. Even cats can be jealous.” At Gabriel’s command, soon there was blood everywhere. My cat was beaten to death right in front of me. I broke down crying. The cat I had raised for three years died before my eyes. It had been like family, accompanying me every day. After I got pregnant, it became even more loving towards my baby, always being gentle and careful not to touch my belly. Looking at the bloody mess of a corpse, my heart was completely broken. Mrs. Anderson came out carrying a freshly boiled pot of soup. Seeing Sophia injured, she immediately threw it at my face. The scalding soup splashed all over me, burning painfully. I tried to find water to rinse it off, but Mrs. Anderson blocked my way. “Why didn’t this damn cat scratch your face instead? You taught it to do this, didn’t you? You’re just ill-intentioned.” “You truly deserve to die. You’re just redundant in this family anyway.” I knew her words were full of sarcasm, each one directed at me. With the help of the nanny, I finally managed to go upstairs in a mess. My bedroom had become chaotic, with hair of a different color than mine on the bed. Opening the video, I saw that yesterday, when I was in the most pain, Gabriel and Sophia were entangled on my bed. Watching the video, I tore off the sheets and threw them out the door. I angrily threw the clothes left on my bed onto the floor. At this moment, the door opened, and a mocking laugh came through. “I have plenty more videos of Gabriel and me together. Want me to send you some more to feast your eyes on?” 4. Soon my phone received dozens of videos, showing various positions and poses. Sophia’s seductive and charming appearance enticed Gabriel beyond control. I threw my phone far away. She rolled her eyes, “That’s how much he loves me. Hurts, doesn’t it? Jealous? With your ghostly appearance, he probably won’t touch you again.” “Jane, the feeling of never being able to walk again isn’t pleasant.” She lifted her skirt slightly, revealing her long legs. “Gabriel loves my legs the most.” “Wasn’t I beautiful just now during the fashion show? I dressed up specifically for you to see. You should thank me.” I looked at her with contempt, not bothering to respond. This reaction made her face contort with anger, and she shouted at me, “What do you have left to compete with me? No child, can’t have children, a cripple. How can there be such a stupid woman in this world? Soon everything in the Anderson family will be mine.” After saying this, she started slapping her own face dozens of times. I watched her in shock. I watched as her face went from red to swollen, finally looking like a pig’s head. While hitting herself, she shouted, “Jane, please stop hitting me.” “Ah, my hair…” Then she took the scissors from the table and cut off her own hair. I sat there motionless, yet was accused of such a great crime. Gabriel came running at the sound. “Sophia? What happened to you?” When he saw Sophia’s hair all cut off on the ground and her swollen face, he glared at me fiercely. “Jane, I never thought you could be such a cruel woman. Sophia kindly called you downstairs to eat, how could you do this to her?” “She changed into those dresses one by one downstairs just to make you happy, just to see you smile. Isn’t that enough?” He picked up the hair from the ground, pained. “Quickly apologize to Sophia, or don’t blame me for cutting off your hair.” He stroked Sophia’s face, glaring at me viciously: “Should I cut it, or will you?” Just out of the hospital, I was exhausted all over, without even the strength to speak. I was forced to back away by Gabriel, looking at him in terror. Sophia covered her face, “I never thought that coming to breastfeed the child out of kindness would provoke such jealousy. I might as well just die.” Saying this, she started banging her head against the wall. Gabriel stopped her and walked towards me step by step with the scissors. I shook my head and kept retreating to the corner, but he still grabbed my hair. The scissors weren’t working well, so he simply brought an electric razor. My hair fell to the ground in large clumps, and I was shaved bald. He stroked my head as if to comfort me. “Jane, this is what we owe Sophia. Otherwise, people might think we’re bullying her.” Looking at my hair, I was already at my breaking point. Ignoring me, he called all the doctors in the city to treat Sophia’s face. The hall was full of people. I put the prepared divorce papers in the drawer and left. To compensate Sophia, the news of Gabriel lavishly spending to make a movie for Sophia made headlines. He invited all the star lineup to complement her, even claiming it would win an Oscar. At the movie’s launch ceremony, she was dazzling, dressed more luxuriously than the celebrities. Everyone came to flatter the investor, and Sophia was already being put on a pedestal. The director even guaranteed, “Miss Lee, with your conditions, it would be a real shame not to act. You’ll definitely become an overnight sensation.” Even A-list celebrities came over to take photos with Sophia. She was carrying a limited edition bag worth millions, showing it off. The venue was full of media reporters, all waiting to interview Gabriel. But he had his assistant call me instead. “We’ve arranged a supporting role for the madam, playing a disabled person in the movie. Let the madam come over to get familiar with the other actors.” Sophia came over and swayed her body, “With me as the lead, that’s enough. Jane needs more rest, no need to trouble her.” The assistant went back and searched for a long time, but there was no trace of me at home. “It’s terrible, Mr. Anderson. Someone saw the madam being kidnapped by a gang. They want Sophia to go as an exchange.” [This marks the breakpoint in the original text.]

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I found out I was pregnant in the fifth year of my secret relationship with Adrian Foster. Overjoyed, I rushed to show him the positive pregnancy test. But when I arrived, I overheard him celebrating with his friends. “After five years, I’ve finally turned Olivia into my obedient little bird,” Adrian boasted. “In a couple days, I’m going to sell her to work at a nightclub. They’re short-staffed there anyway.” My vision blurred as I struggled to process his cruel words. Then one of his friends hesitantly asked, “Adrian, isn’t that going too far? She’s been with you for five years after all.” Another chimed in, “Yeah, how can you just toss her aside like that?” Adrian let out a cold laugh. “Olivia’s nothing but a dirty rag to me. I have no reason to keep her around.” “My fiancée Chloe is coming back soon. I need to clear the path for her return.” So that’s it. I was just an obstacle to be removed. Five years of devotion meant nothing to him. I clutched the pregnancy test tightly, my heart aching. When the door opened, I quickly hid the test behind my back. Adrian’s friends glanced at me before calling out sweetly, “Hey Olivia! Here to see Adrian?” Before I could respond, one of them yelled inside, “Adrian, Olivia’s here!” He was clearly trying to stir up drama. Adrian came over, looking down at me. “How long have you been here?” I knew he was trying to figure out if I’d overheard their conversation. I forced a smile and lied, “I just got here. Was wondering when you’d be home.” “Alright. Go settle the bill and I’ll get the car to wait for you,” Adrian said with a dismissive gesture. I nodded, “Okay.” After paying, I walked outside to find it pouring rain. I waited for a while, but Adrian’s car never showed up. I tried calling and texting him countless times, but got no response. Eventually his phone went straight to voicemail. One of Adrian’s friends came out and saw me huddled in the rain. He asked, “Olivia, didn’t Adrian already leave? Why are you still here?” I froze, unable to believe Adrian would abandon me like this. A girl with the friend held up her phone, her tone mocking: “Chloe came back early. Adrian just left to pick her up. Some people really have no shame!” “Don’t covet things that don’t belong to you. You’re nothing but a thief who stole five years of someone else’s time. You should be grateful for what you got.” With that parting shot, they drove off. By the time I made it home, shivering and soaked to the bone, I found Chloe blocking my way. She was wearing my new pajamas. She smirked, lifting her chin. “Olivia, now that I’m back, you need to know your place. You’re nothing but a dog Adrian kept around to play with.” That includes Adrian himself. My body felt ice cold as I tried to move past her to change clothes. Suddenly, Chloe let out an exaggerated cry of pain and collapsed to the floor. SLAP! Before I could even process what was happening, Adrian’s hand connected with my face. My rain-weakened body crumpled, hitting the corner of the shoe rack. Pain exploded in my forehead. Through blurred vision, I saw Adrian anxiously pick up Chloe. He glared at me coldly. “Olivia, you’d better remember your place. You’re nothing but a stand-in for Chloe. What right do you have to throw your weight around here!?” “I’ve spoiled you too much, making you forget who the real owner of this house is. You’re not allowed inside tonight. Get out!” His words felt like daggers of ice. I realized it was time for me to leave for good. I watched Adrian carry Chloe upstairs. In my dazed state, I thought I saw Chloe flash me a triumphant smile. My vision blurred red. I raised a hand to my face and felt something wet and sticky. Focusing my eyes, I realized it was blood. I struggled to stand, stumbling and falling again. My whole body felt like it was encased in ice. I curled up, trying to conserve warmth. My mind drifted to a time I’d had a high fever. Adrian had been beside himself with worry, rushing me to the hospital for a five day stay. During those five days, he’d taken care of my every need, refusing to let anyone else help. He’d cancelled all his work to be with me, giving me his full attention. When I told him he should focus on his career, he’d said sternly, “Anything related to you is the most important thing.” But then… then the dream shattered. I woke up. Adrian noticed immediately. “You’re awake?” For a moment, I thought he still cared. But then his face turned cold as he said, “Now that you’re up, go apologize to Chloe right away. You scared her half to death sleeping in the living room all night.” “If Chloe wasn’t so kind-hearted and generous in letting me bring you to the hospital, who knows where you would’ve woken up.” So he’d planned to abandon me in some desolate place. His phone rang. A minute later he hung up. “Olivia, hurry up and go apologize.” I paused. “What am I apologizing for?” For passing out in the living room due to a fever and head injury, which happened to scare her? Seeing my expression, Adrian assumed I was faking. “Olivia, can you stop pretending? Just looking at you makes me sick.” With that, he suddenly grabbed my arm roughly. My weakened body was helpless as he dragged me along. We passed several nurses who quickly avoided us. “Adrian, it hurts…” I whimpered. He didn’t loosen his grip. After opening a door, he literally threw me inside. I flew through the air like a kite with cut strings before crashing hard onto the floor. “Adrian, what’s going on?” Chloe asked in a sweet, innocent voice from her hospital bed. But when she looked down at me, I saw the triumph and joy in her eyes. My whole body ached. Chloe spoke again: “Adrian, did you and Olivia fight because of me!?” She ran over to Adrian barefoot. “If Olivia hates me so much, I’ll just leave. I only hope that after I’m gone, she’ll treat you well…” Adrian scooped Chloe up, his tone exasperated but doting: “Silly girl, why are you running around without shoes?” “Olivia’s not worthy of hating you. I brought her here to apologize to you.” He was explaining things to her. In the past, he’d never bothered to explain anything to me. I’d asked him about things before, but he told me he liked obedient women. So I stopped asking questions. Chloe’s bare feet dangled in front of my face as I knelt on the floor like an old dog. “Oh? Adrian, you’re making Olivia apologize to me? Won’t she resent me for that? What if she holds a grudge?” “She won’t,” Adrian said firmly. After a pause, he added: “She wouldn’t dare.” I felt my blood run cold, a chill spreading from my feet to the top of my head. “But I don’t think a verbal apology is enough,” Chloe mused. “How about we do something like Truth or Dare and choose a punishment?” She sat on Adrian’s lap, arms around his neck. “Whatever you want, sweetheart.” Adrian stroked her nose affectionately. The two laughed together like the perfect couple. Suddenly, a foot lifted my chin. I was forced to look up at Chloe’s mocking, triumphant smile. “Oh no, my feet got a bit dirty from running around barefoot earlier,” she pouted. “Adrian doesn’t like dirty things. Olivia, why don’t you wash my feet for me?” I stared at her in disbelief. How dare she! Seeing I wasn’t moving, Chloe snuggled against Adrian and whined, “Adrian, is Olivia upset with me?” Adrian frowned at me. “What are you waiting for? Get to it.” “I’ll go with Olivia to wash up,” Chloe chirped. “That way she won’t have to go back and forth.” With that, Chloe dragged me into the VIP room’s bathroom despite my resistance. It was a top-of-the-line setup with all the amenities. As soon as the door closed, Chloe’s innocent act vanished. Her face twisted into an ugly, vengeful snarl. She grabbed my hair and yanked my head back. “You disgusting whore. How dare you try to have Adrian’s baby?” “A piece of trash like you doesn’t deserve to bear his child. Have you forgotten your lowly origins? You’re nothing but filth.” She knew! My heart raced as I instinctively tried to protect my stomach. But Chloe wasn’t done. She kicked me hard in the abdomen. Pain radiated through my body. Knock knock Adrian’s concerned voice came from outside: “Chloe, is everything okay in there?” Chloe’s face hardened. She suddenly collapsed to the floor, crying out in pain. BANG! Adrian kicked the door open and rushed to Chloe’s side. I clutched my stomach, weakly trying to ask for help: “Adrian, please save…” Save the baby. Before I could finish, Chloe buried her face in Adrian’s chest, sobbing. “It’s my fault, I slipped and fell. Olivia didn’t push me. She didn’t push me down and then…” Adrian’s face darkened with rage. He kicked me hard. “If anything happens to Chloe, I’ll make you pay with your life.” He carried Chloe out, leaving me alone. I felt something warm trickling down my legs. Panicked, I crawled to the hallway, desperately calling for help. Thankfully, I was saved. But the baby wasn’t. I stared blankly at the tiny embryo the doctor had removed. The taste of blood filled my throat. After a long moment, I took out my phone and opened a secret app I hadn’t used in years. I sent a message: [I want to come home] The reply came instantly: [If you’re done playing, come back. I’ll pick you up.] I agonized over my response before sending: [Please erase all my information in the country. I’m leaving tomorrow.] When I went home to pack my things, I found all my belongings thrown outside. Among them was a jade bracelet, now shattered. With trembling hands, I picked up the pieces. A whirlwind of emotions swept through me. This bracelet was the only memento I had from my grandmother. Adrian opened the door and saw me. His eyes filled with contempt and disgust. “If you’re not dead, hurry up and take this trash away. Just looking at it makes me sick.” “Why is my bracelet broken?” I asked, holding up the two halves. Adrian glanced at it dismissively. “How should I know? You probably didn’t take good care of it yourself.” Seeing his uncaring attitude, my heart clenched painfully. “Adrian, I love the diamond ring you got me!” Chloe’s voice suddenly rang out. She appeared behind Adrian, holding up a massive 50-carat diamond. The sight made my eyes ache. Chloe pretended to just notice me. “Oh, Olivia! You’re back so soon?” “By the way, Adrian said he has a job to introduce you to tomorrow. I heard it pays really well. Soon you’ll be a successful career woman too, Olivia. I’m so envious!” A job? I suddenly remembered overhearing Adrian say he was going to sell me to work at a nightclub. My blood ran cold, my heart constricting painfully. My mind went blank. Chloe suddenly grabbed my hand, her long nails digging into my flesh. Blood welled up. “Olivia, Adrian likes girls with good careers,” she simpered. “You’re so lucky he’s helping you out.” “Shouldn’t you thank Adrian for introducing you to this job?” She leaned in close and hissed, “I guess trash raised without a mother doesn’t even know basic manners.” It hurt so much. I instinctively jerked my hand away. Chloe used the momentum to dramatically fall to the ground. She looked up with hurt, resentful eyes. “Olivia, did I do something to upset you? Please tell me so I won’t do it again. I’m begging you, please don’t hurt the little life inside me.” With that, she cradled her stomach protectively. Adrian immediately rushed to push me away. Chloe leaned into his arms. “Adrian, we’re having a baby. But… but Olivia doesn’t seem happy about it. I’m scared…” “I’m so afraid our baby won’t be able to come into this world safely…” Adrian held her tightly, murmuring soothingly, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here. Nothing will happen to our baby.” Before leaving, Adrian fixed his gaze on me. “You’ve really disappointed me. From now on, I won’t provide you with any financial support. You can either fend for yourself or go work at the place I introduced you to.” “I won’t go. Why can’t I work somewhere else?” I steadied myself, the last shred of hope dying in my chest. Adrian lost all patience. “If you don’t go, then die on the streets.” My face was expressionless. “Then I’d rather die on the streets!” Adrian’s cold lips curved in a mocking smile. “Do you really think anywhere else would take you?” “Besides, you’ve been used up by me. What makes you think you’re qualified for any respectable job?” “Don’t come crawling back to me like a dog later!” In the end, we parted ways on bad terms that day. Half an hour before my flight, I got a call from Adrian. I was about to reject it, but instinctively answered instead. Adrian’s voice came through, full of disdain for my actions: “Hah, I thought you were so capable. But you still answered my call, didn’t you?” I was about to hang up when he continued: “Olivia, at 11 o’clock someone will come pick you up. Once you get there, you’d better behave. When you’ve learned your lesson, come back and apologize to Chloe.” I glanced at my watch. It was still 30 minutes until 1

Suddenly, I heard a woman’s coquettish voice on the other end. It was Chloe. “Adrian, how about we set our wedding for the 18th of this month? We should invite Olivia too. Even though she doesn’t like me, she did take care of you for five years…” My chest tightened painfully. I was about to hang up when Adrian spoke again, his tone dripping with contempt: “Did you hear that? Chloe is so kind-hearted. In 10 days, I’ll send someone to bring you back for our wedding.” The call ended. My eyes grew cold as I deleted everything related to Adrian, including throwing away the card he’d given me. Adrian was in the middle of flirting with Chloe when he suddenly got a phone call. After hanging up, his expression turned grave. Chloe tried to snuggle up to him but he gently pushed her away. “Olivia wasn’t picked up by those men. I need to go check what happened. You stay here for now.” With that, Adrian left, ignoring whatever expression Chloe wore. Behind him, a vicious glint flashed in Chloe’s eyes. When Adrian returned home, he felt like something was different about the house. But he couldn’t put his finger on what exactly had changed. Until— The doorbell rang. Adrian went to answer, automatically assuming it was me coming back to hide. “Olivia, you have the nerve to come crawling back? Who do you think…” He opened the door to find not me, but a delivery man in uniform. The man said professionally, “Mr. Foster, this is a package Ms. Sullivan mailed to you. Please sign for it.”

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Just before I was wheeled into the operating room, Lucas held my hand tightly and kissed my forehead, his eyes full of love. “Don’t be scared, Anna. It’ll be over soon. It won’t hurt, I promise. I’ll be waiting for you outside.” I placed one hand on my belly, fighting back tears as I forced a smile for Lucas. Our little angel, who should have been eagerly anticipated, was diagnosed with a defect. I had no choice but to send it back to where it came from. The doctor administered the anesthesia and pushed my bed into the operating room. Under the harsh fluorescent lights, I gradually lost consciousness. However, I overheard a nurse’s curious inquiry. “Dr. Thompson, this patient’s baby is developing well. Why does Mr. Graham want to terminate the pregnancy and even remove her uterus?” “Shh, don’t ask questions you shouldn’t. This is all Mr. Graham’s decision.” “Oh no, could it be because of that rumor…” Wasn’t the baby supposed to have a defect? What’s this about removing my uterus? What rumor? Overwhelming panic gripped my heart. I struggled to wake up and ask for clarification, to stop this surgery. But my consciousness was dragged into a bottomless abyss. When I finally opened my eyes, only Lucas was in the hospital room. He had stubble on his face and bloodshot eyes, clearly having stayed up all night watching over me. Seeing me awake, his eyes lit up. “Anna, you’re awake. How do you feel?” The incision on my abdomen throbbed with pain. I felt as if a huge part of me was missing, with cold wind whistling through the void. Tears uncontrollably slid down my cheeks. I truly believed Lucas trusted me. I never imagined he would cruelly kill our child and even permanently deprive me of the right to be a mother, all because of Jasmine’s slanderous words. I had stayed by his side every moment to reassure him. How could I possibly have had an affair? But I didn’t know that my eagerness to prove my innocence only appeared as guilty behavior in Lucas’s eyes. Lucas assumed I was just upset about losing the baby and comforted me, saying we would have children in the future. I stared at him steadily, unable to believe how someone could be so loving yet so ruthless at the same time. “Lucas, do you really not mind what Jasmine said that day?” I just wanted an answer, one that wouldn’t leave me in such agony. Lucas gently flicked my forehead, then chuckled indulgently. “Anna, didn’t we already say it was just a dream? Why do you remember it more clearly than I do? Don’t worry, I love you so much. If I can’t trust you, who can I trust?” My heart ached terribly. I swallowed back all the accusations in my throat. After resting in the hospital for two weeks, Lucas brought me back home. As soon as we entered the Graham mansion, I heard Jasmine’s light laughter as she chatted with Lucas’s mother. A strong sense of discomfort welled up. I frowned at Lucas, only to find him looking completely unsurprised. Ever since Jasmine made those remarks, I had been very averse to seeing her. Lucas had even promised me he wouldn’t let her come to the Graham house anymore. Disappointment spread like wildfire again. Strangely enough, I had an “as expected” feeling. When Jasmine saw us, she knelt down in front of me, clutching her belly with tears in her eyes and a guilty expression. “Anna, I’m so sorry. I was out of my mind before when I drugged Lucas. I know I was wrong, but the baby is innocent. Please forgive us, mother and child.” This news hit me like a ton of bricks. My mind went blank, unable to process anything. Lucas’s mother clearly sympathized with Jasmine, who was carrying her first grandchild. She looked at me with displeasure. “Jasmine has admitted her mistake and apologized. Don’t be petty about it.” Lucas’s mother, who had treated me like her own daughter because my parents weren’t in the country, now looked at me with such unfamiliarity that I was bewildered. I could ignore all of this. What I cared about most was Lucas, who kept saying he loved me. I turned to look at the silent Lucas, unable to control the lump in my throat. “When did you find out?” “Anna, I’m sorry.” Lucas didn’t answer, just pulled me into his arms and buried his head in the crook of my neck. This was Lucas’s usual trick when apologizing. I used to find his gap moe adorable, and in the past, whenever he did something wrong, I would quickly forgive him if he did this. Did he think an affair could be easily forgiven with just an apology? What did he take me for?! I shoved him away forcefully, ignoring his shocked expression as I wiped away the tears that had unknowingly streamed down my face. Lucas explained helplessly, as if my distrust of him was very hurtful. “Anna, I really had no idea she would drug me. The baby… I only found out yesterday. I know you’re very upset, but Jasmine said she just wants to give birth to the child and then hand it over to us to raise.” Jasmine seized the opportunity to interject, choking up as she spoke. “Anna, you’ve been a mother too. You understand why I don’t want to abort the baby, right?” Thinking of the child who had been deprived of life before it was even born, my heart began to ache again, so painful I could barely breathe. Had Lucas known about Jasmine’s pregnancy all along, and that’s why he so readily took away my child? When you love someone, can you really bear to hurt them like this? For the past ten years, Jasmine had a crush on him, but he always made me feel secure, never crossing any lines in his words or actions. Whenever friends teased him, he would always put me first. “Anna is my only love, and I only recognize her.” I thought marrying Lucas meant marrying for love, but in reality, love couldn’t overcome all obstacles. A single flimsy prediction was enough to shatter all the beauty I once believed in. Suddenly, I felt so tired, losing all strength to argue. A mistress eager to climb the social ladder, a mother-in-law who deliberately made things difficult, and a husband who looked like he loved me but used a gentle attitude to force me… Perhaps leaving was the best solution. I tugged the corners of my lips into a self-mocking smile, the dull pain in my chest silent yet grinding. “Do whatever you want.” Lucas thought I had agreed and let out a huge sigh of relief. His mother snorted coldly at me, then turned to Jasmine with a beaming smile, her eyes full of concern. “Look how haggard you are. I’ll have the cook make some soup to nourish you later.” Jasmine coyly pulled Lucas’s hand and placed it on her belly. “Lucas, look, the baby is kicking me again.” Watching this family scene of love and harmony coldly, I turned and went upstairs without a word, asking my friend abroad to book me a flight to leave. Since someone always had to be the odd one out, I might as well bow out and let them be happy. I woke up startled in the middle of the night, my mind full of scenes of that child crying and asking me why I didn’t save him. I trembled, silently shedding tears. The cold empty space beside me reminded me of my failed marriage. Jasmine had said she had a nightmare, and Lucas was worried it might affect the baby in her belly, so he said he would go check on her. He never returned all night. That Lucas who used to hold me in his arms and gently comfort me whenever I had a nightmare, no matter when, would never exist again. I got out of bed intending to go downstairs for a glass of water, but there was a knock at the door. When I opened it, it was Lucas. The hidden meaning in his eyes made me feel like a stranger. “Anna, Jasmine had a dream where you didn’t like the child and pushed her down the stairs. Now she doesn’t want to give the baby to you.” “There’s a Buddha statue in Mom’s room. Can you go kneel there for a night, pray for blessings for that child, and apologize to Jasmine?” I wondered if I was still dreaming. “She just had a dream and you believe everything? Lucas, do you believe in dreams or do you just believe her?” Dreaming about that child made my emotions a bit intense. Lucas’s displeased frown made it even harder for me to pretend to be calm. In his eyes, it was just an illegitimate child. How could he feel guilty? I was so angry that tears streamed down my face, unable to say a complete sentence. Lucas sighed tiredly, as if my unreasonable behavior made him very troubled. “Anna, be good. Just kneel for one night, it’ll be fine.” “I’m doing all this for your own good. Didn’t you always want a child? Your child is gone, but Jasmine has one now. Maybe this is fate.” I trembled all over, finally unable to hold back and slapped Lucas across the face. If it weren’t for him, how could anything have happened to my child? Lucas’s expression turned cold as he looked down at me condescendingly. A chill rose in my heart. I instinctively sensed something was wrong and wanted to close and lock the door, but Lucas blocked it. “You care so much about that child? Why do you get so agitated whenever it’s mentioned?” “Anna, be more obedient and don’t make me angry. You’ve already put me in a very difficult position, but it’s okay. After all, I love you so much that I can overlook your affair. But if you keep being so willful, I’ll feed that bastard’s ashes to the dogs!” I stared at Lucas in disbelief, unable to believe that the man I had loved for so many years could become so unfamiliar, could say such things. “What evidence do you have that I had an affair? You’re the one who made the mistake first! Lucas, that was our child, how could you be so cruel…” Lucas neither confirmed nor denied, clearly not believing my words. I had no choice. That child had already been deprived of life. How could I bear to see him not rest in peace even after death? “Fine, I’ll go kneel.” I closed my eyes, not wanting to look at Lucas again. Choking back the taste of iron in my throat, I squeezed out a response. I wanted to pray for that child, hoping the Buddha would bless him. Next time, may he not be born into a family where his father doesn’t want him. “Also, Jasmine said she’s not comfortable sleeping in the guest room. For the baby’s sake, why don’t you switch rooms with her for a while?” Lucas didn’t care what my reaction was. He announced it like a notification and hurried away when he heard Jasmine say she was uncomfortable. Leaving me standing there, my heart shattered into pieces. From that night on, I had to kneel in front of the Buddha statue for two hours every night. Lucas’s mother found me an eyesore and had someone move the Buddha statue to a corner by the stairs next to the storage room. She even made me kneel when the servants were around. “Who knows if you’re sincere or not if no one’s watching?” I remained silent, praying sincerely for my child amidst the servants’ gossip. Meanwhile, Lucas, who said he loved me, appeared with Jasmine in places where I used to be. His little childhood sweetheart also became the “wife” in the mouths of company employees, the “sister-in-law” among Lucas’s friends, and the “true love” of Mr. Graham in media reports. Their love story was praised by everyone, their ten-year unwavering devotion admired. And I was naturally left behind, even becoming a topic of after-dinner gossip as the third wheel. I thought Lucas would take the opportunity to file for divorce, but even when I put the signed divorce papers in front of him, he remained unmoved. “You and Jasmine are in love and have a child together. Isn’t divorce the best choice for us?” I had already compromised this far. I didn’t understand what else Lucas wanted. I had already shattered my heart into pieces. I couldn’t give anything else. Lucas picked up the divorce papers, his eyes dark and unclear, his face covered with a layer of gloom. He tugged the corner of his lips into a smile, but without a trace of joy. “I’ve already forgiven your affair and am trying to find a way to permanently solve the problem. Yet you’re only thinking about leaving.” “What, are you in such a hurry to go find your lover? Are you that desperate?” Lucas had always been gentle and polite in front of me, never saying such crude and vulgar words. I thought I couldn’t be disappointed anymore, but Lucas always managed to surprise me. I endured the embarrassment, endured the nausea churning in my stomach. There was no point in arguing with someone who didn’t believe you at all. Once I got the signed divorce papers, I could take the earliest flight out tomorrow. “It’s none of your business.” “You accuse me of having an affair but can’t produce a shred of evidence. On the contrary, you’ve been sneaking around with Jasmine, and now you’re openly attending various events with her during our marriage. Who’s really having the affair?” I was prepared to see Lucas’s angry expression at being exposed, but I didn’t expect him to look so pleased. “Anna, you’re jealous of me.” “That’s good, but for us to be more stable in the future, I have to ask you to cooperate with me for a bit.” I frowned as I watched Lucas stand up, unbuttoning his shirt cuffs as he walked towards me. I instinctively backed away, feeling a strong sense of unease. Lucas saw through my intention to escape. He closed the distance in a few quick strides and grabbed my hand, pulling me out. I struggled desperately, pounding and clawing at his arm, but I couldn’t break free. The feeling of unease peaked when I saw the storage room. My face instantly turned pale. “Lucas, what are you doing? Let me go, let me go!” I clung desperately to the doorframe, my eyes full of fear of that dark, narrow room. Cold sweat broke out on my forehead. I couldn’t hear the sounds around me, only the rapid beating of my heart threatening to burst my eardrums. “Lucas, I don’t want to go in there. Please, Lucas, don’t do this…” My whole body shook uncontrollably, the air seemed to thin, and a sense of suffocation washed over me. My pleas couldn’t soften Lucas’s heart even a bit. He pushed me into hell without hesitation. As the door slowly closed, the last bit of light disappeared, and I fell into complete despair. I had been kidnapped as a child. The kidnappers locked us children in a small dark room, threatening to kill us if they didn’t receive the ransom by the deadline. The thin door couldn’t block out the sound of flesh being hacked and blood splattering. It was only a few hours, but it left me with a lifelong trauma. The first time I told Lucas about this experience, he was so heartbroken he cried. He kissed my face gently, which was pale despite my attempts to appear calm, and promised with absolute determination: “I will never let you be alone in the darkness.” But now he was the one pushing me into the abyss of despair with his own hands. I tried to curl up, tears streaming uncontrollably as I weakly knocked on the door. “Lucas, Lucas…” Save me, please save me… The buzzing of electricity sounded, and Lucas’s voice came through the device. “Anna, stop pretending. It’s just locking you up for a while. How can it be that painful? You should reflect on yourself.” My last lifeline cruelly snapped all my hope. I lost track of time, completely gripped by despair, on the verge of breakdown, unable to squeeze out a shred of rationality. Lucas, why do you say you love me, yet hurt me constantly… Biting my wrist in a daze, in my fuzzy consciousness, a voice urged me. Bite down, and you can leave this place. You’ll never be afraid again. Some liquid flowed down. Just before I passed out, the door was kicked open and someone rushed in to hold me. Lucas’s voice rang out, suppressing his anger. “You care more about my wife than I do, her lawful husband. How dare you still say you’re innocent?!” But the next second, Lucas’s expression changed when he saw me clearly, his face full of anxiety as he ran towards me. “The patient went into shock due to excessive blood loss. If she had been brought in any later, even God couldn’t have saved her.” I woke up to the doctor’s stern criticism, staring blankly at the ceiling. “Anna, you’re awake? How do you feel?” That voice… I turned my head in confusion, surprised to see Ryan there. Ryan looked relieved and explained, sensing my confusion. “You asked Emily to book you a flight. She was worried you had suffered some grievance, and since I happened to be on a business trip to the country, she asked me to check on you.” “It’s a good thing I came in time. That bastard Lucas…” Ryan couldn’t help but grit his teeth in anger at the mention of Lucas. Lucas and Jasmine were so high-profile, and Ryan had personally witnessed me being locked up and falling ill. Of course he would be angry. “Don’t tell Emily, or she’ll cry while cursing me for sure.” Ryan, Emily, and I had played together since we were kids, but I was the only one who got married early. If it weren’t for Lucas, I wouldn’t have left the familiar environment I grew up in to marry into a foreign country. I won’t forgive Lucas. The dull pain in my wrist kept calling out, and Lucas must pay for his mistakes. “Ryan, can you help me with something?” … When Lucas arrived, Ryan had already left. He sat down silently by the hospital bed, staring at my bandaged wrist with a complicated expression. This was self-inflicted when I was unclear-headed in the storage room. The wound was deep. Sensing an uneasy aura, I began to tremble involuntarily in my sleep due to weakness. Lucas was clearly startled. He wanted to come closer to check but froze when he saw me shaking even more violently. I furrowed my brows, as if having a nightmare, and woke up with tear stains at the corners of my eyes. Lucas’s entire demeanor turned cold again, looking at me without a trace of warmth. “The adulterer has been caught. What else do you have to say?” I remained silent for a moment, then looked up at Lucas with fragile sorrow in my eyes. “Ryan is just my friend. You’ve always known that, haven’t you?” “Besides, he came on a business trip. The person he likes isn’t me.” Lucas sneered, clearly not believing it. “Friend? Would just a friend rush over so anxiously after hearing you and I were divorcing? Do you really expect me to—” “He likes Jasmine.” Lucas was stunned, clearly not having considered this possibility. “Don’t you remember? When we confirmed our relationship abroad, Jasmine flew over overnight to congratulate you. Ryan liked her even back then, but Jasmine always had feelings for you… so he never said anything.” I sobbed lightly, my eyes full of dependence on him. My bandaged hand trembled as it clutched at the hem of his clothes. “Lucas, I was so scared then. No matter how I called for you, you didn’t respond. I thought I was really going to die…” Did Lucas love me? He did. He was silent at first, but seeing my tears flow more and more, he couldn’t help but hold my hand and embrace me, softening his voice to comfort me. “Anna, there are no more obstacles now. We can finally live peacefully like before.” But I found it pathetic. Lucas’s love was limited, unable to overcome his self-righteousness. Resting my head on Lucas’s shoulder, I flashed a challenging smile at Jasmine, who stood at the door of the hospital room with an ashen face. It doesn’t matter. I won’t care anymore, more or less. After being discharged from the hospital, I pretended not to know that Lucas had already signed the divorce papers and widely publicized it to lure out the so-called adulterer. I calmly returned to the Graham house. As soon as I opened the door, there was Jasmine with a face full of “I’m doing this for your own good.” “Lucas, Anna is no longer pure. You’ve seen it yourself. Why do you still want her to come back?” I saw Lucas’s hesitation and inwardly sneered. “Jasmine, Lucas did all this just to live a good life with me. Those things are in the past, he won’t hold them against me anymore.” I affectionately linked arms with Lucas, smiling happily. “Thank you for your hard work, Jasmine. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely treat the child well after it’s born.” “Lucas has always treated you like a real sister. We’ve both been worried about you being alone all these years. I have a friend abroad, if you’re willing, I can introduce you two?” Jasmine’s face changed, and she was about to make a sarcastic remark when Lucas nodded and interrupted her. “I know Anna’s friend too. He’s a talented young man, very suitable for you.” Jasmine was at a loss, forcing a smile through her anger. “Lucas, you know I’m just worried about you and Anna. In my previous dream, Anna passed away from that disease…” Jasmine’s voice got smaller and smaller, her expression becoming awkward, as if there was something difficult to say. Lucas frowned in displeasure, a flash of disgust in his eyes that didn’t escape my notice. I remained calm, thoroughly ignoring the malice coming my way. As the atmosphere grew tense, the doorbell suddenly rang. Soon after, the housekeeper came in carrying a beautifully wrapped bouquet of roses. “Someone sent flowers for Miss Chen. The card seems to be from a Mr. Lewis.” Assuming Ryan had started pursuing Jasmine, Lucas happily handed the flowers to her, then put his arm around me and went upstairs. After closing the bedroom door, I deliberately distanced myself from Lucas. “Lucas, when are we going to remarry?” Lucas, who was about to come closer, paused in his steps. “Anna, I’ve been too busy these past few days. Let’s not rush the remarriage. I still need to prepare a surprise for you.” Without waiting for my response, Lucas left on the pretext of having something to do. I knew he was concerned about what Jasmine had said. That’s fine. It also provided me with cover. Not long after Lucas left, Jasmine appeared in the room. “Anna, you’ve got the wrong room. Your room is in the guest room.” I ignored her pretense. Just thinking about her lying in this room before made me feel sick. I didn’t plan to stay here. As I brushed past her, Jasmine blocked my way. “Lucas won’t remarry you.” She snorted meaningfully, her tone full of certainty. There’s a corner staircase leading out of the master bedroom. After speaking, Jasmine deliberately stumbled down it. I stood on the stairs, coldly watching her self-directed play. “Anna, I really just wanted you to accept the baby. I didn’t mean anything else.” Jasmine was cruel to me, but even crueler to herself. She fell down hard, her face instantly turning pale, blood gradually seeping out from beneath her. Lucas rushed over to find Jasmine clutching her belly, looking helpless and panicked. He glared at me fiercely, his face gloomy. “You really did push Jasmine down the stairs because you don’t like this child!” “Lucas, she fell down on her own. She’s trying to frame me. Please believe me, okay?” I explained weakly, the hope in my eyes shattering under Lucas’s gaze that deemed me the culprit. “Anna Quinn, how dare a lying, disgusting thing like you.” Lucas picked up Jasmine and hurried downstairs to the hospital. I turned around with a heartbroken look, went to the guest room to pack my luggage, and left through the front door under the servants’ strange gazes. Unsurprisingly, Jasmine lost the baby. Lucas stayed with her at the hospital for several days, watching her lie pale and weak in bed, silently shedding tears. His heart ached terribly. “I just wanted Anna to spend more time with the baby and develop feelings for it. I never thought she would be so intolerant of the baby.” “Lucas, I really wasn’t lying. I dreamed she pushed me down the stairs, I dreamed she had an affair, and I dreamed she got that disease. She doesn’t deserve your love at all.” The veins on Lucas’s hands bulged as he gritted his teeth. “Jasmine, I’ll make her come to the hospital to kneel and apologize to you. She dared to deceive me. She must pay the price.” With that, Lucas took out his phone and dialed my number, but no one answered. He laughed angrily and dialed the home number. “Where is Anna Quinn? Not answering her phone, off to see which wild man again? Tell her to get to the hospital immediately!” On the other end was the stammering voice of a servant. “Sir, Madam said she was going to the temple on the mountain to pray for atonement. She left a letter for you and left.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “295997”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #浪漫Romance #励志Inspiring #惊悚Thriller

Emily’s last wish before she passed away was to see Olivia come back to visit her. I made countless phone calls, begging her earnestly for a long time. She was very impatient, “Stop calling, I’m busy.” I personally carved Emily’s tombstone, sending her off on her final journey. But that night, high-resolution photos of her night out with her secretary spread online. I completely lost it. On Emily’s birthday, the little girl lay in her hospital bed. Weak and powerless, relying on a ventilator to stay alive. I looked in through the observation window, tears streaming down my face uncontrollably. Emily’s expression was pained, but her gaze was fixed on the spot next to me. Countless phone calls went unanswered. The last one finally connected. I hurriedly urged, afraid she would hang up the next second, “Honey, come to the hospital quickly, Emily…” The woman’s tone was impatient and dismissive: “I’m busy.” “Beep… beep… beep…” The surroundings fell into a deathly silence. The little girl on the bed suddenly started breathing rapidly, her body shaking violently. A group of doctors rushed into the room, nurses coming and going. Then, they left with tense expressions. I mustered up my strength to lean over the bed, calling softly: “Emily baby, Daddy’s here.” The little girl’s mouth opened and closed, her eyes full of hope: “Where’s Mommy?” My heart felt like it was being stabbed over and over again, the pain unbearable. I forced a smile, gently stroking her head, explaining: “Mommy’s on her way.” I pointed to the cake on the cabinet, “Look, this is the mango cake Mommy specially told me to buy. She remembered she promised to come celebrate your birthday with you, but she’s stuck in traffic.” As I comforted her, I sent messages to Olivia. “Olivia, Emily’s not going to make it.” “I’m begging you, come to the hospital to see her one last time. She’s your daughter.” “I’ll do anything if you come, even die.” After a barrage of messages, she finally replied, “Mr. Lucas, Mrs. Song is busy. Please stop bothering her.” … In the last moments of her life, Emily never got to see Olivia. But she believed what I told her. After all, Olivia used to spoil Emily rotten. Whatever Emily wanted, Olivia would buy without hesitation. No matter how busy work was, she would always make time to pick Emily up. For every holiday, big or small, she would prepare at least half a year in advance. She never missed any of Emily’s surgeries, big or small.

Late at night, I lay powerlessly by my daughter’s bedside, her breath now stilled. My eyes were red and swollen, tears long since dried up. My phone suddenly vibrated with a message from Jack. It was a news article, with two high-resolution photos attached. The headline blared: “Song Corp CEO’s Night Out with Handsome Man” In the photo, a woman in a tight dress clung coyly to a man’s arm, looking flirtatious. The man had handsome features, a faint smile playing on his thin lips as he gazed lovingly at the woman. Quite the picture of a loving couple. The second photo showed Olivia wrapped in a towel, smoking on a balcony. Red marks were clearly visible on her body, her gaze directed vaguely out the window. “Brother Lucas, Mrs. Song loves me. It’s time for you to step aside as her husband.” My hand trembled uncontrollably, my nails digging into my flesh as hatred surged in my eyes. How could they? How dare they! Do this to me. Jack was a college student I had sponsored. Back then, I had accidentally learned from a middle school teacher that Jack’s family couldn’t afford to send him to school, and wanted him to drop out to work and earn money for his brother’s wedding expenses. The teacher told me Jack was hardworking and promising. When I first met Jack, he wore ill-fitting old clothes, his hands clutching nervously at the hem. I felt like I was looking at my younger self. I offered to sponsor Jack’s high school tuition and living expenses for three years. After he graduated college, I even recommended him as a secretary against Olivia’s objections. I still remember his grateful eyes at the time, promising me, “Brother, just wait. I’ll definitely repay you in the future.” Later, I did indeed receive his “repayment.” Time and time again, he tirelessly proved to me the illicit affair between my wife and him. Ambitious to replace me in taking care of my wife.

I chose a fine headstone and, dusting off skills long unused, carved Emily’s tombstone myself. “Emily, beloved daughter. Radiant as the heart, forever in our hearts.” I personally laid Emily to rest. Next to her grave lay my grandmother, who had once been my only family. Yet I had never visited her since she passed away. The little old lady had doted on me since I was young. After my grandfather died, our family’s circumstances were poor and we couldn’t afford tuition. When I graduated middle school, someone advised Grandma to have me drop out to ease the family’s burden. She refused vehemently, “As long as Lucas wants to study, I’ll support him no matter how long it takes!” For three years of high school, she supported me by selling vegetables, successfully sending me to a top university. I thought then that Grandma’s blessings were still to come. But later, the little old lady who had bent her back to raise me became nothing but a mound of earth. I pressed my cheek against Emily’s cold tombstone, thinking to myself, “Emily, you won’t be lonely with Great-grandma to keep you company.” “Walk slowly, wait for me.”

After returning from the cemetery, I numbly packed my suitcase. I sat silently in the dark living room, not saying a word. The huge house, now devoid of the little girl’s cheerful laughter, felt suffocatingly oppressive. My tears had long since dried up, unable to shed another drop, my eyes bloodshot. On the coffee table sat a family photo of the three of us, radiating happiness. But it wasn’t in the original frame. I met Olivia when I was ten years old. She was thirteen at the time. Her mother had an affair and ran off with all the family’s money. Her father moved next door to us with her. Although Olivia was pretty, she was always cold and quiet. The villagers gossiped, and soon the whole town knew. At school, Olivia was constantly mocked. Only I stubbornly followed behind her, protecting her. “Sister Olivia, I’ll stay by your side forever.” I wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and become a sculptor, but Grandma strongly opposed it. Only Olivia told me, “There’s no such thing as a lowly profession. I’ll stay by your side forever.” On my 18th birthday, Olivia gave me a set of carving tools she had made herself. Seeing the cuts on her hands, my eyes stung with tears. “Does it hurt?” Seeing my wet eyes, she became flustered, hurriedly explaining: “It doesn’t hurt at all.” But she hid her hands behind her back, grinning foolishly at me: “They’re almost healed, really.” When we were 22, we went from school uniforms to wedding dresses, getting married. Olivia wanted to start a game studio, but her father strongly opposed it, thinking it wasn’t proper for a girl. Only I stood up to support her, just as she had once supported me. When I was 25, our daughter Emily was born. Overcome with joy at becoming a father for the first time, I held the newborn Emily and cried out loud. No matter how busy she was, Olivia personally took care of everything for the child. She often had to work overtime, but she always made me feel secure. I once thought meeting Olivia was the luckiest thing to ever happen to me. More than once, she reminisced about the past with me, saying she hated cheating and despised her mother for hurting her father and destroying their family. Olivia once curled up in my arms, promising me that she would never become someone fickle like her mother.

Olivia came home in the middle of the night. Seeing me, she was startled, “Why aren’t you asleep so late?” I coldly raised my head, meeting her gaze: “Where were you the day before yesterday?” Her eyes darted away, unconsciously avoiding my gaze, “Last-minute business trip.” After a pause, her tone softened, “I’ll make it up to Emily for her birthday another day. I’ve never missed one before anyway.” Hearing this, my chest tightened, and in that instant, tears slid down my cheeks. I turned away, trying hard to hold back the tears. After a long while, “Olivia” I spoke, my voice hoarse and weak. “Let’s get divorced.” Olivia’s face froze, and she asked uncertainly: “What?” I looked straight into her eyes, enunciating each word slowly: “I said, Olivia, let’s get divorced.” Disbelief flashed in her eyes, her expression bewildered. Just for a moment, Olivia’s face hardened, darkening slightly: “Lucas, this divorce talk isn’t funny anymore.” “Fine, we can divorce, but I’ll only give you $200,000. Also, I get custody of Emily.” As expected of a businesswoman – the company was now worth millions, yet she only offered me $200,000 to get rid of me. How cruel. I used to admire her ruthlessness in business, but now it was being used against me. I laughed coldly: “Fine, sign the papers.” She could have custody of Emily if she wanted, the girl was dead anyway. Olivia thought she could still use the child to tie me down, but it wouldn’t work anymore. Signing didn’t take long. I picked up my suitcase and headed for the door. Olivia grabbed my wrist, her tone languid: “It’s too late today, leave tomorrow.” I immediately shook her off, my tone measured: “No need. I’ve already packed everything.” “Monday at 10 AM, I’ll be waiting for you at the Civil Affairs Bureau.” A sudden summer downpour invaded the night, the empty oil-paved road exuding a stifling heat, making me nauseous. I shakily returned to the apartment I had bought for Grandma. It took most of my energy to clean up the long-uninhabited place. The house was simple and sparse, with only one photo frame – a picture of the three generations together.

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“James, he says he wants freedom and doesn’t care about money. I feel like I can get the money without marrying him. I really don’t want to be intimate with him anymore,” Lily said. “No way, the wedding is in three days. Just marry James, tell him you’ll manage the family business, get the money, and then kick him out. It’s safer this way. No one knows I’m not really your cousin,” Chris replied. I quietly sat back down, not making a fuss. The wedding proceeded as scheduled. On our wedding night, Lily wrapped herself around me like a snake. I did as she wished and signed over all the factories to her. The very next day, she showed her true colors and kicked me out, bringing Chris in: “Get lost, I’ve had enough of you. But if you really can’t bear to leave me, I suppose I could let you stay as a watchdog in the yard.” I adjusted my glasses that had been knocked askew and replied good-naturedly: “Sure, that’s fine.” “James, we’ve tried on all the wedding dresses. After we’re married, you have to listen to me and give me the factories,” Lily said with a coy smile as she stood before me. I struggled to hold the pile of clothes she had bought while adjusting my glasses. “Of course. Weren’t you afraid of marriage before? Why did you suddenly agree? Don’t tell me it’s because you want the factories?” Lily’s eyes flickered at my probing question. She pouted and wrapped her arms around mine. “What are you talking about? I was just insecure before. We’ve grown up together – don’t you know what kind of person I am?” Chris chimed in cheerfully from the side: “That’s right, bro! How can you say that about my sister? She loves you so much she’s not even asking for a sewing machine. Go ask around – who gets married without asking for appliances these days?” Lily skipped ahead, with Chris quickly following. I silently trailed behind them. Lily and I had been childhood sweethearts. As the eldest in a family with many siblings, she was often mistreated. I would always appear when she needed help, paying her tuition when she had no money, giving her my food when she was hungry. All these years I had protected her like a knight, and she was always moved. But when faced with my love, she said she was afraid of marriage. If I hadn’t overheard her conversation with Chris, I would have truly believed it was my love that touched her and made her no longer fear marriage. “Oh, the Ye girl, are you getting married to Chris? Buying so many things – I’ll have to come drink at the wedding,” an older neighbor called out. No wonder people would think that. They were dressed similarly, holding hands as they walked together, looking like a perfect couple. I was more like their chauffeur. Before I could explain, the neighbor had already ridden off on her bike. Lily came running back to explain: “Don’t listen to her nonsense. Chris is my brother. Holding hands is just how we show affection as siblings.” Chris nodded in agreement and even tried to take the things from my hands: “Let me carry those, bro.” He eagerly grabbed the wedding dress and suit. But Lily didn’t take my hand, only linking her arm with mine: “You’re not jealous of Chris, are you? We’re about to get married after all.” I awkwardly patted her head and smiled gently: “Of course not. Your brother is my brother too. Let’s go buy whatever you like.” Seeing I had no reaction, Lily turned and winked at Chris. She thought I couldn’t see her secretly holding Chris’s hand behind my back, grinning like a cat that got the cream. I smiled too. Enjoy it while you can. You won’t have such good days ahead. Perhaps because she had been poor for so long, Lily treated me like a cash cow and went on a crazy shopping spree. She may not have asked for appliances, but what she wanted was far more expensive. “James, I want this golden phoenix crown.” “I want this emerald necklace too!” “Ahh it’s a huge diamond, James!” I signed for everything she wanted. She got carried away and even picked out a Rolex for Chris. She excitedly put it on Chris’s wrist, then put on a matching women’s watch herself. The two of them held hands and looked at me. I didn’t refuse, and signed for those as well. As long as Lily asked, I would buy it, no matter who it was for. I didn’t care that there wasn’t a single item for me in the bills I was paying. Lily even bought a piece of cloth for the dog at home, but didn’t get anything for me. She seemed to have completely forgotten I was her fiancé, until the Rolex saleswoman gave a free children’s watch as a gift. Lily’s eyes lit up as she put it on my wrist: “James, this is for you. It means only I can treat you like a child, and I’ll always dote on you and love you.” Chris showed off his shiny Rolex and exclaimed exaggeratedly: “Wow sis, you’re so mushy. I’m so jealous of this single guy!” I thanked her. By the time night fell, she was finally tired of shopping. Sitting in the restaurant, she complained: “These shoes don’t fit, my feet really hurt. James, if only you could give me the shoe factory at home too. Then I could just make shoes I like.” I smiled slightly: “Sure, I’ll give it to you after we’re married.” Chris chimed in: “Bro, you really spoil my sister. She’s so lucky to marry you. Not many men would give up everything when they get married. But I guess that shows how much you love her.” I agreed: “Yes, I love her. Giving up everything is nothing.” Her eyes suddenly lit up. I lowered my head to order food, pretending not to see their legs intertwined under the table. That meal was very pleasant. They thought they were about to become filthy rich. While I knew they were about to have a very bad time. Two days before the wedding, I brought Lily home. Chris followed us out. Seeing me look at him, Lily explained: “He’ll drive for us. Otherwise you’ll be too tired.” Seeing I had no objection, she sat in the passenger seat and turned back to talk to me: “I’ll give Chris directions.” The whole way, she and Chris chatted and laughed non-stop. I sat in the back smiling silently. Our two families lived very close, just a street apart. I got out to open the door for her. She wore a brand new outfit, taking off her sunglasses as she stood in front of my house. My parents were waiting eagerly, greeting us with warm smiles: “Lily, we’ve been waiting for you. Come in quickly.” Chris followed us in. Lily explained to my parents: “This is my cousin, my aunt’s son. He’s James’ driver now.” I invited them to sit down, not continuing that topic. My mom smiled imperceptibly and slipped the jade bracelet off her wrist to give to Lily. The smooth jade made Lily’s smile even wider. My dad remained silent on the side. It was the highest level of hospitality – a table full of Lily’s favorite dishes. My mom even brought out a family heirloom, a pair of mutton fat jade earrings. She opened the box to show Lily: “These have been passed down for generations. You’re about to get married, so I’m giving them to you. Once you marry into the family, there are many more treasures in my dowry that will all be yours.” Lily’s eyes crinkled into crescents as she smiled. The meal was very pleasant. They didn’t hold back at all despite being at my home. Lily’s left hand was under the table the whole time. I helped her get food while deflecting my parents’ questions. Chris ate like he’d never seen food before. Lily looked at him dotingly as she got food for him, prompting my mom to say: “You two siblings are so close.” Lily replied: “Yes, he’s like my real brother. When we become a family and have children, it will be so nice.” I nodded, adjusting my slipping glasses to hide my expression: “Yes, being a family is wonderful.” After leaving my house, we headed back to Lily’s place. Chris tentatively asked while driving: “Bro, are your parents very rich? They casually gave such expensive jade.” Lily turned back to look at me, her gaze eager: “James, I never knew your family was so wealthy. We’ve lived so close, but I only knew you had a few factories. How could you hide this even from me?” I smiled faintly: “I wasn’t hiding it. My parents are just low-key. They let me manage their five shoe factories and one cement factory. I only have two mines under my name. I’ll give it all to you after we’re married, Lily.” Lily said impatiently: “I really wish we could get married right now.” I laughed: “Don’t rush. The day after tomorrow when we get married, it will all be yours.” Perhaps because she was about to receive enormous wealth, Lily’s attitude towards me became extremely warm. Seeing me unconsciously biting my fingers while thinking, she pouted and put my fingers to her lips: “Don’t bite them, it makes me sad.” She took out corn-flavored candy from her pocket and put it in my mouth: “Here, you’ve always loved these since we were kids.” The sweet corn flavor spread in my mouth. I remembered when we were young, I would always bite my fingers until they bled. Back then Lily was often hungry, and candy was a rare treat. She would always give hers to me instead of eating it herself. In return, I would give her my food. The repressive atmosphere in my family made me withdrawn and old-fashioned, but she was different. She was like the sun, never afraid to fight for what she wanted. My heart stirred. I let the candy melt in my mouth and tentatively asked: “Lily, is there anything you’re hiding from me?” Lily looked up at me, a bit startled. But she quickly smiled, looking straight at me: “Of course not. We grew up together, what secrets could there be? Once we’re married we’ll be together forever, living a good life. I’ll give you sons!” She hugged me and giggled in my ear. But my heart grew cold. I had given her a chance. She chose not to take it. I gently hugged her back, not asking any more. The wedding day arrived. Early in the morning, my parents woke me up and urged me to go meet the bride’s family. Looking in the mirror at my face, devoid of any joy, I forced a smile. I arrived early at Lily’s house, but couldn’t get in no matter what. Even stuffing money in didn’t work. The situation became awkward. Lily pushed out a voluntary property separation agreement, saying loudly: “Sign this and I’ll come out.” Everyone looked at each other in confusion, whispering. “What is Lily doing, asking for this on her wedding day?” “She’s after our James’ money. That ungrateful woman – if it weren’t for James, her heartless parents would have sold her off at 18. She wouldn’t even have finished school. Now she pulls this stunt.” I quieted the chatter and took out a pen from my pocket, signing without hesitation and pushing it back. I only had the mines. The other factories still required completing the wedding to transfer. Lily understood this and said coyly: “Everyone step back. My brother will carry me out.” My groomsmen were all indignant, but I remained calm. “Alright, tell Chris to be careful not to drop you.”

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On our fifth wedding anniversary, Vanessa’s junior colleague posted a photo of them scuba diving together on social media. The caption read: “Nothing sweeter than diving with my boss 💕” I commented, reminding them to be safe while diving, but my comment was instantly deleted. Vanessa immediately video called me, her face beautifully made up but full of impatience. “I’m on a company retreat with my employees. Why are you being so passive-aggressive in the comments?” “My employees can make money for me, can you? You’re just a sick man staying at home without earning a penny. How dare you criticize my staff!” In the background, I could see other employees comforting her junior colleague. Before I could explain, Vanessa hung up abruptly and blocked me. The next moment, her junior colleague flaunted a million-dollar watch on social media. I knew it was Vanessa’s way of compensating him. I tossed the anniversary gift I had prepared for Vanessa into the trash. Five years of marriage, it was time to end it. “I’m sorry, sir, but we only have one room left in the hotel today,” the receptionist at the Maldives resort apologized to me. Lucy, standing beside me, looked troubled. “Ryan and I were supposed to share a room, and you with Vanessa…” “Jack Sullivan, what are you doing here in the Maldives?” Vanessa, who had just berated me on video, stepped out of the hotel elevator. Behind her were several employees she had brought on this company retreat. Chris Zhang, Vanessa’s junior colleague and secretary, was carrying her bag and standing intimately close to her. Vanessa furrowed her brows and stormed over to me, her voice a mix of disbelief and anger. “Is this really necessary, Jack? Just because I’m a few days late coming home, you followed me all the way to another country?!” Two weeks ago, Vanessa had left for the Maldives on a company retreat, promising to return two days early to celebrate our anniversary together. But when the day came for her to return, she didn’t show up. I was worried sick at home, wondering if something had happened to them in the Maldives, so I anxiously called her several times. She impatiently accused me: “I’ve only been gone for a few days and you’re calling every day! How annoying! I’ve never seen such a nagging man. I’m not some little wife you can keep locked up!” My heart sank as I realized that my concern for her was nothing but a shackle in her eyes. It was she who had eagerly proposed to me several times, asking me to put a diamond ring on her finger, saying she belonged only to me and would be my wife alone. I coughed lightly, my expression cold as I looked down at her. “You can come to the Maldives for a vacation, why can’t I?” “What’s with that tone? You’re clearly stalking me!” Vanessa glared up at me, indignant. Lucy, standing next to me, quickly tried to smooth things over. Only then did Vanessa notice Lucy and me standing together. She looked at us suspiciously. Chris suddenly chimed in with a smile: “Jack, are you here on vacation with this beautiful lady? What a coincidence that you’re staying at the same hotel!” Vanessa’s face immediately changed, her eyes full of jealousy and envy. She stepped forward and pinched my arm hard, yelling: “How dare you betray me and have an affair with Lucy!?” I shook off her hand, coldly saying, “Are you crazy? Lucy is my buddy’s girlfriend. Don’t spread rumors!” My friend Ryan had just returned from the restroom. Seeing the situation, he quickly pulled his girlfriend into his arms to comfort her, glaring at Vanessa: “Vanessa, have you lost your mind? You know how much Jack loves you. How could you accuse him of being with my girlfriend!” Vanessa frowned, her tone full of arrogance. “Why didn’t you explain earlier!” I laughed bitterly to myself. As if she had given me a chance to explain. Lately, she had been increasingly impatient with me, just like earlier on the video call when she hung up without letting me explain. But I wouldn’t bother explaining to her anymore. There was no point. With only one room left in the hotel, I didn’t want to intrude on my friend and his girlfriend, so I had to share a room with Vanessa. I had been on a long flight, and I could feel my lungs were already overworked. Even breathing was becoming difficult. Back in the room, I sat on the couch, pale-faced, trying to rest. Vanessa urged me to go out for dinner with her employees. “I’m not feeling well, I’ll pass. You guys go ahead.” Vanessa rolled her eyes impatiently, her tone sarcastic: “You insist on coming here even though you’re sick, you deserve it! Fine, stay here then. I’ll bring you some leftovers when I’m done with dinner.” Vanessa left quickly in her high heels without giving me another glance. I opened my eyes wearily, took out my medication from my suitcase, and only felt my breathing ease after taking it. I opened my phone and sent an email to Dr. Zhang, a medical expert in treating lung conditions. Today was my fifth wedding anniversary with Vanessa. I had originally planned to come here to surprise her. But now it seems this wasn’t a surprise for her, just a shock and annoyance. Fortunately, my trip wasn’t wasted. Dr. Zhang replied that he had time to treat me over the next couple of days. I felt relieved and contacted a lawyer back home, asking him to draft a divorce agreement. When we return, I’ll officially divorce Vanessa. I fell asleep on the couch and when I woke up, Vanessa had just returned. But when I opened the takeout box, I saw cold, greasy leftovers that turned my stomach instantly. Vanessa flew into a rage: “Eat it or not, I don’t care if you starve!” She sat on the couch angrily playing with her phone, chatting with someone, a sweet shy smile gradually appearing on her face. Suddenly she said to me, “It’s too late now and the hotel’s not delivering food anymore. I’ll go out and buy you some supper.” But I had been hungry for too long and didn’t want to wait for her to go out and come back. I decided to go out with her. But Vanessa lost her temper again. “You want to follow me even to buy supper! Don’t you trust me? Do you think I’m going to meet someone? How can a man be so petty, always getting jealous! ” I hadn’t said anything, and she was already on the defensive. I said sarcastically: “You’re overthinking. I just want to eat out, otherwise how would I know what leftovers you’ll bring back this time.” Vanessa still looked unconvinced: “What leftovers? You’re just making excuses to argue with me! Now you’re finding reasons to follow me!” My stomach was cramping from hunger. I looked at her coldly, impatient. “Are you going or not? If not, give me the car keys. I’ll go eat by myself.” Vanessa rolled her eyes and reluctantly drove me to a nearby supper spot. On the way, she kept glancing at her phone while driving. The screen showed a group-buy deal for a famous restaurant nearby. When we arrived, Vanessa immediately shooed me out of the car, as if afraid I’d linger. “The staff called me over for supper. It’s not to your taste, so you eat here. I’ll come pick you up in two hours to go back to the hotel together.” With that, she drove off in a cloud of dust. I ordered a table full of delicious food and enjoyed it alone. It’s my own body, and I won’t ruin my health for her anymore. After eating, I waited outside for Vanessa, but the agreed time had long passed without a sign of her. A gust of cold wind blew, entering my lungs through my nose. I covered my mouth and coughed violently. Spots of blood seeped through my fingers, dripping onto the ground. My heart sank. It seemed my old lung problem had worsened again. Suddenly, it started pouring rain. By the time I hurriedly retreated back into the restaurant, I was already soaked. The cold moisture invaded my lungs again, and I couldn’t help but cough up another pool of blood. The restaurant owner was startled. I had to swallow my pride and ask him to drive me back to the hotel, otherwise if I kept waiting, I might cough up my entire lung. Back at the hotel, I showered, took my medicine, and quickly arranged to see Dr. Zhang tomorrow afternoon for treatment. By chance, I saw that Chris had posted on social media ten minutes ago. Among several food photos was a picture of intertwined hands. One of the hands wore a very familiar diamond ring. The location tag on this post showed it was the trendy restaurant I had seen on Vanessa’s phone earlier. When Vanessa returned, she started yelling at me as soon as she entered the door. “Didn’t I tell you to wait for me? You came back without telling me, making me look for you in the rain for hours!” I smirked, directly exposing her lie. “Half an hour ago I was still waiting for you outside the restaurant. Where exactly were you looking for me for hours?” A flash of guilt crossed Vanessa’s face. She bit her lip and glared at me. “Hmph, anyway, you should have called me if you weren’t going to wait!” I laughed inwardly. She had blocked me this morning, how could I call her? But I was too tired to explain. I took a set of spare bedding from the hotel and put it on the couch, lying down to rest. Vanessa sneered, “Don’t want to sleep in the same bed? As if I care!” “Cough cough!” The rain earlier had affected my lungs, which were now throbbing with pain. Vanessa slammed the bedroom door, leaving only a parting shot: “Sick dog, coughing all day! It’s so annoying to hear! When we get back home, let’s sleep in separate rooms!” I would certainly fulfill her wish. After the divorce when we return, I’ll have nothing more to do with her. My lungs hurt with every breath. I couldn’t sleep all night and even coughed up blood again. But my medicine was still in the bedroom and I hadn’t brought it out. I knocked on the door for a good ten minutes, coughing, before Vanessa finally opened it, her face full of anger. She didn’t even look at me, just turned and lay back on the bed with her back to me. I took my medicine and left. Hearing me close the door, Vanessa, lying on the bed, cursed me for being sick. But I really am sick. I tilted my head back and took a pill to treat the lung bleeding. Five years ago, if it weren’t for saving Vanessa, I wouldn’t have gotten this illness. Early the next morning, Vanessa had already changed and applied her makeup, looking ready to go out. Seeing me still lying on the couch, she frowned, looking displeased. “Why aren’t you up yet?” I ignored her, replying to a message from my friend. He said he and his girlfriend were going diving today and asked if I wanted to come see the ocean. Vanessa looked at my cold profile, feeling a bit panicked. She suddenly softened her tone. “Jack, we didn’t celebrate our anniversary yesterday. Let’s go diving together today, we can make up for it, okay?” So she did remember yesterday was our wedding anniversary. But my friend had just said he and his girlfriend were diving in the same area, so I nodded, planning to meet up with them. When Vanessa and I arrived, several employees from her company retreat were already on the yacht. Chris, wearing swim trunks and shirtless, asked Vanessa to help him apply sunscreen. He deliberately showed off his physique, raising an eyebrow at me, then said softly to Vanessa: “Vanessa, can you help me put on some sunscreen? I can’t reach my back!” A tour guide on the yacht joked, “Mrs. Wells, you and your young boyfriend get along so well.” At these words, the few employees present all looked at each other awkwardly. Chris pretended to be embarrassed, scratching his head: “Jack, don’t misunderstand, the guide is just joking. Maybe he thinks Vanessa and I look good together!” I glanced at him coldly, my tone contemptuous: “Indeed, you do look like a kept man.” Chris’s expression changed slightly, flashing embarrassment and anger. “Jack, what do you mean by that? Vanessa and I are purely professional. Are you deliberately mocking me?” Vanessa also frowned at me, her tone unpleasant. “Don’t be so rude. Weren’t you and Chris like brothers when he first joined the diving club? Why are you targeting him now!” Chris was our junior in college. When I first met him, I could tell he liked Vanessa. But this guy went abroad after graduation, so I didn’t pay much attention to him. Who knew that when he returned two years ago, he went straight into Vanessa’s company as her secretary. It seems that from then on, Vanessa became increasingly cold and impatient with me. Thinking back over the past two years, the many times Vanessa stood me up, stayed out all night, perhaps Chris had already replaced me in her heart. Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, several employees came over to smooth things over. “Jack, I remember you’re good at diving too. Why don’t you come down and enjoy it for a while?” I shook my head, refusing. “No thanks, you guys go ahead.” The employees looked awkwardly at Vanessa. She felt embarrassed and bit her lip, cursing me in a low voice: “Jack Sullivan, how can a grown man be so petty! Can’t you read the room? You’re deliberately making everyone uncomfortable. What’s wrong with you!” Chris also said: “Jack, come down and play with us. Although Vanessa personally taught me yesterday, I still haven’t learned well. Why don’t you try teaching me?” As he spoke, Chris walked over and forcefully pushed me towards the diving suits. I was already annoyed that this pretty boy had cuckolded me, and now he dared to get in my face. Angry, I raised my hand and pushed him away. “Get lost!” “Ah! Vanessa, save me!” Unexpectedly, this pretty boy suddenly tilted towards the railing and fell straight into the sea. Vanessa rushed over, pushing me aside, and jumped into the sea without hesitation to bring Chris back up. Chris lay in Vanessa’s arms, looking panicked and scared. Vanessa anxiously asked if he had swallowed any seawater. Chris spoke weakly: “Vanessa, I’m okay… cough cough! Just swallowed a little water. Don’t blame Jack. Even though I know he dislikes me, he wouldn’t deliberately push me into the sea to hurt me…” Watching Chris’s poor acting, I laughed coldly. “Didn’t you just flip over yourself? If I wanted to hurt you, I would have held you underwater. Would I have let her fish you out?” Vanessa came over angrily, raising her hand high and slapping me hard across the face. “Jack Sullivan, have you gone crazy?! If anything had happened to Chris today, I wouldn’t have let you off!” I probed my cheek with my tongue, raising my hand to wipe the blood from the corner of my mouth, looking down at her coldly. IIn all our years together, no matter how fiercely we argued, she had never hit me. Now, for Chris’s sake, she didn’t hesitate to slap me.

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I couldn’t believe my eyes. My husband Gabriel was pretending to fall down the stairs and lose his memory, just to please his childhood friend Lily. He even gave her my position as the CTO of our tech company. In the hospital room, Lily was cuddling up to Gabriel, giggling and acting coy. “Gabe, you’re so clueless,” she cooed. “When I said I envied Rachel, I meant I envied her for being your wife. But you went and made me the CTO instead.” Gabriel held her close, smiling indulgently. “Why not both? For the next few days, you can be both the CTO and my wife.” I froze as I was about to push open the door, holding the soup I had made. Silently, I turned and left. The next day during a meeting, Gabriel publicly announced that Lily was his real wife and forced me to resign, handing over my CTO position to her. He was prepared for me to argue and fight back, but I said nothing. To everyone’s shock, I signed the termination agreement on the spot. What Gabriel didn’t know was that I had personally compiled the core source code for the company’s newly developed software. And the deadline for delivery to the client was less than a week away.

After the meeting, I went to the finance department to complete the handover. As I was leaving, Lily blocked my way at the door of the CTO’s office. Gabriel’s childhood friend admired her freshly done manicure, her tone condescending. “You’ve been with the company for so many years. If you can’t bear to leave, maybe I could let you stay if you beg me,” Lily said patronizingly. “Look, the company needs a janitor. You could start as an intern.” “As for the salary… how about $300 a month?” The company’s janitors were paid $400 a month. Even without looking at the provocation in her eyes, I knew she was deliberately trying to humiliate me. I narrowed my eyes slightly. “Is this Gabriel’s idea too?” “I’m Gabe’s wife now. How could he refuse my little request?” Lily giggled, covering her mouth. She pointed behind me. “Oh, here comes Gabe. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him yourself.” “Rachel, you’ve already resigned. Why are you still here?” Gabriel’s voice came from behind me before I saw him. He walked past me and pulled Lily into his arms, looking at me warily as if I was bullying his beloved. “Oh, Rachel wasn’t bullying me,” Lily said, snuggling into his embrace with a coy smile. “I saw she was reluctant to leave the company, so I was suggesting she stay. But she said she wanted to ask your opinion first.” Gabriel tweaked her nose. “You don’t need to ask me about such small matters. Just make the decision yourself.” Then he looked at me with disgust. “Since it’s Lily’s idea, go ahead and process your re-employment now.” I asked coldly, “She wants me to be a janitor. You agree with that too?” Hearing this, his tone became annoyed. “What’s with that attitude? What’s wrong with being a janitor? Lily is just being kind.” Whether it was kindness or not, Gabriel knew better than anyone. Looking into his impatient eyes, I suddenly understood. He was so confident because he was sure I wouldn’t leave the company. We had only been married for three years, but this company had been around for seven years. For the company’s development, I had not only worked long hours for the past seven years, but it was also common for me to stay up all night just to write a piece of code. This company held so much of my effort and dedication. My emotional attachment to it was deeper than anyone else’s. A while ago, Lily had just finished her internship and become a full-time employee when Gabriel wanted to promote her to Deputy CTO of the tech department. The tech department already had plenty of talented people. Adding an incompetent deputy wouldn’t make much difference. Many employees, both old and new, came forward to congratulate her. I was the only one who rejected his appointment on the spot. The tech department was the core of the company. I couldn’t let him mess around with it. He stayed quiet for a while after that, and I thought Gabriel had given up. I never expected him to use such a cliché method as pretending to lose his memory just to please his childhood friend. Seeing us standing there in silence, some of the older employees who had been watching quickly stepped in to defuse the situation. “Don’t be angry, Rachel. The boss is sick and has lost his memory. That’s why he’s talking like this.” “Yeah, the reason he’s protecting Lily is that he’s mistaking her for you. See how much he loves you?” “It’s just being a janitor! Just put up with it for a while. Once the boss regains his memory, everything will be fine.” They all chimed in, their words full of envy for Gabriel’s feelings for me, urging me to swallow my pride and bear with it. But why should I? If Gabriel really loved and cherished me, I might have put up with it. Before, when we were dating and even after we got married, Gabriel always seemed like a good man in others’ eyes – respectful and loving towards me. But the truth was… Whenever it came to making a choice, regardless of right or wrong, close or distant, I was always the first one he would abandon. He would persuade me to be more tolerant, to give in more. He said that as a married couple, we could fight at home but make up in bed. Any conflict could be resolved at home, but leaving a bad impression on others was irreparable. Is this how normal couples interact? I was confused for a long time, but as people around me kept expressing their envy, I gradually accepted it. But seeing Gabriel repeatedly shield Lily in his arms, repeatedly abandoning his principles and bottom line for her, I finally got my answer. If you truly love someone, how could you bear to let them get hurt? Love is about protection, care, and pampering. Love is everything, but it’s never a bargaining chip when weighing pros and cons. At this moment, I suddenly felt a bit ironic. I actually understood what true love meant by observing how my husband treated another woman. “All of you, shut up! I’m Gabe’s real wife. If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll have Gabe fire you all,” Lily suddenly burst out of Gabriel’s arms and slapped me across the face. “Rachel Quinn, is this what you’ve been spreading outside? How shameless can you be? I get it now. You joined this company just to seduce Gabe, didn’t you?” She was twisting facts and lashing out in anger, acting as if she really was Gabriel’s legitimate wife. My head was spinning, and I instinctively wanted to slap her back. But Gabriel quickly shielded Lily and pushed me hard. I was already unsteady from Lily’s slap, and wearing high heels, his sudden push sent me tumbling to the ground. My wrist hit the floor hard, and my face contorted in pain. Involuntary tears welled up in my eyes. “That’s enough. What are you crying for? If you hadn’t tried to hit Lily, I wouldn’t have pushed you,” Gabriel said. I looked up to see him avoiding my gaze, his tone stiff as he added, “You graduated from an Ivy League school with a Ph.D. It would be a waste of your talent to be a janitor. Go re-apply for a position as a programmer.” Lily’s previous position had been a programmer. She tugged at Gabriel’s sleeve, dissatisfied. “Gabe, the tech department isn’t short-staffed. Can’t we just let her be a janitor?” But this time, Gabriel didn’t indulge her. Was this compensation? Or a carrot? Did Gabriel think he could still manipulate me like this? But he didn’t know one thing. Sunk costs don’t factor into major decisions. When Gabriel deceived me and negated years of my hard work for another woman, there was no possibility of reconciliation between us. Now he was the one being abandoned by me. I tugged slightly at the corner of my mouth. He wanted to pretend to have amnesia? He wanted Lily to be the CTO? He wanted someone else to be his wife? I would grant him all of it. The newly developed software was the biggest project the company had taken on since its establishment. Its completion would take the company to the next level, but if something went wrong, the penalty would be more than Gabriel could bear. With less than a week left, I hoped he would remain as composed as he was today when it came time to deliver the software. Seeing me smile, Gabriel thought I had chosen to compromise as usual. The corner of his mouth was about to curl up when it froze due to what I said next. I stood up, tidied my disheveled appearance, and looked at him seriously. “No need.” “Gabriel, let’s get a divorce!”

“Are you crazy? You love me so much, how dare you mention divorce?” Gabriel blurted out. Realizing his tone was off, he quickly covered up, “What nonsense are you talking about? Why would I divorce you? Lily is my wife.” His expression was too unnatural; anyone could see something was wrong. But right now, I was willfully blind. Since Gabriel was pretending to have amnesia, I started spouting nonsense too. “That night you were drunk and mistook me for Lily. You insisted on dragging me to get a marriage license.” “Now let’s annul the marriage so you can marry Lily properly.” Lily, who had been hostile towards me, suddenly lit up when she heard this. She tugged at Gabriel’s sleeve, whining, “Gabe, let’s agree to her request. I can’t wait to marry you.” I pretended not to hear the flaw in her words and chimed in. “That’s right, don’t let me hold up your marriage.” Lily’s whining became even sweeter, but Gabriel suddenly shook her off and started to leave. “We’ll talk about this later. I have work to do.” His attitude seemed evasive? Could it be that he didn’t want a divorce? But if he didn’t want a divorce, where did that leave Lily? A bunch of questions popped into my head. In the past, I might have wanted to figure them out, but now I just felt irritated. I didn’t want to play some tragic love triangle drama with Gabriel here. Seeing him about to leave, I deliberately provoked him. “Could it be that you didn’t mistake me for Lily that day, but intentionally married me? Are you actually in love with me?” Lily immediately panicked. “You’re talking nonsense! Gabe only loves me.” Gabriel also turned back to glare at me. “Stop being ridiculous. Lily is the only one in my heart.” “Then why won’t you divorce me?” I smirked, deliberately sighing. “I understand. Men just like to act tough.” “Stop talking or I’ll tear you apart!” Lily glared at me furiously. I ignored her and raised an eyebrow at Gabriel. “Honey, since we’re not getting divorced, how about giving me back my CTO position?” “So that was your real motive all along.” Gabriel gradually regained his composure, his eyes filled with disgust towards me once again. “Such a calculating woman, you’ll never measure up to even Lily’s little finger.” “Yes, yes,” I said perfunctorily. “You can say whatever you want as long as you give me back the CTO position.” Lily screamed, “Don’t even think about it! I’m the CTO now.” Gabriel also snorted coldly. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Since you want to use divorce to force my hand, I’ll give you what you want.” Hearing this, I deliberately provoked him a few more times. With Lily whining and fanning the flames beside him, Gabriel soon lost his cool. I struck while the iron was hot, grabbing our marriage certificate and dragging him to the courthouse. The staff there wanted to advise us out of duty, but after seeing Lily cuddling up to Gabriel, they stamped our papers without another word. It wasn’t until we walked out with the fresh divorce papers that he seemed to realize what he had done. His body swayed for a moment before he suddenly grabbed my hand as I was about to leave. “My… my head hurts so much…” Gabriel covered his head with his other hand, feigning pain. “I think I remember now. That day I didn’t mistake you for anyone else. I really wanted to marry you.” “Honey, can we not get divorced?” Gabriel rarely called me “honey” except in bed. In the past, he only used this term when he was apologizing to me. He was subtly trying to make amends, but I pushed his hand away without hesitation. “Your memory is confused. On our wedding day, you kept calling Lily’s name.” Lily clung tightly to his arm, eyeing me warily. “That’s right, Gabe. You’ve already divorced her. Let’s go get our marriage license now. Don’t pay any more attention to this woman.” Seeing my resolute attitude, Gabriel’s tone gradually cooled. “Rachel Quinn, think carefully. Once I marry Lily, it’ll be too late for you to regret it.” “Congratulations, best wishes, good riddance.” I threw out these words and left. Yesterday, I had overheard not only Gabriel’s plan to fake amnesia but also the reason he married me in the first place. In the hospital room, he had held Lily and said disdainfully, “A woman with nothing but code in her head, you don’t know how boring she is. If it weren’t for her talent, I wouldn’t have married her…” Three years ago, the company faced a huge crisis, and many employees jumped ship when they saw the situation going south. With the company on the verge of bankruptcy, Gabriel and I were so worried we couldn’t sleep, losing hair in clumps. It was at this time that Gabriel suddenly proposed to me. I thought it was love showing its true colors in times of adversity. I thought Gabriel agreed to marry me out of love, but it wasn’t until yesterday that I realized it was all one-sided. I graduated from an Ivy League school with a Ph.D. and was a core member of the company. He was afraid that if I jumped ship too, the company would be completely finished. That’s why he had no choice but to marry me. The marriage I thought was perfect was actually full of calculations and exploitation from the very beginning. No wonder he never let me participate in the company’s specific management except for the tech department. He had been guarding against me from the start. More and more details leaked out in my memory, and I increasingly felt that my decision to divorce was correct. My disgust towards Gabriel also deepened. This disgust reached its peak when I returned home. Looking at the house full of traces of life with Gabriel, I suddenly found I couldn’t stay for another moment. After booking a hotel on my phone, I started packing to leave. As I was leaving, I ran into Gabriel coming back. He seemed a bit anxious when he returned, still slightly out of breath. But upon seeing me, he still put on a condescending attitude. “I remember some more things. After we got married, we seemed to have moved in together.” “I remember you’re not from this city and have nowhere else to stay. I’m a kind person. Even though we’re divorced now, I’ll still allow you to continue living here.” If it weren’t for him, why would I have stayed in this unfamiliar city after graduation? “No need. I don’t want to disturb you and Lily’s love nest.” After coldly saying this, I left with my suitcase. Lily, who had just caught up, passed by me. Before the door closed, I vaguely heard a few lines of their conversation. “Gabe, I’m sorry. Maybe I went too far today. Should I go explain to her?” “Don’t bother with her. I told you, you can play however you want these few days.” “I know her. She’s just throwing a tantrum for a couple of days. When the time comes, I’ll say a few soft words, and she’ll come running back on her own.” As I pressed the elevator button, I lowered my eyes slightly. Gabriel, I won’t be fooled again this time.

Divorcing Gabriel wasn’t as hard to accept as I thought. During these few days staying at the hotel, I actually felt more relaxed than any day in the past seven years. Three days later, a former colleague from the tech department suddenly called me. “Rachel, when are you coming back? The software is about to be delivered, and we’re still missing part of the core source code.” “You should talk to Lily about this. I’ve already resigned.” “Stop joking around. You’re the boss’s wife. Even if everyone else resigned, you couldn’t really resign!” The person laughed it off, their tone so natural as if I hadn’t resigned but just taken a few days off. “I’m not joking.” I was about to hang up when I heard a series of noises. A moment later, Lily and that colleague’s conversation came through the phone. “Rachel has already resigned. I’m the CTO now. Why aren’t you talking to me about work matters?” “Lily, stop messing around. Do you know how much money the company will lose if this software isn’t delivered on time?”

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After my marriage, I was pressured to hand over all my earnings to my in-laws. But when I was diagnosed with a terminal illness and needed $10,000 for surgery, my husband Jason refused to help. “You know, I have a younger brother, Kyle, who isn’t married yet. I need to buy him a house. It’s a lot of financial pressure,” Jason explained. Then he added coldly, “Besides, you’re terminally ill. What’s the point of treatment?” After that, they vanished without a trace, refusing to even pay for my hospital bills. I suffered in agony until my last breath, never seeing them again. When I opened my eyes once more, I found myself back in time, just before Jason had taken control of my finances. This time, I wouldn’t make the same mistake. I threw the divorce papers directly in his face. “Olivia, haven’t you forgotten to give me something?” Jason asked, wrapping his arms around me with a smile. I felt a sudden sense of déjà vu. The last time Jason called me by that nickname was three years ago, right after we got married. It was the night of our college graduation party. My roommate Mia had dragged me to the plaza. There, in the center of a heart-shaped arrangement of candles, Jason knelt before me with a huge bouquet of roses. “Olivia, will you marry me?” he asked. I have to admit, I was truly touched at that moment. Jason and I had met during a trip to Paris. They say Paris is a city full of romance and chance encounters, and it was in a café there that we happened to meet. Jason told me that due to his family’s financial situation, he had dropped out of school early to work and help support his family. “You’re a student at a prestigious university. Won’t you look down on someone like me?” he asked, the light in his eyes dimming. I quickly reassured him, “Of course not! I don’t care about educational differences. As long as you truly care for me, that’s enough.” And so, I accepted his pursuit and began a four-year long-distance relationship. During that time, Jason would make the trip to see me once a month. My friend Mia often said I was lucky to have such a handsome and devoted boyfriend, and for a while, I believed it too. “Olivia?” Jason nudged my arm again. I snapped back to reality, slowly extricating myself from his embrace. Too many memories were flooding back, and my head was starting to throb painfully. I rubbed my temples, feeling a wave of disgust and nausea. Jason noticed something was off and asked with concern, “Are you feeling unwell?” “A bit,” I replied, turning my back to him as I lay down. “It’s nothing, I just need to rest for a while.” But Jason hadn’t given up on his original intention. He leaned close to my ear and continued, “So where’s your salary card? I can go get it myself.” At that moment, I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. So from the very beginning, all he cared about was my money. I pretended to be asleep. After calling my name several times with no response, Jason gave up. Half an hour later, I heard the sound of him typing on his phone, occasionally interspersed with laughter. They seemed to be having quite the pleasant chat. I pulled the covers up higher, determined to ignore it all. I had been given a second chance at life, and I had more important things to focus on.

The next morning, I was woken by Jason’s mother’s shrill screams. She burst into the bedroom, yanking open the curtains and pointing at me as she launched into a tirade: “What time is it and you’re still not up making breakfast? Do you expect me, your mother-in-law, to wait on you hand and foot?” The sudden flood of sunlight made it difficult to open my eyes. I could feel droplets of spittle landing on my face as she yelled. Seeing me frown, Jason’s mother’s tone grew even sharper. “Look at my son, getting up early on a weekend to go to work. I really don’t know how he ended up with such a lazy wife.” Right, I’m a financial consultant at a Big Four accounting firm, while Jason is just a regular employee at some unknown company. His yearly salary probably doesn’t even match my monthly earnings. Does working overtime on a weekend really make him better than me? Jason’s mother had always had an incredibly loud voice. With her nearby, I knew I wouldn’t be getting any more peaceful sleep. I silently sat up, opening my eyes to look at Jason’s mother, who stood in the doorway tapping her foot impatiently. “You have five minutes,” she snapped before stomping back downstairs. I paid no attention to her words, taking my time getting ready and contemplating what to wear. As I was doing my makeup, Jason’s mother came up several times to bang on the door. But since I had locked it, she could only curse and grumble outside before leaving empty-handed. In my previous life, I had always played the role of the obedient, dutiful daughter-in-law. Despite having to get up early for work, I would still wake up an hour earlier to make breakfast for the whole family. Then I would have to wait for everyone to finish eating and wash all the dishes before I could leave for work. Jason’s mother had a habit of watching TV while eating, and sometimes when she got into a show she liked, she would take half an hour just to finish a meal. “Mom, could you please eat a little faster?” I once asked. There was only 15 minutes left before I had to clock in at work, but Jason’s mother showed no signs of putting down her chopsticks. “How dare you rush me, your elder?!” she exploded, slamming her utensils down on the coffee table and launching into a tirade. It was always the same old rhetoric about how a woman’s place was in the home, taking care of her husband and children. She’d go on about how it didn’t matter how much money I earned if I couldn’t even manage to get pregnant. And just like that, the topic would shift from a wife’s duties to the belief that a woman’s only real value came from bearing children. Needless to say, I was late to work that day. After that, I never dared to rush Jason’s mother again. If I did, she always found ways to delay me from leaving on time. By the time I finished getting ready and went downstairs, an hour had passed. Jason’s mother and Kyle were sitting on the living room couch watching TV. Seeing me finally head to the kitchen, Jason’s mother let out a derisive snort. “Hmph, whatever you do, never marry a wife like this. She’ll be the death of me.”

Fifteen minutes later, I emerged from the kitchen with the prepared breakfast. Jason’s mother stared at the single egg and glass of milk on the table, her eyes wide with disbelief. After a long moment, she finally exploded, “Is this tiny amount supposed to feed anyone?!” “Kyle is still growing. Are you trying to starve him?” she demanded. Kyle remained on the couch, watching TV while playing his handheld game. He glanced at the table and sneered, “I’m not eating that. It looks gross.” I didn’t get upset. I simply sat down and began to enjoy my breakfast. “I know you two weren’t going to eat, so I didn’t make any for you,” I explained calmly. I generally don’t have much of an appetite in the mornings, especially on weekends when I eat even lighter. In the past, I would make a huge spread of breakfast foods to cater to the tastes of all three family members. And Kyle was an extremely picky eater. I had to come up with new menu ideas for him every couple of days. Now that I was free of all that hassle, I felt much more relaxed. “How dare you! I see you’ve completely lost all respect!” Jason’s mother shrieked. I ignored her constant yelling beside me. After finishing the last sip of milk, I went over to Kyle. If I remembered correctly, the handheld game console he was playing was one I had just bought. I hadn’t even had a chance to use it myself before he opened the package. Seeing me standing next to him looking like I was about to scold him, Kyle quickly hid the console behind his back. “This is mine. Don’t even think about taking it away,” he said defiantly. In Kyle’s mind, everything in this house belonged to his brother Jason. And naturally, everything of Jason’s belonged to Kyle as well. I had no right to question any of it, even though this entire house, including all the furniture, had been purchased outright with my own money. In my previous life, I never scolded Kyle for taking my personal belongings without permission because I cared for him like my own brother. “Kyle, I’m not upset about this,” I said gently, crouching beside him. “It’s just that you’re in high school now. You should be focusing more on your studies.” Kyle snorted, “You can say all that, but in the end you just don’t want me to have your game console. If it was Mia, she definitely wouldn’t treat me like this.” Unfortunately, back then I was so focused on my family that I never suspected there might be hidden meaning behind those words. Well, if you still love playing games so much this time around, then go ahead and play to your heart’s content. “You’ve misunderstood me,” I said, taking out $500 from my wallet and placing it on the table. “This console just arrived, so it probably doesn’t have many games yet. Since it’s the weekend, why don’t you go to the store and buy some game cartridges?”

Kyle was still young, so his reactions were quick. As if afraid I might change my mind, he grabbed the money and rushed out the door. “Don’t think this means I’ll give the console back to you,” he called over his shoulder. Of course not. As long as you enjoy it, I’ll keep buying you more. It’s just that this time, you probably won’t be getting into college. In my previous life, I had devoted myself to tutoring Kyle. Although his grades weren’t great in the end, he did manage to get into an average college. But shortly after starting university, Kyle developed a habit of drinking and partying. I often lectured him about it. One time when I went to pick him up from a bar, Kyle drugged me and handed me over to some of his drinking buddies. Afterwards, he proudly showed me the video. “If you hadn’t forced me to study so hard in high school, I might have been able to get the girl I had a crush on for years,” he taunted. After that, Kyle frequently used the video to blackmail me for money. In less than a year, my savings were completely drained. Having lived through it once, I won’t be so naive this time. Since you love it so much, go ahead and play to your heart’s content. I glanced at my phone. It was about time for my appointment with Dr. Chen. Seeing me getting ready to leave, Jason’s mother grabbed my arm. “You’re going out? What about my breakfast?!” I pulled my arm away, my expression blank. “Not just breakfast. I won’t be cooking anymore from now on.” “Didn’t you always complain my cooking was terrible? Well, now I’m too lazy to bother.” Ignoring Jason’s mother’s stream of insults, I got in my car and headed to the hospital.

“Fortunately we caught it early. The tumor is benign,” the doctor said. As I left the examination room, I felt an enormous weight lift from my shoulders. In my previous life, Jason had always insisted on managing our finances. Knowing how much men care about their pride, I handed over my salary card after we had been married for a year. But I never imagined he would completely take over all of my assets. Due to a congenital condition and work stress, I was diagnosed with cancer three years later. When I was lying in the hospital bed unable to move, I begged Jason to help pay for the surgery. “Olivia, the surgery costs are just too high,” Jason said, his expression torn. “Our family can’t afford it.” When I heard those words, I lay there in shock, barely able to breathe. I struggled to calm myself. “It’s only $10,000. How can that be…” “What’s the point of treatment?” Jason’s mother interrupted impatiently. She sat nearby, picking an apple from the fruit basket. She wiped it on her shirt before taking a big bite. “It’s terminal cancer anyway. Why waste money on something that can’t be cured?” Almost all of our family’s savings over the years had come from my income alone. Now that I wanted to use the money for my own medical treatment, she had the nerve to object? The pain in my chest intensified. “How is it not my money to spend?” “What do you mean YOUR money?!” Jason’s mother shrieked. She jumped up from her chair, crying and shouting about how ungrateful I was. As more and more people gathered to watch, she began embellishing the story, completely twisting the facts. In her version, I was a lazy wife who did nothing all day while her precious son supported the entire family on his own. “Now that she has an incurable disease, she’s trying to drain all our savings,” Jason’s mother wailed, throwing herself on the ground. “Oh, why is my life so miserable?” I felt utterly heartbroken, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. I looked to Jason, who stood silently nearby, hoping he would speak up to defend me. But his next words crushed what was left of my spirit. “Olivia, you know our family’s situation,” he said. “You know I still have a younger brother to support. He’s not married yet, and I need to help him buy a house.” Buy a house? With my money? “Like my mom said, this is a terminal illness. There’s no point in treatment.” The doctor had said the chances of recovery were very slim, but not impossible. I wanted to use my own money for treatment. What was so wrong with that? If only my parents were still alive. I wouldn’t have to suffer this kind of mistreatment. At that thought, I became so distraught that I passed out. ———-This is the breakpoint———-

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I had finally accepted Lucas’s proposal after his 99th attempt, believing he would fulfill his promise to marry me. But on the eve of our wedding, he not only called it off at the last minute, making me a laughingstock, but also abandoned me to go on a stargazing trip with his childhood sweetheart Tiffany. I begged him to honor our engagement. Instead, he forced me to go rock climbing barehanded and catch 520 fireflies, all to make Tiffany smile. It was an absurd romantic gesture that I was coerced into. When a mudslide suddenly hit, he left without a second glance, carrying Tiffany in his arms. I was trapped on a cold, steep cliff for three days and nights without food or water, my body temperature dropping dangerously low. My body froze, and so did my heart that once loved him. Even when Lucas later apologized profusely, I could only respond with a bitter laugh. “Stop pretending. You disgust me.” I was hanging from a dead tree halfway up the mountain. The violent impact from falling off the cliff left me in excruciating pain. I couldn’t move, with broken bones all over my body. Only the taste of blood in my mouth kept me barely conscious. “We found her!” When I was discovered, Tiffany was livestreaming my rescue. She hugged my battered body while crying, her manicured nails digging into my wounds that were deep enough to see bone. “Chloe, you’re so reckless! How could you gamble with your life like this?” “Don’t leave the campsite on a whim just because you’re upset. You’ve not only broken Lucas’s heart, but also wasted public resources.” “This time, I’m donating $2 million to the disaster-stricken area on behalf of the Lu family. I hope it can atone for Chloe’s sins.” After her repeated gentle persuasion, Lucas reluctantly picked me up in his arms. He was extremely reluctant to have any physical contact with me. My body was left suspended in mid-air, like a piece of garbage he found repulsive. A clap of thunder sounded. It seemed to pull me back to those three desperate days. Fear made my stomach churn violently, forcing a trickle of blood from the corner of my mouth. Lucas’s expression changed abruptly, and he immediately let go of me in disgust. “Are you addicted to acting now?” Looking at me trembling on the ground, he impatiently called for someone to put me on a stretcher. “Chloe, stop pretending.” “It’s your own fault for being unreasonable, insisting on joining our stargazing trip without even basic safety awareness.” “Look at the stupid thing you’ve done, causing me so much trouble.” The more he spoke, the angrier he became. “It was Tiffany who went to great lengths to contact the rescue team for you, praying for your safety every day.” “You’ve wasted manpower and resources just to save your worthless life. You’ll never be able to repay her.” I curled up, staring at the countless wounds on my body as tears streamed down my face. The fireflies that were meant to witness their love almost became witnesses to my death. Their hypocritical kindness crushed my dignity and innocence bit by bit. My tears seemed to spark a flicker of complexity in Lucas’s eyes. He clicked his tongue and took off his jacket to drape over me. “Alright, you’ve overacted. You look ugly when you cry. Aren’t you usually good at holding back your emotions?” For the first half of my life, I had compromised and endured everything just to marry him. But in those short three days of being lost, my heart had turned to ashes. I no longer wanted to survive falling off a hundred-meter cliff. I didn’t want to be a desperate, clingy girlfriend anymore. I refused to beg on my knees for his love. My battered body was punishment for loving him. The love I had accumulated over the years was worn away along with my broken bones and spilled blood. When I woke up again, I was alone in the intensive care unit. My body was full of various instruments and tubes. The doctor said there were thirty steel nails embedded in my body. Tiffany came in arm-in-arm with Lucas, fussing over me. She was holding a bowl of yam and cilantro porridge that I hated most, like leftover slop. It was as if they were the loving couple, not us. Tiffany raised my hospital bed, wanting to feed me the porridge herself. Sensing my resistance, Lucas grabbed my chin, forcibly prying open my mouth. The scalding porridge rolled down my throat. I struggled desperately but knocked over the bowl. The intense burning sensation left my entire arm red. “Who allowed you to waste Tiffany’s kindness?” With that, Lucas picked up the bowl and smashed it against my head. Wet strands of hair stuck to my forehead. Compared to the torment of waiting to die slowly, this humiliation was nothing. I peeled off the rice grains and vegetable leaves from my head, stuffing them into my mouth without missing a single one. Lucas looked at me with disgust, throwing a wet wipe at me. “Chloe, are you a beggar? How revolting.” I chewed mechanically. Taking in Tiffany’s provocative smirk from the corner of my eye. They had candlelit dinners. Meanwhile, I had gnawed on tree bark just to stay alive, even swallowing insects raw. Staying alive had become a luxury. In the end, I was the one covered in scars, I was the one bearing the brunt of rumors and slander. Perhaps the only thing I had damaged was their secret love affair.

The nurse came in to change my dressings. Lucas immediately ordered her to disinfect the room. He fanned his nose in disgust, telling me to change into clean clothes. While looking for clothes, I accidentally found the wedding photos I had secretly cherished. In the photo, Lucas wore a rare smile. During every moment I was on the verge of collapse while trapped on the cliff, This photo had always given me strength. But now, it was nothing more than a thin piece of paper. After changing, I stumbled back to the ward. The VIP room originally booked for me by Lucas’s grandfather had been given to a regular crowded ward after Tiffany’s exaggerations. The noisy, cramped space was filled with endless complaints and crying. This time, I didn’t make a fuss. I just silently dragged my injured body back and forth. As I was almost done moving, Lucas stopped me. Beside him were Tiffany and his best friend Chris. My once close friend looked at me, the fallen dog, with mockery all over his face. Chris spoke with sarcasm, “Well, well, you survived a near-death experience and you’re still alive?” I clutched the rough hem of my clothes, feeling a deep, stinging pain in my heart. When we first got engaged, they had mocked me for being delusional. I never argued back, even humbly trying to please the Lu family’s housekeeper. But what I thought was loving the whole family for Lucas’s sake was just wishful thinking in his eyes. The thunder and rain were all blessings he bestowed upon me. His slightest smile could make me give up everything. A slight frown from him could also drag me into the abyss. Chris found a news article and handed it to me. “You’ve been pestering Lucas for so many years, but he never had you in his heart. Now that this news is out, even Lu Corporation’s stock price has been affected. How could he accept someone with such a bad reputation as his wife?” “Luckily Lucas was wise enough to call off the wedding and stay away from a jinx like you. I advise you to know your place and stop getting between Tiffany and Lucas!” Seizing on my weakness, those who already disliked me became even more vicious. They twisted the facts, deciding I was the culprit. Threatening the interests of Lu Corporation, destroying Lucas’s love. No one blamed Lucas for suddenly calling off the wedding. No one was outraged that Tiffany was pursuing a man who was engaged. And no one cared if I was in pain during those three days. I trembled all over. Meeting Lucas’s cold gaze, I instantly crouched down covering my head. “I’ll be good, don’t abandon me.” I knelt at his feet trying to beg for mercy. But Lucas pulled his leg away. One step and I would have rolled down the stairs, the pain of falling off the cliff overwhelming me again. “Save me!” “Chloe, you…” There was no expected pain. Lucas had pulled me into his arms. He pushed me away with some frustration, his tone icy: “I’ll marry you.” I was stunned. Lucas was convinced I would be grateful. So he tried every means, even ruining his own reputation, to break off the engagement. How could he possibly want to marry me now? I opened my mouth but couldn’t speak. But he smiled coldly: “We won’t register the marriage. It’s just for show.” “To control public opinion and make the stock price rise.” Tears instantly gushed out. He wanted to pretend to be deeply in love. To stand on the moral high ground and gain a good reputation before bowing out. In his eyes, I was trending gossip, a tool to be used. But never his wife. Before he finished speaking, Tiffany smiled coyly, “Lucas, you’re so bad.” She walked in front of Lucas, fixing his tie. Casually playing with her hair, revealing the huge diamond ring on her ring finger. I lowered my eyes and swallowed the bitterness in my throat. I no longer had the strength for hysterics.

Chris kept taunting me viciously. Insulting me to no end. I looked at the crimson seeping through my bandages, walking past them to go downstairs and check out of the hospital. I wanted to hide away, not wanting to endure the cold hospital and indifferent Lucas anymore. He wouldn’t give me the sense of security I needed most. Just let me fend for myself. At the stairway landing, Lucas grabbed my wrist. “You’re half crippled now.” “If you leave me and check out, how many more people do you want to harm?” I pried his fingers off one by one. Three days ago, I was barely clothed and starving, dangling precariously halfway up the mountain. Listening to wolf howls, too afraid to sleep, terrified until dawn. At my most desperate, I even thought about jumping off the cliff to end it all. From beginning to end, I was the one covered in scars, I was the one bearing the brunt of rumors and slander. Perhaps the only thing I had damaged was their secret love affair. Seeing my resistance, Lucas irritably pushed me against the cold, hard wall. “Stop being so delicate, okay? Be a good girl and listen. I can give you anything except love.” “Why can’t you be more considerate of me like Tiffany? Is that so hard?” “If you keep acting like this, you might as well have died at the bottom of that cliff.” His increasingly harsh words were like a curved blade. Slowly cutting open my deepest fears. The back of my head hit the wall hard, my pupils gradually losing focus. My hands weakly pounded on his shoulders as I kept repeating, “Let me go.” Lucas was annoyed and picked me up in one motion. But he didn’t know that my determination to get away from him had reached its peak. In my desperate struggle, I collided head-on with a nurse’s treatment cart. I fell among countless shards of broken glass. My wounds reopened, a bloody mess. The clean clothes I had just changed into were in tatters again. “Chloe!” Lucas was startled and carefully tried to reach out to help me up. But I lay on the ground gasping for breath, only managing to stand with difficulty with the nurse’s support. My avoidance made a murderous aura emanate from him. “You hate me touching you? Then why did you desperately beg me to marry you?” “Now you’re even playing hard to get?” I was dizzy, my ears ringing. His malicious speculations shattered the rose-colored glasses I had for him piece by piece. The light that had kept me alive went out. I could gather 520 fireflies for him, even if it wasn’t for me. I could obediently stay put, even if he didn’t come to rescue me first. But I couldn’t accept that he never even thought about finding me. So I’m tired, I don’t want to love anymore. “Chloe, I’m very disappointed in you. How did you become like this?” I didn’t understand where the pain in his eyes came from. This question should have been for me to ask him. I vaguely remembered five years ago, when my mother was on her deathbed. After donating a kidney to Lucas’s grandfather, her only wish Was to secure my engagement to Lucas. He personally carried my mother’s coffin, silently wiped away my tears, and held me in his arms like a treasure. “No matter what happens in the future, I will never abandon you.” But in the face of the raging mudslide, My tears dried up once again. All because Lucas had broken his vow.

My emotions completely collapsed. I remembered my mother’s dying wish for me to be happy. Then I thought of how desperate and lost I was on that rainy night. I hugged myself tightly, my eyes red-rimmed. “It hurts so much, Lucas.” “Why didn’t you save me? The cliff was so dark and cold. I won’t cling to you anymore, just don’t leave me alone.” “I’ll give you back to Tiffany, please don’t abandon me.” “Stop torturing me…” He looked at my shaking shoulders, unable to say anything harsh. He couldn’t help but soften his tone. “Chloe, I’m right here. I didn’t abandon you. What’s wrong?” “Didn’t you jump off the cliff yourself to get sympathy?” Lucas carried me back to the Lu mansion and called for a private doctor to take care of me. He carefully used a cotton swab to moisten my lips. “If you don’t want to stay in the hospital, then come home.” “Tiffany and I are both here. She’s sensible and will take care of you.” “I’ll let bygones be bygones for what happened before, but why are you so afraid?” I suddenly felt a bit wronged and choked up, ready to explain. But before I could open my mouth, a graceful figure affectionately leaned against Lucas. Tiffany pressed her bleeding fingertip to his lips. “Lucas, I cut my finger while making food for Chloe.” “Can you blow on it for me?” Lucas’s furrowed brow showed his distress. “You should have let me do it.” I looked at him in disbelief. Lucas was a male chauvinist who never stooped to cooking because of his privileged upbringing. If I had cut my finger, he would probably just scold me for being clumsy. I closed my eyes in despair. Lucas tucked me in and sighed. Seeing this, Tiffany suddenly spoke up: “Chloe, Lucas and I grew up together. I can tolerate your resentment towards me given your engagement.” “But last time during the camping trip, that was the company’s new project. We were just doing a site survey.” “You shouldn’t have thrown a tantrum, stolen supplies and hidden in the mountains, then jumped off the cliff before we arrived.” “Because of your scandal, Lu Corporation lost hundreds of millions in revenue. Can you take responsibility for that?” After her embellished account, Lucas snorted coldly, a self-mocking smile on his face. “I almost fell for your tricks again.” “Tiffany, don’t bother with her. This kind of scheming woman will bite you harder the nicer you are to her.” A sense of powerlessness washed over me. I wanted to argue with red-rimmed eyes. But I could barely choke out a complete sentence through my sobs. “She’s lying…” Lucas raised his hand high. Even my crying became shaky with fear. My eyes brimmed with tears as I bit my lip hard, refusing to let them fall. He swept everything off the bedside table with one motion. After staring at me deeply for a moment, he left without looking back. Only my whimpers remained in the large guest room. I covered my chest as large teardrops fell on my face. Hearing him gently comforting Tiffany through the wall, I laughed bitterly, “Lucas, let’s end this.” “I don’t want to love you anymore.” I found the agreement Lucas’s grandfather had once given me. I signed my name. ———-This is the cutoff point———-

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My son was murdered while buying a birthday cake for his father. That evening, Jake’s childhood friend posted on SnapChat: “Someone with a mango allergy insists on eating the mango cake I bought.” Fighting back tears, I called Jake to come see our son one last time. “Can’t you stop bothering me? Emma rarely comes back to celebrate my birthday with me.” As a crime scene cleaner, Jake personally cleaned up the cake shop where our son was killed. “Look at other people’s kids, remembering their dad’s birthday. My ungrateful brat is just like his mother, only knows how to ask for money.” With a heart turned to ashes, I decided to divorce him. “Think about Kevin. A child without a father’s love will never be happy.” After slapping him, I dragged him to kneel before our son’s ashes. “Ma’am, we need you to come to the police station. There’s a body here for you to identify.” The moment I received that call from the police, my mind went blank. Just half an hour earlier, my son Kevin had snuck out, saying he wanted to prepare a surprise for his dad. I checked my phone. The first message was from Kevin: “Mom, I’m buying a birthday cake for Dad. I’m going to give him a big surprise tonight!” With trembling hands, I tried calling Kevin’s phone. No answer. I tried again… still no answer. I don’t even remember how I got to the police station. After giving them Kevin’s name, the officer sighed. “Do you know Kevin Zhang?” he asked. I nodded numbly. “He’s my son. What… what happened to him?” “I’m sorry,” the officer said, gesturing for me to come inside. As we entered, I noticed the sign on the door: Morgue. The officer lifted a white sheet. I forced myself to look. And then I collapsed to my knees. On the cold metal table lay Kevin, his face and neck horribly mutilated. But it was unmistakably my little boy. “Has… has the killer been caught?” I asked through gritted teeth, tears streaming down my face. “Yes, we’ve apprehended the suspect,” the officer replied. Okay. At least they caught the monster who did this. “Can I take Kevin home now?” I asked. The officer nodded. “You may.” With shaking hands, I pulled out my phone to call my husband Jake. We should at least bring Kevin home together. The phone rang for a long time. He hung up on me three times before finally answering on the fourth try. Before I could speak, Jake’s irritated voice cut in: “Can’t you take a hint? Emma came all this way to celebrate my birthday with me. Can’t you just leave us alone for once?” Emma? Jake’s childhood friend. Ever since Jake and I got married, Emma had constantly needed his help for every little thing. And Jake was always eager to solve her problems. Especially after Kevin was born, when Emma left the country out of jealousy, Jake felt that Kevin and I had driven away his dear friend. The officer’s eyes held even more sympathy now. A female officer came over and helped me up. “Ma’am, we can drive you and your son home.” But I couldn’t let Kevin go without saying goodbye to his father! This was his dad, after all. I called Jake again. This time he picked up quickly. “Olivia, do you have nothing better to do? Emma and I are just having a normal get-together. If you keep bothering me, don’t blame me for getting angry.” I lowered my voice. “Kevin’s been in an accident. You need to come.” I couldn’t bring myself to say the word “dead.” “Oh come on, you’re using Kevin as an excuse again? Everyone knows you two are always scheming together.” Before I could respond, I heard a woman’s voice in the background. “Jake, I’m scared to cut the cake. Can you help me?” The call disconnected again. I saw Emma’s latest post on Instagram: “Someone with a mango allergy insists on eating the cake I bought. 🙄” The photo showed a mango cake, along with a selfie of her and Jake. My legs went weak. The female officer had to support me to stand up straight. “Don’t be scared, Kevin. Mommy’s taking you home,” I whispered. I brought Kevin home and began preparing for his funeral. Jake never came home that night. The next morning, on the way to the crematorium, Jake finally called me. “Make some pumpkin soup and bring it to the hospital. Make extra – Emma wants some too.”

My hand shook as I gripped the phone, too angry to speak. After a long pause, I managed to say: “Jake, don’t you dare regret this.” I suddenly felt that Jake didn’t deserve to be Kevin’s father. As I watched Kevin being pushed into the cremation chamber, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I crouched down and sobbed. From a young age, Kevin had been so understanding. He knew his father wasn’t very attached to our family, so he always behaved well and never asked Jake for anything. This time, he had snuck out on his own just wanting to use a cake to improve his relationship with his dad. At the parent-teacher conference a week ago, I could sense how envious Kevin was of the kids whose fathers attended. But now, it was all gone. As I carried Kevin’s ashes out, a light drizzle began to fall. Not long after I got home, I received a call from the cemetery. “Ma’am, I’m sorry but the plot you reserved this morning has been sold to someone else for a higher price.” What? I had carefully chosen that spot for Kevin. “But I already paid a deposit. How can you sell it to someone else?” I protested. The person hemmed and hawed before another voice came on the line. “Listen lady, money talks. We’re paying more, so naturally we get priority. Besides, you didn’t sign a contract, so it doesn’t count.” I knew that voice all too well. It was Jake. “Jake, let’s just forget it. We can find another spot for my uncle. No need to insist on this one,” I heard Emma say in the background. I took a deep breath. “What about honoring agreements? I paid a deposit. You can’t do this.” Jake was still comforting Emma. “Your uncle is my uncle too. I’ll make sure this gets taken care of.” How touching. The cemetery staff sounded uncomfortable. I really didn’t have the energy to argue, especially not with someone connected to Jake. I just wanted Kevin to rest in peace. “Ma’am, we can compensate you, or you can come by this afternoon to choose another plot?” the staff member offered. “Fine,” I agreed. We’ll just find another spot. The funeral preparations continued. Jake’s parents had both passed away, so his family couldn’t help. I called my parents and asked them to come assist with the arrangements. My parents hugged me tightly when they arrived, and we all cried together. “Oh sweetheart, you’ve been through so much,” my mom said. I had moved far away when I got married. Jake had knelt before my parents and sworn he would take good care of me. And now… I took a deep breath. “Mom and Dad, can you please go to the funeral home and set up the memorial? I need to go to the cemetery first.” When I arrived at the cemetery, the staff came out personally to greet me. As soon as I entered, I locked eyes with Emma in the distance. She immediately grabbed Jake’s hand and hurried away from the cemetery. Her expression suggested she knew something. I composed myself and chose a new plot for Kevin. After finishing up, I ran into Jake on my way out. “Olivia, are you following me?” he demanded. I let out a cold laugh. “Follow you? To watch you and your little friend being all lovey-dovey?” “How many times do I have to tell you, Emma and I are just friends. She’s all alone here – what’s wrong with me helping her out?” “Fine, go ahead and help your dear friend then!” I snapped before walking away. As I was leaving, I thought I heard Jake mutter something. About cleaning up the cake shop crime scene. Oh right, I’d almost forgotten – he’s a crime scene cleaner. So… Would he be cleaning up the cake shop where Kevin was murdered? When I got home, everything was ready at the funeral home. The funeral would be tomorrow. I had no friends or relatives here. Just a few of my parents’ relatives had come. “Damn that bastard Jake! He won’t even come to his own son’s funeral?” my uncle fumed.

I looked at my uncle, my meaning clear. “Once this is over, I’m divorcing him,” I said. “That still doesn’t excuse him from attending his child’s funeral. What kind of father is he?” My uncle stood at the entrance and started making phone calls. I stared at Kevin’s black and white portrait, tears falling uncontrollably. He was only six years old. How could fate be so cruel? It started raining again. My dad stood next to me holding an umbrella. I clutched Kevin’s portrait throughout the entire funeral. Jake never showed up. I had tried to contact him, but he had blocked my number. I couldn’t even send him a message. I didn’t know any of his friends to reach out to. I had just brought the urn home when Jake finally called. Looks like he unblocked me. “Olivia, what kind of scene are you trying to make? Haven’t you embarrassed me enough? Telling all your relatives our family business – you’re just taking advantage of the fact that I don’t have anyone to back me up, aren’t you?” Taking advantage? If that was my goal, I wouldn’t have married him without asking for any dowry, and even contributed over $10,000 of my own money when we got married. Now in his eyes, I’m the one taking advantage. “I don’t know what my uncle said, but you should come home when you can. I need to talk to you about something,” I said. “No way, I don’t want to deal with your relatives. They all look down on me anyway.” How ridiculous. If they really looked down on him, why would I have quit my job to focus on our family? Only later did it become “useless housewife” in his eyes. He hung up on me again. Fine, he’s probably still cleaning up at that cake shop. I’ll go find him there tomorrow to explain the situation. Coming to this place filled me with dread. All I could think about was how Kevin looked when he died. He was always so afraid of pain. I can’t imagine how terrified and desperate he must have felt in his final moments. The shop was cordoned off, so I could only wait outside for Jake to come out. I could clearly hear the voices talking inside. “Did you guys hear? The kid they killed was only 6 years old. Apparently he was buying a cake for his dad’s birthday when he ran into the killer.” “Tsk tsk, look at that kid, still remembering his dad’s birthday. My ungrateful brat is just like his mom, only knows how to ask me for money.” That was Jake’s voice. So in his eyes, Kevin had become the ungrateful one. “Aw, they just don’t understand your work.” Jake chimed in: “Exactly! My wife even tried to get me to switch jobs. Not at all understanding like Emma. Only Emma supports me behind the scenes.” What a joke. Why did I ask him to change jobs? It was all for Kevin’s sake. During a school survey, Kevin had proudly described his father’s job as a crime scene cleaner as noble and selfless. The result was endless bullying and ostracism. The other kids at school called him unlucky and said he smelled like death. No one wanted to be his friend. Kevin never dared tell Jake about it. If I hadn’t accidentally discovered him crying alone in his room one day, I never would have known either. That’s the only reason I suggested Jake change jobs. Of course Emma would support him – she wasn’t affected by it at all. “Hey, I heard the security footage is still around. You guys brave enough to watch it?” someone asked.

I wondered how Jake would react if he saw the victim was Kevin. “Ugh, that’s disgusting. I heard the killer even smashed out the kid’s teeth. It must be a bloody mess. I don’t want to see that and have nightmares.” That’s right. Sometimes my little Kevin didn’t even have any teeth left. An hour later, Jake finally finished work. He seemed surprised to see me waiting outside. After saying goodbye to his coworkers, he pulled me over to a nearby alley. “What are you doing here?” he demanded. “Let’s get a divorce,” I said. “Are you crazy? Is this about Emma again? How many times do I have to tell you, it’s not what you think.” As we were talking, Emma suddenly appeared. She immediately latched onto Jake’s arm and smiled at me. “Sister-in-law, you’re just too jealous. If I really wanted Jake, do you think you’d stand a chance?” How sweet of her to say. I was about to respond when my phone rang. “Ma’am, we need you to come to the police station again. There’s been a development in the case.” After hanging up, I turned to leave. Jake grabbed my wrist. “Where are you running off to? Did Emma hit a nerve? You really are just a jealous shrew.” I yanked my hand away and slapped Jake hard across the face. “Watch your mouth. I don’t have time for your nonsense right now.” I rushed to the police station. The officer offered me a glass of water first. “So, have you or your family made any enemies recently?” he asked. I thought about it. I hardly ever left the house, let alone made enemies. I barely even saw anyone. So it had to be related to Jake somehow. But given Jake’s unusual job, I’d never heard him mention conflicts with anyone. Suddenly, Emma came to mind. I remembered the look in her eyes at the cemetery. I nodded. “My husband has a mistress. Does that count?” The officers exchanged glances. “It could.” “What’s going on? Did the killer say something?” “Well, we have reason to believe Kevin’s murder was a contract killing.” A contract killing. Kevin was so young. Who could be so heartless? “Why didn’t you tell me this before?” I asked. The officer looked embarrassed. “I apologize. It was an oversight on our part.” The rest of the details were confidential, so the police couldn’t share more with me. When I got home from the station, I was surprised to find Jake there. He was lounging on the couch with his legs crossed, seemingly unaware that our son was missing. “Where’s Kevin? Out playing again?” he asked casually. Unbelievable! I set down my things. “Now you care about your son? Where were you before?” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Jake, let’s get divorced,” I said. I took a deep breath. I would just have to accept that Kevin no longer had a father. More accurately, Jake didn’t deserve to be a father. Seeing how serious I was, Jake started to panic. He smiled and took my hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. We’ve been married for so many years. You can’t throw it all away over this little thing with Emma.” “Oh, so you do remember how long we’ve been married,” I said with a bitter laugh. “Then please, just agree to the divorce. Don’t make this painful for both of us.” Jake came up and hugged me from behind. “How can you bear to divorce me? Don’t you want Kevin to have a father? Do you want him to be bullied for not having a dad?” SSo he did know that kids without fathers get bullied. I turned and grabbed Jake by the collar, dragging him to Kevin’s room. “Look closely. These are your son’s ashes.”

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