The swimming pool turned crimson. My son’s body floated to the surface, covered in holes. Blood leaked from everywhere—his arms, his legs, places I couldn’t even see yet. I dove in and dragged Leo to the edge. His swimsuit was writhing. Leeches. Hundreds of them. Someone had stuffed his trunks full of bloodsucking parasites before the race. The woman responsible stood poolside, laughing. Her son—the real culprit—slapped me across the face. Once. Twice. Ten times. “How dare a scholarship kid compete against the richest family in Manhattan?” She grabbed my hair, forcing me to my knees. “This is what happens when trash tries to climb above its station.” Her smile was venomous. “One word from me, and you’ll be exiled from New York society forever. Try me.” I raised an eyebrow. Since when did the sole heir to the Sterling fortune become a “charity case”? I wiped the blood from my lip and pulled out my phone. Speed-dial: my husband. “Richard,” I said calmly. “I heard a rumor that the Sterling family has a… bastard son. Is that true?” — A male voice answered. Not Richard’s. “Who the hell is this?” The assistant’s tone was sharp. “Mr. Ashford doesn’t have time for this. Vanguard Holdings will sue you into the ground if you keep harassing him.” I froze. Ten years of marriage. He didn’t even have my number saved. The voice on the other end kept yelling, but I wasn’t listening anymore. My eyes locked onto the woman’s wrist. A jade bracelet. Translucent green. My family heirloom. And the boy beside her—her son—was wearing the limited-edition watch I’d given Leo for his birthday. So that’s how it was. If I hadn’t come home early from my business trip, I never would’ve known. Richard had a mistress. And judging by the boy’s age—exactly Leo’s age—he’d been cheating since the day we conceived our son. He’d been eating at my table for a decade. Now he wanted to feast somewhere else. Fine. Let’s see how he likes his last meal. I hung up. The referee smirked. “What’s wrong? Realizing your little stunt didn’t work?” She gestured toward the mistress with exaggerated respect. “This is Simone, wife of Richard Ashford, CEO of Vanguard Holdings. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll pull your son from the competition right now.” The other parents chimed in. “Everyone knows Chase is the favorite to win. Why’s some scholarship brat even allowed in the pool?” “Honestly, I’m worried my kid will catch something just swimming near him. Poor people carry diseases, you know.” Their stares felt like knives. Leo trembled in my arms, his small body shaking. He clutched my sleeve, voice barely a whisper. “Mom, I didn’t do anything wrong. I just… I heard first place gets $500. I wanted to buy you a present.” His lips were white. “And if I get into the training program, it’s free. Room and board. You won’t have to spend money on me anymore.” My heart shattered. Three years ago, I left for Europe to handle overseas operations. Before I left, I explicitly told Richard: give Leo a $50,000 monthly allowance. And now my son was competing for five hundred dollars. Before Leo could finish speaking, a swim goggle flew through the air. It hit him square in the groin. Chase sneered. “My dad booked out the entire Ritz for my victory party tonight. You really thought you could steal my trophy?” Leo collapsed, curling into a ball. Simone and Chase exchanged a glance. Her smile turned predatory. “If your son wants attention so badly, let’s give him some.” She raised her hand. A pack of photographers surged forward, cameras flashing. One of them grinned. “‘Elementary School Swimmer Uses Leeches to Cheat—Story at Eleven.’ This is gonna trend for sure.” I stared at the flashing lights, my voice colder than ice. “Whichever outlet publishes a single photo will be erased from Manhattan by morning.” The authority in my tone made every camera freeze mid-click. Leo’s tears streamed down his face as he clutched himself, gasping in pain. “Mom… it hurts…” I pulled up his sleeve. The leeches had burrowed deep. Dozens of puncture wounds covered his skin. God only knew how much worse it was in the places I couldn’t see. My hands shook as I dialed. “Arthur,” I said quietly. “Leo’s been injured. I need the best trauma team in the city at this location. Now.” A pause. “And freeze all of Richard’s access to company assets. Bring him to me. I don’t care if you have to drag him.” Arthur’s voice was steady. “Understood, Miss Sterling. I’m en route.”

Before I could lower my phone, Simone slapped it out of my hand. She tilted her chin up, eyes filled with contempt. “Still trying to call for backup? Pathetic.” “You’re not leaving until you and your brat get on your knees and apologize to my son.” I laughed bitterly. “You attack my child, and you want us to apologize?” Chase crossed his arms, smug. “Everyone at school knows the rules. Anyone who crosses me crawls around the playground on all fours. Like a dog.” He looked at Leo, his smile cruel. “Your son’s the best at it, by the way. So obedient…” Leo whimpered and covered his head, his whole body trembling. I stroked his back, my voice soft. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here now. The doctors are coming.” Simone laughed. “Doctors? Let me show you what real power looks like.” She snapped her fingers. Within seconds, every road leading to the venue was blocked. Barricades. Security. Nothing in or out. Leo’s temperature spiked. Every second we waited, the leeches burrowed deeper into his flesh. My fury finally erupted. I slapped Simone across the face. “You gold-digging trash. You think you can block MY son from receiving medical care?” “The entire hospital network in this city is owned by the Sterling family. You have no authority here.” I raised my voice, addressing the crowd. “My name is Victoria Sterling. I am the true owner of Vanguard Holdings.” “If there are any medical professionals present, please help my son. The Sterling family will repay you generously.” Silence. No one moved. Simone recovered from the slap, her face twisted in rage. “What are you waiting for?! Grab her!” Seven bodyguards rushed me. Within seconds, I was pinned to the ground. Simone’s eyes gleamed with malice. “Make this bitch kowtow. Ninety-nine times. I want to hear her skull crack.” Thud. Thud. Thud. My forehead slammed into the tile floor again and again. Warm blood trickled into my eyes, blurring my vision. Simone pulled out her phone, her voice sickly sweet. “Honey? Someone’s bullying me. She says her name is—” Richard didn’t even let her finish. “I don’t care who she is. No one in this city can touch my wife and get away with it.” His voice was firm, protective. “Do whatever you want to her. I’ll handle the rest when I’m done with this meeting.” The crowd whispered, delighted. “Did you hear that? Mr. Ashford doesn’t even know who she is.” “She’s insane. Everyone knows Richard worships the ground Simone walks on. She’s done for.” Leo crawled toward Chase on his hands and knees, his voice breaking. “Please. I’ll do anything. I’ll be your dog. Just… don’t hurt my mom anymore…” Chase kicked him in the face. His shoe ground into Leo’s cheek. “Too late for begging now, loser.” A voice boomed from the entrance. “STOP!”

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I caught my wife cheating on Christmas Eve. The proof? One million people watched her do it on TikTok. Christmas was three days away. After five years of marriage, my wife Chloe finally agreed to take me home to meet her parents. I wanted to bring the two bottles of 1945 Romanée-Conti wine. My father left for me—worth five million dollars. But when I went to the cellar, the bottles were gone. Chloe flew into a rage, accusing me of being broke and pretending to be rich. That night, she took our daughter Lily and left for her parents’ house without me. On Christmas Day, a video exploded across TikTok. On the dining table sat two identical bottles of wine. The caption: [Generous Son-in-Law Brings Million-Dollar Wine to Christmas Dinner] Just as I thought it was an impossible coincidence, Chloe’s face appeared in the video. My hands trembled with rage. I left a comment under the video: [Does stolen wine taste good?] Later, I slapped the divorce papers down in front of Chloe Morrison and immediately withdrew all my investments from her company. She stared at me. “You want a divorce? Because of two bottles of wine?” I nodded, my voice steady. “Yes.” … My comment was quickly buried, but not before catching some attention. Less than five minutes later, Chloe’s call came through, her voice exploding through the phone. I thought she’d apologize. Instead, the moment I answered, she started screaming. “Ethan Carter! Are you out of your mind? Who told you to leave comments under Jared’s video?” “Do you know Jared has one million followers? His image is everything! If your comment starts a hate campaign, it’ll destroy his career! Can you take responsibility for that?” I forced down my anger, my voice ice-cold. “Destroy his career? He stole my wine to show off. Tell him to return it, or I’m calling the police.” “You dare!” Chloe’s voice shot up even higher. “Ethan, can you act like a man for once and be more generous? The wine was going to my dad anyway. What’s the difference if you give it or he gives it?” “Jared is a public figure. He needs this persona! And those wines—how much can they even be worth? I’ll Venmo you two hundred dollars, okay?” First she accused me of being broke and faking wealth. Now she accused me of being petty. Some people have a talent for twisting black into white. “Chloe, I’m telling you one last time—” “Enough!” She cut me off brutally. “Delete the comment now, and post an apology pinned to the top! Or we’re done!” She hung up. Listening to the dial tone, my heart turned cold. Years ago, I hid my true identity as the sole heir to Carter Group just to win her heart with sincerity, not money. For five years, I gave her every resource to fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams, helping her rise from a junior employee to CEO of a public company. It was time to end this. Just then, the regional director from Porsche called. “Mr. Carter, the Porsche Panamera you ordered for Mrs. Carter has arrived. When would you like to pick it up?” I froze. I’d ordered this car two weeks ago. To make it up to her, and to give her face when visiting her parents, I’d custom-ordered this fully-loaded luxury car as a surprise. I took a deep breath, about to say I’d postpone the pickup. But the director hurriedly added. “Oh, sorry Mr. Carter. Mrs. Carter just picked up the car with another man. My colleague just told me. Apologies for disturbing you.” “What did you say?” I sat bolt upright. My head buzzed. I hung up immediately, opened TikTok, and clicked into Jared’s profile. Two minutes ago, he’d posted a new video. The background was the dealership entrance. Jared leaned against a brand-new burgundy Porsche Panamera, dangling the keys, his face lit up with smug satisfaction. Chloe stood beside him, intimately adjusting his collar. The caption read: [Christmas Gift!!! Is This What Being Loved Feels Like? Obsessed with New Ride! #NewCar #Porsche #Blessed] The comments section exploded. [Wow! She spoils you so much!] [He gives million-dollar wine, she gives a fully-loaded Panamera!] [Tears of envy streaming from my mouth—is this what power couple love looks like?] Chloe replied with a blushing emoji. [As long as you’re happy, this car is worth it! ] My fingers tightened around the phone. At that moment, I finally gave up hope. I opened the company group chat and dropped the screenshot. Caption: [How generous of CEO Morrison—stealing her husband’s money to her assistant, wine and cars for Christmas.]

The message went out. Within a minute, the group chat exploded. But the response was completely opposite of what I expected. I thought the employees would be shocked. But I forgot—though I was the one who invested in this company, nobody knew, even Chloe. Chloe’s message immediately popped up. [Ethan Carter, what’s your problem? Why are you talking nonsense in the company chat?] [Do you have any idea how much profit Jared’s livestream sales brought the company this past six months? This car is his year-end bonus. What’s the issue?] [You, on the other hand, as a grown man, you’re petty and vindictive.] What a masterclass in gaslighting! That car was bought with MY money! Before I could type a response, the employees started kissing up. [Exactly, Mr. Carter. Jared is the company’s backbone now. It’s just a car. CEO Morrison’s decision was right.] [Some men are just insecure. When they can’t succeed themselves, they get jealous of those who can.] [Mr. Carter, I heard you can’t even afford decent gifts for CEO Morrison. Now she’s rewarding a top performer and you’re bitter about it?] Watching message after message attacking me and praising Jared, watching Chloe’s blatant favoritism, my anger strangely dissipated. The greatest sorrow is a dead heart. Chloe continued, tagging me in the chat. [Ethan Carter, delete that message NOW and post an apology to Jared! Or face the consequences!] [Don’t force me to humiliate you during Christmas!] Jared chimed in with a fake, pathetic voice message. “Miss Morrison, please don’t fight with your husband over me. I’ll return the car. As long as he’s not mad and doesn’t misunderstand us, I’m fine taking this hit.” Chloe’s response came instantly. [Don’t you DARE return it! You earned this car! Let’s see who dares say otherwise!] Watching this pair of bitches playing their little theater, I let out a cold laugh. [The wine is worth five million dollars. The car is worth five hundred thousand dollars. Transfer the money by tomorrow, or I’ll see you in court.] After sending that message, I didn’t hesitate. I left the group chat. Instant silence. My marriage had been stable until Jared returned from abroad. He was Chloe’s college junior—her “innocent little boy,” as she called him. When Chloe was pregnant and craved sour food, I drove all night across the city to find it. She complained it tasted terrible. Jared casually shipped her a box of lemon. She called it heaven-sent. Gradually, she came home later and later. She mentioned Jared more and more. Now I understood. Chloe’s heart had left home long ago. I sat in the empty living room and texted my lawyer. [Draft divorce papers. Also, withdraw all investments from Chloe’s company.] After finishing, I stood up to leave. The moment I opened the door, I came face to face with my wife and daughter. Chloe’s expression darkened when she saw me. “Ethan Carter, how long are you going to keep this up? My parents just called asking what the hell is wrong with you! Do you know how embarrassing this is?” I ignored her, my eyes falling on our five-year-old daughter Lily. I wanted to carry her to her room, to spare her from adult problems. But suddenly she screamed. “Get away! Bad Daddy!” The toy in Lily’s hand came flying at my face. The sharp edge hit my brow bone. Searing pain. Warm liquid trickled down my temple. I covered my forehead, staring in disbelief at the daughter I’d cherished since birth. Lily hid behind Chloe, glaring at me like I was her mortal enemy. “You’re a bad person! You bullied Jared! Mommy said Jared is a hero and you’re demon!” “I don’t want you as my daddy anymore! I want Jared to be my daddy!” Chloe didn’t scold her. Instead, she stared coldly at my bleeding forehead. “See? Even your own daughter is disgusted by you. Ethan Carter, you’ve failed as a human being.” “By the way, Dad’s hosting his wine tasting dinner tonight. Jared’s livestreaming the whole thing. If you don’t show up and apologize, we’re getting divorced!” In that instant, I heard something inside me shatter completely. I turned to my briefcase, pulled out freshly printed documents, and slammed them down in front of Chloe. “You don’t need to threaten me. We’re getting divorced.”

Chloe froze. She looked down at the divorce papers, then let out a scoff. “Ethan, you’re serious? Over a few bottles of wine and a car, you want a divorce?” I nodded, my gaze steady. “Yes.” “Fine! Don’t regret this!” Chloe grabbed the papers and signed her name without hesitation. “Let’s divorce!” “Lily, we’re leaving! Let’s go find Jared!” My daughter stuck her tongue out at me. “Blehhh! I’m going to ride in the sports car!” The door slammed. The house returned to deathly silence. I touched the dried blood on my forehead and dialed a number. “Marcus, it’s me. Ethan Carter.” An excited voice came through the phone. “Mr. Carter? You’re finally contacting me! After your father passed, the company has been waiting for you to take charge!” “I’m coming back.” My voice was flat. “Also, notify the group. Cut off all funding to Morrison Enterprises and Chloe Morrison personally.” “Yes, Mr. Carter! I’ll handle it immediately!” “One more thing.” I glanced at the wall clock. Six hours until their dinner party. “Run a paternity test between me and my daughter, Lily Carter. I need results in two hours.” My assistant agreed repeatedly. After hanging up, I made another call. Watching Jared’s preview video for the wine tasting, I smiled. I hope your party goes smoothly tonight. I sat in the back of the Rolls-Royce, watching the livestream on my iPad. The stream was packed—over two hundred thousand viewers online. Jared wore a custom-tailored suit, sitting beside the head of the table like the man of the house. My daughter Lily sat in his lap. The two looked strikingly similar. Chloe sat beside him, smiling tenderly. Chloe’s parents held my two bottles of vintage wine, showing off to the camera. “Everyone, look at this wine! My wonderful son-in-law Jared gave us this! I heard it’s worth tens of millions!” The comments flooded in with praise. [Jared’s amazing! Even the bottles look extraordinary!] [This wine looks like the legendary reserve collection? I heard it was owned by top elites in elite circles.] Jared basked in the flattery, humbly telling the camera. “Thank you, everyone. This wine is indeed rare. I pulled a lot of strings and bid on it at an auction, all to make my future father-in-law happy! As long as they’re happy, it’s worth it!” Chloe looked at him adoringly. “Jared, you’re so thoughtful.” Just then, my assistant sent the paternity test results in electronic version. Looking at the results, I laughed bitterly. The last trace of warmth in my eyes vanished completely. “Stop the car.” The Rolls-Royce came to a smooth stop at the hotel entrance. I pushed open the door and strode toward the banquet hall. Since they wanted to play this game of wealth and status, I’d give them a performance they’d never forget. I kicked the banquet hall doors open. The loud crash interrupted the celebration. Every eye instantly locked onto me. Chloe saw me, her face turning black with rage. She shot to her feet. “Ethan Carter, I told you to come apologize, not crash the party.” I stared coldly at this family of clowns, pointing at the wine on the table and the car keys in Jared’s hand. “Jared, stealing my wine, driving my car, flaunting wealth online—aren’t you afraid it’ll shorten your life?” The livestream exploded. Comments flew past in a blur. But Jared didn’t panic. He gave the camera a helpless, bitter smile. “Everyone, this is the gold-digging loser I’ve mentioned before. He has no skills himself, so when he sees his ex-wife doing well, he gets jealous.” My mother-in-law spat on the ground. “Pfft! What do you mean YOUR wine? Have you ever even SEEN wine this expensive? This is from my wonderful son-in-law Jared, who spent big money to honor us!” I turned to Chloe. “Chloe Morrison, we haven’t finalized the divorce yet. Are you that eager to acknowledge your new husband?” Chloe looked at me with pure disgust. In front of all the relatives and the livestream camera, she wrapped her arm around Jared’s. “Ethan Carter, stop flattering yourself. In my heart, only Jared deserves to be my husband.” My father-in-law stood up, announcing loudly to the camera. “Listen up everyone, from now on, the Morrison family only recognizes Jared Robinson as our son-in-law. This Carter guy has nothing to do with us—he’s just a shameless leech!” “Security! Get this lunatic out of here!” Following his shout, four burly men surrounded me. “I’d like to see who dares touch me!” My sharp command, backed by years of authority, made the guards hesitate. But then a wine glass came flying, smashing against my leg. Red wine splashed all over my pants. I looked down. It was Lily. She still had a piece of cream cake in her hand, which she hurled at my face. “Bad man! I’ll hit you! Don’t bully my daddy!” Cream covered my eyes. I was a mess. But Lily clapped and laughed, throwing herself into Jared’s arms. “Daddy, I chased away the bad guy! Take me to Disneyland!” Jared stroked her head lovingly, looking at me with provocation. “Good girl, you’re amazing.” In that moment, my heart twisted like a knife. Turns out I didn’t even need to read that paternity test. Just looking at this identical cruelty, I knew whose child she was. “Beat him! I’ll take responsibility!” Chloe ordered. The guards stopped hesitating and rushed forward. Four against one. I was forced to the ground, fists landing on my face. Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth. Jared walked over, looking down at me. His shoe pressed onto my hand, grinding hard. “Ethan, do you see reality now?” Before I could respond, the doors burst open again. The livestream comments went insane. [Holy shit! Isn’t that—isn’t that the billionaire who’s always on the news?!] [Oh my god! Jared’s connections are insane! Even a billionaire came to toast him?] A man with a powerful aura walked in, surrounded by an entourage. Jared clearly hadn’t expected such a big influence. After a moment of shock, he became ecstatic. Thinking his fame had attracted this important person, he quickly straightened his clothes and approached with a wine glass, his smile obsequious. “Mr. Sterling! What brings you here! This is such an honor!” However, Mr. Sterling didn’t even glance at him, completely ignoring his outstretched hand. After scanning the room, his brow furrowed slightly. Suddenly, his gaze locked onto the two bottles of opened wine on the table. Mr. Sterling’s face instantly turned to shock. He pushed past Jared and rushed to the table, his hands trembling as he picked up the bottle to examine it closely. My father-in-law, thinking the VIP liked the wine, said proudly. “Sir! This wine is from my son-in-law Jared—worth tens of millions dollars! If you like it, I can pour you a glass?” “Your son-in-law gave this?” Mr. Sterling whipped around, staring daggers at Jared, his voice carrying a hint of killing intent. “You’re saying this wine—you gave it, you bought it?” Jared was startled by the intensity, but thinking of the hundreds of thousands watching the livestream, he raised his head confidently. “Yes! I got this at an auction—” “BULLSHIT!” Mr. Sterling’s hand cracked across Jared’s face, spinning him in place. Half his face instantly swelled up. “How DARE you steal from the Carter family!” “I personally gave this wine to Old Mr. Carter years ago. There are only two bottles like this in the world. What gives YOU the right to touch them!”

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I am a Soul Guide, walking the veil between life and death. When a wolf’s heart stops, if their soul reaches my hands before midnight—before the Moon Goddess seals The Threshold—I can ferry them back to the living world. In my past life, Silas came to me broken. The acrid scent of gunpowder and raw desperation clung to him as he stood in my doorway. He begged me to save Seraphina, the pack doctor who’d been ambushed during a rogue hunt. I agreed to help her. Three months later, Silas courted me with a display of dominance and honor. He presented me with his claws—trophies from every kill he’d made defending the Great Pack Alliance. “I swear on my Alpha blood,” he growled, amber eyes molten with intensity. “I will protect you for the rest of our lives.” We mated in a ceremony before the entire Blood Moon Pack. Every wolf witnessed our bond snap into place. I didn’t know that when I went into early labor, Seraphina,the same she-wolf I’d pulled back from death,would slice my belly open with a silver blade. She tore my pup from my womb while I screamed, the metallic tang of my own blood flooding my mouth, choking me. Blood pooled beneath me, warm and sticky, as I begged Silas to save our child. His eyes flashed cold,He strapped an incendiary device to the pup’s blanket. “Soul Guide?” His lip curled back, exposing canines. “You’re just a fraud who got lucky.” “I only mated you to make Seraphina jealous. You told the Alpha King before I could back out. You forced my hand. You made her cry.” “If you’re really a Moon Seer, then save yourself and this bastard pup.” The fire consumed us both. The smell of my own burning flesh was the last thing I knew. When I opened my eyes again, I stood in front of my door. Silas stood on my porch, shoulders heaving, eyes red-rimmed. Begging me to save Seraphina. This time, I slammed the door in his face. “The Goddess chooses who lives and dies,” I said through the wood, my voice hard. “I’m just a fraud, remember? I can’t help you.”

“Elara! Please, you have to save her! She’s so young…” Silas’s voice cracked through my skull like thunder. My body jerked. I stared at the Alpha standing before me in blood-stained combat fatigues, fists clenched at his sides. The burn of silver still seared my skin. I scanned my surroundings. Antiseptic sharp enough to make my wolf recoil, fluorescent lights humming overhead, the rhythmic beeping of monitors. The Pack’s main healing den. My breath caught. I’d been reborn. In my previous life, he’d stood just like this. Broken. Desperate. His wolf whimpering beneath his skin, begging me to resurrect Seraphina from death’s door. I’d spent every ounce of power dragging her soul back from the Moon Goddess’s realm, felt my own life force drain away with each whispered incantation. Then they murdered me. Murdered our pup. Never again. I met his desperate gaze with ice. “No.” Silas’s head dropped. His shoulders shook like he’d taken a physical blow, his wolf’s anguish bleeding through the bond all Alphas project. I turned to leave. A young enforcer sprinted toward us, nearly tripping over his own boots. “Alpha Silas! Doctor Seraphina—she’s awake!” Silas and I both froze. We burst through the door. Seraphina sat propped against pillows, skin pale as moonlight but lips curved in a radiant smile. Silas rushed to her bedside, his large hand engulfing hers. “Sera, you’re okay. Thank the Goddess.” His head whipped toward me. Eyes narrowed to slits, wolf rising behind them. “Elara. So much for your ‘gift’ of seeing death coming.” “You heartless bitch. You refused to help her out of spite.” “Thank the Goddess Seraphina saves lives every day. The Goddess’s grace brought her back. If she’d died, her blood would be on your hands.” Every wolf in the room turned hostile eyes on me. The air thickened with their combined aggression,raising every hair on my arms, making my wolf snarl in warning. Seraphina squeezed Silas’s hand, her voice soft and sweet as poisoned honey. “It’s okay. Maybe Elara is still angry with me…” Silas snarled, the sound vibrating deep in his chest, rattling the windows. “Angry about what? You earned your position as pack doctor through skill!” “Soul Guide? Moon Seer? You might fool the others, but not me. You’re a charlatan, and I’ll never let you endanger my wolves.” The same man who’d nearly fallen apart moments ago now looked at me like I was his sworn enemy, his scent turning acrid with rage. His voice dropped to a lethal rumble that made lesser wolves back away. “You’re jealous Seraphina became pack doctor. So you let her die.” “A snake like you? I should rip your throat out right now.” I watched him rage for Seraphina, his chest heaving with each breath, muscles coiled tight. My mind drifted. He’d been the same in my past life. The smallest scratch on my skin made him shift half-feral with protectiveness. A papercut made him weep, cradling my hand like it held his entire world. I shoved down the twisted feeling in my chest. Then I noticed the wisp of smoke curling behind Seraphina’s shoulders, visible only to those who are dying. Recognition slammed into me. She wasn’t healed. This was the death surge—the final brilliant flare before the soul departs. She had twelve hours. Maybe less. Her smug expression made my decision easy. Last time, I’d saved her life. She’d repaid me by cutting my pup from my womb. This time, I’d let Fate take its course.

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In my last life, she caused me to lose my arms and legs. Now that I’d been reborn, I was going to take revenge. In my past life, right after graduation, Ashley used the promise of high pay to recruit our entire class to work summer jobs at her family’s factory. She even promised that after working the summer, we’d get fast-tracked into management positions at her family’s company after college. But two days into the job, a machine malfunctioned and severed both my arms and legs. By the time I got to the hospital, it was too late. When my parents confronted Ashley, she showed zero remorse. “I warned her not to touch the machines. It’s her own fault for being clumsy and stupid.” My childhood friend Ryan defended her too. “Everyone else was fine. She’s the only one who got hurt. Obviously she’s just trying to scam money.” The entire class split my settlement money and testified against me. My parents believed I was a con artist. Ashamed of me, they abandoned my body in the morgue. They even gave our entire family inheritance to Ashley as “emotional damages.” When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day Ashley invited us all to work at her factory. — “Don’t you guys want to earn money? Well, I pulled some strings to get our entire class jobs at my family’s factory—over ten thousand a month!” “And if you work this summer, after college graduation you can go straight into management at my company. Pretty generous of me, right?” Ashley’s smug announcement made me realize—I’d been given a second chance. Everyone cheered, thanking her for the opportunity. But my body still remembered the electric shock from the machinery, the agony of my limbs being ground to pulp. I grabbed my bag and headed for the door. Ashley’s hand shot out, catching my arm. “Emma, where are you going? Everyone agreed to work at my family’s factory. You’re the only one who hasn’t answered.” I yanked my arm away. “I’m not going. I’ve got other plans.” Ryan crossed his arms and stepped beside her, his voice dripping with disapproval. “Where’s your sense of gratitude? Your parents spent years paying for your education. You should be jumping at the chance to earn money and pay them back!” My fists clenched. “I borrowed some money online before finals. This summer I have to go to Mexico to pay it back. I already signed the contract. People from there are coming specifically to find me.” Ashley’s eyes narrowed, looking me up and down skeptically. “Mexico? That place is crawling with criminals. You’re asking to get killed.” Her fake concern made my skin crawl. Still better than her sabotaging me, letting a machine tear me apart so she could pocket the insurance money. I shrugged, playing regretful. “But I already gave my word. If I don’t go, their boss will come looking for me here, and everyone will get dragged into it.” When the class heard Mexican gangsters might show up, they immediately backed off. “If she doesn’t want the opportunity, forget her! Ashley, we’ll all go without her!” But Ashley wouldn’t let it drop. “Problem is, I already applied for all of you. My dad will only hire the group if everyone comes. We can’t be missing anyone.” “So you’re saying you want the whole class to lose this money-making opportunity because of you?” The same classmates who’d just dismissed me now shot me resentful glares. Ryan tore into me. “What Mexican gangsters? If they come for anyone, it’s you. Get yourself to that factory first and make up the headcount. Don’t drag the rest of us down with your problems!” Everyone else piled on, like they wanted to rip me apart. “Ashley worked so hard to get us this opportunity! If you don’t go, we’ll report you for abusing your position as class president to bully students. We’ll get you expelled from college!” “Exactly! We’re counting on working our way into management at Ashley’s family company! If you ruin our futures, we’ll make you pay!” They closed in on me like a mob. Ashley raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with pressure. “Emma, this isn’t just about you anymore. You’re hurting everyone’s interests. Want the whole class to hate you forever?” I clenched my fists and finally nodded, buying myself time. “Fine. I’ll go to her family’s factory with you.”

The second I got home, I bought a plane ticket to Mexico. No way was I going to that factory when I knew Ashley was after my insurance payout. Once I left the country, I could avoid my past life’s fate. The day I was supposed to leave for the airport, the entire class showed up at my front door. Ryan cheerfully dragged me outside, telling my parents, “Mr. and Mrs. White, we’re all working at the Davis factory this summer. Emma won’t be home for two months!” My parents had trusted Ryan since we were kids. Seeing the whole group of students, they agreed without a second thought. Ashley fake-politely pulled me onto the bus, waving to my parents to reassure them. Ryan, terrified I’d escape, wrapped the seatbelt around me several times. “Don’t worry, Emma. Ashley’s factory is way out in the middle of nowhere. Even if those Mexican guys come looking, they’ll never find you!” “After you finish these two months, you can pay off your debt! Then you should get on your knees and thank Ashley. She’s your boss!” Ashley waved her hand, laughing with hidden meaning. “She’s OUR boss! We’re all getting paid because of her!” The class burst into laughter, thinking she was mocking me. Only I knew—she meant every word. The bus was about to merge onto the highway. If I didn’t get off now, once we reached the factory gates, there’d be no escape. I forced myself to stay calm and shouted, “Tell the driver to stop! I need to use the bathroom!” Ashley glared at me, annoyed. “Hold it. We’re almost there.” “It’s your family’s factory—what’s a few minutes? Unless you’re planning to treat us like slaves from day one?” My sharp retort made the other students nod in agreement. Reluctantly, Ashley told the driver to stop at a gas station. “You can use the bathroom, but everyone hands me their phones first. Just to make sure nobody tries to run off. We’re all in this together, right?” I glared at her, teeth clenched. She was clearly targeting me. Ryan was first to hand over his phone, frowning at me. “Hand it over! You’re always causing problems!” Everyone stared me down, pressuring me. “Come on! We all gave ours up. Ashley’s just trying to keep things fair!” We were on the outskirts now, not too far from the airport. If I could just get off this bus, I could run there and still make my flight. Reluctantly, I pulled out my phone and tossed it to her, then tried to dash off the bus. Ashley suddenly screamed, “Grab her!” Ryan and the others yanked me back by my collar. She slammed my phone against my forehead. “I knew she was up to something! She bought a ticket to Mexico—for this afternoon at 2 PM! She was planning to run!” The class looked at the boarding notification on my screen, then shoved me back into my seat. “Emma! If you make us lose this money-making opportunity, you’re dead!” “You better sit still! Or we’ll tie you up ourselves!” Ryan pulled out rope from somewhere and bound me tightly to the seat. “I knew you’d try something! No way you’re getting away! Ashley promised we’d all interview together. Every single one of us!” I struggled hard, but the ropes didn’t budge. Watching Ryan and Ashley exchange congratulatory looks made my blood run cold. At Ashley’s signal, the driver pulled back onto the road. As the city disappeared behind us, my heart sank.

When we arrived at the factory, everyone happily dragged their luggage off the bus. Some planned how they’d spend their paychecks after two months. Others grinned about landing management positions at the Davis company after college. Only I stared at this decrepit, ominous factory, my entire body trembling. I had to escape today. Tomorrow, I’d die here just like in my past life. Ashley yanked on the rope dragging me along. Unable to break free, I tried warning the others. “Why do these machines look so old? Ashley, you sure your family’s equipment won’t kill someone?!” Everyone paused. Ryan immediately defended her. “Don’t be dramatic! Ashley’s from the richest family in the City. The machines just look old—they’re obviously state-of-the-art!” The others looked at her adoringly. “Exactly! Everything the Davis family owns is top quality. You’re just poor and jealous. Talk trash about Ashley again and we’ll all turn on you!” “Ashley’s giving you this opportunity out of kindness. One more bad word and we’re cutting you off completely!” Ashley, who’d looked nervous at my question, relaxed when everyone defended her. She laughed, yanking my hair. “Emma, you’re poor and haven’t seen anything nice, so I’ll forgive you! But since you bad-mouthed my family, you better lick my shoes clean when you get your paycheck!” My scalp burned. Watching everyone eagerly fill out interview forms, I realized—no one was going to help me. While everyone crowded around the interview table, completely ignoring me, I saw my chance. Ashley had my phone, but I still had my smartwatch. I crept into a corner and dialed 911. When someone answered, I whispered urgently, “Officer! There’s illegal labor trafficking here. My life is in danger! We’re at—” Before I could finish the address, Ashley ripped the watch off my wrist and smashed it. “Emma! You called the cops?!” Everyone stopped their interviews, shooting hateful glares my way. Ryan crushed the watch under his heel and slapped me across the face. “You idiot! Are you trying to destroy all of us?! Can’t stand seeing us succeed, can you!” The slap left me dizzy. I bit out, “If this factory’s legit, why can’t I call the cops?! What are you hiding that you’re so scared of police investigating?!” Ryan’s eyes shifted, and my heart plummeted. He was in on it with Ashley. He knew I’d been brought here to die in a machine “accident” so they could split the insurance money. But Ashley didn’t even flinch. She said coldly, “The Davis family is the richest in the City. We can handle anything. I just don’t want cops wasting everyone’s work time!” “If we lose even a dollar, will you compensate us?! Besides, we signed contracts—we have to complete two months before we can intern at my company!” Everyone turned on me, shoving me around. “You troublemaker! You’re trying to ruin everything for us!” I stumbled and hit my head on a machine, pain exploding in my skull. Ashley stepped on my head, self-righteous and furious. “We can’t let her destroy our futures! I propose we make her sign a contract—if she leaves the factory, she pays each of us a hundred thousand dollars. That’ll keep her here!” My eyes widened. “That’s illegal! That contract wouldn’t hold up!” Ashley smiled coldly, holding a handwritten note. “Once you sign and fingerprint it, it’s binding. Emma, unless you’re planning something, why won’t you sign?” Ryan and the others grabbed my wrists, forcing my hand toward the paper. “Ashley just wants a guarantee from you! As long as you don’t leave, nothing happens. Just sign!” “Ashley’s looking out for us! Our patience is running out!” As my hand got closer to the paper, I panicked and threw myself toward a bottle of acid in the corner. I knocked it over with both hands, the acid eating away my fingerprints instantly. Gasping with relief, I said shakily, “No fingerprints now. And I won’t sign.” Ashley’s eyes went ice cold, her laugh chilling. “I was going easy on you. Just wanted a signature for everyone’s peace of mind. Guess we’re doing this the hard way.” She pulled a syringe from her bag, advancing on me with murderous intent. “This is something my family developed. One injection and you’ll be brain-dead for life, only capable of repeating one action over and over.” My teeth chattered as I struggled desperately. But Ryan and the others held my arms down, preventing any resistance. Just as the cold needle touched my arm, police sirens wailed outside.

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“My wife’s watch was bugged; her lover installed it. I sued her lover.” The day of the UN negotiations, I noticed my translator wife had a new electronic watch on her wrist. She said it was a gift from her “close friend” to monitor her health, implying I wasn’t as thoughtful or caring as an outsider. I found it strange, so while she napped, I secretly examined it and discovered a listening device inside. After urgently reporting it, I used my own professional credentials to offset my wife’s mistake. Her close friend ended up on the wanted list and died in a car accident while fleeing. My wife said he got what he deserved, and she became even more attentive toward me. But then at work, she deliberately leaked my translation materials, causing me to be taken away for investigation as a suspected spy. “Nathan Harper, that listening device was clearly planted by YOU! You were jealous of Alex and wanted him dead!” “I truly regret leaving Alex to marry a vicious man like you. You should be six feet under apologizing to Alex!” When I opened my eyes again, I’d returned to the day her close friend gave her that watch. This time, I didn’t meddle. Instead, I signed my name on the divorce papers. — “Nathan Harper, can you stop being so uptight? Would Alex really try to hurt me?” Emily’s impatient voice snapped me back from the shock of being reborn. Our commotion caught the attention of other team members. “Team Leader Bennett, that electronic watch on your wrist doesn’t seem to have been reported?” A sharp-eyed team member noticed the brand-new watch on Emily’s wrist and kindly reminded her. Emily frowned. “This is a personal gift. I don’t need to report it.” “But that doesn’t comply with regula—” Before the team member could finish, she cut them off sharply, “Enough. I’m the team leader for this assignment. If there’s really a problem, I’ll take responsibility.” Hearing this, the team member could only look at me helplessly. I lowered my eyes slightly as memories from my previous life flooded my mind. I’d been worried she might make a huge mistake through carelessness, so I’d secretly checked that watch. After discovering the listening device, I’d traded my ten-year-earned promotion opportunity for her safety. But what I received in return was her insane revenge. I could never forget the horrific scene of being dragged behind a car for hundreds of miles. At this thought, a flash of hatred crossed my eyes. “Team Leader Bennett always knows what she’s doing. We don’t need to worry unnecessarily.” Seeing I wasn’t pressing the watch issue, Emily’s expression improved considerably. Just then, Alex rushed over with his suitcase, out of breath. “Emily, take me with you. I haven’t been abroad in ages.” The team member didn’t hesitate to refuse, “No way! You’re not qualified to participate in such an important assignment.”

“Besides, the personnel list for this trip was personally determined by the Director. Even Team Leader Bennett doesn’t have the authority to add or remove people at will.” A flash of displeasure crossed Alex’s eyes, his tone as if defending Emily’s honor, “Emily, I didn’t realize that as team leader, you don’t even have the right to add an accompanying staff member.” “But why do your team members look at Nathan every time they speak? People who don’t know might think Nathan is the team leader!” Emily immediately flared up. “Who exactly is the team leader—me or Nathan Harper? Since you all listen to him so much, I don’t mind applying to the Director for a complete staff replacement!” Seeing Emily lose her temper publicly, no one dared say anything more. She softened her tone slightly and continued, “Alex needs this rare learning opportunity precisely because he’s a contractor. Otherwise, how will he improve?” “So he’s coming with us this time.” “That doesn’t comply with regulations.” I finally looked up, my tone calm. Emily’s face darkened again. She stared at me, her eyes full of undisguised fury and warning. “I know you’re jealous of Alex, but don’t bring personal feelings into work.” “Anyone who disagrees can voluntarily withdraw from this assignment!” The team members’ expressions all changed. This opportunity was extremely rare—everyone wanted to perform well to prepare for future promotions. Emily swept her cold gaze over everyone, her tone arrogant, “If you don’t want to quit, then shut up. Otherwise, pack your things and get out of the Translation Institute.” I suppressed my churning emotions and said nothing more. Emily Bennett, this time I won’t meddle in your affairs. I want to see how this ends for you.

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My wife spent seven years retaking the Bar Exam—working at our tutoring academy by day, studying by night. Year seven, she finally passed. I took time off to celebrate with her. We’d planned a trip. But the morning we were supposed to leave, she cancelled. Said she had a Summer Intensive Program to run. That afternoon, her assistant—Zane—posted on Instagram Stories. In the photo, Scarlett was leaning over a desk, walking a kid through geometry homework. His caption: “My wife’s a Bar-certified genius. She came home to tutor my little genius.” I laughed. Then I commented: “The son’s got his mom’s eyes. I bet he’ll be a lawyer too someday.” Our staff group chat exploded. Everyone speculating about when I’d finally snap. Scarlett called. Her voice was ice. “Julian. What the hell was that comment? Are you trying to humiliate Zane?” “We’re colleagues. I helped tutor his kid for one afternoon. Can you not be so petty about everything?” “Delete it. We’ll reschedule the trip.” I hung up without a word. The divorce papers finalize in three days. No way am I going on a trip with my ex. — The sun was brutal. I peeled my shirt away from my skin and stepped out of the concert queue. I’d lined up since seven in the morning—Scarlett’s favorite artist was playing tonight and she wanted front row. But now there was no point. I handed my ticket to a couple nearby who hadn’t gotten theirs in time. They gave me that look—the pity look. I walked away. I ducked into a convenience store to get out of the heat. The second the AC hit me, my phone buzzed. Zane had posted in the company group chat. “Just to clear things up—the Instagram Story was a joke. Benny is my son from my ex-wife. Not Scarlett’s. Don’t read into it.” I let out a tired laugh. Nobody responded. Until Scarlett did. “We all know it was a joke, Zane. No need to explain yourself. Only someone with serious trust issues would misread that.” That was all her staff needed. They piled on like they’d been waiting. “Exactly! It was so obviously harmless. Don’t sweat it, Zane.” “The one person in the group who couldn’t take a joke still hasn’t replied. Might want to reach out to him directly…” These people used to kiss my ass when my numbers were good. Now they were wiping Zane’s shoes. And here I was—the guy who had spent ten years building this woman’s dream—getting stomped on in the process. Even the senior staff I’d personally hired and promoted were circling Zane like he was already king. Because the person Scarlett valued wasn’t me—the silent partner who’d sacrificed everything—but a divorced single dad with two kids and an agenda. I felt cold. I left the group. I’d barely taken a sip of cold water when my phone rang. It was Amy, our scheduler. “Julian, I asked you to go pick up a student from the elementary school. He’s been waiting. What’s going on?” We ran a college prep academy. Our students came to us. What student needed picking up from an elementary school? “Which student?” I asked. “Benny,” she said, impatient. “Zane’s older kid. Fifth grade. Go pick him up and bring him here so he can do his homework.” I stared at the wall. “Why would I babysit Zane’s kid?” She sighed. “Scarlett’s orders. Zane had to go deal with something. Just go, he’s been waiting.” Zane hadn’t “gone to deal with something.” He was cornered at the academy by a furious parent whose kid had bombed the Bar Prep mock exams under his tutoring. I told Scarlett from the beginning—Zane never finished high school. He had no business teaching college prep. She hired him anyway. Now she wanted me to babysit his mess? “I’m not going,” I said. “Tell Scarlett to call me herself.” I hung up. I wasn’t about to go fetch the other man’s kid while his hands were wrapped around my marriage. I downed the rest of my cold water and waited. Three minutes later, Scarlett called. I picked up. “What do you want.” Her voice was a blade. I could practically see the vein in her neck. “Julian. Have I been too easy on you?”

“Did you call me just to threaten me?” I asked, leaning against the counter. “Or to ask why I haven’t picked up your boyfriend’s kid yet?” “I made one mistake,” she snapped. “And you’ve been milking it ever since. You have ten minutes to get to that school, or we’re done. File for divorce. I mean it.” I was gripping my phone so hard. I started counting in my head. This was the fourth time in two years she’d thrown the word “divorce” at me to get what she wanted. I was about to say something when I heard it—laughing, clattering, the sound of people having dinner. She was with Zane’s family. Making meals. “Funny,” I said quietly. “You’re at his parents’ place making meals, and you’re still managing to yell at me on the phone. Aren’t you worried his folks will get the wrong idea?” “Oh right. I forgot. Only petty people like me get the wrong idea.” She erupted. “You have NO IDEA how hard it is for Zane to raise two kids on his own! Supporting a colleague is normal! You acting unhinged about it is the problem!” A beat of silence on her end. Then Zane’s voice, soft and close: “Scarlett, the diner was ready. Come eat.” Her tone shifted completely. Warm. Almost tender. “Give me a second, I’m sorting out a work thing.” Then back to me, cold as ever:”Julian. Tutor Benny tonight. If he doesn’t pass the middle school entrance exam next year, you’re fired.” She hung up. I sat with it for a moment. Scarlett wasn’t the same girl who used to blush when she saw me. She wasn’t the woman who once skipped dinner to save money so I could have a decent meal. She’d stopped being that person the first time she chose Zane over me. And she’d made that choice over and over again. I went back to my hotel room and checked my phone. My name was trending on Twitter. Headline: “Child left waiting five hours as tutor ignores student.” Thousands of people were posting about me. Calling me unprofessional, cold, heartless. Strangers on the internet demanding I apologize to Zane. I laughed out loud. The divorce papers finalize in three days. Let them post whatever they want. I closed Twitter and submitted my resignation through the company portal. HR was surprised. Said they’d need to loop in Scarlett. I was fully prepared for a confrontation. Instead, fifteen minutes later, there were two company-wide announcements. One reprimanding me. One terminating me. Scarlett had cut faster than I expected. Good. Whatever was left of my feelings died with those two notifications. I spent three days doing absolutely nothing productive—good food, late nights, long walks. Then I flew home. When I unlocked the door to our apartment, I was hit with the smell. Stale and cold. Neglected. Scarlett had been spending most nights in the staff housing near the academy. This place barely counted as home anymore. I thought about the apartment my parents had wanted to buy us when we first got married. I’d talked them out of it—said we needed to be frugal to fund Scarlett’s Bar prep. We bought a secondhand two-bedroom instead. I cooked for her every night back then. Drove her to the library on weekends. Paid for the best tutors I could find. And every year she’d fall just short. Every year, she’d take a trip with Zane to “clear her head.” I thought I was being patient. Building toward something. Turns out I was just waiting to be discarded. She passed the Bar. And the first thing she did with her new life was sharpen a knife for me. I tore the photo off the wall—us at some waterfall upstate, back when we still smiled like that. I called a realtor and listed the apartment. It wouldn’t sell for much. But I didn’t want a single thing in this apartment anymore.

The next morning, I went to the academy to finish my handover. One last session with my students. After class, one of the boys lingered. “Mr. Caldwell—are you really leaving? I can’t book sessions with you anymore.” I nodded. Word had apparently spread fast. He noticed the framed photo on my desk and lit up. “Wait—is that this year’s Bar exam top scorer? She passed number one!” He pointed at my travel mug. “She has the same mug. Is she your wife?” My hand froze on the mug. Then I heard it crack. I’d squeezed too hard. I tossed both the photo and the broken mug in the trash. “We were just colleagues,” I told him. He left. Seconds later, Zane walked in with Benny. “Julian,” Zane said, voice sharp. “Were you deliberately avoiding picking up Benny? Is this your way of targeting me?” The nerve of this guy. I didn’t even look at him. Just picked up my bag and headed for the door. “Julian! You’re leaving? You actually quit?” he called after me. I glanced back. “Yeah. Got fired for not babysitting your kid. You’re welcome.” Zane’s face tightened. But he recovered fast, tilting his chin up. “Per company policy, you need to formally apologize to Benny and his father for the inconvenience you caused.” I stopped walking. Turned around slowly. “Apologize to you.” I pointed at my own chest. “Me. Apologize to you.” I almost laughed. “If this were another century, I’d have already made you regret saying that.” “Now get out of my way.” I stepped around him. But as I passed, Zane suddenly grabbed Benny’s hand and dropped—both of them—dramatically to the floor. A theatrical groan. I stared at them on the ground, completely baffled. Then Scarlett came rushing in. She helped them up with trembling hands, her face pale—and then she turned to me with murder in her eyes. “Is this what you do when I’m not around? You push children?” Zane looked up with glistening eyes. “I just wanted an apology for Benny. I didn’t think Julian would…” Scarlett pointed at me, her whole body rigid. “Apologize. Right now. Then write a formal statement. Or so help me—” “Or what?” I cut her off. “You’ll fire me again? You did that yesterday.” She froze. Blinked.

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The day my family declared bankruptcy, I pulled my mother back from the ledge of the roof. I told her I would sell myself to Sebastian Hargrave to get the money to save us. “The price tag?” Sebastian asked, his voice cold as winter steel. “Two million dollars.” He was silent for three seconds before letting out a low laugh. “Deal.” Six months into our marriage, he brought his mistress home. Before I could even process what was happening, he threw the prenuptial agreement in my face. “Don’t forget your place, Elena. You already sold yourself to me, didn’t you? It’s none of your damn business.” I had no rebuttal. Not until the day of my acute appendicitis, when I was fourteen dollars short on the pharmacy bill. Over the phone, his voice dripped with mockery: “Didn’t I already pay you everything upfront? What, getting addicted to being a kept woman?” He hung up. Then turned around and dropped fourteen million on a limited-edition Patek Philippe for his girlfriend. Facing the nurse’s impatient stare, I forced a smile. “Cancel the surgery. Just discharge me, please.” A marriage bought for two million dollars had finally reached its end. — My phone buzzed against the hospital intake counter. A bank notification. Fourteen dollars deposited. The memo read: *For your surgery. Don’t embarrass the Hargrave name.* I let out a bitter laugh that turned into a wince of pain. Fourteen dollars would cover the pharmacy co-pay. But not the $331 deposit for the actual surgery. I knew Sebastian wouldn’t give me another cent. Not when he’d just spent fourteen million on a watch for Tiffany. So I swallowed my pride and texted my old friends, asking to borrow $317. Combined with what I had and his fourteen dollars, it would be just enough. The replies came fast. *Wow, the gold digger needs money? Blew through two million already?* *If you hadn’t trapped Sebastian and broken his heart, you wouldn’t be begging for pocket change now.* The cruel messages kept coming. I’d gone numb. Numb to Sebastian treating our marriage like a transaction. Treating me like a piece of property he’d bought for two million. Numb to his friends’ endless mockery, calling me a gold digger in a thousand creative ways. Numb to the humiliation of an empty wallet, to stepping on my own dignity over and over, begging Sebastian for scraps. At first, I thought I could manage. I’m a grown woman with a degree and two working hands—I should be able to support myself. Maybe even save up two million to pay him back. But Sebastian cut off every avenue I had to earn money. “I already paid two million for the rest of your life. Your time, your freedom—they’re mine now.” He wanted to break me. To force me to come crawling to him for money. It was his way of punishing me for turning our love into a negotiation. For making him believe I’d been lying to him for three years—that it was always about the money. I tried to explain. So many times. But he never had the patience to listen. “What’s the point of all these excuses?” “You’re the one who asked for the money. We became this because of you.” Another notification lit up my cracked phone screen. Someone had transferred $371 with a note: *Payment for letting me enjoy watching you suffer.* I wiped the dampness from my face and smiled at the nurse. “I can pay now. Please schedule the surgery as soon as possible.” But I didn’t have enough left for anesthesia. So I lay there on that freezing surgical table, wide awake and shivering. Cold sweat soaked through my hair and hospital gown. I could feel everything. The scalpel breaking skin. The instruments entering my body. The twisting, cutting motions inside me. When the tearing pain hit its peak, I thought of Sebastian. He used to hold me close in bed, fingers tracing patterns on my skin. “After we’re married, let’s have a baby. Boy or girl, I don’t care. I’ll love you both with everything I have.” But when I actually brought up trying for a child six months into our marriage, he sneered: “You want me to give you my baby? So you can trap me forever with child support? In your dreams.” I don’t want it anymore, Sebastian. Not the money. Not the love. Not you. I don’t want any of it. — I don’t know how long I endured that surgery. Finally, mercifully, it ended. As the instruments withdrew, sound slowly filtered back in. The nurse unstrapped my legs and helped me onto a recovery bed for a thirty-minute observation period. I stared blankly out the window at the dark Manhattan sky, tears sliding down my face. Suddenly, a firework shot into the air, exploding in a brilliant burst of gold and crimson. Then another. And another. Until the entire city was lit up like daylight. I stared at the sky, dazed. Nearby, I heard a few young nurses whispering enviously: “Did you hear? Mr. Hargrave set this off for his girlfriend! That Tiffany girl is so lucky!” “Wait, what girlfriend? Mr. Hargrave has a wife! Though I heard she’s just some gold digger. Apparently she’s lower than the household staff now.”

On the way home, I dragged my freshly sutured abdomen step by agonizing step through the snow-dusted streets. A taxi pulled up beside me. The driver rolled down his window. “Where to, miss?” I waved him off weakly. “No thanks.” I couldn’t afford the fare. Not after spending everything on surgery. So I walked. Eight miles back to the Hargrave estate in Greenwich. All around me, people were still raving about tonight’s fireworks show. “So beautiful! If someone did that for me, my life would be complete!” “Keep dreaming. You think you’re Sebastian Hargrave’s girlfriend? Look at that girl over there—pale as a ghost and no one cares.” I glanced up at the two women whispering about me. They blushed and stammered that they didn’t mean anything by it, asking if I needed help. I smiled and shook my head. What I wanted to say was: *I’ve had fireworks like that before.* Once upon a time, someone cared. It was the day Sebastian proposed to me. He knelt on one knee outside the Plaza Hotel, holding out a ring, eyes brimming with what looked like tears. “Elena Martinez, you’re the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever met. I want to spend my life with you. Love you forever.” “Will you marry me?” Behind him, fireworks even more brilliant than tonight’s lit up the sky over Central Park. But that was also the day I’d pulled my mother back from suicide. Debt collectors were still at our apartment in Queens, using my mother and seven-year-old brother as leverage, demanding immediate payment. I had no choice. So I asked him: “Sebastian… could you lend me two million dollars?” His expression froze instantly. The love in his eyes drained away like water through a sieve. He stood up slowly, a mocking smile curling his lips. “Everyone said you were with me for my money. I didn’t believe them.” “Elena, you really know how to play the long game. Waiting until I proposed—until half of Manhattan was watching—before showing your true colors.” He laughed coldly and signaled to stop the fireworks. Then he pulled a check from his tuxedo pocket and threw it in my face. “Fine. You’re cheap enough, anyway.” From that day on, everything changed. No matter how I tried to explain, I couldn’t shake the label of gold digger. With Sebastian’s silent approval, I became the biggest joke in the entire Upper East Side. Even the household staff earned $30,000 a month. But I had to beg him for three dollars for subway fare. I kept enduring. Waiting for the day his anger would fade. For a chance to explain about my father’s gambling debts, my brother’s medical bills, the loan sharks who threatened to kill my family. Until he brought his first girlfriend home. I lost it. But he just looked at me like I was pathetic and asked what right I had to be angry. He said he’d already bought out our marriage. That even if he brought home a hundred women, it was my own fault for being a whore who sold herself. My heart shattered. But I couldn’t say a single word in my defense. — Six hours in the freezing January wind. Finally, at 1 AM, I made it to the gates of the Hargrave estate. I pushed open the door to warmth and soft lighting. I was about to drag myself upstairs to the small bedroom I’d been relegated to when I heard Sebastian’s voice from the living room. “You’re finally back. Where is it?” I stared at him, sprawled across the couch with Tiffany draped across his lap like a cashmere throw, and asked blankly: “Where’s what?” “Playing dumb? Didn’t I text you to pick up condoms on your way home?” Sebastian looked me up and down with contempt. “I spent all that money on you. Can’t even handle a simple errand?” My phone had died hours ago. I hadn’t seen any message. I bit my lip and forced out: “Buy them yourself.” Maybe my cold tone set him off. He shot up from the couch, his six-foot frame towering over me, eyes blazing. “What, you want more money? I just gave you fourteen dollars. That’s enough for a box, isn’t it?” “Go buy them now. If you don’t come back with them, don’t bother coming back at all.”

I stared at him in disbelief. This wasn’t the first time Sebastian had spoken to me like this. I thought I’d gone numb to his cruelty. But my chest still throbbed with a dense, suffocating pain— It was barely above freezing outside. Even through the windows, I could hear the wind howling. It was past 1 AM. Where the hell was I supposed to buy condoms? When I didn’t move, Sebastian let out a cold laugh. “Why are you still standing there? Need more money?” He pulled a hundred-dollar bill from his wallet and tossed it on the marble floor without even looking at me. “There. Is that enough?” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “You called me earlier asking for fourteen dollars for medicine. Where is it?” “Elena, you’re really shameless now. Scamming me for fourteen dollars?” Anesthesia? The surgery was already over. What would be the point of explaining? Before I could answer, Sebastian waved over his security guard. They shoved me out the front door into the freezing night. Through the heavy wood, his voice turned even colder. “If you don’t come back with condoms, stay outside all night.” Then came the sound of kissing. Giggling. Followed by something far more obscene. I instinctively wanted to walk away. To get as far from those sounds as possible. But I didn’t even have the strength to stand. I slid down against the door and sat on the cold stone steps. The freezing wind cut through my thin jacket. And froze whatever warmth was left in my dying heart. — At some point—I don’t know how long I’d been sitting there—I heard the door open behind me. Then Sebastian’s frantic cursing: “Elena, are you insane?! You couldn’t find somewhere warm?!” “Is this little guilt-trip act fun for you?!” A familiar scent of expensive perfume hit me. It must be a hallucination, I thought. Sebastian hates me now. He wouldn’t care if I died. When I opened my eyes, Sebastian’s face was ashen with what looked like fury. “Done pretending? I just asked you to buy condoms. Was it really worth this pathetic performance?” “What, you want the media to find out you nearly froze to death outside the Hargrave estate so you can extort more money from me?” I tried to speak. But my throat burned, raw and painful. Sebastian looked away, refusing to meet my eyes. “Where the hell is the family doctor?! Why isn’t he here yet?!” “Don’t let her die on my property!” Tears slid silently down my frozen face. Sebastian, what do you even want from me? You hate me enough to wish me dead. But now you’re terrified I actually will die. I closed my eyes, my voice barely a rasp: “Sebastian. Let’s get divorced.”

He whipped around like I’d told a joke. “Divorced? Fine. Pay me back the two million first.” He paused, then let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, I get it. You think threatening me with divorce will get you another payout, right?” “So tell me—how much this time? Two million? Five?” I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Our marriage is already—” But before I could finish, a loud, exaggerated panting came from inside the house. Tiffany appeared in the doorway, wrapped in Sebastian’s shirt. The family doctor arrived right behind her. After a quick examination, the doctor hesitated before speaking carefully to Sebastian: “Mr. Hargrave… Mrs. Hargrave appears to have just had surgery. Appendectomy. Without anesthesia, based on these sutures.” He paused, clearly uncomfortable. “She needs immediate rest and monitoring. The cold exposure could cause the incision to—” “Fine. Take her to the guest house.” Sebastian cut him off, not even looking at me. “Make sure she doesn’t die. That’s all.” — The recovery period was brutal. But what came after was worse. Because once I could walk again, Sebastian found new ways to punish me. It started with Tiffany. She’d moved into the main house full-time now. And Sebastian made sure I knew my place. One morning at breakfast, Tiffany casually mentioned wanting truffle risotto for lunch. Sebastian turned to me, his face blank. “Didn’t you hear what Tiffany said?” I stared at the scrambled eggs already on the table and said nothing. He smiled. That cold, cruel smile I’d come to know so well. “Oh, you want money for groceries? Fine. I’ll pay.” “Deal?” I finished my last bite and walked to the kitchen without looking back. Once I left, I heard Tiffany’s sugary voice: “Babe, aren’t you worried humiliating Elena with money will make her, like, snap or something?” Sebastian snorted. “Don’t worry. As long as there’s money involved, she’d sell her soul.” This time, he was right. As long as it helped me scrape together two million to pay him back, I’d do anything. From that day on, I became Tiffany’s personal servant. Making her coffee? $30,000 per week. Running her errands? $50,000. Sometimes, when Sebastian wanted to humiliate me further, he’d make me sit in the corner of their bedroom while they had sex. $80,000 per session. At first, I felt sick. Degraded beyond recognition. But after enough times, I went numb. I could even hand Tiffany a glass of water mid-session without blinking. But Sebastian’s expression grew darker each time. Until one day, he couldn’t take it anymore. He knocked the water glass out of my hand and grabbed my face violently. “Elena, do you have no shame?!” I looked into his eyes, calm and detached. It was almost funny. In just six weeks, I’d saved $1.6 million. Only $400,000 left. Then I could pay him back and divorce him. Then I’d be free.

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Five years. Five years of tracking through the Rogues Wastelands, searching for Alpha Kade’s remains. My fated mate’s body had never been found. One day, I discovered an astonishing secret. He was not dead at all! I barged into his mating ceremony. With another female wolf. Not me. Among the wedding guests were friends who had helped me search for his body. They knew he wasn’t dead, but they still pretended to be with me, helping me search for Kade’s body? They stood frozen, faces carved from stone. “Luna, wait—” One of them stepped forward, hands raised. “Kade had to fake his death. Sienna’s situation was… complicated. She needed protection.” Sienna. The pack traitor who leaked patrol routes to Rogues. The same woman our pack had a kill order on. Kade’s childhood friend. Now his mistress. They’d formed a protective wall around her. I didn’t move. My voice came out flat. “So. To protect a traitor, Alpha Kade chose to ‘die’ with her.” Silence crashed through the hall. Kade finally spoke. “Sienna’s been through hell these past years. You should understand. I should protect her!” “Understand?” I repeated. Something almost like a laugh caught in my throat. “Understand that you let me search for five years? That all of you lied to my face? Or understand that—” I paused, let my gaze drift over the ceremony decorations, “—you’re mating her?” Kade’s shoulders locked. Sienna’s eyes welled with tears. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “In five days I have to leave. This ceremony… it’s my last wish before I go.” I opened my mouth. Didn’t get a word out. “Enough!” Kade’s voice cracked like a whip. “You waited five years! Can’t you wait five more days?” I smiled then. He was right. Five days. Plenty of time to write the story that would destroy them both. And proclaim it to the entire wolf pack. Kade crossed the distance between us in three strides. “Don’t look at me like that. I wanted to tell you. But you talk to too many people—I couldn’t risk someone tracking Sienna down.” I stared at the mating band on his ring finger. It caught the light, sharp and bright. *Too many people.* So he’d known all along. After his “death,” the whispers never stopped. Everyone said it was suspicious— But I’d refused to believe it. I’d seen Kade’s iron discipline myself. In his world, the mission came before everything. When I was pregnant and burning with fever, he got a call halfway to the hospital. Just… left. By the time he returned, we’d lost the baby. I screamed myself hoarse. He just frowned and said, “Emergency orders couldn’t wait. We can have another child.” When his enemies kidnapped me, he was on the Pack Emergency. Hung up on the ransom call. They tortured me for two weeks before dumping me half-dead on a roadside. He came back from the other pack just as I got out of emergency surgery. Held me and promised I’d never be in danger again. After his “death,” his enemies came for me. The accusations piled up. So I became a Rogue. Spent five years in Rogues zones searching for his body, writing article after article to clear his name. And now he said he couldn’t risk Sienna’s location getting out. For her, Kade abandoned a decade of service. Abandoned his principles. Abandoned me. I almost laughed again. “Five days,” he said, stepping closer. “Five days and I’ll get Sienna to safety. Then I’m coming back. This ceremony… it’s just something she needs and wishes. Don’t take it seriously.” He moved too close. I stepped back fast, my hand closing around a champagne flute from the nearby table. Instantly, his friends moved as one, blocking Sienna from view. Kade’s hand clamped around my wris. “What the hell are you doing? Calm down. Don’t hurt her.” Sienna’s voice wobbled. “If… if Elena’s angry, she can throw it at me. I was selfish. I just wanted one ceremony with friends before I left.” His friends’ expressions softened when they looked at her. Hardened when they looked at me. “Sienna saved Kade’s life once. He’s just returning the favor.” “It’s one small wish, Luna. Don’t push this.” “She’s suffered enough. All because she accidentally sent a few wrong messages—they called her a traitor, but Kade still won that fight.” I listened. Didn’t interrupt. Those “few wrong messages” were real-time coordinates for my father and brother’s patrol unit. Dad and my brother died in the ambush Sienna’s leak caused. And their “Kade won anyway”? That victory came two weeks late because of the leak. Two weeks I spent in a warehouse. Eight broken ribs. Shattered kneecap. I drained the champagne in one swallow. Let all those memories burn down my throat. Under their shocked stares, I set down the empty glass. “One last drink. For old times.” I turned to leave.

Kade’s hand locked around my wrist before I took two steps. His jaw clenched hard enough I heard teeth gr? Just a toast? You really ‘accidentally’ walked in here?” Every eye in the room fixed on me like crosshairs. Sienna’s voice shook. “Elena wouldn’t… she’s not going to report me, is she?” Shadows moved. The exits were blocked. Kade held out his hand. “Phone.” I smiled. Handed it over. Our photo from years ago still lit up the lock screen. His fingers hesitated. He checked anyway. Found nothing, obviously. I moved toward the door again. Someone muttered behind me, bitter and low: “Elena’s the one who reported Sienna for treason in the first place, right?” “Sienna saved Kade’s life. Shouldn’t we be more careful here?” “Can’t let her ruin five years of planning just because she’s jealous!” “Sienna’s already suffered so much because of Elena. Been running and hiding for years.” The words hit like stones. I finally understood the other reason Kade kept me in the dark. Not just to protect Sienna. He blamed me too. Hated me for reporting her, even though every word in that report was blood-soaked truth. And I hated back. Spent five years hating Sienna. Now I had one more name on that list. “Still don’t trust me?” I looked at Kade. Under everyone’s gaze, I turned out every pocket I had. Then I unzipped my jacket. Let it drop. Left standing in just a black camisole. My fingers moved to the strap— “Stop!” Kade jerked his face away, voice raw. “Just go.” This time, no one blocked my path. I grabbed my jacket off the floor. Didn’t look back. — At home, I pulled up my phone. The screen no longer showed Kade and me. Now it displayed my father and brother. Five years as a Rogue Tracker taught me more than how to beg for my life when kidnapped. I hadn’t stumbled into that ceremony by accident either. Three days ago, I’d gotten a text. An invitation to a mating ceremony. From Sienna. Who was supposed to be dead. My heart had seized when I saw them at the altar. But there wasn’t time for pain. Other things surged up faster. My father and brother’s graves. The agony of a shattered knee. The kidnapper’s mocking voice: “Guess Kade doesn’t care about you that much after all.” I dragged tonight’s photos and audio recordings into my laptop. The article took shape. One that would detonate across every news network. A key turned in the lock. I slammed the laptop shut. Kade pushed through the door, reeking of alcohol. “You still hate me, don’t you?” He stumbled forward, reaching for my face. I turned my head. His hand caught empty air. He collapsed onto the carpet at my feet, tilted his head back to look up at me. His eyes were red. “Don’t hate me. Sienna saved my life—on the training grounds, someone went crazy in wolf’s form. Can’t control himself and attacked me. She pushed me out of the way and took it. I have to repay that debt.” I stayed silent. Remembered something from years ago. I’d snuck onto the training grounds to see my brother. Kade and my brother had similar builds. I saved Kade. Not Sienna. Kade mistook her for me. The scar near my heart throbbed. “You’re the only one I love,” he said, grabbing my wrist. “She’s leaving soon. We can go back to how things were—” “Kade.” I cut him off. Pulled out the papers I’d prepared. “Sign this.” “What is it? You need money? I’ll sign… whatever you want.” He mumbled, barely glancing at the document before scrawling his name. The second he finished, he passed out. I pulled the divorce papers free. Left the apartment. Dropped them with my wolf lawyer. Then drove to the cemetery. I’d barely left the graves when an SUV screeched to a stop in front of me. Hands dragged me inside. Kade sat beside me, sober now. Face like a storm. “I was too damn trusting.” His voice came out cold, lethal. “You hate Sienna that much? Enough to hire people to kidnap her?” I stared at him.

His hand clamped around my arm hard enough to leave marks. “Don’t play innocent! I woke up and you were gone. Even if you didn’t arrange the kidnapping yourself, you leaked her location!” One of his friend spoke from the front seat: “Sienna’s been in hiding for years. Only a handful of us knew where she was.” “You were the only outsider at the ceremony last night. This morning, she gets grabbed.” Something cold opened up in my chest. Five years. We’d been fight together. Still didn’t trust me. The SUV tore through the streets toward an abandoned factory. They shoved me through the entrance. Sienna was bound to a chair, tear-streaked and covered in dust. The kidnappers saw Kade and laughed. “Fast response time. Guess this one really is your precious girl.” “Last time we grabbed the wrong woman, you didn’t show up for two weeks. This time took you less than thirty minutes.” Kade went rigid. Then he turned to the kidnappers, voice rough: “You got the wrong person again! This is my mate! That one’s nobody! Let her go!” I couldn’t process what I’d heard. The kidnappers looked confused. “You think we’re idiots—” “Look!” Kade grabbed my left hand, yanked it up. “Wedding band! I’m trading my mate for her!” That’s when I saw it. The plain ring on his finger. Matched the one I’d worn for years, pressed so deep into my skin it left a permanent groove. He’d put his back on. To trade me for Sienna. “This is a mating bond!” Kade shouted. “I’ll trade my mate for her!” The kidnappers exchanged glances, wavering. I said, very clearly: “I. Don’t. Consent.” “You don’t get a choice!” Kade grabbed my ring finger and pulled. The band was embedded in flesh. Tearing it free felt like skinning myself alive. Bones cracked. Blood poured between my fingers. He threw the blood-slick ring at the kidnappers’ feet. “Check it! Let her go!” One of them picked it up, examined it. Looked between me and Sienna suspiciously. Sienna sobbed. “Please don’t hurt Elena! I’ll take her place! I’d do anything for Kade and his mate!” Kade’s eyes went desperate, anguished. He looked at me, voice savage: “Elena! They came for you in the first place! Sienna’s innocent!” Came for me. I wanted to laugh until I choked. In his mind, I deserved to be kidnapped. Deserved to be tortured. And Sienna would always be innocent. Before I could speak, pain exploded at the base of my skull. Everything went black. When I opened my eyes again, Kade was backing toward the exit with Sienna. A kidnapper’s mocking voice drifted down: “Willing to throw your own mate back in here for some random girl…” I forced out words through the pain. “Kade and I are divorced. She’s the one he actually cares about.” The kidnapper froze. Shouted at Kade by the door: “Hey! She says you two are divorced! What the hell is going on? You trying to play us?!” Kade stopped. Frowned. His mouth twisted with displeasure. He looked at me. Nothing in his eyes but disappointment and contempt. “Elena. Being scared is one thing. But lying like this?” His voice was ice. “We’ll talk about this later. I’ll come back for you.”

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For seven years, I’d followed Zane Reed like a shadow, tutoring him day and night until he finally scored high enough to qualify for Alpha Academy. The night the results came out, he stood at our gathering and casually announced. “Enroll in Meadowbrook Academy with me, Selena. I need to stay with Sophia.” Alpha Academy, the most prestigious institution, meant only for the strongest Alphas. Its graduates became pack leaders, council members, and commanders. They were the elite who shaped the society’s future. Meadowbrook Academy—a school for ordinary werewolves, nothing special. All these years, I’d given him everything he asked for—obedient, desperate, pathetic. I’d even knelt before him in public, humiliating myself just to see him smile. Everyone called me his lapdog, betting I’d never leave Zane’s side for as long as I lived. Now they waited eagerly to see how I—qualified for Alpha Academy where future elites were forged—would pathetically agree to waste my life at Meadowbrook academy alongside ordinary wolves. But this time, my expression was cold as I looked at him directly. “Fuck you. You’re insane, but I’m not.” The air in the private room seemed to freeze. *Did Selena just… curse at Zane?* *She’s always been so desperate, so servile. What changed?* Zane’s face turned dark as storm clouds. “Say that again,” he growled. Sophia Lane, who’d been draped over his arm, gently tugged his sleeve. *”**It’s okay, Zane. How could I possibly ask you and Miss Ashford—both destined to be future elites to attend Meadowbrook Academy with someone like me?**”* Her eyes slid toward me with barely concealed challenge, though her voice remained sweet. Zane’s expression grew even darker at her words. He turned to me, his voice sharp with command. “Selena, kneel and apologize. Now.” Before, I would have dropped to my knees without hesitation. Because any resistance meant the curse’s punishment—sharp thorns wrapping around my heart, squeezing tighter and tighter until I couldn’t breathe. The witch’s revenge, suffocating me into obedience. I waited. Two seconds. Three seconds. Nothing. No thorns. No crushing pain around my chest. The curse had lifted!!! I glanced at my phone quickly. 12:01 AM. Zane had turned eighteen just one minute ago—the exact moment the results were released. After seven years of servitude, the witch’s curse was finally broken. My wolf-Lola stirred, no longer cowering but growling with fierce approval. We were free!!! The realization made my mood soar. I stepped back, putting distance between us, my tone lazy and unbothered. “No. Why should I kneel for you?” The more pathetic I’d been before, the harder I pushed back now. Zane’s face flushed with rage. “Fine. Fine. Selena Ashford,” he bit out. “From today on, I’m not coming back to Ashford Family. Don’t expect to see me again!” I nearly laughed. I’d be thrilled if he never came back. He clearly thought he had me cornered, waiting for me to break down and beg. Instead, I was mentally planning my vacation. Maldives? Or maybe skiing in Switzerland? When I didn’t immediately kneel and beg him, Zane looked ready to explode. Sophia laughed softly and wrapped her arm around his. “Zane, don’t fight with Selena over me. Not going home isn’t good for you.” She paused, her voice turning wistful. “Though I’ve never lived in such a big manor before. I really envy Selena.” Her words were like a spark to kindling, instantly igniting the crowd around us. “Yeah, Zane, we’ve never seen it either!” “Let us check it out!” Surrounded by eager voices, Zane’s vanity swelled visibly. He waved his hand grandly. “Why not? Come on, I’ll take you all to my manor! Stay as long as you want this summer!” My eyes narrowed. “Excuse me? Zane, that’s my home. I don’t give you permission!” He shoved me roughly to the side. My shoulder slammed into the doorframe, pain shooting through it. “I say it’s fine, so it’s fine! Don’t push your luck, Selena!” Seven years of my bottomless indulgence, combined with my father treating him like a potential son-in-law because I supposedly loved him, had made Zane forget a crucial fact. He was just an adopted orphan. He’d long since come to believe that everything the Ashfords owned—including me—rightfully belonged to him.

By the time I reached my home, chaos had already taken over. My father’s prized vinyl records were being tossed around like frisbees. Several girls posed with my limited-edition handbags, taking selfies. Fury shot straight to my head. I pulled out my phone to call the police, but just as I hit confirm, someone slapped it from my hand. It crashed to the floor with a sickening crack. Sophia stood before me, her expression perfectly innocent and wounded. “Selena, I know you look down on me—that you think ordinary wolves like us don’t deserve to enter your home.” Her voice trembled. “But how can you call the police on us just for visiting Zane’s house? What did we do wrong?” Her words instantly ignited everyone’s anger. “It’s just a visit! Is calling the police really necessary?” “Pretending to be kind but what a vicious heart!” Zane raised his hand and struck me hard across the face. Twice！ “You really think you’re something special, don’t you, Selena!” My cheek burned. I tasted blood in my mouth. Sophia covered her mouth, her eyes glistening with fake sympathy. “This is all my fault. If it weren’t for me, everyone wouldn’t have made Selena unhappy.” She sighed dramatically. “Rich wolves like Selena naturally look down on ordinary wolves like us. It’s normal.” Again. Her tried-and-true class warfare routine. Sure enough, her words changed everyone’s expressions. “Damn it, I hate people who think money makes them better than everyone else!” “Stop talking to her! Let’s teach her a lesson!” Two men immediately grabbed my arms, roughly forcing me to the ground. Zane picked up a bottle of red wine, his eyes glinting with cruelty and satisfaction as he approached. “Selena, I think you’re not thinking clearly today. Let me help you clear your head.” Dark red liquid poured over me from above, soaking my clothes and hair in sticky humiliation. The wine blocked my vision while their laughter and jeering filled my ears. “Come on, let’s see if she’s still so arrogant now!” They laughed, taking photos and videos, immortalizing this moment as my permanent shame. Anger and frustration boiled inside me. The curse had just been lifted, leaving me weakened and unable to resist. “Hey, what are you doing? Let go of Selena!” Sophia called out halfheartedly, making no move to actually stop anyone. She walked to Zane’s side, linking her arm through his, her voice sweet. “Zane, that’s enough. I’m sure Selena knows she was wrong now.” She turned to me, her eyes full of a victor’s gaze. “Selena, just apologize to Zane and this will all be over. We’re all friends—no need to make things too ugly.” My eyes fixed on the pendant around her neck. “Sophia, take that off. Now!” “That was my grandmother’s! You have no right to wear it!” My grandmother had left it to me before she died, calling it a family heimloom I should guard carefully. Every night before bed, I’d take it out and look at it, as if Grandmother was still beside me. Sophia blinked innocently, touching the necklace with one hand, her voice carrying a hint of grievance. “This necklace… Zane gave it to me. He said it looked beautiful on me.” A flash of guilt crossed Zane’s face before his expression hardened again. He ran his hand through his hair irritably. “It’s just a necklace. Do you have to make such a big deal out of it?” “Selena, can you stop being so unreasonable for once!” “Your grandmother’s been dead for years. Who I give it to is my business!” His words drove into my heart like knives. I couldn’t control my emotions anymore. I wrenched free from the two holding me and staggered to my feet. “Zane Reed! Do you have any conscience at all!” “That’s my grandmother’s keepsake!” “How dare you give it to someone else!” “After my family sheltered you for seven years, at least give it back!” Zane’s face twisted into something monstrous. CRACK— A sharp slap sent my head snapping to the side, ears ringing. Zane hated when anyone mentioned his past as an Orphan. It shattered what little self-esteem he possessed. “Who told you to bring that up!” “You really do look down on me, don’t you!” “Selena Ashford, you’ve always thought of me as your family’s dog!”

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My wife’s golden boy’s sterility report got leaked on the university’s anonymous confession page. To protect his dignity, my wife teamed up with a doctor to forge evidence that I was the one sleeping around and became sterile. She made everyone think that report was mine. People assumed I was living some depraved double life, betraying the professor they all respected. They flooded the forum with hate, demanding I leave the school. I confronted her, desperate. Why would she do this? She just rubbed her temples, looking bored. “Julian is just a kid. He can’t handle the rumors. You’re a grown man, Ethan. Why are you competing with him?” I stared at her in disbelief. All those sweet nothings, all those late-night promises. Now they were just knives, twisting in my chest. I smiled bitterly. I decided to let myself off the hook. — When I told her I wanted a divorce, my wife didn’t even look up from proofreading Julian’s thesis. “What are you throwing a fit about now? Is this because I gave your lab data to Julian?” I didn’t answer. Claire shifted into a more comfortable position. “Or is it because I told everyone that sterility report on the confession page was yours?” She sighed, like she was disappointed in me. “Ethan, you’re already married. Some trashy rumor won’t hurt you. But Julian’s different. He’s still a student. The gossip could destroy him. Don’t be childish.” “How is he supposed to live with himself? You want him to lose all his dignity?!” My fingers were cold. I forced myself to stay calm. “Just sign the papers.” The door to the Dean’s office swung open. Julian walked in with a bright smile that instantly turned nervous when he saw me. “Oh, Professor. I didn’t know you’d be here. I came to ask Claire a few questions.” I laughed coldly. I’d clearly seen him holding two movie tickets when he walked in. “No problem. Your precious Claire just needs to sign one thing, then I’ll be out of your way. Otherwise, I’m stuck here.” Claire’s face darkened. But she glanced at Julian’s expectant expression, then gritted her teeth and signed the divorce papers. “You’d better not regret this.” Walking out of the Dean’s office, I couldn’t help but laugh. Thirty years as childhood sweethearts. Seven years of marriage. Finally over. I called the number I’d had pinned at the top of my contacts. The voice on the other end was clear and bright, just like always. “You’re really coming? Ha! You finally came to your senses.” “I still need to wait thirty days for the divorce to be finalized.” “No problem. As long as you’re willing to come, we’ll always welcome you!” Just thinking about thirty days until total freedom, I couldn’t stop smiling.

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d smiled like this. It felt like it had been so long since anyone cared about me. I’d been depressed for too long. I made myself an elaborate dinner that night. Poured a glass of wine. Celebrated my new beginning. My phone buzzed with a message. “I’m coming home tonight. Have my bath ready.” Claire loved her aromatherapy soaks. I’d gotten the bath blend custom-made by a holistic practitioner I knew. Calming, soothing. She always slept like a baby after. She just hadn’t come home to sleep in a very long time. Before I could block her, another message came through. “Something came up. Lab work. I’ll come home in a few days.” I laughed coldly as I deleted and blocked her number. Lab work, my ass. Same old excuse. Sure enough, the latest post on social media was from Julian—a candlelit dinner at a five-star hotel. Caption: “Not just dinner together. Breakfast too.” Before bed, I got a message from an unknown number. “Still sulking? Fine. Next month on our anniversary, I’ll spend it with you.” I stared at the message, stunned. Then it hit me. Claire and I hadn’t celebrated our anniversary in years. What the hell was this supposed to mean? She was cheating on me, sleeping with her student, and she expected me to be grateful? I blocked every new number she used to contact me. Slept like a rock. I swear my years of depression just evaporated overnight. The next day, Claire looked like she had dark circles under her eyes. The moment Claire saw me, she looked irritated. “Ethan, why did you block me? You’re not answering my messages.” I looked at her, amused. “Professor Davis, our research project ended a while ago. You removed my name from the authorship and replaced it with Julian’s. We won’t be collaborating again. I don’t see why I can’t block you.” Claire sighed, putting on that signature look of disappointment. “It’s just a byline, Ethan. You’re a senior professor. You already have academic standing. What’s wrong with letting a young person take credit?” I stared at her, speechless. She acted like it was no big deal. Why didn’t she give her own byline to Julian, then? But I’d already lost interest in arguing with her. “That’s academic misconduct. I’m being generous by not reporting you. Professionally, we have no reason to stay in touch. Personally, we’re divorced. Either way, I don’t need your contact info. Please stop harassing me.” Claire hadn’t expected me to talk to her like that. She was silent for a few seconds. Then she smiled. “Ethan, you’ve gotten clever. Playing hard to get now, huh?” I rolled my eyes and turned to leave. But Claire grabbed my arm.

“Next month, our anniversary. I’ll take you to that diner you love. You always liked their burgers, right?” “Can I get extra cheese?” I asked deliberately. She frowned. “Extra cheese? You didn’t used to be so high-maintenance.” I thought about the photo Julian had posted last night—dinner at a five-star hotel, probably cost over ten grand. She could drop that kind of money on him without blinking. But for our once-in-several-years anniversary, she’d take me to some greasy spoon where a meal cost less than five bucks. She wouldn’t even spring for extra cheese. I smiled bitterly. Didn’t say another word. That night, I went home and told my parents I was getting divorced. My father’s brow furrowed. He spoke coolly. “Claire Davis is nothing. If you hadn’t insisted I introduce her to people in the academic circle, you think she’d be where she is now?” My mother’s eyes turned red. “Sweetheart, if you’re unhappy, we’ll get her removed from her position.” I shook my head. “Forget it. Let’s just part ways peacefully.” I made my parents a pot of coffee. The scent of the coffee calmed my nerves a little. The next day in class, I was at the front of the lecture hall analyzing a case study. Whispers broke out among the students. College students were always distracted. I didn’t think much of it and kept teaching. Suddenly, someone shouted. “Professor Reid, is it true you and Professor Davis are getting divorced?” “Did Professor Davis leave you because you’re sterile? Can’t satisfy her anymore?” “You’ve been married seven years and still no kids. Is it because you sleep around too much and got some kind of disease? Is that a medical condition?” I forced myself to stay calm. Managed a smile. “We’re parting on good terms.” “He’s lying!” Julian stood up, looking smug. “Professor Davis already told me. Professor Reid was unfaithful. Lost his ability to have kids. That’s why she’s divorcing him.” I couldn’t believe he had the audacity to provoke me like this. I’d had enough. “You have the nerve to say that? That sterility report was clearly—” SLAP. The entire classroom went silent. My face snapped to the side. Blood trickled from the corner of my mouth. I looked up at the person who’d hit me. Claire. I hadn’t even noticed her come in. She looked at me pleadingly. “Ethan, if you make a mistake, you admit it. That’s what a teacher does!” Before I could respond, she dismissed the entire class. Once we were alone, she looked at me with fake concern and reached for my swollen cheek. I jerked away from her hand, ice-cold. She spoke quickly. “Ethan, you know I’m up for tenure review. I can’t have any scandals. If people find out you’re the one who asked for the divorce, I won’t be able to explain.” “The whole sterility thing happened so long ago. Why bring it up again? You can’t be that cruel, ruining Julian’s life.” I was shaking. “What about me? My reputation and dignity don’t matter?”

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