The car pulled onto the emergency shoulder of the highway, and I figured Ethan needed to use the bathroom. “Sophie’s asleep. Keep it down.” I pulled the little blanket up over my daughter’s shoulders. Ethan didn’t look back. His fingers tapped the steering wheel. “Claire. Take Sophie and get out.” I stared at him. “What?” From the back seat, Vanessa’s voice came out soft and smooth. “Ethan, it’s fine. We can squeeze.” Her daughter Madison immediately started crying. “I don’t want to sit next to that dirty kid! She was coughing on me!” Ethan turned around. His eyes were colder than I’d ever seen them. “You hear me? Get out.” “Beth’s already on her way. She’ll be here in thirty minutes.” “You two wait here.” December 28th. The interstate. Twelve degrees. I climbed out holding my three-year-old daughter. I watched him start the engine. The taillights got smaller in the snow. Until they were gone. The snow came down harder. I stood at the guardrail on the shoulder, trying to use my body to block the wind. “Mommy, where’s Daddy?” Sophie asked. Her cheeks were already red from the cold. “Daddy went ahead to Grandma’s.” I forced a smile. “Aunt Beth’s coming to get us.” “But it’s cold.” I wrapped her inside my coat and wound my scarf around her head. My phone was at thirty percent. I called Beth. Once. Twice. Three times. She picked up. “Claire? What’s up?” There was noise in the background. A karaoke bar, by the sound of it. “Beth, your brother sent you to come get us. Where are you?” “Oh, right.” A pause. “Yeah, he did mention that.” “But I’m out with friends right now. Can’t really leave.” “Just hang tight. I’ll head over later.” “Beth, it’s freezing on the highway. Sophie can’t take this.” “God, Claire, you’re so dramatic. What’s a little wait?” “Ethan said Vanessa and Madison couldn’t handle the cold. They had to get back right away.” “You’re both fine. You’re not gonna die from waiting.” She hung up. I stood there holding the phone, my fingers too stiff to move. I called Ethan. Straight to voicemail. Again. Same thing. Sophie shivered in my arms. “Mommy, I wanna go home.” “Soon. We’ll be home soon.” I kissed her forehead. My eyes burned. Four years of marriage. And this was the first time I understood how far Ethan could actually go. Willing to leave his own wife and daughter stranded on the interstate in a snowstorm. Because Vanessa’s kid didn’t want to sit next to mine. Headlights appeared in the distance. I waved like my life depended on it. A black SUV slowed and stopped in front of us. The window came down. A young guy. “Need help?” I grabbed onto it like a lifeline. “Can you take us to the next rest stop? That’s all I need.” He looked at Sophie in my arms and frowned. “Get in.” “Thank you. Oh my God, thank you.” I reached for the door handle. “Claire?” I froze. Another head leaned out from the back seat.

It was Ethan’s cousin, Jake. He looked at me. Then at the empty stretch of highway behind me. “What are you doing out here? Where’s Ethan?” I gave him the short version. Jake’s face went stone hard. “He lost his mind? He left you and Sophie out here?” “Vanessa’s kid is a person. Isn’t his own daughter?” He swore a few times, then turned to the driver. “Mike, let them in. We’ll make it work.” The front was already full. The back seat next to Jake was packed too. “There’s no room,” the driver said. Jake was already getting out. “Then you guys go. I’ll wait here.” “You can’t do that.” “Go!” Jake pushed me toward the car. “Sophie’s lips are turning purple. She can’t stay out here.” I got in the back with Sophie. The heat hit me like a wall. My frozen body started to sting. Jake shut the door and knocked on the window. “Claire, call me when you get to the rest stop. I’ll have my brother come get you.” “Jake, it’s freezing. What are you going to do?” “I’m a grown man. I’ll survive. Take care of the kid. Go.” The car pulled away. I watched Jake through the back window, standing in the snow, getting smaller. My throat tightened. My husband left us on the side of the road. And the person who saved us was someone who barely owed us anything. Sophie fell asleep in my arms. Her little face was still that wrong shade of red. I pressed my hand to her forehead. Burning hot. “Can you go faster? My daughter has a fever.” The driver nodded and sped up. I grabbed my phone to call Beth again. No signal. Mountain stretch. “How far to the rest stop?” “Twelve miles. But in this weather, at least thirty minutes.” Thirty minutes. I held Sophie tighter and kept touching her forehead. Hotter and hotter. “Baby. Hey. Wake up. Don’t sleep.” Sophie’s eyes cracked open, dazed. “Mommy, I don’t feel good.” “I know. We’re almost at the hospital. Hold on.” Then she started coughing. Hard. Her whole face went purple. I patted her back. The tears came. “Please, faster. Please.” “This is as fast as I can go! The road’s icy!” Sophie’s coughing got worse. Her breathing turned into a wheeze. “Mommy. I can’t breathe.” I pulled her coat open. Her chest was heaving. I recognized it. Acute pneumonia. She’d had it once before, when she was two. We almost lost her then. “Sophie. Look at me. Keep your eyes open.” “I’ll tell you a story. About the little bunny.” Her eyelids drooped. Her breathing went thin. I slammed my palms on the window. “Help! She’s not okay! Somebody help!” But it was a highway. Just snow and wind and nothing else.

We finally pulled into the rest stop. I ran into the convenience store with Sophie in my arms, barely able to make a sound. “Is there a doctor? My daughter needs help. Please.” The clerk looked terrified. “There’s no doctor here.” “Call 911. Now.” “The cell tower’s down. We can’t get through.” My legs gave out. I caught myself on the counter. Sophie had gone quiet in my arms. The motel manager at the rest stop dug around and found a box of fever reducers and some antibiotics. “Try giving her these?” My hands shook so badly I couldn’t get the packaging open. Sophie lay across my lap. Her breathing was barely there. I crushed a tablet and tried to get it into her mouth. She didn’t have the strength to swallow. It dribbled out the side of her lips. “Baby. Swallow it. Please.” The manager looked away. “I could drive you to the county hospital. But in this snow, the road might be closed.” “Drive. Right now. Please.” I pushed every dollar in my wallet into his hands. “Please.” He clenched his jaw. “Alright. Let’s go.” The car crawled through the snow. Every bump made Sophie’s body go a little more limp. I held her hand and kept talking. “Sophie. You know how you’ve been asking about Disney World? Mom’s gonna take you.” “We’ll ride the biggest carousel they have.” “And you wanted the Elsa dress, right? We’re getting it.” “And Universal Studios. They have the Transformers ride. You love those guys.” Her lashes fluttered. But her eyes didn’t open. My phone suddenly buzzed. Signal. I called Ethan. It rang a long time. He picked up. “Yeah.” Background was quiet. He was home. “Ethan.” My voice had nothing left in it. “Sophie’s really sick. It’s serious.” “Where are you?” Perfectly calm. Like we were talking about the weather. “On the way to a county hospital. You need to come.” “Claire.” He cut me off. “Didn’t Beth pick you up?” “She never came. She didn’t come at all.” “That’s not possible. She posted on Instagram that she was on her way.” I pulled up her profile. Ten minutes ago. A selfie. Highway in the background. Caption: “Going to get my sis-in-law. Big brother, you’re welcome.” Location: a hundred miles from where we were. She hadn’t moved. She lied to Ethan. She lied to me. “You see it?” Ethan said. “She’s almost there. Just wait a little longer.” “There’s no time. Sophie’s dying. Our daughter is dying, Ethan.” “Claire.” His voice dropped. “Don’t say stuff like that. It’s Christmas. Don’t be dramatic.” “Vanessa and her daughter just got here. My mom’s happy. Don’t ruin it.” “Once Beth picks you up, take Sophie to a walk-in clinic. Kids get fevers all the time. It’s not a big deal.” “Stop being hysterical.” He hung up. I sat there holding the phone. All the blood in my body felt cold. The manager glanced back in the mirror. “That your husband?” I nodded. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered, and hit the gas. “Hang on. I know a shortcut. We’re not letting this kid go.” He turned onto a mountain road. The snow was worse out there.

Sophie’s breathing was almost nothing. I pressed my fingers to her chest. A heartbeat. Barely. “Sophie. Don’t scare Mommy.” “Mommy messed up. Mommy should’ve known better.” “Mommy should never have married him.” “Mommy is so sorry she let this happen to you.” I was crying when I reached into my inside pocket and pulled out a small metal device. The size of a button. My dad gave it to me. He said: “Claire, if there’s ever a day when Ethan’s family treats you badly because Sophie’s a girl, press this.” I pressed it. No sound. But I knew the signal went out. Dad said once I pressed it, his people would be there within three hours. Three hours. Could Sophie last three hours? The county hospital. I ran through the ER doors with Sophie. My voice was gone. The nurse took one look at Sophie and called for backup. “Acute pneumonia. Heart rate dropping. We need a team now.” They pulled her out of my arms and through the doors. I stood behind the glass and watched them put a tube down her throat and hook her up to monitors. That tiny body on that big bed. She looked like she could disappear at any moment. I slid down the wall in the hallway. My phone rang. Ethan. I picked up. Said nothing. “Claire, where are you?” Impatient. “Mom wants to eat dinner.” I opened my mouth. Nothing came out. “Say something.” “Hospital.” I pushed out the word. “Sophie’s in surgery.” “What? Why are you at a hospital? Where’s Beth?” “She never showed up.” “That’s impossible. She just texted me. Said she picked you up.” I opened the family group chat. Twenty minutes ago. Beth: “Ethan, got her. On our way back now.” A photo attached. Blurry interior of a car. Passenger seat. A woman’s back. Wearing a coat just like mine. That was a photo of me. From before. She had it ready. She planned this. “She’s lying,” I said. “Ethan, you need to come to the hospital. Right now.” Silence. “Ethan.” “Claire.” A pause. “Are you actually in the hospital, or are you just pulling this because you’re upset Vanessa’s here?” I couldn’t breathe. “You think I’m making this up?”

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Labor Day weekend, my wife canceled our trip at the last minute. “Emergency case,” Chloe said. “I can’t go with you.” That afternoon, Justin posted an Instagram story. Justin Reyes. The intern Chloe brought in six months ago. The video showed Chloe standing in front of a house. Hands on her hips. She was yelling at a group of middle-aged women like a street fighter. The caption said. “Having a lawyer wife is amazing!!! Finally, someone who can fight for me!” I laughed,then I commented. “Wow. Great talk skills. Very professional ” The firm group chat exploded. Everyone started screenshotting. Forwarding. Betting on when I’d file for divorce. Thirty seconds later, Chloe called. “What the hell is your comment supposed to mean?” Her voice was sharp. Still out of breath. “You’re making Justin look bad in front of everyone at the firm!” “Those women have been spreading lies about him. I was helping him. But YOU wouldn’t understand.” “You were born with a silver spoon. You have no idea how hard life is for a foster kid” “Delete your comment. Now. We’ll go on vacation at Thanksgiving instead.” Thanksgiving? I let out a cold laugh. Then hung up. I wasn’t waiting until Thanksgiving. What she didn’t know was that I’d already filed for divorce. In three days, the judge would finalize it. In three days, I’d be free. For the first time in seven years, I hung up on Chloe. She probably lost her mind. Sure enough, my phone started buzzing nonstop. I blocked her number. Deleted her contact. Finally. Peace. “Mr. Hart, the rooftop is ready. Should we postpone the fireworks display or-” I glanced at the empty lounge chair beside me. “Don’t postpone. I’ll watch alone.” The hotel manager looked at me like I was pathetic. I didn’t care. I opened my phone. The firm’s group chat was going crazy. [Justin Reyes has been promoted to Admin] Justin Reyes @Everyone.[ Hey guys, really sorry about that post earlier. Just messing around. Didn’t mean to cause drama. My bad.] I nearly laughed. That’s not an apology. That’s damage control. Then Chloe jumped into the chat. [Justin doesn’t need to apologize. Anyone with a brain can see it was a joke. Some people just love starting problems.] The ass-kissing began immediately after Chole stand for Justin. Derek: Seriously, people are way too sensitive these days. Mia: Chloe literally came to the group chat for Justin. That’s romantic. Ryan: Haha, someone’s Big Mad. They all saw which way the wind was blowing. Chloe favored Justin. So they kissed his ass. Even the associates I personally trained were throwing me under the bus. And me? The guy who invested the entire trust fund into this firm? The guy who spent seven years clawing his way to senior lawyers? I was the punchline. I put down my phone. Took a sip of wine. Tried to enjoy the view. Then my phone rang again. Not Chloe. Her assistant. Karen. I answered. “Ethan, where’s the litigation brief you were supposed to send me? The client’s been asking.” “Which case?” I frowned. I’d cleared my entire caseload before the long weekend. There was nothing left. Karen sounded annoyed. “The intellectual property case.” I paused. “That case? Justin took it over.” “Yeah, but he’s back in his hometown for the weekend. Chloe reassigned it to you. The client needs the brief tonight.” I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt. Justin was an intern. Interns don’t handle cases. But Chloe spoiled him. Gave him whatever he wanted. And of course, he screwed it up. Now they wanted me to clean up his mess. “Chloe never told me about this. And also-my wife just died. I’m at her funeral. Can’t help you.” I hung up. Turned my phone to airplane mode. A few minutes later, the hotel staff walked over. Holding the front desk phone. “Mr. Hart.your wife is on the line.” I wanted to shout. I took the phone. Chloe’s voice was ice-cold. “Ethan. Are you trying to piss me off?”

I stared at the fireworks bursting over the ocean. Kept my voice flat. “If you just want to say this, hang up.” “Ethan, I admit it’s my fault to cancel the trip. But you’re the one who cursed me to death. That’s pretty low, don’t you think?” “Add me back on your phone. Right now. Or you’ll regret it.” I clenched my jaw. I was about to tell her I’d already quit. But then I heard Justin’s voice in the background. Crying and whining. Sounded like he lost an argument and was running to Chloe for backup. I was speechless. “What, done protecting your innocent foster boy? Got time to threaten me now?” “Oh wait, my bad. I’m the one marinating in jealousy, right?” Chloe’s voice went sharp. “Justin grew up in the foster family. Life was hell. He’s my intern. I’m helping him. What’s your problem?” Justin’s voice got closer and clearer. “Chloe… I can’t argue anymore. Help me out, please~” The whining got louder. Like he was right next to her now. Chloe’s tone changed instantly. Soft. Gentle. “Wait for a bit. I’m on a work call. I’ll come help you in a second.” Then she turned back to me. Her voice went arctic. “You have three days. Holiday ends Tuesday. I want that brief on my desk by 9 a.m.” “If I don’t get it, pack your thing and get out.” The line went dead. I stood there holding the phone. Feeling like an idiot. I actually thought I could fix us. I thought one vacation could save our marriage. But the truth? It was over the moment she signed the divorce papers without even reading them. I watched the fireworks for a while. Drained my wine glass. Walked along the beach for hours. Finally went back to my room to shower. I turned off airplane mode. My phone exploded. Messages flooded in. Everyone from the firm. Random files. Random requests. Everyone telling me to finish the brief and handle the client. They were probably losing their minds. But I was done. I was quitting. And in three days, I’d have my divorce papers. Why should I care? I ignored everything. Left the group chat. And submitted my resignation. Reason for leaving: I quit. HR called two minutes later. “Ethan, I can’t approve this. I need to ask Chloe first.” “Fine. Ask her.” I hung up. Charged my phone. Mentally prepared for an all-night screaming match. But less than a minute later, HR called back. “Chloe approved it.” I froze. Checked the email. Every step had been approved. Including Chloe’s signature. She really was more ruthless than I thought. But honestly? Good. It made things easier. The burden lifted off my shoulders. For the first time in years, I felt alive. I spent the next three days going wild. Partied. Explored. Didn’t think about work once. On the fourth day, I went home. To sell the house. The massive villa had zero warmth. Like a freezer. Cold. Oppressive. Honestly, it felt less welcoming than the hotel I’d just left. This wasn’t even our home, just a house. Our actual home, the one I bought outright when we got married had been mortgaged to the bank years ago. Chloe needed it to open her firm. This place? Chloe bought it with her bonus from a huge case. Put it in both our names as the “new home.” But I was never here. Always at the office pulling all-nighters. Chloe was even busier. This past year, she’d been flying all over the country with Justin. “Business trips,” she called them. But based on Justin’s TikToks, they were just sightseeing together. I pushed down the bitterness. Called a realtor. The realtor moved fast. Found a buyer within hours. The price was low. But I didn’t care. I just wanted to cut ties with Chloe as fast as possible. Closed the deal. Signed the papers. The buyer gave me three days to move out. The next morning, I went to the firm to wrap up my exit paperwork. Everyone stared at me. Whispered. Clearly, the whole firm knew I was leaving. I ignored them. Packed up my desk. Picked up my coffee mug. It had a photo printed on it. Me and Chloe. Smiling. Taken the day we opened the firm. We both looked young. Exhausted. Dark circles under our eyes. But happy. Starting out was brutal. Only the two of us could handle court. So we worked like cows. Barely slept. Terrified of losing a single case. But we survived. We survived that hell together. Too bad some people can only share hardship. Not success. I tossed the mug in the trash. Picked up my box and turned to leave. But Justin grabbed my arm. “Hey! Ethan, you still haven’t given me the Apex brief.” I stumbled. Nearly dropped the box. Justin’s face was young. Innocent. Pitiful. He glanced at the box in my hands. His eyes went wide. “Wait… did you get fired?”

Slander without hesitation. I gave him a cold look. “I quit. It’s called resigning. But I guess you’d better watch what you say. Defamation has legal consequences.” Justin looked embarrassed. But he didn’t let go. “But Chloe said you were supposed to turn in the brief today…” “Go ask whoever told you that. I don’t have it.” I turned to leave. But Justin grabbed my arm again. I didn’t want him touching me. I yanked my arm back. Justin went with the momentum. Stumbled backward. Fell two meters away. Hit the ground hard. “Ah-!” “Justin!” Perfect timing. Chloe walked in. She saw the whole thing. Rushed over and helped Justin up. Checked him for injuries. Once she confirmed he was fine, she turned on me. “What the hell is wrong with you? Do you hate Justin that much?” “Are you trying to kill him? Apologize. Now.” Justin looked pitiful. Struggled to stand. “Chloe, it’s not his fault. I was bugging him about the Apex case. He just got annoyed…” But Chloe wasn’t listening. She remembered the case. Her eyes went cold. “It’s Tuesday. Ethan, where’s the brief I asked for? Why isn’t it in my inbox?” “Didn’t you see? I already quit. Why would I send you anything?” I frowned at her. “What do you mean quit? Ethan, if you wanted to leave, you should’ve done it a month ago. What, you’re threatening me with resignation again?” I almost laughed. A month ago, I tricked her into signing the divorce papers. I did mention quitting then. She remembered that clearly. But she was the one who approved my resignation. And now she’s acting like she didn’t? I didn’t feel like arguing. Adjusted my grip on the box. Started walking. Chloe stepped forward. Slapped the box out of my hands. Papers scattered everywhere. “Fine! You want to leave? Go. But these files are company property. They need to be reviewed first.” The other associates craned their necks to watch. Loving the drama. My chest heaved. My nails dug into my palms. I wanted to wipe that smug look off her face. But I forced myself to stay calm. “Fine. Review them. I don’t need them. I’m leaving.” I dropped the last word and walked out. But I heard someone laugh behind me. “Pfft. Thought he’d put up a fight. Turns out Chloe just kicked him to the curb. Does he even realize who runs this place?” It was Ryan. The associate who’d been kissing Justin’s ass the hardest. I changed direction. Walked straight to his desk. Grabbed his iced latte. Dumped it over his head. “No wonder you failed the bar five times. The examiners probably couldn’t stand how full of shit you are.” Ryan sat there. Frozen. Dripping with coffee. I dusted off my hands. Walked out. I got into the elevator. My anger was still burning. But then my phone buzzed. A message from Justin. It was a zip file. 2GB. I opened it. Photos. Videos. Justin and Chloe. In bed. My stomach turned. Then another message from Justin. “Ethan, bet you didn’t know. Chloe’s wild as hell in bed. You already quit. Do the right thing and divorce her. Have some dignity.” I stared at the screen. 2GB. How many times did they do this behind my back? My hands shook. I felt humiliated. Like they’d been playing me for a fool this whole time. But after a minute, I took a deep breath. And smiled. Opened a resale app. Listed the zip file for $6.66. Then sent it to a gossip blog. You want to flaunt it? Fine. Let me make you two famous. I didn’t care about the money. I just wanted them to burn. And even if Chloe figured out it was me, so what? She’s the one who cheated. I left the office. Headed straight to the courthouse. Made it just before they closed. Walked out with the finalized divorce papers. Finally. Free. When I got home, my stuff was already packed. The movers had done their job. I was about to unlock the door when I heard voices inside. Someone was yelling. Chloe’s parents were here.

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I grew up in the Silverpine Pack, the grandson of Elder Thorne. After graduating from the Pack’s War Academy, my grandfather summoned both my brother Mason and me to his study for the Choosing Ceremony. The rules were simple. We would draw lots. The winner would join the Royal Guard-a prestigious position with safety and honor. The loser would be sent to the Border Patrol, defending the frontier against rogue invasions, starting from the bottom as a grunt soldier. Before anyone could react, I dropped to one knee. “Grandfather, I volunteer for the Border Patrol. Let Mason join the Royal Guard.” The room fell silent. In my past life, I had drawn the winning lot. I joined the Royal Guard and married Elena Ashford, the Alpha’s daughter, just as my family had arranged. But my brother Mason was sent to the Border Patrol instead. During a rogue invasion, he made a reckless call and was captured. They shattered his legs, tore out his tongue, and buried him alive. Before he died, he sent Elena a letter. Everything changed after that. Elena turned on me with a viciousness I had never seen. I discovered then that she and Mason had been lovers for years. Elena fed me false intelligence, leading me straight into rogue’s trap. The rogues broke both my legs. “You killed Mason with your selfishness!” she screamed as I bled out on the ground. “Now you’ll join him in hell!” But she didn’t stop there. She framed my grandpa for treason. He died of a stroke in the prison alone and disgraced. “I wanted you to know what it feels like to lose the one you love,” she whispered before plunging a silver blade into my chest ninety-nine times. I died broken, betrayed, and filled with rage. The Moon Goddess gave me a second chance. I woke up the morning of the Choosing Ceremony, and this time, I knew exactly what I had to do.

Grandpa and Mason both stared at me, stunned. “You have made your decision?” my grandfather asked slowly. “You were the one who insisted on marrying Elena. I arranged the engagement with Alpha Kane because of your feelings for her.” The pain of dying in my past life still lingered in my bones. I lowered my eyes and steadied my breath. “I have decided. I will go to the Border Patrol.” Grandfather studied me for a long moment, then sighed and nodded. “Very well.” I stood up, relief washing over me. But before I could leave the room, the door burst open. Elena stormed in and threw herself into Mason’s arms, clinging to him like he was her entire world. “Mason! You’re alive, thank the Goddess…” she sobbed, tears streaming down her face. Then she dropped to her knees before Grandfather. “Elder Thorne, I want to marry Mason. I know I was engaged to Liam, but I have no feelings for him! Please, I beg you-cancel the engagement and let me be with Mason!” Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. She had been reborn too. Hearing her admit it out loud still stung, even though I had expected it. I masked the shock and bitterness in my eyes and reached out to help her up. She slapped my hand away, her voice dripping with disgust. “Don’t touch me! I have always loved Mason! You will never have me!” I met her fierce gaze. For a split second, I saw the same expression she wore when she murdered me in my past life. My chest tightened. Grandfather intervened. “Liam has already chosen the Border Patrol. Go speak with your father. We will prepare for your mating ceremony to Mason.” Elena froze for a moment, then her face lit up with joy. She threw herself back into Mason’s arms. “I can finally marry you!” The love in her eyes was overflowing. I watched in silence. Once, that tenderness had been mine. Now, everything had changed. Elena grabbed Mason’s hand and dragged him toward the door, eager to see her father and plan the mating ceremony. But as she passed me, she glanced back with a look full of meaning. After they left, I helped Grandfather back to his room. “Grandfather,” I said quietly, “if I meet someone suitable at the Border Patrol, I will marry her.” Grandfather let out a long sigh and waved his hand, exhaustion in his voice. “Do as you wish.” I watched his hunched figure disappear into his room. My throat tightened. I knew he did not want me to suffer. In my past life, after I married Elena, he kept me close at the Pack so he could protect me. He had always tried to shield me from harm.

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I’d just returned from managing our overseas operations when I got a call from Grandma saying she’d arranged an engagement for me. The woman was Victoria Quinn, daughter of New York’s wealthiest family. According to Grandma, she was beautiful and well-mannered. I’d been worrying whether taking one of our custom Rolls-Royces would be too flashy when Victoria’s people said they’d send a car. I agreed and got in. Halfway there, the driver suddenly pulled over and killed the engine. He stepped out and locked me inside. The temperature outside was at least 104癋. The sealed car turned into an oven, and within minutes I was drenched in sweat, my breathing labored. After thirty minutes with no sign of the driver, I didn’t hesitate anymore. I wrapped the clothes around my fist and punched through the window to save myself. I’d just bought a bottle of water and hadn’t even opened it when someone knocked it from my hand to the ground. The driver had returned and started cursing at me. “You broke the window? You piece of trash! Do you know how much this car costs?” I forced down my anger. “No amount of money is worth more than a human life.” “If you hadn’t locked me in the car in this heat, I wouldn’t have needed to break the window to save myself.” Faced with my accusation, he remained arrogant. “Your worthless life isn’t worth the cost of a tire.” “Quinn Enterprises owns this entire city. Even if you’d been cooked to death in there today, nobody would’ve cared!” I froze for a moment, then pulled out my phone and called my fianc閑. “I heard your family can commit murder in New York without consequences. Is that true?” …… I made this call purely to confirm whether this was the driver acting on his own or on my fianc閑’s orders. If it was the former, I could reluctantly continue with the engagement. It would honor for my grandmother and her good intentions. Victoria’s cold voice came through the phone. “You’re ten minutes past our agreed meeting time. I don’t tolerate tardiness from anyone, Mr. Cross!” The words caught in my throat. It took me a long time to recover, and I was about to explain why I was late. “Beep beep…” A busy signal came from the other end. She’d clearly hung up. I was stunned again. This was the gentle, well-mannered woman Grandma had described?!

Seeing this, the man across from me became even more arrogant. His mocking smile stretched practically to his ears. “I thought you were someone special to Ms. Quinn. Turns out she doesn’t care about you at all.” The man pointed at the shattered window. “I suggest you pay up now. If Ms. Quinn finds out you broke her car, I’m afraid you won’t live to see tomorrow.” To avoid putting pressure on the woman, I’d specifically worn casual clothes today and removed anything that showed my status. Now it had become their reason to look down on me. I stared at him directly. “I’ll pay for the damage, but first you need to apologize to me.” Being locked in a car in this heat for nearly thirty minutes-if it had been an ordinary person without training, they might have died on the spot. I was only asking for an apology. That was already merciful. The man pointed at me and laughed. “Ha ha… Did I hear that right? You’re asking me to apologize?” “Do you know who I am?!” He leaned closer, his tone smug. “Listen carefully, you nobody. I’m the personal assistant to the one and only Victoria Quinn of Quinn Enterprises!” The moment he finished speaking, the surrounding crowd gasped. They looked at me with sympathy. “This guy’s having the worst day. Of all people to offend, he had to offend someone from Quinn Enterprises!” “Anyone who runs into Ms. Quinn’s people can only bow and scrape. He’s actually demanding an apology-he has no idea what he’s up against!” I frowned. So he was just a assistant. Given his arrogant attitude, I’d thought he was the Quinn family head. At the same time, I noted to myself that just hearing the Quinn name made people this afraid. They were clearly more than just a business company. It seemed very necessary to have someone investigate them thoroughly. Meanwhile, the man kept yelling at me to pay for the window. I maintained my position. “You apologize first, then I’ll consider paying.” I pointed at a security camera nearby. “If you won’t apologize, I’ll just call the police.” I pulled out my phone and started dialing. For what he’d just done, charging him with attempted murder would be completely justified. The man suddenly swung his hand at my phone, his eyes vicious. “You wouldn’t dare!” Out of defensive instinct, the moment his hand touched my phone, I grabbed his wrist first and twisted. “Ow!” The man cried out in pain. “You nobody! You actually dare lay hands on me!” I snorted coldly. “You call that laying hands? If I wasn’t concerned about proper conduct, your arm would already be broken.” The onlookers gasped again. “My God, has this guy lost his mind? He actually dared to attack Ms. Quinn’s assistant.” “If it were me, I’d be on my knees begging for mercy right now. Maybe he could save his life. Otherwise he’s in for serious trouble.” The man had been somewhat wary of my skills and hesitated to fight back. But hearing the crowd’s comments, he suddenly gained confidence. He grabbed a stone from the ground and hurled it at me. “I’ll beat you to death today, you piece of trash!” Suddenly, a sharp voice came from behind. “Stop!” Surrounded by security guards, an elegant woman with a graceful figure and beautiful face walked over. She first approached the man, her tone annoyed. “Derek, what’s going on? I sent you to pick someone up and you’re getting into a fight?” Then she turned to look at me, lifting her delicate chin. “You’re Ethan Cross?” Her voice was melodious, but her tone was cold. I smiled and extended my hand toward her. “Hello, I’m Ethan Cross. Very pleased to meet…” Before I could finish, she impatiently cut me off. “Enough. I don’t have time for your nonsense.” “I’m here to tell you that our engagement is canceled.”

I froze instantly. As far as I knew, this engagement had cost the Quinn family significant effort-old Mr. Quinn himself had sent an elaborate collection of heirloom jewelry to my family. Of course, everything had been returned, but it showed the Quinn family’s sincerity. For her to cancel it now so casually-wasn’t that a bit rash? I looked into Victoria’s cold eyes. “Cancelling an engagement isn’t a small matter. Does your grandfather know about this?” Hearing me mention her grandfather, Victoria’s already impatient face grew even uglier. “You think bringing up my grandfather will make me back down?” “Let me tell you something, Ethan Cross. I will never marry a nobody like you.” “I suggest you drop these ridiculous delusions and go back to wherever you came from!” I was instantly amused by anger. What a Quinn family heiress-truly arrogant enough. “Since Ms. Quinn looks down on me, then this engagement is over. I just hope you won’t regret it.” After all, this engagement benefited the Quinn family most. With my family’s status, marrying her was practically charity. Hearing my words, Victoria looked like she’d heard the funniest joke in the world and laughed until she shook. “Did I hear you correctly? I’ll regret it?” “Regret not marrying a nobody like you? Ha ha ha…” Mocking laughter erupted from the crowd as well. “Where does this nobody get the confidence to think he’s worthy of Quinn Enterprises’ CEO? What a joke.” “Exactly. Ms. Quinn is the goddess of every man in New York. If she actually married this nobody, I’d be the first to object.” Derek also jumped out to mock me. “Shameless nobody, get out of here. Stop being an eyesore to Ms. Quinn.” As he spoke, he reached out and touched Victoria’s back. “Ms. Quinn, don’t be angry. Don’t stoop to the level of these lowlifes.” Faced with Derek’s sleazy behavior, Victoria not only wasn’t angry but gave him a sweet smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t waste my energy on garbage like him.” Watching their intimate exchange, I felt a wave of disgust and immediately realized the whole locked-in-car scenario was Victoria’s deliberate power play to force me to cancel the engagement myself. It seemed she never intended to go through with this marriage from the start, and here I’d come to meet her in good faith. At the same time, I felt secretly relieved. At least I’d seen her true colors early-it was damage control. Otherwise, with my real identity and family background, if I’d regretted it after we were actually married, getting rid of her wouldn’t be so easy. I looked directly at Victoria. “Fine. I agree to cancel the engagement.” Victoria lifted her chin proudly. “Smart choice.” She turned to leave. “Wait.” I stopped her. “Since the engagement’s off, shouldn’t you return the betrothal gifts?” Victoria looked confused. “Betrothal gifts? What betrothal gifts?” A moment later, something seemed to occur to her. She opened her Herm鑣 bag and pulled something out, holding it toward me. “Here. Your junk. Take it back.” Her lips curved in a mocking smile, her elegant face full of contempt. I clenched my fists, staring at what she called “junk” in her hand, my breathing growing heavy. I hadn’t expected the dignified CEO of Quinn Enterprises to be so ignorant, treating such a precious item like garbage. I could only hope that when she learned the truth later, she wouldn’t regret it. I took a deep breath, forcing down the rage inside, and reached out to take it. “Oops!” Victoria’s hand suddenly loosened, and the item fell to the ground, rolling into a storm drain nearby. My breathing stopped. I looked up at her in fury. “You!” “Sorry about that. My hand slipped.” Victoria raised an eyebrow at me carelessly, her bright eyes full of mockery and satisfaction. Without bothering to argue with her, I ran frantically to the drain and dropped to my knees, reaching into the dark, filthy opening, feeling around desperately. But dirty water kept flowing in. I scraped all ten fingers raw, but still couldn’t find it. Clearly, Victoria still didn’t realize the severity of what she’d done. She laughed and pulled out several hundred-dollar bills from her bag. “Here, take this money and buy another one.” “Keep the change. Consider it my compensation to you.” Hearing this, my anger surged again. I shot to my feet and knocked the bills from her hand. “Do you have any idea how important that was to me? Its value can’t be measured in money.” “Even if you gave me all of Quinn Enterprises, it wouldn’t be enough to replace it!” My eyes were bloodshot, my clenched fists white at the knuckles, cracking audibly. Before Victoria could react, the people around us were already dying of laughter. “Calling him a nobody was right. That piece of junk-I could buy a whole bag of them for ten bucks online. He treats it like treasure. Pathetic.” “Exactly. Ms. Quinn giving him that much money is basically charity. He actually refused it-so ungrateful!” Derek stuck his finger right in my face. “You’ve got some nerve! You want all of Quinn Enterprises? And you claim you’re not after money?!” Seeing I wouldn’t back down, Victoria lost her temper too. “It’s just a piece of junk. Is it really worth this fuss? Look at your disgusting, aggressive face.” She opened her Herm鑣 bag again and pulled out twice as much cash as before, throwing it in my face. “Wasn’t that enough? This should definitely cover it!” She even spat on the ground. “Ptui! Greedy, shameless trash. Absolutely revolting!” At this point, I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed Victoria’s arm, my voice harsh. “Do you know what you just threw away?” “That was my grandfather’s heirloom pocket watch-it represents our family’s highest honor!”

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The Alpha I’d been mated to for ten years finally became Alpha King. But the woman crowned Luna Queen wasn’t me. Pack members whispered their sympathies. Ten years of loyalty. All for another woman’s throne. I sat unbothered in my new quarters, slowly sipping water. Because I’m not really from this world. I’m a System User. My mission was simple: help Alaric become Alpha King, then die by his hand. Play the perfect unimportant role. Do that, and I go home with a hundred million dollars. I know this water is laced with Wolfs bane. The new Luna Queen slipped it in. But the water was a gift from Alaric. So this counts as dying by his hand, right? Perfect. I can finally go home. With a hundred million dollars. Back to my world. — Pain exploded through my body. Darkness crept into the edges of my vision. The metallic taste of blood flooded my throat. I gripped the table’s edge, but a grin pulled at my lips anyway. Finally. It’s finally ending. I crashed to the floor, swallowed by darkness. But the System notification I’d been waiting for never came. I forced my heavy eyelids open. Above me—the familiar silver-threaded canopy. The Luna’s Quarters. I was still in the Luna’s Quarters. I blinked. Was I hallucinating? Had the System glitched? “Elara! You’re awake?” A sharp voice cut through my confusion. Alaric’s face came into focus, leaning over me. He still wore his ceremonial robes from the coronation—black silk embroidered with gold thread. A few strands of dark hair had escaped his crown. Clearly, I was still alive on his mating day to Seraphina. Seraphina. The White Wolf. Alaric’s first love from his youth, who’d been claimed by his late father, the previous Alpha King. Their forbidden romance, now tragically sanctioned. To hide his shame, he’d mated with me instead—convenient, disposable me. Now that he was Alpha King, his first act was retrieving Seraphina from the Sanctuary of the Moon and making her his Luna Queen. I coughed weakly, finding my voice. “I didn’t die?” “Of course you didn’t die! A servant found you in time. You didn’t drink much Wolfsbane, and the Pack Healer’s antidote worked. You’re going to be fine.” Alaric’s brows were drawn tight. “Oh. That’s… unfortunate.” I mumbled. There went my hundred million dollars. Alaric gripped my hand, his voice dropping lower. “Elara, don’t worry. I’ll find whoever did this. I’ll make them pay.” Before I could respond, hurried footsteps echoed outside. Seraphina swept into the room. “Alaric, we found out who it was.” Alaric released my hand instantly, turning to her. “Who? Who dared?!”

Seraphina hesitated. “Perhaps you should question him yourself. I… I don’t know what to say.” An male omega servant was dragged in by guards and thrown to the floor. He prostrated himself immediately. “Alpha King, mercy! Luna Queen, mercy! She ordered me to get Wolfsbane from outside and mix it into her water. I was only following orders, Alpha King!” He slammed his forehead against the floor. Silence crashed through the room. Seraphina let out a theatrical sob and rushed to Alaric’s side. “Sister… today is my mating day with Alaric. I know you’re upset, but you can’t hurt yourself to win his attention.” Alaric’s body went rigid. He turned slowly, his gaze locking onto mine. “Elara. Is what he’s saying true?” I shook my head instinctively. “I didn’t. I—” “Enough! The evidence is clear. You still want to lie? Elara, I always thought you were just cold. I never realized you were this vicious. You wanted to die? I’ll make sure you live a long, miserable life instead. Maybe you’ll learn something.” He took a breath, then snapped out orders. “By my command as Alpha King: Elara is guilty of deception. Effective immediately, she’s confined to the Luna’s Quarters. No one enters or leaves without my direct permission. Remove all her privileges—food rations, healers, everything. Let her reflect on her sins.” He didn’t look at me again. Just wrapped his arm around Seraphina’s waist and strode out. At the threshold, Seraphina glanced back. She was pretending to wipe tears, but I caught the smirk curling her lips. The door slammed shut. I collapsed back onto the bed. Fine. No healers. No food. That works. If I slowly starved to death like this, wouldn’t that still count as dying by his order? After all, it was his decree. Maybe the System would accept it. I would got that a hundred million dollars and got back to my world. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to ignore the lingering pain in my body, and waited for death to come again. But I underestimated this werewolf body’s resilience. Day after day, I suffered. But somehow, impossibly, I started to heal.

When I could finally stand without collapsing, I stumbled outside, desperate for sunlight. The Pack House was decorated everywhere—banners, flowers, ribbons. Almost obscenely festive. I grabbed a passing omega maid. “What’s… what’s the celebration for?” My voice came out raspy. She yanked her arm away irritably. “Mistress Elara, have you lost your mind locked up in there? The Luna Queen is pregnant! The Alpha King is overjoyed—he’s pardoning prisoners across all territories and throwing a feast in the gardens tonight! I’m busy collecting my bonus, so don’t hold me up!” She fled like I had a disease. I stood frozen. Then an unexpected surge of excitement rushed through me. This was perfect. A territory-wide celebration feast. If I caused a scene—attacked the Alpha King in front of everyone—he’d kill me for sure. Grinning to myself, I turned to head back and prepare. But just outside the Luna’s Quarters, Beta Silas appeared, bowing low. “Mistress, the Alpha King’s orders: in consideration of your years together, you’re permitted to attend tonight’s feast. He’s sent you clothing and jewelry. Please dress appropriately.” Behind him, two servants carried forward several boxes. I stared at the fabric they unfolded. A memory crashed into me, unbidden. Years ago, during a pack hunt, I’d taken a blade meant for Alaric. As I bled out on the forest floor, he’d knelt beside me, fingers tracing the wisteria embroidery on my torn dress. “Elara, hold on. Just hold on. When you wake up, I’ll give you everything you love. Everything.” I ran my fingers over the embroidery now. So he remembered. Too bad. Too late. I didn’t want to remember anymore. After changing into the dress, I slipped a small silver dagger up my sleeve. The feast hall blazed with light and noise. Seraphina sat in the Luna’s seat, radiant in gold. When she saw me enter, something dark flickered in her eyes. But she plastered on a smile. “You came! Quickly, prepare a seat for Mistress Elara.” I took my place below the high table, hand wrapped tight around the dagger hidden in my sleeve, scanning for the right moment. Then Alaric arrived. I tensed, ready to lunge. Ready to end this. But everything went wrong in an instant.

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The day my Harvard acceptance letter arrived, everyone expected me to frame it. Mount it on the wall like a trophy. Proof that Liam Vance had finally made it. Instead, I declined the offer and enrolled at MIT. It wasn’t impulse. It wasn’t rebellion. It was survival. Because I reborn. In last life, accepting Harvard meant becoming the perfect husband for Seraphina. It meant watching her, six months pregnant with my child, stand over me with a smile. “If you hadn’t gone to Harvard,” she’d whispered, rope cutting into my wrists as I hung from the ceiling beam, “my family never would have chosen you. And my love wouldn’t have drowned his heartbreak at that club. They wouldn’t have found him dead in some backroom, servicing strangers for pills.” Her voice had been so calm. So rational. “You stole his place. So you’ll pay with your life. Piece. By. Piece.” She deliberately had a miscarriage that night. The reason was that she didn’t want to have a child with me. She felt disgusted. I died at the same night… And then I woke up. Eighteen years old. Acceptance letters scattered across my desk. The same day. My phone buzzed. Mr. Kowalski, my guidance counselor. “Liam, the deadline’s tonight. Harvard’s waiting. You’re really going to make them sweat?” I ended the call and stared at the MIT enrollment form on my laptop screen. Different path. Different future. No Seraphina. The door flew open. “Liam.” My mother swept in. Her hands fluttered. “Tell me you’ve confirmed Harvard. Please. I need to hear you say it.” Seeing mom now—alive, whole, not beaten to death by Hawthorne security—made my throat close. In that other life, she’d found my body. Seen what Seraphina had done. And she’d lunged at the woman who’d butchered her son. The Hawthorne guards hadn’t hesitated. I reached for her hand. “I’m going to MIT, Mom. The research programs align better with my focus. Cybersecurity architecture, AI ethics, systems integrity—” “No.” She yanked her hand back. “You’re going to Harvard. Do you understand me? When you fall, you get back up where you fell. I taught you that.” My blood went cold. She remembers. She reborn too? “Mom—” The front door slammed. My father’s voice boomed through the house, followed by a second set of footsteps. Lighter. Deliberate. “Julian! Come on in, son. Let me grab you something to drink.” Julian Vance. Not my brother by blood. Not really. But my father—decorated veteran and self-made businessman—had adopted him at thirteen after his father, Dad’s Army buddy, died in combat. Except Julian’s father hadn’t died in combat. He’d died of a heart attack in a motel with his mistress, but my father had needed a redemption arc more than he’d needed the truth. I watched Julian glide into my room, all easy smiles. “Liam.” He clasped my shoulder. “Dad wants to talk to you about Harvard. He’s really proud, man.” My father appeared behind him, already talking. “Two spots. Harvard only takes two from Riverside Prep, and this year it’s a miracle we got that many. Liam—” He looked at me the way you’d look at a stain. “You’re going to withdraw your acceptance.” My mother stiffened. “Excuse me?”

“Julian needs this.” Dad’s voice carried the weight of absolute authority. “His father gave his life for this country. For me. The least we can do is make sure his son has every advantage. Liam’s smart—he’ll land on his feet. MIT, Stanford, whatever. But Harvard?” He put his arm around Julian. “That’s Julian’s spot. And the Hawthorne family is looking for a Harvard man to marry their daughter. That’s his future. Not Liam’s.” “He earned his acceptance—” “And Julian earned our loyalty!” My father’s face flushed. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to owe someone your life? His father took a bullet meant for me. So yes, Elena. Julian gets the girl, the school, and the life. That’s not negotiable.” My mother looked at me, and I saw it again—that flash of something ruthless beneath her beauty queen mask. She remembered Julian sitting outside while I bled out. She was trying to weaponize me against him. I pulled out my phone and opened the photo album. Found last night’s graduation party. There. Julian and Seraphina Hawthorne, tucked into a corner booth at The Dorset Club. Her hand on his thigh under the table. His mouth at her ear. The angle of the shot made it clear—this wasn’t friendly. This was ownership. I held up the phone. “They’ve been together for months.” My voice came out flat. Clinical. “So it doesn’t matter where I go. I’m not in the running.” Julian’s smile never wavered. “Liam.” He sighed, wounded. “I know you had feelings for Sera. But she sees you as a friend. A brother, even. You need to let her go.” He checked his watch. “Actually, I’m late. We’re catching a movie. Dad, you coming?” My father was already grabbing his keys. “I’ll drive you.” The door slammed. Silence. Then my mother’s hand cracked across my face. “You coward.” I tasted blood. “I thought getting a second chance meant you’d be smarter. Faster. But you’re still the same pathetic boy who let them walk all over him.” Her voice shook. “Do you have any idea how hard it is for me in this house? Your father worships Julian. Your grandmother thinks I’m worthless because I can’t control you. My entire future depends on you marrying into the Hawthorne family, and you’re just going to—what? Run away to MIT and play with computers?” The same script as before. Always the same. In last life, I’d internalized it. Believed I owed her my success. My sacrifice. My life. I’d studied until I couldn’t see straight. Married a woman I didn’t love. Let myself be reshaped into the perfect Hawthorne son-in-law because I thought it would finally be enough. It never was. “I’m going to MIT,” I said quietly. “And this time, I’m living for myself.” She opened her mouth, but I was already walking out.

I should’ve known it wouldn’t be that simple. That night, I woke to the sound of my bedroom door clicking open. My father stood silhouetted in the hallway light. Behind him—Seraphina. I lunged out of bed. “What the hell—” But they were already at my desk. My laptop glowed, enrollment page still open. Seraphina’s finger hovered over the keyboard. “Don’t you dare—” My father caught me in a bear hug, pinning my arms. “She’s doing you a favor, son. Trust me.” “That’s my MIT enrollment—” Seraphina clicked DELETE. The page refreshed. Application Withdrawn. I went numb. “Seraphina—why?” She didn’t even look at me. Just reached down and unplugged the laptop, lifting it by the screen. “What are you—” “If I leave the computer intact, you’ll find a way to re-enroll.” Her voice was ice. “I won’t make that mistake.” She raised the laptop above her head. “No no no—please—” It shattered against the hardwood. Glass and circuitry exploded across the floor. I stopped fighting. My father released me, and I collapsed to my knees, staring at the wreckage. “You knew I picked MIT,” I whispered. “I told you this morning.” Seraphina crouched in front of me, and for the first time, I saw her eyes. Empty. Flat. She’d reborn too. “You said a lot of things last time,” she murmured. “You said you didn’t want me. You said you weren’t interested. But the first night we were together, you were in my bed before I’d even finished unpacking.” My stomach lurched. “That wasn’t—Sera, your roommate drugged me. You know that. She wanted to humiliate me at the party, and I came to you because I trusted—” “Liar.” The word landed like a slap. She stood, smoothing her skirt. “You manipulated me from day one. Played hard to get so I’d chase you. And the moment you had me, you ruined everything.” She turned to Julian, who’d appeared in the doorway. Her voice went soft. Tender. “It’s done, baby. He can’t threaten you anymore.” Julian’s smile was small. Satisfied. “Wait—” My mind raced. “Sera, I’m not trying to come between you two. I want you to be together. Just let me go. I’ll transfer schools, move across the country, whatever you need—” “You really think it’s that simple?” She leaned close, her breath cold against my ear. “Did you think I’d forget what you did to Julian in last life? How you let him die?” “I already paid for that. I died—” “Not enough.” Her whisper was a blade. “I’m going to make you watch Julian and me build the life you stole from him. And you—” Her lips curved. “You’re going to spend every day in hell.” She straightened. “Oh, and before I deleted your enrollment? I submitted a formal withdrawal letter to MIT on your behalf. Citing personal reasons and a commitment to Harvard.” She tilted her head. “Congrats, Liam. You’re going to be a Hawthorne after all.”

They locked me in my room after that. Took my phone. My laptop. Even the old iPad I kept in my desk drawer. For three days, I was a prisoner in my own house. But they didn’t know about the backup phone taped under my bed frame. The one I’d bought with cash the day I woke up reborn, because some paranoid part of me knew they’d try this. I powered it on and opened my email. One unread message. From: MIT Admissions Subject: Enrollment Confirmed Dear Liam Vance, Welcome to MIT. Your enrollment in the Computer Science and Engineering program has been finalized. We look forward to seeing you at orientation on September 1st. I closed my eyes, exhaling for what felt like the first time in days. The system Seraphina had accessed wasn’t real. I’d built a dummy server the day I got the acceptance letter—a perfect replica of MIT’s enrollment portal, hosted locally on my laptop. If anyone tried to tamper with my decision, they’d be deleting a ghost. The real enrollment had gone through the morning I woke up in this timeline. I texted my best friend Marcus: Need you to grab my dorm stuff and meet me at South Station. Day before move-in. I’ll explain later. His reply came in seconds: Dude. What did you DO? Escaped. — Move-in day. I waited until my mother left for her book club and my father took Julian shopping for his dorm at Langford College—the private liberal arts school Seraphina’s family had paid to accept him after his 140 SAT score. Picked the bedroom lock in twenty minutes. Walked out the front door. Took the subway to South Station and didn’t look back. The train to Boston pulled away from the platform, and I watched my childhood disappear through the window. For the first time since I’d woken up in this nightmare, I let myself breathe. — I dozed off somewhere around Providence. When I woke up, something felt wrong. The train had stopped. But we weren’t at South Station. I looked out the window—and my blood turned to ice. We were at a private rail platform. Sleek. Modern. The kind of place you only accessed with a keycard and a seven-figure bank account. And standing on the platform, arms crossed, was my mother. She smiled when she saw me. “Liam. You’re awake. Perfect timing.” The train doors hissed open, and two men in black suits stepped aboard. “Mrs. Vance.” The taller one nodded. “We’ll take him from here.” “Wait—Mom—what is this?” She leaned into the train, her smile bright and terrible. “The Hawthornes are very excited to meet their future son-in-law, sweetheart. Seraphina’s been asking about you.” “I’m not—I don’t want—” “You’re eighteen. You’re brilliant. And you’re exactly what the Hawthorne family looks for in a match.” She stepped back as the men hauled me to my feet. “Oh, and I have wonderful news. They’ve agreed to let you and Seraphina get engaged today. Isn’t that romantic? The wedding will be right after her graduation.” “You can’t do this—” “I can. And I am.” She waved as they dragged me onto the platform. “The Hawthorne estate is lovely this time of year. You’ll see.”

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On the day of the UN Summit, I noticed a new smartwatch on my husband’s wrist. Julian claimed it was a gift from Chloe—a device to monitor his heart rate—mocking me for not being as “caring” as his high school sweetheart. I found it suspicious. During his lunch break, I secretly checked it and discovered a sophisticated spyware bug hidden in the casing. In a panic, I reported it to the Bureau, using my hard-earned ten-year promotion to cover for his “negligence.” Chloe became a federal fugitive. During her escape, she died in a fiery car wreck. Julian pretended to grieve the right way, telling me she deserved it while becoming the “perfect” husband. But it was a trap. During a high-stakes meeting, he leaked my classified translation files, framing me as a foreign asset. “Clara, you’re the one who planted that bug,” he hissed as the feds dragged me away. “You were just jealous of Chloe. You wanted her dead!” I’ll never forget the cold fury in his eyes as he tied me to the back of his car and dragged me across the asphalt for miles. “Go to hell and beg Chloe for forgiveness!” When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day Chloe gave him that watch. This time, I didn’t say a word. I simply signed the divorce papers. — “Clara, can you stop being so uptight? You think Chloe would actually hurt me?” Julian’s irritated voice snapped me back from the shock of waking up in the past. Our argument caught the attention of our team members. “Team Lead, that smartwatch on your wrist—didn’t you report it?” One sharp-eyed translator spotted the device and tried to help. Julian’s jaw tightened. “It’s a personal gift. I don’t need to report personal items.” “But that’s against Bureau proto—” He cut them off with a glare. “I’m the team lead on this assignment. If there’s a problem, I’ll handle it.” The translator glanced at me, helpless. I lowered my eyes. Last time, I’d been terrified he’d make a career-ending mistake. So I’d checked that watch behind his back, found the bug, and traded my decade-long shot at promotion to save his skin. All I got in return was his insane revenge. I’d never forget the feeling of asphalt tearing my flesh as he dragged me behind his car for miles. A flash of hatred crossed my eyes. “Team Lead knows what he’s doing,” I said coolly. “We don’t need to micromanage him.” Julian’s expression softened slightly. Then Chloe appeared, dragging her suitcase, breathless and theatrical. “Julian, take me with you! I haven’t been abroad in forever.” The translator didn’t hesitate. “No. You’re contract staff. You’re not cleared for an assignment this sensitive.” “The delegation list was approved by the Director personally. Even Team Lead can’t add or remove personnel.” Chloe’s eyes immediately filled with tears, weaponized and ready. “Julian, I didn’t realize you had so little authority as team lead.” “And why does your team check with your wife before answering? I didn’t know Clara was running this operation.” Julian’s face flushed red. “Who’s the team lead here, me or Clara? You all listen to her so well—maybe I should request a staff replacement!” No one dared speak. He softened his tone just slightly. “Chloe’s contract staff, which means she needs learning opportunities to advance. That’s why she’s coming with us.” “That violates protocol,” I said. My voice was flat, cynical. Julian’s expression hardened. He stared at me, eyes full of undisguised fury and warning. “I know you’re jealous of Chloe, but don’t bring personal feelings into work.” “Anyone who disagrees can remove themselves from this assignment.” The team’s faces paled. This was a career-making opportunity. No one wanted to lose it. Julian swept his gaze across the room, arrogant. “If you don’t want out, shut up. Or pack your things and get the hell out of the Translation Bureau.” I swallowed my anger and said nothing. Julian, this time I won’t interfere. Let’s see how this plays out for you.

After we landed in New York, everyone spent the evening prepping for tomorrow’s summit. Everyone except Chloe. “Julian, I’ve never been to New York! Can you take me sightseeing?” Right in front of me, she wrapped herself around his arm without shame. “There’s a dress I can only get here. Come shopping with me? I’ll wear it for you tonight.” I frowned. “We have work to do.” She rolled her eyes, voice dripping with contempt. “You have all these people. Why does the team lead need to be involved?” “Julian’s one of the primary translators tomorrow. His work can’t have errors. If you two want to fool around, wait until after the summit.” Chloe immediately turned to Julian with a wounded expression. “I just wanted to buy a dress. I didn’t mean to interfere with work. Does Clara have to humiliate me like this?” “I know she didn’t want me to come. Fine, I’ll buy a ticket home right now!” She made a show of heading for the door. Julian pulled her into his arms, then turned his fury on me. “People with dirty minds see everything as dirty! Clara, if you bully Chloe again, you’re out of tomorrow’s summit!” Several team members who liked me looked ready to explode, but I stopped them. Because I knew—the more Julian and Chloe played these games now, the worse their ending would be after the summit. Julian still had some sense of self-preservation. He didn’t abandon the prep work to take Chloe shopping—just promised to go after we finished. Chloe was dissatisfied but agreed. Then she started targeting me. At dinner, she complained she couldn’t eat “white people food” and demanded I cook her congee. When I refused, she ran to Julian. He used both his authority as team lead and husband to force me to play maid. By the time I delivered the congee to the hotel room, she was wearing my pajamas, curled against Julian’s chest watching TV. When she saw me, her smile turned triumphant and vicious. “Thanks so much, Clara.” “Oh, I forgot to pack pajamas, so Julian gave me yours. You don’t mind, right?” “These are so ugly though. No wonder Julian’s not interested in you. When we get home, I’ll buy you some pajamas Julian actually likes!” I forced down the rage bubbling in my chest. “Keep them.” I handed over the bowl. She tilted her head, lips curving into a meaningful smile. “Julian says you’re a great cook. I’ve been dying to try it.” She stood and took the bowl. Her voice dropped to a whisper only I could hear. “Bitch, you’ve been blocking my Bureau application, haven’t you? Then I’ll just steal Julian from you instead. Fair trade.” The next second, the bowl crashed to the floor. Most of the scalding congee splashed on me, but she screamed like she’d been murdered. “Julian, it’s so hot! If Clara didn’t want to cook for me, fine, but why did she have to burn me on purpose!” Then Julian’s hand connected with my face. “Clara, when did you become this vicious? Apologize to Chloe. Now!” I’d had enough. I glared at them both, then stormed out of the room. Looking at the mess covering my clothes and my scalded, reddening arm, my hatred for Julian reached its peak.

When I arrived at the team briefing after cleaning up, everyone looked uncomfortable. “What happened?” They exchanged awkward glances. “We went to get Team Lead for the meeting, but Chloe was in there… He said he’s busy and canceled tonight’s briefing.” Someone muttered under their breath, “This is ridiculous. Pre-mission briefings are Bureau protocol. How can he just cancel? And with you here, his wife, he just—” I dug my nails into my palm to keep my expression neutral. “I’ll check on him.” I pushed open Julian’s door to the sound of Chloe’s girlish laughter. She sat on his lap, one hand hooked around his neck, posing for her phone camera with exaggerated coyness. When she saw me, her smile widened. “Clara, don’t misunderstand. Julian and I are just really close siblings.” Julian gave me a dismissive glance, letting Chloe continue her performance on his lap. “Don’t act superior just because you’ve been at the Bureau longer. If you want to keep this marriage, apologize to Chloe.” “And when we get back, talk to the Director. Get Chloe’s contract-to-permanent transfer approved.” I wanted to slap them both and scream “I’m divorcing you!” But rationality won over rage. Not yet. Not the right time. I clenched my fists until my knuckles went white. “The Bureau isn’t my family business. The Director isn’t my father. I can’t just get contract staff promoted on a whim.” Julian laughed coldly. “You got that commendation last week, didn’t you? Trade your medal for a permanent position slot. Should be easy for you.” I took several deep breaths. Don’t engage with garbage people. “I came to tell you we’re having the team briefing. Everyone’s waiting for you.” Before Julian could respond, Chloe cut in irritably. “Are you all useless? It’s just a briefing. Why does Julian need to attend personally? Did you all get into the Bureau through connections and backdoor deals?” Her hands started wandering across Julian’s body. “Julian promised to spend tonight with me. He can’t break his word. I prepared several sexy costumes!” Julian’s eyes filled with lust. Whatever professionalism he had evaporated. He looked at me coldly. “Get out. Do I need to throw you out? You’re killing the mood. I don’t know what my mother saw in you when she picked you as a daughter-in-law.” He scooped up Chloe and headed for the bedroom. Soon, obscene sounds of laughter and moaning filled the suite. The sounds stabbed into me like needles. Once, Julian and I had been sweet together. But everything beautiful ended the moment Chloe appeared. Last time, I thought he’d just been deceived by her. After waking up in the past, I finally understood—this was the real Julian.

Maybe satisfaction made him magnanimous. The next morning, Julian looked refreshed and energized. Chloe walked with a slight wobble but looked at me with undisguised smugness. “Julian, I’m not official delegation, so I won’t go to the venue and cause problems. I’ll wait at the hotel. Do your best!” Julian’s expression was sickeningly indulgent. “Our Chloe is so understanding. Unlike some people who only know how to ruin the mood.” He shot me a pointed look. I laughed silently. Was it consideration? Or guilt? Julian, you have no idea what’s coming. Because of the summit’s high security classification, all attendees underwent a final security screening before entering the venue. My team members and I passed through smoothly. Julian didn’t. The metal detector wouldn’t stop beeping. Security pulled him aside. “Please wait, sir. We need to conduct an additional search. Your cooperation is required.” The security officer’s tone left no room for argument. Other delegates stared with curiosity. Julian’s face flushed. “I’m the Translation Team Lead. You think I’d violate protocol?” He waved his ID at the officer, but they weren’t impressed. “I’m sorry, sir. Regardless of your position, you must comply with our screening. Please remove all items from your person and place them in this tray.” “Comply?” Julian’s eyes went cold. He turned to me. “Clara, you’re deputy team lead. Handle this.” I shrugged helplessly. “Sorry, Team Lead. I can’t help with this. But if you haven’t violated protocol, just let them search. I’m sure the truth will speak for itself.” The other team members nodded in agreement. Julian’s eyes turned bloodshot. “Clara, kicking someone when they’re down? You’re really something. When we get back, I’ll make sure you regret this.” I ignored his threat and followed security with my team to the screening room. As Julian’s colleagues, our belongings would be re-screened as well. The results came quickly. The security supervisor walked to Julian with the smartwatch, expression deadly serious. “Mr. Smith, we detected a micro-surveillance device in your smartwatch. Your summit credentials are revoked. You need to come with us to Homeland Security for questioning.”

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I stared at the patent application for the anti-cancer drug I’d spent five years developing. The name in the inventor column made my blood run cold. Ryan Brooks. Not Dr. Julian Vance. Not the oncologist who’d sacrificed countless nights, missed family gatherings, and poured his soul into this research. Ryan Brooks. A medical resident who’d been at Sterling Memorial Hospital for barely six months. I stormed into my wife’s office, patent application clutched in my fist. Elena Sterling sat behind her desk, perfectly composed in her CEO power suit. She didn’t even look up from her laptop. “Elena, what the hell is this?” She glanced at the paper, then back to her screen. “Oh, that. I had Ryan submit it under his name. What’s the problem?” “What’s the problem?” I could barely keep my voice steady. “This is my research. Five years of my life. You put his name on it?” “Ryan needs this, Julian.” Her tone was casual, dismissive. “He’s young, ambitious. This kind of breakthrough will launch his career.” “Launch his career? This is intellectual property theft!” “Don’t be so dramatic.” She finally looked at me, her expression cold. “Can’t you stop being so petty for once? Give the new generation a chance.” “Petty? This is academic fraud, Elena. This could destroy both of our careers—” “Effective immediately, you’re relieved of your position as Department Head of Oncology.” Her words cut like a scalpel. “Report to General Logistics and Maintenance. You’ll be reassigned to janitorial duties.” The room spun. “You’re demoting me to… you’re making me a janitor?” “Maybe some time cleaning toilets will teach you about humility and teamwork.” She returned to her laptop. “We’re done here.” I walked out in a daze. My phone buzzed—a notification from Instagram. Ryan Brooks had posted a new photo. The image showed two hands intertwined on white sheets.One hand wore a wedding ring. I recognized that ring instantly—the custom-designed platinum band with microscopic engravings I’d commissioned for our fifth anniversary. There was only one in the world. The caption read: “My boss. My lover. ❤️” I didn’t hesitate. I liked the post and commented: “Congratulations to you and CEO Sterling. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.” The next day, they announced Ryan’s promotion to Department Head at the morning meeting. I showed up with two envelopes. The first was a lawyer’s letter citing intellectual property theft and demanding a full investigation. The second was a divorce petition with Elena’s signature from a month ago—she’d signed it without reading, too eager to rush off to check on Ryan’s parents’ blood pressure. I slammed both documents on the conference table and walked out. On my way to the parking lot, I sent my father a text: “Pull the investment. All of it.”

My phone vibrated. The restaurant hostess calling to confirm my reservation. “Dr. Vance, we’re confirming your party of two for seven PM this evening.” I looked at the empty seat across from me at the coffee shop. Elena was supposed to join me tonight to celebrate the patent filing. That plan died the moment I saw Ryan’s name on the application. “Change it to a table for one.” I ended the call. Another notification popped up—a video in the hospital’s staff group chat. Ryan’s face filled the screen, eyes red and glistening with theatrical tears. “Dr. Vance, I’m so sorry you misunderstood. That Instagram post was about my girlfriend. I thought CEO Sterling’s ring design was beautiful, so I had a replica made for her. I should have told you first. Please forgive me.” Below his video, Elena had commented: “No apologies needed, Ryan. Small minds see corruption everywhere.” The group chat exploded with ass-kissing responses. “We never doubted you for a second, Ryan!” “Some people are just too insecure to handle young talent.” “Dr. Brooks and CEO Sterling are beyond reproach. Certain individuals need to check their jealousy.” I almost laughed. Everyone at Sterling Memorial knew about Elena and Ryan’s “mentorship.” These hypocrites were just hedging their bets with the person who controlled their paychecks. From Department Head to janitor in one day. How could I compete with the CEO and her boy toy? I didn’t bother replying in the chat. Instead, I opened my desk drawer and pulled out the divorce papers. Elena had signed them a month ago without reading—she’d been in a rush to accompany Ryan to his parents’ house for a “routine check-up.” When did Ryan’s needs become more important than our marriage? Didn’t matter now. This farce was over. My phone rang again. Elena’s name flashed on the screen. She’d called ten times already. Part of me wondered if she’d finally realized how badly she’d screwed up. Maybe she wanted to apologize. I answered. “Where the hell are you, Julian?” Her voice dripped with fury. “Do you know what time it is? You’re AWOL. Get back to the hospital immediately!” My brief flicker of hope died. “AWOL? Elena, you demoted me to janitorial staff. I don’t have a shift today. Your new Department Head, Dr. Brooks, is supposed to be on call.” Silence on her end. She clearly hadn’t expected me to push back. “The night shift is understaffed. Ryan has a family emergency. I need you to cover.” Of course. She’d forgotten about our dinner reservation. Or maybe she’d never bothered to listen when I told her about it. “Dr. Brooks has an emergency, and you need coverage?” I kept my voice level. “Perhaps you should handle it personally. After all, you’re his boss and his lover. Isn’t that what his post said?” “Julian, you—” I hung up and blocked her number. I checked the time. My restaurant reservation was in twenty minutes. I gathered my things and headed out. The restaurant was elegant and quiet.I sat alone at my table, surrounded by dishes I’d ordered for two. The irony wasn’t lost on me. How many years had I believed we were unshakeable? That our relationship would never fall victim to something as cliché as an affair? Then Ryan Brooks showed up, and everything changed. I’d hoped the novelty would wear off. That Elena would remember what we’d built together. I was a fool. I picked up my chopsticks, tried to eat. The food tasted like ash. Through the thin wall separating the private dining rooms, I heard champagne glasses clinking and voices raised in celebration. “Congratulations to Dr. Brooks on his breakthrough anti-cancer drug development!”

I gripped my fork so hard my knuckles went white. The voices next door grew louder, more exuberant. “Dr. Brooks, you’re a prodigy! This kind of achievement at your age—unprecedented!” “CEO Sterling, you have an incredible eye for talent. Promoting Dr. Brooks was a masterstroke!” “Hey, where’s Dr. Vance tonight?” someone asked. “I heard CEO Sterling reassigned him to…janitorial duties?” The speaker lowered their voice, but the contempt was clear. “Probably too embarrassed to show his face. Can’t handle the competition.” “Good riddance. Let’s not ruin the mood talking about jealous has-beens.” I heard Elena’s voice, warm and affectionate in a way she hadn’t spoken to me in months. “Ryan, don’t let the pressure get to you. This success is yours. You earned it.” “Thank you, Elena.” Ryan’s voice oozed false modesty. “I couldn’t have done it without your support. This achievement belongs to everyone here!” The food in front of me looked delicious. My stomach churned with nausea. I dropped my fork. The clatter echoed in my empty room. I couldn’t stay here another second. I pushed back from the table and headed for the exit. As I rounded the corner, the bathroom door opened. Elena stepped out, her face flushed from wine. She froze when she saw me. “Julian?” Her eyes narrowed. “What are you doing here? Are you following me?” Following her. Of course that’s what she’d think. “Your imagination is working overtime, Elena.” I turned to face her fully. “You forgot. This time, this place—this was supposed to be MY celebration dinner. The one you scheduled with me two weeks ago.” Her expression crumbled. A flash of panic and embarrassment crossed her face. “I’ve been swamped with work. I forgot about—look, Ryan really needed this patent to establish himself. The hospital needed a young success story to showcase. The research would have brought prestige regardless of whose name was on it. As long as I knew the truth, what’s the harm?” She took a step toward me, her voice softening. “Julian, I know you’re upset. But think about the bigger picture. Once things calm down, I’ll reinstate you as Department H—” “Don’t bother.” I cut her off, “Keep the position. Keep the patent. You and your protégé Ryan deserve each other.” Shock flickered across her face. She’d expected me to cave, to swallow my pride for the sake of our marriage and her precious “bigger picture.” “Julian! Stop being so childish! I’m trying to give you an out here—” Her phone rang. She glanced at the screen. Her entire demeanor shifted in an instant—the anger and impatience vanished, replaced by warmth and concern. “Hey, Ryan. I’ll be right there…” Her voice turned syrupy sweet. “Don’t worry, I’m just outside. You can’t survive five minutes without me? Silly boy… okay, okay, I’m coming now.” She turned toward the private room without another glance at me. As if I’d ceased to exist the moment Ryan’s name appeared on her screen. “Wait for me, sweetheart. I’ll be right there.” The hallway fell silent. I was alone again. I looked at the closed door of their celebration one last time. Then I walked out of the restaurant and didn’t look back. My phone buzzed. A message from my doctoral advisor, Dr. Marcus Johnson . “Julian, please tell me you haven’t submitted that patent application. There’s a critical flaw in the compound interaction data.”

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After Mark’s brother passed away, his mother insisted that Mark should take on the responsibility of caring for his widow-Jessica. Jessica managed the income. I managed the expenses. The entire family’s income went to Jessica, while I was responsible for the spending and the savings. I work hard on it. When expenses exceeded income, I even paid the difference from my own pocket. At year-end, the whole family gathered to settle the household accounts. Jessica smiled. “Mark, this year you made $150,000 salary plus a $50,000 bonus—that’s $200,000 total! You’re amazing!” The whole family cheered. Only I remained expressionless. Mark turned to me, a smug grin on his face. “I got a raise this year, Chloe. Since we lived frugally, the savings account must be fat compared to last year. How much do we have?” I said flatly, “Not a penny.” Mark’s smile vanished instantly. His face contorted. “We scrimped and saved all year! Where is the money? Did you funnel it to your own secret stash?” The entire family looked at me like I was a criminal. I laughed coldly and looked at Jessica’s guilty face. …… “Chloe, I’m talking to you. Why do you keep staring at Jessica?” The next second, Mark roared at me. His face was dark as storm clouds. “Chloe, tell me the truth. Where did the money go? Did you give it all to your family?” “You’re the only one managing this household. My monthly salary is $12,500. Even if groceries and bills cost $4,000, that still leaves $8,500!” “Over a year that’s at least $102,000, plus the $50,000 bonus—$152,000 total. How could there be nothing left? Where’s the money? Did you steal it!” I replied indifferently. “The money is indeed gone.” As soon as I spoke, Mark got even angrier. “Chloe, I’m warning you. Don’t push it!” Mark’s parent immediately tried to smooth things over. “That’s right, Chloe. In previous years when Mark made less, you still saved almost $100,000. This year with more money, how is there nothing left? That doesn’t make sense.” “Or think harder—maybe you put it in a different account and forgot?” In previous years, Mark’s month salary was $120,000. After household expenses for five people, we’d save over $80,000 annually. This year his salary increased $30,000, plus a $50,000 bonus. Yet somehow there was nothing. No wonder they were so angry. I shook my head again and said calmly. “I didn’t miscalculate. There really is nothing.” “CHLOE!” Mark’s voice nearly broke. “I trusted you completely—I put this whole household in your hands. Is this how you repay my trust?” I glanced at Jessica. She showed no reaction. Just smiled ingratiatingly. I sighed helplessly. “There’s no other way. This year, that’s just how it was.” Unexpectedly, Jessica spoke up. Acting sincere and concerned. “Chloe, think harder. Are you in some kind of trouble?” “I remember last month you took out a loan to help your brother, right?” Her words were vague but the meaning was clear. “If you really took the money, just admit your mistake. We’ll definitely forgive you.” After Jessica’s words, everyone’s expressions changed drastically. Mark instantly exploded and slammed the table. “Chloe, normally I overlook when you slip your family little favors. But now you dare touch our foundation? Do you have any respect for us?” “Don’t forget—you married into the Miller family. You are Chole Miller.” Mark’s mom immediately screeched in agreement. “This is sinful! My son works himself to death earning that money, and you use it to fill your family’s bottomless pit?” Mark’s father pointed at my nose. “You ungrateful leech! My son was cursed the day he married you!” Mark’s sister chimed in. “Exactly. So selfish.” Jessica looked at me with pity. “Stop yelling at her. Just get the money back from your brother, Chloe. We can move past this.” I almost laughed at her shamelessness. Since that’s how it is, no need to save face. “Jessica, aren’t you confused?” “The one who borrowed money for her brother’s loan sharks—wasn’t that you? Last month you said it was urgent. Didn’t you take all that money?” “We should actually be in the negative. I was afraid it would look bad, so I even added a few cents from my own pocket.” Jessica’s face flashed with panic. She looked at Mark helplessly, her eyes instantly reddening. “Mark, it wasn’t me…” Mark didn’t even hesitate. He turned on me like a rabid dog. “Enough, Chloe! Stealing the money wasn’t enough? Now you’re framing Jessica?” I sneered. Ten years of marriage. And he trusted her crocodile tears over me in a heartbeat. I pulled out my phone and opened the chat history. “Look. This is proof of when Jessica borrowed money from me.” “She promised to pay it back by year-end. She still hasn’t.”

Jessica’s face instantly turned pale. This was Jessica’s usual trick—playing weak, using her dead husband as an excuse. Painting herself as the world’s most innocent victim. The first time she came to me crying. “Chloe, I know I shouldn’t ask, but my brother is really in trouble. He desperately needs money to save his life.” “My husband is gone. He’s my only family left. I can’t just watch him…” “You’re the only one I can ask in this family. Mom and Dad are too old. Mark is a man. Chloe, please help me. I promise this is the last time. I’ll pay you back by year-end, okay?” I felt sorry for her, so I transferred the money. I even helped hide it from Mark’s parent to avoid causing problems. Never expected she’d turn around and accuse me. Jessica, caught in front of everyone, glared at me. “Chloe, I admit I asked to borrow money from you. But I already paid it back!” “How can you deliberately keep the records and slander me?” She said this while her eyes reddened. “Fine. Since you insist I took the money, then I guess it was me. My husband is dead anyway. In this house, I’m just an outsider.” She fumbled for her phone, constantly glancing at Mark. Sniffling. “I’ll transfer the money to you right now.” Sure enough, the next second Mark exploded. He grabbed her hand. “Jessica, Chole did wrong. Why are you giving her money?” “Chole is clearly bullying you. She stole from us and won’t admit it—now she frames you.” “Chloe, do you have any humanity? Bullying a widow—has your conscience been eaten by dogs?” Jessica playfully tapped him. “Mark, don’t say it like that. Maybe Chloe just got confused.” “Since I’m part of this family and you’ve all helped me over the years—I have $20,000. I’ll help cover $20,000 for Chloe.” “As for the rest, as long as Chloe admits her mistake and makes up the difference, we’re still family. We can be harmonious, okay?” I laughed coldly. What a perfect plan. Using that $20,000 to sweep this under the rug. To confirm my crime of secretly helping my family. All these years she’d been using her dead husband’s name to play both sides. Whenever there was anything good, she’d take it first, using me as cover. Before, I pitied her and was willing to help. But now it’s clear—all that kindness was wasted. Before I could speak, Mark got angry again. Pointing at my nose and cursing. “Chloe, are you really so vicious you’d bully a widow? Look what you’ve driven Jessica to!” “People would think we couldn’t tolerate Jessica after my brother died. Today you MUST repay every penny. And you need to apologize to Jessica!” Watching him lose control, I suddenly understood. The real issue wasn’t about money. He couldn’t stand me saying one harsh word to Jessica—not even a look. Seeing me stay silent, he assumed I felt guilty. He got more aggressive. “I bet you’ve stolen more than just this year’s money. All these years everyone was fooled by your act. Who knows how much you’ve given your family.” “Today since Mom and Dad are here, let’s thoroughly audit your accounts. Go through every expense and income from all these years and see exactly how much you stolen.” As soon as he finished, Jessica’s expression changed drastically. #$ She blurted out “Mark, it’s New Year’s! Why audit accounts? It’ll hurt everyone’s feelings.” “Whatever the issue is, let’s talk it through. Chloe, I’ll transfer you the money right now.” “Jessica.” Mark stopped her again. “I already said—SHE did wrong, not you. How can I take your money? You’ve had it so hard all these years. Keep that money for yourself.” Mark’s mom gratefully squeezed her hand. “That’s right, Jessica. You’re so thoughtful. Don’t worry—Mom will protect you. If Chloe bullies you, tell me. I’ll back you up.” Mark’s father agreed. “You are so considerable. Having a daughter-in-law like you is a blessing. Even though you’re struggling, you still think of the family.” “Even though Mark’s brother is gone, in our hearts you’ll always be our daughter.” Maybe one of the kids opened the door. Our argument had been too loud—the doorway attracted nosy neighbors. Pointing and whispering. Jessica shot me a pleading look, wanting me to let it go. Though their actions made me cold inside, they were still family. And there were children. I didn’t want outsiders laughing at us. So I spoke softly. “Fine. Let’s eat dinner first. We can discuss this after.” Hearing this, Jessica’s face relaxed. I didn’t expect Mark to remain relentless. “Eat? That’s all you think about! If we don’t settle this today, you’re not eating this meal.” After saying this, he glanced at the doorway and sneered. He walked over and opened the door wider. “So you do know shame. Well, now I’ll let you be thoroughly humiliated.” “Let everyone see exactly what kind of person you are.” Instantly, more onlookers crowded the doorway. Jessica rushed over, trying to close the door. Clearly, Mark completely misread the situation. “Jessica, don’t be afraid. Everyone will support you. This woman won’t get away with framing you.” Jessica saw things spiraling out of control. In desperation, she lied outright. “Chloe, I really did give you that money—in cash. You even said there was no rush, that we’re family so why keep strict accounts.” “Also, I’ve seen you inflate grocery costs, pocketing the difference for your family. Just admit your mistake in front of everyone, and we’ll let it go. It’s New Year’s—don’t make this ugly.” I froze, stunned by her words. All these years my family had been subsidizing me. When had I ever given them a penny? Ignoring my reaction, she continued, looking at Mark. “Mark, since we’re all family, let’s not be too hard on Chloe.” “Have her repay this year’s $152,000, plus a $152,000 penalty—$304,000 total, into the family fund. How about that?”

“Mark.” Jessica gently tugged his sleeve. “Please? It’s New Year’s. Auditing accounts would hurt feelings.” Mark glanced at Jessica. He snorted and reluctantly nodded. “Fine. For Jessica’s sake—Chloe, hand over the money and we’ll turn the page.” I laughed coldly. So they’d calculated this all along. They knew my parents recently felt bad I’d been struggling without a car. They’d given me exactly $304,000 to buy one. Jessica saw him agree and quickly signaled me to transfer the money. “Chloe, see? Mark is compromising. $304,000 isn’t difficult for you.” “Whatever misunderstandings there are, we can discuss privately later.” I almost laughed at her shamelessness. “Jessica, what makes you think I’ll keep being your scapegoat?” “Since you claim you withdrew $152,000 in cash and gave it to me, show me the withdrawal record right now.” Jessica immediately looked away. “Chloe! You’re deliberately making this difficult. You know I lost my bank card recently. Fill in the money first, and once I get my replacement, I’ll show the withdrawal records to Mom, Dad, and Mark.” Then she pleaded, tugging at my sleeve. “Please, Chloe. Help me this one last time. I swear I’ll pay you back.” I scoffed. I shook her off coldly. By now, how could I not see her true face? Once the Millers got their money, would they care how it came? “Dream on!” “Since you can’t provide proof, well—I have proof.” “Proof of who’s been secretly taking all the family money these years.” “Ahh!” But she deliberately stumbled into the table corner, crying out dramatically. Mark saw this and immediately rushed over, slapping me hard. “Chloe! Look what you’ve become—bitter, mean. For a few dollars you’ve stopped being human?” “Jessica was trying to help you, and you dare lay hands on her.” “Believe me or not, I’ll call the police right now. Report you for theft, transferring marital assets, and assault. Let the cops throw you in jail.” My face burned with pain as I stared at him. Never imagined he’d hit me for another woman. Years of feelings, gone in an instant. “Fine. Then let the police investigate thoroughly who really stole the money. Let them examine everything one by one.” “Mark, listen carefully. If I took even one extra penny, forget $300,000—even 3 million dollars, I’ll pay you back if it bankrupts me.” I paused, pointing at Jessica. “But what if it was her? Would you still call the police?” He sneered. “You think everyone is like you—two-faced? Jessica would never do such a thing.” “Even if Jessica used family money, I believe she didn’t do it on purpose. I’d willingly pay for her.” “Great!” I nodded repeatedly. If it weren’t so inappropriate, I’d laugh. The heart I’d loved for years suddenly died. Jessica immediately rushed over in panic. “Mark, we’re all family! How can we call the police? Quick, put your phone down!” Mark reassured her with a smile. “Jessica, you’re just too kind. That’s why this woman keeps slandering you.” “Don’t worry. We all believe you. When the police come, they’ll clear your name.” I laughed coldly and pulled out all the account statements from my bag. “Is that so? Then open your eyes and look carefully.” Did she think she could lie without evidence? “Police! Who called the police?” Just then, a voice rang from the doorway. Mark’s mom proudly waved her phone at me. Jessica’s pupils contracted sharply. #$ “Officers! It was me! This woman stole every penny my son earned working himself to death. Not a cent left!” “Nearly $200,000! Officers, you must help us!” “Not only that, she viciously framed Jessica. Jessica is a young widow—so honest. You must investigate this evil woman thoroughly.” Mark’s mom ran up, pointing at me with a twisted expression. “Chloe, you refused the easy way. Now the police are here—let’s see how you explain. If you don’t pay up, enjoy prison!” I laughed coldly and pulled up a chair. Perfect. Saved me the trouble. The neighbors started whispering. “They called the police—this must be serious.” “Right? That woman secretly transferred all the family assets. The year-end audit caught her. Not a penny left. I bet she’s stolen way more. Calling the police was right.” Another person quietly said. “Don’t be so sure. Look how confident she is. She even volunteered to audit. She’s not scared at all. Meanwhile, Jessica’s face has been off from the start. Maybe there’s something fishy. If they wrongly accused her, that marriage is over.” Mark’s sister munched sunflower seeds like watching a show. She didn’t care who took the money. She just wanted drama. “Chole, weren’t you acting tough? Now that the police are here, show us those statements. Let us see how this family got drained.” Jessica immediately panicked. “No! You can’t!” She tried to grab the statements from my hands. I sneered and dodged. When that didn’t work, she ran to Mark. “Mark, quick—tell Mom to send the police away. This is our private matter. We can resolve it. We can’t let it go public. How will we live together after?” “Harmonious?” He smirked. “Jessica, you’re too kind. When this woman was stealing and smearing you, did she think about ‘harmony’?” “Since she has no shame, we don’t need to save face for this woman.” He walked to the officers and pointed at me. “Investigate her, officers. Please examine this woman thoroughly and see how much she stole and how much she transferred.” The two officers exchanged glances. The older one looked at me. “Ma’am, please cooperate.” “Regarding your family’s accusations, we need to understand the situation.” I smirked, glancing at Jessica’s ashen face. I handed over the statements. “Officers, these are all the household income and expense records since I took over, with bank statements and transfer receipts.” “From hospital bills to a bottle of soy sauce—everything is documented.” I’d originally prepared these just in case. Never thought there’d be a day I’d need them. Before this, I’d always pitied her widowhood. I didn’t want to make things ugly. This year not covering for her was just to see her attitude. If she’d admitted it, I never would have revealed how much she’d secretly transferred to that gambling-addict brother. But today’s actions truly broke my heart. Since that’s how it is, no need to keep being the scapegoat. #$ Instantly, everyone’s eyes were drawn over. Neighbors outside craned their necks. Jessica tried to snatch the documents. One look from the police froze her. The officers’ expressions grew complex as they read. After a while, one asked: “Who is Jessica Miller?” “Jessica?” Mark froze. The angry denunciation he expected never came. He frowned in confusion. Mark’s parent immediately crowded forward. The longer they looked, the grimmer their faces. Mark couldn’t take it anymore. “What’s wrong with these statements? Let me see.” “Is the amount more than Chloe lied about? I knew it—this woman is calculating. She never had good intentions.” He glared at me, walking over cursing. “Chloe, I was blind to marry a traitor like you.” “Look at Jessica—how considerate, filial, caring. You’re not worth a single hair on her head.” I laughed coldly. The words buried for years finally came out. However, the moment he grabbed the statements, he roared and tore them to shreds. “No! Impossible! This can’t be real! It’s fake!” Mark got more agitated, nearly lunging at me. The police blocked him. “Chloe, you’re shameless! Making fake accounts to frame Jessica!” I scoffed and pulled out backup copies. “Mark, can you tear up all of them?” The police photographed the statements. Some curious neighbors squeezed inside. They picked up statements and read aloud. “‘Chloe, Mom’s in the hospital—emergency. Can you transfer $50,000? I’ll pay you back next month. Please don’t tell others.’ Date: March, two years ago.” “‘Chloe, help! Danny gambled and owes loan sharks. They’ll break his legs. Please lend me $80,000. My husband’s dead—I have nowhere else. Please help.’ Date: June, last year.” “‘Chloe, $100,000. Danny swore this is the last $100,000. Once paid, he’ll quit gambling. Please. I’ll pay you back by year-end.’” For easy accounting, I’d pinned large amounts to the top. Smaller amounts were organized chronologically, clear at a glance. Those who thought I was helping my family fell silent. Only Mark kept screaming. “Officers, no—it’s not like this! I don’t believe it! She photoshopped these—forged the records!” “It’s slander! This much money—how would I not know? How could she transfer it without discussing?” “Besides, previous years’ accounts were correct. Where would you get this money?” His words gave Jessica courage to lie. She snapped back. “Chloe, I’ve always respected you. How can you treat me this way?” “I never asked to borrow that much! I never said those things!” She turned to Mark, crying. “Mom, Dad, Mark—please believe me. I really didn’t.” “Chloe is trying to destroy me.” Mark stared at me venomously. “Chloe, look what you’ve done to Jessica. What is your heart made of?” “Apologize to Jessica publicly right now. Admit you forged evidence. Otherwise, you’ll never enter this house again.”

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Chloe had perfected the art of weaponized incompetence. She’d stumble into class late, wide-eyed and breathless, clutching a Starbucks cup like it was a lifeline. “Oh my God, you guys, I’m so bad at mornings!” And just like that, someone would offer her their notes. Someone always did. Even Hayden—my childhood best friend, my first kiss behind the bleachers in eighth grade—would drop everything to help her. He’d smile that patient, indulgent smile and say, “Don’t worry about it, Chloe. I’ve got you.” He never questioned her. Not when she “accidentally” deleted his Google Drive folder senior year. And definitely not on the day she logged into his Common App account and torched his future. I watched it happen. I said nothing. Because in my first life, I’d tried to save him. I’d caught her red-handed, reported her to the Honor Council, and fixed his college applications with minutes to spare. And Hayden? He called me a jealous bitch. Said I was threatened by Chloe’s “sweetness.” Said I’d fabricated the whole thing because I couldn’t stand to see him happy. Two years later, when I was a graduate student at MIT, he destroyed me. He filed a false academic misconduct report. Forged emails. Planted evidence in my research files. The investigation was brutal. The hearing was worse. I was expelled, blacklisted, and facing federal charges for research fraud I didn’t commit. “What did you expect?” he said through the plexiglass during his one and only visit to the jail. “You tried to ruin Chloe. Did you really think I’d let that slide?” In prison, the violence was methodical. A woman named Reina ran our cell block, and she had very specific instructions: make it hurt, but don’t leave marks. I learned later that Hayden had paid her. Five thousand dollars to make sure I suffered. She earned every penny. I died on a concrete floor, my body shutting down from starvation and internal bleeding, clutching a shell casing my father had given me before he deployed to Afghanistan. He never came home. Neither did I. Until I did. I reborn. I woke up to the smell of industrial cleaner and the mechanical hum of desktop computers. My fingers were on a keyboard. The screen in front of me glowed with the Common App portal, a countdown timer ticking in the corner: 4 hours, 27 minutes until submission deadline. “Ava? You done yet?” The voice hit me like a fist to the sternum. I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. My entire body locked up as footsteps clicked across the linoleum floor behind me. I didn’t need to turn around. I knew exactly who it was. Chloe. And I knew exactly what she was about to do. “Almost,” I managed, my voice coming out strangled. I kept my eyes on the screen, but my peripheral vision tracked her movement. She drifted toward the back corner of the computer lab—the one spot the security camera didn’t cover. I’d discovered that blind spot in my previous life, right after I’d discovered what she was doing there. This time, I was ready. My phone was already propped between two textbooks, camera lens aimed directly at that corner. Recording. Chloe glanced around, her ponytail swishing as she checked to make sure no one was watching. Then she slid into the chair, her fingers flying across the keyboard with the kind of confidence that didn’t match her “oops, I’m so clumsy” persona. She logged into Hayden’s account. He’d given her his password months ago—because of course he had. He trusted her completely. I watched her navigate to his application. Watched her delete MIT, Stanford, Columbia. Watched her replace them, one by one, with the local community college. Not even the good one. The one that advertised on bus benches. When she finished, she stared at the screen for a long moment. And then she smiled. It wasn’t the ditsy, giggling smile she wore around guys. It was cold. Satisfied. Surgical. “Chloe?” Hayden’s voice shattered the silence. I flinched so hard I nearly knocked over my water bottle.

“Hayden!” Chloe’s mask snapped back into place with terrifying speed. She bounded toward him, all bright eyes and breathless energy. “Oh my God, you scared me! I was just, like, checking my email and I think I clicked something weird? The screen went all crazy.” Hayden caught her by the shoulders, steadying her. “You’re fine. Just log out if something’s acting up.” She nodded, burying her face against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, and for just a second, his eyes flicked toward me. The look in them made my blood run cold. He turned away, guiding Chloe toward the door with his hand on the small of her back. I sat frozen until their footsteps faded. Then I looked down at my phone. The video was crystal clear. Every keystroke. Every smile. Every lie. Last time, I’d run after them. I’d screamed. I’d begged Hayden to check his account. He’d looked at me like I was delusional. This time, I closed the recording and saved it to three separate cloud drives. Then I deleted the application I’d already filled out—Boston University, Finance major, the school Hayden had picked for me because he liked the idea of us in the same city. I typed in a new name: United States Military Academy at West Point. My father’s alma mater. The place I’d spent my whole childhood trying to forget. “I’m done running,” I whispered to the empty lab. The submit button glowed green. I clicked it. — The Common App portal locked at midnight. By the time Hayden’s mother found out, it was three days later. I was restocking shelves at the campus bookstore when I heard the screaming. “WHO TOUCHED HIS APPLICATIONS?” Mrs. White’s voice cut through the hallway like a siren. I peeked around the corner and saw her storming toward the administrative office, heels clicking like gunshots, a printout of Hayden’s college list clutched in her hand. The entire hallway went silent. Chloe was at her locker. I watched the color drain from her face. Her fingers twisted the hem of her skirt. “Mrs. White, I—” Chloe’s voice broke beautifully. Tears welled up in her eyes on cue. “I was trying to help. The system was glitching, and I thought—I thought I clicked save, but—” “You thought?” Mrs. White’s voice could have stripped paint. “You thought? Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” In my first life, this scene had played out differently. I’d fixed Hayden’s applications before the deadline. Mrs. White had shown up angry, but ultimately relieved. She’d thanked me stiffly, then never spoken to me again. Hayden had called me a meddling bitch and told me to stay out of his life. This time, I stayed in the bookstore. My phone was recording from my jacket pocket. “Mom.” Hayden appeared in the hallway, his jaw tight. He put himself between Chloe and his mother. “I told her to do it.” The hallway erupted in whispers. I nearly dropped the book in my hand. “What?” Mrs. White’s voice cracked.

“I asked Chloe to change my applications.” Hayden’s voice was calm. Too calm. “Community college is fine. I don’t need some fancy name on a degree to prove I’m worth something.” He pulled Chloe against his side, his arm locked around her shoulders. “If I can be with her, that’s all that matters.” Chloe’s tears froze halfway down her cheeks. Mrs. White looked like she’d been slapped. And Hayden turned his head, just slightly, and looked directly at me. He smiled. It was the kind of smile that said checkmate. I turned off the recording and went back to stacking books. — The senior class dinner was held at Marcello’s, the kind of Italian restaurant with cloth napkins and candles on every table. Chloe wore white. Of course she did. She floated between tables, laughing and hugging people, her hand occasionally brushing Hayden’s arm. “Can you believe Hayden’s giving up everything for me? He’s so sweet.” She stopped by my table, leaning down so her hair fell across her shoulder. “Ava, I heard you got into West Point? That’s so… intense. Are you, like, trying to get away from us or something?” A few people laughed. I peeled a shrimp, methodical and slow, and didn’t look up. “Ava.” Hayden’s voice. Sharp enough that the table went quiet. I met his eyes. “Your dad died in the military, right?” He swirled his drink, ice clinking against glass. “Blown up or something?” My hands stilled. “You planning to follow in his footsteps?” He leaned back in his chair, his smile cruel and lazy. “Get yourself killed too?” Someone sucked in a breath. Chloe’s hand flew to her mouth, but her eyes glittered with something that wasn’t sympathy. “I mean, it’s kind of sad,” Hayden continued, his voice carrying across the restaurant. “No parents. No family. Just… desperation. You’re really going to some desert hellhole because you’ve got nothing else, huh?” The table was silent. I set down my fork. Picked up my glass of Coke. Raised it. “To you and Chloe,” I said evenly. “I hope community college is everything you dreamed of.” Hayden’s smile faltered. For just a second, I saw it—the flicker of recognition. The rage simmering beneath the surface. He knew. He remembered. “Cheers,” I said, and took a sip.

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