It was Kindergarten Family Day. My wife, Serena, claimed she had company business and told me and our daughter, Lily, not to go. So, I decided to take Lily myself. As soon as we walked in, I saw Serena, one arm cradling a little boy, the other hand holding our childhood sweetheart, Ryan. They looked like a real family of three, laughing and chatting, perfectly harmonious. Until they saw Lily and me. Serena’s brow furrowed slightly, and she finally let go of Ryan’s hand. “Daniel, don’t misunderstand. It’s tough for Ryan, being a single dad. Today is his son’s fifth birthday, and he just wanted him to experience a mother’s love.” I shot her a meaningful glance, then crouched down, taking Lily’s small hand. “Sweetheart, say hello to Ms. Serena.” Seeing this, Ryan quickly took his son, his face apologetic. “Daniel, please don’t be mad. Serena meant well. Leo grew up without a mom, and today’s his fifth birthday. Serena was just helping him fulfill a dream of having a mother.” I stared at him, a half-smile playing on my lips. “If that’s the case, now that Lily and I are here, shouldn’t Serena come back to us? After all, we’re the real family of three.” Ryan froze slightly, but the boy in his arms wasn’t having it. “Mommy, you promised you’d spend today with Daddy and me!” The five-year-old glared at me with fierce eyes. I raised an eyebrow. “Mommy”? They’re already calling her “Mommy”? Before I could say anything else, Serena stepped in front of them, adopting a protective stance. Her tone was impatient. “Daniel, you’re a parent too. Do you have absolutely no empathy?” “Ryan and I grew up together. I’m just spending one day with them, just one day! Do you really have to be so petty about this?” I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping me. Was Ryan’s misfortune my fault? Just then, other parents and their kids started arriving, and someone came over to greet us. “Leo’s dad, Leo’s mom, good morning! You two always come to Family Day together with Leo. Not like my husband, always saying he’s busy with work, never caring about our child’s growth.” Ryan awkwardly returned the greeting, and I saw a flicker of panic in Serena’s eyes. I couldn’t help but demand, “Serena, is this what you meant by ‘just one day’?!” Serena flushed with anger, grabbing my arm. “Daniel, there are a lot of people here, don’t make a scene!” She then looked down at Lily, lowering her voice. “If you make a fuss, it won’t be good for Lily, will it?” Lily suddenly heard her name and looked around confused. But she still didn’t seem to understand what was happening, just clinging tightly to my leg, her small hand clutching mine, already sweaty. I felt her unease. I knelt down, stroked her little ponytail, and whispered, “Daddy’s here, sweetheart. There’s nothing to be scared of.” I watched Serena, Ryan, and Leo walk away. Soon, they were surrounded by the crowd. Some parents, eager to flatter, smiled and greeted Serena. They were praising her successful career, how she’d become the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company in her early thirties. Serena was undoubtedly arrogant and smug, practically strutting with pride. And Ryan? He stared at Serena with shining eyes, looking as if he were basking in her reflected glory. Leo, still in Serena’s arms, suddenly looked back and shot me a defiant grimace. A cold laugh bubbled up in my chest. It looked like Serena had gotten way too ahead of herself. Even though I’d cut down my time at the company to be with Lily, 75% of Everwing Group’s shares were in my name. I was the real CEO, the actual boss. She had just latched onto me, and out of marital consideration, I’d given her a manager title. I pulled out my phone and messaged Chloe in HR: “Chloe, transfer Serena from her manager position. Internal announcement next Monday.” Then I messaged Marcus in Legal: “Marcus, draft a divorce agreement for Serena and me.”

A short while later, the Kindergarten Family Day activities officially began. Each family sat at a table that had been prepared beforehand. Lily looked at Serena sitting in the front row and asked sadly, “Daddy, why isn’t Serena sitting with us?” I pinched Lily’s soft, plump cheek. She was still so young; she shouldn’t have to deal with this dirty business. “Because Daddy’s a superhero, and to be fair, Serena went to help other little superheroes.” Just then, the kindergarten teacher announced the start of the first activity: building blocks, smiling as she added, “There’s a prize for first place! A LEGO spaceship!” Lily suddenly brightened, pointing at the spaceship. “Daddy, I want that!” “Alright, then let’s go for it!” The sand in the hourglass was almost gone when Lily raised her small hand and excitedly shouted, “Teacher, we’re done!” The teacher walked over and nodded, about to make the announcement, when a little boy came zooming over from the front row. It was Leo. He shoved over our completed block structure with one hand, then stood there, chest puffed out. “Now first place is mine!” Lily stared at the collapsed blocks, her eyes welling up with tears. Angrily, she picked up a large block and threw it at Leo. Serena’s first words as she arrived were, “Lily, how could you hit someone?! Apologize to Leo right now!” Lily was stubborn. “No, I won’t! He knocked down my blocks first! He’s a meanie!” I stood firmly behind Lily. “Serena, anyone with eyes can see who started it. Leo should apologize to Lily!” Ryan followed her, pulling on Serena’s arm. “Serena, let it go. No need to make a big deal. Adults overlook a child’s misdeeds.” The kindergarten teacher also tried to smooth things over. Just then, Lily suddenly burst into tears, whimpering, “Mommy, why aren’t you protecting me? Why are you being mean to me?” That single word, “Mommy,” instantly stunned everyone. Their gazes darted between me, Serena, and Ryan. Serena’s face flushed red and then white. Ryan looked like he wanted to speak but held back. At that moment, Leo stood with his hands on his hips in front of Lily, his voice venomous. “Who are you calling Mommy? What are you shouting about! She’s my mommy!” Lily was so startled she started hiccuping. She cried, her eyes blurry with tears, her little voice cracking as she shrieked, “Mommy, say something!” My heart ached, and I shot Serena a furious glare, my voice much harsher. “Serena, aren’t you going to explain? Are you just going to stand there and let Lily and me be misunderstood?” Serena’s eyes widened, and she snatched Leo into her arms. “Explain what? Today, I am Leo’s mommy!” She even patted Leo’s head. Instantly, the other parents began pointing and whispering about Lily and me. “Why is that child calling her ‘Mommy’ willy-nilly?!” “Lily’s family usually never comes to Family Day. This time it’s just the dad. Could she be someone’s mistress’s child?!” “I heard Serena is a CEO, super rich. Maybe Lily’s dad was trying to hook up with Serena, and his own daughter stumbled upon them and got confused.” As Lily and I were being attacked by rumors, Serena remained silent, simply comforting Leo. Ryan, standing nearby, barely concealed a smirk, glancing at me. I hugged a sobbing Lily, patting her gently. Though I wanted nothing more than to slap that conniving woman and that slimy man, it wasn’t the time. I couldn’t let Lily get hurt any further. Just then, someone trying to curry favor with Serena simpered, “Leo looks so much like you, Serena. You can tell they’re mother and son at a glance.” I looked up at Serena. A flicker of guilt crossed her eyes, then she quickly changed the subject. Ryan, meanwhile, looked absolutely smug. I’d seen this father and son before, but I’d never noticed that Serena and Leo really did share a certain resemblance in their features. Lily couldn’t stop crying. I had to ask the teacher to take us to the quiet room, hoping to calm Lily down first. In the quiet room, I comforted Lily until she eventually fell asleep. Looking at her swollen, red eyelids from crying, my heart twisted into a knot. I quietly slipped out, walked to the bend in the corridor, and called Chloe and Marcus. “Chloe, Marcus, bring my marriage certificate with Serena, the drafted divorce agreement, and her termination letter to Little Star Preschool now. Hurry!” As I was still discussing the details with them, I suddenly heard a scream—it was Lily’s voice! My heart sank to my stomach.

At the end of the hallway, by the bathroom door, Lily had been pushed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Leading the pack of kids surrounding her was Leo, his face a menacing scowl. “That’s what you get for calling her Mommy! I’m going to beat you to a pulp today!” With that, he kicked Lily in the stomach. Lily cried out in pain, trying to dodge, but the little boy behind him grabbed her. “The mistress’s kid deserves a beating!” “My mom said illegitimate kids should be strangled at birth!” Lily flailed her small hands in protest, crying so hard she could barely breathe. “You’re lying! That’s my mommy! Mommy, Daddy, come save Lily!” “Lily hurts so bad!” “Mommy, Daddy, where are you?!” The moment I saw that, my mind went blank with a roar, blood surged, my veins felt like they were about to burst. The little boys spotted me, exchanged glances, and seeing my furious expression, scattered like startled birds. I scooped Lily into my arms, realizing she was shaking violently. I immediately called an ambulance. “Don’t be scared, sweetheart. Daddy’s here, Daddy’s here.” When the ambulance arrived, other parents crowded around, curious about what had happened. I raced towards the ambulance, carrying Lily. As I passed, Serena was smiling, building blocks with Leo, while Ryan stood by, wiping sweat from her brow. Hearing the commotion, she looked up, a confused expression on her face. As she stood up and started to ask, “What’s going on? What happened to Lily?” Ryan grabbed her hand. “Serena, you promised to spend today with Leo. You don’t know how happy he was when I told him last night you’d be with him all day.” Serena’s footsteps faltered. I had already gotten into the ambulance with Lily. Lily had passed out, and the paramedics immediately began checks and resuscitation in the ambulance. When a female paramedic lifted Lily’s dress, she gasped. “How could anyone be so cruel to such a small child?!” I instantly panicked. Lily’s milky-white skin was covered in bruises, purple and blue, with a fist-sized contusion on her side. Her tiny body trembled uncontrollably. The paramedic’s voice suddenly became urgent. “Quick, get the equipment ready!” Two agonizing hours passed before Lily was stable. Regret and hatred intertwined in my heart, growing wildly, tearing through me. My mother, Eleanor, cried tears of sorrow, complaining, “How could you let this happen, Daniel? My poor baby, what she’s been through!” Lily, hooked up to an IV, weakly opened her eyes on the hospital bed, looking at me blankly. “Daddy, why do they all say Lily’s a child Mommy didn’t want?” “But Lily has a mommy!” “Why didn’t Mommy protect Lily?” I gently kissed her forehead and told her, “Daddy will always, always protect Lily. Lily is Daddy’s most beloved treasure.” “As for your mommy, we don’t want her anymore.” When I returned to the kindergarten, the activity day was on its last item. Families were painting a portrait of their ‘happy family.’ Serena was patiently coloring a picture, Leo nestled quietly in her arms, and Ryan, a look of utter contentment on his face, was taking photos of them both. It truly was a picture of serene domestic bliss, a perfect happy family. But why was my Lily lying in a hospital bed, while the culprits were here, enjoying their happiness?! I stormed over, and without a word, landed a fierce punch on Ryan. The sheer force sent him stumbling back, and with a dull thud, he hit the corner of a table behind him. The sudden sound stunned everyone into silence. Serena shrieked, “Daniel, what are you doing?!” Then she quickly pulled Ryan into her arms, her eyes full of concern. “Ryan, does it hurt?” Tears rolled down Ryan’s face, but he shook his head, playing the victim. “Daniel, have you misunderstood something? I apologize to you.” I sneered. “Just a verbal apology? Isn’t that a bit insincere?” With that, I raised my hand to slap him again. Serena saw it coming and tried to block me. I changed direction, delivering the slap directly to Serena’s face. The five-fingered red imprint was starkly visible on her cheek. Serena clutched her face, stunned for a second, then went ballistic. “Daniel, are you sick?! Who gave you the right to hit me?!” Just then, the kindergarten teachers rushed over to intervene, asking me what was going on. I pointed at Leo, gritting my teeth. “This little brat, when I wasn’t looking, ganged up with a few other boys and beat up my Lily!” The words had barely left my mouth when Ryan anxiously interjected, “No way! Leo is a very sweet boy. Serena, you have to believe me!” I took a step forward. “No way? Then why do you think an ambulance just came?!” Serena once again positioned herself protectively in front of Ryan and Leo. “What harm can a little kid do? Kids roughhouse, it’s inevitable. But you? You’re overreacting, hitting people right away—a total brute!” Seeing my aggressive stance, Serena actually shoved me with force, sending me to the ground. My palm scraped against the ground, bleeding. Those who were trying to curry favor with Serena joined in, looking down on me, ridiculing and cursing. “Is he trying to stage an accident? Knows Ms. Serena’s loaded and wants to extort money!” “Look at his audacity! He’ll be crying when Everwing Group’s legal team is done with him.” “You think, maybe he tried to seduce Ms. Serena before and failed, and now he’s just causing trouble? He’s nowhere near Ms. Serena’s level!” “Definitely acting like a mistress’s man!” Just then, the roar of cars grew louder, and soon three luxury black SUVs pulled up to the kindergarten entrance. A sharp-eyed parent gasped. “Those cars have the Everwing Group logo! They’re executive vehicles!” Someone else, eager to flatter, added, “Ms. Serena is truly amazing, she’s already called the company’s legal team!” With that, the person spat at me, gloating. “You homewrecker, you’re finished! Everyone knows Everwing’s legal team is called the ‘Invincible Force of Oakwood City’! Get ready to pay up and go to jail!” An influencer parent was already buzzing with excitement, holding up her phone. “Wow, what a scoop today! Folks, hit that follow button! I’m livestreaming this brute’s downfall!” Ryan finally reacted, looking at Serena with surprise and affection, while Leo beside her became even more cocky.

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Eight years ago, I was framed for drunk driving, a tragedy that claimed dozens of lives. I wanted to expose the truth, but I found my parents had already fabricated evidence for my adopted brother, Caleb, forcing me to take the fall. I pleaded with my fiancée, Ashley, but she just screamed, calling me a murderer. Later, the victims’ families, in their grief-fueled rage, brutally severed my hand tendons, leaving me unable to ever hold a paintbrush again. Eight years on, I walked out of prison and became a security guard. My former fiancée, Ashley, reappeared. Her eyes were red, her voice laced with accusation as she gritted out: “Leo, why did you disappear? Do you have any idea how long your parents and I have been looking for you?” I sat motionless in the security booth, dressed in my uniform. “Ma’am, I think you’ve got the wrong person.” But Ashley wouldn’t let it go. She lunged forward, grabbing my hand, trying to drag me out. “You’re always so stubborn. Eight years ago, your stubbornness killed so many people. How long are you going to keep this up?” Her voice was loud, but it choked off the moment her gaze fell upon my right hand. She lowered her head, staring at my twisted hand, her fingers trembling as they traced the grotesque scars. Eight years had passed, and the old wounds no longer hurt. But Ashley’s fingertips felt like knives, slicing open my old scars inch by inch. Cold sweat instantly drenched my clothes. The terror of having my tendons brutally severed eight years ago came rushing back, and I couldn’t stop my body from shaking uncontrollably. Ashley’s voice was hoarse. “Leo, back then, did it hurt?” “I’m sorry.” I didn’t answer her, but her strange behavior had already drawn the attention of the security captain. He ran over anxiously, shouting, “What are you doing? Let him go!” Before he could get close, a group of students from a nearby art academy swarmed Ashley. “You’re Ashley, aren’t you? The most famous artist in the country! Could you sign an autograph for me?” Thanks to those students, Ashley released me. I instinctively took a step back, widening the distance between us. The captain finally understood what was happening. He turned to me, his face filled with shock. “These students are saying you’re someone important. Who exactly are you?” Before I could answer, one of the students spoke again. “I heard you’ve been looking for your fiancé from back then, the one who caused all that trouble. It couldn’t be this security guard, could it?” The student gave me a dismissive glance. “But your fiancé was a prodigy artist. This guy’s just a security guard, and he’s disabled. You must have the wrong person.” I gave a bitter laugh. Yeah, that’s me. Now, I can’t even hold a paintbrush. There’s nothing left of my old self. But Ashley, who was signing autographs, heard it. Her face instantly darkened, and her hand stopped mid-signature. “Shut up!” “This is between Leo and me. It’s not for you to talk about!” She pushed through the crowd and walked towards me, extending a gilded invitation. I looked down, the words on the card stinging my eyes. [Caleb Miller & Ashley Wedding Invitation] So, she was marrying my adopted brother. “Leo.” A flicker of pain crossed Ashley’s face. “Your mistake eight years ago caused me so much pain. Caleb was there for me, he stood by me for eight years. I can’t let him down.” “You once said you wanted to see me in a wedding dress. I hope you’ll come.” I took Ashley’s wedding invitation and simply placed it on the counter beside me, ignoring it. Just as I thought the matter was over, that very night, I received a termination notice from the factory. “You’re still young, and you used to be a great artist. You’re too good for this place.” Mr. Henderson’s voice trembled as he spoke over the phone. “I’ll pay you $500 for this month, but please, just don’t come back.” I was stunned. Before I could ask for more details, he had already blocked my number. Then, Ashley’s call came through. “Leo.” Her voice was thick with exhaustion. “You shouldn’t be a security guard. I’ve talked to the factory. Come home. Your parents and I will take care of you. I can even help you get back into the art world. You don’t have to…” She hadn’t finished her sentence before I hung up.

Why? Why did she always get to decide everything? Eight years ago, she wouldn’t listen to my explanations, convinced I was in the wrong. She punished me in her ‘own right way’ – letting my hand tendons be severed. And now, she doesn’t ask me either. She unilaterally shatters the peace of my life, without ever having trusted me or doubted the ‘truth’! Ashley’s words filled me with a nauseating rage. I sat on my dorm bed, taking a long time to calm down. My roommate, Mike, noticed something was off and poured me a cup of hot water. “What’s going on?” I knew he had a million questions. He had been good to me. When I first got out of prison, I had nothing, and my hand was crippled. He took pity on me, stepped in, and got me this security guard job. Even though the pay was only a measly $200 a month, with food and lodging included, it at least gave me a place to go. So, I decided not to hide anything from him. I bought some food, and I told him everything. He listened in silence for a long time, then patted my shoulder, letting out a sigh. “Forget it. We’ll find another job. If you have nowhere to go, I have a basement at my place. You can stay there for now.” I was supposed to move out of the dorm the next day. As I finished packing my luggage and stepped out, the victims’ families, somehow having learned of my whereabouts, were already blocking the dorm entrance. Seeing me, their emotions immediately ignited. “You animal! We finally found you!” “You killed our loved ones, why do you still get to live?” With that, they swarmed me, surrounding me completely. I was about to speak, but a kick landed on my stomach. I crumpled to the ground, clutching my stomach in pain, and then fists and sticks rained down on me like hail. Crimson blood seeped from my body, and my luggage scattered across the ground. *Drip, drop—* The sky was a dismal gray, and then, the rain began to pour down. Whether they were tired of hitting me, or because of the rain, they stopped their assault. A few frustrated kicks later, they left. After everyone dispersed, I was the only one left lying on the ground, unable to move. The heavy rain washed away the bloodstains on my body. I tried to get up several times, only to fall back down. “Are you okay?” Just then, Mike ran over with an umbrella. He helped me up from the ground and took me to the hospital on his old motorcycle. But no matter if it was a big hospital or a small clinic, they all waved their hands, refusing to admit me. Finally, an old doctor, unable to bear it, secretly slipped me a bottle of medicine and explained, “Kid, someone’s put the word out. No one dares to treat you.” “Go home quickly!” I laughed, tears streaming down my face. Ashley, is this what you meant by ‘helping’ me? You’re truly ruthless! In the end, I had no choice but to return to Mike’s basement. But just as I walked in and prepared to rest, there was a knock at the door. It was Caleb and my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Caleb saw me and immediately his eyes welled up. “Leo, why are you living in a place like this?” “I know you’ve always liked Ashley. If you don’t want this, then… then I just won’t get married. I’ll give her back to you…” By the end, he was whimpering softly, as if bearing an immense grievance. This was Caleb’s specialty. Ever since we were kids, whenever he wanted something from me, he’d use this trick. Because his parents had died in a car accident trying to save my parents, my parents showered all their guilt and affection on him. Whenever he cried, it was automatically assumed I had bullied him.

Sure enough, seeing his pitiful state, my father stepped forward and slapped me. “Don’t you dare put on such a disgusting act here.” “Do you think putting on this pathetic show will make us feel sorry for you, or make Ashley come back to you? Don’t dream about it!” My mother, Mrs. Miller, quickly comforted Caleb, then said to me coldly, “Alright, someone’s already found you. If you don’t come back with us now, the outside world will start saying we mistreated you, and it wouldn’t be good if those busybodies figured out what happened back then.” “Come back with us now!” Seeing that I didn’t move, my father interpreted it as a challenge to his authority. He angrily kicked me, hitting my unhealed wound square on. Blood seeped through, and my father’s hand, which was raised to hit me again, froze in mid-air. After a moment, he slowly lowered his hand. My mother’s voice also took on a hint of worry. “What are those injuries on your body?” I gritted my teeth, my body still trembling slightly from the intense pain. Caleb, seeing this, a flicker of panic crossed his face. “Dad, Mom, Leo must be so angry he’s hurting himself, like they do on TV.” He said, wiping away tears as he walked up to me. “Leo, please don’t make Dad and Mom worry. Don’t be so careless with yourself.” He sounded sincere, but then he leaned close to my ear and whispered, “Why didn’t those people just beat you to death? So useless!” After that, he feigned concern, giving me a few more insincere warnings. My parents clearly believed Caleb’s words again, and my father scoffed, “If he wants to harm himself, let him. Caleb, don’t be too kind. Let’s go, ignore him!” With that, they turned and left with Caleb. They didn’t see the triumphant smirk Caleb shot me as he looked back. After they left, I closed the door, retrieved the first aid kit, and, enduring the pain, changed my bandages. Just as I finished, Mike knocked and came in. He rubbed his hands, his face full of difficulty. “Sigh…” He paused for a long time, as if choosing his words carefully, then finally spoke again. “It’s not that I don’t want you to stay, it’s just… sigh, those people from the city came to talk to me. My kids are still young, and I just can’t risk it…” At that point, what more was there for me to understand? I didn’t blame him. I knew he had done his best. I thanked him again, and to avoid burdening him, I moved out that very night. As soon as I left, Ashley arrived with a moving company. Seeing her, my suspicions were confirmed. I frowned and spoke. “Ashley, what’s the point of this? Why threaten innocent people?” Ashley’s eyes darted away, glancing at Mike’s house, then she said, “Leo, I don’t want to either. You’re forcing my hand.” “Just come back with me. I’ll help you get out of this mess. What’s so hard about that?” I didn’t answer. The atmosphere became instantly oppressive. From that small town to the city, we drove in silence. When we arrived, it was a small apartment, and my parents were already waiting for me on the sofa. Seeing them, I instinctively wanted to leave, but Ashley slammed the door shut. My father spoke first. “Where are you going? Haven’t you disgraced us enough?” My mother scoffed. “For a murderer like you, it’s a blessing we’re even giving you a place to hide.” “I know you’re upset about Ashley marrying Caleb, but look at yourself. Do you think someone with a criminal record like you deserves Ashley? Until the wedding, you’ll stay here. You must report to us before going out and wear a mask!” My parents’ words almost made me laugh out loud. “Dad, Mom, me? A murderer? A disgrace?” “About what happened back then, you yourselves know…”

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I’d just sealed another major client for the company, yet, once again, my promotion fell through. I felt a fierce indignation bubbling up inside me. I was about to confront my boss – who was also my boyfriend – and demand an explanation. But as I reached his office door, I overheard him talking to a friend: “Skylar is so capable, why aren’t you letting her get promoted?” Adrian let out a mocking laugh. “Skylar? She’s just a fling, a bed warmer. What real ‘capabilities’ could she possibly have? That promotion is earmarked for Camilla.” “Aren’t you afraid she’ll leave if she finds out the truth?” Adrian laughed even louder this time: “She practically begs me not to use protection in bed. You think she’d ever walk away from this?” I clutched the promotion application in my trembling hand, crushing the papers. I called my mom. “That marriage you mentioned? I’m in!” Camilla snatched the document from my hand. “Skylar, you’ve failed five times already. You seriously think you’ll get promoted now?” She scoffed, flicking shredded paper onto my face. “Lack of ability. You could apply a hundred times, it wouldn’t matter!” Lack of ability? In seven years, I’d closed six multi-million dollar deals for the company. I’d been the top performer for thirteen consecutive quarters. I’d even landed in the ER twice with stomach hemorrhages from fixing my colleagues’ messes. No client I’d ever worked with had called me incompetent. Every time before, I’d get into it with Camilla about my competence. But now, I was just tired. It would just end up in front of Adrian, and I’d get some wishy-washy, half-hearted remark. “Past performance isn’t relevant. If your overall capabilities aren’t up to par, you just have to accept it.” Then, under his smooth persuasion, I’d go back to working my butt off, closing deals, desperate to prove myself. All while fulfilling his goal of getting high returns with minimal investment in me. Only now did I realize that the one who received the least fair treatment was myself. Adrian, you truly played your cards perfectly, didn’t you? Tears, uncontrolled, splattered onto my phone screen. *Ding-dong*. The screen lit up. [Come to my office.] My quieted heart fluttered, clinging to a fragile flicker of hope. Until I reached his door and heard Camilla’s muffled sobs from inside. “It’s okay, stop crying. I said you deserve it, and you do. I’ll take care of her.” Adrian’s gentle, patient tone was like a dull knife twisting in my heart, gutting me, tearing open old, festering wounds. Six months ago, when Camilla spread rumors that I slept my way to contracts, and I ended up getting beaten black and blue by a jealous wife who thought I was the other woman, unable to stomach anything but liquids for two days— I’d looked at him with the same aggrieved expression, pleading for him to clear my name. But he had only left me with one sentence. “You’re not new to the corporate world, you know you can’t be so delicate and naive.” A bitter taste spread through the fresh wounds. I had to admit, his affections hadn’t truly meant much to me either. I pushed open the door, feeling numb. Adrian’s hand, wiping Camilla’s tears, froze. He looked at me with displeasure. “I hear you’re unhappy about Director Camilla’s promotion? Has no one ever told you that the workplace isn’t about being articulate? Is it really that hard to admit someone’s more skilled?” I stared, stunned. “I didn’t…” He cut me off before I could finish. “A thousand-word apology letter, and a public apology at the afternoon staff meeting.” He demanded an apology letter and a public apology for an unverified complaint. It made all the real rumors that reached his ears, only to be ignored, seem like a cruel joke. Before, I could still comfort myself by thinking he kept his professional and personal lives separate. But after realizing I was nothing more than his cheapest labor, an expendable asset, I didn’t even have the courage to argue. I swallowed the bitterness, lowered my gaze, and forced a light laugh. “Yes, you’re absolutely right.” “I admit I’m less skilled. I apologize.”

I gave a small, forced bow to Camilla. “Director Camilla, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have questioned your abilities, and I shouldn’t have foolishly hoped for a review of my application.” She didn’t respond for a long time. Just as I was about to look up, Adrian pressed down on my lower back, hard. He leaned close to my ear, his voice a low whisper. “I promised her father I wouldn’t let her feel slighted. Just take it for her, play along.” He pushed my back down a few more inches, and a searing pain shot through me. Yes, Camilla’s father had helped him once. He owed her father, I get it. He’s repaying a debt. But what about me? Once, while accompanying him on a site inspection, a machine malfunctioned. Without a second thought, I rushed forward to shield him, taking the brunt of it. A control lever slammed into my lower back, causing a severe, lasting injury. Back then, he’d looked at me with red eyes, calling me reckless. He’d massaged my back every single day for my recovery. But now, he was pressing down on the very back I’d injured for him, forcing me to apologize to the person who had wronged me. What a pathetic way to repay a debt. Those brief ten seconds stretched out like an eternity. When I finally looked up again, my back felt like it had snapped; I could barely straighten. Camilla gasped, feigning concern as she looked at me. “Oh, I almost forgot, Skylar got that back injury for Adrian. Adrian, you really don’t know how to show compassion. It’s so disheartening!” Adrian’s hand suddenly released me, his gaze clouded. “N-nothing else. You can go.” I bit down on my lip, my jaw trembling. Gritting my teeth, I forced my spine straight against the tearing pain and walked out. Camilla’s words were the most painful. There were so many ways to make me apologize, to “play along.” But he chose the one that would cause me the most physical pain. It took me a long time to recover at my desk before I had the strength to hand my drafted resignation letter to my supervisor. He had tried his best to fight for me regarding the failed promotion. But Adrian’s “no” was something he couldn’t overturn. “You’ve given seven years to this company, Adrian knows your contributions deep down. You’re still young, there are many more opportunities ahead. Are you sure you don’t want to wait a bit longer?” “These years,” “ahead,” “next time,” and “wait a bit longer” had practically become etched into my ears. It was “next time” whenever I asked Adrian when we could go public with our relationship after our intimate moments. It was “wait a bit longer” every time I failed to get a promotion and asked when I’d have a chance to stand beside him. It was “next time” whenever my parents pressured me to get married, and I asked him when he’d come home to meet them. I never doubted my own resolve, but I couldn’t change the outcome he’d already planned for me. I shook my head, smiling faintly, helplessly. “Twenty-eight isn’t that young anymore. My peers are already married with kids. I can’t keep failing to hold onto my health, my career, or a family, can I?” He said nothing, looking at my pale face. He signed his name with a sigh of regret. “You can leave after you finish your hand-off this week.” “I won’t tell Adrian yet, to spare you any trouble these next few days. Besides, your current position doesn’t require you to report directly to him.” I finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Marcus.” After submitting the form, a message from Adrian popped up on my phone. [How’s your back? I bought some ointment, I’ll rub it in for you tonight.] This was his usual way of acknowledging he’d gone too far without actually apologizing. It was his subtle olive branch. I used to think this was his way of showing affection, and I’d even playfully flirt back. Now, I saw it for what it was: just a sugar cube to keep me from slipping out of his control. [No need to trouble yourself. I’ve already booked a massage therapist to come over.] According to company tradition, promotions were usually celebrated with a team dinner, hosted by the management. I used my pre-booked massage as a polite excuse to decline. But then, Camilla, with a wounded expression, tugged at my arm. “Is Skylar upset that I got the promotion over her? Is that why you’re making excuses?” “Anyone else can miss it, but not you. I really want your sincere blessing.” My brows furrowed, and I was about to speak. Adrian, who had just tacitly approved my leaving, now chimed in. “Everyone else is going, so it’s not right for you to skip it, is it? Don’t be so petty. As a senior employee, you should be able to let things go. Don’t make a scene.” “When can’t you get a massage?” I froze, a bitter pang twisting in my gut. I should have recognized Adrian’s cold indifference long ago. My feelings would always be secondary to greater interests.

When I was twenty-three, my second year away from home, he promised to spend our first birthday together. I cooked with a heart full of joy and waited for him all night. When I called him and mentioned it was my birthday, I heard a girl crying in the background. He offered no apology, no explanation, only a slight rebuke that I shouldn’t treat a birthday as such a big deal. Camilla’s mother had died during childbirth. Whenever she heard someone mention a birthday, she’d think of her mother and become sad. For the next five years, he never celebrated my birthday. Nor did he allow me to post birthday photos, claiming it would upset Camilla. Yet, when he wasn’t visible, he wouldn’t put in any effort for me either. Now, catching my supervisor’s cautionary gaze, I decided one less complication was always better. I’d treat it as my farewell dinner with everyone. At the dinner table, the two of them sat together. Camilla, in her chic business suit, looked perfectly matched with Adrian in his crisp suit. Sometimes, you just have to recognize the reality: some people, no matter how hard you chase, you’ll never catch up. So, when a colleague jokingly commented on how well they looked together, I nodded in agreement. “Yes, they’re quite a match. Their age, looks, and family backgrounds are all perfectly aligned.” The moment the words left my lips, Adrian and Marcus, the VP he’d been discussing me with earlier, both froze. Normally, in such situations, Adrian would inevitably be drawn into comparisons. Every time I heard such teasing, I always felt uncomfortable. I’d either pretend not to hear, staying silent, or just scowl. But today, I felt like an indifferent observer. Camilla, pleased with the compliments, shot me a triumphant look. Finally, when someone brought up the topic of marriage, she directed the conversation my way. “My dad’s been pressuring me to get married so much, it’s driving me crazy! I heard Skylar has a boyfriend you’ve been with for years but haven’t married. You’re twenty-eight, don’t your family pressure you? Tell me, how do you avoid the marriage talk?” Curious gazes turned to me. Even Adrian looked visibly tense. I feigned indifference. “Of course they do, but I’ve already broken up. So, I can’t really answer that question for you.” A moment of frozen silence followed. Many people looked at me with pity. Some of my closer colleagues joked about setting me up with someone. I pulled out my phone. “Sounds good. Send them my way.” *Bang!* Adrian’s glass shattered. Tiny shards of glass left fine red marks on his hand. I only glanced at it before looking away. No longer like before, where I’d be more anxious than anyone. The atmosphere at the dinner table turned strangely awkward. What began as a lively meal ended abruptly. I refused to share a ride with Adrian, who just happened to be assigned to the same car. I showed him my phone, where I’d already called my own ride. I went home alone. Just as I was about to relax, my door flew open. Adrian, reeking of alcohol, shoved me against the door. He kissed me fiercely, desperately, as if he couldn’t wait another second. He was desperate to push his way into me. My lower back slammed against the doorknob. A jolt of pain made me gasp, and I slapped him across the face. “Adrian, what do you take me for?” He stormed out, slamming the door. In five years, we’d never had this kind of unspoken tension, this direct confrontation. So, when he suddenly realized I was actually angry, Adrian didn’t bother pretending to care anymore. He assigned me to supervise the construction site in Northwood. When word got around, many colleagues spoke up for me. The Northwood project was unpaid rework on a project that hadn’t met specifications, and the temporary workers were furious. During the day, there were falling debris and nails sticking out everywhere. At night, relentless calls would harass them. They couldn’t ignore them, but going there would lead to strange and unsettling occurrences. Three male colleagues before me couldn’t handle it; they either ended up in psychiatric care from the trauma or hospitalized with injuries. Let alone a woman. Adrian had been dealing with this problem late into the nights, woken by those male colleagues. I’d once joked that if I ever disliked someone, I’d send them there. Or if we ever argued, I’d go there myself, out of sight, out of mind. Back then, he’d tapped my head, saying it was impossible; he’d never send me to such a dangerous place, no matter how much we fought. Yet, he still sent me. I packed up my desk belongings at lightning speed. Clean, efficient, as if I were never coming back.

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Seven years after our divorce, I saw Gaylen Thorne again at a nightclub. He was lounging on a sofa, casually scanning the women, looking for entertainment. The manager scurried over after the third group of stunning, curvaceous women were dismissed from the room. “Mr. Thorne, this batch of dancers… they’re the closest resemblance to your wife yet…” Gaylen smashed a liquor bottle on the floor before the manager could finish his sentence. As I walked past him, he suddenly froze. “Is that you?” I lifted my head, brushing a strand of hair aside to reveal half of my face, marred by burn scars, and gave him a faint smile. “Mr. Thorne, long time no see.” The air hung silent for a few seconds, as if time itself had paused. Gaylen stumbled towards me. His hands trembling, he cautiously spoke. “You’re alive?” His face was a mixture of disbelief and the profound joy of a lost treasure found. “All these years, why didn’t you contact me?” “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been looking for you…?” I didn’t respond, a flicker of bewilderment in my eyes. He was the one who practically wanted to banish me to the ends of the earth, to never see me again. And now, *he’s* the one claiming he’s been searching for me all this time. “Are you still mad at me?” His voice, raw and strained, suddenly broke the silence. His gaze fell on the scars on my face, a hint of anguish in his tone. “So mad that you’d rather work in a place like this than come to me, is that it?” I paused, surprised. Then I realized Gaylen had misunderstood. It was my birthday today, and I was simply celebrating at a venue I owned. But I couldn’t be bothered to explain. Hate was too much of a luxury for Gaylen Thorne. He didn’t deserve it. Gaylen seemed to suddenly realize something. He began to stammer, flustered and anxious. “I don’t usually come to places like this. It’s just… I remembered it was your birthday today, and I just… I missed you so much that I…” I watched Gaylen, a mocking smile playing on my lips. A murderer who had killed my parents and crushed the bones in my hand, was actually saying… he missed me? “Mr. Thorne, you’re crossing a line.” As if he hadn’t expected such a calm response, Gaylen’s face flickered with disappointment, regret, and a touch of sadness. He was about to say more when his phone suddenly rang. “Where are you? You haven’t been home in almost a month!” “I know what day it is today, did you go to—” My brow furrowed. Fragmented memories, laced with intense emotions, flooded my mind. I couldn’t help but let out a cynical scoff. Instantly, the female voice on the phone grew sharper. “Who is that? Who are you with right now?” The call was abruptly cut. Gaylen’s face was etched with impatience. He took a few deep breaths, trying to appear gentle and harmless, before looking at me again. He handed me a black card. “If you’re short on cash, take this card.” “After all, you’re… the former darling. You shouldn’t have to do this kind of work.” The darling. I hadn’t heard that title in so long, it made me falter for a second. But Gaylen Thorne’s condescending tone made my stomach churn even more. After all, he was the architect of all my nightmares. Why bother with this act of false sympathy? I pushed the black card back, said nothing, and turned to leave. But Gaylen insisted on following, babbling endlessly about how hard it had been to find me over the years. He talked about our old memories. Annoyance flared within me, and I finally couldn’t help but interrupt. “Mr. Thorne, I’m married. Please stop bothering me.” The biting cold wind prompted me to pull my coat tighter. Before Gaylen could fully grasp my words, I walked away, my boots crunching on the thick snow.

Half an hour later, I arrived at my childhood home. I was there to retrieve my parents’ belongings. I had thought that time had mellowed the raw edges of my emotions, but looking at the familiar furnishings in the house, my eyes still welled up with tears. Every birthday, my mom and dad would prepare a three-tiered cake for me. Dad would hold me close, his light stubble tickling my cheek. Mom would stand by, laughing and playfully scolding him for being silly. But now, the people in those cherished memories were just small, black and white photographs. I traced my parents’ photo, lost in thought for a long time, until the doorbell rang. Gaylen Thorne stood before me, a hint of apprehension in his eyes. Behind him stood Stella Vance, whom I hadn’t seen in seven years. “I knew you’d come back here on your birthday.” “Honestly, you don’t have to lie to me about being married.” “We grew up together, Alice. No matter what, I truly wish for your happiness.” Before I could even speak, Stella’s eyes already began to redden. She clasped my hand, her voice choked with tears. “Yes, he told me everything. You’ve had a really hard time these past few years, and you even became a hostess, didn’t you?” “Don’t degrade yourself like this. If you’re in trouble, just tell me!” “We’re sisters, after all. I’ve forgiven you for what happened back then!” Forgiven? I found it utterly ridiculous. I gave a faint, cynical tug at the corner of my mouth, then sat on the sofa and spoke calmly. “Seven years. I’m beyond caring about who was right or wrong.” “Gaylen Thorne, Stella Vance, if you’re just here to spout nonsense, please leave.” Stella’s sobs froze, and for a moment, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Gaylen looked at me, then broke the silence. “Go get her a coffee first, her favorite, with just a touch of sweetness.” His familiar, casual tone made me momentarily stunned. My thoughts drifted back more than twenty years. Back then, Gaylen and I grew up together, and we were engaged from a young age. When the Thorne family went bankrupt, his father was sentenced to life, and his mother driven to suicide. It was *my* father who, despite immense pressure, took Gaylen in. And it was my mother who held him close when others looked down on him, telling him he wasn’t an unwanted child. I remember little Gaylen, his eyes red and swollen from crying, stammered a promise: he’d make me the happiest girl in the world when we grew up. I believed him. And at first, he truly was wonderful.

He’d wait for hours in line for that limited-edition pastry I loved; he’d shield me fiercely during an earthquake; he’d remember every single one of my preferences, always surprising me with something new. I once believed that meeting Gaylen Thorne was the greatest fortune of my life. Then, I met Stella Vance. At the time, I was a piano prodigy who had won countless competitions. Stella, on the other hand, was a girl from a poor background, but with the same dream of playing piano. She pleaded with me, tears welling in her eyes, saying she also wanted to play the piano. So I took pity on her, brought her home, and my parents adopted her as their goddaughter. From then on, she became the Alice family’s second daughter. Unlike my outgoing nature, Stella always appeared delicate and vulnerable. She was often ostracized by our peers, and every time, Gaylen and I would stand up for her. I’d stand defiantly, one foot propped on a locker, declaring Stella my honorary sister. Anyone who dared to mess with her was messing with *me*. Gaylen would stand behind us, a helpless look on his face, always ready to pull us away if things got too wild. For countless afternoons in the piano room, it was always the three of us. I’d chatter on, explaining sheet music to Stella, while Gaylen watched with a gentle smile. Then, just as my throat went dry from talking, he’d perfectly time bringing me my coffee, with just a touch of sweetness. Until the eve of my big competition, when Gaylen and I walked down the aisle, I believed I was the happiest person in the world. But later, I discovered that this so-called happiness was just honey-coated poison. Which is why what happened later left me so utterly hysterical, so unable to let go. A warm cup of coffee was offered to me. Stella’s gaze swept over my plain white shirt. “Alice, it must have been so hard for you to make a living all these years, with your face ruined like that.” “Did you encounter many difficult clients while working as a hostess?” She asked, her words subtly loaded, while seemingly casually showing off her designer brands. “Gaylen bought me so many clothes, I can’t possibly wear them all. Maybe I could give you some?” “Don’t worry, they’re all brand new.” After all these years, Stella had only grown more fond of flaunting her possessions. It was a shame, though, that her taste remained as poor as ever. She couldn’t tell that the clothes I was wearing were custom-designed couture from Ryan Carter. Seeing my silence, Stella’s expression stiffened. She forced another smile and pushed on. “Alice, please stop this. I’ve forgiven you for your past mistakes, and I’m sure Mom and Dad wouldn’t want to see—” “Ah!!” I splashed the coffee directly onto Stella. Gaylen instinctively pulled her behind him. But when his eyes met mine, his composure faltered, and he ultimately said nothing. I let out a cold laugh. My gaze fixed on the man and woman before me. “Gaylen Thorne, Stella Vance, are you two truly clueless about whose fault it was back then?”

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After fighting tooth and nail to get the company public, Julian, my CEO boyfriend, finally decided it was time to reveal our relationship. But his assistant, Chloe, beat me to the punch. She stepped onto the stage first, clinging to his arm, letting everyone assume they were the couple. Julian didn’t even bother to explain. Instead, he handed her a share transfer agreement, publicly announcing her as a new shareholder. The entire hall erupted in a buzz of whispers and cheers. Chloe seized the moment to mock me. Julian not only didn’t stop her, but his voice was chillingly dismissive: “Skylar, you did a lot for the company, but Chloe has exceptional talent. Only she can take us further.” Instead of getting mad, I just nodded in agreement, generously handing all my shares over to Chloe. I was genuinely curious to see. How they planned to grow the company without its biggest investor — me. 1. When Julian publicly announced Chloe as the new shareholder, the hall exploded with applause. I stood there, stunned, my brain foggy from days of endless overtime. For a moment, I actually thought I’d misheard. “You guys, look at Skylar’s face! It’s priceless.” “She’s been with the CEO for so long and only got two percent. Chloe’s barely been working here and she’s already got twenty percent!” “Skylar always used to nitpick Chloe’s work. Now she looks like the joke.” My coworkers deliberately spoke loudly, making sure I overheard. I knew they were doing it on purpose, trying to curry favor with Chloe by putting me down. And Julian wouldn’t stop them anyway. Chloe shot me a smug little smirk, then feigned a hurt tone: “Skylar, why aren’t you applauding? Do you have a problem with me owning company shares?” “I mean, based on seniority, perhaps they should have gone to you.” As she spoke, she slowly extended the contract towards me. Julian, as if afraid I’d actually take it, snatched the contract back, shoving it gently into her hands. He looked at her, a mix of helplessness and adoration. “Chloe, you’re too kind, but the company values capability, not seniority.” Then he shot me a cold glare. “And you, stop making a scene. Your mistake last time cost the company millions. Not firing you was already lenient enough. What right do you have to shares?” Watching them, a perfectly synchronized duo, I just found it pathetic. That mistake? Chloe caused it. But she was scared of being held accountable, so she pushed the blame on me. I’d shown Julian the evidence. He still didn’t believe me. But I was used to it. For years, Chloe’s work performance was mediocre, but she poured all her energy into messing with me. She was fresh out of college, a real sweet-talker. She’d managed to win over a lot of people, and even Julian thought she was innocent. So every time we clashed, Julian always sided with her and blamed me. It’s why my coworkers increasingly disrespected me. Chloe’s voice softened to a whisper: “But I’m worried Skylar might be upset…” She leaned into Julian, her face almost resting on his shoulder, an intimate pose. Julian didn’t flinch. He just glared at me, his face grim: “Skylar, who are you giving that look to?!” “This share transfer was my carefully considered decision. Don’t ruin the mood, don’t be a party pooper.” “Can’t stand it? Then leave!” Everyone immediately chimed in, agreeing with him. I knew Julian was just saying it out of anger, but I couldn’t help but laugh. I hustled, practically drank myself sick to get those clients. I pulled all-nighters to finalize those proposals. The company getting listed? That was all me. Now he wanted to kick me to the curb, tossing aside all my hard work with just a few words? I grabbed my bag and walked up to him. Chloe, thinking I was about to hit her, flinched and hid behind Julian. He stepped in front of her, glaring at me defensively. “Skylar, what do you want?” I pulled the stock ownership documents from my bag and handed them to him. “I just thought, she works so hard, the shares you’re giving her are too little.” “Here, give her mine too. Hope she keeps up the good work.” Chloe’s eyes lit up as she stared at the documents. Julian, though, looked at me suspiciously, remaining silent. A ripple of gasps spread through the crowd. They all knew how much I’d done for the company over the years, from its chaotic startup days through its toughest times. I’d handled the workload of several people, managed everything from fundraising to office errands. Now that the company was public and its stock soaring, my two percent was worth millions. Everyone had speculated how I’d fight for more, nobody expected me to just give it up. But what they didn’t know was that I was Julian’s fiancée. Julian had always hidden our relationship, worried about office gossip. But when Chloe appeared, I started to get uneasy and pressed him to make it public. After I kept pressing him, he finally agreed to announce it the day the company listed. Last night, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep. Who knew Chloe would just waltz onto the stage first, linking her arm with his? He didn’t even try to pull away. The entire room mistakenly thought they were a couple, and he just stood there, looking completely unfazed. It hit me then. He didn’t want to hide a relationship; he just didn’t want to publicize our relationship. He stayed silent. I didn’t push it. I turned to leave. After two steps, a hand grabbed my wrist. I looked back. It was Julian. I was surprised. He usually just let me go. He knew I loved him, I’d always come back to apologize. But then I instantly realized why he stopped me. He pressed his lips together. “Skylar, you’re too impulsive. You’re not as steady and composed as Chloe.” “I didn’t want to touch your shares, but your behavior today disappointed me. These shares have to go to Chloe.” I just laughed. He was deliberately putting me down, just so he could justify giving the shares to Chloe. Back then, I would have argued, but now, I felt absolutely nothing. I just gave a bland, “Oh.” Julian, expecting me to explode, froze. He was about to speak when someone from the crowd yelled for a champagne toast. Julian glanced at me, grabbed the contract, and turned away. I watched his back, then averted my gaze and walked straight out of the banquet hall. Once outside, I pulled out my phone. “Dad, I’ve decided. I’m coming home to take over the family business.” 2. My father owns over a hundred companies and is ranked among the top twenty wealthiest people. I’m a textbook heiress. But when I first met Julian, he told me about his childhood: his father was hit by a driver from a rich family who then fled the scene. His father died, and the driver, protected by his family’s influence, was only detained for a few days before being released. Because of this, Julian held a strong animosity towards the privileged class. To be with him, I hid my family background, rejected my family’s plans, and followed him to a strange city to start from scratch, investing all my savings to support his startup. Until yesterday, I naively believed we would finally have our happy ending. Now, I realized I’d been utterly crushed. After hanging up, I went back to the apartment Julian and I shared. The room was decorated romantically, heart-shaped candles on the floor, a huge bouquet of vibrant blue roses in the center. Tucked among the flowers was a diamond ring. Next to it, documents for a luxury apartment. These were all surprises I’d prepared for Julian. I’d imagined his reaction countless times, never thinking he wouldn’t even see them. I tossed everything out the door. Then, I booked a flight for tomorrow night. I needed one day to sort out work handovers. Ding! My phone buzzed. Chloe had sent a video: Julian was carrying her princess-style, her face flushed as she clung to his neck, burying her face in his chest, looking completely intimate, just like a couple. Coworkers around them were applauding and cheering, “Kiss her! Kiss her!” The video was quickly withdrawn, and Chloe sent another message: [Oops, wrong chat]. I knew exactly what she was doing. She’d been using these kinds of tricks for years. Before, I would have been furious and confronted Julian, only for him to snap back, “Can’t you stop being so paranoid and just focus on work?” At first, I even thought I was overthinking, until one time when he had a fever and mumbled Chloe’s name. That’s when I knew his heart had already strayed to her. But now, I felt absolutely nothing. I just blocked and deleted Chloe. Unexpectedly, Julian called me almost immediately: “Did you delete Chloe?” His voice was cold and accusatory from the moment I answered, not caring at all how she’d provoked me. I was numb. I answered flatly. “Why delete her? She’s your coworker, how’s she supposed to work now?” “She’s crying her eyes out because of you. Add her back and apologize, right now.” I sneered. “Do you even know what she sent?” He paused for a moment, then his nonchalant voice came through: “So what if she sent the wrong picture? It’s no big deal.” Of course. When it came to Chloe, he always took her side. I retorted, “Yeah, it’s not a big deal. Just like the last time she sent the wrong quote and cost the company millions.” That time, Chloe mistakenly sent the bottom-line price as the actual quote to a client, leading to partners canceling or demanding lower prices. All our hard work, down the drain. Julian just hummed. Clearly, he remembered that incident. He was silent for a few seconds. Then Chloe’s voice, choked with sobs, interjected from his end: “Julian, Skylar must still be mad about the shares… Let me apologize.” Julian’s voice softened as he comforted her, “No need, it’s not your fault. Let her calm down herself.” Then he hung up. In the past, after conflicts like this, he’d always use “calm down” as an excuse to go be with Chloe. But now, my heart was like still water. I calmly drafted my resignation letter and sent it to HR. 3. The moment I hit send, a wave of relief washed over me. Later that night, as I was sound asleep, Julian called again. “Come pick me up, I’m still at that hotel.” On the other end, it sounded like a party. In the past, I would have been out of bed, dressed, and on my way in a heartbeat. But now, I just yawned, my voice lazy. “Just take an Uber. There are tons of ride-sharing cars over there.” Julian’s tone was suspicious. “You were asleep?” “Yeah.” Before, every time Julian went out for work events, I’d worry about him and couldn’t sleep. But tonight, I slept soundly. Even this call felt like an interruption. Julian didn’t say anything. About half an hour after he hung up, I heard him come through the door. I happened to be using the restroom, and when I came out, we found ourselves staring at each other. “Good, you’re up. Can you make me some ramen? I’m a little hungry.” He said softly. I knew he was offering an olive branch, trying to mend things. Whenever we had a silent treatment spell, he’d show a little vulnerability to open up communication and bridge the gap. But that was because I loved him. When that love was gone, all I felt was annoyance. “Make it yourself, or order takeout if you don’t know how.” I said flatly, walking towards the bedroom. Julian stepped in front of my door, blocking my way. I caught a whiff of Chloe’s perfume on him. “Skylar, why are you still mad?” “I’ve already explained. It was all for the company. You can’t think that just because we’re public, everything’s smooth sailing. We need to work even harder to maintain it now.” “Chloe might not be the most capable, but she has a lot of connections, and she’s good at business networking. Plus, her family has businesses too, so there might be future dealings.” “Everything I did today was for the company. Giving her shares was just to better secure her loyalty.” I was surprised he was actually explaining himself today. But I didn’t know if he believed it, and I certainly didn’t. Too tired to argue, I just gave a faint “Mm-hm” and walked into the room. Julian seemed about to say something, but I shut the door on him. That move seemed to genuinely anger him. He kicked the door hard. “Fine! Skylar, be as dramatic as you want! Don’t come crying back to me!” The next morning, I walked out of my bedroom to find Julian sitting on the sofa, carefully smoothing out a brand-new dress. Seeing me, he immediately came forward with the dress, telling me to put it on without asking. I recognized it as a limited edition Chanel, not only expensive but incredibly hard to get. The internet was full of ads calling it the best gift a man could give his girlfriend. I’d even hinted to Julian that I thought the dress was beautiful. I changed in the bedroom and walked out, my throat tight. I was about to say something when he laughed. “You and Chloe have similar figures, so it fits you perfectly. I’m sure it’ll be just right on her too.” “Quick, take it off before you wrinkle it. I just finished ironing it.” With that, he reached out and took the dress off me. I watched as he carefully folded it back into the gift box, then he left, humming happily, with the box in hand. I knew he was doing it on purpose, punishing me for yesterday. But I didn’t feel angry. Just childish. After that, I took another call and headed to the company to process my resignation. The moment I walked through the main doors, I saw Chloe sitting on my desk, surrounded by a group of fawning coworkers, like she was the center of the universe. Seeing me, a coworker immediately stepped forward. “Skylar, go buy everyone coffee.” “Why should I?” I glanced at the clock; I wasn’t late. The person smiled smugly. “Julian just said whoever arrived last had to treat everyone to coffee, and that’s you.” “Oh, never mind, it’s fine.” Chloe stood up, deliberately smoothing down the dress she was wearing. I recognized it. It was the same one Julian said he was getting for her this morning. “How can we make Skylar run errands for us? I’ll go instead.” She said, raising her voice on purpose, but making no move to actually leave. Sure enough, the moment she finished speaking, Julian walked out of his office. Seeing Chloe in the dress, his expression faltered for a second, then quickly returned to normal. He deliberately smoothed down her collar and smiled. “It definitely looks beautiful on you.” Everyone around them started cheering. Julian’s face flushed, and he quickly glanced back at me. Was he afraid I’d still be jealous and make a scene? He was probably overthinking it. My heart was like still water at that moment, stirring no ripples. My lack of reaction didn’t seem to satisfy Julian. He said coldly, “I already said, whoever arrived last buys the coffee. What are you doing just standing there?” A coworker immediately pointed at me. “Skylar was the last one.” Julian, who already knew it was me, sneered. “Go on. If you don’t, I’ll fire you.” It seemed he hadn’t received my resignation letter yet. Seeing this, I didn’t hold back. I stated directly, “I’m here today to resign.” 4. My coworkers looked shocked. Some who were on friendly terms with me quietly tried to warn me. “Skylar, Julian just gave everyone a raise. It’s really dumb to resign now.” “And didn’t you hear? He was just joking with you.” My voice was calm. “I’m not joking. I submitted my resignation to HR yesterday.” Chloe’s eyes flickered with a hint of delight. But just as she was about to say something, she met Julian’s unreadable gaze and swallowed her words. Julian frowned deeply, his eyes on me filled with a complex expression. “Do you know the company’s current situation? If you leave now, do you know what you’ll be losing?” Of course, I knew. I’d be losing worries and shackles. Chloe, looking distressed, said, “Skylar, I get it. Are you still upset about me? Maybe I should be the one to leave.” “After all, you and Julian have worked together for so many years. It would be such a waste to leave now.” With that, she walked towards the door, her eyes secretly darting to Julian, waiting for him to stop her. I almost laughed. Julian, however, seemed oblivious to her little game. He immediately grabbed her hand, his voice doting. “This has nothing to do with you. If anyone leaves, it won’t be you.” A flicker of triumph danced in Chloe’s eyes. Perhaps seeing that Julian still hadn’t caved, she reluctantly said, “But Skylar has been with the company for so long. Fine, I’ll try to persuade her.” Chloe walked up to me. “Skylar, maybe you should really think about it again. We’d all be so sad to see you go.” “We were all just kidding earlier. We honestly see you as a good friend.” With that, she patted my shoulder, but when no one was looking, she twisted her fingers into my arm, hard. A sharp pain instantly shot through me. Without thinking, I pushed her away. Chloe fell to the floor, clutching her arm and gasping. Julian rushed to help her up, his eyes full of tenderness. He had never shown me such concern, not even when I’d drunk myself sick for a business deal. Julian slapped me across the face, yelling, “Skylar, what’s wrong with you?! Chloe was trying to be kind, and you attacked her?! You’re bullying a coworker!” Just then, HR walked over, seemingly to inform Julian about my resignation. Julian said without hesitation, “Process her paperwork, get her out!” After signing my resignation approval, he still seemed unsatisfied and continued, “The company is making hundreds of thousands daily now. Only an idiot would leave at a time like this.” “Chloe, don’t worry. In a few months, you’ll have everything you want, not just a house and a car.” “And the rest of you, too! The top performer next month gets a house, straight up!” Chloe’s eyes gleamed. Other coworkers excitedly chimed in. Julian became even more arrogant. “However, certain people, bullying coworkers, refusing to follow orders… I’ll make sure her background checks fail everywhere!” Others quickly followed suit, cursing me. Watching them in their near frenzy, I hesitated for a long moment before deciding not to speak. This morning, my dad had called and told me that Julian’s company’s biggest investor for the past two years was actually him. After learning I was resigning to come home and inherit the company, my dad had done another due diligence check on Julian’s company, was very unhappy with the results, and had already decided to withdraw his investment, citing breach of contract. I knew very well the weight of my dad’s subsidiary company in the investment world. Once he pulled his investment, forget about buying houses or cars. It would be hard for the company to last another month. Seeing me hesitate, Julian thought I was regretting my decision. He rolled his eyes at me and said coldly, “Some people, if you apologize to Chloe now, it might still be salvageable.” “Otherwise…” He hadn’t finished his sentence when Brenda, from finance, rushed in, looking anxious. “Mr. Kane, bad news! Our biggest investor just sent word. They found serious issues with our financial status, suspecting investment fraud. They’re not only withdrawing their investment but also suing us for triple the breach of contract fees!”

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Millionaire heir Derek Chase had hidden his wealth for three years. Now, he was going to confess his love to a gold digger. He claimed he’d finally found his true love, someone who didn’t care about his money. I scoffed and threw a million dollars right in the gold digger’s face. She immediately lit up and scrambled toward her new sugar daddy. But the man she latched onto turned out to be abusive. Pregnant with his child, she was beaten to death. Later, Derek, by then my husband, choked me like a madman. His eyes were bloodshot as he pushed me off a cliff. “Tiffany’s dead because of you, you venomous witch!” When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day Derek planned to confess to the gold digger. This time, I packed my bags for Cambridge. Let the fool chase his “true love.” After the SATs, Derek finally revealed his true identity as a millionaire heir and successfully proposed to the gold-digger, Tiffany Reid. Our classmates suggested a party to celebrate, but I slipped away quietly. “Ava Sterling, stop!” Derek called out. I kept walking, but he caught up and grabbed my wrist, his grip tight enough to bruise bone. “What’s this? Playing hard to get?” He frowned. “I just came to tell you I’m not going to Cambridge. I promised Tiffany I’d go to community college with her.” When I stayed silent, his voice softened slightly. “Tiffany is the woman I’m going to marry! You need to let go.” Just then, Tiffany sauntered over in her high heels and clung to Derek’s arm, putting on a show of fragility. She swung a soda can in one hand, her eyes daring me. “Derek, I know you and Ava grew up together. But you’re my fiancé now. You need to keep your distance from her. A relationship has no room for three people.” Derek shot me a triumphant look and pulled Tiffany closer. “Don’t worry, Tiffany. You’re my everything! She means nothing to me.” Then, Derek turned back to me, his voice final. “Stop wasting your time, Ava. Nothing will ever happen between us.” I just smiled. I remembered how, before he met Tiffany, he’d always told me he hoped we’d go to the same university. That’s why I’d studied so hard. So I could go to Cambridge with him. And now, just to please her, he was throwing it all away. Such a spineless man wasn’t worth holding onto. When I didn’t respond, Tiffany suddenly “slipped,” and the entire soda spilled all over my portfolio. “Oops! Ava, why did you push me?” I was stunned. “Seriously? You’re still pulling these cheap tricks? You ruined my work on purpose!” Derek immediately jumped to her defense. “Ava, stop pretending to be innocent! Tiffany is the kindest person I know. How dare you accuse her!” Tiffany leaned into his embrace, tears welling in her eyes. “Derek, my ankle… it hurts. But please don’t blame her. I understand Ava is just… jealous.” Derek completely lost it. Right in front of everyone, he lifted Tiffany’s chin and locked her into a passionate kiss. The crazy part? While he was making out with Tiffany, he was still grabbing my arm, not letting me leave. He didn’t release my arm until he’d finished kissing her for a solid five minutes. Then he turned to me. “See this? Tiffany is my true love. If you dare bully her again, don’t expect our childhood bond to mean anything.” Their lips were swollen and red. The sight made me sick. Aside from his looks and his parents’ money, that man brought nothing to the table. Then he pulled a pen from his pocket and threw it at my feet. “Here, take this back!” I recognized it instantly. It was the birthday gift I’d given him when I was fifteen. I’d bought two, telling him,, “I’ll definitely go to Cambridge with you someday!” Now, Derek ground that very pen under his heel, crushing it right before my eyes. “Ava, since neither of us is going to Cambridge anyway. There’s no use keeping these things. Better to throw them away now, so you don’t get sad later.” With that, he wrapped an arm around Tiffany and walked away. I was speechless, again. You’re not going to Cambridge? Fine. But I still am!

I pushed open the front door. My dad was ironing my shirt for tomorrow’s interview. Mom brought out a warm glass of milk. Our home always smelled of comfort and safety. Watching them fuss over me, my eyes welled up. In my past life, I’d been so consumed by that idiot that I hadn’t spent enough time with my parents. Just then, Derek’s mom, Mrs. Chase, showed up at our door. The moment she entered, she seized my hand, her eyes already glistening. “Ava, that wretched girl has completely blinded Derek. His father and I see you as our future daughter-in-law. Please, you have to talk to him. That woman will destroy his future!.” In my past life, Mrs. Chase had begged me the same way, only to later tell Derek I was just jealous and nosy. This time, I calmly pulled my hand away. “That’s your son.” I said evenly. “I can’t control him.” Mrs. Chase’s face stiffened, then she actually started crying. “How can you say that? You’ve always wanted to follow Derek to Cambridge, and he even tutored you! Can you really bear to watch him give up Cambridge?” Just then, my phone rang. It was Derek. I answered it right in front of Mrs. Chase, putting it on speaker. Derek’s cold voice came through the phone. “Ava, did my mom come to find you? I’m warning you, we have absolutely nothing to do with each other from now on. Stop clinging to me.” Mrs. Chase heard her son’s words and instantly fell silent, her face cycling from pale to flushed with embarrassment. I rolled my eyes at her. “Hear that? Your son and I are completely unrelated now.” With that, I hung up. Mrs. Chase stood there, stunned, unable to say a word for a long time. My dad walked over, a frown on his face. “How could Derek be such an jerk? Ava just gave him chocolates she made herself two days ago! Ava’s never even made me any!” My mom looked displeased too. “All these years, our family has partnered with yours because Ava liked Derek. If Derek chooses another woman, then our business arrangements will be a completely different story.” Mrs. Chase’s face drained of color, then flushed crimson. “No, that’s not it. Derek is just confused right now.” “Ava, don’t worry, I’ll definitely help you get rid of that bad woman.” I looked at her coldly. “No need. I don’t care about him.” Mrs. Chase was so flustered she stomped her foot. “But how will you go to Cambridge without Derek? Your grades aren’t that great, didn’t you always rely on Derek to tutor you?” I yanked my hand away from her again. “You should worry about your own son first.” Seeing my reaction, Mrs. Chase left dejectedly. As she reached the door, she looked back, still unwilling to give up. “Ava, are you really not going to reconsider?” I closed the door, ignoring her shouts.

The next day, I walked into the Cambridge Admissions interview room. I performed brilliantly during the interview, confident and composed. A stark contrast to the timid girl I’d been in my past life. After the interview, I ran into Tiffany Reid waiting downstairs. She was dressed in designer clothes, and seeing me, she immediately puffed out her stomach. She deliberately waved a sonogram printout in front of me. “Ava, Derek and I are having a baby. You’ll never have the right to steal him away now!” I was completely baffled. When did I ever try to steal him? Lately, I’d deliberately avoided both of them at school. Running into her today? Guess I just have terrible luck! I glanced at the sonogram. The date was last week. But they’d only been together for half a month. A suspicion formed in my mind. Was this child really Derek’s? But it wasn’t my business anymore. I replied coldly, “Well, congratulations.” With that, I turned to leave. Seeing that I wasn’t upset, Tiffany became irritated instead. She deliberately patted her belly, as if it harbored supreme glory. Then she advanced, practically backing me into a corner. “What are you trying to act all high and mighty for? You must be so jealous of me, jealous to the point of madness! I hate seeing that condescending look on your face! You’re just a little richer than my family, what else do you have that’s better than me?” I sneered, “Yes, my family is rich, which means I don’t have to try to please a man by having his baby.” Tiffany heard that and immediately flew into a rage. She suddenly swayed, let out a gasp, and clutched her stomach as she stumbled backward. “Ah! It hurts! Ava! Are you trying to kill my baby?!” A tall figure abruptly rushed over. Derek’s face was ashen. He caught Tiffany, then swung around and slapped me hard across the face. A sharp, burning pain spread through my cheek. “Ava! You vicious witch!” Derek roared, his eyes blazing. “I warned you not to touch Tiffany! How dare you lay a hand on her when she’s carrying my child!” Tiffany melted into his arms with a delicate sob. “Derek, my stomach… I’m so scared for the baby…” “I never pushed her!” I protested. “I was here for my Cambridge interview!” Derek’s gaze turned to ice. “You? Get into Cambridge? Don’t make me laugh. Get out of my sight!” Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fiercely held them back. I stopped explaining. After all, I’d be going to Cambridge very soon. Behind me, Derek was comforting Tiffany. “She’s just a jealous shrew! But don’t worry, I truly don’t like her at all!” Tiffany’s voice, filled with the joy of victory, gently echoed his. “Derek, don’t be angry. She’s not worth it.”

I stood backstage in the school auditorium. Today was high school graduation. Tiffany, arm-in-arm with Derek, walked in, drawing everyone’s attention. Her designer gown made a stark contrast to my simple white T-shirt. Immediately, classmates gathered around, showering them with compliments. “They’re a match made in heaven!” “Derek even gave up Cambridge for Tiffany, that’s true love!” Tiffany chimed in with a mocking laugh, her voice laced with schadenfreude. “Ava, you’ll find true love someday too.” Other classmates joined in the taunting. “Is Ava regretting not holding onto Derek back then?” “She couldn’t even if she wanted to, Derek clearly doesn’t like her.” “The clingy follower who’s been chasing him since childhood finally got completely dumped!” Derek, hearing this, looked even more smug. His gaze landed on me again. “Ava, why did you push Tiffany the other day? If you had been nicer to her, I might have, out of consideration for our past, helped you get into Cambridge.” Just then, the auditorium doors flew open. Mr. and Mrs. Chase stormed in, their faces pale with fury. They clutched a thin piece of paper tightly in their hands. It was the community college acceptance letter that had arrived a few days ago. Mrs. Chase locked onto Derek and rushed over. “Derek Chase! You rotten scoundrel!” She thrust the paper so close it nearly brushed his nose. “What is this?! Southgate City Community College?!” “You told us Cambridge had already accepted you. That this community college nonsense was just to placate Tiffany! How could you actually throw your future away like this?” All the color drained from Derek’s face.

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My husband Richard and my best friend Camille shared a love for extreme winter swims. I’d warned them the ocean was dangerous, but they never listened. Yesterday at the beach, I found them. They lay naked, floating on the surface. Their bodies were still entangled, leaving no doubt about their final activity. Panic seized me, sharp and cold. I fainted on the spot. When I woke, their bodies were stiff. And my panic reached a whole new level. To placate me after a fight, Richard had taken out a life insurance policy worth hundreds of millions. I was the sole beneficiary. How in the world was I supposed to explain this to the insurance company? Someone was shaking me awake. My eyes fluttered open to hushed, excited whispers. “They must have been so in love. I heard it took the forensics team forever to pull them apart.” “I know! They came here for winter swimming every day. What dedication!” “Winter swimming? Looks more like a secret lovers’ rendezvous to me.” I shook my head, pushing myself up. The sight before me snapped me wide awake: those two naked bodies, lying there, completely exposed. Trembling, I tugged on the arm of the person next to me. “What… what happened to them?” The person looked at me with pity. “They’re gone.” Gone? But just yesterday morning, they’d been so alive. I remembered it clearly. Camille had sought out Richard, playfully slapping his chest. “Can’t? A real man never says he can’t!” Her laughter rang out, bright and dazzling. “It’s barely five degrees out, and you’re already scared?” Then, she’d shot me a pointed glare. “Or is it that Vivian, at her age, is still jealous and won’t let you go?” “Vivian, I don’t mean to criticize, but why are you so controlling?” “Richard and I have been winter swimming for years. If something were going to happen, it would have happened by now, wouldn’t it?” “But if Richard’s scared, then I’ll just go alone.” Hearing that, Richard ripped his shirt off right in front of me. “You know how fit I am, what do I have to be scared of?” he declared to Camille with a loud laugh. “What would a housewife like Vivian know about our kind of fun?” “Don’t mind her, let’s go.” They went back and forth, mocking me. That’s when I finally gave in and let them go. But now, they were telling me they were dead? I couldn’t accept it. The tears came in a flood, and I sobbed, completely broken. “Ma’am, you must have been terrified.” A young officer in uniform walked over, his voice gentle. “I understand. Seeing them, naked and tangled, floating in the water like that…” “Anyone would be scared stiff. We don’t blame you.” “But you’re the first witness, so we might need you to cooperate with our investigation later.” Hearing that, I cried even harder. Richard was gone, and here I was, the grieving widow with an impossible to-do list. I had to take over Richard’s company and inherit his entire estate. On top of that, I had to explain the massive life insurance policy he took out right before he died. Where would I find the time for an investigation? But the young officer didn’t understand my turmoil. He just shook his head at the bodies. “What’s the point of love in the end?” “Trying to find excitement at their age… intense activity in cold water likely caused muscle cramps.” “And since they were locked so tightly together, neither could break free” I froze. Intense activity? Stuck too tightly? The memory from last night crashed over me: the sight of their lower bodies, fused in that unmistakable position… A sharp pain shot through my chest, stealing my breath. Thirty years of marriage to Richard. Forty years of friendship with Camille. I couldn’t believe it! The two people I trusted most, doing this behind my back… Yet, all the evidence lay right before my eyes.

I clutched my chest, feeling like I was suffocating. But then, a thought struck me: they were, after all, my husband and my best friend. One was a powerful CEO, the other a renowned dance teacher. Both were people who cared deeply about their image in life. Though I hated them, I couldn’t let their dignity be so utterly stripped away in public. I took a deep breath, rushed over, grabbed the matching swim trunks and bikini bottom they’d shed, and used them to cover their faces. I collapsed to the ground, a raw wail tearing from my throat. “Please, everyone! No more pictures!” “My husband and my best friend are dead! Can’t you just let them rest in peace?” My cries held a twisted mix of fury and a profound, selfish ache. Fury at their ultimate betrayal. And heartache for myself… for the mountain of paperwork and endless arrangements his death had dumped in my lap. A crowd swelled around us, a wave of shocked murmurs rippling through it as my words sank in. “Wait, so they weren’t married? You’re his wife? So this was…an affair?” “Oh my god, her husband and her best friend! That’s brutal!” “No wonder they were out in the ocean… it was a secret rendezvous” “They probably did this all the time, which is why it finally went wrong.” “That poor lady, witnessing their affair and then passing out!” Listening to their comments, my chest felt crushed under a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe. The young officer paused, then finally understood what I’d said. His expression softened with pity. “Ma’am, please get up, the ground is cold.” “By the way, do you… do you have any children?” Yes, I did. But Brandon was on his honeymoon with Camille’s daughter, Brooke, and definitely wouldn’t be answering my calls. Still, facing so many sympathetic eyes, I dialed his number. As expected, the moment he picked up, Brandon’s voice was irritable. “What are you calling for again? Didn’t I tell you not to bother Brooke and me?” “Are you so miserable with Richard that you can’t stand to see Brooke and me happy?” I fought to keep my voice steady, the pain searing through me. “Son, your father is dead.” He paused, then burst into disbelieving laughter. “You’re crazy.” “You’d drop dead before Richard ever would! Seriously, are you just miserable if you’re not wishing death on him?!” Next to him, Brooke’s laugh chimed in. “Oh, Vivian, you know how she is. If it’s nothing, just hang up.” I quickly cut her off, my sobs growing louder. “Brooke, your mother is dead too.” The air went silent for a few seconds. Then, her shriek. “Vivian! My mom was just a little close to Richard! Do you have to curse her like that?! Their relationship was completely innocent! Do you just want to make everyone in this family miserable?!” I ignored her, my voice dropping to a trembling, deliberate whisper. “They were doing it in the ocean. They cramped up. Got stuck. And died together.” Afraid she’d missed it, I repeated the words, slowly and clearly. But they still didn’t believe me. Brandon was roaring now. “Afraid she’d missed it, I repeated the words, slowly and clearly! Don’t you dare project your filth onto her! IThis is just your jealousy! You’ve always been jealous of Camille, and now you’re taking it out on Brooke, trying to ruin our honeymoon!” The officer, unable to stand it, took my phone. “I’m the officer investigating this drowning-” He didn’t even finish before Brandon furiously interrupted him. “Now you’re even hiring actors for your little show?” “Ha! Too bad! We won’t fall for it!” “Spread all the rumors you want! We’ll deal with you when we get back from our honeymoon!” With that, the call was disconnected. I tried calling again, only to find I’d been blocked. I closed my eyes tightly, saying nothing more. The officer gently helped me into the ambulance. “It’s alright, Ma’am. You passed out then, so you couldn’t have known anything anyway. I won’t question you further.” “Go to the hospital and get some rest. Then, you can start preparing for Richard’s funeral.” As he spoke, several people covered Richard and Camille with white sheets. Once the sheets were on, everything was hidden. As if those naked, tangled images had never existed. I looked at them, suddenly unsure whether to cry or laugh. Cry? I had cried enough. Laugh? I didn’t dare.

But I quickly pulled myself together. I called my office. “It’s with great sadness I inform you that Mr. Sterling has passed away. I’ll be back this afternoon to take over the company’s operations…” “I…I won’t let Richard’s legacy simply disappear!” Richard had no other immediate family in this world besides Brandon and me. I didn’t want him lying cold and alone in the morgue. So, I quickly arranged for his cremation. After the cremation, I went straight back to the office. “Ms. Sterling, you’re so strong…” “Mr. Sterling’s passing is so tragic, yet you’re still thinking of the company, still coming back to work…” “Exactly. Ms. Sterling is the only daughter of the Sterling empire, a pampered heiress who never had to lift a finger in her youth. Now, she has to manage the company herself.” “Without Mr. Sterling, she’s utterly alone and vulnerable.” I choked back a sob, grasping their hands. “Richard is gone, but the company must endure. I will see it through.” With that, I walked into the office and signed the appointment letter as Chairman of the Board. This company had originally been given by my father to Richard when he married into our family. Now that I was taking over, it was perfectly reasonable. The next few days were a blur of activity. Richard’s multi-million dollar estate needed to be settled, and there was the multi-billion dollar insurance policy to claim. The insurance agent, though initially questioning the timing of Richard’s policy purchase and death, sighed and stamped the documents after reviewing the case files. A few days later, Brandon and Brooke returned from their honeymoon. Their return coincided with Richard’s memorial service. I had prepared offerings since early morning, carrying the urn as I walked out. Seeing me, Brandon frowned. “I’ve already heard.” He glanced up and down at the urn in my hands, his voice impatient. “Didn’t a dog just die at home? Do you need to be so solemn?” A dog? I remembered. Because Richard’s death was so scandalous, I had paid a large sum to silence all media. But I hadn’t expected the official story to be that it was my beloved dog’s memorial service. Later, considering the difficulty of media work, I didn’t bother to correct it. I opened my mouth to explain, but Brooke scoffed. “Vivian, Richard’s money will all be left to Brandon and me eventually.” “So, what you’re wasting now is our money!” “You’re spending our money on a dog’s funeral, did you even ask for our permission?!” With that, she turned to the bodyguards standing by. “What are you staring at? Go on, dismantle all this stuff!” The bodyguards exchanged uneasy glances, unsure what to do. I trembled with rage. “Brandon!” “Look at the wonderful daughter-in-law you’ve chosen! She’s utterly disrespectful!” Brandon was visibly stunned. He rarely saw me lose my temper like this. A moment later, he growled in a low voice, “Mom! Brooke isn’t wrong!” He pulled a small seashell from his pocket. “She even went out of her way to buy you a gift. What a great daughter-in-law, isn’t she?” I glanced at the luxury shopping bags Brooke was carrying. All international brands. Clearly meant for Camille. But now, I was past caring. Camille wouldn’t be receiving them anyway. Clutching the urn, I ignored them and started walking out. “If you still care about your father, follow me.” But I hadn’t taken more than a few steps. A hand suddenly grabbed my hair from behind and yanked it back. “I was kind enough to buy you a gift, and you’re so ungrateful!” “You’re ignoring me for a dog! You can forget about me ever calling you ‘Mom’!” Caught off guard, the urn slipped from my hands and smashed to the ground. Ashes scattered everywhere. My eyes instantly burned red. “You! Do you even know what this is?!” Brooke looked down, prodding the pile of ashes with her foot. “Just a dog’s ashes.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust, then stomped on them. “What’s the difference between this and trash?!” “My mom was right, you really are a jealous shrew! If my mom had met Richard earlier, you wouldn’t even be in the picture!” I stared at the mess on the floor, my ears ringing. But Brandon didn’t see anything wrong with Brooke’s actions. He pulled a few bills from his pocket, tossed them onto the ashes, and said. “Mom, stop making a fuss. This is enough for you to buy a few new dogs. Clean it up quickly, don’t make the house a mess!” I completely lost it. I grabbed a wooden stick from the corner of the yard and swung it at him with all my strength. “You disobedient brat! You ungrateful son!” “Your father is dead! You’re defiling his ashes! I’ll beat you senseless!” Brandon dodged, shouting back, “Will you ever let it go?! Still cursing my dad!” “Richard loved Camille for years! He never should’ve been so weak, staying with you instead of just divorcing-” His words were cut off as a group of people stepped through the gate into the yard. They carried white funeral wreaths and somber black banners. At their center was Richard’s portrait in black and white. The funeral director leading them stopped short at the sight on the ground. “Mrs. Sterling, what happened to Mr. Sterling’s ashes?” Brandon froze. All the color drained from his face. “You..” he stammered, his lips trembling. “What did you just say?”

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My son’s preschool was hosting an event, but I was blocked at the entrance by security. “Kevin’s parents arrived early,” the guard explained. I watched, a knot forming in my stomach, as my son cozied up to his teacher, Serena. He pointed at me, his face twisted in disgust. “Ugly monster! You’re not my mom!” Julian, my husband, stood by, calmly telling the director to call the police on me. It wasn’t until they posted their “family photo” on social media – the two of them kissing Serena’s cheeks, one on each side – that I realized how utterly lost I was. After I vanished, they searched for me like madmen. When I returned home, Serena was directing the household staff to toss my belongings out. Right on top was a framed picture of our family of three. “Who told you to throw those out?!” I demanded, my voice trembling. Serena flashed a sugary smile. “Oh, because I’ve invited the preschool parents and their children over. If they saw your photo, I was afraid they’d misunderstand and think you were Julian’s wife.” My voice dropped to a frigid whisper. “I *am* Julian Sterling’s wife. Have you, a home-wrecker, forgotten your place?” Serena’s eyes instantly glistened, on the verge of tears. She cast Julian a ‘helpless’ look, her voice barely a whisper. “Julian…” Julian’s long legs were crossed, his gaze lifting with a dismissive indifference. “The media snapped photos of Serena and me at the preschool event. Online, people are calling us ‘the most beautiful parents,’ and Sterling Corp’s new mother-and-baby line has gained massive attention.” “For now, Serena will be helping me with public relations.” Seeing Julian’s cold attitude, the staff no longer hesitated. I watched as my life, packed into boxes, was carried out. Our wedding photos. My wedding dress. Everything that bore my mark was loaded into the trash truck. Julian spoke, his voice unnervingly calm. “For the party later, you should make yourself scarce.” But Serena clung to his arm. “Julian, it’s Kevin’s graduation party from preschool, after all. Why don’t we let Audrey stay? She could help out as a staff member.” Julian hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Serena isn’t really familiar with the house anyway. It would be good for you to assist her.” “I don’t agree!” My voice cracked. “Julian Sterling, you can just divorce me!” Julian let out a cynical laugh, as if I’d told a joke. “Audrey, if you leave me, do you really think your mom will survive? Her ICU bills aren’t exactly cheap.” He toyed with the heavy signet ring on his finger. The assistant beside him immediately made a call to the hospital, ordering them to halt my mom’s nutrient drip. My eyes burned with tears, and I screamed, “Julian Sterling, she’s my mother! You promised me when you married me that you’d treat my mother like your own!” Julian’s gaze was utterly devoid of emotion. “Audrey, don’t make me say it again.” He loomed over me, looking down. I’d seen that look many times before. It was the same look he gave disobedient subordinates – the look reserved for those he was about to discard. I knew. If I didn’t give in, he really would let my mother die. I never thought he could be so ruthless, all for a single word from Serena. “Audrey, time’s running out.” I dropped my arms, ceasing my struggle, and let the staff change my clothes. Julian finally looked satisfied when he saw my compliant demeanor. “Audrey, as long as you’re obedient, this house still has a place for you.” Preschool parents and their children started arriving, one by one. Serena had me stationed at the door, greeting guests. One parent, who I knew well, warmly took my hand. “Audrey, why are you standing at the door? Julian actually lets you greet people outside?” She’d been traveling abroad recently and didn’t know about Serena and Julian. Serena, clearly annoyed, interjected, “This is just one of our household staff. She’s not Mrs. Sterling.” The parent froze. “Aren’t you Kevin’s teacher?” “Being a teacher was just a hobby,” Serena said, her eyes accidentally lingering on me. “I just didn’t want to be too high-profile outside. I didn’t expect our housekeeper to impersonate my identity.” The parent immediately let go of my hand, retreating several steps as if I were carrying a contagion. Hearing Serena’s words, the other parents’ scrutinizing stares landed on me. Kevin wriggled through the parents, latching onto Serena’s hand. “*This* is my mommy. She’s just staff.” I whispered his name, a broken sound. “Kevin…” He was the child I’d fought to save, even while battling a serious illness. The child I’d watched over in an incubator for countless nights, praying he’d grow up safe and sound. He used to bring me little handmade treats from preschool, telling me he’d give me all the sweetness in the world. He used to hug me and comfort me when I cried. But now, he was saying I wasn’t his mother! A thousand needles couldn’t have caused more pain. My heart twisted, the agony stealing my breath. I stood there, frozen. Kevin’s small foot connected squarely with my bad knee. “Don’t call me Kevin! You’re just staff, you don’t deserve to use my name.” “Get out of here!” I cried out in pain as I fell to the ground. My knee had an old injury—a comminuted fracture from when Kevin was little and I’d shielded him. It still ached and itched in damp weather. But Kevin was all smiles. He wrapped his arms around Serena, whining, “Mommy, come play with me! Don’t mind this staff member!” Serena shot me a triumphant glance, then led Kevin towards the lawn. I lay on the ground, limp, without the strength to get up. The physical pain and the emotional agony piled on top of each other. I watched, stunned, as Kevin skipped away, tears streaming down my face. Laughter and shouts echoed from the lawn. It was the children playing a parent-child game. Julian was playing a three-legged race with Serena. His clumsy attempts made Serena playfully smack his chest several times. Kevin clapped his hands, cheering, “Mommy, Daddy, hurry up!” A bitter ache spread through my chest. Julian always hated childish games. I remembered when Kevin was one, I wanted him to join me for a parenting class. He’d scolded me coldly, “Audrey, be sensible. I detest these childish things.” Yet now, he patiently played with her. Suddenly, Serena let out a yelp. She’d accidentally twisted her ankle, stepping into the muddy patch beside the grass. Julian quickly swept her into his arms, gently taking off her shoe to check the sprain. Julian had severe mysophobia. I remembered once when I had paint on the back of my hand. When I handed him the scarf I’d spent half a month knitting, he merely glanced at it before disgustedly tossing it into the trash. He’d always been so fastidious, so untouchable, like a pristine statue. Now, he was bending down. Taking off her mud-stained shoe, gently rubbing her ankle. Amidst the envious murmurs of the crowd, my knee suddenly started to swell, the pain radiating from the old injury to every corner of my body.

“I’m fine, just a twisted ankle,” Serena said softly. Julian was still worried, calling a doctor to examine her carefully. Only when the doctor personally confirmed she was alright did his tightly furrowed brows finally relax. “Since the doctor’s here, have them check on the household staff too.” Julian’s gaze swept over me. Serena followed his gaze and then suddenly clutched her chest, dry heaving. “I feel awful.” Someone nearby gasped, “Could Mrs. Sterling be pregnant?” My body went rigid. Julian half-knelt, asking her gently, “What do you want to eat? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it.” “I want pastries from Audrey’s Bistro. Have Audrey go buy them, she knows the place best.” Serena pointed at me. Audrey’s Bistro was a gift from Julian to me. He used to say that the pastries there were only to be made for me. At the time, I laughed, telling him he had no business sense—how could a shop be open if it didn’t serve anyone else? Whispers rose from the crowd. “I heard Audrey’s Bistro never sells to outsiders.” Serena smiled sweetly. “Actually, Julian opened Audrey’s Bistro especially for me. Julian said those pastries are just for me.” Everyone murmured in understanding, praising Serena’s luck and envying Julian’s devotion. Julian looked at me. “Since Serena wants it, have the driver take you.” Serena frowned. “Julian, the driver needs to take guests home later. Audrey is just staff. If she sits in the car, won’t she get it dirty for the guests?” “Audrey, call a taxi yourself.” The Sterling mansion was nestled in the exclusive hillside estates. Taxis never came up here. With Julian’s silent consent, I limped out, dragging my injured leg. Every step felt like a needle piercing my knee. Five hours later, I returned home, clutching a box of pastries from Audrey’s Bistro. The party had long since ended. Serena said flatly, “Took you this long? The pastries are stale now.” She tossed them directly into the trash. I stared at the pastries spilled in the bin, the character “Audrey” on the packaging glaringly obvious. Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face. Julian walked over just as Serena started to cry pitifully. “Julian, she said the pastries from Audrey’s Bistro were made for *her*, and that I wasn’t worthy to eat them. She said she’d rather throw them in the trash than let me have them!” Julian’s face went dark. He immediately ordered his assistant to rename Audrey’s Bistro to Serena’s Bistro. He looked at Serena with tender eyes. “There’s no more Audrey’s Bistro. From now on, Serena’s Bistro is all yours.” Serena’s cheeks flushed red as she leaned into Julian’s embrace. “You’re so good to me.” My vision blurred with tears. The scene before me was blinding. My chest felt stuffed with cotton, and I choked out, “Julian Sterling, let’s get a divorce.”

Julian frowned. “Audrey, don’t be childish.” He let go of Serena, his expression turning serious as he looked at me. “Serena is only Mrs. Sterling in name.” “But you are still my wife.” He rubbed the corner of his eye, sighing. “I promised my parents I’d take care of you.” My heart lurched. So, all these years, our marriage had just been him fulfilling a promise. “And one more thing. The Sterling Corp shares in your name, transfer them to Serena today. Consider it her compensation.” After my family went bankrupt, on the day we got married, Julian transferred over half of his shares to me. “My love, these are your leverage.” “If one day you find me unworthy, just sell all the shares, bring me down, bankrupt me. Make me learn my lesson.” I looked at the share transfer agreement laid out before me. I met Julian’s gaze calmly. “I’ll transfer the shares if we divorce. Sign the papers, and I’ll sign these.” A flicker of displeasure crossed Julian’s eyes. “Audrey, don’t push my limits.” He handed me a video. His lips parted, his voice chilling. “I hear your mom can’t be off her ventilator for more than three minutes.” In the video, my mom’s oxygen mask was removed. Her face instantly turned ashen. “I’ll sign! I’ll sign!” I cried out, signing rapidly. The person in the video still hadn’t put the oxygen mask back on. I screamed, desperate, “Julian Sterling, hurry! I’ve already signed!” Julian let out a cold laugh. “Audrey, this is an AI-generated video Serena made. It’s not real.” “I wouldn’t hurt your mom.” “Even though I’ve taken your shares, I’ve had Serena set up a linked payment account for you. You’ll have a limit of five hundred thousand a month—that should be plenty.” Even though he said the video was fake, a knot of unease remained in my stomach. “Julian Sterling, please, just this once.” Tears streamed down my face without my realizing. Julian’s brow furrowed slightly. “Then I’ll…” “Honey, Kevin wants you to tell him a story! Come on!” Serena’s call echoed, and Julian’s eyes reverted to their usual indifference as he looked at me. He distantly responded to Serena, then his cold gaze returned to me. “Audrey, stop being dramatic.” “Serena is inherently kind. She would never harm your mom.”

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My cousin was obsessed with “testing” my boyfriends. No matter how hard I resisted, she reveled in it. She’d charm them, then dump them, telling everyone my taste in men sucked. When she pulled her usual stunt again, she had no idea it was a trap, custom-made just for her. And she had no choice but to fall right into it. My cousin, Zara, has been divorced for three years, still living it up on a hefty alimony check from her ex. One day she’s dating models, the next she’s going for younger guys, always busy, always having fun. Lately, she’s found a new target: Julian, my boyfriend of six months. I wasn’t surprised she found him so quickly. My mom came to my apartment to pick something up and ran into him. My mom, her biggest flaw in life is her obsession with keeping up appearances. Zara married well, and even after her divorce, she has endless alimony. Plus, Carol never misses a chance to brag about Zara in front of Mom. So, for me to marry a man even better than Zara’s ex-husband has become Mom’s mantra. And my lack of progress has become her constant worry. Julian and I met at a bar. I spotted him in the crowd instantly, and it took me over six months to finally win him over. He’s younger than my cousin’s ex, hotter, and even richer. Didn’t that just play right into my mom’s hands? She immediately broadcast the news in the family group chat, even sending a money transfer to announce my impending marriage. I saw it and felt so helpless. I sent a waving hand emoji in the chat. “Not that serious, guys. No need to make a big deal.” Mom immediately shot back with a photo in the chat. “Looking like that, carrying that kind of bag – and you’re not serious?” Zara popped up. “Wow, where did Cassie find such a catch? Want your big sister to test him out for you?” I didn’t say anything, but I knew whether I wanted her to or not, she’d try. This time, though, I was ready.

On the very first day of our relationship, I told Julian that I had a very beautiful, very sophisticated cousin. She loved adding my boyfriends on SnapChat, and if she ever added him, he absolutely shouldn’t accept. Julian jokingly asked, “Afraid I’ll fall for her?” I smiled faintly. “Afraid you’ll be bewitched and come to a terrible end. Every boyfriend I’ve had has ended up that way.” He hugged me close, comforting me for a long time. “Then I definitely won’t. I’m only marrying you, Cassie.” With my warning, when Zara first tried to add him, he kept refusing. He even complained to me a few times. “Your cousin, Zara, is so relentless. She’s tried adding me with like, ten different SnapChat accounts now.” I kissed his cheek as a reward. “You have to stay strong. Don’t give in just because she’s a charmer.” He didn’t miss a beat, rejecting another account, then turned to me. “My parents want to have dinner with you. They said we’ve been dating for six months, and you still haven’t shown your face. They’ve heard so much about how much I like you.” I paused, then stroked his head. “Let’s wait a bit. I’m pretty busy right now. After this quarter, I’ll treat your parents to dinner.” “Treat them? No way. Just your presence will make them ecstatic! We’ll eat at my family’s hotel!” Maybe because she still hadn’t added Julian on SnapChat, Zara got a little impatient. She suggested staying at my rental for a while. Of course, I wouldn’t agree, but my mom was so eager to show off the new apartment Julian had gotten for me that she couldn’t wait to give Zara the address. So, when I got home from work, Julian and Zara were sitting on the sofa, phones in hand, one on each side. Julian pulled me into the bedroom, sounding annoyed. “I really didn’t engage with her. Why is she at my place?” I said nonchalantly, “Mom probably gave her the address. That’s just how she is. Just ignore her.” He raised his hand to swear to God, but I felt a little uncomfortable. My mind kept replaying them sitting on the couch. Julian wouldn’t, would he? I worked so hard for half a year to get him, he wouldn’t be won over in just one night, would he? I was still a little anxious. My lack of self-confidence was one thing, but I also had no idea how long Julian would last.

Julian didn’t stay the night. He had another apartment in the building next door, and he went back there. The next morning, he came over to bring me breakfast. There were seven or eight dishes spread out on the table. Zara saw them and smiled somewhat smugly. “Did Julian know I was here today, so he brought so much?” “Wow, I love the soup dumplings from this place! Too bad they never deliver. Did you pick them up early this morning?” Julian looked up at her. “No, I forgot you were here. I even bought two fewer things today. Cassie doesn’t have much of an appetite in the mornings, so I just buy a lot so she has choices.” Zara let out a long “Ohhh,” but her fingers kept fiddling with her freshly manicured nails. That’s how she thinks. I figured if she was just a little interested in Julian before, now she was definitely determined to get him. I unconsciously tightened my grip on Julian’s hand. Maybe feeling the pain, Julian looked at me. I quickly apologized to him and left the table. That evening, when I got off work, they were again sitting on opposite ends of the sofa. When I walked in, Julian got up to greet me. He asked me in a low voice, “Does Zara not work? Why is she always here? And doesn’t she have her own place? What’s the deal with her being here every day?” I looked up at him. “If you add her on SnapChat, maybe she’ll quiet down.” His expression froze, and after a short pause, he said, “Just added her. She said if I did, she’d go home tomorrow.” I just said “Oh” and went into the room. Julian followed, putting his arm around me and asking if I was mad. “I just don’t want to see her every day. I can mute her, you know. Look, I’ve already set her to ‘do not disturb’.” He pulled out his phone as he spoke, holding it up to me, trying to prove his innocence. I didn’t say anything. My disappointment must have been obvious. Julian held my hand, comforting me for a long time. During dinner, he kept teasing me, trying to get me to talk, and piling food onto my plate. Zara just smiled when she saw it. “Our Julian is so thoughtful, isn’t he?”

Julian ignored her. He was busy discussing the store setup for a direct-to-consumer brand he was working on with me. Zara heard this and deliberately made some noise at the dinner table. When we both looked at her, she chuckled. “Oh, you’re talking about something I’m good at. Got a little excited.” She spoke to a confused Julian. “My ex-husband had a pretty successful direct-to-consumer brand. He has a lot of channels he could share with me. For Cassie’s sake, I could help you out.” After that, she even detailed the brand. I could tell Julian was really tempted. He looked at me, then at Zara, a little conflicted, and asked, “If it’s your ex-husband, won’t that be awkward?” “Awkward? A little charm offensive will fix everything. Just wait for my news.” This time, Julian didn’t refuse. I knew his SnapChat notifications wouldn’t be on ‘do not disturb’ for long. Sure enough, when he came into the room, he said, “Zara is really loyal, and so upfront.” I just looked up at him, my eyes instantly welling up. He immediately came over to comfort me. “I was just saying. Do you think I’d be interested in a woman who’s still entangled with her ex?”

Zara left my apartment the next day, and Julian didn’t come back for several days either. He said he was out of town, running around to different sites because several direct-to-consumer stores were opening at once. A few times when we video chatted, I saw Zara behind him. He quickly explained, “Zara called to check on progress, and when she heard I was in a neighboring city, she came to check things out. This whole thing is thanks to her help; it saved so much trouble. Even my dad praised me.” A rich kid’s life is often spent yearning to outdo their father. Julian was no exception. His father and grandfather were both incredibly successful entrepreneurs. He wasn’t bad himself, but always overshadowed by his elders’ accomplishments, he really wanted to prove himself. This time, the direct-to-consumer stores were opening in several cities at once, quickly and in prime locations. Even his father and grandfather praised his excellent work at the dinner table. Julian transferred twenty thousand dollars to me, saying it was for me to buy Zara a bag on his behalf. “I know she’s helping me because of you. It’s better if you give it to her. I still have that much sense.” After that, he added, “Pick something Zara likes. If it’s not enough, I’ll send you more.” I pulled out my phone and called Zara. As soon as she picked up, I said, “Thanks for helping my boyfriend. He wants to get you a bag, around twenty thousand dollars. Do you have one in mind? Or should I just transfer the money to you?” There was a pause on the other end, then a slightly deep male voice. “Cassie? Why is your boyfriend sending Zara gifts?” Oh my God, Zara and her ex-husband’s names in my phone were just one letter apart. I accidentally called Ryan, my ex-brother-in-law. Ryan, Zara, and I were all alumni. Ryan was a year older than us, and we’d run into each other at club activities. I’d only mentioned once that I thought Ryan was charming and attentive, and the next day, Zara started going all out to chase him. For a woman pursuing a man, it’s usually easy. Two weeks later, they were together. After breaking up and getting back together several times, they got married right after graduation. Three years later, they divorced.

To avoid any misunderstanding from this sugar daddy, who still sent my cousin monthly living expenses, I quickly explained, “No, no, she helped my boyfriend with a huge favor. But this also requires thanks to you, Ryan. My boyfriend’s direct-to-consumer snack brand relied entirely on your resources this time.” “I thought she was getting ambitious and starting her own thing. Turns out it’s your boyfriend. She’s putting more effort into him than she ever did into me.” Before I could reply, he continued, “Alright, I get it. I’ll buy her the bag. You keep the money.” I returned the money to Julian, telling him Ryan said no. He looked a little confused. “But he’s her ex, why is he still so involved?” “He’s still her primary financial support, Julian. How else do you think she affords all those designer things?” Julian’s face looked a bit unnatural. Seeing me watching him, he just added, “Right.” That night, Zara came over to my place again. She’d had some drinks, and her face was flushed as she argued with me on the sofa. Her mind was clear, her thoughts sharp, her logic impeccable, as she picked apart every single thing about me. Finally, she pointed at Julian and said, “Just because of you? You think you can snag a sugar daddy like that? Dream on, Cassie, you’ll never live a life like mine.” “You think telling Ryan I’m stealing your boyfriend will get my allowance cut? I’ll find a new one tomorrow, you just wait!” A glint sparked in Julian’s eyes when he heard that. I suddenly found it all pointless. I left them in the living room and went back to my room. After that, Julian started working overtime and traveling even more frequently. Even when I suggested I wasn’t busy anymore and could have dinner with his parents, he politely declined, saying it wasn’t the right time. By then, I already understood. Zara had succeeded again.

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To go on a solo trip with his childhood sweetheart, Lucas posted online to have other men take care of me. [“One girlfriend, hot body, proactive in bed. I’ll be away for three months, looking for a decent guy to watch over her.”] When I saw that post, my heart went cold. Our wedding was in three months. But he was already tangled up with another woman. Not just that—he was handing me off to another man himself. Just as I was about to break up with him, a new message popped up under the post: [“I’ll pay ten million. Give her to me.”] 1 My fingers froze, and I clicked into the user’s profile. He had sharp, deep-set features that looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him right away. Meanwhile, Lucas was packing his bags, casually telling me, “Ava, I need to accompany Isabella to Europe for three months. She’s been down lately. I don’t like you being alone, so I’ve hired a reliable caretaker for you. This ten million can be your allowance.” I closed my phone and stared at his face. I’d met Lucas at work, and our wedding was set for three months later. Isabella was supposedly his first love from his startup days, sharing a tiny apartment and instant noodles. But after Lucas made it big, his family forced them apart, saying he had to marry someone from a similar background. That’s when he turned to me. Back then, I’d had a crush on him for ages, so when he pursued me, I thought it was fate. Turns out, I was just a tool for him to secure his status—a marriage of convenience. His true love was someone else. Snapping out of my thoughts, Lucas’s phone buzzed. [Your account has received: $10,000,000.00.] He paused, then immediately checked the details. I saw his face darken. “Alexander?” he spat out, almost gritting his teeth. “How could it be him?” Alexander, the rising star in the city’s elite business circles, known for his ruthless, unpredictable moves. Also Lucas’s biggest rival in business. Lucas’s expression was grim, but he forced a smile. “You know Alexander. He’s from a good family. I trust him to take care of you.” I found it laughable. He wasn’t trusting—money talks. With enough cash, he’d ditch anyone, no matter how long they’d been together. I nodded softly. “Okay.” Lucas was taken aback; he probably didn’t expect me to be so compliant. But once I saw his true colors, this man didn’t deserve a spot in my heart anymore. Lucas gave me a complicated look, then answered a call. His voice turned unusually gentle. “Isabella, I’m almost at the airport. Don’t worry.” He walked out without looking back. I sat in the dark room for three hours straight. Then I threw all our photos from over the years into the trash. Along with the matching necklaces, bracelets, and rings he’d given me. I listed them all online for $9.99 each. After that, I got a message from Alexander. He said he was downstairs to pick me up. My heart skipped a beat as I slowly dragged my suitcase down. A black Bentley pulled up to the curb. A man in a black coat stepped out, long legs striding forward. The night blurred his stunning face, adding to his intimidating aura. When he saw me, he gave a slight smile. “Hello, Ms. Ava.” “I’m Alexander, here to collect you as your ’employer’.” 2 He naturally took my luggage and put it in the trunk. We didn’t exchange any extra words. “Are you upset?” Alexander asked suddenly. I knew he meant about Lucas. I said softly, “Someone who’d abandon their loved one for money isn’t worth my tears.” I just hated that I hadn’t seen his true self sooner. Alexander’s lips quirked slightly. “Where do you want to go?” he asked. “Anywhere.” “Then to my place.” I didn’t object. Alexander’s home was a penthouse in the city’s top riverside area, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city lights. “These are for you. Let me know if you need anything else.” I was stunned by the empty room and brand-new seasonal items. “Mr. Alexander, you…” “Just Alexander.” He then prepared a rose bath for me, with fruits and desserts. Finally, I slept on a soft velvet bed, dreamless all night. It had been so long since I’d slept that well. The next morning, I woke up to Isabella’s social media post. A photo of her and Lucas kissing under the Eiffel Tower, caption: “Defying odds for true love. Thanks, darling, for the most romantic honeymoon.” In the photo, Lucas was beaming—a side I’d never seen. I remembered how many times I’d asked to take photos under the Eiffel Tower. He always said he was too busy with work, never agreeing. But with Isabella by his side, Lucas made it happen instantly. Alexander came up behind me, handing me a glass of water. His brow furrowed slightly. “If it hurts, don’t look.” I took the glass, my fingers trembling a little. “I’m fine.” “Really?” He chuckled. “Good. There’s an auction tomorrow with the Heart of the Ocean you love.” “I’ll win it for you, and you’re not allowed to be sad anymore.” I felt embarrassed and was about to refuse. But then it hit me—how did this man know my preferences? Alexander added, “In return, you’ll accompany me as my plus-one.” I’d never seen Alexander bring a date to public events before, even when I attended with Lucas. People said he was cold, untouchable even by the city’s wild roses. Yet here he was, inviting me. I agreed readily. “Okay, I won’t embarrass you.” He looked surprised, but his lips curled up unconsciously. Over the years, I’d grown used to being the center of attention at events with Lucas. This time, it was just a different man by my side. The next evening, I walked into the venue on Alexander’s arm. Almost every eye turned to us. After all, everyone knew I was Lucas’s fiancée. “Is that Ava? Why is she with Alexander?” “I heard Lucas went abroad with his first love, Isabella, to Bali for a honeymoon!” “Yesterday it was France, today India—sounds like he’s taking her around the world! Isabella has no background at all; she’s lucky to be with Lucas!” “Does that mean he and Ava broke up? Lucas never took Ava anywhere publicly…” I listened to the whispers, my expression calm. But Alexander guided me to the front row and sat me down. He held my trembling shoulder, but I gently patted his hand. “It’s okay.” Midway through the auction, the host finally unveiled the centerpiece: the Heart of the Ocean necklace. Alexander raised his paddle, his voice steady. “Fifty million.” The room fell silent. The host was about to close the bid when he took a hurried call. Then he announced excitedly, “Lucas, calling from Europe, bids seventy million!” 3 All eyes landed on me. “What’s Lucas playing at? Splurging on an ex but not letting go of his fiancée?” “I heard Isabella loves the Heart of the Ocean too…” Alexander remained calm beside me. “Feeling pressured?” I shook my head. He raised his paddle again, speaking unhurriedly. “One hundred million.” The room gasped. Over the phone, Lucas’s voice was furious. “Who dares outbid me?!” The host replied respectfully, “It’s Alexander.” Silence for ten seconds. When Lucas spoke again, his voice was fierce. “One billion! If Isabella likes it, I’ll get it for her!” “Wow, a billion! Lucas has lost it for Isabella!” “One billion once! One billion twice!” Everyone stared at Alexander and me, but he didn’t flinch. The host slammed the gavel. “Sold for one billion! Congratulations, Lucas!” The crowd looked at me with pity. “Guess Alexander isn’t serious either—he gave up at a billion.” “Probably just playing around. I’ve never seen Alexander truly care for any woman.” “Poor Ava, dumped by Lucas, and now Alexander doesn’t value her.” I didn’t respond, following Alexander to the VIP room backstage. Then Isabella sent a flood of photos and voice messages. In the photos, she wore the Heart of the Ocean, hugging Lucas intimately on a luxury yacht. [Ava, see this? Lucas spent a billion on me!] [Not like some people, treated as toys, thinking they can climb high.] [But in the end, he wouldn’t even spend a billion on you. How pathetic.] I laughed at the fake on her neck. So Lucas had such poor taste—he couldn’t even tell real from fake. Alexander ordered his assistant to bring a red velvet box. The assistant knelt, opening it to reveal a gem shining brilliantly, blue like the ocean under stars. This was the real Heart of the Ocean. I took a close-up and sent it over. … The message went through, and Isabella’s texts stopped. Within a minute, Lucas called. “Ava! What do you mean by this?” “Where’d you get that fake? Trying to piss off Isabella?!” Before I could speak, Alexander took the phone, his tone leisurely. “Lucas, get your eyes checked. If you can’t tell real from fake, don’t embarrass yourself at auctions.” “Alexander?!” he sounded shocked. “Why are you two together?” “You agreed to it. Ten million, and Ava’s mine.” Alexander’s voice held mockery. “I didn’t—I didn’t say you could touch her! Ava’s my fiancée! Alexander, I warn you, if you lay a finger on her, I’ll ruin you in this city!” I found it ridiculous. He pushed me away, yet now he acted the devoted partner? “Lucas,” I took back the phone, coldly. “The moment you posted about me on eBay, I stopped being your fiancée.” I hung up before he could reply. I thought he’d give up, but I underestimated his obsession. Days later, scandals about me flooded the internet. [The Social-Climbing Ex: How Ava Used Dirty Tricks to Seduce Alexander!] [Insider Reveals: Ava and Lucas Were Already Split—She Cheated with Alexander Before the Wedding!] 4 The “details” were exaggerated, as if witnessed firsthand. No need to guess who was behind it. Lucas couldn’t have me, so he wanted to destroy me. Isabella posted on her socials: [Some people act like proper ladies but do shady things behind closed doors. Feel sorry for Lucas, betrayed by the two closest to him.] Fans and trolls swarmed my accounts, hurling insults. “Slut! Stealing someone else’s man!” “Scheming witch! Hope you and Alexander crash and burn!” I felt chills reading those vile comments. This was the man who claimed to love me for five years. For his so-called “true love,” he’d put me through hell. Alexander had his PR team suppress the热搜, but the rumors kept spreading. In the midst of the chaos, an unknown number called. “Sis… did you and Lucas have a fight?” It was my brother, Liam! “He said… if you don’t behave, he’ll make me ‘fall’ from the construction site…” My world shattered. Our parents were always busy, so Liam and I relied on each other. Lucas had promised to protect us. Now he was using my loved one against me. “Sis, don’t worry about me! Don’t come back!” Liam’s cries were cut off as the call ended. Then Lucas’s message popped up. [Ava, come back. Marry me, and I’ll clear your name. Liam will be safe.] [I promise, you’ll still be my wife.] [But don’t test me. And leave Isabella alone.] “Don’t agree!” Alexander gripped my hand, his eyes worried. Remembering Liam’s screams, I gently pushed him away. Then, slowly, I typed. [Okay, I’ll marry you.] [Christmas Eve, Hilton Hotel. The wedding is on.] After a long pause, Alexander’s voice trembled. “So, you’re going back to him?” I looked up at his pained, disappointed face. This man who appeared when I was at my lowest, spent fortunes on me, shielded me from storms. In less than a month, he’d etched himself into my soul. I pulled a velvet box from my bag, opening it to reveal a pair of wedding rings. “Alexander,” I took a deep breath. “Will you… do me one last favor?” … On the wedding day, I sat in the makeup room, calm in my expensive dress. Lucas wasn’t there—he was busy soothing Isabella’s latest tantrum. Isabella’s social media was active. [The hardest pain is loving someone you can’t have.] [They say class is an unbridgeable gap. We… couldn’t cross it.] [If society’s rules didn’t exist, could we be together?] Our mutual friends commented. “Isabella, don’t cry. We know Lucas loves you most.” “Yeah, if not for the family alliance, you’d be the bride!” I replied to Isabella’s latest post: [Fine, the dress and venue are ready. The bride’s spot is yours. Want it?] In two minutes, the door burst open. Lucas stormed in, followed by a tearful Isabella. “Ava, what’s your problem?!” he yelled. “You know how sensitive Isabella is! Why provoke her? Can’t you tolerate her?” I said flatly, “Then marry her. I approve.” Lucas faltered. “I…” He stumbled over his words, finally mumbling, “I know you love me. You’re the only one who can be my wife.” Isabella, in her bridesmaid dress, clung to his sleeve. Resentful but silent. Their act was laughable. Lucas wanted status and true love, but he’d lose both. I made an excuse to send them away. But as the wedding car neared the venue, I told the driver to turn toward another hotel. Where the real groom waited. … Meanwhile, at Lucas’s wedding, the bells rang. But the bride never showed. Lucas called me 99 times—no answer. Isabella sobbed in her bridesmaid dress beside him. He grew agitated. Guests whispered: “What’s Lucas doing? Marrying for alliance but tangled with Isabella?” “Shh, it’s his big day.” Time dragged on; guests arrived, but no bride. A bad feeling crept in. His assistant rushed in, panicked. “Sir, trouble! The Ritz-Carlton across the street—there’s another wedding today!” Lucas frowned. “So what?” “But… the bride is Ava! The groom is Alexander!”

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