On my wedding day, my husband’s ex-girlfriends showed up like a coordinated squad. I glared at Adam, but he just looked smug. “I just wanted to reminisce about my past conquests before settling down,” he said, puffing out his chest. Then, these women started sharing intimate details about their past relationships with him. I forced myself through the ceremony, barely holding back my rage. But that night, they stormed into my room, practically dragging Adam away to a hotel. I cried all night, moving from utter despair to a chilling calm. It wasn’t until the next morning that Adam finally appeared, his clothes disheveled, with the last of his exes, Chloe. He looked at me, completely unapologetic. “They’re all married, Lily. We were just catching up on old times last night. As for Chloe, she’s staying with us for a couple of days because she has a talent show audition soon.” Seeing his ripped shirt, I turned and messaged Sarah, my friend who hosts that talent show: “I need your help with something. I’m going to ruin Adam’s reputation.”

Sarah had been at the wedding and agreed without a second thought. As I hung up, Adam and Chloe slowly walked towards me. Chloe naturally linked her arm through Adam’s, her gaze holding a hint of triumph. Yet, her voice was sugary sweet. “Adam, your wife looks really upset. Maybe I shouldn’t have come.” “Don’t worry about her. Just make yourself at home.” Adam chuckled dismissively. “Lily, I know you’re mad about last night, but nothing happened. They were just playing some harmless wedding pranks.” “If you can’t even take a little joke like that, then all those times you said you loved me? They were never real.” Then, he led Chloe to the master bedroom. “Chloe’s not used to a firm bed. The master bedroom has a softer one. She’ll stay there for now. You can use the guest room for a few nights.” “Oh, and Chloe hasn’t had breakfast yet. She’s a bit hungry. Could you make her something?” He showed no trace of guilt for his betrayal, nor did he give me any room to argue. It was the same old string of demands, just like always. And he was right. Whenever we had a disagreement, he’d just casually brush it off, then act all magnanimous, as if I were the one who’d made the mistake. In the past, as long as it wasn’t outright betrayal, I’d always just gone along with his attempts to smooth things over. But this time, it was different. I scoffed. “Her hunger is not my damn problem.” “And this is my house. I won’t have any outsiders causing trouble here.” Adam was about to explode, but Chloe quickly interjected. “Lily, I can prove it! Adam and I just played cards all night. And he only brought me back because he felt sorry for me.” Then, she looked at Adam with a pitiful expression. “Adam, maybe I should just leave. I’m afraid I’ll cause problems for you two. I can find somewhere else to stay for a couple of days.” Hearing this, Adam immediately pulled her closer, comforting her. “Chloe, even though we broke up a long time ago, you helped me a lot. You’re new here, I can’t just abandon you.” He shot me a furious look. “Lily, Chloe is just staying for a few days. Do you have to be so petty about it?” “Honestly, you weren’t like this before we got married. Now you’re so nitpicky? Are you under the impression that just because we’re married, I belong completely to you? If you keep acting up like this, I swear I’ll divorce you.” Hearing that, I smiled.

Adam and I met through an arranged introduction. He claimed it was love at first sight, showering me with meticulous attention, so I agreed to marry him. But gradually, I started to realize he was keeping things from me. Though we lived separately before the wedding, he often stayed out all night, claiming to be with friends. Yet, I’d always hear women’s voices in the background when I called. When I pressed him, he’d impatiently hang up. My doubts really solidified when I once caught him drunk and passionately kissing another woman at a party. Afterward, he claimed it was just a drunken mistake, but I wasn’t convinced. However, just as I was reconsidering everything, my mom was hospitalized. She feared she didn’t have much time left, and her greatest wish was to see me married. I couldn’t bear to disappoint her, so the wedding proceeded as planned. Before the wedding, I had told Adam clearly: whatever his past, there would be no betrayal after we were married. But I never imagined he’d invite all his ex-girlfriends to the wedding. It was then I truly understood just how extensive his romantic history was. After getting home last night, I had a friend dig into his past. The results were damning: he had been intimate and lived with every single one of his ex-girlfriends. His parents had told me he was always working out of town, had a few relationships, but was fundamentally a good person. Putting myself in his shoes, I couldn’t accept this. And he, thinking he had me wrapped around his finger, actually planned to have his ex-girlfriend move in with us. It was utterly ridiculous! Now, I stood blocking the master bedroom door, calmly staring at Adam. “Adam, I do love you, but I won’t tolerate betrayal.” “Since you’ve chosen this path, I have only one condition: divorce, and you return all the wedding funds.” He had been short on money for the house, so my mom, wanting my happiness, took out all her savings to give me a sense of security. Hearing this, Adam’s face flushed with fury. “Lily, are you crazy? I told you, nothing happened with them last night!” “And you have the nerve to ask for your wedding funds back? We’re already married. Even if we divorce, I’m not giving you a cent. This would be you breaking off the marriage!” “It was just a few wedding pranks! Are you really going to be such a sore loser about it?!” I kept my face cold. “If you won’t agree to those terms, then she needs to leave. Then you sign an agreement that if you ever betray me again, you’ll pay double the compensation.” Chloe stepped forward, explaining quickly, “Lily, you can yell at me all you want, but please don’t insult Adam. And I’m only staying for two days. Nothing’s going to happen with Adam. Are you really that insecure?” Adam, seeing me so angry for the first time, looked annoyed. “Honestly, you’re so petty! What’s so special about the master bedroom? I’ll let Chloe stay in the guest room, is that good enough?” “I can’t stand small-minded people like you. I never noticed it before.” He turned to Chloe. “Chloe, it looks like you’ll have to rough it a bit.” Chloe looked completely understanding. “Adam, it’s okay. As long as you two don’t fight, that’s all that matters.” Adam looked at me with disgust. “Are you happy now?! All this fuss just because you can’t stand me being around Chloe!” “Look at Chloe. If only you had half her compassion.” With that, he walked into the bedroom and slammed the door shut. I felt a challenging gaze on me. Looking towards the guest room, I saw Chloe watching me with a smug, knowing smile. That witch! I started to step towards her. But then, my mom, still in the ICU, called me on FaceTime. “Lily, I couldn’t make it to your wedding. How was your first day as a newlywed? Where’s Adam?” I couldn’t bear to upset my mom, so I took the FaceTime call into the bedroom. Adam, seeing me enter, sneered dismissively. “Just a minute ago, she was insisting on a divorce, but as soon as Chloe moved to the guest room, she came running back. Always so jealous. It’s so exhausting.” My mom didn’t quite catch what he said, only assuming it was a normal spat, and urged us to keep the peace. Adam forced a fake smile and called her “Mom.” I quickly made an excuse and hung up. Not long after, he left, claiming he was taking Chloe out to clear her head. I watched them go, a cold glint in my eyes. If he wanted to play these games, he shouldn’t blame me for being ruthless.

Not long after I returned, they came back, laden with shopping bags. I opened them to find they were filled with gifts and clothes Adam had bought for Chloe. Noticing my grim expression, Adam explained, “Chloe’s talent show is tomorrow. She needs to look her best.” “Don’t worry, once she gets through the audition, she’ll go to another city for performances.” “Then you won’t have to keep your sour face on all the time.” He sneered, busily helping Chloe try on outfits. I stayed silent. Adam probably thought my anger had subsided, and that I was looking for a way to reconcile, just like before. So that evening, he tried to smooth things over, adopting a gentler tone towards me. “Lily, we’re married now. We need to be a team. You can’t always doubt me.” “Don’t worry, once Chloe passes her audition, I’ll make sure she leaves. You’re the one I’m building a life with.” “In a little while, we’ll start a family.” A team? I scoffed internally, saying nothing. Later that night, I woke up and Adam wasn’t there. Passing the guest room, I heard the unmistakable sounds of intimacy. “Adam, I love you so much. If only I hadn’t gone abroad back then, it would be me with you right now.” “Your wife might mind your past, but I don’t. As long as I can be with you, I don’t care how many girlfriends you have. I could even love you alongside them all.” “But I’m just worried your wife will get angry. What if it affects your relationship?” Adam sneered. “Her? Didn’t you see? When I told you to stay in the guest room today, she stopped being mad instantly. She even FaceTimed her mom to show me off.” “She’s thrilled to be married to me, no matter how angry she pretends to be. Don’t worry, she can’t leave me.” Then, the sounds of their intimacy resumed. Adam told me one minute that he had no contact with them, and the next he was betraying me again. Even though I was already beyond disappointed in him, a fresh wave of fury surged through me. But I didn’t disturb them. I just quietly recorded their conversation and returned to my room. In the morning, Adam came back. The moment he opened the door, our eyes met. He looked guilty, but pretended to be calm. “Chloe was nervous about her audition, so I stayed with her for a bit.” Catching sight of the hickeys all over his neck, my calmed heart couldn’t suppress the anger. I let out a cold laugh. “You meant you ‘comforted’ her under the covers, didn’t you?” “You really don’t have to come back. Why not just stay with her?” Adam’s face flushed. He snapped, “Chloe has her audition today, and she even got you a free ticket! How can you stir up trouble again?!” “This is something Chloe worked hard for. You have to go today, as an apology, and to cheer her on for me.” “If you don’t go, I’ll let her stay at our house indefinitely.” Looking at the talent show ticket in his hand, I smirked internally. Then, I took it. “Alright, I’d love to see the show.”

At the talent show. When Adam went to the restroom, Chloe suddenly leaned close to me. “Lily, if I pass today, you’ll be really happy, right?” “After all, then you two can finally have your alone time.” I scoffed. “If you want him, you can have him.” She sneered. “Stop pretending. I’ve noticed, you’re head-over-heels for Adam, desperate to be with him every day.” “But you should really give up on those unrealistic fantasies.” “To be honest, this audition is just a front. Adam has eight ex-girlfriends in total, and we’ve all agreed that as soon as I leave, the next one will come to stay at your house.” “After all, we all can’t bear to let Adam go. A man as amazing as him isn’t something one woman can monopolize.” “But you’re still luckier than us, since you’re the one he married.” Her words made my anger erupt. I couldn’t help but kick her in the chest, sending her sprawling. Just then, Adam returned and witnessed the scene. Seeing him, Chloe immediately burst into tears. “Lily, I just tried to apologize to you. If you don’t accept it, that’s fine, but you cursed at me and hit me! What did I ever do to you?” Adam’s face filled with alarm. He rushed over to help her up, then glared at me furiously. “Lily, aren’t you tired of being jealous all the time? How dare you hit Chloe in public!” “If she performs badly because of this, you’ll regret it!” Then, he comforted Chloe. “Chloe, just focus on your performance. Whether you succeed or fail, I’ll always support you.” Chloe looked touched. “Adam, you’re always so good to me. I’ll do my best.” At that moment, the host called Chloe’s name. Before going on stage, she shot me a triumphant glance, her lips moving as if to say, “Pathetic, you can’t beat me.” Then, she signaled for the host to begin. But the playback didn’t start immediately. The host looked at me. Only after I nodded did she click on a video file. Adam sat nearby, twisting his head to shoot me a venomous look. “If Chloe’s performance isn’t good today, I’ll let her stay at our house indefinitely. You love being jealous, don’t you? Well, I’ll give you plenty to be jealous about!” I gave a slight smile. “Adam, I’m telling you again: marital infidelity means you leave with nothing.” Adam looked impatient. “How many times have I told you? We were just—” But before he could finish, his eyes widened in shock at the image that flashed across the big screen.

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My class welcomed a new student for German tutoring. Chatting with him, he casually mentioned his mom was Scarlett, a huge star, beautiful and rich. What a coincidence. My wife of seven years was also named Scarlett, and she was a big star too. I immediately contacted Scarlett and asked for a divorce. But I forgot, from the very beginning, we were never legally married. Turns out, I was the other man, the one who unknowingly intruded on someone else’s relationship. “My mom’s Scarlett, the big celebrity. She’s loaded and gorgeous.” “Mr. Alex, you better teach me well, and your pay won’t be bad either.” Seven-year-old Leo, standing in front of me, declared with a smug grin. *Clang!* The phone I was using to text Scarlett slipped from my hand, hitting the floor. My wife’s name was also Scarlett, and she was also a big celebrity. We had been “married” for seven years. Just moments ago, I was texting her, asking if she’d be home tonight. My chest tightened with a suffocating dread, but I forced myself to calm down. *No way*, I told myself. *It has to be a coincidence.* “Leo, can you show me a picture of you and your mom?” Leo beamed with pride. “Of course! I grew up overseas, and my mom took tons of pictures with me.” He pulled out his phone, scrolling through photos to show me. “This is my mom and me riding horses.” In the picture, Scarlett smiled sweetly, holding Leo at a stables. Scrolling further, there were not only photos of just the two of them but also pictures of a family of three. The photos were taken in a luxurious villa, a young man in a suit holding Leo’s hand with one hand and Scarlett’s with the other. “This is my dad. He’s super impressive too! He’s Victor, the CEO of the Sterling Group.” Leo kept chattering on. Every single word was a blade slicing into my heart. I couldn’t take it anymore. I snapped his phone shut, my chest seizing with a wrenching pain. “Leo… Teacher’s not feeling well. I’m going home.” I fought back my emotions, walking out. Just then, I ran into a well-dressed man. I recognized him instantly. He was the man in the pictures. Leo’s father—Victor. “Hello, Mr. Alex. It’s Leo’s first day for German tutoring today. How’s he doing?” Victor adjusted his sleek designer frames. Suddenly, his phone rang with a FaceTime call. The caller ID flashed “Wifey.” He answered, and Scarlett’s beautiful face appeared on the screen. “Honey, you and Leo just got back. I cleared my schedule tonight. Let’s go to that French place.” My blood ran cold. Scarlett and I had been together for seven years. But now, she was calling someone else “Honey.” And most importantly, they had a seven-year-old son. That meant she was already pregnant with Victor’s child when we got “married.”

I felt like my emotions were about to snap. Right then, all I wanted was to find Scarlett and get to the bottom of everything. I told Victor I had an urgent matter and left the tutoring center. On the way home, I kept calling Scarlett. She didn’t pick up any of my calls. Instead, she just texted me back: 【Honey, I have to work late on set tonight. I won’t be home.】 My heart shattered into a million pieces. If I hadn’t just seen Victor on a FaceTime call with her, I might have bought that excuse. Looking back on our years together, it wasn’t the first time she used that line to avoid coming home. Every time, I never doubted her. 【You *have* to come home tonight. There’s something I need to tell you.】 After I sent that message, she never replied. I had no choice but to call Chloe, her assistant. Since Scarlett was a celebrity, our “marriage” had been a secret. So, besides Chloe and a few close friends, hardly anyone knew we were a couple. “Do you know where Scarlett is?” I tried to keep my voice sounding normal. Chloe stammered a bit on the other end. “Alex, Scarlett’s got work today. Is there something you need?” “No, nothing. I just wanted to know where she was, so I wouldn’t worry.” “She texted me earlier, said she was going to dinner before work, right?” I knew if I didn’t frame it like this, Chloe wouldn’t tell me her location. Chloe quickly said, “Oh, right, right. Scarlett’s heading to The Grand Bistro for dinner now, then she’ll be off to work.”

I drove to The Grand Bistro. As soon as I arrived, I saw Victor, holding Leo’s hand, with his arm wrapped around Scarlett. A picture-perfect family of three. It was hard not to envy them. But the sight felt like a knife twisting in my eyes. All these years with Scarlett, even though her work often kept her away, our relationship felt strong. So, I never doubted a single word she said. She said she was busy, and I believed her. She often went on business trips to London, claiming she had many collaborations there, and I believed that too. But now I knew: she was actually hiding from me, giving birth to Leo! And I, like a fool, thought she was genuinely working. My chest tightened, a suffocating pain gripping me. I managed to pull out my phone, snapped a photo of their family, and sent it to Scarlett. Twenty minutes later, Scarlett called me back. “Alex, please, let me explain! It’s just a scene we’re filming!” Her voice was laced with panic. She sounded terrified that I would be angry. If Leo hadn’t transferred to my class today, I would never have suspected her. She was such a master manipulator; she had me completely fooled into thinking she loved me. “Scarlett, I saw everything.” My voice was hoarse. “No, really, it’s just a scene. We’re filming a family dinner scene today.” It was utterly laughable. Even now, with everything laid bare, she was still lying to me. “Leo showed me your family pictures. And photos of just you and him.” “He said you’re his mom, and Victor’s his dad.” The words tore at me, my voice trembling. “Scarlett, let’s get a divorce.” As I said it, I suddenly remembered we were never legally married. She had claimed that as a rising star, she had to maintain a single image. She said her agency would drop her if they found out. I believed her. But now I knew why she didn’t want to legally marry me. Because she was already legally married to Victor. And I was the other man, the home-wrecker. I didn’t even have the right to ask you for a divorce. “My bad, I forgot. You never legally married me.” My voice caught in my throat. “I don’t have the right to ask you for a divorce.” The sting of betrayal from the one you love most… it was a brutal taste.

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The day I came back from my business trip, I found out my husband was engaged—to a woman I’d never seen before. I rushed to the wedding venue, but the security guard stopped me. “I’m Liam Sterling’s wife!” I snapped. He snorted. “You’re the 108th woman today claiming that.” He pointed toward the stage. “See her? That is Mr. Sterling’s real wife, Ms. Aubrey.” I looked in the direction he pointed— And froze. My husband, Liam, was standing on stage with his hand resting on a pregnant stranger’s belly. My entire world stopped. If she is Aubrey Sterling… then who the hell am I? “Get Liam out here now! How dare a man who owes everything to my family commit bigamy?” My face was thunderous. I moved to push past the guards, but my own private security team closed ranks against me. “Get out of my way, or you’re all fired.” They didn’t move. So I held up my executive access card. The ultimate symbol of authority in the Sterling Group. There were only two in the world. Mine and Liam’s. But if Liam and I were in conflict, his status alone wouldn’t be enough to control my security team. The lead guard’s eyes narrowed. He was about to speak when a familiar voice from behind interrupted him. “What’s all this commotion?” Seeing Dylan approach, I urgently cried out, “Dylan, quickly, tell them who I am! I’m Aubrey, your sister-in-law!” He was Liam’s youngest brother. I was the one who pulled strings to get him into Silverwood City University’s Business School. Just as I thought he’d confirm my identity, he pulled out another executive access card from his pocket. “You despicable woman, forging an access card?” “How can there be two Aubrey Sterlings in this world? My real sister-in-law is inside exchanging rings with my brother. You fake, you’ve got some nerve.” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning, staring at him in disbelief. The woman inside was completely different from me. How could Dylan not recognize me? “What are you two arguing about? Dylan, look closely! I’m your sister-in-law!” Dylan impatiently waved his hand. “Drag this troublemaker out of here. Don’t let her spoil my brother’s engagement.” “Who dares touch me?” I pulled out my ID, holding it up for everyone to see. “I am Aubrey Sterling. This ID can be verified by any department in Silverwood City. If you touch me again, I’ll make sure your entire family is kicked out of city by tomorrow!” I was laughing with rage. I never imagined I’d have to prove my identity with an ID. I was going to find out exactly what Liam was up to today! Just as I thought showing my ID would convince them I was Aubrey Sterling, Dylan snatched it away and shredded it into pieces. “Do you really take us for fools? If a keycard can be forged, what’s an ID card?” The security team burst into laughter. They stepped forward and restrained me, pinning me to the ground. It was then I realized the entire security team was made up of unfamiliar faces. Liam had replaced all the security personnel behind my back… A chill spread through me. I struggled, but the physical disparity between men and women meant I couldn’t resist. Just as I was about to be dragged out of the banquet hall, a voice rang out. “What are you doing?!”

“Celeste, this woman’s completely insane, trying to impersonate you!” Dylan immediately scurried over, playing the victim. The newcomer was the very woman about to marry my husband, Liam. My gaze was fixed on her, unable to move. The moon-white silk gown she wore was a limited edition piece Liam had given me for my birthday last year. The pigeon-blood ruby necklace around her neck was our wedding anniversary gift. And on her left ring finger, she was clearly wearing my wedding ring! A wave of icy coldness shot from my feet to the top of my head. “Get Liam out here. He’s a man who…” Before I could finish my sentence, Dylan slapped me across the face. “What nonsense are you spouting? My brother is legitimately marrying Ms. Sterling! There’s no ‘man who married into her family’!” I distinctly saw a flicker of panic on the face of the woman impersonating me. But she quickly regained her composure and spoke, “Yes, Liam and I truly love each other. Even if he were poor and destitute, I would still marry him!” “After this, I’ll also represent The Sterling Group and hand over fifteen percent of the company’s shares to him. As for me, I’ll happily stay home and start a family.” I looked at her in disbelief. Liam and I had clearly agreed not to have children for five years. We even signed an agreement stating that all profits from my company after marriage would be exclusively mine, not part of our marital assets. His only role was to manage our household and be there for me. How could everything have changed? “Get Liam out here.” My voice grew colder. How could Liam betray me, even find someone to impersonate me? Was he tired of living? Even Dylan had been fooled. Why was this happening? The woman impersonating me curled her lips into a mocking smile: “Liam is inside entertaining important guests. He doesn’t have time to bother with a lunatic like you.” “Dylan, get rid of her. Don’t let her ruin this special day.” A sinister glint flashed in Dylan’s eyes. He crouched down, reaching out to touch my face. “Oh, Celeste, you really said it? I’ve been wanting to get my hands on her for ages…” Before he could finish, I snatched his outstretched wrist, using all my strength to slam him onto the ground. Then I quickly pulled out my small self-defense knife and pressed it against the impostor’s throat. “Tell me, who are you? Get Liam out here!” My shouts drew the attention of the wedding guests. Spotting a few familiar faces, I immediately called out, “Mr. Davis, Ms. Miller! We just signed a partnership last month! You tell them, am I Aubrey Sterling or not?” I desperately wanted to prove myself, even freeing one hand to pull up the contract on my phone. But they looked at me, then at the printed words and contract photos, with blank expressions. I froze. Why didn’t they recognize me? I struggled, trying to pull up a video of my company’s press conference, but a sudden sharp pain shot through my lower back. It was a taser. I was zapped unconscious. Before my awareness completely faded, I saw the man resembling Liam pull the impostor into his arms. He called her his wife affectionately, asking if she was hurt. Why was this happening? Despair surged through my heart. When I opened my eyes again, I was in a hospital. No one was around, and the door to my room wasn’t locked. I struggled to my feet and ran out. I had to find out the truth! Just outside the room, I saw Liam’s parents. I rushed forward excitedly. If others wouldn’t recognize me, my mother and father-in-law certainly would. When we got married, they adored me, treating me like their own daughter. I was afraid of the dark, and Eleanor would leave a light on and stay with me until I fell asleep. I loved sweets, and Richard would immediately make me sugary cakes. They would definitely be able to confirm my identity. But just as I was about to approach, the impostor walked towards them, holding a pregnancy test report.

I rushed forward, my voice filled with urgency. “Dad! Mom! Look at me! It’s Aubrey! How can you not recognize me?” Eleanor and Richard’s faces initially showed a flicker of undeniable shock. But that expression vanished in an instant, replaced by intense disgust. “Lunatic! You crazy woman!” Eleanor slapped me across the face, snarling, “Aubrey is perfectly fine inside! You imposter, how dare you cause trouble here!” Richard frowned, his tone icy. “We don’t know you! Get lost! Don’t come here acting crazy!” I clutched my burning cheek, stumbling back a step, staring at them in disbelief. Eleanor and Richard were both present when Liam and I signed our prenuptial agreement. How could they not remember me? Were they trying to break the agreement? “Mom and Dad, Liam married into our family, giving up all inheritance rights. You both witnessed him sign those papers. Are you trying to break the agreement now?” “Why won’t you recognize me? Can you afford the massive penalty for breach of contract?” Eleanor’s face flushed with anger. She stepped forward, grabbing my hair, hitting and cursing at me. “What ‘married into the family’? What nonsense are you talking about! What man would ‘marry into’ another family like that? You’re disgracing our family name!” Richard also kicked me to the ground. “I think you’re just a lunatic, trying to push your feminist agenda everywhere! What agreement? You just don’t respect men! Get out! Get far away from here!” I lay on the cold floor, my heart filled with resentment. Just as I was about to pull out the agreement Liam and I had signed, a foot stomped on my hand. The impostor held up the prenatal report, looking at me triumphantly. “I kindly brought you to the hospital, and you’re still so ungrateful. To try and seduce my husband, impersonate me, and now harass my in-laws? How shameless can you be?” “I know you might be desperate to marry Liam, that’s why you’d do something like this, but you can’t just keep chasing us!” Her words immediately drew whispers and comments from the surrounding people. “Turns out she’s a mistress trying to climb the social ladder, pretending to be crazy.” “How pathetic, she’s obsessed with a man.” “Seriously, the real wife is pregnant, and she’s still causing trouble. So malicious.” I looked around. Everyone was staring at me as if I were insane. A wave of immense grievance and fury washed over me, almost suffocating me. Why wouldn’t anyone acknowledge that I was Aubrey Sterling? “What’s all this commotion?” A familiar voice. Liam had arrived. I looked at the face I had lived with for three years, then fiercely slapped him across the face. “Liam, have you forgotten? When you came to propose, you said you were willing to move into the Sterling family and obey me your entire life?” “What exactly are you doing now?”

As I cursed, I started to cry. We had been together for ten years, and married for three. His agreement to move in and depend on my family’s wealth was his own free will. But back then, for his dignity, I hadn’t made his status public. I never imagined it would turn out like this. “Liam, look closely. I’m Aubrey Sterling.” “I’m the one who got our marriage certificate with you three years ago. I’m the one who helped you through your company’s crisis last year. And I’m the one who stayed by your mother’s hospital bed all night when she was ill!” “Now tell me, who is she?” Liam didn’t look at me. He just lowered his head, gently stroking the woman in his arms’ hair, his voice so tender it could melt. “Aubrey, don’t be scared. I’m here. No one will hurt you.” After settling the impostor, he finally looked me in the eye. “Ms. Sterling, I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” “My wife, Aubrey Sterling, has always been and only ever will be the woman standing before you. As for your talk of ‘moving in’ or ‘agreements,’ those are just the ramblings of a madwoman.” I stood frozen, tears finally streaming down my face. “I have a birthmark on my left chest. You found it when you were helping me apply ointment.” “I’m afraid of thunderstorms. Every time it rains, you’d hold me and tell jokes. And that osmanthus tree we planted at the old estate-when it bloomed for the first time last year, you said you’d save its flowers to make osmanthus wine for me. Are these also ‘ramblings’?” These details, only he and I knew. I thought that by revealing these, he would at least show a flicker of doubt. But the coldness on his face didn’t soften in the slightest. Instead, he raised a hand, summoning security. “Please escort this troublesome lady out. Don’t let her disturb my wife’s rest again.” “Liam!” I rushed forward, trying to grab his arm, but the security guards held me back firmly. In that moment, I finally understood. He hadn’t forgotten; he had been deceiving me all along. From pretending to be compliant and moving in, to using the resources I provided to establish himself step by step. Behind my back, he’d done it all. Replaced my security. Planted an imposter. Even turned my own in-laws and Dylan against me. Three years of love. Three years of a meticulously planned scam. Despair closed my throat. I shut my eyes as the guards moved to drag me away. “I’d like to see who dares touch her!” A voice, sharp with command, cut through the chaos. And then I saw him: a man with Liam’s face.

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My sister wanted my fiancé. My own family stripped me naked and sold me in a secret auction. By the time Adrian finally came for me, I had already lost my mind. He carried me away without a word. The next day, our family empire crumbled. My parents met a violent end. My sister? She ended up with him—my fiancé. While I was recovering, Adrian became the city’s most feared man—and he never left my side. Just before our wedding, I went to surprise him with my recovery news. But then I heard moans. “Shut up,” he growled. “If Stella hears you, you’re dead.” Then my sister’s moans flooded the room—hot and heavy. I froze. Swallowing my tears, I ripped the curtain open. “Adrian, I found you!” The intimate atmosphere evaporated in an instant. I let my face go stiff at the sight of them tangled together. They sprang apart. Adrian quickly yanked his jacket over a disheveled Chloe. “Why are you hitting that lady?” I asked, tilting my head. “She’s crying.” Chloe scoffed, a sneer twisting her flushed face. “Still a complete idiot.” Adrian scrambled into his clothes. His gaze landed on my blank, innocent expression, and a wave of palpable relief washed over his features. “Stella, don’t worry about her. She’s just a staff member. Hubby will take you to try on pretty dresses now.” I squirmed, pushing myself away from Adrian’s embrace. My reaction was strong. “Let go of me! You smell disgusting! I don’t like it!” Adrian’s face froze for a second. He quickly recovered, kissing my forehead. “Okay, it’s Hubby’s fault.” He gently placed me on a chair, then immediately went to change. He only reappeared after ensuring not a trace of any “bad smell” remained. Mr. Davis brought out dozens of wedding shoes. I shook my head at every single pair. “I don’t like them.” Adrian barely glanced at them, just lifted a finger. “Next.” Just then, Chloe, fully dressed, emerged from the dressing room. “Adrian, I want her to help me try them on!” Adrian’s hand, resting on my waist, tensed. Chloe’s face twisted into a scowl. But when Adrian nodded, her reaction was explosive. “You want me to try on shoes for a fool?” Her shriek made me flinch. Adrian’s expression turned stone cold. He subtly raised a hand, and Mr. Davis moved to forcibly bring Chloe over. “It’s your privilege to assist Stella with her shoes. If you refuse, get out of the city immediately.” Chloe’s face went from pale to ashen. Finally, she begrudgingly knelt, helping me try on the heels. The moment her hand touched my ankle, I kicked her hard, sending her sprawling. I burrowed into Adrian’s arms, crying. “Ouch! Her nails hurt!” Adrian frowned, his gaze flicking to Chloe’s perfectly manicured nails. “Cut your nails.” Chloe’s suppressed fury ignited. She snatched the high heel off the floor and slammed it down. “Adrian, if you want to humiliate me by siding with her, just say it! I wasn’t born to be a doormat!” With that, she ran out, sobbing. “Adrian, is the pretty lady angry?” Adrian patted my back, comforting me. “Don’t mind her.” His voice was ice-cold, yet his eyes tracked Chloe’s retreating figure with an intensity that chilled me. Halfway through the wedding dress fitting, Mr. Davis entered, his face pale, and whispered something into Adrian’s ear. Adrian, unfazed, continued to tap his cigarette, but his expression grew darker and darker. A moment later, he tugged at his tie, unable to sit still any longer. “Stella, something’s come up at the office. I’ll have Mr. Davis take you home for now.” I dropped the wedding dress I was holding, rushing to grab his hand. “Adrian, please don’t go? Today is-” “Stella, be good. Don’t be difficult.” Adrian stroked my head, then hurried away without a backward glance. My unfinished words died in my throat. Mr. Davis picked up the wedding dress and came over. “Madam, let me help you try it on.” I caught his slightly pitying gaze. I lowered my head, my voice barely a whisper. “No need. I don’t like it.” And then, even quieter, “I won’t need to try one on ever again.”

It was almost midnight, and Adrian still wasn’t home. I sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, lost in thought. Outside, a storm raged, and the birthday cake on the table had completely melted. In seven years, this was the first time he’d missed my birthday. Suddenly, a deafening crack of thunder, and the entire mansion plunged into darkness. My mind went utterly blank. “Adrian!” No response. I stumbled to my feet, my back drenched in cold sweat. With visibility so poor, I tripped and fell hard. “Madam! Madam-” The butler heard the commotion and rushed in, holding a candle. I was curled on the floor, clutching my head, trembling with fear. “Don’t touch me!” Just when I thought I was about to lose it, the front door burst open. A familiar scent filled my nostrils. Adrian rushed forward, pulling me tightly into his arms. “Stella, don’t be scared, don’t be scared. I’m here.” He was soaked, dripping wet, but his arms around me were scorching hot and tight. Yet, I had already completely lost control. This was the first time I’d consciously experienced darkness since my recovery. Long-buried memories surged back, overwhelming me. I screamed and cried, my flailing hands leaving red marks on Adrian’s face. “Get lost! Don’t touch me!” My erratic behavior made Adrian realize something was seriously wrong. He rushed me to the hospital. In a haze, I felt like I was drowning, constantly gasping for air. “Mr. King, your wife suffers not only from night blindness but also severe PTSD. She must have experienced immense trauma to be in this state.” The doctor’s words drifted in intermittently. “Also, Miss Chloe’s condition is very serious. If she doesn’t receive a uterine transplant soon, she may never be able to have children.” It turned out Chloe had gotten into a car accident after running out. When she woke up, she had a complete breakdown and tried to commit suicide with a knife. “Adrian, if you blame me for being so ruthless back then, then I’ll make your punishment come true and pay her back!” The room was terrifyingly silent, save for the cold hum of machines. After a long silence, Adrian sat beside me. He gently wiped a tear from my eye, then leaned in and kissed me softly. His voice was choked with a slight sob. “Don’t let her hurt too much.” I desperately tried to open my eyes, but I couldn’t move a muscle, only able to feel myself being wheeled into the operating room. When the cold surgical scalpel pressed against me, I gripped it with all my might. “Ow! Madam, please let go!” The doctor leaned in frantically, practically shouting in my ear. When he heard my whispered words, he gasped sharply. “I understand. I’ll relay your message to Mr. King.” With that, he hurried out of the operating room. But just as he was about to ask Adrian if he wanted to proceed with the surgery, news suddenly arrived that Chloe’s condition had worsened. Adrian’s furious roar cut through the air, clear as day. “One more wasted word, and they’ll suffer another second! Do it!” “But Mr. King, your wife…” “Shut up! What does an idiot need with a womb? Stella will have me in the future! You utter one more goddamn word, and you’re out of this hospital tomorrow!” The doctor returned to the operating room, a bitter expression on his face. The scalpel in my hand loosened its grip. As my abdomen was cut open, a few tears slipped from my eyes. Gasps echoed through the operating room. Assistants covered their mouths in shock. “Oh my god, it’s a nearly formed baby!” … When I finally came to, I was in a hospital bed. Adrian walked in and found me staring blankly at the ceiling, my eyes devoid of emotion. A flicker of pain crossed his eyes. He took my hand, kissing it tenderly.

“Stella, you’ve been asleep for a long time. Everything’s okay now. I’m right here.” I stiffly turned my eyes to him. My belly felt hollow. My heart felt hollow, too. “Adrian.” My voice was so faint, it felt like it would disappear any second. “I hurt so much.” Adrian’s eyes were bloodshot. He casually picked up a fruit knife from the table and sliced his own palm. “Don’t be scared, Stella. Adrian will hurt with you.” Blood dripped onto the floor. My memories swam for a moment. Throughout those years I was lost in my haze, Adrian had stayed by my side, never leaving, his devotion bordering on obsession. Countless doctors had told him I was beyond help, that recovery was impossible. Everyone urged him to give up. He just looked at me, barefoot in the yard. He smiled, took off his shoes, and walked with me on the pebbles, until the ground was stained with blood. “If she can’t get better, then I, Adrian King, don’t mind being a self-deceiving fool for the rest of my life.” While I was lost in thought, Adrian stroked my face. “Stella, how about that pretty lady moves into our home to take care of you from now on?” I was incredulous, but still instinctively shook my head. “I hate her!” Adrian, however, didn’t catch the emotion in my words. “Stella’s the best. Don’t be difficult. That lady is like this because of you; we should repay her doubly.” He made the decision, leaving no room for argument. After I was discharged, Chloe moved into the King mansion, ostensibly to care for me. Adrian had her move into the top-floor attic. When Chloe complained, he merely glanced at her, his tone flat. “Stella likes quiet. If you have a problem with that, you can get out of the King residence.” After returning from the hospital, I had nightmares every night. Waking up again, the spot beside me in bed was already cold. I quietly made my way up to the attic. Suppressed, desperate gasps echoed from behind the door. Chloe’s voice was thick with tears and indignation. “You make me move in, then humiliate me like this? Adrian, does it thrill you to see me cry?” “After all this, you’re just too scared to admit you’re in love with me, aren’t you?” Adrian’s shadowed profile was hidden in the crack of the door. He didn’t speak, but his movements turned savage. His ring-adorned hand traced Chloe’s scarred abdomen, eliciting a shiver. “You? You’re not even worthy.” I don’t remember how I got back to my room. It wasn’t until my phone screen lit up that I snapped back to reality. “Ms. Sterling, we’ve located your family through the genetic database.” I tugged at my lips. My long-numb face finally managed a smile, even as tears streamed down. The next day, a loud commotion woke me. “Who puts baby’s breath in a garden? It’s so lame. Dig them all up and replace them with my favorite roses!” “But Miss Chloe, Mr. King personally planted all of these for Stella…” Chloe’s face contorted into a snarl. She slapped the gardener hard. “Are you blind? Can’t you see who the future lady of this house is?” The gardener, not daring to delay, immediately brought in the roses. Chloe caught sight of me coming downstairs, and disdainfully blew on her nails. I calmly watched her. She frowned, her gaze locking onto my eyes. Suddenly, as if realizing something, her face contorted in shock. “You…” Before she could utter another word, Adrian strode over, picked me up, and gently placed me on a soft blanket. “Silly Stella, why aren’t you wearing shoes again?” He turned his head, his eyes flashing a warning. Then, without a hint of mercy, he stomped on the roses at his feet, crushing them. “The King residence doesn’t need any flowers other than baby’s breath.” The gardener, looking pale, immediately agreed and rushed to dispose of the roses. Chloe bit her lip, her eyes red-rimmed. After nightfall, a large fire suddenly erupted in the garden. Chloe stood in the center of the flowerbed, her face streaked with tears. “I like roses! If you force me to like these wild weeds, I’d rather die!” “Adrian, don’t go! It’s dangerous!” I instinctively grabbed Adrian. But he roughly threw me to the ground and plunged into the blazing inferno. His eyes bloodshot, he scooped up Chloe, completely ignoring the burns on his own forearm. “Crazy woman!” Chloe looked up and kissed him, biting his lips until they bled. “I am crazy! If you don’t like it, just leave me alone!” The servants’ sympathetic glances all turned to me. Watching them kiss so brazenly in the flames, I calmly got to my feet, wiping the blood from my forehead where I’d hit it. Like an idiot, I turned and walked away.

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I didn’t love Julian when we got engaged eight years ago. He didn’t care. He just smiled. “Let’s see where this goes.” For seven years of marriage, he was all in. Everyone knew it. He would’ve done anything for me. I finally believed it too. Then she showed up—a shy girl holding onto Julian’s arm. “I’m carrying his baby. Since you don’t love him, let me.” When I looked at her, I was stunned. She looked just like me… eight years ago. Outside, the rain drizzled softly. My husband of seven years stood right there in front of me. “Seraphina, Isabelle was just being foolish today.” “She’s young, cut her some slack. This kind of thing won’t happen again.” I looked up at Isabelle Shaw. Long hair cascaded over her shoulders, her skin looked flawless, and her cheeks carried the unique blush of youth. She was indeed young. Even without a trace of makeup, she looked far more vibrant than thirty-year-old me. Now, she stood beside Julian, her face etched with hurt, as if she hadn’t been the one to confront me. Julian looked at me, sighing softly. “Seraphina, Isabelle is pregnant and her emotions are unstable. What happened today was just her losing her cool.” “Don’t worry, she won’t affect your position as Mrs. Davies. Besides, there’s no real affection between us, so you don’t need to look at me like that.” I heard my own voice, hoarse. “No affection?” I didn’t get an answer from Julian, but I saw a flicker of triumph in Isabelle’s eyes. “I’m not like you. I love Julian.” I shot Isabelle a cold glance. Startled by my look, Isabelle cowered and leaned closer to Julian. Julian instinctively raised a hand to shield her, turning an irritated gaze on me. “Isabelle is still young, she just says whatever comes to mind.” “Don’t scare her. She’s not as tough as you.” I hadn’t said anything, hadn’t done anything. Just one look from me, and he was already taking her side. It felt like a giant fist had clamped around my heart, squeezing all the air from my lungs. Through my blurring vision, the man’s face before me slowly merged with the face from eight years ago. Eight years ago, the Davies and Thorne families were arranging a marriage alliance. Julian came to my house with his Grandpa Davies. When we were finally alone, I looked at Julian. “If you don’t agree to this marriage, I’m prepared to call off the engagement.” Since childhood, I’d been raised to believe my existence was to pave the way for the Thorne family and my younger brother. My future husband would only ever come from one of the city’s influential families. If not the Davies family, then it would be the Smiths, the Browns, the Millers. So, I didn’t care who my husband was. If he loved someone else, I was willing to step aside. Julian looked at me intently, then, after a moment, he let out a soft laugh. “Today’s visit was my suggestion to my father.” “Seraphina Thorne, I’ve liked you for a long time. Let’s give it a try.” In that moment, I think I heard my heart beat clearly for the first time. In the year after our engagement, no matter how cold or distant I was. Julian seemed to ignore it all, his eyes full only of me. Gradually, I began to accept and grow accustomed to the idea that Julian was the man I would spend my life with. But now, that man stood beside another woman, overtly protective, as if I were the enemy tearing them apart. Seeing that I remained silent, Julian leaned down and whispered something into Isabelle’s ear. Isabelle looked reluctant, but after giving Julian a deep look, she turned and left the room. Only when Isabelle’s figure disappeared did Julian withdraw his gaze. My throat tightened, and I fought back the stinging in my nose before speaking. “Julian, I’m letting you go.” “Let’s get a divorce.”

Julian stiffened, his eyes focusing on me. “Seraphina, you know better than anyone why our marriage began. “Since it’s a business alliance, why are you demanding so much? If we divorce, the stock prices of the Davies and Thorne families will inevitably be affected.” “Seraphina, you know, this isn’t a smart business move.” I tried desperately to find a hint of the familiar Julian in his voice. But the man before me now felt terrifyingly strange. On our wedding day, Julian held my hand, his palm sweaty with nerves, yet his voice was shockingly firm. “You might think ours is a business arrangement.” “But at your eighteenth birthday party, I fell in love with you at first sight.” “Seraphina Thorne, what we have isn’t business. It’s because I love you.” But now, the same face, the same voice, told me, “This isn’t a smart business move.” Julian stood up and walked towards the door. “Isabelle is waiting for me. I’ll take her home first.” “Seraphina, I still stand by what I said. Isabelle won’t affect your position as Mrs. Davies. You don’t need to be so defensive about her.” From standing up to walking out the door, Julian didn’t spare me a single glance. The heavy sound of the door closing was the signal for my tears to finally stream down. I had never spoken the words “I love you.” But the meals I cooked myself instead of the housekeeper, the light always left on late at night, my sleepless nights caring for him when he drank too much… I thought Julian knew it all. Perhaps Julian did understand, but he simply pretended not to know. I sat numbly on the sofa. I didn’t move until Julian came home in the early hours of the morning. Julian arrived home completely wasted, his secretary having escorted him inside. Looking at Julian lying on the bed, I sighed deeply, but still got up and went to the bathroom to prepare a warm towel. Julian lay on the bed, eyes closed. The warm towel had barely touched him when I heard him mumble softly. “Stop, it hurts.” I didn’t stop. “Wipe yourself off before you sleep.” Julian grabbed my hand. “Good girl, Isabelle, my sweet Isabelle, let me sleep a little longer.” I froze, stopping my actions, and turned to walk out of the bedroom. After that day, Julian didn’t come home for several consecutive days. Perhaps because I already knew about Isabelle’s existence, Julian no longer bothered to hide their relationship. Soon, their affair spread throughout the entire city. Everyone said that Mr. Davies had fallen for a young woman, even more deeply than he had loved me. He put aside work to take her to amusement parks, he scoured for rare and precious trinkets for her, and even spent a fortune at auctions just for her. Hearing those rumors, I simply smiled, but tears welled in my eyes. It seemed Julian truly liked her. She’d probably only have to ask for the moon, and he’d find a way to pluck it for her. Julian once told me, “Seraphina, I want to lay the world at your feet.” And now, he treated her no less. A week later, Julian came home. He carelessly tossed his jacket onto the sofa, and a small receipt fluttered from his pocket, unnoticed by him. It was a reservation slip from a bakery on the west side of town. The name of that bakery was exceptionally familiar to me; it was my favorite place, and their cakes always required advance booking. Though I had already decided on divorce, seeing that receipt, a flicker of warmth still bloomed in my chest. No matter why he’d ordered a cake. After all these years, he still remembered my favorite bakery. I quietly tucked the receipt back into his pocket, pretending not to have noticed it. The next day, at the city’s top business gala, I accompanied Julian. We weren’t divorced yet. Officially, I was still Mrs. Davies. Whether for the Davies family or the Thorne family, I had no choice but to be there. But I never expected to see Isabelle again at such an event. Among the shrewd and calculating businessmen, she was like a lone splash of color, unconsciously drawing everyone’s gaze. Including Julian’s, right beside me. He probably didn’t even realize it himself, but the moment he walked in, his eyes landed on Isabelle. Isabelle saw him too, and ignoring everyone else, she bounced over to him. “I got your cake.” “But I didn’t like it. That bakery’s cake isn’t sweet at all.”

My gaze snapped to Julian, disbelief warring with a sick dread, but he avoided my eyes. That bakery’s cake held a special place in my heart. When we were first engaged, I was always distant with Julian. I’d always eaten little since childhood, especially breakfast, which I rarely touched. To get me to eat even a few bites, Julian, then the sole heir of the Davies family, would drive two hours to that bakery on the west side of town every day before dawn, just to stand in line. He’d only heard my father mention once that I liked their cakes. Isabelle noticed the tense atmosphere between us and spoke up with a smile. “Seraphina,, don’t be upset. Julian only bought me the cake because I was feeling down a few days ago.” “Julian always spoils me like a child, but I’m already twenty-three, and I graduated college last year.” “Though compared to you, Seraphina, I suppose I really am just a child.” Listening to Isabelle’s taunting words, I only felt ridiculous. So, my favorite cake, the cake that once moved my heart. Was disliked by Isabelle. I looked directly at Isabelle. “I am Mr. Davies’s wife. You should address me properly.” “Mrs. Davies.” Isabelle choked, and Julian flushed with awkwardness. “Come on, let’s go greet everyone.” Midway through the banquet, I had already exchanged pleasantries with most of the people I knew. My chest felt too heavy, so I left the dining area midway, seeking some fresh air in a private seating area on the balcony. But just as I reached the balcony, Isabelle called out to me. “Wait!” I turned to look at her. “Is there something you need? I don’t think we’re close enough for a private chat.” Isabelle chuckled softly. “You don’t look very happy today. I wonder if it’s because of me.” “But whatever the reason, please forgive me, and please don’t take it out on Julian. He’s already working so hard taking care of me and the baby right now.” As Isabelle spoke, she brushed back her hair, and a bracelet on her wrist caught my eye. It was a keepsake Julian’s late mother had left him, something he treasured immensely. Not even I was allowed to touch it. But he had given that bracelet to Isabelle. I withdrew my gaze. “That’s a matter between my husband and me. It has nothing to do with you.” “As long as we’re not divorced, the child in your belly will always be illegitimate. You don’t need to gloat in front of me.” Isabelle, however, paid no mind to my words, stepping closer to me. “Seraphina, you probably don’t know this, do you?” “She hasn’t gotten pregnant in all these years; there have been quite a few rumors circulating in the city.” “They say that she was involved with those kidnappers…” I raised my hand and slapped Isabelle hard. “Shut up!” I put every ounce of my strength into that slap. Isabelle was knocked to the ground by the impact, clutching her stomach and crying out in pain. The guests in the hall began to stir. Julian rushed over to Isabelle and me. He saw Isabelle on the ground but ignored her, pulling me into his arms and checking me over. As if he was terrified I might be hurt. The worry and urgency in his eyes were so real; if it weren’t for everything that had happened recently, I might have believed his concern was genuine. Isabelle clutched her stomach. “Julian, I…” Julian, only concerned with me, pretended not to hear Isabelle’s voice. Isabelle’s face went white instantly, and she stood up with difficulty, aided by a waiter, looking mortified. I laughed coldly to myself. It seemed Isabelle still hadn’t understood that no matter how much Julian doted on her. In our circle, in public, she could never get the upper hand on me. Even for the sake of Davies Corp.’s stock, Julian would always side with me. Julian held my hand, breathing into my palm. “What’s wrong? What happened? Why are you so angry?” I didn’t answer, just stood there. Seeing my silence, he turned to the waiter standing nearby, his voice dangerously low. “Speak! What happened?” “Who was foolish enough to upset my wife, Mrs. Davies?”

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For three years after my death, my mortal enemy Julian Davies visited my grave. The first year, he threw a wild party right on my tombstone. The second year, he hosted a barbecue party in front of my grave. The third year, he didn’t show up. I heard he’d fallen into a river trying to pick up his phone. Now, he was the one dying. Julian was dying. He’d jumped into a raging river for a phone. He managed to grab it but couldn’t swim back up. They pulled him out, but he never woke up. Now he was lying in a coma in the ER. When I heard the news, I laughed for three solid minutes.  Served him right! After dedicating his life to making mine a living hell, did he expect any other ending? Karma’s a bitch who always comes to collect. But when my laughter faded, a cold dread settled in my ghostly heart. He’d dug a burial plot right next to my grave years ago, even erecting a headstone with his name on it. If he died, would he really be buried there? Wouldn’t that mean he’d be my neighbor for all eternity? No way. How much peace would I get because of him? To confirm if Julian was truly kicking the bucket, I floated over to the city hospital. Today, the hospital entrance was unusually lively. Lots of media reporters were camped out, waiting for Julian. Two years ago, Julian had gone viral for a stunningly evocative photo. In the picture, he was dressed in black, clutching foxglove lilies under a traffic light. His expression was desolate, his eyes filled with sorrow. Not long after, a renowned director handpicked him to play a quiet, brooding supporting role in a high school romance drama. He only had a handful of scenes. But one of them – a desperate, wordless crying scene- became his breakout. Overnight, he was a sensation. Now, he was a white-hot talent, hailed as one of the most gifted actors of his generation. Of course, all the fuss was for the reporters and paparazzi, not Julian. Inside the intensive care unit, one Julian lay in bed. Another Julian stood by the window. The one in bed was hooked up to a breathing machine and countless monitors, still and peaceful, like a sleeping prince. The one by the window was transparent, his face blank, his eyes vacant and hollow. Whoa, seriously? It looked like he was really dying; his soul had already left his body. To drown himself over a phone… I really wanted to go over and mock him. But before I could even take two steps, the Julian by the window suddenly turned his head, as if he had eyes in the back of it, without any warning. When he saw me, his expression was three parts shock, seven parts delight. “Summer?” Before I could answer, he suddenly walked over. His voice low and choked, he pulled me into a hug. “Summer! I’ve missed you so much!” Wait, what the hell was hugging me? Was this really that Julian, the one who traded insults with me the second we met?

Julian and I had been mortal enemies since we were seven. That year, my mom divorced, and we moved to the city. Mr. and Mrs. Davies, who lived across the street, pushed their eight-year-old son, Julian, towards me. “Julian, hold her hand, maybe you two will be family someday.” But despite having the setup of childhood sweethearts, we couldn’t stand each other. In elementary school, he couldn’t stand my timidness, teasing my voice was like a “tiny, squeaky quail.” I couldn’t stand how childish he was. He was in fourth or fifth grade, and he was still playing in the sandbox with kindergarten kids. When we hit middle school, I started caring about my appearance. I’d tie my oversized school jacket around my waist, just like the other girls. The very next class, he’d report me to the disciplinary committee. I wasn’t one to back down, though. I’d puncture his bike tires, draw ridiculous mustaches on his face. Whatever felt good, I’d do it. There was no reasoning with him. Later, in high school and college, our adversarial relationship barely improved. I’d be discussing the class party with the class president, and he’d go tell my mom I was “secretly dating.” I finally saved up money to buy a beautiful white dress, only for him to laugh and say I looked like a walking string bean. He didn’t even attend my funeral after I died. It wasn’t until two months later that he showed up, completely wasted. He danced wildly in front of my grave. Shaking my tombstone, “Summer, don’t sleep! Wake up and party!” How incredibly rude of him! In the middle of the night, singing and dancing, he scared me so badly I cried and screamed. For a moment, I couldn’t tell if he was the ghost or not. My relationship with Julian always was, and only ever was, that of mortal enemies. Being hugged by him like that for the first time, I almost got scared back to life. I instinctively grabbed his arm, flipped him 180 degrees, and tossed him onto the hospital bed. “Go on, get back in there!” When I threw him, the timing was perfect. He slammed right back into his body on the bed. Julian woke up. The blood oxygen and heart rate monitors slowly stabilized. Before long, he opened his eyes. But he’d probably been in the river too long. His brain was waterlogged, and he wasn’t fully conscious. He opened his eyes for less than a minute before closing them again and falling back asleep. It wasn’t until noon the next day that he woke up again, was transferred out of the ICU, and moved into a luxurious private room. After waking up, Julian’s gaze at the ceiling was vacant. Very different from the wailing ghost who’d hugged me yesterday. He seemed lifeless, without a spark of energy. Even his breathing was shallow, and he didn’t respond no matter what the nurses asked. I felt a little worried. Did I really whack him so hard yesterday that he became brain-damaged? If it really was because of me that he became an idiot. And he eventually died and blamed me, demanding compensation. How could I, a penniless ghost who barely gets a bouquet of flowers on her anniversary, be responsible for him? “Julian, you’re dumb because your brain got waterlogged, not my fault, okay?” Even though I knew he couldn’t hear me, I couldn’t help but squat down and whisper into his ear. The moment the words left my lips, Julian on the hospital bed suddenly moved. He turned his head, his amber eyes looking right at me. Our eyes met. Startled, I instinctively leaned back. My entire ghostly self wasn’t careful and “plop” I fell onto the floor. My head buzzed. No way. He can see me?

As soon as that thought crossed my mind, the door behind me was pushed open. I heard a crisp female voice. “Thank goodness, Julian, you’re finally awake.” “You chose the role yourself, you signed the contract yourself, and you’re supposed to start filming in a few days, but you pull a stunt like this.” “What? You think I have too much money and want to bankrupt me?” The woman who entered had long, flowing hair, beautiful and mature. I recognized her. It was Stella, Julian’s senior from college and his current manager. It wasn’t until she walked closer, cradling Julian’s face to inspect it carefully and sighing, “Thank god, no disfigurement,” That I realized Julian wasn’t looking at me. His gaze passed right through my transparent body, looking at Stella who had just entered, and the black bag slung over her shoulder. I clutched my non-existent heart and let out a non-existent sigh. “Seriously, scared a ghost to death,” I thought. For a moment there, I really thought he could see me. Confirming that this jerk Julian was out of danger and wouldn’t bother my peaceful afterlife, I decided to leave. But before I could even take a step, I heard Julian, who had been silent all day, suddenly ask, “My phone? Was it found?” Because of the choking and not speaking for a long time, His voice was rough and hoarse. “You, jumping into the river for a stupid phone?” “Was it really worth it?” Stella frowned, her tone full of blame. But despite her words, she still took a sealed bag from her purse, opened it, and handed the phone inside to Julian. Phone? River? Those words froze me. Curiosity piqued, I glanced back. But with that one glance, I saw it. Julian’s vacant expression shattered the moment he took the phone. For the first time, emotion flooded his eyes. And the phone in his hand… No. Wait! That pink case… that round-headed Loopy charm… Why is it my phone? How did my phone end up with Julian? Didn’t my dad take it? Why would Julian jump into a river to get it? … A million thoughts flashed through my mind in that instant. But before I could sort them out, Stella’s next words interrupted me. “Last month, Summer’s dad was finally arrested, and the culprit pleaded guilty. You’ve waited three years for this result, you should be at peace now, right?” Julian didn’t speak. He just stared at my phone, eyes downcast and quiet. But I felt a strange sense of unreality. After three years, was my case finally closed? I was murdered, and the reason was ridiculous. It happened in my senior year of college, on my birthday. My biological father, who had been hiding for years due to gambling debts, called me. His words were earnest. He said he wanted to see me, celebrate my birthday, and make up for all the years he’d neglected me. I believed him and went to the rental apartment location he sent me. But when I arrived, I realized he had no intention of celebrating my birthday. He wanted to sell me, to the people he owed money to. Those men said I was a college student, so they could get a higher price. One night with me could pay off twenty thousand of my dad’s debt. Of course, I refused. During the struggle, someone grabbed my head and slammed it hard against the wall. That person probably wanted to teach me a lesson, to make me compliant. But no one expected that behind the old wallpaper, there was a rusty nail. And it, right then and there, took my life. That day was my 23rd birthday. To destroy the evidence, my phone was taken by the man who called himself “my father.” And my rapidly cooling body was stuffed into a suitcase and thrown into the river by him. It wasn’t found until half a month later. But my phone was supposed to have been smashed and thrown away. Why was it with Julian? I didn’t wonder for long. Soon, Julian cleared up the confusion for me. He looked up and curved his lips at Stella. His eyes held a hint of hope. “Stella, can you please try to recover the data and get it to turn on?” Stella was speechless, rolling her eyes. “Do you think I’m a fairy godmother? If the police couldn’t do it, how can I?” “This is the best it’ll ever be. Don’t expect any more miracles from me.” Julian didn’t say anything, just stared at her directly. His smile stiffened inch by inch, and the color drained from his face. Finally, Stella gave in. “Fine, fine, I swear I owe you my life!” She was a little annoyed. She grabbed her bag and turned to leave. At the door, she turned back and reminded him, “Take your medicine on time, don’t stop without permission, got it?” And my heart, too, tightened again as their conversation ended. What was Julian trying to do? He wanted to unlock my phone? Damn it! A person can die, but the contents of their phone absolutely cannot be seen by anyone else! Especially not Julian! “Julian, you really shouldn’t live!” “Just die! You jerk!”

I couldn’t choke Julian. I couldn’t even touch a single strand of his hair. I felt as powerless as trying to slap someone in 3D while being a 2D entity; my soul was almost scattering. But Julian was doing fine, his complexion getting rosier by the day. He was discharged from the hospital within a few days. Worried that he would really find someone to fix the phone and see my secrets hidden in the memo app, I didn’t dare to leave, sticking to him like glue. Trying to find a way to intervene with his decision. He ate, I followed. He slept, I followed. He showered. Showered… Hearing the splashing shower sounds from the bathroom, I felt a little tempted. To be honest, Julian, despite his terrible personality, had an absolutely gorgeous face when he wasn’t talking. I’d lived for over twenty years, never dated, never seen a man’s abs. Now that I was dead. A quick peek, wouldn’t be too much, would it? Not too much at all. So I decided to look. But I still pretended to be polite, standing at the door and yelling inside, “Julian, after fifteen years of being childhood friends, let me see your abs!” “If you don’t refuse, I’ll take it as a yes, okay?” Perfect. He didn’t refuse. I grinned, my head passing through the door. I expected to see a naked Julian. But what I saw was Julian, fully clothed. Water poured down over his head. His wet clothes clung to him, outlining his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and slender physique. And looking up… his eyes were bloodshot, his wet hair messy, staring straight at the doorway. My soul nearly shriveled up, seriously! What kind of sane person showers with clothes on? And the way he was looking at the doorway, for a moment, it really seemed like he was looking at me. From his eyes, I even read emotions of suppressed pain. A trick of the mind, perhaps? Never mind. I won’t look anymore. It’s no fun. I grumbled silently. I wanted to leave, but my gaze involuntarily fixed on his arm. There, several scars crisscrossed. One of them, like a centipede, snaked from his upper arm to his wrist. Suddenly, my chest tightened. Any romantic thoughts vanished instantly.

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The day before our wedding, Ryan was in a horrific car crash, left in a vegetative state. I waited for ten agonizing years, and finally, he woke up. But his caregiver claimed she was pregnant… and the baby was his. She even brandished a paternity test report. She blew it up all over social media, demanding ten million dollars in compensation. Ryan was so enraged, it killed him. Despair consumed me, and under the crushing weight of cyberbullying, I slit my wrists. That caregiver, though, she took our money and lived a life of luxury. Then, I opened my eyes again. I was back, one week before Ryan woke up. “Audrey, Mr. Ryan’s been doing so much better lately. Today, when you were talking to him, I swear I saw his finger twitch!” Tiffany, the caregiver, her voice sickeningly familiar, jolted me wide awake. She was turned away, wiping Ryan down, and hadn’t noticed my reaction. I watched the seemingly gentle, innocent woman before me, a cold chill shooting through me. Who would’ve thought this seemingly sweet young woman was the monster who destroyed both Ryan and me in my previous life? The hospital room TV was playing a segment on heartwarming global news stories, Ryan’s favorite charity channel. I glanced at the screen: August 8, 2022. I had actually been reborn a week before Ryan woke up! Recalling Tiffany’s words, I quickly composed myself and replied, feigning nonchalance: “No way, you’re just imagining things. I wish he’d wake up soon, too, but he’s been in a coma for ten years.” The day he woke up was the very day she announced her pregnancy. Until I figured out the truth, I couldn’t let her know when he’d stir!

In my past life, the very day Ryan woke up, Tiffany accused him of raping her and getting her pregnant. I didn’t believe it for a second. How could a man who’d been in a coma for ten years possibly get someone pregnant? But Tiffany quickly called the media, thrusting a paternity report into everyone’s faces. She claimed that over a month ago, Ryan had suddenly woken up, molested her, and then relapsed into his coma. She said she’d endured it for so long, waiting for him to wake up again, to expose his wicked face to the world. Tiffany even released a recording from that night. “Mr. Ryan, what are you doing! Don’t touch me!” “Ah! You animal!” After a heated struggle, a man’s disgusting voice echoed in the recording: “Don’t move! I’ve been holding it in for so long, what’s wrong with getting off? Once I’m satisfied, I’ll let you go.” The man’s voice was identical to Ryan’s! According to a tech influencer’s analysis, there were no signs of editing or voice alteration. Instantly, the internet mob drowned us in their condemnation. 【A patient molesting his own caregiver? He’s not human！】 【How can such an animal exist? Is his wife not good enough to satisfy him?】 【The evidence is right there, and they still dare to argue? Just chemically castrate him!】 【The wife is even trying to cover for her husband? I hope I never see these two scumbags, I’ll beat them senseless every time!】 Faced with the recording, no one listened to Ryan’s explanations. His body hadn’t fully recovered after waking up, and he collapsed again. But with the evidence presented, we were powerless to argue. To ensure Ryan could recover without going to jail, I convinced him to sell off some investments, raising ten million dollars for Tiffany. Ryan had been a top-tier client manager at the bank, so his previous investments had earned him a bit of money. But even with the money, Tiffany didn’t let us go. She capitalized on the netizens’ sympathy, becoming an overnight sensation and starting live-stream sales. Every time she began a live stream, she’d use her own story to preach to female viewers about standing up for their rights. She’d tell them not to be afraid if they were violated, presenting herself as a shining example of successful advocacy. She successfully garnered wave after wave of public sympathy, making a fortune. Ryan and I, however, were trapped in endless cyberbullying. Our lives and careers were utterly destroyed. Ryan’s bank fired him because of the scandal, and my flower shop went out of business. Ryan, furious, went to confront Tiffany but was so enraged by her, he died of heart failure. At his funeral, someone leaked the location. Misinformed netizens stormed the site, pelting me with rotten eggs and dousing me in filth. They even scrawled “monster,” “trash,” and “scum” all over his tombstone. Finally, in utter despair, I slit my wrists. Ryan and I had grown up together; I knew his character, he would never do something so immoral. In my past life, we were too easy to exploit, wanting to just pay our way out of trouble. Little did we know, paying the money only confirmed the rape in the netizens’ eyes. This time, I had to change our fate! But what still puzzled me was Tiffany’s pregnancy and that recording. What exactly happened?

After leaving the hospital, I contacted a private investigator, asking him to dig up everything on Tiffany as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, I started making my own preparations, buying a miniature surveillance camera. Then I chose a large bouquet from my flower shop and hid the camera inside it. The next day, that bouquet appeared on Ryan’s bedside table. These days of waiting and watching had left me emotionally and physically drained. For several days, I found nothing unusual about Tiffany, and tomorrow was Ryan’s awakening day. Time was running out! My persistence finally paid off. That night, I finally saw something suspicious on the monitor! Tiffany, in the footage, was lying on the massage chair I’d bought for Ryan, picking a record from the cabinet. She placed it on the record player, and music slowly filled the room. I couldn’t believe all the nice things I’d set up for Ryan in the hospital room, she was enjoying them! Thinking back, the massage chair and record player were all Tiffany’s suggestions, claiming they’d aid Ryan’s recovery. In reality, Ryan had never enjoyed them once. Before long, a man walked into the room. On closer inspection, he looked incredibly familiar. But I just couldn’t place him. The man looked frantic as he entered. “Tiffany, how can you use Ryan’s things? If his wife sees, our whole plan will be ruined!” Why did he know Ryan? And what was this “plan” he was talking about? I frowned, staring at the screen. “Hmph! What’s there to be scared of? Soon, all of this will be ours! Besides, I’m pregnant now, I need to listen to music to cultivate my temperament. Come lie down too, a massage chair that costs tens of thousands of dollars really is something else!” The man ignored her, pointing at Ryan on the bed. “I don’t have your luxury. You need to keep a close eye on him. The moment he wakes up, contact me immediately. I’ll handle the media.” “But this baby, he…” As Tiffany mentioned the baby, I quickly turned up the volume on the monitor. But the man, clearly on edge, rushed over and clamped a hand over her mouth. “Be careful, someone might be listening.” I was disappointed. I didn’t hear any information about Tiffany’s baby. This was likely the key to her pregnancy! Just then, my private investigator called. “From Tiffany’s family background, there’s nothing out of the ordinary, but her personal life is pretty chaotic. She likes to go to bars and hook up with random people, and her dates are always different. But strangely, three months ago, she suddenly stopped going.” Why? Was it because she was pregnant? I asked the private investigator to send me the information he’d found, and I began other preparations. I didn’t sleep a wink that night; after all, tomorrow was going to be a tough fight.

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Tiffany said I stole her jewelry. My brother, Brandon, was furious. He didn’t just take me to court; he hired the best lawyers to defend her. I was sentenced to three years. A thief. Before I went in, his lawyer, Mr. Davies, urged him, “Just scare her a little. If she really goes to jail, your sister’s life will be ruined!” Brandon’s face didn’t flinch. “Stealing isn’t a minor offense. She has to learn her lesson.” “As for later, I’ll have her back.” Three years later, I walked out of prison. His eyes were red as he reached out to me. “Now do you know you were wrong? Come on, let’s go home.” But I just stepped back, emotionless, avoiding his hand. I’d found a new brother inside. He believed me. Brandon’s eyes flickered with surprise when I avoided him. But his hand didn’t retract; instead, it reached out again, swift and firm, trying to pull me closer. “Maya, why are you dodging me? Did someone give you a hard time in there?” His voice was thick with emotion, his throat raw. I tried to pull my hand away several times but couldn’t, so I simply said, “No.” He let out a sigh of relief, gripping me tighter. “Good. I saw online it’s not a place for people. As long as you weren’t bullied…” Watching his relieved expression and his reddening eyes, I gave a bitter, mocking smile in my heart. Brandon, aren’t you the one who *insisted* on sending me in? What good is your concern now? He forced a smile, pulling me towards his car, almost pleadingly. “You always loved a good party, right? I’ve got a celebration ready for you.” “Come on, let’s go home.” I glanced back at the prison. I’d met a new brother in there, Reed. He was locked up, falsely accused of financial fraud, and had another month before he was released. We’d already made a pact: I’d pick him up in a month, and we’d start a new life together. Thinking of my dad’s belongings, the only things left from before he passed, I ultimately got into the car with Brandon. On the way, he touched my shaved head, his tone a mix of warning and advice. “Maya, no more stealing, okay? This was your lesson.” I clenched my fingers. Over the past three years, I’d sent countless messages to him through the guards. Telling him I hadn’t stolen anything from Tiffany, that she’d framed me. But he never believed a word. So this time, I wasn’t going to explain anymore. I just nodded obediently, going along with it. “Okay.” He smiled, satisfied, and brought me home. The moment he opened the door, *pop!* Confetti rained down from everywhere. Tiffany, who I hadn’t seen in three years, was holding a party popper, a wide, happy grin on her face. “Welcome home, Maya!” She acted incredibly affectionate, her eyes practically swimming with feigned longing. It was nothing like the hateful, malicious look she’d worn when she’d framed me for theft. I ignored her, brushing past her shoulder as I walked in. Her smile faltered, and she awkwardly looked to Brandon for help. “Why isn’t Maya talking to me? Is she still mad?” Brandon affectionately ruffled her hair. “Maya just got out. She probably hasn’t adjusted yet. It’s not your fault.” I walked into my old bedroom, pulling open the drawer under the bed. Seeing my dad’s old photos and ring still there, I let out a sigh of relief. Brandon stood in the doorway, calling my name softly. “Maya, come out and eat? You’ve lost so much weight, you’re all skin and bones.” I closed the drawer and followed him out. During dinner, Tiffany casually asked, “Maya, what was it like in there? I heard it’s really messy, is that true?” “No, it wasn’t messy. We could read newspapers every day, and after dinner, it was back to our bunks.” “Oh, that’s not so bad then. Not as tough as I imagined.” As she spoke, a flicker of disappointment crossed Tiffany’s face. Brandon peeled a shrimp for me, chuckling. “Now that you’re out, let’s not talk about that anymore. Just something you went through. Time to move on.” Tiffany’s gaze darkened, and she fell silent. A moment later, as if remembering something, she ran back to her bedroom and returned with a small, exquisite box, handing it to me. “Maya, this is a gift for you. Congratulations on getting out!” I didn’t reach for it, continuing to eat my dinner. She didn’t seem to care, smiling as she opened the box. A pearl necklace lay quietly inside, looking incredibly luxurious. But one look was all it took for my pupils to constrict, my blood to run cold. I felt like I’d plunged into an ice bath! Tiffany pushed the necklace closer to me, her face twisting into a grotesque, chilling smile. “What’s wrong, Maya? Didn’t you love this necklace the most? Loved it so much you *stole* it.” “Now I’m giving it to you. Aren’t you happy?”

That pearl necklace was the gift Brandon had given Tiffany. It was also the reason I was locked away for three years. After my father was killed in combat, my mother took the survivor benefits and disappeared, leaving Brandon and me to fend for ourselves. He dropped out of high school, stumbling through so many failures before finally making his business a success. Once he started earning money, he took in Tiffany, who had also lost her father, and brought her home. At first, I disagreed, but Brandon persuaded me. “Tiffany is just as miserable as we were. At least you have me, but she has nothing.” “Maya, be generous. It’s just one more mouth to feed.” But despite his words, Brandon treated her even better than he treated me. He acted as if he was raising a sister from scratch, giving her everything he hadn’t had the chance to give me. Jewelry, accessories, designer bags—Tiffany just had to ask, and he’d buy it. In just two years, he’d spent millions. That was his hard-earned money, money he’d bled for. So many nights he had to go out, entertain clients, drink until his head pounded, then keep going. He even coughed up blood a few times! I hated seeing him waste his money and always urged him not to spend so much. Tiffany resented me for it. She hid the jewelry under my pillow, then cried to Brandon, claiming I had stolen it. Brandon was furious, making me kneel in the rain to apologize. “How could a Maxwell ever raise a daughter like you? Dad was a soldier, and I’ve always been honest, never done anything wrong.” “Out of everyone, you had to take after that mother of ours who stole the money and ran? Did I ever deprive you of food or clothes, that you had to steal?” I was running a high fever, crying and explaining that I hadn’t stolen anything, but he refused to believe me. The next day, he hired the best lawyers and took me to court. He was my own brother, yet he stood in court, testifying against me and supporting Tiffany. In the end, I was sentenced to three years. A thief. Before I went in, relatives, friends, even his own lawyer tried to talk him out of it. I was a girl, after all. Three years in prison would ruin my life. But Brandon wouldn’t listen to anyone. He was willing to alienate them all just to send me in. “Maya won’t be ruined. I work hard for her sake. Even if she is, I’ll take care of her for life.” “But she stole. She has to learn her lesson!” Every month during those three years, he’d come to visit me, asking if I’d learned my lesson. And I never showed my face. I only had the guards relay messages to him: “I didn’t steal anything.” Every time he left, the guards would sigh and tell me: “Your brother doesn’t believe you.” One disappointment after another, slowly, imperceptibly, turned into utter despair. I felt like I was abandoned by the whole world. I used to have my brother’s love, now even that was gone. Seeing that pearl necklace again, I snapped and flipped the box over. The pearls spilled onto the floor, scattering with a clatter as the string snapped, rolling away in every direction. Tiffany was stunned into speechlessness, and Brandon’s face instantly darkened. “Tiffany was being kind, giving you a gift. She’s not even mad at you, so what do you think you’re doing?” I sat in the chair, trembling all over, my face deathly pale. He pulled me up. “Did you think you could just throw a tantrum because you just got out? Pick up those pearls right now and apologize to Tiffany!”

Apologize? How could I possibly apologize? I shoved Brandon away violently, then pushed the door open and ran out. The biting wind was like daggers, and a knot of injustice and sorrow twisted in my chest. I didn’t want to go home. If it weren’t for my dad’s belongings, I wouldn’t have come back with him. I never wanted to be wrongly accused again, never wanted to suffer another moment of injustice! Brandon quickly chased after me, grabbing my wrist. His brow was tightly furrowed as he spoke, his voice full of blame. “Where do you think you’re going? Three years in the slammer and you still haven’t learned your lesson?” I shook him off, unable to hold back anymore, my eyes burning red as I retorted, “Does she give me that necklace out of kindness or malice, Brandon? Can’t you *really* see it?” “I’m your own sister! You already personally sent me to prison once, what else do you want?” “I was doing it for your own good!” His voice turned cold. “If you dare to steal, you must face the consequences. Otherwise, how will you ever change?” “Did you expect me to just stand by and watch you make mistakes, pretending I didn’t see, letting you stray down the wrong path?” His words felt like a heavy hammer had smashed a hole in my heart. When have I ever stolen anything, growing up? What reason would I have to steal Tiffany’s necklace? Why couldn’t he just think properly? Why wouldn’t he believe me? Tears of injustice fell, and three years of despair and pain swept over me. I gave up on explaining, yet again. Brandon looked at my buzz cut, his voice softening as if he was admitting defeat. “Maya, every single thing I did, I did with you in mind. Even though you spent three years in prison, I’ve paved the way for your future.” “My company, everything I’ve built, it’s all for you eventually. I only meant it as a minor punishment. It wouldn’t cause any real harm.” “Come home with me, and stop running off.” He took my hand, pulling me towards the house. I numbly followed him, not saying another word. When we walked through the door, Tiffany saw Brandon bringing me back, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. She hadn’t expected Brandon to still take me in after everything. But I just felt utterly drained, and I retreated to my bedroom, not coming out again. Late that night, Tiffany burst into my room. I sharply opened my eyes, but she thought I was still asleep. She fumbled under my pillow, stuffing something beneath it. I said nothing, nor did I take it out. Tiffany was so desperate, framing me again the moment I returned. I wanted to see if Brandon would choose to believe me this time. Sure enough, the next morning, she cried to Brandon, claiming I had stolen her necklace again. “Maya, if you wanted it, you could have just told me. I even gave you the necklace yesterday, but you didn’t want it.” “Are you just someone who *likes* to steal?” Brandon’s face darkened, and he glared at me, jaw clenched. “You just can’t change, can you?” My heart *thumped*, plunging into a bottomless abyss. Brandon’s words were like a sharp sword, severing the last thread of connection between us. I pulled my lips into a self-deprecating smile. “No, I guess I can’t.” *Slap!* The words had barely left my mouth when Brandon suddenly raised his hand and struck me hard across the face. The fury and disappointment in his eyes threatened to spill over. “How could I have a sister like you!” I was silent for a moment, then, clutching my face, gave a cold, bitter laugh. “I wonder why *I* ended up with a brother like you.” “You!” His finger trembled as he pointed at me, too furious to speak. Before his second slap could land, I dropped to my knees with a *thud*, bowing my head low, a final, painful gesture. “Thank you for dropping out of school to take care of me. From now on, I don’t have a brother.” With that, I stood up, pulled my dad’s belongings from under the bed, and turned to leave. His face hardened, and he snatched the photos and ring from me. “These are Dad’s things. You have no right to take them!” Fine then. I nodded, resigned, and prepared to leave. Brandon bit out, his voice strained from behind me. “You’re someone who’s been to prison! What can you possibly do without me? Starve to death?” I didn’t stop. “Don’t you worry about me.”

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It was the third year of my marriage to Adrian. He was 35. I was barely 21, just a senior in college. I hadn’t even decided if I wanted to be a full-time housewife. Then I overheard him casually chatting with a bunch of big shots in his industry: “Chloe is nothing but her youth. “Honestly, she’s not as sophisticated as Vivian. “I’m starting to regret getting married. Bagging a young girl costs so little, but now a divorce would be too costly.” That same day, I handed him the divorce papers. When he saw the words “relinquishing all marital assets” in black and white, he let out a long sigh of relief. Then, feigning generosity, he said: “I’ll transfer twenty million to you, as compensation.” I smiled and refused: “I’m young; I can afford to play the long game.” He had no idea that my brother, Christian, was one of the wealthiest men in New York. All these years, Adrian had only managed to climb into those elite circles thanks to Christian’s backing. Divorcing me? His losses had only just begun.

My senior year internship. Just so I could see my handsome husband a little more each day. I resolutely chose Adrian’s company. As an ordinary intern. I was so low-key that Adrian didn’t even know I was there. I was afraid of bothering him, of distracting him. Occasionally, I’d hear other interns discussing Adrian. I’d listen carefully, never joining in. “CEO Adrian is so hot, 35 is truly a man’s prime.” “Too bad he’s married. His wife is apparently just some ordinary young girl.” “Ugh, why am I not that lucky…” When I was 18. Adrian, to express his sincerity. Declared on our first date that he was serious about marriage. He gave me the engagement ring right then and there. I responded with fervent love. We got married after only a year of dating. It was impulsive and intoxicating. Sweet and blissful. He gave me a dream romance beyond imagination. His CEO-style love was intense, overpowering, sweeping me off my feet so fast I couldn’t think straight. If I hadn’t come to his company for this internship. I might never have discovered his secrets. Vivian. Adrian’s secretary. Sexy and beautiful, a typical mature woman. She often traveled with Adrian on business trips and accompanied him to social events. She handled all of the company’s affairs, big and small, and even knew the company better than Adrian himself. So. Before they knew Adrian was married. Everyone in the company assumed Vivian was his wife. In the cafeteria, I’d hear old employees who’d worked alongside Vivian grumble. “CEO Adrian must be blind; he has such a stunning woman like Vivian by his side and doesn’t even appreciate her.” “And Vivian even quit her executive position at a listed company to become Adrian’s secretary.” “Just you watch, once the passion fades, Adrian will divorce Chloe eventually and get together with Vivian.” There were many rumors. I never paid them any mind. After all, Adrian and I were passionate every single night. Until one social event, Vivian got drunk and confessed her feelings to Adrian in front of everyone. It was more than just a confession. It was her forcing Adrian to choose. Vivian asked Adrian if he had feelings for her. Adrian remained silent for a long time. Vivian then asked: “If you don’t have feelings for me, then why won’t you approve my resignation letter?!” Adrian’s face was grave, and he responded with one word: “I do.” Then, he looked deeply at Vivian: “I do have feelings for you, I can’t do without you, so I can’t approve your resignation, okay?” Vivian smiled, drank the glass of wine on the table, and walked out with her bag. The air solidified for two seconds. Adrian then chased after her. Those who attended that party were all partners who had worked alongside Adrian and Vivian for years. I didn’t attend. But Penny, a chubby intern friend of mine who loved gossip, filmed the scene and sent it to me privately. Penny asked me: [Do you think something will happen between CEO Adrian and Vivian tonight?] I replied: [Probably not… right.] [They’re grown-ups, they’ve known each other for years, their feelings are so deep, they drank, confessed… you really think nothing’s going to happen?] I typed out a firm line: [Adrian is married; he should know his boundaries. Besides, Vivian doesn’t need to be a mistress!] [You’re right, but we’ll know for sure tomorrow.] I didn’t understand what Penny meant by “we’ll know for sure tomorrow.” But the moment I exited our SnapChat conversation, I knew the answer. Adrian messaged me. He said he wouldn’t be home that night; he had an impromptu social engagement. My heart trembled. Immediately, I called him. At first, no one answered. I called several times in a row. Only then did Adrian pick up. “Babe, my phone was on silent, didn’t hear it. What’s up?” I suppressed my emotions, my fingernails already digging into my flesh. “Honey, are you really not coming home tonight?” “Yeah, a get-together, everyone’s here, can’t make it back. Please understand, babe.” I clenched my teeth, then asked: “Are there any women at your party?” He paused, then chuckled: “No, when did you start checking up on me? Want to FaceTime? I can prove my innocence.” While he was talking. I recognized the tell-tale rustle of expensive sheets against a silk shirt. Before. When our love was wild. I often heard that sound. “Hmm…” A low groan escaped Adrian’s lips. The turmoil in my heart. Dispersed in that very instant. Three years with Adrian, we’d shared countless intimate moments; I knew exactly what that “hmm” meant. It was the involuntary release of someone reaching the peak of pleasure. That one detail. He probably didn’t even notice it himself. Perfect. I didn’t even need to stop his betrayal. The betrayal. It had already happened. I forced a bitter smile: “No need for FaceTime…” I feared it would blind me. “You have fun; I’m going to sleep.” My heart was dead. I was about to hang up. Then Adrian’s voice came from the other end. Hoarse and deep. “Babe, we closed a huge deal tonight. Starting tomorrow, everyone will be working overtime. I might be working very late, so don’t wait for me for dinner for a while.” It was overtime work. Or overtime with Vivian. To me, it no longer mattered.

The call ended. I didn’t sleep a wink. With dark circles under my eyes, I arrived at the company. My mind was still blank when Penny came over to me, eager to continue gossiping about last night. “Something definitely happened between CEO Adrian and Vivian last night.” I frowned slightly. Then she said: “This morning, Adrian’s clothes were all wrinkled, and… he was still wearing yesterday’s outfit. Doesn’t that mean Adrian didn’t go home last night?” I nodded, too tired to praise her keen observation. She continued: “Vivian was also late this morning. When she came in, her face was all smiles. She’s usually so efficient and no-nonsense, but today she was like a completely different person.” I asked her, “How different?” She thought for a moment before articulating: “More radiant, more seductive, more… delicate. See for yourself.” I looked up. I saw Vivian walk in, dressed in a tight, body-hugging skirt. I’d seen that skirt before. I had liked it when Adrian and I were shopping. But they didn’t have my size then, so I just paid the store clerk and pre-ordered it, asking them to send it to Adrian when it arrived. Now it seemed. The item had arrived. But the recipient of the gift had changed. Vivian was in a great mood. She walked in and asked everyone what they wanted to drink, saying it was on her. Everyone cheered excitedly. I sat in the corner, feeling terrible. I tried to numb myself with work. But it didn’t work. I stumbled through until noon. I sat at my desk, eating my takeout. Vivian, meanwhile, carried several bags of exquisite meals into Adrian’s office. She stayed in there. The entire afternoon. She came out again in the evening, almost closing time. Penny next to me tutted, sighing: “The world has truly changed. Out of everyone, Vivian had to fall for a married man. Sam, who sits closer to the CEO’s office, said Vivian practically pounced on Adrian the moment she entered, almost turning the office into a motel!” After that, Penny even sent me Sam’s secretly taken photo. Vivian was sitting on Adrian’s lap, feeding him. Their expressions, their posture. You couldn’t get any more intimate. “I wonder how upset Adrian’s wife would be if she saw this.” Penny whispered softly. Mr. Davies, who sat across from us, frowned. “It’s a couple’s sweet moment, why are you two meddling?” Penny didn’t quite catch Mr. Davies’s meaning and jokingly added: “Right, it’s definitely an *illicit* couple!” Mr. Davies was displeased. He tossed a ledger at Penny: “Since you’re so idle, finish this. You’re not leaving until it’s done.” Penny was stumped. I quietly sent her a message: [Mr. Davies and Vivian go way back. He’s definitely on Vivian’s side, so you shouldn’t say things like that anymore.] Penny replied with a crying emoji. I comforted her: [I’ll help you with that ledger. Let’s finish it quickly and go for some shrimp.] She cheered up again. Later that evening. The two of us finally finished our overtime task and were about to go for shrimp when Mr. Davies called out to us again. “Hard work, you two. Let’s grab a late-night snack together.” Mr. Davies didn’t give us a chance to refuse. He turned and led us to a restaurant near the company. After dinner. We were then taken to a karaoke lounge. We were reluctant. But there was nothing we could do. No one cared about interns. Sitting in a dark corner, the two of us just started playing games. We were so absorbed. We didn’t notice several people gradually entering the private room. Until I heard a familiar voice. Only then did I see Adrian, surrounded by a group of industry big shots, seated at the head of the table. At first, the group discussed projects. Later, they started talking about their private lives. About children, wives, in-laws… and of course, mistresses. “I saw Vivian post on Ins, something about finally being with the one she loves. So, you finally came to your senses and took Vivian into your bed?” Someone asked. I couldn’t help but perk up my ears. Adrian said calmly: “You don’t understand the situation that day. I had no choice. Vivian was pressuring me. If I didn’t take her, she would resign. You know, Vivian has been with the company for so many years; the company can’t function without her. Of course… you could also say I can’t function without her.” “And Vivian is okay being a mistress? Adrian, don’t mess things up for yourself later.” “Yeah, how much effort did you put into marrying that young girl? We all saw it. Let’s not even talk about keeping a mistress outside; if your wife at home found out, wouldn’t it blow up?” “That’s not fair. If Vivian doesn’t mind, why should the other girl?!” “After Adrian pampered her all these years, how could that girl accept going back to an ordinary, simple life? Even if she knew about the mistress, she definitely wouldn’t make a scene. She’d at least keep the title of Mrs. Adrian and live a wealthy life.” Everyone chimed in. The consensus was that as long as Adrian kept Vivian happy and quiet, his wife at home wouldn’t cause too much trouble. They even congratulated Adrian, wishing him well with his two women. Penny listened, her face scrunching up. She couldn’t help but whisper “disgusting” in my ear. Then she added: “Even though Adrian is such a jerk, they do have a point. That girl hasn’t even graduated yet, does she? No family background, no connections. Making a fuss wouldn’t really benefit her. What do you think…” I nodded: “She won’t make a fuss; in this day and age, everyone is civilized.” Everything could be discussed calmly. Even divorce. At this moment. Adrian put down his wine glass and spoke: “Yeah, Chloe is nothing but her youth. Compared to her, Vivian is more sophisticated. “But Vivian’s proud nature, I wonder how long she’ll tolerate this. “I’m starting to regret getting married. A young mistress would’ve been cheaper. Now a divorce would be too costly.” So, he was calculating the loss. Right, Adrian and I were legally married. A divorce would mean splitting his post-marital assets. Then, let Adrian have his wish. I could leave with absolutely nothing. But he would also have to bear the cost of my departure.

When everyone finally dispersed. Vivian drove off with a drunken Adrian. I watched from afar as the two embraced, kissing deeply. Perhaps they had suppressed their desires for too long. Once they got in the car, the car began to rock noticeably. I silently recorded everything that had just happened. Then, I called Christian. “Hey, Chloe, what’s up? Why are you calling me so late?” Christian’s voice instantly touched the softest part of my heart. A quiet sob escaped me. Tears streamed down my face. “Chloe, what’s wrong? Are you crying?” I choked, unable to speak. Christian immediately asked where I was. I vaguely told him an address. Half an hour later, he appeared before me. I was huddled on the curb, shivering. Christian took off his jacket, draped it over me, and sat beside me in silence. “Where’s Adrian?” “He cheated.” Christian froze, his jaw clenching. “Where is he? I’ll kill him.” I held Christian’s hand and shook my head: “No need, that would only dirty your hands.” Christian angrily stomped his foot on the ground! But it wasn’t enough to soothe his anger. He asked me, “Divorce?” I nodded without hesitation. “Could it be a misunderstanding?” I showed Christian all the videos and photos on my phone. Even though I didn’t say anything. Christian had already made his decision. He immediately pulled out his phone and made several calls. One was to contact his lawyer friend to draft a divorce agreement for me. The second was to contact Adrian’s suppliers, telling them that new contracts, if not yet signed, should not be; expiring contracts should not be renewed; and for existing contracts, all discounts should be revoked, and all transactions should be at market price. After making the calls. Christian took my hand: “Come on, let’s go home.” I shook my head, tears still in my eyes: “Before going home, I want to move out first.” Christian didn’t hesitate and drove to the house Adrian and I shared. Adrian had bought the house. I had nothing to be nostalgic about. I had lived there for three years, though, and never expected to leave this way. “If you want this house, I’ll get you the best lawyer to help you keep it.” “No thanks, Christian. Anything associated with Adrian, I feel dirty just thinking about it now.”

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The day before my brother’s wedding. I was picking out a dress when Julian suddenly lashed out at me. “I told you she likes the rose-pink one. Why do you always have to steal her spotlight?” I initially thought he was just worried I’d be too dressed up for the wedding, which wouldn’t be appropriate. But Julian continued: “Briar only gets one wedding in her life, and it’s already heartbreaking that she can’t marry the one she loves. Can’t you just let her have this?” I stayed silent for a moment. I didn’t ask Julian why he knew more about my future sister-in-law’s beloved than I did. Instead, I FaceTimed my brother, Alex. Alex was with Briar, trying on her wedding gown. He wore a black groom’s suit, his eyes full of joy. “Clara, Briar wants you and Julian to come over for dinner later.” Julian’s profile briefly appeared in the frame. He didn’t ask for my opinion, just unilaterally agreed. But usually, he never liked coming to my family’s house. The camera flipped. Briar, having changed into her gown, ran out of the dressing room, excitedly tiptoeing to throw her arms around Alex. “Alex, do I look pretty?” Almost simultaneous with Alex’s reply, a very low voice came from behind him. I heard it. “I’ve always known she’s most beautiful when she’s trying to seduce someone.” I looked over. Julian’s calm face still held a hint of resignation. It was as if I’d imagined it. He leaned down, whispering intimately into my ear, trying to appease me. “Come on, I said the wrong thing. Are you still mad?” “How do you want to punish me, Clara? I’ll accept anything, okay?” Thinking of Julian’s endless tricks and manipulation, and still on a video call with Alex, I felt a little uneasy. I turned my face away. My eyes met Briar’s, which seemed to hold a flicker of jealousy. But it was only for a second. Then she smiled. “Clara and her boyfriend seem so in love. Are you two getting married soon?” Alex was still fussing over Briar’s wedding dress, admiring it from every angle. He didn’t even look up. “Julian has been scheming to marry my sister since graduation, but Clara just wants to have fun for a few more years.” My hand, holding the phone, paused. Before, I’d never questioned it. Why did Julian insist I tell everyone I wasn’t ready to marry, when it was he who didn’t want to get married so early? His reason back then was that he didn’t want my parents to misunderstand or dislike him. But now, that excuse felt a bit too flimsy. Alex was led away by a staff member to change clothes. I picked up the rose-pink dress I’d chosen earlier. But before I could say anything, my future sister-in-law’s eyes were already red, her gaze bypassing me. She looked towards Julian behind me. “Clara, can you let me have this dress? “Someone once promised me the perfect dress, but it was snatched away by another.” The hand on my shoulder tightened, almost imperceptibly. This time, it wasn’t just my imagination. “Give it to her.”

After Julian uttered those words, he quickly exited, claiming an urgent matter at the company, his steps hurried. He even wore mismatched slippers. This wasn’t normal. Hesitating for a moment, I grabbed my car keys and headed to Julian’s office building. But before I could even enter the elevator, the receptionist told me Julian had taken the afternoon off; his assistant had just informed her. My hand, hanging at my side, trembled uncontrollably. A terrifying thought flashed through my mind, leaving me ice-cold. I took several deep breaths to regain my strength before heading to the underground parking lot. It was working hours, so the parking lot was eerily quiet. Stifled gasps and moans. They clearly pierced through the silence, reaching my ears. “Are you really going to marry him? He’s Clara’s brother!” The woman was pressed tightly against the man, his hand clamped around her neck. Yet, she was still smiling. “What, Julian, are you jealous? “You were the one who threw me away first. Now, you don’t get a say in who I’m with, no matter what man I choose.” Briar’s constant provocations only deepened the storm brewing in Julian’s eyes. He swiftly captured Briar’s parted lips. The sounds of heavy breathing intensified. The only sounds left in that desolate parking lot were my muffled sobs and raw agony. Julian was cheating. With Briar, the woman about to marry my brother. How could I possibly accept this? I don’t know how much time passed, but the sounds eventually stopped. When I looked again, Julian still hadn’t released Briar. But his voice was much softer than before. “Briar, I’m not stopping you from getting married, but it can’t be Clara’s brother.” “Come on, break it off with him. I can introduce you to someone much better.” Briar’s eyes were red-rimmed, as if he’d been rough with her. “Clara is the woman you love most. Even after three years of being your secret, you still cast me aside for her without a second thought.” “Since you chose her, stop trying to control me.” Julian wasn’t a mild-tempered man. Only with me did he tolerate my yelling and snarky remarks. But now, Briar was receiving the same treatment. I watched. Julian lowered his head and remained silent for a long time, as if making a difficult choice. It was either give her up, or give me up. The moment I knew Julian had betrayed me, a future for us became impossible. But his hesitation, even then, twisted a knife in my gut. The car keys in my hand unconsciously dropped to the ground. I stood there, stunned. My gaze met Julian’s cold eyes, which had instantly darted my way. The next second, he abruptly released Briar, who had been pinned beneath him, his eyes filled with a panic I’d never seen before. I picked up the keys and fled.

All the way there, my tears never stopped. Julian’s black Maybach was relentlessly tailing me. Was he really so afraid I’d expose his affair with Briar? Well, I was going to expose it. I would tell Alex. I would tell him not to marry Briar, that she didn’t truly love him. We had all been tricked. My car pulled up to the bridal shop. Alex was still happily trying on his groom’s suit. Seeing my tear-streaked face, he looked surprised for a moment. I was about to speak when Briar’s call came through. I don’t know what she told him, but Alex’s gaze turned scrutinizing. “Clara, are you trying to tell me that Briar and Julian are involved in an illicit affair?” I didn’t have time to think, just nodded furiously. I desperately spilled the entire truth. “Yes, Alex, Julian cheated! Briar has been his mistress for three years. She deliberately approached you to get revenge on Julian!” My mind gradually cleared. From their earlier conversation, I could sense it. Briar hadn’t moved on from Julian. And Julian, too, seemed to still harbor feelings for her. But to my surprise, Alex’s expression remained calm, and he kept staring at me. A bad feeling crept into my heart. Sure enough, Julian and Briar strode in. “Alex, I suppose Briar has already explained everything to you, right? “Clara and I had a little argument. I ran into Briar on the way to the office. We just said hello, and Clara immediately became suspicious.” Julian spread his arms, making a gesture of utter helplessness. As if I was completely unreasonable. I instantly understood Julian’s meaning. He was convinced I had no proof, twisting the truth to protect Briar. Briar squeezed past me and stood in front of Alex. Her eyes were swollen from crying. “Alex, I know I’m not worthy of you, and Clara doesn’t like me. But she can’t just accuse me of being with… with her boyfriend! Am I really that vile and shameless in her eyes? “Maybe we shouldn’t have this wedding after all. I’m truly terrified!” With that, she cast two fearful glances at me, and instinctively cowered backward. Seeing Briar’s pitiful act, Alex’s heart instantly ached. He pulled her into his embrace. Then, he raised his hand and, without warning, delivered a resounding slap across my face. “Clara, if you ever dare to speak ill of Briar again, I’ll disown you as my sister. This is your only warning.” I was stunned. From birth until now, my parents had never laid a hand on me. But Alex had struck me. Faster than my reaction, though, was Julian’s sudden fist. It landed squarely on Alex’s nose. “The girl I’ve cherished above all else? You think you can lay a hand on her?” Julian exploded with fury, grappling with Alex. Eventually, Alex conceded, raising his hands in surrender. He begrudgingly apologized to me.

Julian dragged me into the car. He drove fast, and from the moment we got in, he never once looked at me. I, too, stared out the window, not uttering a single word. The car pulled over in a deserted suburban area and finally stopped. I thought I would finally get an explanation from him, even if it was a lie. But Julian simply said: “Clara, Briar is a good girl. I won’t let this wedding happen, but not by destroying her reputation like this.” With that, Julian turned his head uncomfortably, rolled down the window, and lit a cigarette. Having been with Julian for years, I knew his every move. So, he was capable of guilt, after all. What should I say? Should I curse him, hit him, and then team up with him to stop Alex’s wedding? If none of this had happened, maybe I would have swallowed my pride, doing everything I could to protect Alex first. But now, I wasn’t so willing. “Julian, we’re over.” I would stop this wedding, but I would do it my way. The hand holding the cigarette trembled slightly. The unfinished cigarette fell onto his white shirt, instantly burning a hole. I rarely saw Julian so disheveled. He turned, a look of helplessness on his face. “So, what do I have to do for you to forgive me?” Not everything can be forgiven. At least for me, emotional betrayal is something I can never accept. I gave him a sarcastic look for a long, long time. Julian lowered his head and, feigning remorse, confessed everything. “Briar was someone I met during our first cold war. Her gentle kindness always made me relax; she was like a drug that slowly got me addicted. “But Clara, I never loved her. This time, I was forced to break up with her because she kept pressuring me to leave you.” My broken nails dug into my palm. Yet, I felt no pain. He meant that if Briar had been willing to remain a secret mistress forever, Julian would have hidden her from me for a lifetime? That thought. It made all our beautiful moments together seem ridiculous. I opened the car door. “Julian, I won’t forgive you, and I won’t let Briar off the hook.” Since she was prepared to be the other woman, she should be prepared to face the consequences. Julian narrowed his eyes, his face gradually hardening. “So, you’re still going after her?” So, he was still going to protect her. That day, Julian abandoned me and drove off alone. In the middle of nowhere, as dusk began to fall, he never came back for me.

I didn’t get back to my parents’ house until eleven at night. Alex wasn’t there. I collapsed into Mom’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably, my entire body wracked with pain. My parents were terrified and wanted to call Alex back. “No!” I sharply lifted my head from Mom’s embrace, touching my right cheek, which was already swollen. The pain Alex inflicted on me hurt more than Julian’s betrayal. That was my own brother. He chose to believe Briar, whom he’d only known for less than two months, and didn’t believe me. After I had cried enough, I recounted everything that had happened that day. Dad was so angry that he smashed an expensive teacup. He immediately called Alex, announcing the cancellation of tomorrow’s wedding. Alex soon heard the news. After settling Briar and her family, he stormed back home. At that moment, Mom, Dad, and I were sitting on the couch, waiting for him. The instant Alex saw me, he raised his arm, as if he wanted to hit me again, just like earlier that day. But Dad, with a dark expression, kicked him hard in the stomach. “Alex, you’ve really grown up, haven’t you? Daring to lay hands on your own sister? Is this how I raised you?” Alex had just managed to soothe Briar. Then he heard that the family had canceled the wedding, and Briar was crying and insisting on leaving with her family that very night. He had apologized profusely to Briar’s family for a long time before finally calming them down. He truly hated me. Even with Mom protecting me, I could feel Alex’s piercing gaze, as if trying to shoot me down. “Clara, what did Briar ever do to you that you’re so determined to destroy her?” He glared at me, his resentment deepening. “Oh, I get it. You’re not targeting Briar; you’re targeting me.” “Since childhood, you’ve always had to compete with me for everything. You always had to ace every subject, just to make my almost-perfect scores seem inadequate, just to make everyone think I’m not as good as you, to snatch the family business right out of my hands.” When you’ve been hurt enough, nothing seems surprising anymore. Dad’s and Mom’s slaps landed simultaneously on Alex’s face. He laughed maniacally as he stumbled backward. “Just because I’m a boy and not a girl, you always favored her. It was true when we were kids, and it’s still true now. I’ve known it all along.” Alex wiped his eyes, staring directly at us. “Briar is the only woman I’ve ever truly loved. I’m going to marry her tomorrow. If you still want me as your son, then don’t stand in my way.” After Alex left, Mom and Dad remained silent for a long time. Actually, they weren’t just taking my word for it. I had shown them the parking lot video.

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