I’d been searching for three years, and I finally saw my mother’s heirloom at the auction house—a ruby ring. But no matter how much I bid, Vivian Carter, a college student my ex-husband Zachary Hart once sponsored, always outbid me by one dollar. Zachary’s voice was cold and determined: “She loves these sparkly things. Let her have it.” Left with no choice, I offered a price far above market value. That’s when Zachary stood up and said: “Additional auction item: Serena Blake’s sex tapes, 1024 gigabytes. One hundred thousand dollars per gigabyte.” My intimate videos, eyes glazed and unfocused, were brazenly displayed as auction items. Zachary wrapped his arm around Vivian’s waist, looking at me mockingly: “You like competing for things, don’t you? If you don’t want these videos falling into someone else’s hands, then pay up and compete.” Three years ago, my family went bankrupt. He paid a high price to take me from an underground auction. After we married, he was insatiable every night, tangled up with me. Until three months ago, when Vivian appeared at our house, everything changed. I sat in the last row of the auction hall, my fingers gripping the bidding paddle so hard they turned white. The auctioneer introduced the items. The first few were warm-ups that no one took seriously. Then that ruby ring was presented on a tray, glinting coldly under the lights. My heartbeat stuttered. That was my mother’s heirloom. It was also why I came here today. The year my mother died, my father went bankrupt. The ring and I were illegally auctioned off to pay his debts. I’d searched for three years, finally waiting for it to appear here. “Item number five, antique ruby ring. Starting bid: three hundred thousand dollars.” I raised my paddle, my voice flat: “Three hundred thousand dollars.” Immediately, a sickeningly sweet voice rang out. “Three hundred thousand and one dollars.” My ex-husband Zachary Hart walked in with Vivian on his arm. His gray suit was impeccably pressed, his fingertips resting on Vivian’s waist in a casual yet possessive gesture. Vivian leaned against his shoulder, smiling innocently. “Zachary, there are so many people here tonight.” “It’s fine. You’re the star.” She purred like a cat receiving a reward, pressing closer to him. Vivian looked over at me, smiling sweetly, but her eyes were mocking. “You like it too? But Zachary said this antique style… suits me better.” I turned my head to see her clinging to Zachary’s arm, red lips curved upward, eyes full of a victor’s arrogance. Zachary raised his eyes, fingers tapping the armrest lightly, his voice cold. “She loves these sparkly things. Let her have it.” The room erupted in quiet laughter. Everyone knew I was Zachary Hart’s ex-wife—a pathetic creature he’d grown tired of and discarded. Vivian tilted her head, smiling at me. I gripped the bidding paddle tighter, my knuckles turning white. Three years ago, Zachary had done the same thing—brought me home from an auction in front of everyone. That night, he pressed me against the floor-to-ceiling window, biting my earlobe. “Serena Blake, you can’t escape anymore.” “Even though your family went bankrupt, I won’t let anyone bully you from now on.” Now he sat there, watching me get humiliated, without even a flicker in his eyes. She liked it, so I should just give it up? I gritted my teeth and raised my paddle: “Four hundred thousand dollars.” Vivian acted like this was a game: “Four hundred thousand and one dollars.” I bid again: “Five hundred thousand dollars.” She laughed, tilting her head coyly: “Zachary, am I being too mean?” Zachary ruffled her hair, his eyes sweeping over me coldly: “As long as you’re happy.” Vivian looked at me with her head tilted, smiling brightly. “Serena, Zachary said you have good taste—you just love picking up my leftovers, including men.” Whispers and snickers rippled through the crowd. “That’s her—Mr. Hart’s ex-wife!” “She was just a plaything Mr. Hart bought years ago. Three months ago, when Mr. Hart found someone else, he dumped her.” I stared at that ring, my heartbeat pounding in my ears. That was my mother’s heirloom. I couldn’t back down. I raised my number: “I’ll pay ten times the price.” The air went silent instantly. Zachary finally looked at me properly, his brow furrowing. Vivian’s expression shifted: “Serena Blake, are you insane? That broken ring is worth five million dollars?” I ignored her and walked straight to the verification desk. The auctioneer cleared his throat, struggling to maintain a smile. “Miss Blake has made the highest bid. Please proceed with account verification.” “Verification complete. Account balance: one hundred million dollars.” Zachary finally withdrew his contemptuous gaze, his brow furrowing slightly as he fixed his eyes on me. His suit knocked over a champagne glass as he moved, spilling wine across the floor. “Where did you get that money?” Zachary suddenly stood up, grabbing my wrist with enough force to almost crush bone. It reminded me of the night of our divorce. He’d gripped me the same way then, pressing the divorce papers onto the nightstand. I spoke flatly: “Mr. Hart, the alimony the court ordered three months ago. It was yours. Did you forget?” “I don’t like competing. But you two insisted on pushing me to this.” Vivian was practically jumping in frustration, about to say something, but I cut her off first. “Vivian, your taste isn’t that great either. I picked up your leftover man for three years. I feel sorry for myself.” I turned around, heels clicking, walking back to my seat step by step, my back straight. Laughter, gossip, and awkward silence wove together into a new tide. I didn’t look back. I’d gotten the ruby ring back. And my dignity too.

Zachary’s eyes turned completely cold. He raised his hand, signaling the auctioneer to pause. His voice exploded above my head. “Add one more item temporarily.” His voice was calm, but laced with poison. “Serena Blake’s private videos, 1024 gigabytes. One hundred thousand dollars per gigabyte.” The room fell deathly silent. Zachary looked at me, his gaze sharp, enunciating each word. “From age twenty to twenty-five. You like competing for things, don’t you? 1024 gigabytes. Take your time competing.” After saying this, he lightly brushed imaginary dust from his sleeve, as if swatting away an insignificant mosquito. My heart jolted, then went numb. The entire room erupted in shock and murmurs. The air filled with a mixture of perfume and desire. The clinking of glasses, men’s whispers, women’s laughter—it all wove together into a silent hunt. I was the prey. Vivian laughed softly, her eyes full of schadenfreude: “Oh my… so many videos! Serena, I wonder what they show. Will you cry while watching them?” I clutched my purse, knuckles white. The next second, the big screen lit up with blinding blue light. The footage was grainy. Twenty-year-old me wore a pristine white dress. Chasing after Zachary, pulling off the white dress until only my undergarments remained, voice choked with tears. “Zachary, can you please just look at me?” Amid the laughter filling the room, I heard the sound of my spine freezing inch by inch. Vivian’s soft laugh was like a serpent’s hiss. “Oh, you used to be… so slutty?” On screen, I was humble yet earnest. The room began to whisper. “That slutty? Chasing a man like that—so pathetic.” “She was still a socialite then, right? Where’s her dignity…” I bit down hard, staring at the big screen, my cheeks burning. “Stop.” I spoke, my voice so hoarse it barely made a sound. Zachary sat in the front row, posture lazy. He didn’t look at me, only said faintly: “You can bid for it.” “Why are you doing this to me? Just because I won that ruby ring?” Facing my question, Zachary turned his face away, silent. I gritted my teeth and spent one million dollars to buy it. The second video began playing. The burn scar on my wrist looked particularly gruesome in close-up. I got it when Zachary came home drunk one night and I spilled hot soup while cooking. He’d frowned while applying medicine, saying “You’re so clumsy.” His tone was dismissive, but I’d mistaken the faint glimmer in his eyes for concern. Another million dollars gone. The third segment was video from our honeymoon in the Maldives. I wore the bikini he’d chosen, too shy to lift my head. In the video, my earlobes were flushed red. Catcalls erupted throughout the room. Men whispered to each other, their eyes naked with lust. An older man from finance circles wolf-whistled. “Mr. Hart, such an obedient wife and you didn’t want her? What a waste.” Another chimed in: “That body, those eyes—bet she could steal your soul in bed, couldn’t she, Mr. Hart?” I stood there, dissected and served up as a joke. No one asked if I’d consented to those videos being recorded. No one cared that back then, my eyes held only one man—Zachary Hart. Men discussed me eagerly, as if appraising “a man’s trophy.” Women smiled falsely, silent, looking at me like I was the leading lady of a self-inflicted farce. I slowly raised my head, looking toward him sitting in the first row. Zachary said nothing, still leaning back in his chair, as if the person being humiliated on screen was a stranger. Segment after segment, like peeling skin, exposing my five years. Five years centered around Zachary Hart, living only for him. I bought back fifty videos for fifty million dollars.

Until the fifty-first segment. I wore a silk nightgown, drugged at a candlelit dinner, eyes unfocused. I hadn’t known he’d tampered with the wine that night. Zachary held me in his arms, eyes tender: “Let’s try a little couples’ game tonight, hmm?” I believed him. I always believed him. The last frame of the video. The strap of my silk nightgown slipped off, exposing a large expanse of bare shoulder and collarbone. In the final shot, the strap of my silk nightgown slid down. Eyes hazy, I looked like a drunk kitten, gazing at the camera without any guard up. Leaning against the doorframe, calling to him: “Zachary…” The screen cut to black. Click—Zachary’s lighter suddenly slipped from his hand and hit the floor. He stared at the screen, his eyes flickering. His Adam’s apple bobbed violently, his gaze dark and unreadable, but he quickly composed himself. “Beg me.” He suddenly spoke, his voice arrogant and disdainful. “I’ll take back these videos.” “Maybe I’ll even consider letting you be Mrs. Hart again.” I looked at myself on the big screen, helpless and at others’ mercy, and suddenly laughed. People really do laugh when they’re speechless. “Zachary Hart, I don’t love you anymore.” Vivian seized the opportunity to fan the flames. “Serena, don’t be stubborn. Everyone knows you love Zachary to death.” “Your account balance is at zero now. If you don’t have money, stop pretending. Why don’t you… beg Mr. Hart?” I just felt like someone had stuffed ice into my lungs, my heart hollowed out. Zachary’s voice dropped low. “It’s been three months since the divorce and you still haven’t learned? You won’t come back and beg me—are you waiting for me to coax you?” He was the one who wanted the divorce, and now he was the one telling me to come back and beg. Even if Vivian hadn’t appeared, there would have been a Lisa, a Jennifer… Zachary had never treated me as a lover. He just enjoyed the thrill of controlling me. “You really think too highly of yourself. Five years of loving you was enough. Now I just want to watch you fall from your pedestal.” His eyes turned cold: “Serena Blake, you brought this on yourself!” The screen continued playing. “Mr. Hart’s ex-wife collector’s edition—this kind of explosive material has high collectible value.” “Miss Blake looks so high and mighty, but when she gets frisky, she’s really something. Finally getting to the good part.” “Look at her moves—the straps were barely tied on purpose, right? She’d do anything to get into bed.” “Mr. Hart really knows how to play. Kept her hidden so well, then when he got tired of her, put her up for auction?” The laughter grew denser, more vulgar. Those men in suits and ties laughed while commenting on my body, their eyes full of naked excitement and superiority. The men’s laughter throughout the room was piercing. Their words slashed at my face like knives. The men watching couldn’t hold back anymore and started bidding. “Three hundred thousand dollars.” “Five hundred thousand dollars.” “One million dollars.” My whole body went cold. I hadn’t expected Zachary would go this far for Vivian. I don’t remember how I managed to stay standing. My hands gripped the edge of my purse so hard my knuckles turned white. I wouldn’t allow myself even a tremor. I told myself: don’t you dare hide. I raised my hand, flashing the card, golden light gleaming, and said slowly: “I’ll pay ten times the price.”

The auctioneer maintained a professional smile, but clearly no longer believed me. “Miss Blake, my apologies, but your verified total was one hundred million dollars. The ruby cost five million, the videos five million. Your account has no funds remaining.” A strange man laughed loudly: “Spend the night with me and I’ll buy them for you.” I ignored him, focusing my gaze on Zachary. Everyone looked toward him. After all, he was my ex-husband and the instigator of all this. “Why are you looking at me? Fair bidding. Highest bidder wins.” Just then, Vivian raised her hand: “I’ll buy this item for you. After all, it was Mr. Hart and I who sponsored you together initially. I don’t want you to be so embarrassed.” She lowered her head, biting her lower lip gently. That look was indeed pure and innocent. The room fell quiet for a moment, then exploded. “One’s a shameless ex-wife, the other’s a gentle, considerate mistress… any normal man would choose Vivian!” “So sensible, knows her place. Not like someone who, after being used up, still tries to bite back.” “Tsk, Vivian’s so pure. Not like Serena Blake—acts noble, acts like a victim, but so slutty in private!” “Don’t even start. After dozens of video segments, she should’ve just begged for mercy from the beginning. If Mr. Hart softened up, he might’ve let it go.” “Now look—disgraceful and dramatic. Lost all her dignity.” Their words, one by one, hammered into my bones like nails. I was the one who’d suggested Zachary sponsor Vivian, seeing her alone and pitiful. Zachary never cared about her one bit—I handled everything. After she graduated, I arranged for her to join the company. I never imagined she’d repay kindness with betrayal and wreck my marriage. I didn’t look at Vivian or acknowledge her false sympathy. I just lowered my head and answered that phone call. It was him. My only trump card, and what my mother left me. “Miss Blake, you’ve retrieved the ruby ring. The family trust has been unfrozen. Backup account funds have been deposited.” “I understand.” I stood up. The auctioneer instinctively asked: “Miss Blake, will you continue bidding?” I raised my eyes, voice steady and cold. “I’m requesting a second verification. This time, I’m buying out the entire venue.” The room went silent for three seconds, then erupted.

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On my wedding day, my fiancé Lucas’s best friend Sienna showed up wearing my wedding dress and made videos. I watched the entire ceremony through a livestream. Lucas even fed Sienna champagne mouth-to-mouth while his friends cheered them on. The wedding host held up the microphone, working the crowd: “When are you going to bring out the real bride, Lucas? If you keep stalling, she’s probably crying by now!” Lucas swirled his glass with a laugh: “She’ll be fine. She can’t leave me anyway. I’ll just sweet-talk her later.” I turned off the monitor and walked up to Lucas carrying a portfolio: “Mr. Harper, Miss Winters. Congratulations on your nuptials. This is my gift to you.” The portfolio contained my spring haute couture designs prepared for Harper Group. I tore it to pieces in front of all the guests. “I’m officially announcing that Smith Corporation is terminating its contract with Harper Group. All collaborations are void.” Lucas, your nightmare has just begun. “The groom may now kiss the bride!” the wedding host Ethan shouted. Lucas smiled and planted a kiss on Sienna’s hand. The next second, Sienna suddenly stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed her lips against his. The room went silent for a moment. Then whistles and cheers erupted. “Lucas, taking it that far! Sienna, why don’t you substitute for the wedding night too?” Sienna looked at Lucas: “How are you not even surprised? I’m not satisfied with that reaction. Do it again!” Suddenly someone shouted. “Stop teasing them, or the real bride might get angry and run away!” Lucas said with a smile: “What’s she got to be angry about? Sienna and I grew up together. We’re just joking around.” Sienna hooked her arm through his and stuck her tongue out at the crowd below. “Exactly. Lucas and I have been friends for over twenty years. We kissed plenty of times as kids. When Lucas was seven, he promised to throw me a wedding. This time he’s just keeping his promise, or else he’d turn into a puppy.” Another round of laughter. Ethan was the smoothest of their friend group. He grabbed the microphone to smooth things over. “Looks like our Sienna is more eager than the bride! But that’s okay, we all know Lucas and Sienna are tight as can be. They can take a joke!” He paused and raised his voice. “The bride definitely won’t be mad, right everyone?” “Right!” The cheering nearly lifted the roof. Ethan gave a signal, and immediately someone brought over two glasses of champagne. He pressed them into Lucas and Sienna’s hands. “Come on, this toast is to your twenty-plus years of friendship!” Sienna’s eyes suddenly reddened, her voice catching. “Lucas, in the future… you can’t forget about me just because you have a wife.” Lucas publicly ruffled her hair. “What silly talk. You’ll always be my most important friend.” The two intertwined arms and drank it all. The room thundered with applause as many raised their phones to record. The wedding march changed to “Auld Lang Syne.”

Lucas pulled Sienna by the hand toward a dining table, constantly getting shoulder pats along the way. “Lucas, Sienna’s really something! You really don’t want to marry her?” Lucas laughed and punched the guy’s shoulder. “Get lost, stop talking nonsense.” But he never let go of Sienna’s hand, escorting her all the way to Mrs. Harper’s side. He leaned down to tell Sienna: “No more fooling around, okay? Emma’s still waiting for me. Just sit next to my mother.” A guest asked in confusion. “Who is this young lady?” Mrs. Harper smiled and pushed Sienna forward. “This is Sienna, Lucas’s childhood friend. She’s like our own daughter. Today we really have her to thank for livening up the atmosphere. Otherwise how could the wedding be this lively?” Sienna sweetly raised her glass. “I’m Sienna. I’m happier than anyone about Lucas getting married. The bride will be out soon.” She was charming, making a round of toasts that delighted all the elders. Mrs. Harper suddenly removed the jade bracelet from her wrist and slipped it onto Sienna’s hand. “Good girl, thank you for your hard work today.” That bracelet was a Harper family heirloom passed to daughters-in-law. Last month Mrs. Harper had personally given it to me, saying to wear it on the wedding day. I didn’t accept it, claiming it was too precious and I was afraid of damaging it. The truth was I wanted to save it for the most important moment. Now it adorned Sienna’s wrist, jade-green and translucent against her snow-white skin. Sienna gasped. “Mrs. Harper, this is too precious…” “If I’m giving it to you, wear it. Later, I’ll pick out something new for Emma.” Mrs. Harper pressed her hand down, eyes full of affection. All the guests at the table saw it, their expressions varied. Someone teased. “Mrs. Harper, why didn’t you just have Lucas marry Sienna directly?” Mr. Harper laughed heartily. “If Sienna married into our family, we’d be laughing in our sleep!” Sienna blushed and hid behind Lucas, who laughed and stood in front of her. “Mom, Dad, stop talking nonsense. I don’t even see Sienna as a woman. I only want to marry Emma for the rest of my life!” I laughed coldly, looking at my watch. It was already forty-four minutes past the scheduled wedding time. Yet no one had asked where the bride was. My phone screen lit up—a message Lucas sent five minutes ago. [Emma, Sienna was just joking, don’t take it to heart.] [I’ll have them restart the wedding ceremony now.] The phone’s glow illuminated the dim corner of the dressing room. Sienna’s livestream account was still on. The camera pointed directly at the wedding venue. The comments kept refreshing. [Holy shit, is this not the bride? She’s gorgeous!] [Wait, it’s Lucas’s wedding? He’s so handsome! They look perfect together!] [Hold on, isn’t today supposed to be Lucas and Emma Smith’s wedding? How is Sienna the bride?] [Anyone who knows them? They just said the girl in the wedding dress is Lucas’s friend of twenty-something years. It’s for views, just messing around. The real bride is backstage.] [This isn’t cool. The real bride must be fuming.]

[Mad about what? Emma was the homewrecker anyway. If it weren’t for her, Lucas and Sienna would’ve been together ages ago.] My finger scrolling through the screen paused. In the frame, Sienna leaned over to straighten his tie. The comments exploded again. [Can someone explain what actually happened?] [In college they were inseparable, okay! Everyone thought they were a couple.] [Then Emma appeared. Who knows what tricks she used, always clinging to Lucas.] [I was in Emma’s class. She was so poor back then, always eating the cheapest cafeteria food, clothes washed until they were faded. Lucas probably just felt sorry for her, then got caught.] [Isn’t this the classic rags-to-riches story? Look at that wedding dress she’s wearing—millions in custom design. She couldn’t afford it without latching onto the Harpers.] My nails dug into my palms. The camera suddenly swept across the main table. Some society wife was praising the jade bracelet on Sienna’s hand. Mrs. Harper held her hand, saying something with a smile. Comments cheered. [This is clearly the mother-in-law’s approval!] I closed my eyes. Thinking back to last month, that afternoon when Mrs. Harper personally handed me the bracelet. “Emma dear, this bracelet is a Harper family heirloom. By rights it should go to the daughter-in-law.” “But you’re young, and gentle-natured. I don’t know if jade suits your taste?” I thought Mrs. Harper was being considerate of me. Turns out she already had a more suitable candidate in mind. The comments were all praising how good they looked together, saying Lucas and Sienna were a match made in heaven. A match made in heaven? I laughed out loud, the sound jarring in the empty dressing room. My phone buzzed again—a message from my college roommate. [Emma, did you see the livestream? Don’t listen to those people talking nonsense! Lucas was the one who pursued you back then!] Yes. Lucas was the one who pursued me. Sophomore year, I was noticed by a sculpture professor who wanted me to switch majors, but I refused. The old professor was so angry his beard bristled. He made me clean the sculpture studio as punishment. Lucas was hiding from a girl who kept confessing to him. He ducked into the sculpture studio and locked the door. I was so startled I dropped the rag in my hand into the bucket. He froze, then walked over. “Cleaning all alone on such a cold day?” I ignored him and kept moving the heavy plaster blocks. He watched me for a while, then took the broom from my hands. “Let me do it. You rest.” After that he kept appearing around me. He would say: “Emma, why do you always eat alone? Join me.” “Your hands are so skilled. Whatever you make must be beautiful.” “The moment I saw this necklace, I thought it would suit you perfectly. It’s yours.” I rejected him many times. But he never minded. “Emma, I won’t give up. You’re the first girl I’ve ever liked.” The phone screen dimmed, then lit up again. Someone posted photos from my college days. Wearing a plain white shirt, expression cold. [Look at how shabby she was.] [I heard her parents died young. She was raised by her grandfather. Marrying into the Harpers is her rags-to-riches moment.] [Would the Harper parents even agree? They’re from completely different worlds.]

[What choice do they have? Maybe it’s a shotgun wedding. She does have decent looks.] The comments got increasingly vulgar. I originally thought the Harpers had no class prejudice. But now I realized. At Mrs. Harper’s age and with her scheming mind, she couldn’t possibly miss what Sienna was doing today—disrupting the wedding under the guise of jokes. She was just happy to let it happen. Using Sienna’s hand to put me in my place. To let me know that compared to a rich heiress like Sienna, I was nothing. And Lucas too. He was confident I wouldn’t back out of the wedding over this. So he let Sienna do whatever she wanted. Twenty years of childhood friendship? Doesn’t see her as a woman? More like he wanted to have his cake and eat it too under the guise of friendship. Finally, Ethan raised the microphone and called my name. “Let’s give the warmest applause to welcome today’s true star—” Just then Sienna burst through the dressing room door. “Emma, why are you still here?” Her voice was sickeningly sweet. “They’re about to toss the bouquet outside. Come play?” I closed my lipstick and turned to look at her. “Toss the bouquet?” I smiled. “Without the bride present, who’s the bouquet for?” “That’s why we need you.” Sienna stepped forward and affectionately linked arms with me. “I know you probably don’t care for all those stuffy wedding rituals anyway. Come on, I’ll go out with you. Let’s play a game, okay?” Without waiting for my answer, she pushed me into the spotlight. I signaled to the staff I’d arranged to follow me with the items. This wedding had completely turned into a farce. No one cared about the bride’s entrance. I walked casually alongside Sienna. As we walked, I asked: “What game do you want to play?” “Catching the bouquet!” She held up the lily of the valley bouquet to my face. “If I catch it, Lucas has to grant me one unconditional request. If you catch it…” She paused, her smile deepening. “I’ll give you back the bracelet Mrs. Harper just gave me. Fair, right?” She deliberately stopped and looked toward Mrs. Harper. Mrs. Harper’s expression changed. “Nonsense!” She walked over quickly, first glaring at me before turning to Sienna. “Sienna, that bracelet was my gift to you. How can you use it as a wager?” Then she looked at me. “Emma, Sienna likes to play around. You don’t need to humor her.” The room fell quiet. Everyone was watching me. I laughed lightly. “Mrs. Harper, Miss Winters proposed both the bet and the game. She also skipped all the original wedding ceremony steps. I think she’s quite eager to play this game.” Mrs. Harper was speechless. I stopped looking at her and turned to Sienna. “Since we’re playing, let me add to the stakes. If you win, I’ll give you a big gift.” Sienna’s eyes lit up. “What gift?” “You’ll find out soon.” A space had already been cleared in the banquet hall. Their friends formed a semicircle, ready to catch the bouquet. She showed a confident smile and stood in the center of the crowd. The groomsmen exchanged glances and inconspicuously positioned themselves behind her. Ethan began the countdown. “Three.” The groomsmen quietly moved forward half a step. “Two.” Sienna was already rising on her tiptoes. “One!”

I threw it hard backward. The bouquet arced through the air. The groomsmen all jumped at once, hands reaching in the same direction. Sienna was protected in their midst. Someone batted the bouquet, and it spun mid-air. The lily of the valley flew over all the reaching hands, heading straight for Lucas. He caught it instinctively, with barely a second’s hesitation. He directly stuffed the bouquet into Sienna’s hands. The room went silent for a second. “Man, I thought Lucas would side with his woman, but turns out he’s thinking of our Sienna first.” “You’re done for. Careful the missus doesn’t let you into the wedding chamber tonight.” “What’s to fear? Our Sienna’s wearing a wedding dress too. If there can be two brides, why not two wedding chambers?” “Right, right. With Sienna and Lucas’s revolutionary friendship, worst case Sienna makes another sacrifice.” Only when the suggestive cheers erupted did Lucas realize what he’d done. He looked at me, face full of awkwardness. “Emma, don’t mind it. She’s been eyeing this bouquet all day. If I didn’t give it to her, she’d make a scene again.” Sienna hugged the bouquet, cheeks flushed, playfully punching Lucas. “Listen to you, making it sound like Emma’s so petty. She’s always been the most generous, right, Emma?” I looked at her, suddenly remembering how in college she’d done the same thing—using an innocent tone to say the most hurtful words. Back then, Lucas had specially flown abroad to prepare my first birthday gift, bidding on a pink diamond necklace. The next day it was around Sienna’s neck. I stared at that necklace in shock. Lucas rubbed his nose. Before he could speak, Sienna said in an envious tone: “I’ve had my eye on this necklace forever. There’s only one, and he snagged it first. Lucas said I could borrow it for a while. That’s okay, right, Emma?” She stuck out her tongue then. “Emma’s so generous, she definitely won’t be mad.” Lucas chimed in from the side. “Exactly. It’s just a necklace. Next time I’ll pick an even better one for you.” But I never received any necklace after that. That pink diamond eventually just sat gathering dust in Sienna’s jewelry box. “Emma? You’re not actually mad, are you?” Sienna’s voice pulled me back. I smiled gently and said softly: “It’s just a bouquet. Why would I care?” Lucas suddenly looked at me. He seemed to sense something. He was about to walk toward me when Sienna grabbed his arm. “You just agreed to grant me one unconditional request. Come closer.” I watched as Sienna stood on tiptoes, lips pressed against Lucas’s ear. His ears instantly turned bright red. He tried to dodge sideways but was pulled back. I stood at the edge of the crowd, taking it all in. Lucas’s lack of hesitation. Sienna’s sense of entitlement. The smile on Mrs. Harper’s face. The guests’ suggestive jeering. I turned and walked toward the mobile display that had been sitting in the corner of the banquet hall. My heels clicked softly on the marble floor, but step by step, I cut through the crowd. The noise gradually died down. All eyes turned to me. I stopped in front of the display, hand on the edge of the red silk, and yanked it off. “Mr. Harper, Miss Winters. Congratulations on your nuptials, and congratulations to me for finally having nothing more to do with the Harper family.”

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“Transfer this $8 million in sales to Lily’s account.” Sales Director Zachary Grant slammed the file in front of me, his tone brooking no argument. Lily was an intern who’d just started yesterday. She couldn’t even use Excel. “Why should I?” I asked. Zachary replied: “Lily just graduated. She needs the sales numbers. You’re a senior employee—you should help new people. Besides, you’re going on maternity leave next month. Even if you win top salesperson, you won’t get promoted. Better to give it to your sister.” $8 million in sales meant a commission of $240,000. He wanted me to gift $240,000 to his little mistress? “What if I don’t transfer it?” “Then forget about maternity leave. Just resign.” I picked up the pen and signed the transfer form. Lily smiled. Zachary smiled too. I smiled as well. They didn’t know that this $8 million client was my ex-husband. An ex-husband who wasn’t just wealthy, but who was currently tearing the world apart trying to find me so we could remarry.

After signing, I capped the pen. Zachary smugly tucked the document into his briefcase—this was his only chip for pushing for vice president this quarter. “Thank you so much.” Lily leaned over, batting her innocent big eyes: “I just got here and don’t know anything. I’ll need Susan to teach me a lot from now on. This client… is he mean?” I looked at her. Skin so smooth you could squeeze water from it, eyes as clear as a college student’s. Unfortunately, she was an idiot. “Not mean at all.” I smiled. “Mr. Caldwell really likes innocent young girls. You should’ve deliberately fallen into his arms. He eats that right up.” “Really?” Lily’s eyes lit up. “Like in those short videos?” “Exactly.” Zachary listened from the side, his expression approving: “Susan, that’s the right attitude. Training new employees is your responsibility as a supervisor. When Lily closes this deal, I’ll save you a spot for the Outstanding Employee award at year-end.” Outstanding Employee. A $2,000 bonus. He took my $240,000 commission and wanted to buy me off with $2,000. “Thank you, Mr. Grant.” I stood up. “I’ll head back now. My morning sickness has been pretty bad these past few days.” I turned and walked out of the office. The moment the door closed, I heard laughter inside. “She’s so dumb, signing just like that.” “Of course. Pregnant women are the easiest to manipulate. Would she dare not sign? If she didn’t, I’d cut her maternity pay and kick her out.” “So that bag you promised to buy me…” “I’ll buy it! Once this commission comes through, I’ll get you whatever you want!” I touched my slightly swollen belly. I was a single mom. In this city, with no house and no car, I relied entirely on this job to support myself and the baby inside me. Zachary knew this perfectly well. He thought that for my salary, for my leave, I could only swallow my anger. If this were the old Susan, maybe I really would have endured it. But this time was different. I pulled out my phone and opened my contacts. In the blocked list lay a name: Adrian Caldwell. Also known as the “$8 million big client” in Zachary’s mouth. Also known as the madman who’d nearly turned Sea City upside down looking for me. Adrian and I had been divorced for three years. We divorced because he was too busy—so busy that his assistant came to sign for my appendicitis surgery, so busy that I blew out birthday candles alone. I didn’t lack money. I lacked love. So I left. Left cleanly, changed my phone number, changed cities. He searched for me like a madman. He’d been searching for three years. I never let anyone know about my past. In my colleagues’ eyes, I was a single mom abandoned by a scumbag. In Zachary’s eyes, I was a nobody with no connections, someone to be slaughtered at will. My phone vibrated. A text from the bank. Mortgage deduction: -$6,800. Balance: $3,205.40. This was everything I had. Originally, that $240,000 was meant to be saved for the baby’s formula and my postpartum care. Now Zachary had snatched it away to buy bags for his mistress. Perfect. People need not only a bottom line but also teeth. Since you won’t act human, don’t blame me for letting the dog loose. Lily posted a new Instagram. A selfie. The background was my workspace. She held Adrian’s project materials, making a peace sign. Caption: “Hardworking girls will have good luck! I’ll do my best!” A row of colleagues liked it below. Even Zachary commented: “Promising future.” I opened Adrian’s profile. Removed him from my blocked list, then sent him a message: “You there? Let’s talk.” Less than three seconds after I sent it, he called. “Susan? Is it you? Susan?” “It’s me.” “Where are you?” His voice instantly grew urgent. “Send me your location! I’ll come right now! I…” “Fine. Tomorrow afternoon at three, HongTech, conference room. I’ll be waiting for you to sign the contract.” “HongTech?” He paused. “You work at that company?” “Yes.” “Okay, I’ll definitely be there.” “There’s one more thing I need your help with.” “Tell me. I’ll give you anything you want.” A cold smile curved my lips. “Tomorrow, pretend you don’t know me.” “What?” “Not only pretend you don’t know me, but take good care of my colleague.” Silence on the other end for one second. Then came Adrian’s low, dangerous voice with a hint of pleading. “Who bullied you?” “You’ll find out tomorrow.” “Okay.” He said. “Susan, as long as you’re willing to see me, I’ll commit murder or arson.”

The next day. The entire sales department was on high alert. Zachary wore the custom suit he’d only worn at his wedding, his hair slicked back so shiny a fly would do the splits landing on it. Lily was even more dressed up. Short skirt, black stockings, low-cut top. Heavy makeup, perfume so strong it could knock you over from six feet away. “Susan, how do I look?” She turned to ask me. I was sitting in the corner eating bread—my lunch. “Pretty good.” I nodded sincerely. “Very… professional.” Nightclub professional. “That’s a relief.” She relaxed, proudly pushing out her chest. “Mr. Grant said Mr. Caldwell, being such a big boss, sees career women all the time and prefers someone delicate like me.” I suppressed a laugh. Adrian hated perfume more than anything. He had severe rhinitis. And he especially hated women who dressed like they were going clubbing during business meetings. He was a typical abstinent workaholic. Back when I tried to match his preferences, my closet was full of black, white, and gray business attire. I only dared wear faint woody fragrances. Lily waved the folder in her hand. “Mr. Grant said if I close this deal, I’ll be converted to a permanent position. I’ll treat you to boba tea then.” “No need.” I swallowed the last bite of bread. “Keep it for yourself. After all…” After all, this might be your last meal in this industry. “After all what?” “Nothing.” I grabbed a napkin and wiped my mouth. “Good luck.” 2:50 PM. A convoy of black Maybachs stopped downstairs from the company. Quite the spectacle. Zachary led the entire sales department to line up at the entrance in welcome. I stood at the very end, like a ghost. The car door opened. First came four bodyguards in black. Then a pair of shiny leather shoes, long legs. Adrian stepped out. Three years later, he was thinner, the sharp edge in his eyes even heavier. Zachary immediately rushed over with a fawning smile, bowing at a ninety-degree angle. “Mr. Caldwell! Welcome, welcome! I’m Sales Director Zachary Grant. I’ve heard so much about you!” Adrian didn’t look at him. His gaze swept through the crowd like radar. Finally, it locked onto me in the corner. I looked at him expressionlessly and shook my head slightly. His eyes instantly turned cold as an ice cellar as he strode inside. In the conference room. Zachary gave the head seat to Adrian. “Mr. Caldwell, we take this project very seriously. We’ve specially assigned our department’s most promising… that one, Lily!” Lily swayed over. “Hello, Mr. Caldwell~” That greeting had a sugar content of four pluses. She carried a cup of coffee, her body practically pressing against Adrian. “Mr. Caldwell, I specially ground this coffee for you. Careful, it’s hot~” Adrian recoiled like he’d seen something filthy. “Achoo!” “Mr. Caldwell, are you alright?” Lily panicked and reached out to pat his back. “Is the air conditioning too cold?” “Get away!” Adrian shot to his feet, swatting her hand away. The movement was too forceful—the coffee cup toppled. Brown liquid splashed all over Lily and onto Zachary’s face. Lily froze in place, tears welling in her eyes: “Mr… Mr. Caldwell?” “Who told you to get so close?” Adrian pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his hands in disgust. “Is this HongTech’s hospitality?” Zachary’s face went white with fear as he frantically wiped his face with tissues: “A misunderstanding! Mr. Caldwell, this is a misunderstanding! Lily’s new, she doesn’t know better…” Adrian sneered. “This kind of trash can get into your company? Are you running a nightclub?” I lowered my head, my shoulders trembling slightly. From suppressing laughter. Lily burst into tears with a wail. “What are you crying for!” Zachary roared. “Get out!” Lily covered her face and ran out. Zachary rubbed his hands awkwardly: “Mr. Caldwell, please calm down. How about… I present the proposal?” “Are you qualified?” “I’ve seen your proposal. It’s garbage.” Zachary’s smile froze on his face. “But this is… this is our best…” “Who made it?” Adrian interrupted him. Zachary’s eyes darted around. “Originally… Susan made it.” He pointed to me in the corner. “But she’s incompetent, her thinking is confused. Later Lily took over and revised it.” Good grief. Just now he said it was Lily’s achievement. Now that something went wrong, it became mine. Adrian followed his finger and looked at me. “Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. “Susan?” “Yes, yes, it’s her! Mr. Caldwell, it’s all because she’s incompetent! This proposal was mainly her responsibility. I said from the start she wasn’t up to it. You see…” “Since she was responsible for it.” Adrian interrupted him. “Then let her present it.” Zachary frantically waved at me: “Susan! What are you standing there for? Come present the proposal to Mr. Caldwell!” As he spoke, he desperately gave me meaningful looks. Meaning: Hold it together. If you screw this up, you’re fired. Everyone’s eyes focused on me. Some sympathetic, most waiting for the show. I walked to the projector. Without a USB drive, without documents. “Mr. Caldwell.” I spoke, my voice calm. “The proposal doesn’t need presenting.” “Why not?” “Because that proposal is indeed garbage.” Zachary gasped. “Susan! What nonsense are you talking! Do you want to get fired!” I ignored him and continued looking at Adrian. “The real proposal is in my head.” “The $8 million order includes three phases. Phase one focuses on smart upgrades, accounting for 40% of the budget. But I believe your company’s pain point isn’t hardware—it’s data integration.” “If we follow the original proposal, you’d just be swapping in a batch of more expensive computers. But if we follow my approach, it could save your company 15% in operating costs annually.” I spoke for three minutes straight. Professional, precise, hitting the nail on the head. This was the real proposal I’d stayed up three nights working on. Not the watered-down garbage I gave Lily. Adrian watched me. His Adam’s apple bobbed. His expression shifted from appreciation to infatuation. “Good.” “Very good.” He stood up and even clapped twice. “This is the proposal I want.” He turned to look at Zachary, his gaze instantly switching back to looking-at-garbage mode. “Mr. Grant, you just said this proposal was revised by… who?” Zachary was sweating bullets: “Mr. Caldwell, this… this…” “I think Mr. Grant isn’t that old. How did you go blind?” Adrian said coldly. “Such an excellent talent, and you say she’s incompetent?” “Or are you… trying to steal her credit?” Zachary’s legs went weak: “No… that’s not it! A misunderstanding! All a misunderstanding!” Adrian sneered and looked at me. “Miss Susan, I admire your proposal very much.” “For this deal, I’ll only sign with you.” Zachary was overjoyed: “Good, good! Signing with Susan is the same! It’s all the company’s achievement!” “Wait.” I spoke up. “Mr. Caldwell, before signing the contract, I have a few conditions.” “First, this deal’s performance must be credited to my personal account. The commission points must be written clearly in black and white in the contract—$240,000, not a penny less. And it must be paid immediately.” Zachary’s expression changed: “Susan, company policy…” “Second.” I interrupted him. “I’m taking maternity leave. All maternity benefits will be executed at the highest standard. If anyone dares dock a single penny, I’ll go to labor arbitration.” Zachary gritted his teeth: “You…” “Third.” I smiled and pointed to the door. “That girl named Lily—I don’t want to see her in the company again.” “Because I’m allergic to cheap perfume.” “Susan! Don’t push it!” Zachary finally couldn’t hold back. “Are you the supervisor or am I? You think you can fire whoever you want?” “Mr. Grant.” Adrian suddenly spoke. “I think Miss Susan’s suggestions are very reasonable.” “If you don’t agree…” He adjusted his cuffs, his tone casual. “Then this $8 million deal is off.” “Also, I’ll let all my friends in the industry know.” “HongTech’s integrity is questionable.” That one sentence was Zachary’s death sentence. Finally, he ground his teeth and squeezed out a few words: “Fine… I agree.” I smiled. “Mr. Grant is generous.” I turned to look at Adrian. “Mr. Caldwell, shall we… discuss the details over dinner tonight?” Adrian’s eyes lit up as he nodded frantically. “Yes! I’m free! I’m free right now!” He looked exactly like a golden retriever waiting for its owner’s touch.

Outside the company entrance. Adrian transformed into a different person. He grabbed my hand, his grip so tight it felt like he’d crush my bones. “Susan!” I shook off his hand. “Mr. Caldwell, please show some restraint.” “This is right outside the company.” He froze in place, as awkward as a child who’d done something wrong. “I’m sorry… I got too excited.” “These three years, where did you go? I nearly went crazy looking for you.” “Do you know why I didn’t want to see you?” I looked at him coldly. “Because you’re a lunatic.” “Yes, I’m a lunatic.” He smiled bitterly. “Without you, I can’t be normal.” He looked at my belly. His expression was impossibly complex. “The child… whose is it?” I touched my belly. “Not yours, anyway.” Adrian’s face instantly turned deathly pale, his fists clenched so hard they cracked. “Where’s the man?” “Dead.” I said flatly. “Dead?” He froze for a moment, then a strange light burst in his eyes. “Good that he’s dead… good that he’s dead!” “Now no one can compete with me.” “Susan, I don’t mind.” He rushed over and grabbed my shoulders. “I really don’t mind. I’ll raise him as my own. Come home with me, okay?” “Adrian, how desperate for love are you?” “I only want you.” His eyes were red. “As long as you’re by my side, I can endure anything.” I pushed him away. “But I don’t want to endure.” “I contacted you today only to use you.” “Now that I’m done using you, you can leave.” Adrian didn’t get angry. Instead, he smiled. “Using me means I still have value.” “Susan, since you’re using me, use me thoroughly.” “That Zachary—do you think this is the end?” I frowned: “What do you mean?” “Someone like him—tonight’s dinner is the real show.” “Do you want to completely destroy him?” I looked at Adrian. “What do you want to do?” “I don’t want to do anything.” He straightened his tie. “I just want to help you… take out the trash.” 7 PM that evening. In a private room at the seafood restaurant, smoke filled the air. Zachary didn’t invite the big boss because he wanted to play dirty. Besides me and Adrian, there were three unfamiliar men in the room. Mr. Wilson, who dealt in building materials—notorious as a dinner table predator. “Mr. Wilson, this is Susan.” Zachary smiled disgustingly. “Not only is she excellent at business, her alcohol tolerance is legendary.” Mr. Wilson squinted as he looked me over, his gaze lingering on my slightly swollen belly for a second before a lewd smile appeared. “Miss Susan, you’re pregnant?” I looked at him coldly: “Yes.” “Pregnancy is good. Pregnancy has charm.” Mr. Wilson raised a glass of liquor. “Come, Miss Susan, this one’s for you.” A full glass of high-proof liquor. Zachary chimed in from the side: “Susan, Mr. Wilson is a key supplier for our project. You need to give him face.” “I’m not drinking.” Mr. Wilson’s face darkened. “If you don’t drink this today, I’ll cut off building materials tomorrow. Let’s see how you explain that to the big boss!” Adrian sat in the main seat, playing with his lighter. He said nothing. He was waiting for me to beg him. Three years ago it was the same—I wouldn’t bow my head, so he wouldn’t extend his hand. The game between us had always been about who would soften first, who would surrender first. But my greatest strength has always been my stubborn spine. “Cut off supply?” I pulled out my phone. “I’ll contact backup suppliers right now.” Mr. Wilson slammed his palm on the table. “Ungrateful bitch!” He stood up, his greasy fat hand reaching directly for my shoulder. “Acting all high and mighty? Pregnant and still coming out to drink with clients—who knows whose bastard…” His hand never touched me. A wine bottle exploded on his head. “CRASH!” Glass shards flew, mixed with red wine, flowing down Mr. Wilson’s face like blood. Adrian held the remaining half of the bottle, his face sinister. “Mr… Mr. Caldwell?” Mr. Wilson covered his head, scared stiff. Zachary was so frightened he’d crawled under the table. “You think you’re worthy of touching her?” He kicked Mr. Wilson in the stomach, knocking him to the ground. Then he stepped on Mr. Wilson’s chest, bent down, and pointed the sharp glass at his eyeball. “She’s mine.” “The child in her belly is also mine.” “Who did you call a bastard?” I was stunned. Adrian had gone crazy? He actually publicly claimed this “bastard”? Mr. Wilson literally pissed himself—really pissed himself. A foul smell spread. “Mr. Caldwell, spare me! I didn’t know this was your wife! I didn’t know!” Adrian withdrew his foot in disgust. “Get lost.” Mr. Wilson scrambled away on all fours. Zachary crawled out from under the table, trembling all over: “Mr… Mr. Caldwell, this…” “You too. Get lost.” Adrian didn’t even look at him. Zachary fled as if pardoned, running faster than a rabbit. Only the two of us remained in the private room. Adrian threw down the bottle and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his hands. Then he turned and approached me step by step. That oppressive presence made me instinctively back away until my waist hit the table—nowhere left to retreat. He braced his hands on either side of me, caging me in his territory. “Susan.” He spoke through gritted teeth, his voice hoarse. “I just saved you.” “As repayment, tell me.” “Who is that man?” I looked into his bloodshot eyes. “Didn’t Mr. Caldwell just say it was yours?” “That was to protect your reputation!” He roared. “But…” He took a deep breath and buried his head in the crook of my neck. “But if you’re willing to come back to me.” “I can play dumb.” “Just don’t disappear again.” My heart jolted sharply. This man, proud to his very bones, had humbled himself to dust for me. Too bad. The more he did this, the less I could turn back. I pushed him away and straightened my clothes. “Mr. Caldwell, thank you for earlier.” “I forgot to tell you—I got married to my boyfriend last month.” “Please maintain appropriate boundaries.” I grabbed my bag and fled from the private room. Behind me came the sound of shattering plates. And Adrian’s desperate roar: “Susan! You don’t have a fucking heart!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “356825”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #浪漫Romance

My parents spent hundreds of thousands throwing a birthday party at a hotel for my twin sister, Kinsley. Meanwhile, I was working there as a waitress. After five years apart, when they saw me, their faces instantly darkened. But they didn’t want anything to do with me. That is, until they saw me kneeling on the ground, licking up food scraps for a thousand-dollar tip. Mom immediately stepped forward to scold me: “Colleen! I think you’ve gone crazy for money—you’ll do anything!” “If you want money, just say so! Why put on this show and humiliate us on purpose?” I knelt there in embarrassment, head down, saying nothing. Yes, I really would do anything for money. Because without that thousand dollars, I was going to die. Mocking voices surrounded me, everyone waiting to see what I’d do. A thousand dollars really wasn’t much—not even enough to buy a pair of socks for anyone here. But to me, it was everything. Kinsley stood nearby with my parents, but they didn’t stop it. Because they thought it was embarrassing. But when they actually saw me kneel down and lower my head to lick the floor, my parents finally couldn’t take it anymore. “Enough!” The laughter stopped. I froze, then numbly raised my head. Some inexplicable hope stirred in my heart. I saw Kinsley standing between my parents in a haute couture gown, looking like a little princess. Dad’s eyes were red with fury as he said: “Colleen! You know today is Kinsley’s birthday party—why can’t you stop causing trouble even after all these years!” “You’ve made your mother sick with anger! Stop performing—even if you swallow glass, we won’t forgive you!” Almost everyone here knew our family’s situation. They all turned to look at me with condemnation. I lowered my head and smiled bitterly. “I haven’t done anything wrong. I don’t need your forgiveness.” The bite of food I’d just eaten contained shards of glass that had rolled into my mouth. When I spoke, my mouth was full of the taste of blood. But compared to everything else, this pain was nothing. “You!” Even Mom, who’d been silent, stepped forward angrily. Kinsley wiped away tears pitifully: “Colleen, after all the terrible things you did back then, after you pushed Mom down the stairs and left her with permanent health problems…” “Don’t you feel any guilt at all? And now you’re here to ruin my birthday…” Seeing his daughter’s distress and his wife’s pale face, Dad stepped forward. He slapped me hard across the face. Pain shot through me as I fell into the broken glass, blood flowing freely. “After all these years! You still haven’t learned!” Through my dizziness, I looked past Dad. That face identical to mine was watching me with mockery. Even five years later, I remained amazed by Kinsley’s acting skills. But I really had nothing to feel guilty about. Not because I was cold-blooded. But because I wasn’t actually Colleen at all! The Mitchell family had twin daughters. The older sister, Kinsley, was quiet and refined. The younger, Colleen, was rebellious and notorious. Five years ago, my name was still Kinsley. Colleen was naturally rebellious and unmanageable. She bullied classmates at school, had terrible grades, and dabbled in smoking and drinking. Our parents worried constantly about her. I’d been obedient and sensible since childhood, so I didn’t want to add to their troubles. I worked hard at everything, but became invisible at home. Mom hired expensive tutors for Colleen, while I, with my good grades, naturally didn’t need any. Dad personally drove Colleen to and from school every day, while I only had a driver, year-round. When Colleen wanted desserts, they’d wait in line all night, but they’d just transfer money to me and tell me to figure out my own dinner. Even the room I’d lived in since childhood was taken away because Colleen took a liking to it. Mom said: “Colleen says if she switches rooms, she’ll straighten up. You know how exhausting it is for Mom to deal with her.” “You’ve always been so understanding—you get it, right?” I only remember how warm Mom’s hand felt on mine at that moment. So I nodded without thinking. But Colleen didn’t straighten up. Instead, she got worse. Until one day, my parents caught her stealing Grandma’s heirloom that she’d left to Mom. Colleen had sold it for cash and secretly gone to a bar. The heirloom was lost, impossible to recover. My parents were furious and even hit Colleen. In a fit of rage, Colleen actually pushed Mom down the stairs! Amid the chaos, Mom lay in a pool of blood. Realizing what she’d done, Colleen panicked for the first time. She ran away. I didn’t realize then that this would be the beginning of my descent into hell. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have run out to find her, only to be knocked unconscious with a single hit. When I woke up again, our identities had been switched. She’d cut my long hair and styled hers to match mine. By the time I got back to the hospital, Colleen was already at Mom’s bedside. “Dad…” As soon as I approached, Dad kicked me to the ground. Intense pain washed over me. “Colleen, you dare come back! Look what you’ve done!” Dad’s eyes were bloodshot, trembling with rage. “After raising you all these years, this is how you repay us? Do you know that because of you, your mother will have to take medication for the rest of her life?” I’m not! I’m not Colleen! But no matter how I explained, he wouldn’t listen. He just thought I was making excuses. I even knelt at his feet, begging him to really look at me. But in the end, I was mercilessly dragged out of the hospital room. “Starting today, I’m cutting all ties with you, Colleen!” “From now on, whether you live or die has nothing to do with us!” No matter how much I cried out, no one listened. Finally, security dragged me out. As I struggled, I saw Mom wake up. Colleen was obediently giving her water, imitating how I used to act. “Mom has wronged you all these years, Kinsley.” Mom held Colleen’s hand, weak but affectionate. But the real Kinsley had already been thrown out of the hospital.

“I ate it. Can I have the money now?” I stood up expressionlessly and held out my hand to the person who’d challenged me in the first place. Countless glass shards were embedded in my thigh, blood staining my pants. But I was only fixated on getting the money. With a loud crash, Dad knocked my phone out of my hand. It smashed hard against the floor. “Nobody give her any money! Don’t do such disgusting things while wearing Kinsley’s face!” Dad said with disgust. Disgusting? Maybe it really was. In these five years of struggle, as long as it paid, had I done any less dirty, exhausting work? Otherwise I wouldn’t have developed cancer. I rushed to pick up my phone—it was my most valuable possession. I’d bought it with money saved from a year of janitorial work. When I was kicked out, I had nothing. I’d knelt at the front door begging. I’d slept in underpasses. I’d stayed in parks. Finally, I’d faced reality. The name Colleen had such a terrible reputation. Even as a janitor, I was constantly made things difficult for. I’d ended up with various health problems before I could afford this phone. I picked it up with trembling hands. The screen was shattered. Seeing the red chilblains on my hands, Mom’s heart softened. Twin sisters—one as delicate as a flower, the other humble as dirt in the dust. “Just go…” Mom said. “Leave now, and we won’t make things difficult for you. Just stop hurting people!” The handprint on my face, the glass in my thigh, the garbage I’d eaten. All evening, I didn’t know who I’d hurt. I only knew that I was in so much pain. My stomach began cramping violently. I hadn’t had medicine in so long. I needed that money. But in the end, I still didn’t get it. Because once again, I was thrown out by security. I returned to the kitchen in a daze. “Starting today, don’t come back!” the manager said coldly. My lips went white with panic. “Why!” “Why? Keeping you here is just trouble. I hired you because you seemed honest, but I didn’t know you had such connections. We can’t accommodate you here!” The manager shook off my hand without mercy. “What about my wages for this month…” I said anxiously. “Wages? You dare ask for wages? Get out!” The manager slammed the door and left. The Mitchell family was a major client. No one dared offend them. And I was the Mitchell family’s despised enemy, so no one would treat me well. I couldn’t stay here anymore either. But I never expected that in the end, I’d lose both my wages and that thousand-dollar tip. Because Colleen was a sinner who’d done evil, she would never have it easy for the rest of her life. But I’m not Colleen! Why, why did I have to suffer all this? I could only pack my things and return to my dwelling. The damp, cramped basement had no sunlight. But it was my only shelter for these five years. Without this month’s wages, I probably couldn’t even afford the rent for this basement room. The day I was diagnosed with cancer, my life collapsed. I didn’t want to die yet. Cancer hurts so much. I often woke up in the middle of the night in pain, drenched in sweat. My nails scraped hard against the walls, leaving bloody marks, but it still couldn’t stop the pain. Medicine could suppress it, but it was too expensive. So I endured it. I scrimped and saved, just to afford chemotherapy. Now I was just a thousand dollars short. I really needed that thousand dollars. I removed my clothes and used tweezers to extract the glass from my leg. The blood from last night had long since dried. The glass shards were deeply embedded. I had to pull hard to get them out. The pain made my vision go black. My consciousness wasn’t clear, but my parents’ words still echoed in my mind. “From now on, whether you live or die has nothing to do with us!” “Stop hurting people…” Five years had passed, and we’d met again. Every word they said still tugged at my heart. I often dreamed that I was the current Kinsley. That Mom and Dad loved me. When pain woke me from these dreams in the middle of the night… I realized that what I wanted most was simply to go home. Back when I was still Kinsley, my parents didn’t love me. Now that I wasn’t Kinsley anymore, my parents still didn’t love me. Is there a time difference for being loved? No—it’s just that I was the wrong person. I woke again to urgent ringing. “Colleen, today is the last day for payment. If you don’t pay, we can’t schedule your chemotherapy.” It was a nurse from the hospital. “I’m so sorry. Could you please give me a little more time?” I pleaded weakly. “It’s not easy for us either. So many people are waiting to save their lives! We can’t delay others’ lives because of you!” I could only promise to pay by tomorrow. But where was I going to get the money? Just then, someone pounded hard on the basement door. The drunk landlord had come to collect rent. I hadn’t paid rent for two months because I was saving for chemotherapy. I should have gotten my wages last night, but I’d returned empty-handed. I only had two hundred dollars left. The landlord took the two bills with disgust, then slapped them back in my face without mercy. “No money and you still rent? I’ve been sick of looking at you! If you can’t pay rent, get out!” He threw my belongings out of the room like garbage. Finally, he grabbed me and threw me out onto the floor outside the door. Already injured, pain shot through my entire body. I couldn’t get up for a long time. When I came to my senses, the landlord had already locked the door. My belongings were scattered on the ground like trash. The last place in this world that could shelter me had been taken away too.

My broken phone screen lit up. An anonymous text gave only a location. All these years I’d been searching for the heirloom that Colleen had sold. I’d finally found it! With it, whether I was Kinsley or Colleen, I could go home, right? I’d imagined this countless times. Because I was so tired. I missed the old days so much. Even if they didn’t love me, it was okay—as long as I had a home to return to. So I didn’t bother picking up my scattered belongings. I got up and took a five-hour bus ride to get there. Five years ago, that jade bracelet had changed hands several times before being bought by this family. They’d been planning to use it as a wedding gift. “What would it take for you to sell it to me?” I asked urgently. The woman with narrow eyes squinted, then held up a number with her fingers. I froze in place. After hesitating for a long time, I finally took out the card I’d sewn into the lining of my clothes. This money was what I’d been saving for chemotherapy. I was just a thousand short of being able to go. But it was okay. Once I got the jade bracelet home and told Mom and Dad about my cancer… They definitely wouldn’t ignore me. Then I wouldn’t have to hurt anymore. I received the box with both hands, holding it treasured in my arms. Then I took another five-hour bus ride back. After five years, I returned to the front of the Mitchell family villa. As soon as I entered, I saw the three of them eating dinner in the living room, happy and harmonious. Seeing me, Dad’s expression changed drastically. “What are you doing here! You’re not welcome here!” He was about to come push me out the door. Mom stood up, frowning, wanting to speak but hesitating. “I found it—I found the bracelet!” Like offering a treasure, I took the bracelet from my chest. Hearing this, Mom and Dad’s eyes lit up. Mom excitedly stepped forward to receive it, opening the box and examining it carefully. Seeing their happy expressions, I couldn’t help feeling excited. So I carefully told them about having cancer. My parents’ faces instantly went white. After all, I was their biological daughter. After all, they’d doted on me for so many years. No one could remain unmoved. Mom even came forward, took my hand, and her eyes reddened. “What cancer? Don’t be scared—Mom will take you to get treatment!” So warm—it made me dazed for a moment. So I missed the darkness in Kinsley’s eyes behind her. “Are you really sick?” she spoke up, interrupting this tender moment. “Mom, I forgot to tell you—I found this bracelet a few days ago too.” With that, she pulled out an identical jade bracelet from her chest. In that instant, my whole body felt like it had fallen into an ice cellar. Which was real and which was fake became obvious with a comparison. Even Mom reacted to this. Usually gentle, she couldn’t suppress her anger and slapped me hard across the face. Heaven one moment, hell the next. I was knocked to the ground. “I thought you’d turned over a new leaf! To think you’d use something like this to scam money!” “And cancer—why doesn’t cancer just kill you!” she roared. Overcome with rage, Mom suddenly couldn’t breathe and collapsed to the ground. I tried to help her up, but Dad kicked me away. That kick landed right on my stomach. My stomach immediately began cramping violently, a heavy taste of blood surging into my mouth. “People like you deserve to die! Why don’t you just die!” Dad pointed at me and roared. “Having a daughter like you is the greatest shame of my life!” They didn’t even give me a chance to explain. Five years ago, when I explained I wasn’t Colleen, they wouldn’t listen. Five years later, they’d stripped away even the right to explain. Thinking of the joy and warmth from just minutes ago… Thinking of the jade bracelet I’d carefully protected all the way here… The world spun around me. I didn’t even seem to have the strength to breathe. Only one thought remained in my mind. The money I’d saved for chemotherapy—I’d used it all to buy a fake bracelet. It hurt so much. “I’m really dying, Mom and Dad…” Swallowing the blood in my mouth, my voice was hoarse and weak. But no one was moved. “Ha! If you died, everyone would be happy!” Dad helped Mom to the sofa and said mockingly. The disappointment in Mom’s eyes, the hatred in Dad’s eyes, the smugness in Kinsley’s eyes—it all hurt my eyes to look at. Actually, I’d known for a while that even with chemotherapy, I wouldn’t live much longer. But I just wanted to try. Now, there was no need for that anymore. It was pouring rain outside as I was thrown out the door once again. Like garbage. The doors of the Mitchell house had shut me out once more. For the next month, they never saw me again. But no one cared. Because they were busy setting up a charity foundation in Colleen’s name, paving the way for her future. At the press conference, a reporter asked: “I heard you have twin daughters. Why is there so little news about the other one?” Dad’s face went cold as he said sternly: “We only have one daughter, Kinsley. Other irrelevant people—whether they live or die has nothing to do with us!” This completely severed any connection with me. If I’d seen that interview, I might have been heartbroken. But I would never see it. Late at night, Mom woke from her sleep. “Do you think Colleen might really be sick? That day, I found some blood on the floor.” She said worriedly. But Dad just laughed dismissively. “You’re too soft-hearted! What could be wrong with her? Disasters last a thousand years—I think she left it on purpose to make us feel bad!” But Dad, this time you’ll be disappointed. This disaster won’t last a thousand years. An urgent phone ring interrupted his words. He picked up the phone. On the other end was a police officer, speaking in an official, cold tone. “Hello, is this Mr. Mitchell? There’s a body here that needs you to come identify it.”

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I held my daughter’s depression diagnosis in my hand and pushed open the door to the psychologist’s office. “Doctor, can you tell if a normal person is faking depression?” “I suspect my daughter is pretending to be depressed to avoid the SAT.” The doctor looked at me strangely, but still asked patiently. “Can you tell me about your daughter’s recent behavior? Why do you suspect she’s faking depression?” I thought carefully and answered honestly about my daughter’s situation. “Rachel has been obedient and studious since childhood. She follows the study plan I set for her every day, and her grades have always been first in her class.” “But this time, in the practice test before the SAT, she ranked seventh. After I slapped her, she ran away from home. When she came back, she had this paper, saying she was depressed.” “I’ve been so good to her. I wake up at four in the morning to make her a nutritious breakfast, and I stay up until midnight studying with her. I’m not depressed, so why should she claim to be?” The doctor saw I was getting emotional and quickly stood up to calm me down. “Dear, you don’t have a daughter!”

What did he mean I didn’t have a daughter? I pushed away the psychologist who had just come over to tell me to calm down. I looked at him in disbelief. “Doctor, what are you talking about? How could I not know whether I have a daughter or not?” I took all the documents out of my bag and slapped them on the desk. “See for yourself whether I have a daughter.” “Sammy is me, Rachel is my daughter.” The doctor picked up the documents and examined them carefully. “Ma’am, don’t get excited. Sit down first. Let me ask you a few questions.” “Are you raising the child alone? Where’s the child’s father?” I froze, not wanting to answer this question. “The child’s father has nothing to do with this.” “You’re a strange doctor. I’m starting to doubt whether you’re actually a psychologist.” I often saw online about patients who would put on a doctor’s white coat and impersonate doctors when the real doctor stepped out. This doctor seemed completely unprofessional. “You just questioned whether I have a daughter. Now I question whether you’re really a psychologist. Take out your credentials and let me see them.” The doctor just looked at me with a smile, offering no explanation and not producing his medical license. I was at my wit’s end, and my daughter was still lying at home refusing to go to school. And here someone was making a fool of me. “What a waste of my time.” I grabbed the documents from the desk and was about to leave. Time waits for no one. I had to find evidence that my daughter was faking depression. After all those years of hard study, the SAT was almost here, yet she refused to take it. I couldn’t accept that. Before leaving, I turned and spat on the floor. “Unscrupulous fraud impersonating a doctor.” He still didn’t speak, just shook something in his hand. I looked closely and saw my daughter’s diagnosis report was still in his hand. I snatched it from him and walked straight out the door. As I walked out, I suddenly thought—he was a fraud, but surely not all the other doctors were out of their offices too. I pushed open another office door. I immediately took out the relevant documents and my daughter’s diagnosis. “Doctor, my name is Sammy. This is my daughter Rachel. She insists she’s depressed. I want to ask you, can you tell if a normal person is faking depression?” The doctor seemed curious about my approach, but still picked up the documents to look at them. “You just said your daughter is depressed and that she’s faking it, right?” “So how did you determine she’s faking depression rather than actually being sick?” How else could I determine? She’s my own child—wouldn’t I know her? “She deliberately talks to herself in the middle of the night, crying one moment and laughing the next.” “Every time she waits until I’m asleep, then deliberately wakes me up. This morning she absolutely refused to go to school.” “Doctor, please write me a note proving she’s faking illness. I’ll take it home and show it to her, tell her to stop pretending and get to school.” The more I talked, the angrier I got. The older kids get, the more disobedient they become. To avoid going to school, she was deliberately faking illness. The doctor pushed up his glasses, carefully examined the diagnosis, then looked at me. “Ma’am, I think you’ve really misunderstood your daughter. She may actually be sick.”

“Impossible. Doctor, I’m certain she’s faking.” I answered decisively. “She just doesn’t want to go to school. Yesterday I discovered she used my phone to search for symptoms of depression.” I handed my phone to the doctor, which showed various symptoms of depression. “Doctor, just write me a note saying she’s faking illness. The SAT is coming up soon—she really can’t afford to miss it.” “Missing class all morning, who knows how much she’s falling behind. Why doesn’t she understand my good intentions?” The grievance and bitterness in my heart made me cry. The doctor kindly handed me a tissue and asked again. “Since you’ve always believed she’s faking, why not just send her directly to school?” “Why do you need proof that she’s faking?” At this point, I really needed to explain this properly to the doctor. “I sent her to school before morning reading today. Who knew she’d throw a tantrum at school, shouting that she had depression.” “Doctor, don’t you think she’s deliberately trying to upset me?” “When the teacher saw her like that, they sent her home with me, telling me to show more concern for my child.” “While I wasn’t paying attention, she ran home first and locked herself in her room. No matter how much I called, she wouldn’t open the door.” The doctor was writing notes, seeming to record something. He looked at me and asked again. “What’s your relationship with your daughter usually like?” Did he really need to ask? I raised my daughter single-handedly—of course we’re close. Seeing the doctor’s serious expression, I could only answer patiently. “My daughter and I eat and sleep together. You tell me if the relationship is good or not.” I couldn’t help complaining internally. This doctor didn’t seem professional either, asking such pointless questions. Growing up in a single-parent family, she’d never seen her father. Besides me, she had no other relatives. I was her everything. And of course, my daughter was my everything too. For her sake, I quit my job to work in her school cafeteria, afraid someone might bully her, and it also let me supervise her to make sure she ate well. Fortunately, my daughter was very successful, always first in her class. She made me look good working in the cafeteria. Every time I served food, I’d give her and her classmates a full scoop of meat, never shaking my hand even once. Which of her classmates didn’t envy her for having such a good mother? Thinking of this, I urged the doctor again. “All I want is that note. Doctor, why do you have so many questions?” By now the first class at school was already over. “Can you write it or not? If not, don’t waste my time.” My impression of this clinic was really bad. Suddenly I thought of something. I asked tentatively. “Doctor, just tell me—how much money do you want to write this note?” I’d been careless, forgetting that’s just how things work nowadays. Something that should be simple—if you don’t pay, they hold you up and won’t help. I took out the last thousand dollars or so from home from my bag and looked at the doctor. “That’s all I have. Name your price.” The doctor looked helpless and put the money back in my bag. “I just want to understand your daughter’s real situation carefully. Don’t misunderstand.” “Let me ask you one more question. Please answer honestly.” “Why does your daughter want to fake depression? Did something else happen between you two?” After asking, the doctor looked at me expectantly. I didn’t want to answer this question. I even felt this doctor was really nosy. “You already said she’s faking it. Can’t you just write a note?” “Or are you not a doctor either?”

Small clinics just weren’t reliable. Patients could randomly impersonate doctors. That one earlier was, and now this one apparently was too. Hearing my question, the doctor laughed and pulled out his work ID from his pocket. “I didn’t expect you to be so alert.” “Look, is the photo on this me? Do you have any other doubts?” I looked carefully. He really was a doctor. I felt a bit embarrassed. “Dr. John, I’m really sorry. Just now there was a patient impersonating a doctor from your clinic.” The doctor waved his hand, not caring at all. “It’s fine. I’m the only doctor here.” “You must answer why your daughter wants to fake depression, otherwise I can’t write this note.” “You don’t want to waste time going to another clinic, do you?” Thinking about it, I felt what Dr. John said made sense. So I told him the reason why my daughter was faking illness. “When I was serving food, I heard her classmate say she had a crush on the new math teacher in her class. When I got home, I interrogated her repeatedly, but she refused to admit it.” “Dr. John, tell me, can she be in a relationship with the SAT coming up? Especially with a teacher! I absolutely won’t allow this to happen.” My emotions were getting worked up again. The doctor timely handed me a glass of water. “Don’t get excited, Rachel’s mom. Continue. What happened next?” I drank the water in one gulp and continued. “Then I secretly monitored her at school and finally caught her walking alone with the math teacher.” “In front of all the students, I scolded her severely, then reported the math teacher to the education department.” “He’s shameless, taking advantage of being a recent college graduate to seduce a female student. He was going to ruin my daughter’s entire life!” The doctor followed up. “Was it after this that you noticed your daughter started faking illness?” I shook my head. No, it wasn’t. “She only started faking yesterday. Before, she was just playing dumb. I caught her spacing out in class a few times, not listening carefully.” “Her grades dropped from first in the class to seventh. This was the last practice test before the SAT. You tell me, wasn’t slapping her face not too much?” The doctor didn’t answer. I continued. “I’d never hit her before. I raised her with care since childhood. Hitting her face hurt my heart too.” “But she actually ran away from home. When she came back, she had this psychological diagnosis in her hand, saying she was depressed.” “Kids these days really can’t take a single word of criticism. At home she’s acting crazy and playing sick, just waiting for me to apologize.” As I spoke, Dr. John kept recording, now filling up an entire page. “Doctor, I’ve told you everything. Can you write the note now?” Another class period wasted. My anxiety grew, and I couldn’t help urging him. “Just write on this paper: diagnosis invalid, this person does not have depression. That’s all.” “Cross out this doctor’s name and write yours. What kind of unethical doctor gave this diagnosis…” Before I finished speaking, I took the note and looked at it carefully. The diagnosing doctor’s name was clearly written as John. “What a coincidence, there are so many people named John…” I didn’t think much of it, simply assuming it was the same name. The doctor had finally finished writing and looked up at me. “Do you really not remember me?” What did he mean? When had I ever met him? “Rachel, you were just here yesterday. Have you forgotten already?” “Wake up, Rachel. Think carefully about who you really are.”

Dr. John waved a pocket watch back and forth in front of my eyes. I grabbed it away and threw it aside. “What? You’re that Dr. John? No wonder you kept asking questions and stalling for time.” “You’re the one who diagnosed my daughter with depression. Now she’s treating that paper like a sacred decree and refusing to go to school.” “I’m blaming you for saying she has depression.” Before he could react, I attacked him directly, scratching at his face with my hands. Asking all sorts of random questions—turned out he was the culprit all along. He must have been the one who taught my daughter to talk to herself at night and deliberately fake illness. “Tell me, are you interested in my daughter too? I’ll show you what it means to be shameless, teaching young girls bad things.” “I’m going to report you, you pervert, molesting patients who come for treatment.” I was absolutely furious. How could there be such a doctor? From the beginning, he’d seen the diagnosis and knew he wrote it himself, yet he kept asking questions, looking shifty—clearly not a good person. I’d already scratched his face, but I still wasn’t satisfied. Pointing at him, I cursed. “You…” As soon as I opened my mouth, he stuffed something in it and tied me to a chair. Was this some kind of illegal clinic? I saw him pick up the pocket watch from the floor again and place it in front of my eyes. “Sleep, sleep. Everything will be fine when you wake up.” In a daze, I really fell asleep. I watched myself first come in and argue with him. I walked out of the office, stood at the door for a bit, then came back in and pushed open his office door again. Could it have been just him all along? In an instant, I woke up. When I awoke, I was lying on the sofa in the office. I stood up abruptly, which made me feel dizzy for a moment. “Rachel, are you okay?” Dr. John actually came forward to support my arm, calling my daughter’s name. And he said he hadn’t been seducing my daughter? What did this mean? Psychologists have some dark arts. My daughter must have fallen under his spell too. I didn’t dare open my eyes or make eye contact with him, afraid I’d be hypnotized again if I wasn’t careful. Supporting myself with his hand, I sat on the sofa. I felt my small cloth bag and my phone inside it. While he was turning around, I immediately dialed the emergency number. “Hello, 911? I want to report something. A psychologist used dark arts to hypnotize my daughter, and now he’s trapped me in his office. Please come quickly.” “I’m at a psychological clinic near AB Middle School. The doctor’s name is John. Please send someone quickly.” I looked at my phone. It was already noon. I’d slept for so long. My daughter had missed class all morning. Who knew how much she’d missed? This damn psychologist. He was actually frowning at me. “Bah.” “I’m telling you, I’ve already called the police. Just wait to face legal consequences.” “My perfectly good child came back from your place depressed, threatening to die at home and faking illness.” If I weren’t afraid he’d knock me out again, I’d want to bite him a couple times to vent my anger. The police arrived quickly. When they came in, they looked at us and asked. “Who called the police?” “Officers, I called. I want to see your badges first.” I was genuinely afraid. Everything felt like a dream. The officers cooperatively showed their police badges. I checked each one before returning them. “Officers, I’m reporting that he used his professional position to brainwash my daughter, making her falsely claim she’s depressed and refuse to go to school.” As I was about to continue, the police interrupted me. “Wait, you said your daughter?” “You look barely of age yourself. Where would you have a daughter?”

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My wife Mira’s first love moved into our house after he got sick. Mira immediately became gentle and attentive, rushing home from work every day to take care of her first love. I urged her to keep her distance from him. But she said, “I just want to make up for past regrets.” I couldn’t win the argument, so I left home heartbroken. That’s when a woman’s figure blocked my path. I looked up in disbelief to see the woman I’d secretly loved for years, supporting herself awkwardly on crutches, yet with tender eyes. Tears instantly filled my eyes. In that moment, I suddenly understood my wife. I couldn’t help but grasp the woman’s hand and say, “Come home with me. Let me take care of you.” “Why are you only getting back now? Hurry up and get inside. Don’t let the cold air blow in—Liam can’t handle the cold.” “Also, Liam is seriously ill. We need to be careful about his diet. I’m making special meals for him, and you should stop eating all that…” Mira, wearing an apron, froze in place. I didn’t have time to pay attention to her as I carefully helped Anna along. “Be careful. I’m replacing this door tomorrow—the threshold is way too high.” Anna didn’t move. She sighed deeply. “Leo, I appreciate the gesture, but me moving into your house really isn’t appropriate.” “I can manage on my own…” Before she could finish, her left leg started trembling noticeably. I quickly let her lean against me, my heart aching. “How can you manage alone?” “Your leg is in this condition—how can I not worry?” Anna still stood stubbornly at the door, refusing to enter. She was being so careful not to make any sudden movements—where was the confident woman she used to be? Seeing her like this, I felt like I couldn’t breathe from the pain. I looked up, following her gaze, and Mira said in a heavy tone: “You want to bring another woman into this house?” “Did you ask for my opinion?” Anna’s leg could barely support her, and she quietly leaned more weight on me. My heart clenched, and I said angrily: “So what if I bring her in?” “She’s disabled. What could she possibly do?” “She’s already in this condition—don’t you have any compassion at all?” Mira let out a cold laugh. “What does a disabled person have to do with me?” “If people find out my husband brought another woman home and is openly making a fool of me, won’t I be completely humiliated?” “No! I don’t agree!” I was about to argue back. That’s when a man’s weak voice called out from inside. “Mira, where did you go? I feel terrible. Come here quickly!” I felt relieved and said sarcastically: “If people find out my wife brought another man home, I wonder if she’ll have her reputation destroyed?” Mira stared at me intently. “How dare you? How dare you slander Liam?” I shot back without hesitation, “Why wouldn’t I dare?” The man inside started moaning softly. Mira panicked, gritting her teeth. “Don’t disturb Liam.” With that, she hurried toward the inner room. I knew this meant she was backing down for Liam’s sake—she’d agreed. I helped Anna inside. Her foot had long since given out. Once in the house, I quickly had her sit on the sofa. She still said quietly: “Leo, I really shouldn’t intrude on your life…” “I just wanted to see you from afar, but I… it’s all my fault…” “I think I shouldn’t drag you down.” A scoff came from the kitchen. “If you know you’re disrupting someone’s marriage, why are you putting on this act?” I ignored Mira and helped Anna position her crutches properly, saying gently: “Don’t mind her. That’s just how she is.” “Just settle in and stay.”

I carried Anna’s things straight into the guest room. Mira shouted, “Stop right there!” “You’re not seriously going to let another woman live with you?” “Letting her into the house is already my biggest compromise. Are you really going to push it even further?” “Absolutely not!” I didn’t stop walking and continued pulling the luggage into the room. Mira rushed over without even rinsing the soap suds off her hands, grabbed my arm, and demanded: “Have you lost your mind?” I shook off her hand and said, confused: “Liam’s body isn’t comfortable. He can only sleep well on a big bed.” “I’ve already given up the master bedroom. Didn’t you say I could do whatever I wanted with the guest room?” When we got married, neither of us particularly cared about the house. But we still wanted our own little life together after marriage, so we bought a small place. The house only had two bedrooms. Liam had already claimed the master bedroom, half crying and half throwing a tantrum. My things in there were looked down upon—Liam felt there was too much stuff and it made him feel suffocated. So I, along with all my belongings, was forced to move into the guest room. Mira hesitated for a moment, seeming to remember that incident. Her tone softened slightly, but she still frowned. “This isn’t about whether you can do whatever you want.” I said, puzzled, “Then what is it about?” “Anna already has mobility issues, and her legs are still recovering. If she doesn’t sleep in this bedroom, where else would she sleep?” Mira’s temper flared again. “But she’s a woman!” Seeing Mira’s face turn completely red, I finally understood a bit—weren’t these all my own lines from before? I sighed. We really should talk this through properly. “Mira, I was wrong.” Mira also backed down. “Good that you understand.” I looked into her eyes sincerely. “I mean, I finally understand how you feel inside.” “Liam is your first love. Now that you see him suffering, your heart aches.” “Today when I saw Anna, I felt the same way. I don’t think I can just ignore her situation.” “How about this—you take care of Liam, I’ll take care of Anna, and we’ll all get along.” “You can fill in your past regrets, and I can fulfill my past self. Win-win.” But Mira blurted out: “Ridiculous! This is absolutely ridiculous!” I said, confused, “Isn’t this perfect? Besides, you were the one who let Liam move in first. If anyone’s being ridiculous, you were ridiculous first!” Mira stood frozen in place, unable to speak for a long time, but her face was still flushed—clearly she hadn’t thought it through yet. Liam made noise in the master bathroom again. “Mira, come quick!” Mira surprisingly didn’t rush in immediately like before. She stood there, quietly studying me. “Leo, are you using this method to blame me?” Liam’s voice inside was getting louder and louder. I didn’t have time to argue with her, so I pushed her along. “What blame? Just go in already. Liam is a patient—if something happens to him, that wouldn’t be good.” Mira finally left, half-pushed. I also breathed a sigh of relief and quickly sped up my organizing. Anna was sensitive. I needed to go keep her company quickly.

Early the next morning, I walked out of the kitchen carrying the breakfast I’d made and ran into Mira, who was just coming out of the master bedroom. She stammered out an explanation. “Liam didn’t sleep well last night. I stayed with him in the second half of the night.” I looked at her oddly. Wasn’t this her daily routine lately? Why was she explaining herself to me? I nodded blandly and was about to walk past her. Just as I lifted my foot, I heard Mira’s delighted voice. “Leo, I knew it. I’m still the most important person to you.” “These pork buns are my favorite.” I swatted away her reaching hand. “What are you doing?” “Doesn’t Liam have a terrible reaction whenever he smells meat?” “This is specially prepared for Anna.” With that, I walked past her without hesitation toward the living room. I loved eating meat, but once Liam moved in, I was stripped of the right to eat meat at home. It even got to the point where after I ate lamb spine hot pot outside and had a bit of the smell on me, he would make a huge fuss. Liam was like he had a tracking device—he could always smell meat on me. He would yell at me, then immediately cover his nose and dramatically go to the bathroom to run the water at full blast. But later I kept seeing him ordering meat snacks online. When I brought it up, Mira just said, “He’s a patient. Why are you arguing with him?” I shook my head, clearing away these unhappy memories. I walked into the living room and saw Anna, who had been happily greeting me, suddenly become cautious again. I turned around and realized Mira had been following me the whole time. “Leo, thank you so much for all you’ve done!” “I’m so useless. If only my legs weren’t injured!” “You stayed up all night watching over me, and now you’re making me breakfast. I really…” Seeing her somewhat guilty expression, I hurried forward to comfort her. “How could that be? I did all this willingly.” “And your legs—you got injured saving that child. Because of you, he survived that traffic accident.” I was about to continue when Mira behind me exploded. “Didn’t we agree I’d sleep in the study and you’d stay in the living room?” “Leo, you actually spent the entire night in the guest room watching over her?” As her words landed, I noticed Anna lower her head. Anger immediately surged through me. “Mira, her leg is uncomfortable. Of course I need to watch over her.” “Isn’t that the same reasoning as you watching over Liam?” Mira froze, instinctively arguing: “It’s not the same…” “How is it not the same!” I cut her off. “I don’t care about you caring for Liam, so don’t care about me caring for Anna.” At those words, Mira instantly fell silent. She stood there, seemingly lost in thought. I didn’t have time to deal with her. I carried the plate over to Anna. “Anna, this is from your favorite place. It’s definitely delicious.” Anna finally broke into a smile. “Thank you, Leo.” But Mira snatched it away. “What do you mean, ‘Leo’?” “What gives you the right to eat what my husband bought?” “What gives you the right to call my husband that?” Anna murmured, “But he is my Leo…” I looked at Mira, exasperated. “What’s wrong with you?” Liam called out again from inside. Mira surprisingly remained unmoved again, her eyes fixed firmly on me, showing no sign of backing down easily. In the tense standoff, Liam walked out with red eyes.

“Mira, didn’t you hear me calling?” “Or do you also think I’m a burden?” “Maybe I should just leave. I’m only dragging you down by being here.” Liam’s red-rimmed eyes—if this were in the past, I definitely would have rolled my eyes. But now, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Mira quickly denied it. “Liam, how could you be a burden?” “I just didn’t hear you. Hold on, I’ll prepare breakfast for you right away.” Mira practically skipped into the kitchen. Watching Mira leave for Liam’s sake, I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that Liam had appeared at just the right time. After breakfast, I faced a new problem. I had to go to work, but I wasn’t comfortable leaving Anna at home with them. Anna seemed to sense my concern and said considerately: “Leo, if you have work, go ahead and take care of it.” “I’ve been on my own before. You know my personality—I can handle basic daily life myself.” I glanced toward the kitchen. Mira happened to come out just then and scoffed. “What do you think I am?” “Am I some kind of villain who would attack a disabled person?” I laughed awkwardly. Was I really doubting my own wife’s character? Although Mira had been emotionally unstable lately, she was undoubtedly a good person. I married her because I valued her inherent kindness. In life, she respected her parents, was loyal to her friends, and before Liam arrived, we’d had a very happy married life. At work, she was consistently voted the students’ favorite teacher year after year. She also regularly donated to charities and did volunteer work. I really shouldn’t doubt her. After thinking it through, I could finally go to work with peace of mind. At the office, I was still somewhat worried. Colleagues noticed my distraction, and some even asked about my situation. Finally counting down the seconds until quitting time, I rushed home. The moment I walked through the door, I saw Anna fallen on the floor, looking completely disheveled. I immediately ran over to check on her condition. But Anna forced herself to say: “I’m fine.” Mira sneered, “Of course she’s fine. She’s just pretending.” “Leo, don’t be fooled by how she looks.” Anna lowered her head, pressed her lips together, and her eyes reddened. “Leo, I’m such a burden. All I do in this house is annoy people. You should just let me leave.” That phrase sounded somewhat familiar. Before I could remember where I’d heard it, Mira immediately agreed. “I think she’s right. She’s way too much trouble here. Let her go.” Rage instantly filled me, and I was about to start an argument when I caught sight of Anna’s reddened eyes in my peripheral vision. Almost immediately, I calmed down. Actually, thinking about it carefully, my marriage with Mira was already in name only. Maybe separating would be better. Anna had injured both legs. If she stayed in this house, I didn’t dare imagine what harm she might suffer when I wasn’t around. Leaving truly was the best choice. I nodded. “You’re right.” Mira said happily, “I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.” I looked at her seriously. “Our current situation really does call for separation.” “Mira, let’s get divorced.” Mira said in disbelief, “Leo, what are you saying? Are you divorcing me for a woman with crippled legs?”

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Before the wedding, my sister Serena eloped with her true love. Her mafia boss fiancé, Victor Ashford, placed the wedding ring on my finger instead. After we married, this cold-blooded mafia lord spoiled me rotten. Until three years later, when Serena came back with cancer. Everyone urged me to divorce Victor and give him back to Serena. Victor frowned and pleaded with me: “Serena was deceived by that scumbag, and now she has cancer. She’s pitiful. I want to give her a wedding and accompany her through her final journey.” I agreed. I watched them have their grand wedding, their honeymoon… It wasn’t until I got pregnant that I discovered my marriage certificate with Victor was fake. Serena was Victor’s real wife all along. When he returned from his honeymoon, I didn’t cause any drama—because I had already quietly married his mortal enemy, another mob boss. I pushed the marriage certificate back across the counter. “That’s impossible. Is there something wrong with the system? Please check again!” The clerk at City Hall said coldly: “Ms. Langley, no matter how many times I check, the result will be the same. According to our records, Mr. Victor Ashford’s legal wife is Serena Langley. They registered one month ago. You are unmarried.” The slap of those words stung like fire across my face. I instinctively pressed my hand to my lower belly. I was pregnant. Just yesterday, Victor had pressed his face against my stomach and said, “I hope it’s a girl.” I hailed a cab and went straight to his private penthouse. When my fingertip hovered over the biometric scanner, I suddenly realized something laughable—after three years of marriage, I didn’t even have access to his private residence. “Mrs. Ashford!” His assistant rushed up behind me, panicked. “Mr. Ashford is in an important meeting…” “Swipe the card,” I heard my own icy voice say. “I’ll wait for him upstairs.” Pressured by my insistence, the assistant swiped his card. The moment the door opened, cold air mixed with heavy perfume hit me in the face. I looked up and caught two intertwined silhouettes against the frosted glass of the floor-to-ceiling windows. I froze in the doorway. Serena’s sickly voice drilled into my ears: “Victor, if you let me stay here to recover, and my sister finds out…” She covered her mouth and coughed twice, but her eyes darted toward the doorway with a hint of provocation. “She’s been spoiled by the family since she was little. If she finds out you’ve been in love with me all along… I’m afraid she won’t be able to handle it.” I took a step back. Just last night, Victor had held me in his arms and said he loved me… Then I heard Victor cradle her face tenderly: “Alright, let’s not talk about her. Have you taken your medicine?” I turned and walked away in silence. The assistant rushed after me: “Mrs. Ashford, why are you—” I ignored him and stepped quietly into the elevator.

When I got home, I started packing my things. While sorting through a drawer, I found a photo album. My fingers touched a hardcover album. I opened the first page, and my breath stopped. Serena at eighteen, her white dress flowing in the wind. Serena at twenty, smiling brightly under her graduation cap. Serena at twenty-five, standing by the ocean, her long hair dancing in the breeze. On the back of the last photo was a line written in sharp handwriting: “My darling, it’s been three years. You’ve finally come back.” … I cried and cried, until suddenly I laughed. So all this time, he had been looking at her photos in corners I never knew about. When my parents and brother begged him to marry Serena, his slight trembling wasn’t because he felt it was unfair to me—it was excitement? On their wedding day, when he held the bride’s face with tears in his eyes, it was because his wish had finally come true? And I—I was foolish enough to believe he was my salvation. I closed the album and put it back where I found it. My stomach suddenly churned. I rushed to the bathroom and dry-heaved. When I looked up, I saw my own pale face in the mirror. I finally remembered why, on the day Victor and I got our marriage certificate, the clerk had been unusually nervous around him. And why the certificate wasn’t printed in front of us… If he never loved me, why did he marry me?

The sound of the door unlocking startled me awake. “Emma?” Victor walked in with his suit jacket draped over his arm. “Why are you sitting in the dark?” “I happened to pass by a bakery and got you some macarons you like.” I looked at the pretty pastries, but my eyes were glued to his shirt collar. That lipstick mark was like a taunt, red as blood. When I took the box, I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “What’s funny?” Victor asked. “Nothing. I just feel… completely unnecessary right now.” He frowned, about to say something, when his phone lit up. I didn’t know when it happened, but his phone wallpaper had been changed to a photo of Serena. But that wasn’t me. My hand trembled, and the pastries dropped to the floor. Victor quickly turned off his phone. He thought I hadn’t noticed. Then he asked: “My assistant said you went to my penthouse today?” I didn’t answer. He continued, “That’s where I work. It’s dangerous. I’ve told you before—don’t go there. Also, Serena is moving into our house the day after tomorrow.” I smiled bitterly. I had actually believed he would feel guilty. “The master bedroom is spacious. It’s better for her recovery.” He adjusted his cufflinks, his tone casual. “You can move to the guest room for now.” When I didn’t respond, he took my silence as agreement. “Also, there’s a charity gala next week. I’m auctioning off a few pieces. I’ll send you the list later.” “But Serena wants to go. She also said she wants to wear one of your dresses…” “Give her everything,” I interrupted, forcing a smile. “Sick people get priority.” His expression stiffened for a moment. Then he relaxed, relieved, and leaned in to kiss me. I turned my head away. The kiss landed on empty air. “Emma.” He sighed in frustration. “Are you still upset?” “Everything I’ve done has been for you.” He rubbed his temples. “Do you want to watch your family cut ties with you?” “Shouldn’t you appreciate my sacrifice?” What a sacrifice indeed. Was it sacrificing the chance to get a real marriage certificate with his first love? Or sacrificing a night of passion with her in the penthouse? “Yes,” I heard my own numb reply. “You’re right.” Those three words pleased him. His expression softened, and he turned and headed for the bathroom. As the water ran, his phone lit up again. I stared at the glowing screen and, almost without thinking, reached for it. Serena’s messages popped up one after another: [Victor, my last wish is to take a honeymoon trip around the world with you] [Look, I planned the whole itinerary myself~] I opened the file she sent and flipped through it page by page. A yacht off the Greek coast. Skiing beneath the Swiss Alps. The Northern Lights in the Arctic. All the places he had once promised to take me—but never did. So all these years, I was just a cheap stand-in. Every time he looked at me, every time he pressed me into the bed, he was probably thinking of Serena. I suddenly remembered our rushed “wedding.” I had been wearing a bridesmaid dress when he pulled me to the church. I wore the ring that should have been Serena’s. We didn’t even have a honeymoon. He had sworn he would give me a proper ceremony someday. That promise came up again and again—but he always put it off. And now, he was willing to set aside everything in his organization to take Serena on a honeymoon. When Victor came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, I was cleaning up the kitchen. “Emma!” He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. “Let the maid handle this. Didn’t you text me today saying you had a big surprise for me?” I forced a smile and instinctively touched my belly. “I was just kidding.”

The next day, a notification on my phone reminded me I was supposed to attend a dinner at the Ashford estate. I put on light makeup to hide the exhaustion of a sleepless night. I was about to push open the door when I froze. In the seat that should have been mine—sat Serena. She was wearing the dress Victor had personally designed for me. Her hair was pinned up, and she was sipping soup that Victor had handed to her. “Serena, you need to eat more. Build up your strength.” Seeing this, I wanted to leave. “Emma?” Serena suddenly looked up, feigning surprise. “Come sit down!” Everyone’s eyes shot toward me like arrows. Victor strode over and grabbed my wrist. “What are you doing here?” “I shouldn’t be here?” I asked, almost laughing. “My parents think we’re already divorced…” he said. I stood frozen. So everyone had already decided that Serena was the real wife. At this point, there was no reason for me to stay. “I’m not feeling well. I want to go home and rest.” “No.” His grip tightened. “Serena invited you to sit down. You need to give her some respect.” “Victor!” My voice trembled. “Emma!” He cut me off sharply, his gaze cold, as if looking at a stranger throwing a tantrum. “You showed up here out of nowhere just to compete with Serena for attention, didn’t you?” My eyes instantly turned red. At the other end of the table, Serena suddenly erupted into a violent coughing fit, as if she might suffocate any second. Victor let go of my hand without hesitation and rushed to her side, not even glancing at me as I stumbled. Serena spoke weakly: “Emma… are you still mad at me? If you leave now, it means you won’t forgive me.” Victor’s expression darkened. “Emma. Sit down.” I didn’t move. With one look from him, two housekeepers stepped forward, each pressing down on one of my shoulders, forcing me into a chair. Victor said coldly, “Don’t make this uncomfortable for everyone.” I let them hold me in place. I couldn’t even feel the pain anymore. The man, satisfied that I wasn’t resisting, gave my hand a brief squeeze, then returned to Serena’s side and continued to care for her attentively. Meanwhile, I sat like an outsider, shoved into the farthest corner. Some relatives whispered and snickered: “Some people sit in a position for three years, and still can’t compare to someone who’s been back for three days.” “Serena is so sweet and elegant. Unlike some people, always looking so cold…” I endured every word. When the dinner finally ended, I stood to say goodbye to his parents. His mother gave me a dismissive nod. “I heard you’ve been spending every night at bars. If Serena hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known you were so loose.” My blood ran cold. This baseless accusation—so this was Serena’s farewell gift to me.

When I walked out of the Ashford mansion, the night wind was freezing. Every other time I came here, I arrived with Victor. This time, I came alone—and I left alone. My phone suddenly buzzed with a notification: [Mob Boss’s Wife Dumped—Sister Takes Her Place] The photo was from their wedding day, showing my back as I was seated at the staff table. The comments were full of mockery: “Heard she hooks up with male models at clubs every night. She deserved to be divorced. Mr. Ashford not putting a bullet in her is already merciful.” “Three years of marriage and not a single kid? Guess he didn’t even want to touch her.” “LOL, the stand-in finally got kicked out!” I calmly turned off the screen. I remembered that three years ago, when Serena’s scandal first hit the headlines, Victor summoned his PR team overnight. Every negative article vanished within three hours. But now, as lies about me flooded the internet, he didn’t care at all. The moment I reached my door, my phone buzzed nonstop. Mom: [Serena wants a family photo. Get to the studio now.] Dad: [Don’t be difficult. She doesn’t have much time left!] My brother Derek: [If you don’t show up, don’t bother calling me your brother anymore!] I sighed. Serena and I were half-sisters. She was raised by my mother. Even though I was her biological daughter, I could never replace Serena in Mom’s heart. Serena was right. I never liked sharing anything, ever since I was little. Because they didn’t know—everything they got handed to them, I had to claw out of the dirt to earn. My parents would give them allowances and forget about me. Even the housekeeper couldn’t remember I was allergic to mango. Her desserts nearly killed me more than once. On my wedding day, my mother cried and said, “If Serena hadn’t been tricked into going abroad, she would have been the bride today.” And now, they wanted me—the one whose husband had been stolen—to stand in a family photo, smiling and playing happy. My phone buzzed again. This time it was Victor. He sent me a location: “Get here. Now.” I laughed coldly and turned off my phone. This time, I wasn’t going to please anyone. Just as I was about to go inside, two strangers rushed out. They grabbed me by the arms, one on each side. “What are you doing?” I struggled hard. “Let me go!” A black sedan sped through the night. I gripped the door handle. Kidnapping? Revenge? Or… The car screeched to a stop outside a photography studio. That’s when I realized—Victor had me brought here. I was shoved inside, trembling with cold. Serena stood in a white wedding gown, leaning against Victor. “Emma! You’re here?” She smiled sweetly. “Come stand next to me, okay?” My brother Derek grabbed me hard, afraid I’d make a scene. “She can stand next to me. Today’s about you!” As the photographer adjusted our positions, I was slowly pushed to the edge. When the photo was finally done, I turned to leave, shaking. Serena suddenly walked toward me and whispered in my ear: “I stole your husband, Emma. Why won’t you hit me?” I knew she was baiting me. Back at home, she used to provoke me over and over, waiting for me to snap so she could play the fragile victim. But this time, I didn’t move. It wasn’t worth it. I turned to leave—and she suddenly fell backward. The sound of tearing fabric filled the room. Everyone rushed to her side. “Emma!” Victor was the first to reach me. He slapped me hard across the face, knocking me to the ground. “Apologize!” My ears rang. The fall was too violent. A sharp pain shot through my lower abdomen. “Victor…” I suddenly realized something was wrong. I doubled over, clutching my stomach. “My stomach hurts. Take me to the hospital…” Inside me was the baby I had been hoping for for two years… “One slap and you’re faking sick?” Victor sneered. “Serena has terminal cancer, and she’s not as dramatic as you.” “Emma, you’ve always been like this—so theatrical,” my mother glared at me. “Serena doesn’t have much time. Can’t you just let her have this?” My brother grabbed me by the hair and forced my head up. “Someone slaps your face and you grab your stomach? Who are you putting on a show for?” They crowded around Serena and left. No one looked back at me. I curled up on the studio floor. Blood stained my phone screen. I finally dialed a number I had buried long ago: “Come get me now. Everything you asked for… I’ll agree to all of it.”

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After becoming a top-tier lawyer, my ex-boyfriend personally threw me into a club to work as a bunny girl. He made me kneel to open bottles, poured red wine over my head, and called it payback for his new lover. I clutched the money I’d sold myself for and begged him to leave my brother alone. He simply stuffed the bills down my top. “A slut like you is filthy all over.” Then the truth came out. The woman he cherished had only wanted his money all along. Later, panicked, he searched for me frantically in a burning building. But I was already holding another man’s hand. I walked up and slapped an astronomical check across his face. “Get out of our lives, Gavin.” Caroline POV My ex-boyfriend became a top-tier lawyer, and the first thing he did was try to send my brother to prison. A medical injury report slammed heavily onto the table. “Grade Two severe injury-that’s a felony. At least three years in prison.” The man’s voice was ice-cold and cutting. “Caroline, unless you publicly apologize to Ruby online and pay fifty thousand dollars in compensation, don’t even think about negotiating.” I stared at the old watch on Gavin’s wrist-the one I’d given him three years ago when I was still the family heir. Back then, he said he’d love me forever. Now, he was destroying me for that woman who faked a suicide attempt to frame me. “Mr. Gavin, the surveillance footage was edited. Sam threw the first punch…” “I only look at evidence.” Gavin cut me off, his tone dripping with disgust. “Tomorrow morning at nine, if I don’t see the money and apology letter, Jason can wait to be prosecuted.” With that, he turned and left. I stood frozen, ice flooding my veins. The police officer advised me to gather the money quickly, stating bluntly that Gavin was firm in his stance and his connections in the legal world ran too deep-a clean settlement would be nearly impossible. Fifty thousand dollars was an astronomical sum for me now. But for my brother, I had no choice. Walking out of the police station, I immediately dialed the club manager’s number. “I’ll take that VIP room tonight.” “Changed your mind?” The manager’s voice carried a hint of mockery. “VIP clients are high-status. Whatever happens, you take it. If you dare show attitude, even I can’t protect you.” “I understand.” I looked at the pitch-black night outside the window, my knuckles white as I gripped the phone. “As long as the money’s right, I’ll do whatever it takes.” Half an hour later, in the club’s dressing room. I changed into a bunny girl outfit that left almost nothing to the imagination. The woman in the mirror wore heavy makeup, but her eyes looked like stagnant water. The manager pushed the door open and looked me up and down, nodding with satisfaction. “Get in there. Be smart.” I tugged at the corner of my mouth, forcing out a smile I’d practiced countless times.

Caroline POV I pushed the drink cart into the private room. The laughter and conversation stopped abruptly. Everyone in the room was familiar. “Isn’t this our old school’s prom queen Caroline?” Ruby covered her mouth in mock surprise. “Why are you dressed like that? I thought I was seeing things.” A burst of laughter erupted around the room. “It really is Caroline! She was like a princess at school. How’d she end up selling drinks?” “That’s what they call karma. She used to be a princess, now she’s just trash.” I kept my head down, my fingers digging into the cart’s handle. I forced myself to maintain that stiff smile. “Bosses, would you like me to open some bottles?” “Open them, of course.” Ruby leaned lazily against the sofa, raising her hand to run her fingers through her hair. An enormous diamond ring on her ring finger glittered brilliantly under the lights. “Gavin specifically bid on this at the Sotheby’s auction to celebrate my foundation’s establishment.” Pride flickered in Ruby’s eyes. “A few million dollar trinket-I told him not to buy it, but he insisted.” “Gavin really spoils you rotten, Ruby.” “Exactly. Only someone with Ruby’s class could pull off wearing it.” I felt that gleam pierce my eyes painfully. I unconsciously touched the plain gold ring in my pocket. Years ago, in our rental apartment, Gavin had bought it with money from his part-time job and proposed to me. He’d said, “Caroline, I’ll definitely get you a bigger one someday.” “What are you spacing out for?” A male classmate pointed at several bottles of Louis XIII on the floor. “Open all of these. And remember, we want kneeling service.” I took a deep breath and slowly knelt down. My knees hit the marble floor with a sharp stab of pain. Just then, the private room door opened again. Gavin walked in. The air in the room seemed to freeze several degrees. I knelt on the floor, my line of sight level with his dress pants. My whole body stiffened. I even forgot to breathe. Gavin’s gaze swept lightly over me kneeling on the floor, not pausing for even a second, as if I were invisible. He walked over and sat beside Ruby, who immediately hooked her arm through his. “What took you so long?” “Had something to handle.” Gavin’s voice was gentle but distant. “Caroline’s opening bottles for us.” Ruby pointed at the floor. Gavin didn’t even turn his head. “As long as she doesn’t kill the mood.” The guy beside me, emboldened by alcohol, let his hand wander toward my waist. I instinctively dodged, and the decanter in my hand tilted. Red wine spilled out, spattering a few drops on the hem of Ruby’s white evening gown. “What are you doing!” Ruby shrieked, jumping to her feet. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” I frantically tried to wipe it. Hearing the commotion, the manager burst in. Without asking questions, he slapped me across the face and pressed my head down, forcing me to apologize. “Apologize to Miss Ruby right now!” My face snapped to the side from the blow, my ears ringing. Before I could speak, I saw a slender hand reach over. Gavin held a handkerchief, his movements gentle as he wiped the wine stains from Ruby’s dress hem. Meanwhile, he didn’t spare a single glance at me kneeling on the floor with a swollen red cheek. “The dress is ruined, can’t wear it now.” Gavin said flatly, casually tossing the handkerchief in front of me. “Throw it away.” The handkerchief floated down lightly, landing beside my knee. I stared at that handkerchief, my eyes burning dry, unable to produce a single tear. I silently picked up the handkerchief and, still on my knees, moved inch by inch across the floor, wiping the wine stains from the carpet. The wine soaked through the hem of my uniform. No one told me to stop. Not until the party ended. I limped out the back door. In the dark alley, a tall figure blocked my path. Gavin leaned against his car, a cigarette between his fingers, the flame illuminating his cold, hard profile. “Fifty thousand dollars. Got it together yet?” Money-that was his opening line. I leaned against the wall, fighting through the pain in my knees. “Gavin, haven’t you ever suspected that what happened back then was Ruby putting on an act? And today, Sam was the one who started-” “Enough.” Gavin cut me off with disgust, throwing his cigarette to the ground and crushing it under his foot. “Caroline, three years and you still haven’t changed. Nothing but lies.” He stepped forward, staring into my eyes. “Your current situation is entirely your own doing.” With that, he opened his car door and drove off into the night. I stood there, watching his taillights disappear into the darkness. In front of this man, even my breathing was wrong. When I got back to the apartment, it was already two in the morning. Jason was still awake, watching me with dark, sinister eyes. “Jason, let me put medicine on your wounds…” I pulled out the ointment I’d bought. “Get lost!” Jason shoved me away, pointing at my revealing outfit, his voice shrill. “Where did you go dressed like that? To see Gavin again?” “I was working.” “Working? What job needs that?” Jason smashed the water glass on the table violently. “Caroline, you’re a spineless bootlicker groveling to our enemy! You got our parents killed, and now you want me dead too!” Shards of glass flew, one slicing cleanly across my calf. I looked at the broken pieces scattered on the floor. Silently, I crouched down and picked up the shards one by one, not offering a single word of defense.

Caroline POV In the club’s break room, a talk show played on TV. On screen, Ruby’s eyes brimmed with tears. “That bullying incident three years ago gave me severe depression. If Gavin hadn’t been by my side the whole time, I might have already…” She held up a doctor’s diagnosis, showing it to the camera. I sat in the corner eating a cold sandwich and glanced up at the screen. That date. Ruby had been partying all night at a karaoke bar and posted a nine-photo grid on Instagram. “Miss Ruby is beautiful inside and out. That person who bullied her deserves to die.” A coworker beside me sighed. “It’s fake.” I swallowed the dry bread and said flatly. “What’s your problem?” The coworker rolled her eyes. “She showed the diagnosis on camera. You’re just jealous of her good fortune.” I said nothing more. In this world where capital controls the narrative, truth is the cheapest commodity. All I could do was make money. Tonight’s private room hosted a billionaire. William was famously wealthy, generous with money, and known for playing rough. When I entered, Gavin was there too. He’d come to negotiate business, sitting across from William with a very humble posture. Seeing me enter, Gavin’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. I looked straight ahead and walked directly to William’s side, skillfully pouring drinks, my body brushing against him intentionally or not. “Master William, this glass is for you.” My voice was soft and seductive as I tilted my head back and downed a glass of hard liquor in one gulp. William watched me with interest, his gaze roaming over the exposed skin at my neckline. “That tolerance-you’ve practiced?” “As long as it makes Master William happy.” I smiled and reached to pour another drink. A hand suddenly cut in, pressing down on the bottle. Gavin’s face was like ice, his voice cold enough to shatter. “William, she’s not worthy of toasting you. Don’t let her dirty your glass.” William raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting between me and Gavin, then he suddenly laughed. He pulled me into his embrace with one arm. With his other hand, he pulled out a thick stack of bills and stuffed them into my neckline. The green bills pressed against my skin with a temperature of humiliation. “I like the thorny ones.” William looked at Gavin provocatively. “Does Lawyer Gavin control this too? What, feeling protective?” Gavin stared at William’s hand on my waist, dark storms churning in his eyes. “Master William misunderstands.” He shot to his feet. “My fiancée doesn’t like me dining at the same table as this kind of person. Says it’s disgusting.” With that, he gave me one cold look. “Call it a night.” The gathering ended unpleasantly. I leaned against the wall, head down, organizing the bills in my neckline. Gavin emerged from the private room and saw this scene. His steps halted. “You’ve gotten quite practiced at earning this kind of money.” He walked up to me, his tone full of mockery. “You really are cheap to the bone. You’ll sell anything for money.” My hands paused while counting the bills. I raised my head and looked at him calmly. “I earn money through honest work. That’s cleaner than lying and framing people to climb up. And cleaner than certain blind, heartless people.” “Caroline!” Gavin’s expression changed dramatically as he grabbed my chin. “Still slandering Ruby? Seems yesterday’s lesson wasn’t enough.” He leaned closer, his eyes sinister. “Watch your mouth, or I’ll make sure you can’t stay in this city.” With that, he released me in disgust, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his hands as if he’d touched something filthy. I watched his retreating back, clutching the bills tightly. Three thousand dollars total. Enough for Jason’s living expenses. Just then, my phone rang. I answered, and an anxious doctor’s voice came through. “Is this Jason’s family? Your brother’s right hand has tissue necrosis from a medication reaction. He needs surgery now.” A dull buzz filled my ears. “How much will it cost?” “Surgery and follow-up treatment will cost one hundred thousand dollars. If we don’t operate immediately, his right hand will be permanently damaged.” One hundred thousand. The money in my hands fluttered to the ground. The voice on the phone kept urging. “Family needs to come pay and sign as soon as possible. Any later and it’ll be too late!”

Caroline POV When Jason woke up, the anesthesia had just worn off. Seeing me sitting by the bed, hostility flooded those eyes so similar to mine. His uninjured left hand grabbed the pillow and hurled it at me. “Get out! Stop pretending to care!” The pillow hit me with little force, yet it made my chest tighten painfully. I didn’t dodge. I bent to pick up the pillow, trying to hold down his thrashing shoulders. “Don’t move. The bone was just set.” “Don’t tell me what to do!” Veins bulged in Jason’s neck. “Didn’t you go drink with those rich people? Why bother with a burden like me? Get lost!” My hand froze in midair, my eyes reddening. “Jason, do you think I want to?” I pressed down firmly on my brother’s shoulders, my voice trembling. “Why did you go to that place to be a drug trial subject? Do you know how dangerous those clinical trials are? Do you want to destroy yourself that badly?” Jason froze for a moment, then laughed coldly. “Destroy myself? I’m already worthless.” He turned his head away, refusing to look at me. “At least I’m better than some people. Selling smiles to enemies for money, no dignity left. Yeah, I’m rotten, but I don’t need someone who sells her body to manage me.” “You…” My face went deathly pale, as if all the blood had been drained from my body. “That’s enough!” Harry, who’d been standing at the door, rushed in and shoved Jason. “Jason, are you even human? Your sister almost died getting money for your surgery!” “Harry, shut up!” Jason yelled. “I won’t shut up!” Harry’s eyes were red as he pointed at me. “Caroline, don’t listen to his nonsense. This kid became a trial subject because he overheard you on the balcony that day talking about selling your blood plasma. He said he didn’t want you selling your life, wanted to share the burden.” Jason bit down hard, turning his head away as tears slid down his face. I leaned against the wall, covering my mouth to keep from crying out loud. We’d both been trying to give each other a way out, only to crash and burn. The misunderstanding was cleared, but reality hadn’t changed. A nurse pushed the door open and slapped an overdue payment notice on the table without expression. “Surgery still needs one hundred thousand. Pay by tomorrow or the surgery’s canceled.” I wiped my face and turned to leave the room. “Don’t go!” Jason called after me, his voice breaking. My steps paused. I didn’t look back. “Wait for me.” … The manager’s office. “Advance on salary? Impossible.” The manager crossed his legs. “You’ve been here how many days? Rules are rules.” I stood before the desk, spine straight. “I have an emergency.” “Who doesn’t have emergencies here?” The manager scoffed, flicking cigarette ash. “There is a big job tonight though. No one dares take it. If you’re willing to go all out, forget one hundred thousand-two hundred thousand is possible.” “What job?” “Gavin’s grandmother threw her ring into the ornamental pond. Whoever retrieves it gets a hundred thousand dollar tip.” Dead of winter. Temperature below freezing. A layer of broken ice floated on the pond’s surface. Without any hesitation, I took the liability waiver from the desk and signed my name. “I’ll take it.” … The central courtyard garden. Bitter wind howling. Gavin’s grandmother sat by a heater, holding hot tea. Gavin stood in the shadows, cigarette between his fingers, expression unreadable. Seeing me approach, Gavin’s grandmother’s eyes flashed with satisfaction. “Isn’t this that family’s precious daughter?” She pointed at the pond before her, voice shrill. “Years ago when I was a housekeeper at your house, I accidentally lost a brooch and your mother locked me in the basement all night. Today you get a taste of that.” I said nothing. I removed my shoes and socks, rolled up my pants. Those feet, once fair and delicate, were now covered with frostbite and scars. I took a deep breath and stepped into the bone-chilling ice water. The cold was like countless steel needles piercing my marrow. With each step, the broken ice on the surface sliced across my skin, leaving bloody marks. I gritted my teeth, bent over, and plunged my hands into the mud to search. Cold. Cold to the bone. In less than five minutes, both legs had lost all feeling. On the shore, Gavin’s grandmother pulled out her phone and started recording. Gavin remained in the shadows, motionless. Half an hour later, my fingers were frozen purple and stiff. Finally, my fingertips touched something hard. Trembling, I pulled it up. The ring. I dragged my nearly useless legs to shore, soaked to the bone. I held the ring out with both hands to Gavin’s grandmother. “Ma’am, I found the ring.” Gavin’s grandmother glanced at the mud-covered ring and waved her hand in disgust, knocking it away. “Disgusting. Who’d want that now?” The ring rolled across the ground with a crisp sound. I froze, teeth chattering. “Then… the tip…” “Tip?” Gavin’s grandmother acted like she’d heard the funniest joke. “You chose to go in there yourself. Did I force you? And you still want money?” I knelt on the ground, my whole body shaking uncontrollably. I raised my head, looking toward the man in the shadows. “Gavin…” Gavin crushed his cigarette and walked over. He looked down at my wretched state, pulled a check from his pocket, and let it flutter onto my face. “Buy some medicine. Stop embarrassing yourself here.” The check slid down. The amount was only twenty thousand. Not even close to what I needed. I picked up that check. My legs had lost all feeling. I collapsed completely to the ground. But I didn’t shed a single tear.

Caroline POV Hospital corridor. The lights shone on my face, unable to illuminate any trace of color. Gavin appeared at the end of the corridor with his assistant. “I can pay for Jason’s surgery.” Gavin stopped in front of me, tone businesslike. “And I can drop the criminal charges against him.” I raised my head, eyes filled with desolation. “What are the conditions?” This man never made a losing deal. Gavin pulled out a document and handed it to me. “Tomorrow night, Ruby is hosting a charity gala against cyberbullying. I want you to attend and publicly apologize.” I opened the document, my fingertips trembling. The agreement stated I must admit that I had slandered Ruby out of jealousy by claiming she faked her suicide attempt, and confess that I had bullied Ruby for an entire year. “I didn’t do those things.” I closed the document, voice hoarse. “Black can’t become white.” “Is that so?” Gavin laughed coldly, pulling out an injury assessment. “If Jason’s right hand doesn’t get surgery immediately and the nerves die, he’ll never pick up a paintbrush again for the rest of his life.” He paused, delivering another blow. “Also, Jason must appear on camera to apologize too.” My head snapped up, staring at him. “He just had surgery! You want to force someone who just came out of the operating room to apologize to a fraud?” “This is the justice you and he owe Ruby.” Gavin adjusted his cuffs, expression indifferent. “Besides, having a brother who just had surgery appear on camera makes the apology seem more sincere, doesn’t it?” In that instant, I felt utterly hopeless. I looked at this man I’d once loved so deeply. The one who used to warm my hands in his pockets during winter. The one who’d promised to protect me forever. That boy died three years ago. Standing before me now was just a demon in human skin. “Fine.” I took the pen and signed my name on the agreement. … Jason was wheeled into the operating room. I sat on the bench outside, waiting. While they operated, I opened an app to check flight prices. I was planning to leave this place. Go south to find a small coastal town where no one knew me, open a bed and breakfast. Leave everything here behind and start a new life. But I still needed to figure out how to resolve my brother’s case.

Caroline POV The wind on the rooftop was fierce, giving me a headache. I leaned against the railing, looking at the traffic below. “Caroline!” Harry ran up breathlessly, clutching a USB drive in his hand. “Got it!” He rushed over and pressed the drive into my palm. “I bribed the property manager at Sam’s apartment complex. This is the complete surveillance footage from that day!” My hand trembled, nearly dropping it. “Look!” Harry pulled out his phone and plugged in a card reader. The screen showed clear footage. Sam had been the one to surround Jason with his friends, pointing at my photo and calling me a whore. When Jason tried to leave, Sam pushed him to the ground and they kicked him while he was down. Jason only grabbed a brick in self-defense when he was cornered against the wall with no way out. This was self-defense, absolutely not intentional assault. I stared at the screen, tears finally streaming down my face. This was Jason’s innocence. His future. With this, Gavin’s accusations were worthless. … Just then, a news alert pushed to my phone screen. Ruby’s PR team had issued an announcement: “Tomorrow night’s charity gala will feature bully Caroline’s confession, serving as a warning about the dangers of cyberbullying.” Immediately after, Gavin reposted the tweet. Caption: “Justice may be delayed, but it will not be denied.” The comments exploded. “Ruby is too kind. That person should be in prison!” “Can’t wait to see that evil woman Caroline apologize tomorrow!” “Lawyer Gavin is so hot, what a devoted protector!” My hand shook. I closed the phone. … In the hospital room. When Jason learned I was going to apologize on livestream, he got so agitated he nearly pulled out his IV. “I’m not afraid of prison! You can’t go!” He banged his casted hand against the bed rail. “That bastard Gavin will ruin you for life! We don’t need him. Worst case, we all go down together!” “Jason.” I held him down, my expression gentle but resolute. “This is the last time.” I tucked the blanket around my brother, saying softly, “After tomorrow night, we leave this place. Head south. Never come back.” “But-” “Trust me.” I looked into my brother’s eyes. “I will never truly bow my head.” When I left the hospital, Lulu sent me an audio file and a technical analysis report. Lulu was my old college roommate, now an audio expert. Lulu: Caroline, the audio restoration is done. Listen to this. Then came an audio file and a technical analysis report. I put on my earphones and hit play. Three years ago, the muffled audio from Ruby’s suicide note became perfectly clear after enhancement. Ruby, supposedly slitting her wrists, spoke with eerie calm. “Adjust the blood pack. Make it look convincingly brutal. Gavin likes that.” Then the makeup artist: “Is this angle good, Miss Ruby?” “Perfect. Toss the blade far away. Don’t get caught.” I stood on the sidewalk hearing the recording. My whole body shook uncontrollably. Three years of buried injustice had found its release. Gavin. Ruby. You two will pay for this.

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My sister Jade is extremely appearance-obsessed. She hates anyone ugly. In my past life, she fell ill and desperately needed me to gain weight and donate bone marrow to save her. So I ate my way to gaining 30 pounds without hesitation. But after I saved her, she mocked me to her friends. “Ava looks like a fat pig. She’s disgusting!” She even turned my photos into memes for people online to mock, which drove me to depression. Until a murderer broke into the hospital. I begged her for help, but she said coldly: “Fat pig, being near you will just make me ugly too. You’re on your own!” And just like that, I died a brutal death. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day my family demanded I gain weight to save Jade. Looking at the frail girl in the hospital bed, I smiled and threw her words right back at her. “No way! Aren’t you appearance-obsessed? My bone marrow will only make you ugly. You’re on your own.” “Ava, are you deaf?” “Hurry up and gain weight to donate bone marrow to Jade! If anything happens to her, you’re dead!” My parents’ sinister voices rang in my ears. That’s when I realized I’d been reborn. In my past life. To save Jade, I forced myself to gain thirty pounds, transforming from a slender girl into a bloated mess. But instead of gratitude, I got her and her friends’ relentless mockery. She even deliberately led the murderer to my hospital room. “Ava, you’re so ugly and fat. You living just disgusts me. You might as well just die!” After saying this, the girl hid in the corner. She watched coldly as the murderer stabbed me to death. After I died, not one of them shed a tear. Instead, they cursed me for being unlucky. Thinking of all this. Rage surged through me, suffocating me! Coming back to my senses, I met my parents’ hypocritical eyes and smiled. “Mom, Dad, Jade is appearance-obsessed. She hates anything ugly. If you make me donate bone marrow, do you want her to become as ugly as me?” My mother, Rachel, froze for several seconds before shouting: “Appearance-obsessed? Ava, what nonsense are you making up!” “Jade is your real sister! Can you really bear to watch her die? You selfish, ungrateful brat! I raised you for nothing!” My father, David, also turned red with anger, grabbing my hair and ordering: “Jade is our precious daughter. You have to save her!” I shook off David’s hand. And asked bitterly: “She’s your precious daughter? Then what am I?” The last bit of warmth in my heart was extinguished like a candle in cold rain. After all, their favoritism toward my sister wasn’t new. Those painful memories from even further back suddenly flooded my mind. When I was little, I constantly suffered from constipation. My face would turn red from straining. My parents never bought me laxatives from the pharmacy. Instead, they caught slippery eels to use as a folk remedy. I felt sick to my stomach on the spot, but she just sneered with her hands on her hips: “Stop being so dramatic! Folk remedies work, and they save money!” But whenever my sister coughed twice, they’d immediately take her to see a doctor. Every winter, when the cotton needed picking from our fields. My parents gave my sister a warm cotton coat. But they tossed me a thin shirt and made me work in the fields. Jade had it so good. She never had to do any dirty or exhausting work. I closed my eyes slightly, forcing the tears back, and asked through gritted teeth: “Mom, Dad, why do I, your daughter, have to hide in the gutter like a thief, stealing glimpses of the love you give Jade?” My parents’ faces turned red and white. They said something that absolutely broke my heart. “Because Jade is younger and has a sweet face, while you have that birthmark on your face that’s disgusting to look at!” “No one will ever like you!” I laughed. This time, I finally laughed until tears came out. So this whole family had been influenced by my sister and become appearance-obsessed too! If that’s the case, I don’t need to care about family ties anymore! Just as the atmosphere reached its freezing point. Jade, lying in the hospital bed, spoke up. “Dad, Mom, stop forcing her.” My parents paused, looking at her in confusion: “What’s wrong with you? She can save your life!”

Jade looked at me with disgust. “I don’t want her bone marrow.” “I’m appearance-obsessed. I hate ugly things the most.” “Her bone marrow must carry ugly cells. What if it gets into my body and makes me ugly too?” At these words, my parents didn’t know what to do. After all, what Jade said carried enormous weight in their hearts. Rachel comforted Jade tenderly, then glared at me viciously. “It’s all your fault, you brat! You just had to talk nonsense and make Jade disgusted with you! Are you happy now?” I shrugged, looking innocent: “She’s the one who doesn’t want it. What does it have to do with me?” In the end, my parents had to give up forcing me to donate bone marrow and started searching everywhere for other matches. But bone marrow transplants aren’t easy. Finding a suitable match is like finding a needle in a haystack. Days passed, and Jade’s condition got worse and worse. She often rolled around in bed in pain, crying her heart out. My parents were frantic, spending hundreds of thousands but still couldn’t find a suitable match. Watching them run around in desperation, I only felt incredibly satisfied! But this wasn’t over yet! I needed to help push them to their breaking point even faster! Looking at Jade curled up in the hospital bed, I pretended to be concerned: “Jade, aren’t you appearance-obsessed?” “They say being in a good mood helps you recover faster. Looking at handsome guys might actually help your condition.” Jade struggled to lift her eyes. She frowned and asked: “You’re right! But where can I find good-looking people?” “That’s easy…” I curled my lips. The fish had taken the bait! In my past life, they could force me to sacrifice everything for Jade. This time, let them experience what it’s like to bankrupt themselves for their precious daughter. I continued: “Hire them.” “There are lots of professional male models now. They’re all handsome with great bodies. Having them keep you company will definitely help you recover faster!” Sure enough, my parents exchanged glances. And agreed without hesitation! The next day, I brought a group of handsome but expensive male models to the hospital. Seeing so many attractive people, Jade’s eyes instantly lit up. Meanwhile. To pay for the male models and continue Jade’s treatment. My parents worked construction during the day and ran a night market stall at night, working nonstop until their backs couldn’t straighten. They gritted their teeth and drained their savings to satisfy Jade. Every time I saw them come home covered in dust and exhaustion, I couldn’t stop smiling! I thought I could enjoy their misery for a few more days. But unexpectedly, they set their sights on me! “Ava! We’re out of money. Tomorrow you’re marrying John so we can use the marriage gift to save your sister!” John? My heart sank. That fat, ugly old man over fifty? “I won’t marry him!” I refused without hesitation. Rachel trembled with rage when I disagreed. She suddenly rushed forward and slapped me hard across the face. I turned my head away. My cheek immediately burned with pain. “You brat! It’s your honor to contribute to saving Jade!” “You have no right to refuse!” I covered my cheek, looking at her with icy eyes. David also said with a dark expression: “You money-losing brat! If you dare refuse to marry him, we’ll throw you out and disown you!” Jade in the hospital bed also spoke mockingly: “Ava, you’re so ugly, you should be with an ugly man. It’s a perfect match!” I laughed in anger. Did they really think I was some abused heroine who didn’t know the law? I decisively pulled out my phone, making a show of calling the police. “Forcing a minor to marry is illegal!” “Throwing me out is also abandonment!”

“Do you want to go to jail?” All three of them immediately changed their expressions and rushed to stop me. My parents, having no way to control me, could only slap their thighs and complain. “Oh my, what sins have I committed to have such a rebellious daughter who not only disobeys me but even wants to call the police on me!” Their voices were loud, attracting many patients. The uninformed patients started pointing at me and cursing me as an unfilial daughter. They even posted about me online for people to criticize! But I didn’t care. Looking at the family’s vicious faces. I pulled out my trump card. “I have a better solution.” I suddenly spoke, my gaze landing on Rachel. “I don’t have to marry, and we can still save my sister.” My parents glanced at me sideways. They pressed: “Stop being cryptic! What’s your solution? Hurry up and tell us!” I looked at Rachel meaningfully again. Rachel felt uncomfortable under my stare and couldn’t help but shiver. I smiled coldly. “The solution is to have Mom donate bone marrow!” After speaking, I looked at Jade with a sincere expression. “Mom is so beautiful, and Jade is appearance-obsessed, so she definitely won’t mind. Plus, between mother and daughter, bone marrow matching rates are higher, making the surgery more likely to succeed!” As soon as I finished speaking, Rachel’s expression went blank. Rachel kept backing away, waving her hands: “That won’t work! I’m not good-looking. Jade will definitely think I’m ugly!” “Mom, how could you not be good-looking?” I said with feigned surprise. “When you were young, you were the most beautiful woman around here. Even though you’re older now, you’re still charming.” “If you don’t believe me, I’ll get people to confirm it!” After speaking, I took out my phone and made several calls. Before long, a group of people came to the hospital room. These people were all neighbors from our community. I’d contacted them beforehand, given them some benefits, and asked them to say a few nice words. As soon as they entered the room, they surrounded my mother with endless praise. “You’re so beautiful. At your age, your skin is still so good, and you have such an elegant air.” “Yes, yes, I always thought you were a great beauty. You must have had lots of suitors when you were young, right?” Wave after wave of praise poured into Jade’s ears. Her previously dim eyes suddenly brightened. She stared at Mom with burning intensity, her face showing anticipation. “Mom, I want your bone marrow. I want to become as beautiful as you!” “You love me so much, you’ll definitely agree to donate to me, right?” Donating bone marrow requires gaining weight, eating excessively, turning yourself into a greasy fat person. And the surgery carries certain risks. You might go in and never come out! Thinking of this, Rachel’s face turned even paler. “Mom… Mom can’t do it. Mom’s health isn’t good. Donating bone marrow could be dangerous.” “I don’t care!” When Jade heard this. She immediately threw a tantrum, crying her heart out. “Mom, I want your bone marrow! If you don’t donate to me, I’ll kill myself right in front of you!” Just then, David suddenly spoke up. He looked at Rachel, a sinister expression flashing across his face. “Jade has spoken. Just donate.” “It’s all for our child. Making a sacrifice is only right.” I kept sneering inside. I knew exactly what David was planning. In my past life, I already knew he’d been having an affair with a mistress. He just hadn’t dared divorce because of Jade’s illness and because Rachel still had some assets from her family. I bet he was hoping Rachel would have complications so he could legitimately be with his mistress. Rachel’s eyes widened in disbelief: “You… how can you say that? I’m your wife!” David’s stern face was full of frost. He said coldly: “So what if you’re my wife? Jade is our daughter. She’s still so young. Her life is more important!” The man’s tone was firm, without any hesitation. I stood nearby and couldn’t help but sneer. It seemed this family would fall apart soon! Even the people around them chimed in: “Just agree. Saving your daughter is what matters.” “That’s right. You can’t be selfish and afraid of death. Jade is your daughter. What are you hesitating for?” Rachel was surrounded by everyone. She looked at David’s emotionless eyes, Then heard everyone’s incessant urging, and the color drained from her face until it was deathly pale. “No… I don’t want to…” The woman’s face was full of terror as she mumbled. “I don’t want to become fat, don’t want to donate bone marrow, I’m scared…” “Don’t force me… don’t force me…” Her thin body began to sway unsteadily. A few seconds later. The woman’s eyes closed, and she fainted straight away…

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After I was kidnapped, the kidnappers put me up for rent online. Anyone could have me for just one dollar. If I didn’t service 100 customers each day, I would be tortured with electric shocks. In the rental house, filthy, disgusting men lined up from the third floor all the way down to the first. I struggled desperately, but could only watch in despair as that iron door opened and closed again and again. After one hundred days of living hell, my fiancé Derek finally found me, covered in scars. With red-rimmed eyes, he draped a pure white wedding dress over me and led me into the wedding hall without a trace of disgust. But then the big screen began playing videos of me being violated, one after another. I completely broke down. Before committing suicide, I held the share transfer agreement, wanting to give it to Derek. But in the living room, I overheard his conversation with the kidnapper. “Now that she is so obedient, you don’t need to worry about her bullying Lily anymore.” Derek chuckled softly. “Well done. Watching her grovel like that has really improved Lily’s appetite these past few days.” I staggered, trying to escape, but they discovered me and drowned me alive in the swimming pool. When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day I was kidnapped. I secretly used Derek’s phone to send Lily a text message. “Darling, she’s not home today. Come over and let’s have some fun.”

“My greatest wish is to see you one last time before I die.” Hearing Derek’s weak, gasping voice on the phone, my blood boiled. I had actually been reborn! On the other end of the line, Derek kept rambling on, saying he wanted to buy me a birthday present but was hit by an out-of-control truck. He choked up, saying the surgery had less than a three percent success rate. I curved my lips into a smile, my voice full of concern. “Hang in there, I’ll come to the hospital right away!” But after hanging up, I didn’t rush out to hail a cab like I did in my previous life. Instead, I immediately dialed a number I hadn’t used in a long time, my eyes ice cold. In my previous life, Derek lied about being hit by a car and dying, tricking me into leaving the house. Worried about his safety, I—normally so cautious—rushed out in a panic. I didn’t even have time to wake the driver, just flagged down a random empty car on the street. But the moment I got into that car, the radiant princess of the elite circle disappeared forever. I became a cheap woman anyone could toy with for just one dollar. Soon, the person on the other end confirmed it was done. I immediately used the landline at home to call Lily, using a synthesized voice of Derek created by a hacker to talk to her. “You’re so naughty. I knew you’d come over tonight too. I’ve already showered and I’m waiting for you! Oh, just thinking about how you have to please that cheap slut every day makes my heart ache. Come over and rub it for me.” Hearing the sickeningly sweet moans on the other end, I smirked coldly and continued playing the recording. “No, you come here right now. That bitch isn’t home today. Tonight we’ll do it on her bed. That’ll be exciting enough.” Lily giggled shyly, saying she had a surprise for me tonight. After hanging up, I soon saw a figure sneaking out of the villa next door. Before I died in my previous life, I learned that Derek had actually bought Lily a villa right next door. Before I was kidnapped, the two of them would often drug me, shamelessly having their affair while I was unconscious. Derek, you’ve really helped me out this time. Below the window, Lily, wrapped in a fur coat, sneaked to the front gate. But I had changed the password, so no matter how many times she tried, it wouldn’t work. Stamping her feet in frustration, she was about to call Derek when an empty car pulled up from the darkness. “Miss, need a ride?” Seeing her alone and lingering at my door, driver Kevin couldn’t wait to knock her out with chloroform, tie her up like a dumpling, and drag her into the trunk. I breathed a long sigh of relief, but soon noticed on the company surveillance feed that Derek’s phone lit up. “Boss, we’ve got the goods.” Derek nodded with satisfaction and opened his phone. A clear photo of Lily’s face was transmitted over.

My heart skipped a beat as I stared intently at the surveillance feed. Derek casually opened the photo and was silent for two seconds. “Well done.” He snorted softly, his eyes full of disgust. “I’ve been fed up with her noble, cold act for ages. Now seeing her groveling like this is much more comfortable! This woman is so rigid. You’d better give her a real taste of suffering!” Only then did the weight lift from my chest. Lily had never gone bare-faced in front of Derek. But in the photo, the woman’s face was covered in blood, her hyaluronic acid-filled face swollen into a pig’s head from Kevin’s beating. She looked nothing like the little seductress who could make Derek’s heart flutter with just one glance. I sat back down in my chair and opened the surveillance feed of the rental house, watching Kevin push open Lily’s door with a vicious grin. Until the moment before I died in my previous life, I couldn’t understand why. I had given Derek everything—cars, houses, and the position of company CEO. To keep him from feeling inferior, I even resigned from the chairman position to focus on being his support. Why did he have someone humiliate me like that? And Lily—I rescued her from a seventy-year-old man in a mountain village, gave her a respectable job and a monthly salary of fifty thousand dollars. Yet after I escaped, she spread videos of me being violated all over the internet. Every time my mental state improved even slightly, she would release those beasts’ filthy, obscene comments about me from prison, making me hurt myself over and over again in agony. Only now do I finally understand—in some people’s eyes, not burning yourself to ashes to warm them is a crime! Derek deleted that ugly photo with a look of disgust. On the other side, Lily was pinned down by Kevin, crying and shouting that she wanted to see Derek. “Do you know I’m Derek’s woman! If you dare hurt me, he won’t let you get away with it!” Kevin laughed heartily, his greasy hands roaming all over Lily’s body. “So what if your husband knows? Even if he finds out, he’ll be thanking me instead!” Finding her too noisy, Kevin simply stuffed a filthy rag in Lily’s mouth. After stripping off her fur coat, he saw what was underneath. Kevin’s eyes lit up, and he slapped her ass hard. “I thought you were a traditional, conservative woman, but you’re so kinky in private!” Kevin took photos of Lily in her black stockings and leopard-print tail, then sent them to Derek. “Boss, you said your wife never lets you touch her, but who knew she plays so wild in private!” Seeing that slutty tail, Derek flew into a rage in his office. “Rachel Winters! Every day she won’t let me touch her, saying we have to wait until after marriage, but she dresses like this—who’s she trying to seduce! Since she’s so cheap, then you find people to satisfy her properly!” Kevin stood up with satisfaction. He opened the door and held up a QR code to the crowd of foul-smelling men. “One dollar per turn. You won’t lose out, you won’t be cheated.” In the office, Derek felt puzzled. Somehow, after seeing that photo, he had gotten aroused. He couldn’t wait to call Lily and rushed toward the villa. Tonight he would hold his beautiful woman and go until she begged for mercy, no matter how much she cried! In the filthy rental house, mixed with men’s heavy breathing, Lily’s phone lying to the side rang. The ringtone was Derek’s special tone. Lily’s lifeless eyes suddenly brightened, like grabbing a lifeline. She desperately spit out the rag in her mouth, her face full of hatred, speaking with certainty. “My husband installed a tracker on my phone. You’d better let me go right now! If I don’t answer his call, he’ll definitely find this place, and then none of you will escape—you’ll all be finished!”

Hearing this, the man immediately backed off. But Kevin pushed her forward, looking disdainful. “So what if there’s a tracker? Your husband will definitely not come looking for you!” “Why not? My husband loves me most!” Lily saw that Kevin didn’t seem to be bluffing, and her voice weakened a bit, but she stubbornly refused to believe it. Kevin kicked Lily to the ground, laughing until his face wrinkled. “Because your husband is the one who told us to do this!” Lily was stunned on the spot. She sat on the ground in disbelief, her face as white as paper. Kevin grew impatient and called everyone to join in. “Hurry up, I’ve got a quota to meet. The boss said we must service 100 customers a day!” The surveillance feed transmitted wave after wave of obscene laughter. The hellish days from my previous life surfaced in my mind again, and I had to take several deep breaths before switching screens. Downstairs at the company, Derek called Lily several times, all unanswered. He frowned, then smiled knowingly, his tone playful. “Just because I didn’t deal with you for one day, you’ve got quite the temper. I’ll make you cry and beg for mercy later!” Seeing this, I turned off the screen and immediately went downstairs. Derek, I’ve prepared a surprise for you too. Derek rushed into the villa eagerly and opened the bedroom, but didn’t see any trace of Lily. A flash of doubt crossed his mind. Turning around, he found the maid Kate trembling at the kitchen door. Derek’s face showed impatience. “Where’s Lily? Where did she go this late at night!” Kate’s tears flowed freely. “She went to find you, wanting to give you a surprise, but she was hit by a car and is being treated in the hospital now!” Derek’s legs went soft and he nearly couldn’t stand. After learning which hospital, he slammed the door and rushed out. “Nice acting.” I smiled slightly, emerging from behind Kate and withdrawing the knife I had pressed against her waist. On the other side, Derek arrived at my private hospital. As soon as the attending physician saw him, he informed him that Lily was hemorrhaging severely and the situation was critical—she was being resuscitated. The doctor frowned. “It’s just that the blood bank doesn’t have enough blood. I’m afraid the outlook is grim.” Derek immediately extended his wrist. “Take my blood. As long as it saves her, take as much as you need.” Those are your own words. I stood in the distance wearing a mask and nodded to the attending physician. Derek had a thousand milliliters of blood drawn, his face so pale he was on the verge of passing out. But it wasn’t enough. Compared to the harm he brought me, this was still far from enough. For three days straight, Derek had blood drawn at the hospital, but Lily still hadn’t come out of the ICU. On the third day, Derek, dragging his wobbling body, received an anxious call from the driver. “Boss, this woman can’t take much more. She keeps shouting that she wants to see you, and she hasn’t eaten or drunk anything for three days! If this continues, I’m afraid I won’t be able to complete your task!” A flash of ruthlessness crossed Derek’s eyes. It’s all Rachel Winters’ fault! If she hadn’t used money to tempt him, he and Lily would be a legitimate couple! If she would just die already, Lily wouldn’t have gotten into a car accident trying to see him! Thinking this, a cold smile appeared on Derek’s face. “Got it. I’ll come see her right now.”

Watching Derek storm over to settle accounts, I quickly switched the screen to the rental house. Outside the rental house, the queue had already stretched from the third floor down to the first. At the door, hearing familiar footsteps, Lily’s cloudy eyes showed a glimmer of joy. She crawled and rolled, trying to get to Derek’s feet, but Kevin anxiously kicked her away. “Get lost! What kind of trash are you to dirty our boss’s shoes!” At this moment, she was filthy all over, chained in the corner of the bed. Her whole body reeked with a terrible stench, her hair stuck to her face in clumps. Lily tried hard to speak, wanting to call Derek’s name. But after three days without a drop of water, no matter how hard she tried, she could only make ugly guttural sounds. Derek found her disgusting. He wrapped his hand in tissue and slapped her to the ground in disgust. “Rachel Winters, didn’t expect this, did you? You have this day too! From the day you agreed to marry me, you should have died! Those shares your parents left you should all be mine! Mine!” Lily resentfully covered her face. Seeing that Derek didn’t recognize her, she quickly brushed back her hair and spat on her own face, trying to wipe it. Wanting to clean up a bit so he would recognize her. Seeing this, I clenched my fists, nervously watching the screen. As a result, when Lily tried hard to put on a smile, Derek was so frightened he kicked her in the face. “So you’re a plastic surgery monster! Your nose collapsed, your chin’s crooked—an ugly freak like you actually wants to ruin my life? Let me tell you, in my eyes you’re not worth even one of Lily’s fingers!” With that, he vigorously wiped his hands with tissue and spat on Lily’s face. Lily was on the verge of tears but still wouldn’t give up. She bit her finger and wrote her name on the floor in blood. Seeing her awkwardly write out the character for “Lily,” she looked up hopefully. Derek took a deep breath, veins bulging on his forehead. “Lily is still lying in the hospital between life and death, and you bitch dare to curse her! Guards, cripple her hands!” Kevin stuffed a rag in Lily’s wailing mouth, picking up a hammer and smashing down while taking the opportunity to complain. “This slut even has someone saved as ‘Husband’ calling her. She probably already cheated on you!” The fury in Derek’s eyes intensified. “Where’s the phone? Let me see.” Kevin scratched his head. “She said the phone had a tracker or something. We were afraid of trouble, so we drove overnight and threw it in the river.” Derek nodded with satisfaction. “Thorough thinking. I’ll give you a bonus.” He had also put a tracker in Lily’s phone—it was a little game between them. But when did this Rachel Winters start finding men behind his back? His eyes turned cold as he spoke quietly. “Carve the words ‘cheap slut’ on her. Let her remember forever that she’ll never compare to Lily in this lifetime!” Before stepping out the door, Derek made sure to remind them: “Electrocute her until she’s brain-damaged, so she won’t be able to accuse me later.” At that moment, the light in Lily’s eyes completely died, leaving only deathly silence. Watching this scene on the surveillance feed, I excitedly opened several bottles of Romanée-Conti. In my previous life, just because I pointed out a few mistakes in Lily’s work. She held a grudge, and after I was kidnapped, she tearfully complained that I looked down on her. This provoked Derek into having Kevin carve all those company regulations onto my body, word for word. But now, Derek, I really look forward to the day the truth is revealed—what expression will you have? For the next three months, Derek never came to the rental house again. He kept vigil in the hospital corridor with a bruised face, rarely going to the company and not even shaving. But no matter what he said, the doctors wouldn’t let him in to provide care. When Derek got angry, he would give the driver more money, telling him to pay people to use that bitch even if it cost extra. And Lily had been beaten into submission. She no longer dared say she was Lily. She would kneel down as soon as she saw anyone and obediently unzip their pants. On the wedding day, the bride was nowhere to be seen. The guests whispered among themselves, growing restless. But Derek wasn’t anxious at all. He was still waiting. He wanted to do like in his previous life—let the bride’s absence become gossip headline news, then have me appear in my disheveled state before everyone’s eyes, becoming everyone’s laughingstock. He secretly called Kevin. “Put the wedding dress on her first. It’s fine, continue servicing customers. When I give you the signal, bring her over!” Derek suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder. My cheerful voice sounded behind him. “Honey, who else do you want to put in a wedding dress?”

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